Archive: December 31, 2024

Mrs. India Pride of Nation Season 6: A Grand Finale Marking a Decade of Empowerment and Elegance

New Delhi, December 31, 2024: Glamour Gurgaon, led by the visionary Barkha Nangia, proudly announced the prestigious grand finale of Mrs. India Pride of Nation 2024. Now in its sixth season, the event took place from December 24 to December 28, 2024, at the iconic JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity. This celebrated platform continues to honor the resilience, grace, and achievements of married women, empowering them to pursue their dreams and embrace their full potential.

After nationwide auditions in key cities like Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, and West Bengal, this transformative journey culminated in an unforgettable finale that was a spectacle of elegance, inspiration, and empowerment. Each year, Mrs. India Pride of Nation serves as a launchpad for women aspiring to careers in fashion, media, and entertainment. The event not only celebrates individual talent but also nurtures personal growth, self-confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The prestigious titles of Mrs. India Pride of Nation 2024 were awarded to a remarkable group of women who stood out among an incredibly talented cohort of finalists. The winners were recognized for their extraordinary poise, confidence, and inspiring personal journeys, embodying the values of resilience and empowerment that this esteemed pageant represents. Their exceptional performances across various categories captivated the jury and left an indelible mark on this milestone event.

In Group A – Charming, the winners were:

1. Winner: Gazal Gupta
2. First Runner Up: Ishpreet Kaur Gulati
3. Second Runner-Up: Priyanka Madhukar
4. Third Runner Up: Rajeshwari Raj
5. Fourth Runner Up: Sweta Thakuria

In Group B – Ravishing, the winners were:

1. Winner: Aditi Gogoi
2. First Runner Up: Basabdatta Kar
3. Second Runner Up: Pooja Tiwari
4. Third Runner Up: Shweta Arora
5. Fourth Runner Up: Abhilasha Chauhan

In Group C – Enchanting, the winners were:

1. Winner: Priya Goswami
2. First Runner Up: Kiran Sharma
3. Second Runner Up: Kavita Kharayat
4. Third Runner Up: Khushi Mahendru
5. Fourth Runner Up: Sarbari Dastidar

Additionally, the titles for Face of North, South, East, and West were awarded to:

• Face of North: Sneha Choudhary
• Face of South: Arunima Salopal
• Face of East: Sohini Das
• Face of West: Ankita Bist

This celebration of elegance and empowerment underscored the achievements of these exceptional women, who continue to inspire and make a difference through their journeys.

These extraordinary women impressed the panel with their grace, confidence, and incredible personal journeys. The esteemed jury panel, featuring Mrs. India Pride of Nation 2019 winner Pooja Desai, renowned actor Rubina Dilaik, Akash Agarwal, and Namrata Senani Garg, faced the challenging task of selecting the winners. The jury expressed their excitement and acknowledged the difficulty of choosing among such remarkable finalists, all of whom showcased exceptional talent and determination.

Shie Lobo, a luminary in fashion choreography and show direction in India, has brought her exceptional creativity and expertise to the event, transforming the grand finale into a stunning showcase of elegance and artistic brilliance.

Barkha Nangia, the creative force behind Mrs. India Pride of Nation, emphasized the event’s deeper mission- “Mrs. India Pride of Nation is more than just a pageant; it’s a celebration of determination and dreams. As Glamour Gurgaon proudly marks 10 years of empowering women, this platform continues to inspire married women to break barriers, showcase their true potential, and redefine success on their terms. Our finalists and winners have gone on to achieve remarkable success in fields like modelling, acting, and theatre, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements.”

This year’s event was supported by esteemed media partners, including 11-11 Cosmetics, Shubhashini Ornamentals, Tops, and more, whose collaboration played a pivotal role in making the grand finale a resounding success.

As Glamour Gurgaon proudly celebrates a decade of excellence, its achievements shine brightly. Over the last 10 years, Glamour Gurgaon has organized numerous beauty pageants, becoming a beacon of empowerment and elegance. The organization’s mission is to guide women out of their comfort zones, equip them with skills to present the best version of themselves, and connect them with the right opportunities to help their ambitions soar.

In addition to celebrating women’s achievements, Glamour Gurgaon has championed critical health causes, particularly breast cancer awareness. Through annual health camps, the organization has provided free breast cancer screenings and medical check-ups for underprivileged women, promoting early detection and prevention.

As the Mrs. India Pride of Nation 2024 finale approached, women from all walks of life were invited to celebrate their individuality and shine on a global stage. This pageant wasn’t just about winning a crown—it was about discovering the strength, beauty, and potential within.

Sukanta Parida Secures ‘Most Innovative Marketing Strategist’ Title at Connect 4.0

New Delhi, 31st December 2024: One of the year’s biggest educational summits, Connect 4.0, adjudged Sukanta Parida, the Director of Admissions and Marketing at Odisha’s skill-based Centurion University, as the ‘Most Innovative Marketing Strategist’ in the Indian education industry for 2024. The honour was conferred on Mr Parida at the ⁠Collegedunia Excellence Awards 2024, held in the national capital recently. Attended by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and Senior Economic Advisor at Corporate Affairs Ministry Santanu Mitra, among others, the 2024 theme of the annual coveted event was ‘Envisioning India’s Education in 2047: Harnessing Future Technologies to Elevate Educational Outcomes’.

Sharing his thoughts on the award, Sukanta Parida said, “Similar to the rapid advancements in educational streams and technology, education delivery too has evolved drastically in the recent past. While it is a must for the institutions to keep pace with developments across industries and enhance their education models to instill required skills among students, it is equally important to amplify the awareness around industry-oriented and skill-based higher education. I am thankful to Collegedunia for recognizing our efforts.”

Earlier this year, Centurion University of Technology and Management, one of India’s pioneering skill-integrated higher education universities, was honoured at the World Education Summit as an ‘Outstanding Skill University’. In 2024 itself, Centurion was ranked 18th in the country in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings for its effective efforts towards reaching Sustainable Development Goals. The university is further etched in the Eligible List for Indian universities as per the UGC for academic collaboration with foreign universities.

Odisha’s Centurion University is one of the few in India with more than 50 on-campus manufacturing units and industry-sponsored labs, aimed at creating industry-ready workforce and entrepreneurs. In addition to courses like Aerospace Engineering, Agriculture Engineering, Allied Health Sciences, Forensic Science, Management, etc, the university offers credit score-based lateral entry modules to empower everyone to complete their education in desired streams.

Warivo Motor Joins Hands with Shriram Finance to Propel EV Adoption and Two-Wheeler Sales

New Delhi, 31 December 2024: Warivo Motor Pvt Ltd, a leading Indian manufacturer of electric two-wheelers in India, has partnered with Shriram Finance in a strategic effort to make electric vehicles (EVs) accessible to all. Warivo expects this initiative to boosts its reach in the under-served segments of the market in the coming months.

Through this initiative, Warivo Motor reinforces its commitment to being “Everyone’s Ride”, enabling customers to experience the benefits of electric mobility with flexible financing options, including customized EMI plans for low-speed and high-speed electric vehicles.

This partnership is expected to amplify Warivo’s market reach through its established dealer network. By equipping dealerships with enhanced financing capabilities, the initiative enables them to serve a broader customer base while fostering trust and convenience in the EV purchasing journey, ultimately accelerating India’s transition to sustainable mobility.

Speaking on the association, Mr. Yuvraj Garg, Director of Warivo Motor commented, “Our association with Shriram Finance marks a pivotal moment in India’s electric mobility journey. By combining their financial expertise with our innovative EV solutions, we aim to make electric mobility both accessible and affordable, solidifying Warivo as ‘Everyone’s Ride.’ This initiative reaffirms our dedication to empowering Indian consumers with sustainable and cost-effective transportation options.”

Speaking about the alliance, Gopinath TA, Assistant Vice President of Shriram Finance, stated, “At Shriram Finance, we are committed to providing accessible and innovative financial solutions for consumers across emerging India. This partnership with Warivo Motor aligns with our mission of driving financial inclusion and delivering customized services that cater to the evolving needs of our customers, supporting the nation’s transition to sustainable mobility.”

This initiative not only addresses the immediate challenges of affordability and accessibility but also sets the stage for a long-term transformation in India’s transportation ecosystem. By combining Warivo’s expertise in electric mobility with Shriram Finance’s customer-centric financial solutions, the two companies are driving a paradigm shift toward cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable ways to travel.

Child Care Aware of Missouri Names Two Board Members

Michelle Heiliger and Keith Pickerel bring extensive experience to the nonprofit.

St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 31, 2024: Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently added Michelle Heiliger and Keith Pickerel to its board of directors for three-year terms.

Michelle Heiliger brings more than 20 years of human resource management experience to the board. She is the owner of HR Heroes, a boutique human resources firm supporting small businesses and municipalities. Heiliger currently serves as the Mayor of Wright City, Mo. and previously was a member of the Wright City Board of Aldermen.

Keith Pickerel, a retired CPA, joins the board with nearly 40 years of extensive tax experience. He previously worked at Emerson Electric Co. for over 15 years, most recently as the Director of State & Local Taxes at Emerson Electric Co. Pickerel is a member of the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants and previously served on the Associated Industries of Missouri Tax Committee and as Chairman of the State & Local Tax Committee of Tax Executive Institute – St. Louis.

“Michelle and Keith bring valuable, practical knowledge to our organization,” said Child Care Aware of Missouri’s CEO Robin Phillips. “Their commitment to our mission of addressing Missouri’s child care shortage is evident as they have both experienced the challenges of securing quality child care for their own children and grandchildren.” Phillips added that “we are excited to welcome their expertise and dedication to our board.”

Founded in 1999, Child Care Aware of Missouri is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options.

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya Star Brinda Dahal Reveals New Year Resolutions and Optimistic Outlook

As the world prepares to welcome a brand-new year with hope and excitement, our favorite stars are reflecting on their journey and sharing their wishes for the coming year. Brinda Dahal, who beautifully portrays the character of Vaishnavi in Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, opened up about her thoughts on the upcoming year and her heartfelt gratitude for the success of the show.

Sharing her thoughts on the upcoming New Year, Brinda expressed, “I don’t have any specific plans for the New Year yet, but if something comes up, we might go on a trip or celebrate in some way. Speaking of something special for me this year, it’s that I got the opportunity to be a part of Sun Neo’s unique show Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, and the show is doing well, which I hope continues. That’s my wish for this year. As for resolutions, I don’t usually make them because I believe everything happens for the best, and God will guide me. However, I do plan to wake up early, as that’s something I struggle with.”

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, airing on Sun Neo at 7 PM, follows Vaishnavi, an orphan who draws strength and comfort from her unshakable faith in Chhathi Maiyya, who acts as a motherly figure in her life. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Sneha Wagh, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit.

Acer Commends Predator Gaming League 2025 Champions Before Asia Pacific Grand Finale

India, 31st December 2024: Acer, one of the leading brands in the PC gaming market in India, crowned the champions of the 7th Edition of the Acer Predator League India Finale 2025. Held at NSCI Dome Mumbai, this highly anticipated event showcased intense competition in Valorant in a spectacular display of skill and strategy. Team Orangutan claimed victory emerging as the champions of the Predator Gaming League India Finale 2025 and also secured their spots at the Asia Pacific Grand Finale in Malaysia, where they will compete for a total prize pool of USD 400,000.

This year, the Predator Gaming League India finale had a prize pool of Rs. 650,000, shared among the winning teams. Team Orangutan emerged as winners and team Rival Esports runners-up for their top performances. Abdul Azis Ocanada Nandang from team Rival Esports emerged as MVP for PGL 2025.

The atmosphere at NSCI Dome was electric, with excited gaming enthusiasts watching intense matches between top teams. The growing popularity of Valorant in India has allowed gamers to showcase their skills in new and thrilling ways.

Adding to the grandeur of the event, musical performances by KRSNA and Karan Kanchan enthralled the audience, blending high-energy beats with the competitive spirit of esports. The evening also featured stand-up comedy acts that brought laughter and joy, creating a unique fusion of esports and entertainment. These elements elevated the event, making it not just a tournament but a full-fledged celebration of gaming culture.

Sooraj Balakrishnan, Associate Director & Head of Marketing, at Acer India, said, “The Predator Gaming League is a cornerstone of Acer’s commitment to empowering gamers and fostering a vibrant esports ecosystem. Over the years, the league has grown into a remarkable platform that brings together exceptional talent, fuels a passion for gaming, and strengthens the bonds within the gaming community. We are proud to play a pivotal role in elevating esports in India and providing opportunities for players to showcase their skills on a global stage. Acer remains dedicated to championing innovation and inclusivity in the gaming industry, ensuring it continues to thrive and inspire.”

The India Finale of the Predator Gaming League went beyond just a tournament; it turned into a joyful celebration of the gaming community. It offered a valuable platform for emerging talents to display their skills and passion, shining a positive light on the future of the gaming industry in India. Acer’s efforts to support the esports scene in the country were a commendable step in this direction.

Looking ahead, the Asia Pacific Predator Gaming League 2025 Grand Finale in Malaysia promises to be an unmissable spectacle, uniting top teams from across the region to vie for glory. Acer remains at the forefront of this dynamic industry, celebrating the power of gaming and community.