The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Cultural Centre of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan at Koradi, Nagpur today (July 5, 2023).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Kanhaiya Lal Munshi ji had established Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the year 1938 with the aim of re-establishing Indian values ​​of life in the society. She was happy to note that since its inception, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan had carved a niche for itself as an intellectual, cultural and educational centre of excellence. She said that more than 350 institutions affiliated to it had been providing modern education. At the same time, they are also playing an important role in the protection and promotion of Indian values ​​and traditions.

The President appreciated the ‘Ramayana Darshanam Hall’ where various episodes of Ramayana are beautifully depicted through paintings and ‘Bharat Mata Sadanam’ where contributions of freedom fighters and Param Vir Chakra winners had been depicted in the form of paintings. She said that Lord Rama’s life values ​​and the dynamic struggle of his life are exemplary and inspirational for the entire humanity. She said that it is very important that we connect our young generation with the values ​​of the Indian freedom struggle.

The President said that the young generation is acquiring knowledge and doing well in the country and abroad. She noted that young generation is connecting to the local language and culture and also gaining knowledge of other languages and culture. But, they should not forget their mother tongue and motherland. They should use mother tongue in their family, society and community and teach mother tongue to children also.

The President said that Maharashtra and Nagpur had been major centres of our spiritual and cultural traditions. She expressed confidence that this Cultural Centre would contribute significantly to the cultural landscape of Nagpur by playing a major role in bringing Indian culture to the people of Nagpur and surrounding areas, especially the younger generation.

The handover ceremony took place in the presence of Mohammed S. Al-Herbish, President of Aramco India, and was attended by representatives from both sides and local residents.

“Building household toilets is key to improve sanitation and hygiene and protect against infections for local residents, particularly during monsoon season. By having a toilet at doorstep, all families will save on medical expenses and be protected from insect-borne diseases. It is a huge benefit that the toilets were constructed before the monsoons,” said Mina, who works as an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) in Wada village.

Commenting on the collaboration, a spokesperson from Habitat for Humanity India said, “Habitat India builds sanitation units, as it is a basic need of a family, and is required to make a home adequate. Building school sanitation units will ensure that children in these villages will have access to improved sanitation facilities in their schools, as well as their homes. The project will benefit 257 families and nearly 400 students. By prioritizing hygiene and sanitation, this initiative will create a ripple effect which will lead to a widespread adoption of hygienic practices, ultimately improving the overall health and well-being of communities. We are thankful to Aramco for partnering with Habitat for Humanity India.”

Al-Herbish said, “Access to adequate sanitation facilities is crucial for building sustainable communities and addressing health disparities. We are pleased to be part of this initiative in partnership with Habitat for Humanity India. By emphasizing the importance of hygiene and sanitation, the initiative not only benefits the families directly but also communities in a holistic manner.”

Mumbai– Chaitra Creations and Publicity Institute, which produces educational materials for various departments of the Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with Saivani, organized a launch ceremony of environmental awareness materials on 5th June at Yashwantrao Chavan Center, Nariman Point, on the occasion of World Environment Day. This program was attended by the founder of Sahyadri Devrai and veteran actor Mr. Sayaji Shinde and the founder of Saivani Sanstha, Advocate Dr. Sunil Nanasaheb Karpe had a special presence. Chaitra Creations and Publicity Institute launched six types of educational materials to create awareness among the students about various environmental issues such as carbon emissions, climate change, rising temperature, unseasonal rains, global warming, declining groundwater level, wet and dry droughts that the world is currently facing.
Speaking in this event, founder of Sahyadri Devarai and actor Sayaji Shinde, said, “On Environment Day, the message is ‘Plant trees, save trees’ but the key issue is how much is followed, rather than when children are admitted to school with a birth certificate, every child should plant a tree. It should be stipulated that the seed should be brought so that when the boy or girl completes his schooling, he will have a tree of his own right. In this young age, they will have the culture of the environment. For this, Maharashtra government, central government, government and private social organizations as well as schools and colleges need to work together only then will we save our environment. Today India has a deluge of infrastructure and in this deluge we are destroying many trees, even though these trees are easily rehabilitated, we are ignoring them.”
Chitra Mete, founder and director of Chaitra Creations and Publicity, which produces educational materials, said, “The educational materials include activity sets, activity booklets, book covers, labels, bookmarks and films. has been prepared. In addition to developing environmental awareness among students at an early age, this educational material is useful for developing communication skills, memory and logic development, creativity, self-confidence, hand-eye coordination, observational skills, and creative skills.
The amount of carbon-dioxide, carbon-monoxide, etc. has increased in the atmosphere. Still, if we do not take care of the environment, this whole matter is likely to get out of hand. This is not to say that the end of the earth is near or to scare people, but it is our sincere attempt to suggest that it is time for everyone, from the small to the small, from the rich to the poor, to take care of the universe and environment around us, which is made up of the five elements.”
Seedballs were distributed to the guests who attended the event and they were also given a pledge to protect the environment. Actor Sayaji Shinde appreciated this environmental awareness material made avail

 Pune : FLAME University, the pioneer in liberal education in India, recently held its convocation on May 20, 2023, at the university campus. During the ceremony, undergraduate and postgraduate students were conferred their academic qualifications. The convocation ceremony was graced with the presence of the chief guest, Renuka Ramnath, Founder & CEO of Multiples Alternate Asset Management Pvt. Ltd., and was presided over by Dr. Dishan Kamdar, Vice-Chancellor, FLAME University, along with members of the Governing Body, Board of Management, Academic Council, Deans, faculty, and other members of the FLAME community.

The convocation ceremony also witnessed the felicitation of the rank holders of the various programs at FLAME university. The rank-holding students were honored with medals for their academic and overall accomplishments.

Addressing the graduating students, the chief guest, Renuka Ramnath, said, “I must begin this commencement speech by sharing my huge admiration and connect with what has been built at FLAME. While the physical infrastructure, the thoughtful creation of spaces that facilitate shared learning is worthy of huge praise, what connects me personally with FLAME is the uniquely Indian values which are at the foundation of this institution. The education you have received here in FLAME combined with the opportunity that you are walking into, are potent for you to shatter all the past glass ceilings and build a better world. It is a matter of great pride for FLAME and a great privilege for me to see each of you script your own story.”

Also sharing his thoughts in his message for the graduating students, Dr. Dishan Kamdar said, “I would like you to carry numerous fond memories of your days at FLAME including the days and nights you toiled and struggled, especially since these are moments that slowly and unknowingly transformed you. As you step out into the real world, be assured that your education at FLAME University has equipped you with the skills and knowledge to navigate challenges that you may face in the future. FLAME  has laid a strong foundation for your growth and success. I also hope that you will carry with you the values of integrity, empathy, and social responsibility, which are the bedrock of the liberal education imparted at FLAME University.”

The graduating students at FLAME University showed great determination in completing their education. They expressed joy and pride in their achievements, and a steadfast determination to succeed in the real world. The convocation ceremony marked a significant milestone for these students, who overcame numerous obstacles and continued to stay committed to their academic pursuits.

Mumbai : Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL), which manages the Indian region of five Volkswagen Group brands – Škoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini, has announced its first-ever student car project in India. Selected students from the Group Academy’s Dual Vocational Training in Mechatronics program have created a unique cabriolet version of the Škoda Rapid sedan. This project offers students a hands-on experience in the automotive industry, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited said, “We are excited to introduce the Student Car project to India, providing vocational school pupils with a unique opportunity to design and create their dream car by rebuilding one of the cars from the Škoda portfolio while adding innovative ideas. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and promoting innovation in the Indian automotive industry. Such initiatives also create an opportunity for the realisation of futuristic ideas by building prototypes with out-of-box thinking without the fear of failure. We are confident that this project will not only give students practical experience but also equip them with new skills and insights into various departments at Škoda Auto Volkswagen India. By stimulating the youth’s creativity and providing them with practical skills, this project will further support the Skill India initiative implemented by the Indian Government.”

Sarma Chillara, Group Head of HR and Administration Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited said,  “As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India firmly believes that grooming the next generation of skilled professionals to adapt to this dynamic landscape is imperative. With a focus on practical learning and skill-building, our mechatronics program is tailored to empower students with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in the fast-paced automotive industry. It brings us great pleasure to witness our students collaborating on such a prestigious project.”

The mechatronics students undertook a unique car project and converted a Škoda Rapid into a cabriolet. Converting a standard, hard-top car into roofless beauty was not an easy job, but the students were determined and ensured to complete the project on time and with an immaculate finish. Among the various customizations, the one that really draws attention is the retractable Škoda badge on the bonnet. The iconic ‘winged arrow’ hood ornament elevates elegantly from the bonnet and retracts back in at a touch of a button. They also added a sleek LED lip lighting to the front bonnet to enhance the sporty appearance. In addition, the project car also gets an illuminated ‘Skoda’ inscription on the bootlid to give it a distinct appearance. There are several other sporty bits like the fully-loaded black accessories package with a yellow catch radium flow character line and yellow-painted brake calipers.

To give the cabin a more premium feel the students upgraded the standard radio to a more modern, tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system. But more importantly, they had to integrate the seatbelt into the front seat since the cabriolet doesn’t have a B-pillar where the belts are originally mounted. The seats themselves are beautifully crafted in top-quality scarlet-red leather. And to ensure an exhilarating experience, the factory-fitted exhaust was replaced by a sporty exhaust system that can induce goosebumps at a blip of the throttle.

Though this is the first Student Car Project by Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, internationally, the Škoda Academy’s Azubi Student Car Project is now in its ninth iteration. The Škoda vocational students in Mladá Boleslav have been designing and building their dream car since 2014. With exceptional one-of-a-kind vehicles, the Group in India aims to showcase its Vocational School’s high level of training and support the nation’s Skill India initiative. The program not only showcases the exceptional abilities of Indian engineers but also validates the Group’s commitment to empowering the next generation of skilled professionals.

SAVWIPL Academy is taking steps to regularize the Student Car Program and include it as a project in the students’ syllabus. The program will involve one cycle of projects every year, and the student selection criteria will be improved to make it more competitive. Through this initiative, the Academy aims to create a centralized forum/platform for the plant where students can showcase and implement innovative and futuristic ideas. The program will provide students with a unique opportunity to develop their skills and contribute to the Academy’s growth while gaining practical experience in the field.

SAVWIPL Academy’s Dual Vocational Training in Mechatronics is a flagship program that has been contributing to upskilling 10th-grade school students since 2011. This full-time 3.5-year course, adopted from Germany, focuses on developing school-leavers’ talents to take up critical roles. The program’s objective is to encourage technological creativity among apprentices, inculcate a sense of pride in their talent, and promote a problem-solving approach to developing appropriate technologies. Apprentices get a chance to apply what they learn in the classroom practically, promoting creativity, and showcasing their talents. The program is also a good platform to find talented individuals and boosts apprentices’ confidence in speaking and presenting their work.

Pune: India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the premier industry organization representing the Semiconductor and Electronics Systems design and manufacturing (ESDM) Industry in India unveiled its Maharashtra chapter of IESA in Pune. The chapter launch was attended by noted leaders of the industry and academia at a glittering opening ceremony at Pune.

The programme was attended by senior industry leaders, Sh. Ashok Chandak, known Semiconductor veteran, Mr Sanjay Gupta, Chairman IESA, K Krishna Moorthy, President and CEO IESA and key senior functionaries from IESA Secretariat.

This chapter aims to galvanise notable entities in automotive, critical electronics, defence and aerospace segments and align them to semiconductor design, distribution and manufacturing. Pune is a notable industry hub of the country with a large footprint and academic interface of engineering colleges and research centres. It will be IESA’s endeavour to interconnect, interact and integrate all these entities towards a singular goal of Skilling, Design and further manufacturing of semiconductors.

The ceremony also encompassed presentations from IIT Bombay as also a presentation on Semiconductor Campus Connect- a flagship programme on Skilling by IESA. The chapter will be a harbinger of greater collaborations in the field of ESDM and Semiconductors for the future.

Mr Ashok Chandak said “Launch of Maharashtra chapter of IESA on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya marks the new venture with eternal contributions of Electronics Products DNA of this region to the ESDM growth in India.

Mr K Krishna Moorthy, President and CEO, IESA said “Maharashtra chapter will be instrumental in energising the entire industry ecosystem in the state with respect to ESDM and semiconductor domain”

Drawing from his vast expertise that encompasses the art of negotiations and workplace ethics, he has now authored a new book, “Cleansing Moments: Developing Leadership Skills for All Times,” a collection of real-life stories that impart valuable leadership skills.

The book is inspired by his elaborate years of experience coaching students, executives, and business leaders. ‘Cleansing Moments’ uses riveting storytelling to illustrate key leadership principles and strategies. Each chapter focuses on a specific skill, such as empathy, communication, or resilience, and is a storehouse of experiences unfolded in captivating stories, seamlessly demonstrating how a particular set of skills can be applied in real-world situations. Senior business executives, decision-makers, and businessmen who have either been trained under the author’s expert guidance or have attended his programs over the years have found the leadership mantras contained in this publication to be a revolutionary experience.

Speaking about his newly launched book on leadership mantras, Prof. Dishan Kamdar, Vice-Chancellor of FLAME University, shared, “Leadership is not just about strategy and tactics; it’s about people and relationships. By sharing these profound stories, I hope to inspire and equip leaders to build effective teams and organizations. Whether you’re an experienced executive or a new manager, ‘Cleansing Moments’ offers valuable insights and practical advice that will shape you into a promising leader for future generations.” He further added, “I am stirred and overwhelmed to share these impactful stories with the world and look forward to experiencing the transformation in the lives and careers of my readers.”

“Cleansing Moments” is available in both print and digital formats.

Mumbai : Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has released a health advisory aimed at improving the health and well-being of children across the state. The advisory highlights the importance of promoting healthy living habits, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and proper hygiene, to combat the spread of diseases and improve overall health outcomes for children.

Speaking on the occasion of World Health Day, Adv. Susieben Shah, Chairperson – Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights said, “Ensuring the health and well-being of children is critical for their development and success. On this World Health Day, we urge parents, caregivers, and policymakers to take proactive measures to promote healthy living habits among children. We must prioritize the health of our children today to build a healthier and brighter future for Maharashtra.”

She added, “With recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, it is more critical than ever to prioritize our health and well-being. As we navigate through the unprecedented post-pandemic era, it is our responsibility as citizens, to do our part in taking individual responsibility of our health and well-being, collectively making public health a top priority.”

The health advisory includes recommendations for parents and caregivers to promote healthy eating habits, such as encouraging the consumption of fruits and vegetables, reducing sugary and processed foods, and ensuring children drink plenty of water. The advisory also emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, limiting screen time, and practicing good hygiene habits such as regular handwashing and sanitizing.

Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of children across the state, and this health advisory is a crucial step towards ensuring that children have the tools and resources they need to live healthy, happy lives.

Mumbai : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (10th February) inaugurated the new campus of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Arabic Academy in Mumbai. The head of the Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin welcomed the Prime Minister at the complex.
The Prime Minister and His Holiness proceeded towards the main entrance, which is modelled after ‘Baab Zuwayla’—a gateway to the old city of Cairo built by the Fatimid imams—from where he entered the campus. They planted a fig tree, which serves as a symbol of growth, renewal, and the flourishing of knowledge. Two young members of the community presented Prime Minister Modi with doves, which were released as a gesture of peace and goodwill.
The Honourable Prime Minister then unveiled the inaugural plaque and officially inaugurated the Arabic Academy with a ceremonial untying of the ribbon.
The Prime Minister was given a tour of the campus to take him through the history, heritage and educational values of the Bohra community. Around 100 students and faculty members were situated at various locations along the Prime Minister’s route throughout the campus to greet and exchange conversations with him.
The Prime Minister then visited the Ceremonial Hall of the campus where dignitaries and members of the Dawoodi Bohra community from India and abroad were seated.
His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq and head of the global Dawoodi Bohra community, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for joining him on this auspicious day.
His Holiness spoke of the decades-old friendship and bond between the Honourable Prime Minister and his respected father Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin. He thanked the Prime Minister for his numerous initiatives for the betterment of the nation, remarking specifically on his presidency of the G20.
“India has been our home for centuries, and we are at peace here,” said His Holiness. He prayed that every child in the nation and across the world receives a beneficial education and the opportunity to grow and flourish.
The Prime Minister was felicitated and presented with a traditional shawl as a symbol of His Holiness’ gratitude and appreciation. He was then accompanied by His Holiness to the Western Gate of the campus and bid farewell.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that he is not here as a Prime Minister but as a family member who has been associated with this family for four generations.
The Prime Minister said every community, group or organization is recognized by its ability to keep its relevance intact with changing times. “On the parameters of adapting to changing times and development, Dawoodi Bohra Community has proved itself. “Institution like Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah is a living example of this”, the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister elaborated on his long association with the Dawoodi Bohra Community and said that the affection of the community keeps raining on him wherever he goes. He remembered the instance of Dr Syedna teaching at the age of 99 and talked about his close relations with the community in Gujarat. Recalling the centenary celebration of Dr Sydena in Surat, the Prime Minister recalled the commitment by the spiritual leader about the water situation in Gujarat and expressed gratitude for their continued commitment to the cause of water. Shri Modi cited this as an example of the complementarity of society and government for causes ranging from tackling malnutrition and water scarcity.
“When I go somewhere not only in the country but also abroad, my Bohra brothers and sisters definitely come to meet me”, the Prime Minister remarked as he highlighted the love and concern of the Bohra community for India.
“The country is taking the resolutions of Amrit Kaal forward with reforms like the new National Education Policy”, the Prime Minister said as he highlighted the new opportunities being made available for modern education of women and girls. He noted that Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah is also moving forward in this endeavor.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said “The people of the Bohra community in foreign lands can act as brand ambassadors of shining India. The Dawoodi Bohra community will continue to play an important role in reaching the goal of a developed India.”
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, HH Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, and Ministers from the Government of Maharashtra were present on the occasion among others.

Mumbai : Ujaas, an Aditya Birla Education Trust initiative, has partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to work on women’s health and economic empowerment in Maharashtra.

Through this initiative, Ujaas will work with 100 Women Self–Help Groups (SHG) in rural Maharashtra to help generate income sources for women by providing training to manufacture cloth pads at Gram Panchayat, schools, Zilha Parishad, Community halls etc. and create awareness, accessibility, and availability of period products for the rural population at affordable prices.

Ujaas will also empower women with financial literacy and undertake research studies on issues related to women’s health and hygiene. The SHGs will be trained to manufacture and market cloth sanitary napkins for Online and On ground sales. Moreover, Ujaas will also conduct a workshop to educate the women of SHGs on menstrual health and hygiene management.

Since its inception in December 2021, Ujaas has reached out to 79,447 beneficiaries, conducted 2,070 awareness sessions, and distributed 815,998 menstrual pads, covering 378 Schools across 13 locations.

In response to this partnership, Advaitesha Birla, Sociopreneur and Founder of Ujaas, stated, As Ujaas grows we are proud to forge a meaningful partnership with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to work on women’s health and economic empowerment. This work can have an impact not only to empower women through knowledge and financial literacy, but also contribute to the country’s economic growth. Together we want to drive impactful change, provide opportunities for livelihood generation and increase access to hygienic period products to improve women’s health. At Ujaas we make the change one girl at a time”.

Women have a critical role to play in India’s growth trajectory and the Government of India is committed to transforming women’s development into women-led development. We are inspired by this mission and honoured to support India on this journey, by accelerating progress towards a more gender-equal world with a focus on new enterprise creation, skilling, training, access to markets and greater participation in the labor force, as critical levers to driving greater economic empowerment for women. We are excited about partnering with Ujaas to advance these goals in Maharashtra.” said Hari Menon, India Country Director, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.