The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) successfully concluded its international conference on “Just Transition to Net Zero – Role of Bamboo in the SAARC Region” at Deventure Sarovar Portico, Kapas Hera, New Delhi. The event marked a significant step toward promoting bamboo as a sustainable development tool across SAARC countries, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, and civil society representatives to foster meaningful dialogue.

Inaugural Conference on the Role of Bamboo – Leaders like Pasha Patel, Ajay Shankar (Chairman, FMC), Mukesh Gulati (Executive Director, FMC), Ms. Rinzi Prem, Assistant Director, SDF

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Pasha Patel, Chairman, Price Commission, Maharashtra, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished dignitaries included Shri Ajay Shankar, Chairman, Foundation for MSME Clusters and Former Secretary to the Government of India, and Ms. Rinzi Pem, Assistant Director, Social Window, SAARC Development Fund. Their presence and insights enriched the event, setting the tone for impactful discussions.

Shri Pasha Patel, Chairman, State Agricultural Price Commission, Maharashtra, and Chairman, Executive Committee, Chief Ministers Task Force for Environment and Sustainable Development, shared insights on the potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource Citing a study, he said all government thermal power generation units in the country release 5,90,000 MT of carbon per day into the atmosphere, adding bamboo can be an alternative to coal as a fuel for power generation.

Shri Ajay Shankar, Chairman, Foundation for MSME Clusters, and Former Secretary to the Government of India, for shared his long-term vision on the integration of bamboo into MSME and development ecosystems. Developed countries have limited scope for change as they have already followed a carbon-intensive path. In contrast, South Asian developing countries have the opportunity to adopt a more sustainable approach.

Ms. Rinzi Pem, Assistant Director, Social Window, SAARC Development Fund, emphasized on developing the collaborative opportunities within the SAARC countries for leveraging bamboo to achieve net-zero targets.

The conference was part of the project “Promoting Integrated Bamboo-Based Enterprise Development among SAARC Countries,” supported by the SAARC Development Fund since 2017. The project, implemented across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, engages partners such as Women’s Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (Afghanistan), BRIF (Bangladesh), Tarayana (Bhutan), FMC (India), and ABARI (Nepal). During the event, project partners from Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh presented case studies showcasing challenges, achievements, and innovations, offering valuable insights for advancing bamboo enterprise development.

Three engaging panel discussions were the highlight of the conference. The first discussion, moderated by senior journalist Naghma Sahar, focused on industry integration of bamboo. Prominent speakers like Sanjeev Karpe (Director, KONBAC), Anupam Badola (Deputy CSO, Dalmia Cement), Rajeev Pratap Singh (AGM, Business Development, Rashmi Group), and Sharda Pratap Singh (Subject Matter Expert, Hindalco Industries) shared their expertise on incorporating bamboo into industrial processes.

The second panel, moderated by Mehraj Dube, emphasized innovative financing for bamboo enterprises. Participants included Dr. R.K. Singh (CGM, SIDBI), Ritesh Sinha (Zonal Head and Vertical Head, Projects, HDFC CSR), Sanjay Sharma (Director, SPMN), and Dr. Ajithsen Selvadhas (Microcredit and Enterprise Development Expert), who highlighted financing models to support growth in the bamboo sector.

The third discussion, moderated by Krunal Negandhi (Director, Jans Bamboo Products Pvt. Ltd.), explored the role of civil society and policy frameworks in bamboo development. Experts such as Dr. Prabhat Kumar (Mission Director, National Bamboo Mission), Dr. Ajay Thakur (Scientist, FRI), Neju George (CEO, Industries), and Anuj Srivastava (Lead-Strategic Partnership, HCL Foundation) shared valuable perspectives on leveraging grassroots involvement and robust policies.

The conference served as a collaborative platform for CSR leaders, researchers, buyers, and artisans, aiming to create a regional strategy for achieving net zero goals through bamboo-based innovations. It underscored the urgency of cross-sectoral partnerships to unlock the full potential of bamboo for sustainable development in the SAARC region.

For additional information, visit FMC’s website www.fmc.org.in.

Avantor, Inc., a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technologies industries, announced today that their manufacturing sites in Panoli, Gujarat and Dehradun, Uttarakhand each received a Gold Award for Occupational Health and Safety. The awards were presented by Apex India Foundation, for the Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Diagnostics Sectors, respectively. The two sites were recognized for their commitment to continually striving to implement the best possible policies and procedures, and ensure every aspect of Avantor associates well-being.

Avantor team being felicitated by APEX Officials

Apex India Foundation is a Non-Profit Foundation that aims to recognize and celebrate exemplary individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions in the field of environmental protection, safety in the workplace, implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility, and adopting human resources best practices. The purpose of the “Occupational Health & Safety Awards” is to reward organizations that have made unique contributions in the field of health and safety of workers.

“We are proud of the dual recognition by the esteemed Apex India Foundation for our health and safety standards and our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our associates,” said Yee Seng, Vice President, Operations, AMEA, Avantor. “These awards are a testament to the hard work of our Environmental Health, Safety, Sustainability and Security (EHSS&S) team and Avantor’s leadership position in the life sciences industry.”

Commenting on the awards, Puneet Pant, Managing Director, India, Avantor said, “We are extremely honored to receive this recognition. Our safety strategy emphasizes proactive monitoring of regulatory changes, partnering with operational leaders to meet internal health and safety requirements, eliminating hazards, and reducing risks. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our associates is our top priority, and this recognition underscores our commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment.”

Victorious Avantor team (L to R): Himanshu Dimri, Dr. Mahesh Gore and Hemang Kantilal Hajariwala

Earlier this year, Avantor’s Panoli site was also recognized with the Ankleshwar Environmental Preservation Society (AEPS) Safety Excellence Gold Award. The AEPS Safety Excellence Awards, initiated this year, sought to identify, and honor companies that exhibit exceptional dedication to safety, through comprehensive assessments and historical performance evaluations.

The health, safety and well-being of its associates is a top priority for Avantor. Its comprehensive approach prioritizes support for the whole person – their physical, mental and emotional health – and it continually strives to have the best possible policies and procedures in place to ensure all aspects of its associates well-being.

About Avantor

Avantor is a leading life science tools company and global provider of mission-critical products and services to the life sciences and advanced technology industries. We work side-by-side with customers at every step of the scientific journey to enable breakthroughs in medicine, healthcare, and technology. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities at more than 300,000 customer locations in 180 countries. For more information, visit avantorsciences.com and find us on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) and Facebook.

Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limited (“ABHFL”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited, India’s leading, diversified financial services company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Housing Bank (“NHB”) to actively contribute to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna vision of ‘Housing for All’. The partnership will offer customized housing finance solutions to economically weaker sections (EWS), low-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG), across the country.

Aditya Birla Housing Finance Partners with National Housing Bank to Realise the PMAY Vision of Housing for All

Under the new initiative, Aditya Birla Housing Finance has introduced home loan options of up to Rs. 25 Lakh for families earning Rs 3 Lakh annually under the EWS category, Rs. 6 Lakh for the LIG category, and Rs 9 Lakh for the MIG category. The initiative supports homes with carpet area of up to 120 square meters. Further, customers can avail PMAY subsidy benefits of up to Rs. 1.80 Lakh payable in 5 yearly instalments to help significantly reduce the financial burden of homeownership.

These solutions have been tailored to benefit individuals such as small-business owners, vendors, self-employed professionals, as well as salaried customers, with special emphasis on those living in remote and underserved regions.

Mr. Pankaj Gadgil, MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Housing Finance Ltd., said, “The Indian housing market is brimming with robust growth potential, driven by the rising aspirations of young Indians, and government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. In line with PMAY’s ‘Housing for All’ vision, we have introduced our ‘Happy Home Loan Journey’, a seamless process for customers to avail home loans with ease. By prioritizing affordability, accessibility, and inclusive growth, we aim to empower communities and make the journey to homeownership seamless and hassle-free, helping more Indians turn their dream of owning a home into reality.”

About Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limited

Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limited (“ABHFL”), a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited is a fast-growing housing finance company (“HFC”) in India. ABHFL is registered with the National Housing Board (NHB) as a non-deposit accepting housing finance company and commenced operations in October 2014.As of September 30, 2024, ABHFL manages assets under management of over Rs. 23,236 Crore. ABHFL has significantly expanded its footprint to 150 branches as of September 30, 2024. This is reflected in its long-term credit rating of AAA (Stable) by CRISIL, ICRA & India Ratings, and short-term credit rating of A1+ by CRISIL, ICRA & India Ratings.

About Aditya Birla Capital Limited

Aditya Birla Capital Limited (“ABCL”) is a registered Core Investment Company (“CIC’) and the holding company of the financial services businesses. Through its subsidiaries/JVs, ABCL provides a comprehensive suite of financial solutions across Loans, Investments, Insurance, and Payments to serve the diverse needs of customers across their lifecycles. Powered by over 55,000 employees, the businesses of ABCL have a nationwide reach with over 1,470 branches and more than 200,000 agents/channel partners along with several bank partners. As of September 30, 2024, Aditya Birla Capital Limited manages aggregate assets under management of over Rs. 5.0 Lakh Crore with a consolidated lending book of Rs 1.38 Lakh Crore through its subsidiaries/JVs.

Aditya Birla Capital Limited is a part of the US$66 billion global conglomerate Aditya Birla Group, which is in the league of Fortune 500. Anchored by an extraordinary force of over 187,000 employees belonging to 100 nationalities, the Group is built on a strong foundation of stakeholder value creation. With over seven decades of responsible business practices, the Group’s businesses have grown into global powerhouses in a wide range of sectors – from metals to cement, fashion to financial services and textiles to trading. Today, over 50% of the Group’s revenues flow from overseas operations that span over 40 countries in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

For more information, visit www.adityabirlacapital.com.

Be Well Hospitals, a leading secondary care hospital known for delivering accessible and affordable quality healthcare, achieved a remarkable medical feat by successfully removing 195 gallstones from the gallbladder of a 70-year-old retired teacher. This groundbreaking surgery stands as a testament to Be Well’s commitment to bringing advanced healthcare closer to communities through its breakthrough healthcare delivery model.

From Left to Right: Dr Deepak Ravi, MS, FAIS; Dr R Raja, MS M.Ch along with the Patient

The patient, who had been enduring persistent abdominal pain and nausea for over two weeks, sought care at Be Well Hospitals in Pondicherry. Her condition required a combination of advanced procedures: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for stent placement and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for gallbladder removal. The complex case was meticulously managed by the expert team of Dr. R Raja, MS, M.Ch (Advanced Laparascopic Surgeon, Specialist in Endoscopic and Laser Surgery), and Dr. Deepak Ravi, MS, FAIS, Ch (Advanced Laparascopic Surgeon, Specialist in Endoscopic and Laser Surgery)supported by the hospitals dedicated staff.

The patient’s family initially expressed concerns about undergoing major procedures; however, trust in Be Well’s medical team and their expertise led them to proceed. The surgery was executed with precision and success, ensuring a quick recovery. Within just 60 hours, the patient was discharged pain-free, filled with joy and gratitude.

Be Well Hospitals, known for its expertise in handling challenging cases, continues to set new benchmarks in minimal invasive surgery. The patient praised the exceptional care and support provided by Dr. Vijayabalakandan, Dr. Ramkumar,and the entire medical team, expressing immense satisfaction and confidence in the hospital’s commitment to patient safety and recovery.

This extraordinary case underscores the power of advanced medical techniques, teamwork, and trust. Be Well Hospitals remains steadfast in its mission to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare, transforming lives and proving that world-class care is within reach for all.

For more information about Be Well Hospital, visit our website at www.bewellhospitals.in / For Media Information – 9841174889

About Be Well Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.

Be Well Hospital is a chain of “Small Giant” multi-specialty hospitals, renowned for its accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services. Established in 2011, the hospital group operates in 12 main locations across Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, serving the healthcare needs of thousands of families. Be Well Hospital continues to redefine patient care through innovative and compassionate healthcare solutions.

The crisp winter air buzzes with romance, setting the stage for couples to celebrate their unique commitments. As wedding bells chime and anniversary plans take shape, it’s clear that love, in all its forms, is in the air. Couples now revel in a love that’s completely unscripted, welcoming each other’s quirks and faults. Together, they move past doubts and fears, stepping into a shared future powered by the transformative strength of their love. In these significant moments, only one metal can mirror the depth and rarity of such connections-platinum, as rare and precious as their journey together.

Platinum Love Bands

Born of the stars, platinum, arrived on earth through a meteorite crash over 2 billion years ago. This precious metal is only found in select few locations around the world and is 30times rarer than gold. Its unparalleled strength ensures it doesn’t change form or lose its natural white, mirroring the resilience and constancy of a love that is truly one of a kind. Just as platinum endures without fading, so does the love it symbolizes-unwavering and eternal.

Platinum Love Bands

Crafted from 95% pure and exceptionally rare platinum, Platinum Love Bands are not just jewelry; they are the ultimate symbol of love. These bands celebrate modern relationship values-cherishing each other’s individuality, celebrating mutual successes, and equally sharing life’s responsibilities. The distinctive textures, fluid lines, and elegant motifs of each band capture these principles beautifully. Whether you prefer a minimalist and chic style or timeless elegance, the diverse collection of Platinum Love Bands offers something that deeply resonates with all couples committed to the journey of love.

Platinum, with its rich heritage and contemporary appeal, perfectly translates today’s design trends into unique pieces that narrate your personal love story. Opting for Platinum Love Bands means choosing a symbol of love that blends tradition with modernity, designed to remain beautiful throughout your shared future. As you and your loved one look to commemorate the pivotal moments that define your relationship, especially that profound moment when you realize this love is truly for keeps, let Platinum Love Bands be the lasting emblem of your bond

The moment you realise that your love is a steady rock on which you can rely on in the face of uncertainty, you know you’ve found a love that’s truly rare These love bands, designed with repeating forms, serve as a reminder of your unshakable trust in each other. No matter how many times life alters its course, your love remains steadfast. Cast in platinum, a metal with unmatched strength that makes it so rare, these Platinum Love Bands perfectly match the strength of your love. A love so rare. A love so platinum.

The moment you realise that you mirror each other’s dreams and beliefs, you know you’ve found a love that’s truly rare. These love bands are mirror images of each other, reflecting how you grow together, backing each other all the way. Cast in 95% pure platinum, one of the highest standards of purity in precious jewellery, platinum is truly one of a kind. Let these Platinum Love Bands be enduring symbols of your unbreakable bond.
A love so rare. A love so platinum.

The moment you realize that your unique journeys have seamlessly united to forge a harmonious haven, you know you’ve found a love that’s truly rare. These love bands embody the essence of duality. They combine brushed and glossy textures on his ring, and plain studded finishes on hers, merging into beautiful central motifs that symbolize your love. They perfectly represent your two paths that merge into one cherished space. Cast in a celestial metal that arrived on earth through a meteorite crash billions of year ago, platinum is truly rare. Let these Platinum Love Bands serve as a testament to your unique journey together. A love so rare. A love so platinum

Website: platinumdaysoflove.com.

About Platinum Guild International (PGI)

Platinum Guild International (PGI) is a marketing organisation with the vision to develop the global platinum jewellery market as a new demand source for platinum. It was formed in 1975 with specialist teams dedicated to growing the global platinum jewellery market through consumer and trade-facing programmes in the four key jewellery markets of China, India, Japan and USA. Since then, jewellery development has demonstrated a strong track record in delivering results. Through various programmes, both direct-to-consumer and in collaboration with jewellery retailers and manufacturers, PGI creates consumer ounce demand by first identifying opportunities for platinum in jewellery, and then developing them with partners. It also aims to build an enduring commitment to platinum in jewellery. PGI’s consumer marketing and educational programmes are focused on developing awareness and an appreciation for platinum’s unique properties as a precious metal for fine jewellery.In addition, PGI works globally with collaborative partners running extensive marketing programmes in the four main platinum jewellery markets of China, Japan, USA and India. These markets are staffed with experts in strategic planning, marketing, retail, design and business development.

PGI is funded by the leading platinum producers of South Africa, as well as through co-funded programmes with the jewellery industry.

Purity Assurance Program

PGI has partnered with TUV India Pvt Ltd to implement a robust audit programme to ensure the purity of platinum under its programme. TUV is one of the country’s first certification bodies and has been closely associated with the quality revolution in India. Under Platinum Guild India’s quality assurance programme, each individual piece of jewellery has an assured purity as high as 95%. And as a proof of this assurance, every piece is stamped ‘Pt950’ and comes with a tamper-proof quality assurance card that distinguishes authentic platinum from other jewellery.

A Unique Identification Number is also stamped on the jewellery in addition to the detailed description of the piece you choose for yourself. Our quality assurance programme is in place to ensure transparency and that the platinum the consumer buys is of the highest quality. After all, that is what true value is all about.

• Equipped with a unique 4.02cm (1.58″) Secondary AMOLED Rear Display for enhanced multitasking and convenience

• LPDDR5 RAM & UFS 3.1 ROM providing faster speed & reduced latency

• Features a powerful 64MP Sony Sensor rear camera and a 16MP selfie camera for stunning photography

• Powered by the 2.5GHz MediaTek Dimensity 7025 processor for seamless performance

• Available in two elegant color options: Celestial Blue and Arctic White

• Designed with a 16.94cm (6.67″) 120Hz 3D Curved AMOLED Display for vibrant visuals

Lava International Limited, the leading Indian smartphone manufacturer, announced the launch of its latest innovation, the LAVA Blaze Duo 5G. This smartphone is crafted to meet the evolving needs of today’s tech-savvy users, offering a blend of exceptional performance and innovative features at an introductory price starting Rs.14,999# (inclusive of bank offers). The Blaze Duo 5G will be available in two variants: 6GB+6GB* and 8GB+8GB*, both offering 128GB UFS 3.1 storage. Blaze Duo exclusive sale will begin on Amazon starting December 20th.

Blaze Duo: Live the Duo Life

The Blaze Duo 5G is powered by the advanced MediaTek Dimensity 7025 chipset with AnTuTu Score of 500K+, ensuring robust performance across all applications. Its unique 4.02cm (1.58″) Secondary AMOLED Rear Display provides unparalleled convenience for tasks like taking selfies with the rear camera, receiving calls, viewing notifications, and controlling music, all without turning on the main screen.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sumit Singh, Head-Product, Lava International Ltd., said, “The Blaze Duo 5G represents a significant leap in smartphone innovation, embodying our commitment to delivering top-notch technology and user-centric design. This device is tailored for users who seek efficiency and superior performance in their daily lives. We are confident that the Blaze Duo 5G will redefine the smartphone experience for our consumers, offering unmatched convenience and a balanced lifestyle.”

The Blaze Duo 5G features a stunning 16.94cm (6.67″) 120Hz 3D Curved AMOLED Display that delivers vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling, enhancing the overall user experience. Its 64MP Sony sensor rear camera and 16MP selfie camera ensure that users can capture stunning photos and videos with ease. The device is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging via a Type-C port, providing long-lasting battery life and quick recharging.

Key Features of LAVA Blaze Duo 5G:

• 4.02cm (1.58″) Secondary AMOLED Rear Display: Perfect for multitasking, taking selfies, and managing notifications.

• LPDDR5 RAM & UFS 3.1 ROM: LPDDR 5 RAM offers significantly faster speed & higher bandwidth while UFS 3.1 ROM offers 2X write speeds & better latency compared to its previous generation

• 16.94cm (6.67″) 120Hz 3D Curved AMOLED Display: Delivers vibrant visuals and fluid user experience.

• MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Chipset: Ensures seamless multitasking and gaming performance.

• 64MP Sony Sensor Rear Camera & 16MP Selfie Camera: Capture stunning photos and videos effortlessly.

• 5000mAh Battery with 33W Fast Charging: Provides long-lasting battery life and quick recharging.

• Latest Android 14 (Upgradable to Android 15): Offers a clean and intuitive user interface.

Pricing and Availability

Blaze Duo 5G comes with a sleek design, featuring a premium matte finish in two attractive color variants – Celestial Blue and Arctic White. It also includes an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock for enhanced security and convenience. The Blaze Duo 5G sale will begin on December 20th, 2024, exclusively on Amazon, at an introductory price starting ₹14,999# (inclusive of bank offers).

#2K Bank Offer applicable on HDFC Bank Credit / Debit Card Transactions from 20th Dec’24 – 22nd Dec’24

Specifications for Blaze Duo

Under standard Lava testing conditions T&C^ – www.lavamobiles.com.

About Lava International Limited

#ProudlyIndian | Made in India, Made for India

Lava International Limited, headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, is a pioneering mobile handset and solutions company in India, founded in 2009 with the vision to empower individuals. The companys corporate office and manufacturing facility, equipped with a production capacity of 42.52 million handsets per annum, are strategically located in Noida. Lavas commitment to innovation is reflected in its two state-of-the-art research and development centers in Noida, housing dedicated teams in software and hardware design. The companys extensive nationwide presence is facilitated by a robust retail network of 1.65 Lakh retailers, directly served by over 1000 distributors, and supported by a vast after-sales service network of 800+ professionally managed service centers. The brand has a global presence in 20+ countries.

Beyond smartphones, Lava is expanding its product portfolio to include smartwatches, Neckbands, Probuds, and an extended True Wireless Stereo (TWS) segment. The brands credibility is underscored by being ranked the Most Trustworthy Brand in the CMR Retail Sentiment Index.

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Anshul Bhatt, a 16-year-old from Mumbai, secured 3rd position in the Kevin Stansbury Bracketed Round Robin Teams event at the North American Bridge Championships (NABC) on 6 December 2024 at Las Vegas. Partnering with Sam Ehrlichman and teaming up with Zain Mahmood and Camilla Schiaffino, their foursome finished just 3 points behind the tied first-place teams. The team played in the highest bracket (Bracket 1) in an event with 18 brackets representing descending competitive levels. A total of 149 teams participated in the event. Bracket 1 included 13 teams from across the world with best performance in North American events. All other brackets had eight teams while Bracket 1 had 13 teams with many top global players.

Anshul Bhatt with Bill Gates at Las Vegas, December 2024, North American Bridge Championship

The Kevin Stansbury Open Bracketed Round Robin Teams is a team-based event held at the NABC, organized by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). Teams are divided into brackets based on their combined masterpoint totals to ensure balanced competition. The round-robin format features matches against multiple opponents within a bracket, with top-performing teams advancing.

Scheduled for 6 December 2024, at the Fall NABC in Las Vegas, the event honors Kevin Stansbury, a distinguished bridge player recognized for achievements in bracketed team events.

L to R: Sam Ehrlichman, Zain Mahmood, Camilla Schiaffino and Anshul Bhatt

In bridge tournaments, top-bracket events cater to elite players, with no upper masterpoint limit. For example, the top-bracket Swiss Teams event includes stratifications at unlimited, 6000, and 4500 masterpoints, providing a competitive platform for the most skilled players.

About The North American Bridge Championships (NABC)

The North American Bridge Championships (NABC), organized three times annually by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), is a premier bridge tournament attracting players of all levels, including the top players in the world. Elite professionals like Zia Mahmood, Meckstroth-Rodwell, and Bob Hamman regularly compete, alongside rising talents, in high-stakes events such as the Vanderbilt Knockout Teams and Blue Ribbon Pairs.

With top-bracket events featuring no upper masterpoint limits, the NABC offers world-class competition while also hosting inclusive events for all skill levels. The Fall 2024 NABC in Las Vegas will again bring together the best in global bridge, fostering competitive excellence and camaraderie.

• RevolutioNari Awards, a first-of-its-kind platform championing women’s empowerment in the agriculture sector, launched by PepsiCo India

• Aligned to PepsiCo India’s Partnership of Progress philosophy, the inaugural awards embody the company’s belief in sustainable collaboration with farmers and local communities to advance agricultural innovation, gender equality, and economic empowerment

• Women in agriculture from across the country recognized at the platform, in the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India; Chief Guest Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Minister of Women and Child Development; Keynote Speaker Mr. Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab

PepsiCo India reinforced its commitment to advancing women empowerment in the agricultural sector, by launching a first of its kind platform, the RevolutioNari Conference and Awards 2024 here in New Delhi. Based on PepsiCo India’s philosophy of Partnership in Progress, that reflects its commitment to foster inclusive growth through collaboration with government, partner organizations and communities, the event recognized and celebrated the exceptional contributions of women in agriculture. The event marked the launch of PepsiCo India’s RevolutioNari Anthem, underlining its commitment towards its ongoing flagship program RevolutioNari empowering women.

Honorable dignitaries and PepsiCo India leaders with the RevolutioNari Awards Winners

Ten women farmers from across India, were recognized for setting inspirational examples of women who are leading and inspiring many others towards more meaningful contribution to the sector. They were selected after a thorough evaluation of nominations submitted from across the country. An external jury comprising of sector experts headed by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, reviewed the submissions under five categories:

• Breaking Gender Stereotypes & Implementing Best Farming Practices: Tapasi Pal from West Bengal awarded Gold and Sanju Yogi from Rajasthan awarded Silver

• Economic Empowerment through SHGs: Ganapathi SHG from Telangana awarded Gold and Sarayan Farmer Producer Company Ltd. from Uttar Pradesh awarded Silver

• Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture: Shivani Kisku from Jharkhand awarded Gold and Manguben Jaga from Gujarat awarded Silver

• Protection and Promotion of Native Indigenous Food Systems: Monika Mohite from Maharashtra awarded Gold and Sujata Paramanik from West Bengal awarded Silver

• Youth Innovators in Agriculture: Surbhi Kumari from Bihar awarded Gold and Anima Aind from Jharkhand awarded Silver

Present for the awards ceremony and presenting awards to the winners were: Chief Guest Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India; Chief Guest Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Minister of Women and Child Development; Keynote Speaker Mr. Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab. The Hon’ble dignitaries shared inspiring addresses underscoring the imperative to recognize and elevate women’s growing contributions and leadership in agriculture.

Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, shared in his address, “With changing times, our farmers have embraced sustainable agricultural practices, and women have emerged as strong pillars of this system, playing an indispensable role in driving progress. Hence, agricultural development is unimaginable without their invaluable contribution. I congratulate PepsiCo India for empowering and recognizing them as key leaders in the industry.”

Speaking at the event, Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab, shared, “I am incredibly proud to see women’s representation in this room surpassing that of men. Organizations like PepsiCo India are instrumental in helping farmers explore opportunities in agriculture, food processing, and beyond. Women’s participation in this sector is essential for driving sustainable growth and innovation.”

Jagrut Kotecha, CEO, PepsiCo India and South Asia, shared, “At PepsiCo India, we are committed to an inclusive future where women are empowered to lead change. Through our RevolutioNari initiative, which aims to empower 1 million women across India by 2026, we are driving tangible, positive societal impact. As an agri company working closely with farmers for over three decades now;we are committed to enhancing women representation in the sector through this initiative and take immense pride in bringing these remarkable stories to life through the RevolutioNari Awards; our heartiest congratulations to all the winners.”

The Social Lab as the knowledge partner brought together a stellar jury of industry experts for the awards and evaluation. Avian WE, the official outreach partner for the conference and awards, played a pivotal role in driving strategic engagement and elevating awareness for the initiative.

The event was marked by engaging panel discussions, workshops, and knowledge exchanges. Engaging workshops were designed to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape. The panel discussions focused on advancing gender equality and resilience in agriculture. “Policy Perspectives: Advancing Gender Equality in Agriculture” emphasized targeted policies and training to empower women as agents of change. “Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion, Innovation, and Technology” highlighted the role of innovation in enhancing women’s access to resources. “Seed to Smile: Cultivating Resilience for a Better Tomorrow” explored climate-smart practices and farmer empowerment to build a sustainable and resilient future. Over 150 agri sector experts including policymakers, agronomists, opinion leaders, corporates, academicians, etc., attended the RevolutioNari Conference and Awards 2024.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.