Archive: October 4, 2023

A spectacular Season 2 Launch of The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project on October 4th

New Delhi, 4th October 2023 – The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, in collaboration with the Tourism Department and The Meghalayan Age, has announced the highly anticipated launch of its second season, slated from October 4, 2023 onwards. The event will take place in Khyndailad, Police Bazar in Shillong, promising a spectacular showcase of Meghalaya’s musical talent.

Building on the resounding success of its inaugural season in 2022, the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project was conceived by the Government of Meghalaya with the vision of nurturing and promoting local musicians, songwriters, composers, event firms, and technical vendors. Furthermore, the project aims to forge a profound connection between music and tourism, spotlighting the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, along with the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Bah Paul Lyngdoh, gracing the occasion as the Guest of Honour. It is noteworthy that both the Ministers have been closely associated with music, not only in its promotion but also in performance.

The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project was officially launched by Honourable Chief Minister Shri. Conrad K Sangma on April 26, 2022. This project also offers venues where tourists and locals may enjoy a range of musical acts and attractions, while also giving musicians, technical suppliers, and budding event businesses, among others, jobs and financial assistance.

Around 1600 performers were given opportunities to perform at cafes, busking areas, and at special events over the course of the last ten months as part of the MGMP, which has organized around 3000 music events in Shillong, Tura, Jowai, and Sohra.

The total number of MGMP artists engaged in Shillong from May 2022- May 2023 is 1735 in Shillong, 281 in Sohra, 117 in Jowai, and 216 in Tura. As far as the Street performance platform (busking) is concerned, a total of 650 artists performed in Shillong, 325 in Sohra, and 320 in Tura. Again, 650 artists performed at café gigs in Shillong, 325 in Sohra, 325 in Jowai and 320 in Tura. There were 15 special curated music events in Shillong, 1 in Sohra, and 12 in Tura.

In his remarks during the launch of the project last year, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma stated, “We believe that music has the power to unite communities, celebrate diversity, and tell the stories of our land. The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project is our commitment to nurturing and celebrating our local talent, fostering an atmosphere where musicians, songwriters, composers, and all those involved in the music industry can thrive. Through this project, we aim to showcase not just the incredible musical talent of Meghalaya but also the vibrant cultural tapestry that makes our state so unique. Music and tourism are intrinsically linked, and we envision a harmonious symphony between the two, with our project serving as a bridge that connects our rich heritage to the world. As we embark on Season 2, we look forward to seeing this vision flourish and resonate with people far and wide.”

Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) not only serves as a catalyst for emerging musicians but also promises tourists a unique opportunity to enjoy musical extravaganzas. An exciting calendar of events, along with special performances, is meticulously curated to cater to music enthusiasts.

Since its inception, MGMP has witnessed a wave of talented artists. The State Government has built spaces in Khyndailad, Laitumkhrah, Mawkdok, and Sohra for these live street musical events. Cafes in Shillong, Jowai, and Tura regularly host live performances, busking and street plays, and café gigs on a regular basis.

This year’s launch of Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project – Season 2 promises to be an unforgettable event, celebrating the fusion of music, culture, and tourism in Meghalaya. With the support of the government, talented artists, and enthusiastic music lovers. MGMP will continue to be a shining beacon for the field of music in the state.

WION’s EV Conclave, VoltAge – Leading the Charge aims to pave the Road to Sustainable Transportation

India is at a pivotal juncture in its journey towards sustainable mobility, and to celebrate the nation’s remarkable progress in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, WION, India’s first and only global news platform, is thrilled to announce its first-ever electric mobility initiative, ‘VoltAge – Leading the Charge’. With ‘Leading the Charge’ as its underlying message, VoltAge aims to be a catalyst in shaping the future of the EV industry in the country. This high-profile event will serve as a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to share insights and experiences, fostering collaboration and innovation within the EV sector.

With its ambitious target of doubling the size of its auto industry to Rs. 15 lakh crores by the end of 2024, backed by a significant FDI inflow of $33.77 billion in the sector, India is strategically aligning itself with the global electric vehicle industry. This industry has the potential to generate five crore jobs by 2030 and attract substantial local and foreign investments.

To be held at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad on 5th October 2023, the event will feature a series of engaging knowledge sessions, panel discussions, and keynote addresses, covering a wide range of topics related to electric mobility. Notable dignitaries and leaders from the government, industry, and academia will offer their perspectives and insights on how to best shape the electric vehicle ecosystem in India.

WION is committed to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions, and this event aligns with its mission to help in accelerating India’s transition to electric mobility. The knowledge shared and discussions held during this conclave will serve as an enabler of transformative change in the Indian automotive landscape.

This landmark event will be attended by industry dignitaries from the electric vehicle, automotive, and tech industries and will provide invaluable insights and perspectives on the EV revolution. Esteemed visionaries, including Santhosh Kumar Joginipally – MP, Rajya Sabha and Senior BRS Leader; Santosh Iyer – MD & CEO, Mercedes Benz India; Jyoti Malhotra – MD, Volvo Auto India; Aditya Jairaj – Deputy MD, Stellantis India; Virendra Goyal, Head – BD, EV Charging, Tata Power; Niraj Rajmohan – Co-Founder & CTO, Ultraviolette Automotive, among others, will grace the event.

Madhu Soman, Chief Business Officer, WION, said, “VoltAge – Leading The Charge’ is a testament to WION’s commitment to driving meaningful discussions on pivotal issues shaping our world. This conclave will serve as an extraordinary opportunity for attendees to connect with industry luminaries, share ideas, and explore the incredible potential of electric mobility in India. The impact of this event will extend far beyond its duration, influencing policies, investments, and the trajectory of the electric vehicle industry. Attendees will leave not only with valuable insights but also with a sense of purpose, knowing they are contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.”

‘VoltAge – Leading The Charge’ is being organised in partnership with the Government of Telangana (State Partner), and supported by the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad as the Knowledge Partner.

Godrej Appliances brings forth an extravagant lineup of premium appliances to enhance festive cheer

Bangalore, 4 October 2023: Godrej Appliances, part of Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of Godrej Group, is set to illuminate the festive season for its customers with an attractive line-up of premium products and exciting festive offers.

Buying patterns have witnessed a shift towards more experience-based and feature-rich products, contributing to the growth of the premium segment. Aiming to drive over 30% growth in the premium segment this year, Godrej Appliances has expanded its range of home appliances, especially in premium segments, to provide consumers with more product options having distinguished features and technologies. Overall, consumers can choose from 350+ SKUs spread over a wide portfolio of refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, air coolers, microwave ovens, deep freezers, dishwashers, and more.

Godrej Appliances has recently launched the 670L premium ‘Eon Velvet 4-door refrigerator’, equipped with easy convertible modes and advanced controls; 400L+ frost-free refrigerators and high capacity 250L+ single-door refrigerators in the well-accepted ‘Edge Marvel series’. Alongside ‘Steam Wash’ enabled top-load automatic washing machines and ‘Front-load washing machines’ with advanced features. Further introducing the ‘Turbo Chill Air Conditioners’ in 1.1 TR and 1.7 TR with the wider indoor unit, I-sense, and 5-in-1 convertible technology, Nano Coated Anti-Viral Filters; and the power saving 5.4 ISEER ‘Super-Efficient ACs’. All this along with the new series of ‘Edge SnowChill Air Coolers’ and new ‘5-Star Deep Freezers’ with upgraded aesthetics, there are plenty of choices for consumers to pick for their homes.

Commenting on the festive season, Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Executive Vice President of Godrej Appliances, part of Godrej & Boyce said, “For the festive season, our focus remains on delivering advanced home appliances with cutting-edge technology across categories. Currently, our premium mix is 35% and we want to take that up to 40% with our new offerings which are specially designed to meet specific consumer needs while being high on aesthetic appeal. Coupled with consumer schemes enabling easy upgrades, these new offerings are poised to drive substantial growth. At the back of a wide portfolio of over 350 SKUs and consumer offers, we are anticipating 30%-40% sales growth during this festive season over last year.

We understand that consumers look to buy lasting durables when they make a purchase for their homes in Diwali. Accordingly, our #AyushmannBhavaForever festive campaign promises them lasting joy through high-quality products that are known for their longevity, and now also come with extended warranty schemes and other lucrative consumer offers.”

For the festive season, Godrej Appliances is extending a series of exciting offers to its beloved consumers that include extended warranty, cashback and exchange offers, and easy EMI among others. These are available pan-India at offline stores as well as online on e-commerce platforms.

getAbstract Announces 2023 International Book Award Business Impact & Learning Impact Shortlists

LUCERNE, Switzerland, October 4, 2023 – getAbstract, the world’s go-to platform for actionable knowledge and microlearning, announces today the shortlist for its Business Impact and Learning Impact categories of the 2023 getAbstract International Book Award. The ‘Learning Impact’ category recognizes titles that offer significant insights for people leaders in the L&D space and the ‘Business Impact’ category recognizes titles that provide business leaders and entrepreneurs with actionable knowledge in areas like leadership, technology, career, and more.

“Our shortlisted titles are a testament to outstanding contributions in business and learning & development,” said Thomas Bergen, CEO and Co-Founder of getAbstract. “These books equip business leaders and decision-makers with invaluable tools to better manage their organizations.”

2023 International Book Award Shortlist – “Business Impact” Category

Broken How Our Social Systems Are Failing Us and How We Can Fix Them by Paul LeBlanc, Matt Holt Books, 2022

Chip War The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology by Chris Miller, Scribner, 2022

Leadership Two Words at a Time Simple Truths for Leading Complicated People by Bill Treasurer, Berrett-Koehler, 2022

More than a Glitch Confronting Race, Gender, and Ability Bias in Tech by Meredith Broussard, MIT Press, 2023

Viral Justice How We Grow the World We Want by Ruha Benjamin, Princeton UP, 2022

2023 International Book Award Shortlist – “Learning Impact” Category

Building a Second Brain A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential by Tiago Forte, Profile Books, 2022

Coachability The Leadership Superpower by Kevin Wilde, Kevin Wilde, 2022

Learning at Speed How to Upskill and Reskill Your Workforce at Pace to Drive Business Performance by Nelson Sivalingam, Kogan Page, 2022

The Power of Potential How a Nontraditional Workforce Can Lead You to Run Your Business Better by Thomas D’ Eri, HarperCollins Leadership, 2023

The Psychological Safety Playbook Lead More Powerfully by Being More Human by Minette Norman and Karolin Helbig, Karolin Helbig, 2023

Since 2020, getAbstract has invited readers to vote for their favorite book longlisted in the main “Business Impact” category. This year, readers could also cast their vote for their favorite title of the “Learning Impact” longlist. The “Readers’ Choice” award goes to the work with the most votes in each category.

The winners of the “Business Impact” category will be announced on October 19, 2023, on the occasion of the Frankfurt Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany. The “Learning Impact” winners will be announced on October 25, 2023, at DevLearn in Las Vegas, US.

Les Petits launches an exclusive range of festive collection from the in-house brand Rang

New Delhi, 4 October 2023: With the festive season around the corner, Les Petits, the luxury fashion brand for kids, has launched an exclusive range of festive collections from the in-house brand Rang. Exhibiting opulence, the assortment curated by the brand perfectly resonates with the festive fervor.

The exotic collection embodies sartorial elegance, diligently weaved into a variety of rich fabrics like Chanderi Silk and velvet, Neo Prines, Satin, Cotton, Silk, and Chiffon to vividly capture the celebratory mood of the occasion. At the same time, it offers a wide gamut of options to choose from a reservoir of designs, be it in the form of fascinating embroidery to scintillating sequins, placket kurtas, or cape and butterfly style lehenga, it prepares the precise concoction to attract the attention of the gathering.

To complement the fall season, the brand consciously brings pastel hues of parrot peach, pista green, lilac, and many more colors to the table. It goes on to accentuate the entire look of the kids by playing with patola, paisley, and batik print. The brand delves into maven craftsmanship to curate an eclectic clothing line with timeless floral prints.

The wide range of lehenga, sharara, and kurta sets exhibit a gorgeous collection to augur the celebration. Speaking on the occasion, Swati Saraf, President, of Les Petits said, “The festive collection for the year has been consciously curated to flawlessly create a mesmerizing look for the children. It not only stirs excitement in the kids but, it helps them dazzle in the realm of elegance offered by the brand. In our entire pursuit to give the best fashion to kids, which echoes opulence with each pattern, style, and design, we pay a lot of attention to the comfort of the children. We focus on creating a statement with the help of breathable fabrics made of lightweight and soft materials to ensure that the attire does not get in the way of kid’s fun and recreation.”

The collection is exclusively available at the brand’s store.

1.  Phoenix Palladium (Mumbai)
2.  DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
3.  DLF Avenue, Saket, New Delhi
4.  Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

MBD Group Celebrates 67th Establishment Day: A Remarkable Journey of Excellence and Innovation

National, 4th October 2023: MBD Group, a multifaceted organization operating in India and abroad, is thrilled to announce the commemoration of its 67th Establishment Day. This momentous occasion serves as a testament to the enduring decades of devotion, ingenuity, and excellence within the sphere of education. Since its inception in 1956, MBD Group, under the dynamic guidance of its visionary Founder, Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra, has consistently adapted to the ever-changing demands of the education sector.

MBD Group represents a remarkable blend of excellence, reliability, and expertise across various sectors. With its extensive presence in Education, EdTech, Skill Development, Capacity Building, Exports, Hospitality, Food and beverage, Malls, Realty, Design and construction, Residences, and Commercial spaces, MBD Group has established itself as a prominent player in the industry. Starting from modest origins, the company has ascended to a commanding position in the market, actively shaping the future of education through its unwavering commitment to quality, technology, and social responsibility.

On this gracious occasion, Mrs. Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson of MBD Group, said, “Our journey of 67 years is a testament to our unwavering dedication to education. We’ve come a long way, but our commitment to providing quality learning resources remains steadfast.”

Managing Director of MBD Group, Ms. Monica Malhotra Kandhari, emphasized, “Innovation has been at the heart of our success. We’ve embraced emerging technologies to create educational solutions that have a positive impact on students worldwide.”

Ms. Sonica Malhotra Kandhari who is the Joint Managing Director of MBD Group, added, “On our 67th Establishment Day, we reflect on our journey from modest beginnings to becoming a prominent player across multiple industries. Our commitment to quality, technology, and social responsibility continues to drive us forward as we shape the future of various prominent sectors.”

MBD Group has achieved remarkable milestones in education, global outreach, and social responsibility, gaining industry recognition. Ashok Kumar Malhotra (AKM) charitable trust, the CSR Arm Of MBD Group also launched its ‘Love to Learn’ initiative on their 78th Founder’s Day. The campaign has already ignited a strong passion for learning among underprivileged students. It will continue evolving, creating technologically advanced classrooms that inspire students to wholeheartedly embrace education.

The 67th Establishment Day festivities will feature a wide array of activities, including citywide plantation drives in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Delhi, and Noida. The group will also be providing essential stationery and study materials along with hosting a special movie show and high tea for underprivileged children. Furthermore, there will be an exciting cricket match for their employees, complemented by enriching webinars and various other events that underscore MBD Group’s dedication to education and innovation.

ITC Maratha joins hands for Swachhata Shramdaan to keep Mumbai clean

Mumbai, 03^rd October 2023: The pristine shores of our Mumbai have long been a source of joy and solace for us. However, the increasing menace of plastic pollution and debris caused due to idol immersions threatens not only the beauty of our beaches but also the marine life that calls these waters home.

In a commendable effort to combat this crisis, ITC Maratha ‘Swacchata Shramdaani’ contributed through a beach clean up to scavenge for debris caused due to idol immersion, Installation of Public Utility Dustbins, beautification and cleanliness drive, also by creating & promoting Guest and Employee Awareness.

On a bright and sunny morning, the dedicated team of ITC Maratha volunteers gathered at Dadar Beach armed with gloves, trash bags, and an unwavering determination to make a difference. The focus was clear – to rid the shoreline of harmful plastic waste and debris caused due to idol immersions that had marred its natural beauty. As the volunteers combed the sands, their actions spoke volumes about the importance of collective responsibility. Every discarded bottle cap, plastic wrapper, or pieces of idol collected was a step towards restoring the beach to its original glory. Several gurney bags of waste and litter had been removed from the beach, leaving behind a cleaner and inviting shoreline that could once again be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Installations of Public Utility Dustbin help keeping public spaces clean and organized as they provide a specific place for people to throw their trash. Proper waste disposal also reduces the risk of diseases and pest infestation hence ensuring safety of health for the common public. Team ITC Maratha installed various dustbins on Ashok Nagar Business Road, Mumbai as this road tended to collect and build up muck and the people from the auto – stands often throw out single use plastic and waste, polluting the road. While the installation of the dustbins was done, the team also swept out all the garbage around.

Beautification and Cleanliness Drive at the Milan Park in Mumbai, was an extended gesture and support for the restoration of the BMC Public Park to take off the pressure from the officials. Sweeping and cleaning of the park was done very thoroughly by our team. ITC Maratha also decided to plant 2 saplings in that park to help contribute to the green cover. This park is a symbol of peace and closeness to nature, and the team contributed a little more to the beauty of this.

Creating awareness among our esteemed guests was a very crucial part of this activity as it helped not only in building stronger guest relations and communication but also gave our guests clarity about our motto – Responsible Luxury. Our staff showed our guests with various examples of “Not using Single Use Plastic” while he enjoyed the amenities of ITC Maratha. Our staff welcomed our guest to the Peshwa Pavilion, with a glass of Sunya Aqua while explaining what the importance and need behind this was. Sunya Aqua is our in house bottled water that is completely free of plastic and is stored in glass bottles. The guest then bid us adieu by carrying home some of his favourites in our ECF boxes – Elemental Chlorine Free, which are completely recyclable and don’t consists of any plastic.

ITC Maratha’s ‘Swacchata Shramdaani’ serves as a shining example of how people can take a proactive stance in preserving our environment. It reminds us that the responsibility to protect our natural treasures rests not only with government agencies but also with citizens who understand the importance of sustainable living.

ITC Maratha has set the stage for positive change, inviting others to join the tide of environmental consciousness. This event reaffirmed the belief that when individuals and organizations come together for a common cause, they have the power to create a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.