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G Square Organizes ‘Drops of Hope’ Blood Donation Drive, Garners Massive Turnout

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

G Square, South India’s leading plot promoter, recently organized the “G Square Drops of Hope” initiative, a blood donation drive. The initiative was organized in honor of the birthday of G Square’s Founder and Managing Director, Mr. Bala Ramajeyam in G Square Beachwalk, Neelankarai.

The real estate company organized the blood donation drive in collaboration with The Madras Voluntary Blood Bureau and has planned to donate the collected blood to the Hindu Medical Mission Hospital. This remarkable initiative witnessed the active participation of 100+ G Square employees and people from the public.

Mr. Bala Ramajeyam, Managing Director of G Square Realtors Private Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for the “Drops of Hope” initiative, stating, “At G Square, we believe in making meaningful contributions to society beyond our business endeavors. The ‘G Square Drops of Hope’ initiative is a reflection of our commitment to social responsibility and our desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I am extremely elated to see that an initiative like this, organized on my birthday has received such an overwhelming response, participation and reception. We are actually planning to make this initiative an annual event such that many of those in need of blood can benefit from the same. I would like to personally express my gratitude to all the donors for their blood donation, which might just be crucial in saving someone’s life.”

The “G Square Drops of Hope” aims to address the critical need for blood donations within the city and help save lives in our community. The inaugural drive which was conducted just for G Square employees within the organization saw a massive number of participants which prompted the event to be extended to open for the public.

About G Square

G Square is South India’s No.1 Real Estate Developer that brings to you a lifestyle-defining curation of upscale selections to choose from. Our proactive and keen sense of identifying opportunities has helped build many dream houses and iconic businesses within G Square’s secured communities. Over 10000+ happy customers have trusted the transparent and hassle-free ownership of land in South India’s most potential addresses with G Square’s easy housing transactions.

Spread across Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Trichy, Hosur, Mysuru & Ballari over the past 10 years, we have delivered the most lucrative investment lands with world-class amenities in G Square’s secured communities. With “2 Years of Free Maintenance” and all essentials covered, we aim to empower families and businesses to build the next chapter of their life on land they own.

For more details log onto: www.gsquarehousing.com.

Celebrating the Legacy of Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024

By
Dimple Arora
-
0
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti

On May 7th, 1861, a luminary was born in the heart of Kolkata, whose brilliance continues to illuminate the realms of literature, art, and philosophy. Rabindranath Tagore, a polymath of unparalleled stature, graced the world with his wisdom, creativity, and humanitarian spirit. As we approach Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the life, legacy, and enduring impact of this Nobel laureate.

Rabindranath Tagore was not merely a poet or writer; he was a visionary whose multifaceted genius transcended boundaries. Born into affluence on May 7th, 1861, Tagore’s upbringing in the esteemed Jorasanko Thakurbari nurtured his innate curiosity and artistic sensibilities. Often hailed as the Bard of Bengal or Gurudev, Tagore’s insatiable quest for exploration led him to delve into various disciplines, from literature and philosophy to art and music.

Tagore’s contributions to the world of art and literature are immeasurable. His magnum opus, “Geetanjali,” earned him the prestigious Nobel Prize, making him the first non-European to achieve this honor. Beyond his literary prowess, Tagore’s musical compositions, comprising over 2,230 songs, resonate with timeless melodies that echo the soul of Bengal. His artistic endeavors extended to the canvas, where he painted over 3,000 masterpieces, each a testament to his boundless imagination.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti is not merely a commemoration but a celebration of Tagore’s enduring legacy. Across the country, especially in the vibrant landscapes of West Bengal, the day unfolds with cultural fervor and artistic flair. Schools, universities, and local communities come alive with the resonant strains of Rabindra Sangeet, as dances, dramas, and recitals pay homage to Tagore’s immortal works.

At Visva-Bharati University, the institution founded by Tagore himself, foreign students join in the festivities, underscoring the global impact of his teachings and philosophy. Meanwhile, at Jorasanko Thakur Bari, Tagore’s birthplace, special events honor his memory, serving as a poignant reminder of his profound influence on Bengali culture and beyond.

Quotes of Rabindranath Tagore

As we reflect on Tagore’s wisdom, his words continue to inspire and uplift. On Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024, let us draw inspiration from some of his most profound quotes:

  • “Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf.”
  • “The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.”
  • “You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.”

These timeless aphorisms encapsulate Tagore’s philosophy of life, urging us to embrace the beauty of existence and the pursuit of knowledge.

As we pay homage to Rabindranath Tagore on his 163rd birth anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving his legacy. Through art, literature, and the enduring spirit of humanity, may we honor Tagore’s vision of a world united in harmony and enlightenment. As Tagore himself eloquently put it, “Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them.”

World Asthma Day 2024: Empowering Education for Asthma Management

By
Dimple Arora
-
0
World Asthma Day 2024

Asthma, a chronic lung disorder affecting millions globally, takes center stage every year on the first Tuesday of May, marked as World Asthma Day (WAD). This dedicated day, orchestrated by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), serves as a beacon for raising awareness about this persistent respiratory condition and advocating for improved quality of life for asthma patients.

Understanding the Significance

The significance of World Asthma Day lies not only in shedding light on the challenges faced by asthmatics but also in fostering a collaborative approach among healthcare professionals, patients, and organizations to empower individuals grappling with asthma.

The theme for World Asthma Day 2024, “Asthma Education Empowers,” underscores the pivotal role of education in equipping asthma patients with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their condition. GINA’s emphasis on education aims to enable individuals to recognize symptoms promptly and seek appropriate medical intervention when necessary.

A Brief History

Since its inception in 1993, GINA has been at the forefront of advocating for asthma awareness and education. The inaugural observance of World Asthma Day in 1998 marked a significant milestone in the global campaign against asthma, uniting stakeholders worldwide to address the multifaceted challenges posed by this prevalent respiratory ailment.

Over the years, World Asthma Day has evolved into a pivotal annual event, rallying support from organizations like the US-based National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the World Asthma Foundation. Through a diverse array of activities such as free screenings, media campaigns, educational initiatives, and community events, World Asthma Day continues to amplify the voices of asthma patients and raise public awareness about the condition.

Asthma: A Persistent Challenge

Asthma, characterized by inflammation and constriction of the bronchial tubes, presents a myriad of challenges for sufferers, ranging from mild breathing difficulties to life-threatening exacerbations. While asthma is not curable, proactive management strategies can significantly enhance patients’ quality of life and mitigate the risk of severe complications.

Education emerges as a cornerstone of asthma management, empowering patients to navigate triggers, adhere to medication regimens, and recognize warning signs of an impending asthma attack. By fostering a culture of understanding and awareness, World Asthma Day endeavors to destigmatize the condition and foster a supportive environment for individuals living with asthma.

Looking Ahead

As World Asthma Day 2024 approaches, let us reaffirm our commitment to advocating for asthma awareness, education, and support. By harnessing the power of knowledge and compassion, we can pave the way for a future where asthma patients receive the care and understanding they deserve. Together, let us strive to ensure that asthma education truly empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives, free from the constraints of this chronic respiratory disorder.

World Athletics Day: History, Significance and others

By
Priyanshi Pareek
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0

We should celebrate and admire athletes for their dedication and hard work. They never give up, even when things get tough. They love their sport and keep going until the end. Their passion is inspiring, and athletes everywhere deserve our respect. World Athletics Day is a time to honor them and remember the important lessons we learn from sports.

World Athletics Day is organized by International Amateur Athletic Federation. Every year, it is observed on May 7. This year, World Athletics Day falls on Tuesday.

History
Back in 1996 International Association of Athletics Federations now known as World Athletics decided to celebrate the spirit of athletics. Since then, people from all over the world come together to honor athletes and encourage everyone to actively participate and enjoy the sports. So, whether you play sports or just love to watch sports, World Athletics Day is a chance to celebrate the amazing world of athletics.

Significance
Sports are all about bringing people together, no matter who they are. On World Athletics Day, we encourage kids and young folks to get into sports. It’s a time to celebrate athletes who love what they do and work hard at it. Sports help us stay healthy and active, and they teach us how to be part of a team. So, let’s join in and have fun, get moving, and enjoy the spirit of sports!

How to Celebrate World Athletics Day
Celebrating World Athletics Day can be super fun! Here are some simple ways to join in:

  1. Get active: Try out some athletic activities like running, jumping, or throwing a ball around with friends or family.
  2. Watch sports: Tune in to a sports event on TV. You can cheer for your favorite athletes and teams.
  3. Organize an event: Plan a sports day with your friends or community. You can have races, games, or other athletic challenges.
  4. Learn about athletes: Take some time to read about famous athletes and their inspiring stories. You might even find a new role model!
  5. Spread the word: Share posts or messages on social media to raise awareness about World Athletics Day and encourage others to join in the fun.

“One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it.” – Knute Rockne



G Square Organizes ‘Drops of Hope’ Blood Donation Drive, Garners Massive Turnout

By
Priyanshi Pareek
-
0

G Square, South India’s leading plot promoter, recently organized the “G Square Drops of Hope” initiative, a blood donation drive. The initiative was organized in honor of the birthday of G Square’s Founder and Managing Director, Mr. Bala Ramajeyam in G Square Beachwalk, Neelankarai.

The real estate company organized the blood donation drive in collaboration with The Madras Voluntary Blood Bureau and has planned to donate the collected blood to the Hindu Medical Mission Hospital. This remarkable initiative witnessed the active participation of 100+ G Square employees and people from the public.

Mr. Bala Ramajeyam, Managing Director of G Square Realtors Private Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for the “Drops of Hope” initiative, stating, “At G Square, we believe in making meaningful contributions to society beyond our business endeavors. The ‘G Square Drops of Hope’ initiative is a reflection of our commitment to social responsibility and our desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I am extremely elated to see that an initiative like this, organized on my birthday has received such an overwhelming response, participation and reception. We are actually planning to make this initiative an annual event such that many of those in need of blood can benefit from the same. I would like to personally express my gratitude to all the donors for their blood donation, which might just be crucial in saving someone’s life.”

The “G Square Drops of Hope” aims to address the critical need for blood donations within the city and help save lives in our community. The inaugural drive which was conducted just for G Square employees within the organization saw a massive number of participants which prompted the event to be extended to open for the public.

About G Square

G Square is South India’s No.1 Real Estate Developer that brings to you a lifestyle-defining curation of upscale selections to choose from. Our proactive and keen sense of identifying opportunities has helped build many dream houses and iconic businesses within G Square’s secured communities. Over 10000+ happy customers have trusted the transparent and hassle-free ownership of land in South India’s most potential addresses with G Square’s easy housing transactions.

Spread across Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Trichy, Hosur, Mysuru & Ballari over the past 10 years, we have delivered the most lucrative investment lands with world-class amenities in G Square’s secured communities. With “2 Years of Free Maintenance” and all essentials covered, we aim to empower families and businesses to build the next chapter of their life on land they own.

Esri India Achieves 1 Million Users Milestone

By
Priyanshi Pareek
-
0

Esri India, the leading provider of Geographic Information System (GIS) software and solutions in India, today announced that it has reached the 1 million users mark. The achievement is a testament to the trust and loyalty of its wide customer base spread across diverse industries around the country. 

With encouragement from the Geospatial Data Guidelines 2021, Esri India, as an Indian entity now offers more than 900 layers of geospatial data through the Indian edition of ArcGIS Living Atlas. These data layers are available through Indo ArcGIS to all its users. Indo ArcGIS also provides 200+ solution products for solving various India-centric challenges. Increased usage of these products in the country has led to the culmination of the 1 million user base. 

Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India said, “As we celebrate this momentous accomplishment, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each one of our users who has helped Esri India achieve this milestone of having a million users of Esri technology in India. This increased user base is a testament to the fact that Indian government organizations and industries are widely harnessing the potential of geospatial technologies to achieve exemplary outcomes in their respective fields. The raised awareness along with conducive policies announced by the Government of India in 2021 and 2022 have encouraged users in government, academia, and the private sector to adopt GIS to address mission-critical challenges and build applications that can be collaboratively used by a large number of people in the organizations. We aim to constantly work with the geospatial community and help the users achieve time & cost optimization in their work through effective GIS workflows. These savings will positively impact India’s economic growth, helping it to become a developed nation by 2047.”

Esri India counts the central government, various state government departments including forest and water resource departments, about 200 municipal corporations, smart cities, and other urban local bodies; national mapping agencies; leading manufacturing and telecommunication companies; utilities, and over 800 degree-granting colleges and universities amongst its customer base of more than 6,500 organizations. The company is poised to add many more credible names to its customer base in the years to come.

Esri India enjoys association with a wide network of partners across the country. It has partnered with leading private and government cloud infrastructure providers to deliver affordable, scalable, and robust GIS solutions to its users. It also offers a complete portfolio of managed services – on premise or on cloud for meeting the users’ enterprise GIS needs. Globally, Esri reinvests 30% of its annual revenue into research and development.

Eternal Blessings with Platinum Jewellery for Akshaya Tritiya this Year

By
Dimple Arora
-
0
Platinum Jewellery for Akshaya Tritiya this Year

Celebrated as one of the most auspicious occasions in Hindu culture, Akshaya Tritiya marks a day of new beginnings, prosperity, and good fortune. It symbolizes the onset of new endeavours, prosperity and unending blessings.

This year, the festival will be celebrated on May 10th 2024. As the celebrations around Akshaya Tritiya evolve, the significance of purchasing ‘true white’ continues to hold great meaning as it symbolizes purity and auspiciousness. Besides being intrinsically white, Platinum jewellery with its 95% purity and timeless appeal, perfectly embodies the spirit of this occasion. One of the rarest & purest metals to exist on this planet, platinum is known for its naturally white, that remains untarnished over time, making it a fitting choice for auspicious events. Platinum jewellery thus becomes particularly favoured for this occasion due to its association with purity.

Consumers looking to commemorate Akshaya Tritiya with platinum jewellery have a diverse range to choose from. Options include contemporary pieces for women like Platinum Evara, unique statement jewellery for men under Men of Platinum, and beautifully crafted love bands known as Platinum Love Bands for couples. There are also divine deity pendants in platinum for those seeking sacred symbols. With a wide selection across price points, consumers can elevate their Akshaya Tritiya celebrations with precious platinum jewellery.

Platinum jewellery, blending tradition and modernity, symbolizes everlasting prosperity and beauty for generations. The “Pt 950” inscription on each piece signifies the highest purity, making it a fitting choice for Akshaya Tritiya celebrations.

Highlighting the significance of Akshaya Tritiya for platinum jewellery, Vaishali Banerjee, MD, PGI India said, “Platinum’s preciousness and rarity appeals to young consumers. Over the years, platinum has emerged as the metal of choice for celebrating emotionally significant milestones, special occasions, and festivals, especially its ‘true white’ that is associated with purity and longevity. Whether it’s classic designs or innovative creations, platinum jewellery truly resonates with the essence of Akshaya Tritiya, representing all that is rare, precious and authentic. We anticipate a very joyous and vibrant Akshaya Tritya for all.”

Rajesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director of Kalyan Jewellers said, “At Kalyan Jewellers, we prioritize offering a diverse range of jewellery designs across various categories to meet the evolving preferences of our customers. During auspicious occasions like Akshaya Tritiya, platinum jewellery takes center stage as people consider it an opportune time to purchase precious jewellery. With a positive outlook, we are confident that this year too, consumers will find a variety of dynamic platinum jewellery designs at varied price points to celebrate the occasion in style.”

Joy Alukkas, Chairman and Managing Director, Joyalukkas India Pvt Ltd. highlighted, “Synonymous with wealth, fortune, and prosperity, Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious occasion for purchasing precious jewellery. The combination of platinum’s natural white and intricate designs makes it an ideal option this festival. As consumers seek to purchase precious jewellery to mark this occasion, jewellery crafted from a metal as rare and precious as platinum is a fitting choice to celebrate the festival.”

Suvankar Sen, CEO & MD, Senco Gold & Diamonds remarked, “Over the years, platinum has emerged as the metal of choice amongst the younger generation due to the metal’s rarity, purity, and innate strength. A universal symbol of love, the metal appeals to these young consumers who look to celebrate special occasions and festivals with jewellery that is equally rare and precious. At Senco, we offer a variety of options across the realm of platinum jewellery for women and men that cater to varied style preferences, as our consumers look to purchase precious jewellery to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.”

Milan Shah, Director, Kalamandir shared, “As we approach Akshaya Tritiya, we anticipate another year of increased platinum jewellery sales. This auspicious occasion, known for new beginnings, purity, and prosperity, inspires consumers to choose platinum as their preferred precious jewellery.”

Shop the platinum jewellery collection at leading jewellery retailers nationwide.

About Platinum Guild International (PGI)

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

In addition, PGI works globally with collaborative partners running extensive marketing programmes in the four main platinum jewellery markets of China, Japan, USA and India. These markets are staffed with experts in strategic planning, marketing, retail, design and business development. Since 2015 PGI has been headquartered in Hong Kong. PGI is funded by the leading platinum producers of South Africa, as well as through co-funded programmes with the jewellery industry.

Purity Assurance Program

PGI has partnered with TUV India Pvt. Ltd. to implement a robust audit programme to ensure the purity of platinum under its programme. TUV is one of the country’s first certification bodies and has been closely associated with the quality revolution in India. Under Platinum Guild India’s quality assurance programme, each individual piece of Jewellery has an assured purity as high as 95%. And as a proof of this assurance, every piece is stamped ‘Pt950’ and comes with a tamper-proof quality assurance card that distinguishes authentic platinum from other jewellery. A Unique Identification Number is also stamped on the jewellery in addition to the detailed description of the piece you choose for yourself. Our quality assurance programme is in place to ensure transparency and that the platinum the consumer buys is of the highest quality. After all, that is what true value is all about.

2024 Gartner Voice of the Customer Report Named Whatfix a Customers’ Choice for Digital Adoption Platforms

By
Dimple Arora
-
0
2024 Gartner Voice of the Customer Report

Whatfix, the global digital adoption platforms (DAP) leader, has been recognized as a Customers’ Choice in the Gartner report. This distinction placed Whatfix in the top-right section of Peer Insights Quadrant, the only DAP vendor that received this recognition. 

According to 52 Gartner Peer Insights reviews, the most in its category, half of Whatfix’s reviews came from companies with $1B+ in annual revenue, reflecting feedback from the world’s largest enterprises, including:

  • Global insurance carrier with $30B+ in annual revenue stated, “Whatfix is a great digital platform to integrate with systems new associates are not familiar with. It helps to improve the speed to their proficiency and gives them confidence on the phone with customers.”
  • Enterprise bank with $3B+ to $10B in annual revenue said, “Overall, it’s been a great experience with Whatfix. They’ve worked quickly to resolve any questions or requests, and our users have received immense value from the product.”
  • A manufacturing company with $1B+ to $3B in annual revenue said, “I have been extremely satisfied since day 1. Whatfix is the best partner I have ever worked with. The level of professionalism, customer orientation, and future focus is on Champions League level.”

Reviewers consistently praised Whatfix with high ratings, spanning across product capabilities (4.6/5), support (4.7/5), sales experience (4.5/5), and Integration & deployment experience (4.5/5). Whatfix is the most reviewed company in its category across global deployment regions, with 56% of reviews originating from North America, 27% from EMEA, and 17% from the Asia Pacific region.

Khadim Batti, CEO and Co-founder of Whatfix said, “We believe these direct reviews from our customers validate that customer delight is core to our operations. With over 50% of our product roadmap driven by customer feedback, our focus on product excellence and innovation sets us apart. Over the past seven years of exponential growth, we’ve launched numerous exclusive initiatives like value engineering, value realization, customer enablement, and regional customer consulting and support in the US, Europe, India, and many more regions to enhance customer business outcomes and ROI on tech investments. Thanks to all our customers for partnering with us on their digital transformation and change management journeys.”

Marisa Garcia, VP of Communications and Product Knowledge at AXS, and Whatfix customer, said, “The biggest benefit that we have had since implementing Whatfix has been an increase in customer satisfaction, and that’s what we were going for, so it’s the best benchmark you can hit.” Garcia continued, “AXS appreciates the dedication and teamwork demonstrated by Whatfix, and their contribution has significantly enhanced the user-friendliness of our application for our customers.”

Over 700 companies trust Whatfix as their digital adoption platform, including 79 Fortune 500 companies such as Aramark, Arrow Electronics, AutoZone, Avnet, Beacon Building Products, Becton Dickinson, Cisco, Genuine Parts Company, Kyndryl, ManpowerGroup, Microsoft, Olam, Schneider Electric, UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Whatfix has achieved a top decile year-on-year Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) for two consecutive years. It has launched four new products in this timeframe: Whatfix Desktop, Product Analytics, Enterprise Insights, and Mirror. Whatfix combines digital adoption functionality with GenAI to drive the userization of technology, making technology user-savvy. It has secured five patents from the US Patent Office, with another 12 pending. It boasts exceptional customer satisfaction metrics, including a B2B SaaS net promoter score (NPS) of 47 and a customer satisfaction score (CSAT) average of 99.8%.

The Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer report synthesizes Gartner Peer Insights reviews to create an aggregate client perspective that complements its expert research for technology decision makers. Whatfix has demonstrated its commitment to exceptional customer experience with a 4.5/5 rating on the Gartner Peer site and being named a Leader in numerous analyst reports, including the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide DAP 2024 Vendor Assessment and the Workplace Employee Experience Management (WEEM) Platforms PEAK Matrix® by the Everest Group in 2023.

You can read the 2024 Gartner® Voice of the Customer for Digital Adoption Platforms report here.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Digital Adoption Platforms, Peer Contributors, April 2024.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and PEER INSIGHTS are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences with the vendors listed on the platform, should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Gartner Peer Insights reviews constitute the subjective opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences and do not represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates.

About Whatfix
Whatfix empowers anyone, anywhere, to have scalable success with the technology they use every day, achieving greater knowledge, expanding capability, and unlocking productivity for themselves and their organizations. Whatfix’s Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) integrates seamlessly with applications to enable users, providing in-context information and guidance to immediately increase individual capability and collectively amplify productivity. The organization has seven offices globally in the US, India, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Australia, and works with Fortune 500 companies around the world. Whatfix has raised $140 million to date, and is backed by marquee investors including Softbank Vision Fund 2, Sequoia Capital India, and Cisco Investments.

For more information, visit the Whatfix website.

True Story of Heeramandi- From the Tawaifs of Nawabs to Prostitutes of British Era

By
Dimple Arora
-
0
Real Story of Heeramandi

Lahore, a city steeped in history and culture, holds within its walls the remnants of a bygone era – Heeramandi. This once vibrant enclave was a symbol of elegance, artistry, and sophistication, but now, its legacy stands at the mercy of time, overshadowed by modernity and forgotten by many. Let us embark on a journey through the annals of history to uncover the tale of Heeramandi and the captivating tawaif culture that once thrived within its confines.

In the illustrious days of the Mughal Empire, Heeramandi emerged as a haven for talented women artisans hailing from distant lands such as Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. These women, adorned with skills in classical dance, music, poetry, and etiquette, graced the royal court with their mesmerizing performances. Trained meticulously, they transitioned into tawaifs, captivating audiences with their grace and finesse in the kothas of Heeramandi.

The genesis of Heeramandi can be traced back to the visionary initiative of Hira Singh Dogra, the prime minister of the Sikh Kingdom of Lahore in the 19th century. Establishing a grain market in the royal neighborhood, he inadvertently laid the foundation for a cultural epicenter. As the grain market flourished, so did the popularity of Heeramandi, attracting connoisseurs of art and aristocrats alike.

The tawaifs of Heeramandi were not merely performers; they were intellectuals, educated and revered in society. Born into families entrenched in the art of entertainment, these courtesans were patrons of poetry, dance, and music. However, the dawn of the British Raj brought forth a tumultuous era for Heeramandi. Stripped of their patrons and labeled as mere objects of desire, the tawaifs faced a harrowing decline, relegated to the shadows of society.

Yet, from the ashes of Heeramandi arose a new chapter in its history. Many tawaifs transitioned into the burgeoning film industries of India and Pakistan, leaving behind a legacy of artistry that continues to resonate today. However, the golden age of Heeramandi faded into obscurity, its cultural significance diluted over time.

The British Raj cast a shadow of disdain upon the tawaifs, reducing them to mere ‘nautch girls’ and relegating Heeramandi to a den of vice. Despite this, the tawaifs remained resilient, clandestinely supporting anti-colonial movements and preserving their dignity amidst adversity.

With the dawn of independence and the partition of India, the fate of Heeramandi was sealed. The once esteemed tawaif culture faced extinction, succumbing to the changing moralities of a new era. As brothels replaced kothas and art gave way to commerce, Heeramandi fell silent, a relic of a bygone era.

In the wake of political upheaval, Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq’s regime dealt a final blow to Heeramandi, cracking down on music and dance establishments associated with prostitution. Today, Heeramandi stands as a testament to the ephemeral nature of cultural heritage, its once vibrant streets now bustling with commerce, the echoes of its past fading into oblivion.

Yet, amidst the silence, Heeramandi’s legacy endures, a poignant reminder of Lahore’s lost heritage and the resilient spirit of its people. As we gaze upon the remnants of this forgotten enclave, let us not forget the vibrant tapestry of art and culture that once flourished within its walls, forever etched in the annals of history.

Time to leverage Intellectual Property to Drive Innovation and Competitiveness for Viksit Bharat: Seed Industry

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

India’s agricultural sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, embracing innovation and technology at an accelerated pace. To sustain this momentum, as India strives to achieve the “viksit” tag by 2047, a robust Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) environment is crucial for achieving the aspirations of Amrit Kaal.

The experts highlighted the opportunities and challenges in effectively leveraging intellectual property to drive innovation and competitiveness in the seed and biotechnology sectors in India. These challenges include strengthening mechanisms for IP protection and enforcement particularly in seed and biotech sectors, facilitating technology transfer and licensing agreements, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, and building capacity and awareness among stakeholders.


Dr. Raj S Paroda, Founder Chairman, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) said, “Enabling environment for IPR protection is critical for accelerating new innovations and technologies needed for faster growth of agriculture. When innovators are confident of protection of their rights, they get incentivized to do better and come forward to invest and innovate. For example, investments in research and development of new high-yielding varieties and hybrids, that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Fortunately, through PPVFRA, we in India have a unique IPR framework which not only protect the rights of plant breeders but also of our farmers.” 


Dr. Paroda and other experts were speaking at a national conference titled ‘Innovate, Protect, Prosper: Role of Intellectual Property Protection in taking India’s Seed Sector to the Next Level,’ organised by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII). The scientific and industry experts highlighted the need for a robust IPR environment and effective enforcement that shall boost growth of the seed industry. 


Drawing from international lessons, nations have acknowledged the necessity of maintaining a balanced stance on intellectual property rights. Strong IP protection is vital for stimulating innovation and investment Collaborative research endeavors, partnerships between the public and private sectors, and open innovation frameworks have demonstrated their effectiveness in expediting innovation and tackling intricate challenges.


Highlighting the international best practices in IPR for the seed and agricultural biotechnology, and emphasising the importance of IP learning for the Indian seed industry, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), MInistry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India said, “India takes a progressive approach towards PVP learning from global best practices in IPR for the seed and agricultural biotechnology while taking cognizance of the rights of the farmers as custodians of traditional varieties as well as the need for benefit sharing. Successful IPR regimes strike a balance between promoting innovation and ensuring access to technologies.” 


“Conferences like this are necessary to enhance awareness about the importance of IP rights among the seed and biotechnology industries, and to promote dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders on IP protection strategies, regulatory challenges, and the future of technology transfer in agriculture for benefit of all the stakeholders including the farmers,” Dr. Mohapatra added.


Speaking on the need for a balanced IPR environment for the seed industry, Ajai Rana, Chairman, FSII and Managing Director & CEO, Savannah Seeds said, “There is a need for a multi-faceted and collaborative approach towards building an effective policy and regulatory framework around IPR particularly in the seed industry. This involves legal reforms, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and international cooperation to promote innovation to find solutions to our most pressing problems.”


Rana also advocated for collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance research and development efforts, while reiterating the need for better IPR protection and enforcement on the ground. 


By leveraging the global best practices and insights, India has the opportunity to craft a nuanced strategy on intellectual property, one that nurtures innovation, encourages technology transfer, and overcoming the hurdles confronting its seed and biotechnology sectors.


As the World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated annually on April 26th, it is paramount to raise awareness about the role of intellectual property (IP) rights in fostering innovation and creativity. In India, where the seed and biotechnology industries are crucial for agricultural development and technological advancement, recognising the significance of IP is paramount. FSII strives to contribute to the growth and sustainability of India’s agricultural innovation ecosystem by raising awareness in IPR, promoting collaboration, showcasing innovations, and empowering stakeholders.

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