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Tetra Pak Introduces Packaging with Certified Recycled Polymers in India

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Tetra Pak today announced their offering of packaging material with certified recycled polymers, becoming the first company in the food and beverage packaging industry in India to do so. Its carton packages integrating recycled polymers are certified by ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification), a globally applicable sustainability certification system. The packaging material integrates 5% certified recycled polymers, as mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2022. This mandate comes into effect on April 1, 2025.

India’s 1st aseptic carton with certified recycled polymers

This milestone marks a significant step in Tetra Pak’s commitment to circularity, focusing on reducing dependence on fossil-based resources and maximizing material reuse. In addition, Tetra Pak remains dedicated to responsibly sourcing raw materials, designing packages for enhanced recycling and reduced litter, and building strong partnerships to develop effective collection and recycling infrastructure worldwide.

Cassio Simoes, Managing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia said, “We are proud to be the first carton packaging producer to bring packaging material with 5% certified recycled polymers to India. This recycled content is being sourced from India, and the packaging material is also being made at our ISCC PLUS-certified factory in Chakan, Pune. We applaud the commitment of the Ministry of Environment Forests & Climate to promoting circularity, and for making India one of the first countries in the world to introduce this regulation as early as 2025. This is an opportunity for all of us in the food & beverage industry to collaborate closely, and transition to more circular solutions.”

The ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) certified recycled polymers are sourced and allocated to our solutions according to the ISCC mass balance attribution method. Using chemical recycling technology, the plastics are made of a mix of recycled and non-recycled materials, with the corresponding mass of recycled materials tracked throughout the Tetra Pak supply chain. These chemically recycled plastics comply with the same global food contact regulations as virgin polymers. From a quality perspective, chemically recycled plastics are equivalent to fossil-based plastics.

Using recycled material can contribute to increased recycling rates and make recycling more economically viable. Recycled content mandates across the world, including India, offer a regulatory push to ensure producers buy recycled materials; this increases demand and thereby encourages expanded offer.

Simoes added, “The transition to mainstream adoption of materials like plant-based and recycled polymers is still a work in progress. At Tetra Pak, we remain committed to collaborating with our partners and customers to drive innovation and find synergies. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all our packaging is made from renewable or recycled polymers, eliminating reliance on fossil feedstock. Achieving this vision requires collective action from businesses and other stakeholders, working together to accelerate the shift toward a low-carbon, circular economy.”

About Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak is a world leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working with our customers and suppliers, we provide access to safe, nutritious food for hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries every day.

With over 24,000 employees worldwide, we commit to making food safe and available, everywhere, and we promise to protect what’s good: food, people and the planet.

More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com.

Mars Petcare and Swiggy Instamart Expand Efforts to Provide Winter Shelters for Community Dogs

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Mars Petcare and Swiggy Instamart Expand Efforts to Provide Winter Shelters for Community Dogs

Recognizing the commitment to provide refuge to countless street companions during extreme winters, Mars Petcare and Swiggy Instamart extended their Paw Protecc Initiative to offer a much-needed shield against the season’s biting cold. As winter bids farewell, countless community animals who endured the harsh temperatures found solace through this initiative. Building on the success of the Paw Protecc initiative from the monsoon season, Mars Petcare, in partnership with Swiggy Instamart, deployed more than 200 temporary shelters through January across the Delhi NCR region and Indore through the help of NGO partners. Individual caregivers and NGOs were beneficiaries of the shelters which enabled them to support a few of the community animals under their care.

Mars Petcare and Swiggy Instamarts joint effort to provide shelters for community dogs

This third leg of the initiative aimed to provide essential warmth and comfort to community dogs and cats, helping them brave the winter season. With pollution levels adding to the health challenges faced by street animals, these strategically placed shelters became critical lifelines, ensuring their safety and well-being. uStrategically placed in high-need areas, the shelters provide a vital refuge-shielding them from extreme weather and offering a rare moment of comfort amid their struggles. To extend the impact, Mars Petcare partnered with Friendicoes SECA to maintain these mobile shelters, ensuring they remain equipped with essential food and water for dogs and cats on the streets. This collaboration strengthens the initiative’s sustainability, providing consistent care and support throughout the winter season.

Reflecting on the initiative’s success, Salil Murthy, Managing Director, Mars Petcare India expresses that, “At Mars Petcare, we believe in not just caring for pets but also standing by the community animals who bring so much love and companionship into our world. Phase III of Paw Protecc’s winter shelter initiative is just one of many steps that we as industry leaders are taking to ensure that street animal is left out in the cold. Every life matters, and through this initiative, we hope to extend kindness and protection to those who have no one else looking out for them. Mars Petcare will remain unwavering in its mission to create a world where animals are loved, protected, and cared for and we’re glad to partner with Swiggy Instamart to champion this. As more people come together for this cause, Mars Petcare continues to lead the way, proving that a little warmth-both in shelters and in hearts-can truly make a difference.”

The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ helps cities be pet-friendly so more people can enjoy the benefits of a life with pets. It was created by Mars Petcare and includes a playbook for cities, an assessment tool, a city certification program, and free online resources. Paw Protecc continues Mars significant legacy of supporting nearly 10 million vulnerable pets globally over the past three years. Launched in August last year, the Paw Protecc campaign received widespread appreciation for its efforts in enhancing the well-being of community animals. As part of the initiative, more than 200 shelters were delivered across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, ensuring safer spaces for pets and reinforcing the vision of a more pet-friendly world. Since its launch, 500 mobile shelters have been deployed by Mars Petcare and Swiggy Instamart as part of this campaign.

A Unique Initiative for Community Animals

What sets the Paw Protecc Initiative apart is its focus on providing mobile shelters that are strategically placed at common feeding points across the city. These shelters offer reliable protection for homeless pets, shielding them from extreme weather conditions throughout the year. Each mobile shelter is shared by multiple community dogs, ensuring that many animals benefit from a single placement.

Numerous kittens, puppies, and adult community animals have embraced these shelters, finding in them a place they can call their own. The initiative has garnered widespread support from animal lovers and caregivers who actively maintain these shelters and care for the pets in their vicinity. This compassionate network of pet lovers plays a crucial role in sustaining the initiative, ensuring that community animals continue to receive food, water, and protection.

About Mars Petcare

Part of Mars, Incorporated, a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love, the 85,000 Associates across 50+ countries in Mars Petcare are dedicated to one purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. With 85 years of experience, our portfolio of almost 50 brands serves the health and nutrition needs of the worlds pets – including brands PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, ROYALCANIN, NUTRO™, GREENIES™, SHEBA, CESAR, IAMS™ and EUKANUBA™ as well as the Waltham Petcare Science Institute which has advanced research in the nutrition and health of pets for over 50 years. Mars Petcare is also a leading veterinary health provider through an international network of over 2,000 pet hospitals and diagnostic services including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™, Linnaeus, AniCura and Antech. Were also active in innovation and technology for pets, with WISDOM PANEL™ genetic health screening and DNA testing for dogs and cats, the WHISTLE™ GPS dog tracker, and LEAP VENTURE STUDIO accelerator and COMPANION FUND programs that drive innovation and disruption in the pet care industry. Were also dedicated to providing a safe and fun place for dogs to stay and socialize at over 200 Camp Bow Wow doggy day care and boarding facilities. As a family business and guided by our principles, we are privileged with the flexibility to fight for what we believe in – and we choose to fight for: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

Charting a New Course: Marwari Catalysts Leverages Venture Studio Model for India

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Charting a New Course: Marwari Catalysts Leverages Venture Studio Model for India

Marwari Catalysts (MCats), has swiftly ascended as Indias fastest-growing startup accelerator, primarily focusing on nurturing early-stage startups in India. Since its inception, Marwari Catalysts has risen to prominence as a benefactor to both ailing and promising startups and that too in a grand fashion, whose reach now transcends national and international boundaries.

Charting a New Course: Marwari Catalysts leverages Venture Studio Model

With a commendable track record of investments spanning over 90 startups and several successful exits with few success stories in Venture Studio Model like TURMS and The BOOK CAFE achieving 50x growth, through its accelerator model.

Charting a New Course: Marwari Catalysts leverages Venture Studio Model

Marwari Catalysts is now venturing into the Venture Studio Model, with a goal of revitalizing startups that are facing various challenges – scalability challenges, lack of operational excellence, lack of succession planning, founder disputes, lack of diversification or pivoting to growth channels or simply need of the hour.

Creating a new chapter of growth and acceleration with the Venture Studio Model.

The venture studio model represents a paradigm shift from traditional accelerator frameworks. In addition to mentoring and funding startups, a Venture Studio goes beyond and actively ideates, launches, and scales new ventures, often taking a more hands-on approach in the entire end to end development process.

Marwari Catalysts is poised to harness this model to foster innovation and entrepreneurship beyond the metropolitan hubs and looks to coalesce the startup landscape with new vigor. We invite Family Offices and corporations to work together with Marwari Catalysts in this initiative.

Sushil Sharma, the Founder and CEO of Marwari Catalysts, articulates this vision: “India is at the right stage for startups, and the ecosystem in cities beyond metros is becoming stronger for creating wealth through startups.“

Portfolios under the Venture Studio Model:

  • Pratap IVF: An affordable, accessible, IVF solution currently available in 3 cities and expanding in 3 more cities in the upcoming quarter.

  • TURMS: A sustainable, anti stain, anti odor intelligent apparel brand that impressed the sharks and won MS Dhoni’s heart.

  • Leap Ahead India: A platform catapulting Indian startups onto the global stage and making the Indian market accessible to international startups.

  • Nostalgia Pages: India’s leading yearbook brand, helping people relive and cherish nostalgic memories, is trusted by top institutions like IITs, IIMs, and prestigious universities worldwide.

  • Literom: A customised cutting edge B2B SaaS based ERP solution provider.

  • ClimeKare: An expert carbon footprint accounting, carbon neutral strategies, ESG reporting, carbon emissions reduction and sustainability solutions provider.

  • Eldo Care: A social initiative that offers multiple 24/7 elderly club services for your parents located in tier-2 and below towns of India giving the most reliable ‘Health Companion’!

The venture studio model, while successful internationally, remains relatively uncharted in India.

Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director, Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), says, “Venture Studio Model is already successful in the international market and looking forward to the Indianised version with Marwari ethos. The venture studio model can provide the critical funding and bandwidth that enable startups to innovate and scale internationally.“

Additionally, Sameep Shastri, Vice Chairman, BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry says, “Taking venture startups global isn’t merely an option; it’s a necessity in today’s interconnected economy. The venture studio model offered by MCats will thrive the startups in international markets.“

Marwari Catalysts is bullish on the venture studio model, with plans to invest in additional 10 companies every year. This ambitious target underscores their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in regions that have traditionally been overlooked.

Sushil Sharma envisions the Venture Studio Model as a catalyst for both startups and established entities seeking revitalization or exploring new avenues. The model will collaborate closely with Family Offices and innovators, with a particular focus on non-succession planning and emerging ideas. The initiative will extend its reach to businesses across India and aim to facilitate SME IPOs.

By providing strategic guidance, operational support, and necessary resources, MCats aims to offer these startups a new lease on life, turning potential failures into success stories.

Marwari Catalysts foray into the Venture Studio Model marks a significant evolution in Indias startup landscape. By leveraging this model, MCats is not only expanding its portfolio but also contributing to the decentralisation of innovation, ensuring that the entrepreneurial spirit thrives across the nation and also aids in global success through the successes of such startups!

Join MCats Club.

RSWM Limited Wins ‘Innovative Water Management and Conservation’ Award at CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2024-25 at Bharat Tex

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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RSWM Limited Wins ‘Innovative Water Management and Conservation’ Award at CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2024-25 at Bharat Tex

RSWM Limited, the flagship company of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, has been awarded 1st Runner-Up in the “Innovative Water Management and Conservation” category at the CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2024-25. The award was presented at Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest textile trade fair, held from 14 to 17 February at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, recognizing RSWM’s pioneering efforts in water conservation and reinforcing its leadership in sustainable textile manufacturing. Shri Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Govt. of India along with Shri Rakesh Mehra, Chairman, CITI and other key dignitaries graced the occasion and presented the awards to the winners, acknowledging their contributions to the sector.

Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, Govt. of India and Shri Rakesh Mehra, Chairman, CITI along with other key dignitaries presenting the award

Water conservation is a critical focus for RSWM, and over the past three years, the company has invested Rs. 84 crore in advanced water management technologies across its manufacturing units. Its initiatives include Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, which ensure 100% wastewater recycling, and the adoption of low-liquor HTHP fiber and yarn dyeing machines, reducing water consumption by up to 50% compared to conventional methods. The integration of PLC-controlled auto-controllers has further optimized water usage in dyeing processes, cutting down process time and minimizing waste.

Additionally, RSWM has implemented counter-current washing techniques, allowing for multi-stage water reuse, and innovative moisture extraction methods in stenter machines, reducing both water and energy consumption. With 24 rainwater harvesting wells and artificial lakes, the company has also enhanced groundwater recharge, supporting both industrial and community water needs. These initiatives collectively resulted in an annual water savings of 233,500 KL, setting a benchmark for sustainable water management in the textile industry.

Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Mr. Rajeev Gupta, Joint Managing Director, RSWM Limited, said, “Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a necessity. We only have one planet, and we must act responsibly. At RSWM, our philosophy is simple-we only take what we can give back. Our goal is to create products that are sustainably produced and contribute to a better future for all. Our approach combines cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that we reduce our water footprint while maintaining high-quality production standards. This recognition at the CITI Textile Sustainability Awards is a validation of our efforts which motivates us to further strengthen our sustainable practices and set new industry benchmarks.”

RSWM Limited participated in Bharat Tex 2025, showcasing its sustainability-driven innovations under the ‘Panchtatva’ theme, inspired by the five elements-Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. Visitors were captivated by fire-retardant, UV-resistant, and heat-protective fabrics (Fire), organic and biodegradable textiles (Earth), moisture-wicking and water-repellent materials (Water), breathable and anti-odor yarns (Air), and high-tech graphene-enhanced fabrics (Space). Standout products included anti-odor functional yarns, lightweight denim, flame-resistant textiles, water-repellent denim, and Dyneema fibers.

The overwhelming response from visitors reaffirmed RSWM’s position as an industry leader in eco-conscious and high-performance textile solutions, driving the future of sustainable fashion and functional fabrics.

About RSWM Ltd.

RSWM Limited, the flagship company of LNJ Bhilwara Group, is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of synthetic, cotton, and blended spun yarns and fabrics in India. Under the leadership of Mr. Riju Jhunjhunwala, Chairman and Managing Director of RSWM Ltd, the textile company exports a wide range of fabrics and yarns to over 70 countries across the globe. Its 12 manufacturing plants with 6.25 lakh spindles, 172 looms, and 95 circular and flat knitting machines produce high-quality cotton, mlange, synthetic novelty yarns, denim & knitted fabrics. It annually produces 1,21,000 MT Greige Yarn, 24,000 MT Mlange yarn, 32,000 MT Dyed yarn, 32 M Meters of Denim Fabric, 9000+ MT Knits Fabric, and 43,000 MT Green Fibre. Initiatives towards sustainability have helped in saving water 233,500 KL per annum, reducing 8 lac tonnes per annum of CO2 emission, and recycling 183 cr Pet bottles annually.

Dr. Bhagyashree Prasad Patil Honored with the Prestigious Vishalakshi Award 2025 by Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu at the International Women’s Conference

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Dr. Bhagyashree Prasad Patil Honored with the Prestigious Vishalakshi Award 2025 by Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu at the International Women’s Conference

Hon’ble Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree Patil, Pro-Chancellor of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune (Deemed to be University) has been honored with the prestigious Vishalakshi Award 2025 at the International Women’s Conference 2025, organized by The Art of Living. This esteemed recognition celebrates her dynamic leadership in education, acknowledging her transformative contributions to the academic landscape.

Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree Patil received the prestigious Vishalakshi Award 2025 at The International Women’s Conference 2025 from President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu

The award was presented by Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji, renowned MP and actress Hema Malini and other distinguished dignitaries. The Vishalakshi Award is a special tribute given in memory of Vishalakshi Devi, mother of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji, recognizing exceptional women who have made a profound impact across various spheres. Dr. Bhagyashree Patil’s dedication to fostering innovation, empowerment, and excellence in education has set a benchmark in the sector, making her a deserving recipient of this accolade.

Speaking on the honor, Dr. Bhagyashree Patil expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am truly honored to be recognized alongside such distinguished women who have made remarkable contributions in their fields. Education is the foundation of societal progress, and this award reaffirms its transformative power in shaping a brighter future. This recognition strengthens my commitment to driving meaningful change in the education sector for years to come.”

Dr. Bhagyashree Patil is a visionary educationist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose commitment to education and healthcare has transformed countless lives. As the Pro-Chancellor of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution into one of the country’s and the world’s premier educational establishments. Driven by a passion for holistic education, she is dedicated to enriching the knowledge and expanding the vision of faculty members, believing that teachers are the true torchbearers of enlightenment.

Beyond academics, as the Founder Chairperson of Rise n Shine Biotech Pvt. Ltd., she has channeled her passion for innovation and empowerment into transformative initiatives that bridge the gap between urban and rural communities. Under her leadership, Rise n Shine Biotech has emerged as a global leader in plant tissue culture, contributing to rural economic growth and promoting environmental sustainability. Dr. Bhagyashree Patil, who is also the Chancellor of Dr. D. Y. Patil Dnyan Prasad University, is a visionary leader whose dedication has empowered countless students and educators, establishing her as a trailblazer in the field of education.

The International Women’s Conference 2025, hosted by The Art of Living, brought together inspiring women leaders from around the globe to celebrate achievements, discuss challenges, and drive meaningful change across industries and communities. Dr. Patil’s recognition underscores the critical role of education in societal progress and women’s empowerment. The award honored influential women such as Sangita Jindal, Patricia Scotland, Amla Ruia, and Smita Prakash among others, for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

About Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune

Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Center, Pimpri, Pune follows international benchmarks that are performance-driven as well as patient-centric, strongly backed by evidence-based medical expertise. We are NABH and NABL accredited and have been certified as a Green Hospital by the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI). Additionally, we hold the 11th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The university has been awarded A++ status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is an ISO 2015 certified organization (ISO 9001: 2015).

For more information visit medical.dpu.edu.in.

Facebook: Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre

Instagram: dpu.medicalcollege

Blockbuster Inaugural Season of Big Cricket League Records 16.1 Million live Viewership Across Sony Sports Network and FanCode

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Blockbuster Inaugural Season of Big Cricket League Records 16.1 Million live Viewership Across Sony Sports Network and FanCode

The inaugural season of Big Cricket League recorded a live viewership of 16.1 million across television & digital networks spread over 10 match days and 18 T20 matches. BCL Season 1 was broadcast on Sony TV, Sony LIV & FanCode, featuring six teams, 18 matches & cricket legends like Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs, Imran Tahir & Tillakaratne Dilshan among others. BCL also crossed an overall reach of 200 million across digital, print & social media platforms globally during the inaugural season. A first-of-its-kind cricket league, BCL brought together 48 former international & first-class cricketers from around the world and 60 amateur cricketers, who were selected after trials that were conducted all over India. The first edition of the league was won by Mumbai Marines, a franchise owned by prominent Supreme Court lawyer Sana Raees Khan & captained by former India pacer Irfan Pathan. Big Cricket League Season 1 also saw several amateur cricketers turn into stars, who gained nationwide attention.

Team BCL

Dilip Vengsarkar, Big Cricket League Commissioner, said, “The Big Cricket League is a project that aims at fulfilling dreams of those who could never get a chance to play at the highest level. The cricket was fantastic, talent on display was exceptional and the viewership numbers are a testimony to the hard work put in by the team.” Rudra Pratap Singh, Founder & President of Big Cricket League, said “We are delighted with the viewership numbers of Big Cricket League Season 1 and the response we have received across the world. I was happy with the cricket quality & am really proud of the amateur cricketers, who went neck-to-neck with former international stars, producing top quality cricket.“

Annirudh Chauhan, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer of Big Cricket League, said, “The viewership numbers of Big Cricket League Season 1 are a testament to the uniqueness & brilliance of our concept, which sets it apart from other cricket leagues happening across the world. We have received a brilliant response from brands, sponsors & our broadcast partners & it gives us the impetus to make Season 2 bigger, better & blockbuster.”

Sana Raees Khan, Owner of Mumbai Marines, said, “I already expected the inaugural season of the league to be blockbuster but my team being crowned champion is like an icing on the cake. I am thrilled for the entire team, the league including & especially the local aspiring cricketers, who got a chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Irfan Pathan and other international players. Mumbai Marines stood tall against every challenge and proved that this win is for our team, our fans, and the spirit of the game. We celebrate today, but we set our sights on even greater heights! It only gets bigger from here! Onward and Upward!” After a successful Season 1, there is an opportunity for amateur cricketers as the Big Cricket League has already started taking registrations for Season 2 and will begin trials in the month of March 2025. More popular international cricketers are expected to participate in the Season 2 of Big Cricket League.

3EA a management consulting group was involved into ideation, feasibility, and brand name finalisation process only during initial phase with Mr. Rudra Pratap Singh. There is no association with the present company of BCL and its ongoing execution.

For more information, check out www.bigcricketleague.com

Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation to Host the Inaugural HSBC Taj o Taj Festival, Agra

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation to Host the Inaugural HSBC Taj o Taj Festival, Agra

The Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, is thrilled to announce the inaugural edition of the HSBC Taj o Taj Festival. This festival promises a magical, mystical, and rich confluence of Indian culture and heritage against the stunning backdrop of the Taj Mahal in Agra. It marks a historic moment, as such an event is being held after more than two decades! The festival will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2025, at Gyarah Siddhi Park, Near Mahtab Bagh, Nagla Devjit, Agra, from 3:30 PM onwards till sunset.

HSBC Taj O Taj Event

This is a 2 day festival, on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2025 with the support of and in association with Govt. of UP, Ministry of Tourism – UP, and Agra Development Authority (ADA), and Taj Mahotsav. We are also grateful to Indian Oil (IOCL) & Voltas Beko for their support to this unique festival in it’s first edition.

The pious land of Uttar Pradesh has always enriched the culture of our great country. Most of our country’s performing arts repertoire, is inspired from Lord Krishnas Leela. The preservation and promotion of Bharats rich tradition of performing arts and culture is a critical intervention. And what better way than to present it to the global audiences against the backdrop of one of the worlds most loved monuments, the Taj Mahal.

This is a unique moment indeed, and will be etched in the minds of people across the world, as after more than 2 decades a Festival will held at Gyarah Siddhi, which has Taj Mahal as the back drop.

Durga Jasraj speaking about this exciting initiative said, “We are committed to make our Bharats Sanskriti richer and feel extremely responsible since Hon. Prime Minister of India, Respected Narendra Modi ji launched the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation. The exquisite monument Taj Mahal, makes it imperative that we present a festival, which we hope in time will attract even more tourists from across the world to experience the mystique of Bharats confluence of Culture and Heritage which HSBC Taj o Taj – Cultural Ode to Taj Mahal aspires to present thereby bringing pride to our nation’s glory.“

Mr. Sandeep Batra from HSBC speaking about this exciting initiative said, “Commenting on the occasion, Sandeep Batra, Head, International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India, said, “We are honoured to be part of the Taj o Taj Festival, a celebration that showcases the spirit of Indias rich cultural tapestry against the enchanting backdrop of the iconic Taj Mahal. This is more than a tribute to our heritage, its a testament to the timeless legacy of Indian arts. At HSBC, we believe in the power of connecting people to opportunities, and through our association with this festival, we are bringing the world closer to India’s majestic cultural history. This historic event is a bridge between the past and the future, and HSBC is privileged to be a part of this special occasion.”

The schedule of Performances

Day 1 – 22nd February 2025:

1.Haveli Sangeet

This ancient form of Traditional Indian Music is an important part of our rich Cultural Heritage. Originally known as ‘Pushtimargi Sangeet’ and is typically performed in temples of Lord Krishna (havelis). It is a description of Lord Krishna’s daily life activities, that has been written by ‘Ashtachap Kavis’ (8 Saints). This genre has significantly enriched the repertoire of our vast Indian Music. The legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj is singularly instrumental in taking this unique and beautiful divine genre to the masses, with his compositions, which became hugely popular globally.

Performing Artistes – Pt. Ratan Mohan Sharma and Ankita Joshi

Sunil Avchhat (Flute), Ramakrishna Karambelkar (Tabla), Abhinay Ravande (Harmonium), Omkar Dalvi (Pakhawaj), Uddav Khumbar (Indi-Percs), Devendra Chitnis, Vivek Naik, Purti Joshi, Divya Tawde (Chorus)

2.Ghazals

A carefully curated Ghazal performance, paying a Tribute to the incredible legacy of the Titans – great masters like Jagjit Singh, Mehdi Hassan, Begum Akhtar and others…

Performing Artistes – Pratibha Singh Baghel and Maestro Deepak Pandit

Prashant Sonagra (Tabla), Atul Raninga (Keyboards), Akhlak Hussain Varsi (Harmonium), Arshad Khan (Irshad)

Day 2 – 23rd February 2025:

1.DHAA, a tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain

Percussion, the heartbeat of Music, never fails to move each of us… Day 2 begins with a heartfelt musical tribute to one of the greatly respected and admired musicians globally – Ustad Zakir Hussain. This very personal musical tribute will showcase the virtuosity, collaborative influence & power that his music continues to resonate amongst music lovers.

Performing Artistes – Maestro Taufiq Qureshi and Shikhar Naad Qureshi, percussion duet on Djembe & Drums

Abhinay Ravande (Harmonium)

2.Legendary Wadalis

Powerful voices blending with deep spiritual notes, will come alive with the grand finale Sufi-Qawwali performance of this 2-day special festival. Soulful renditions of Sufi poetry will enthrall the audience, with the prowess of the legacy of the Wadalis.

Performing Artistes – Padma Shri Ustad Puran Chand Wadali ji and Akademi Yuva Puraskar Awardee Lakhwinder Wadali

Aslam (Tabla), Rakesh Kumar (Dholak), Ashwani (Dhol), Munish Kumar & Ajay Pal (Keyboards), Rajinder Kumar (Octapad), Ajay Singh (Lead Guitar), Keshav Chandra (Bass Guitar), Vikrant (Drums), Subhash Singh, Ajay Kumar, Jai Karan Singh & Gagandeep Kumar (Chorus)

Tourism Malaysia Resumes to Attract the Indian Market at SATTE 2025

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Tourism Malaysia Resumes to Attract the Indian Market at SATTE 2025

Tourism Malaysia returns to the South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE), one of India’s largest tourism fair for its 21st participation in New Delhi. The three-day event occurring from 19th to 21st February is a continuous effort to keep Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination in the minds of Indian travellers.

Tourism Malaysia booth inaugurated by H.E. Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India along with Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia Delhi

Tourism Malaysia intends to focus on niche products such as shopping, golfing, luxury tourism, soft tourism, theme parks and honeymoon packages to inspire the global campaign of Visit Malaysia 2026 at this year’s SATTE. Consequently, Tourism Malaysia is also leveraging the niche product segments such as wedding with Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

Malaysian dignitaries with H.E. Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India along with Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia Delhi

Being recognized as the Best MICE Destination 2024 in the Indian market, Malaysia continues to maintain its reputation and a destination of choice for Indian corporations. With approximately more than 40,000 trade visitors, the event anticipates a significant increase in Indian tourists to Malaysia through the rigorous promotion and stronger cooperation between tour operators and members of the tourism fraternity.

Tourism Malaysia booth at SATTE 2025 with 60 Malaysian suppliers participating

The Malaysian delegation is headed by Mr. Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director of Tourism Malaysia New Delhi Office, together with 60 organisations representing tour agents, hotel and resort operators, tourism product owners, airline operators, Sabah Tourism Board and Tourism Melaka.

Mr Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director of Tourism Malaysia New Delhi Office stated, “Tourism Malaysia remains committed in attracting a growing number of Indian visitors, catering to their diverse preferences. The Indian market has been a significant source of visitors to Malaysia for over two decades. With the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign, we are focused on significantly increasing arrivals from the Indian market.“

India has been a priority market for Malaysia, given the strong economic ties with cultural connections between the two countries. Hence, India is currently Malaysia’s sixth-largest source of visitors.

In 2024, Malaysia recorded a total of 38 million visitor arrivals, with 1.4 million coming from India. In terms of air connectivity, 237 flights with over 43,000 seats are offered weekly between India and Malaysia, operated by Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia, Air India, and IndiGo.

Furthermore, Tourism Malaysia will leverage on the announcement of the visa-free policy for Indian travellers to Malaysia until 31st December 2026 as this is an opportunity to promote increased travel from India to Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia is currently conducting various promotional activities in the Indian market such as, the Malaysia Food and Cultural Festival from the 17th to 23rd February at Pullman Hotel New Delhi Aerocity alongside its participation in the recent Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2025 from 30th January to 1st February in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia has also concluded a roadshow campaign across three main cities in India, namely Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kochi from the 2nd to the 11th February.

About Tourism Malaysia

Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nations tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.

About South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange 2025

The South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2025 will host over 2,000 exhibitors and attract more than 40,000 visitors from across the globe. It offers a comprehensive platform to domestic and international buyers and professionals from across the travel, tourism and hospitality industry along with National and State Tourism Boards (NTOs and STOs). SATTE is recognized as Asia’s Leading travel and tourism exhibition to conduct business, share knowledge, exchange ideas in order to arrive at solution-driven innovations to accelerate the pace of the growth of the industry.

Marking 75 Years: Gullas College of Medicine Host Indo-Philippines Cultural Education Exchange Summit Celebrating Friendship and Collaboration

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Marking 75 Years: Gullas College of Medicine Host Indo-Philippines Cultural Education Exchange Summit Celebrating Friendship and Collaboration

India | Philippines​

Gullas College of Medicine hosted the Indo-Philippines Cultural Education Exchange Summit to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The event took place at the GCMI Auditorium, Gov. M Cuenco Ave., Banilad, Mandaue City, Philippines, under the theme: “A Union Fostering Global Connections: Integrating Education, Healthcare, Culture, and Tourism for a Sustainable Future.”

From Left Honourable Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, Chevalier Dr. VG Santhosham, Joselito Francisco Gullas, Vice Governor Hilario Davide III

A highlight of the summit was the unveiling of the Thiruvalluvar Statue, honoring the revered Tamil poet and philosopher known for his literary masterpiece, the Tirukkural. This statue symbolizes Tamil heritage and philosophy, marking a significant cultural milestone in the Philippines. It reflects the deep historical ties between India and Southeast Asia and resonates with the growing Indian student community in the region.

4th from left Honourable Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, 3rd from right Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director, Transworld Educare and Kings international Medical Academy, 2nd from right Dr. David Pillai, President, Transworld Educare and Chairman of Kings international Medical Academy

The Summit holds deep significance for both Filipino and Indian communities, celebrating a shared history of cooperation since the Treaty of Friendship signed on July 11, 1952. The event was graced by Honourable Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, as the Chief Guest.

Among the distinguished attendees were:

  • Honourable Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines

  • Honourable Excellency Former President of Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

  • Honourable Excellency Abdullah Daya Saidu, First secretary of the Nigerian Embassy

  • Honourable Excellency Rangsant Srimangkorn, Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines

  • Honourable Former Chairperson Eleanor B. Almoro, Chairperson, Board of Medicine, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

The Indo-Philippines Cultural Education Exchange Summit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties through education, healthcare, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

Event Highlights:

  • Opening Remarks by Atty. Joseph Baduel, Vice President for Operations, Gullas College of Medicine Inc.

  • Cultural Performances – Featuring Sakhyam Dance Academy and Lanhing Batangan Dance Troupe.

Key Remarks from Leaders: –

Honourable Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, remarked “The Indo-Philippines relationship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for progress. As we mark 75 years of diplomatic ties, initiatives like the Indo-Philippines Cultural Education Exchange Summit deepen our collaboration in education, healthcare, and culture. The unveiling of the Thiruvalluvar statue at Gullas Medical College reflects our shared reverence for knowledge and wisdom.”

Dr. David K Pillai, Chief Executive Consultant, Gullas College of Medicine, has also mentioned. “It is such a privilege to celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations between the Philippines and India. Over the years, this relationship has grown stronger through a rich exchange of culture, literature, and education. The Philippines has established itself as a premier destination for students seeking world-class medical education, and with the recent reforms tabled in the Senate allowing students from any country to practice in the Philippines, this marks a significant milestone-especially for Indian medical aspirants. I am confident that this will open new avenues for bright Indian students, further strengthening academic ties and paving the way for a future of excellence in medical education.”

Mr. Kadwin Pillai, CEO, Transworld Educare Pvt Ltd and Kings International Ltd., added, “We at Transworld Educare and Kings International extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of the Philippines and its Ministry of Education for commemorating Indo-Philippines 75 years of friendship at such a grand scale. The unveiling of the Thiruvalluvar statue is not just a tribute to a literary icon but a significant gesture of respect towards Tamil heritage and the people of India.

Furthermore, we appreciate the Philippines for providing world-class medical education to aspiring Indian students. In recent years, there has been a surge of 25% in Indian students choosing the Philippines over other countries for medical education, a testament to the nation’s high academic standards and student-friendly policies.“

The event was concluded by closing speech by Kathreena Pillai, Member of Executive Committee.

About Gullas College of Medicine Inc.

The Gullas College of Medicine (GCM) was established in 1977 by the Gullas family in Banilad, Mandaue City, in response to the growing demand for more physicians to address the medical and healthcare needs of the country. The founding of GCM aimed to provide students from the Visayas and Mindanao with access to excellent medical education closer to their localities, thereby expanding opportunities for those regions.

The University of the Visayas, founded in 1919 by Don Vicente Gullas and his wife, Lady Josefina R. Gullas, has a long-standing legacy of producing distinguished alumni in various fields, including government service, law, engineering, architecture, medicine, nursing, business, and the arts. The Gullas College of Medicine is an integral part of the University of the Visayas educational system, proudly upholding the Gullas family’s legacy of academic excellence and service.

For more information, please visit gcm.edu.ph

About Transworld Educare Pvt Ltd.

Transworld Educare Group of companies, established in 1999, is a leading provider of medical education abroad and a premier institution for NEET and FMGE aspirants. Transworld Educare in association with Davao Medical School Foundation & Gullas College of Medicine has successfully placed over 6000+ Indian students as doctors around the world with #1 rank in passing percentage at FMGE since the last 14 years.

Transworld Educare has a strong association with the Philippines, primarily as a facilitator of medical education for Indian students. It is recognized as a pioneer in introducing the Philippines as an ideal destination for pursuing MBBS degrees. The consultancy promotes high-quality, cost-effective medical education in Philippine institutions, which follow globally recognized curricula and use English as the medium of instruction. Transworld Educare collaborates with leading medical colleges, such as Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), Gullas College of Medicine and Brokenshire Medical College, providing Indian students access to world-class education and clinical training.

For more information, please visit transworldeducare.com

SRM University-AP Expands Its Management Forte with the Launch of B.Com. (CA Integrated) & B.Com. (Fintech and Banking)

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Marking a significant stride towards expanding academic offerings and equipping students with the skills required for the evolving business landscape, The Paari School of Business at SRM University-AP has launched two new specialisations for its B.Com. programme – B.Com. (CA Integrated) and B.Com. (Fintech and Banking).

Dignitaries lighting the lamp at the B.Com. launch event

The event witnessed the presence of stalwarts from Banking, Data Analytics and Chartered Accountancy along with the Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP, Prof. Manoj K Arora, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Dean-Paari School of Business, Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Head-Department of Commerce Dr A Lakshmana Rao, faculty, staff and students from the school. Mr Ruhbir Singh, CEO of Tatvic, a Global Analytics Firm, was the Chief Guest; Mr Bala Iyer, MD of Barclays Bank, was the Guest of Honour, and CA Ravi Kishore, President of ICAI Vijayawada Branch, was the Keynote Speaker.

Chief Guest and other dignitaries at the launch of the new B.Com. specialisations

Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora appreciated the school for its launch of specialisations that will generously benefit the management education offered at the university. Dean Prof. Bharadhwaj briefly spoke on the objective of launching the two new specialisations and the expected outcome of the B.Com. programme. “At Paari School of Business, we offer modern, contemporary, and cutting-edge programmes that meaningfully align with current market demands. The curriculum of the two new specialisations is tightly integrated with the Fintech and CA fields and will be taught by industry experts and seasoned professionals,” stated Prof. Bharadhwaj in his welcome address.

This initiative by the Paari School of Business invokes innovation, inspiration, and excellence. In his address, Mr Ruhbir Singh, a pioneer in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics, elucidated the strategies for making it big in the business frontier. He remarked, “Critical thinking, keeping abreast with technology, and learning to present yourself are the pivotal skills graduates must equip themselves with to sprint to high-impact placements.”

Guest of Honour Mr Bala Iyer emphasised the importance of networking and building connections among different strata of the business and economic fields as the real wealth that one must accumulate. In his keynote address, CA Ravi Kishore also underscored the significance of practical and soft skills accompanied by a mindset for continuous learning triumph over academic qualification in the real world. Both dignitaries launched the specialisations B.Com. (Fintech and Banking) and B.Com. (CA Integrated) respectively.

The event also witnessed the launch of the much-awaited two-day Business fest AMEYA’25 by the Chief Guest Mr Ruhbir Singh. AMEYA’25, the Management Mavericks’ Meet will hold numerous formal and informal events, ranging from Business Development to PR and Entrepreneurship, with a prize pool of Rs 1.75 Lakh. The Fest will welcome students and participants from management colleges and universities from Vijayawada and Guntur. The event concluded with the felicitation of the esteemed and dignitaries and a vote of thanks from Dr A Lakshmana Rao, Head of the Commerce Department.

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