Archive: October 4, 2023

Preservation and Celebration of Indian Cuisine: A Journey with WGSHA and Chef Vikas Khanna

Bengaluru, October 4, 2023 – India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, has always had its heart deeply intertwined with the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. “Uttaram yat yamudrasya himade shachaiva dakshinam. Varsham tadu Bharatam nama Bharato yatra santatih,” as stated in the Vishnu Puran, beautifully captures the essence of this country that lies between the ocean to the north and the snowy mountains to the south, known as Bharat.

Spanning over 32,87,263 square kilometres, from the magnificent Himalayan peaks to the lush tropical rainforests of the south, India boasts an ancient civilization adorned with opulent dynasties, powerful rulers, and a profound history. In India, “Our food is who we are,” and it paints a vibrant canvas with the subtle hues of spices, the artful use of grains like millets, rice, and wheat, and an array of vegetables and fruits, all cultivated within the country.

Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), MAHE, a unit of the Dr. TMA Pai Foundation, has been a pioneer in molding young individuals into competent professionals in the hospitality industry since 1987. In partnership with ITC Ltd., the hotel division of Welcomgroup, WGSHA has consistently set the highest standards in hospitality education and training, earning the rank of number 1 in India for hospitality studies.

In a groundbreaking initiative, WGSHA has embarked on a mission to place Indian cuisine firmly on the global culinary map through its “Centre of Indian Cuisine and Food Culture.” Going beyond the conventional understanding of Indian cuisine, this center delves deep into the intricacies of macro and micro cuisines within India. In 2021, it introduced the “Master of Arts in Indian Cuisine” program, aimed at fostering a deep appreciation for Indian food’s historical and cultural significance.

“The Centre of Indian Cuisine and Food Culture seeks to create awareness about the profound relationship between Indian food, our history, and our culture,” remarked Chef K. Thirugnanasambantham, Principal of WGSHA. “It will educate our youth about the rich historical background of Indian cuisine, tracing its development over hundreds of years, exploring the science behind the use of fresh farm produce and the art of Indian cooking. Just as ITC Hotels have championed Indian cuisine through their signature restaurants, this center will research and develop new recipes and expand our knowledge of Indian food—a small yet significant contribution to nation-building.”

Vikas Khanna, a Michelin-starred chef and a distinguished alumnus of WGSHA, stands as a global ambassador of Indian cuisine. His unwavering passion for Indian culinary traditions and his tireless efforts to elevate its status on the world stage have made him an iconic figure in the culinary world. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of a culinary museum dedicated to preserving the essence of dynamic Indian cuisine. After 15 years of dedication and hard work, this dream has become a reality. The museum is an extraordinary destination for those interested in exploring ancient kitchen utensils and unravelling their historical significance.

In a world where food culture is in constant evolution, WGSHA, in collaboration with ITC, is nurturing a new generation of hospitality professionals poised to carry forward the legacy of Indian cuisine. Through globally recognized signature dining experiences and the dedication of individuals like Chef Vikas Khanna, Indian cuisine continues to captivate and enchant food enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditions, flavors, and influences that have shaped it over thousands of years.

Credit Fair joins hands with Amplus to offer easy financial solutions to solar rooftop customers

Credit Fair, a consumer lending fintech startup, has joined forces with Amplus Solar, Asia’s leading clean energy solutions provider, to offer collateral-free affordable financing to individuals, housing societies, and trust associations looking to set up solar rooftops.

The collaboration is part of Credit Fair’s mission to facilitate faster solar energy adoption in India by providing affordable and easy-to-access financial solutions. This partnership solidifies both firms’ commitment to fostering solar rooftop adoption in the country. The beneficiaries of this offering will be able to save on their energy bills, enjoy reductions in the monthly variable electricity costs, and parallelly help decrease India’s Carbon footprint.

The maximum loan an individual and MSME can avail of is up to Rs 200 lakh. Credit Fair will also provide easy EMI options for up to 7 years, and the customer can pre-close the loan at any time without any extra charges. Loan application, submission, and disbursement will be entirely digital.

Commenting on the association, Vikas Agarwal, Co-Founder & CBO, of Credit Fair said, “The objective of this venture with Amplus Solar is to make solar energy solutions accessible and affordable to the maximum number of people in a quick, easy, and hassle-free way. Finance shouldn’t be a constraint for those wishing to switch to clean energy sources. Credit Fair wants to revolutionise the solar power sector by providing quick and digitised loans for small and medium customers. India has set an ambitious target of meeting half of its power requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030. Our strategies and initiatives are in line with this mission, contributing significantly to the fight against climate change.”

Gaurav Keswani, VP, of HomeScape by Amplus Solar said, “The residential rooftop sector is a vast trove of potential in India’s net zero ambitions. While there is no dearth of demand, economic viability for the customers, especially for premium products like what we offer at HomeScape by Amplus Solar becomes a challenge. We look forward to our association with Credit Fair, which addresses this concern and creates financial value for prospects who wish to transition to clean energy.”

Credit Fair plans to boost the share of green financing in its loan book to 40 percent. The company aims to grow its total assets under management (AUM) to Rs.1000 crore by FY25 and scale up the share of the green financing loan portfolio to Rs.400 crore.

The most-awaited Radio City Super Singer Season 15 is back to elevate melodies with Padmi Shri Kailash Kher as the mentor

India,4th October 2023: Radio City, India’s leading radio network, raises curtains on the most-awaited Season 15 of its marquee property, ‘Radio City Super Singer’ (RCSS). Popularly known to provide a stage to budding singers, this season is set to explore music deeply while captivating the singer’s journey into the realm of music. With a legacy spanning 14 successful seasons, Radio City Super Singer has evolved into a celebration of raw vocal talent and a testament to the unifying power of music. This season, with Honda BigWing as the presenting sponsor, Radio City Super Singer expands its reach to encompass prominent digital platforms alongside on-air and on-ground presence.

With this year’s theme, ‘Jiska Gana Vibe Karega, Wahi India Ka Singing Star Banega’ Radio City will honor the diverse musical tapestry that our nation encompasses. Renowned for his captivating musical prowess, Padma Shri Kailash Kher returns as the guiding light for an impressive fourth consecutive year, infusing the competition with his unparalleled expertise and unwavering mentorship. His presence ensures that the participants receive not only technical guidance but also a deep understanding of the emotional nuances that bring music to life.

Speaking about the launch of Season 15 of Radio City Super Singer, Ashit Kukian, Chief Executive Officer, of Radio City, said, “A platform as influential as Radio City Super Singer possesses remarkable capability to unearth and nurture extraordinary talents from all corners of our diverse nation. As we embark on the 15th edition of this musical odyssey, the renowned brand Honda BigWing has come on board as our presenting sponsor. Radio City Super Singer is not merely a competition; it’s an endowing platform that empowers individuals to transcend boundaries and embrace their passion for music. It’s a transformative journey that holds the potential to propel the singers closer to their aspirations and dreams. Together, let’s create a harmonious symphony that resonates with the hearts of millions, and inspire future generations of musical luminaries.”

Reflecting on his profound journey, Padma Shri Kailash Kher said, “The privilege of being associated with Radio City Super Singer for the fourth consecutive year has been a source of immense joy and satisfaction. Witnessing the evolution of budding talents into confident performers has been an enriching experience. As we step into yet another chapter of this melodious saga, I am thrilled to take on the role of a mentor again, guiding, and nurturing participants on their path to explore and express their musical talents.”

The current season promises to be a symphony of emotions, talent, and dedication. From meticulous auditions that seek out the finest voices to mentorship that shapes promising artists, season 15 is a journey of self-discovery and a celebration of the magic that deeply touches all of us. The nomination will be held on-air, on-ground, and on digital platforms from the 3rd to the 12th of October, and the voting lines will be open from the 16th to the 19th of October. The grand finale of Radio City Super Singer Season 15 is scheduled from the 20th to the 22nd of October. The target demographic of this show consists of males and females over the age of 18 or any adult who has an innate desire to sing and showcase their talent. The top 5 singers from each market will be shortlisted and a winner & a runner-up will be announced from each market. If you love music and singing is your passion, then Radio City Super Singer is the perfect platform for you

63percent commuters indicate debit & credit cards are convenient fare mediums for transit; report by Koan Advisory

Delhi; October4, 2023: Koan Advisory Group, a New Delhi-based public policy consulting firm released a report titled “Transit Payments in India – A Case for Choice and Interoperability”. The study highlights that India’s public transit systems should allow integrated fare payments across different modes of transit, to provide end-to-end payment interoperability for commuters. It is based on a survey of 1,250 commuters in over 60 different locations across four metro cities. The study is a first-of-its-kind report that focuses on the problems commuters face while paying for public transit, and the factors that influence their perceptions of different payment modes.

The report examines recent developments in transit payments in India, highlighting the need for authorities to prioritize account-based ticketing systems over those that solely rely on prepaid card balances. It begins by first identifying the gaps in transit payments based on an analysis of commuters’ responses to an on-ground survey. The study found that 90 percent of commuters use different modes of travel to complete their journey and 76 percent of them want multiple modes of payment-enabled throughout their journey. Interestingly, the survey also found that 66 percent of the total respondents want to use their bank cards at transit entry or exit points.

The report also claims that 66 percent of respondents preferred using a debit/credit card in transit systems, and 63 percent of respondents agreed that it would save them time as they wouldn’t have to purchase and recharge a prepaid transit card.

This trend, in line with India’s evolving demographic landscape, suggests that the preference for debit/credit card usage in public transit is poised to grow over time. Simultaneously, commuters’ reliance on cash and prepaid transit cards is expected to decline. This observation is in sync with the expanding accessibility of digital payment products and fintech solutions, including virtual cards, in India.

Key observations from the survey:

Findings

•  Over 90 percent of respondents use several modes of transit (such as autos and buses, along with metros) in the first and last miles of their journey. Over 60 percent of them want to be able to choose the fare medium in transit payments.
•  Two in three respondents (including 70 percent of millennials and GenZers and 87 percent of international and interstate travelers) want to be able to use their debit /credit cards as one of the payment options on public transit.
•  Two in three commuters say that incentives such as cashback offers, discounts, and brand rewards will influence them towards a particular mode of payment.
•  Three in four commuters prefer to have multiple payment options for transit fares. Commuters prefer interoperability in payment modes for the ability to choose the most convenient payment option for their needs.

Speaking on the launch of the report, Ateesh Nandi, Koan Advisory Group says. “India’s public transit systems must evolve to provide integrated fare payment options that cater to the diverse needs of commuters. Our study clearly shows that commuters are looking for choice and interoperability in payment methods, with a growing preference for debit/credit cards and digital solutions.

To address the challenges of India’s fragmented transit landscape, it is essential to prioritize account-based ticketing systems that connect seamlessly with users’ bank accounts. This approach will not only enhance convenience for commuters but also pave the way for a more inclusive and modernized public transit system in India.”

The report also discusses how the Union government’s One-Nation, One Card initiative does not address the needs of commuters for inclusive and interoperable transit payment systems. Specifically, since the One-Nation, One Card initiative prioritizes offline payments at transit turnstiles, it does not solve the legacy problems with closed-loop prepaid transit cards. In other words, those cards only work within a circumscribed network of transit turnstiles and require users to re-load stored balances.

The Koan study emphasizes the importance of account-based ticketing systems, which connect with users’ bank accounts through methods like mobile ticketing or debit/credit cards for public transportation. These systems enable the development of unified fare management solutions for various modes of transportation, a crucial factor in India’s diverse and fragmented public transit system.

Takeaways

•  As commuters depend on more than one mode of transit, there is a need for end-to-end fare rationalization and integrated ticketing across different modes. Further, payment infrastructure on public transit should be agnostic of the payment option used.
•  A choice of payment options across bank cards, prepaid transit cards, and QR-based tickets would create an inclusive public transit system for tourists and locals. Transit payments in India need to be modernized beyond payment instruments that have in-built prepaid balances.
• Their preference reflects a larger shift toward cashless payments and indicates the potential value-addition from data-driven integrated fare management systems.

5 reasons why smart mobility solutions are changing the face of transportation in Indian cities

Smart mobility solutions are ushering in a profound transformation in transportation dynamics within Indian cities. These innovations harness the power of technology to enhance transportation efficiency, alleviate congestion, and advocate for sustainable modes of travel. In doing so, smart mobility solutions are optimizing the movement of people and goods and fostering a more livable environment for all residents of Indian cities.

In this article, Mr. Aditya Singh Ratnu, Chief Executive Officer of ZEVO India identifies five ways in which smart mobility solutions are transforming transportation in Indian cities:

1. Alleviating Traffic Congestion

One of the significant issues afflicting urban areas in India is traffic congestion. Adopting intelligent mobility solutions presents a promising antidote to this issue, as it amplifies the effectiveness of traffic management and provides commuters with real-time updates. For instance, intelligent traffic signals can dynamically adjust their timing according to prevailing traffic conditions. Likewise, sophisticated parking applications empower drivers by simplifying the process of identifying available parking spaces, rendering it a more convenient endeavor.

2. Improved air quality

Air pollution poses a formidable challenge to urban centers in India. Smart mobility solutions offer a strategic avenue to ease air quality by mitigating vehicle emissions. Notably, electric vehicles (EVs) exemplify a sustainable choice, emitting zero tailpipe emissions, thus presenting a substantial opportunity to diminish air pollution levels. Moreover, the implementation of smart mobility solutions holds the potential to diminish vehicular congestion by optimizing the consolidation of deliveries and deploying more efficient routing algorithms.

3. Increased safety

Smart mobility solutions contribute significantly to safety enhancement by mitigating the risk of accidents. Notably, intelligent intersections can detect potential hazards, issuing timely warnings to drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, smart vehicles are equipped with advanced features like automatic braking and lane departure warnings, further fortifying road safety measures.

4. Augmented Accessibility

Smart mobility solutions are pivotal in enhancing accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities and those facing mobility challenges. Smart public transportation systems offer real-time accessibility information, facilitating a more inclusive travel experience. Moreover, shared mobility services can provide door-to-door transportation solutions, further advancing accessibility and convenience.

5. Reduced costs

Smart mobility solutions are instrumental in curtailing transportation expenditures for individuals and businesses. Ride-hailing services and shared mobility choices often present a more cost-effective alternative to the ownership and maintenance of personal vehicles.

Conclusion

Smart mobility solutions are undeniably transforming the landscape of transportation in Indian cities. These innovative approaches, driven by technology, address some of the most pressing challenges urban areas face. By reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, enhancing safety, increasing accessibility, and lowering transportation costs, smart mobility solutions are making cities more livable and paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. As Indian cities continue to grow and evolve, the continued integration of these intelligent solutions promises a brighter, more accessible, and safer urban experience for all.

Endpoints-11 Biopharma’s Most Promising Startups 2023- Indian Biopharma Startup On Global Map

October 04, 2023, Bengaluru, INDIA: Immuneel has been awarded ‘BIOPHARMA’S MOST PROMISING STARTUPS 2023’ at the ENDPOINTS 11 Awards event held on September 20, 2023, in Boston, USA.

The event annually honors the top 11 global biopharma startups after rigorous peer review research. This esteemed award not only underscores Immuneel’s significant contributions to transforming cancer care with innovative and affordable treatments but also positions the company as a global advocate for equitable access.

Immuneel extends its deep appreciation and gratitude to Endpoints News for this momentous award and is proud to represent India’s growing innovation-led biotech prowess at the international level. The vision of the founders was to put India on the CAR-T map, and this recognition goes a long way in acknowledging their efforts towards this goal.

As India’s first cell and gene therapy awardee on the global stage, Immuneel reaffirms its unwavering commitment to bringing breakthrough cell and gene therapies affordably to India and beyond.

Dr .Kush Parmar, co-founder of Immuneel, accepted the award.

The leadership team is led by seasoned medical and business professionals, with experience spanning across the medicine and biotech industry, our co-founders are – Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Board Director and co-founder, Executive Chairperson, Biocon Limited, Siddhartha Mukherjee MD, DPhil, Cancer Physician, Columbia University, Scientific Co-founder, Vor Biopharmaand Kush M Parmar MD, PhD, Managing Partner, 5 AM Ventures and Dr. Arun Anand MD, Board Director & Chief Operating Officer, Immuneel Therapeutics.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Received 6 USFDA Approvals During Q2FY24

04 October 2023, Mumbai: Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited (Alembic) today announced that it has received US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) approvals on six of its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) during Q2FY24. The Company has received six final approvals that include Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg, Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.1%, Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets USP, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg, Erythromycin Tablets USP, 250 mg and 500 mg, Brimonidine Tartrate and Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.2%/0.5%, Chlordiazepoxide Hydrochloride and Clidinium Bromide Capsules USP, 5 mg/2.5 mg.

Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg of Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC., is to manage the symptoms of psychotic disorders and treatment of schizophrenia, control nausea and vomiting, relieve restlessness and apprehension before surgery, acute intermittent porphyria, adjunct in the treatment of tetanus, to control the manifestations of the manic type of manic-depressive illness and for relief of intractable hiccups.

Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.1% with the brand name Alphagan P Ophthalmic Solution is from the innovator AbbVie, Inc. The medication is indicated to lower elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients suffering from open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets USP, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg by Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. and with brand name Intuniv Extended-Release Tablets is indicated for individuals suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The tablets can be used alone or alongside stimulant medications.

Erythromycin Tablets USP, 250 mg and 500 mg by Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the treatment of various infections caused by certain microorganisms.

Brimonidine Tartrate and Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.2%/0.5% by AbbVie,
Inc. is an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist with a beta-adrenergic receptor inhibitor indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension who require adjunctive or replacement therapy due to inadequately controlled IOP. The brand name for the product is Combigan Ophthalmic Solution.

Chlordiazepoxide Hydrochloride and Clidinium Bromide Capsules USP, 5 mg/2.5 mg with the brand name Librax Capsules by Bausch Health US, LLC. are indicated to control emotional and physical factors that can cause gastrointestinal disorders. These capsules may also be used as additional treatments to help with peptic ulcers and in irritable bowel syndrome (irritable colon, spastic colon, mucous colitis) and acute enterocolitis.

Gullaq Shines at IIT Mandi Catalyst’s Himalayan Startup Trek 2023

New Delhi, 04 October 2023 Mandi Catalyst, the Indian Institute of Technology, proudly hosted its annual flagship event, Himalayan Startup Trek 2023, on Saturday, September 30th, 2023. This event was organized in collaboration with the C3E Division of the Department of Energy and Technology, Government of India.

The driving force behind the Himalayan Startup Trek 2023 is innovation and entrepreneurship. Out of an impressive pool of 500 startups from across the nation, 63 exceptional ventures were shortlisted to participate in the grand finale held at IIT Mandi. The pinnacle of this event witnessed the recognition of ten outstanding companies, among them, Gullaq, a revolutionary platform for Youth Empowerment and Social Impact, which claimed honors for the “Youngest Founding Team Inspiring with their Commitment and Courage” award.

During this momentous ceremony held at the IIT Mandi auditorium, Professor Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, and Mr. Gokul Butail, Special Advisor to the Chief Minister, bestowed the prestigious awards upon Myra Kheterpal and Samya Kheterpal, the visionary young minds behind Gullaq.

This recognition is a testament to Gullaq’s passion, dedication, and commitment to the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and revolutionizing the Gig industry. Their groundbreaking approach has not only earned them a place among the top 10 teams at the IIT Mandi Catalyst Grand Finale but also distinguished them as the youngest founding team to achieve such a feat.

Speaking about this momentous achievement, Myra and Samya expressed their gratitude for the recognition and shared their vision for the future of Gullaq. “We are thrilled to be acknowledged as one of the top startups in this highly competitive arena. This award is a testament to how a self-reliant mindset in youth is empowering our futuristic goals,” said Samya Kheterpal.

Myra Kheterpal added, “Being recognized as the youngest founding team is a proud moment for us. We believe that innovation knows no age, and this award reinforces that belief. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and are determined to achieve the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) via Gullaq.”

Speaking during the event, Dr. Puran Singh, the Faculty in charge at IIT Mandi Catalyst, said, “The jury appreciated them for being so young, yet starting a venture, and then having the courage to compete against 20 advanced ventures, which is amazing and inspiring. We need young minds to take a leap into entrepreneurship and gullaq is an excellent case study for it.”

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India sells 5 Lac+ units in September’23

Mumbai, 4th October 2023: Kicking off the festive season, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has crossed 5 Lac sales mark in September’23 – the highest for FY’2023-24.

Registering a growth of 2% over September’22, HMSI sold a total of 5,26,998 units in the same month this year. While the company sold 4,91,802 units in the domestic market; its exports grew by 19% with 35,196 units in September’23.

Key Highlights of September 2023:

•  Corporate: HMSI announced its collaboration as an Associate sponsor of India’s oldest and iconic football club, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 for a period of 11 months.
•  Product: HMSI launched its flagship premium motorcycle, the Gold Wing Tour, and announced the commencement of its bookings. Additionally, the company also introduced an exciting range of new offerings including the Activa Limited Edition, SP125 Sports Edition, and the Repsol Edition of the Hornet 2.0 and Dio 125. Furthermore, HMSI expanded its product line-up and launched their OBD2-compliant CB300F and CB200X.
•  Road Safety: Expanding road safety awareness in India, HMSI conducted awareness campaigns in 11 cities across India – Thane (Maharashtra), Berhampur (Odisha), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Jamnagar (Gujarat), Ludhiana (Punjab), Pune (Maharashtra), Samastipur (Bihar), Gudivada (Andhra Pradesh), Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Midnapore (West Bengal), Jaipur (Rajasthan) & Davanagere (Karnataka). The company also celebrated the 4th anniversary of its Safety Driving Education Centres (SDEC) in Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) and Kozhikode (Kerala).
•  CSR: Honda India Foundation (HIF) was awarded the prestigious “BHAMASHAH AWARD’’ by the Government of Rajasthan for its remarkable contribution to the education sector.
•  Motorsports: During the inaugural Grand Prix of India, Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Marquez showcased his immense potential by securing the third position in the qualifying round. Meanwhile, his teammate Joan Mir delivered his strongest performance of the season, securing a commendable 5th place in the final race.

IDCA conferred with the prestigious Mahatma Award 2023 for promoting inclusivity in sports

New Delhi, 04th October 2023: The Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) has been conferred with the prestigious “Mahatma Award 2023” for their exemplary contribution to promoting inclusivity for differently-abled sportspersons in traditional sports.

The award was presented to Ms Roma Balwani CEO of IDCA and Ms Reena Jain Malhotra, Patron of IDCA, on the eve of the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi. Team members from the IDCA women’s league were also present at the ceremony.

Mr Amit Sachdeva, Founder, of Mahatma Awards said, “This is indeed a phenomenal initiative for promoting ability in sports. By bringing specially-abled into mainstream sports, such as cricket, we are actually making equality in sports. We all must come together to invest in this to take it forward. Excellent work by the Indian Deaf Cricket Association.”

IDCA has been breaking down barriers for differently-abled sportspersons by providing a platform for hearing-impaired individuals to showcase their talent in cricket. Formed in 2020, closely works with the ICC to promote cricket amongst deaf cricketers globally. It is engaged in organising matches at the national and international levels.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Roma Balwani, CEO, IDCA said, “We believe that sports have the power to bring a positive change in the society and unite the people. Our motive is to empower the 26.8 million differently-abled people of the country and instil the belief that nothing is impossible.”

“We are honoured to be presented with this esteemed award on the occasion of the 154th Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation. The recognition will motivate us to continue with our efforts to promote inclusivity in mainstream sports,” she said.

The Mahatma Award is conferred to organisations for accomplished and influential social and community initiatives. It acknowledges remarkable contributions in diverse fields such as sustainability, philanthropy, shared value, and corporate social responsibility. Moreover, it recognizes those who use their literary and creative genius to bring social consciousness to the forefront. Founded and instituted by Philanthropist Mr. Amit Sachdeva, also known as ‘The CSR Man of India’, the annual award is supported by the Aditya Birla Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).