Wishes and Blessings Cupcake Drive Spreads Joy to Underprivileged Children
New Delhi, February 15, 2025: Wishes and Blessings, a registered Delhi-based NGO dedicated to spreading happiness among the less privileged, successfully executed its Annual #WBLove Cupcake Drive, bringing joy and sweetness into the lives of underprivileged, homeless, and street children. Now in its 5th edition, this heartwarming initiative was carried out across multiple locations in Delhi, Noida, Chennai, Jamshedpur, and Bangalore on the 13th and 14th of February 2025, spreading love in a truly special way—through cupcakes.
Every Valentine’s Day, Wishes and Blessings ensures that children living in difficult conditions experience the joy of receiving a simple yet delightful treat—a cupcake, often their very first one. What began as a small initiative has now grown into an annual tradition, with compassionate bakers, volunteers, and donors joining hands to make a difference. The smiles, excitement, and sheer happiness on the faces of these children are a testament to the power of kindness and community spirit.
This year, the drive was executed at various locations across Delhi, Noida, Chennai, Jamshedpur, and Bangalore. On Day 1 (February 13th), the team visited Nehru Place, Delhi Cantt, and Sindhi Basti in Delhi, while in Chennai, volunteers reached out to children in key locations across the city. On Day 2 (February 14th), the drive continued in Noida, covering Sector 72, DND Control Room, and Sector 44, and was also carried out in Jamshedpur and Bangalore, ensuring that the warmth of love and kindness spread across these regions.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond just a sweet treat. It serves as a powerful reminder to these children that they are valued, loved, and remembered, reinforcing a sense of belonging and happiness. For many of them, a cupcake represents more than just food—it is a symbol of hope, care, and affection from a society that often overlooks them.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, the Founder and President of Wishes and Blessings, shared, “Love is best expressed through action, and what better way to show love than by making children smile? Through #WBLove, we are not just giving cupcakes; we are creating memories, building connections, and making these children feel special. Each cupcake carries the love and kindness of those who support this cause, and the joy it brings is immeasurable.”
Over the years, the #WBLove drive has grown significantly, reaching thousands of children and inspiring people from all walks of life to contribute. The overwhelming response from donors, bakers, and volunteers showcases the transformative power of collective compassion.
As the 5th edition of the #WBLove Cupcake Drive unfolds, Wishes and Blessings remains committed to spreading love, joy, and hope to those who need it most.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Hosts 24-Hour Hackathon 2025 in Bangalore
Bangalore, 15th February 2025: Reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation in road safety and celebrating ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the successful completion of the 24-Hour Toyota Hackathon 2025 at R V Institute of Technology & Management, JP Nagar, Bangalore. This event marked the third and final chapter of TKM’s hackathon series for the year, following its successful editions in Delhi and Mumbai.
The Bangalore hackathon brought together over 400 young innovators from grades 9 to 11, representing nearly 100 schools. Participants showcased their creativity and technical acumen in developing practical solutions to critical road safety issues, aligning with TKM’s broader vision of achieving zero traffic fatalities. Graced by the presence of the Chief Guest Mr. S. Girish IPS Deputy Commissioner of Police, West along with TKM’s senior leadership, including Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head of State Affairs highlighted Toyota’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of changemakers.
India records the highest number of annual road crash fatalities globally. Each year, the country witnesses over 1,50,000 fatalities due to road accidents, with road traffic injuries being the leading cause of death for people aged 5-29 years. Recognizing this, TKM’s hackathon series across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore has engaged students in the 2024-25 academic year, generating over 400 innovative concepts from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore aimed at addressing these challenges. By fostering critical thinking and solution-oriented approaches, the initiative equips young minds to tackle modern road safety challenges. It serves as a platform that not only unlocks the potential of these innovators but also transforms them into ‘Change Agents,’ driving positive behavioural changes within their communities and contributing significantly to advancing road safety.
Participants tackled themes such as Road Safety Awareness and Education, School Zone Safety, Traffic Management, and IoT Integration in Road Safety. They were encouraged to develop both digital and policy-driven solutions capable of reducing road accidents and saving lives. Each hackathon followed a structured five-phase journey: Team Selection and Idea Submission, Boot Camp Shortlisting, the 24-Hour Hackathon, and Incubation Support for the top teams. Out of 100 initial teams, 33 teams advanced to the final phase, with three winning teams receiving continued mentorship to refine and implement their solutions.
Present at the occasion, Chief Guest Mr. S. Girish IPS Deputy Commissioner of Police, West said, “The Toyota Hackathon is a testament to the power of young minds when given the opportunity to innovate. It is inspiring to see how students are channelling their creativity to address a critical issue like road safety. Initiatives like this not only nurture future leaders but also instil a sense of responsibility and purpose in creating a safer world. The enthusiasm and ingenuity I witnessed today reaffirm my belief in the potential of our youth to drive positive change. I applaud Toyota Kirloskar Motor for this impactful initiative and look forward to seeing these solutions translate into real-world benefits for society.”
Speaking at the event, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs, TKM, said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, safety is at the heart of everything we do. The Toyota Hackathon is a reflection of our belief that empowering young minds to innovate is key to addressing societal challenges like road safety. By equipping students with the tools and mentorship to tackle real-world challenges, we are not only addressing road safety but also building a community of changemakers dedicated to societal progress. We remain committed to supporting their journey from ideas to implementation, ensuring safer roads for everyone.”
Road safety and education form the cornerstone of Toyota’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Toyota Hackathon, launched in 2018, complements the Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP), which has reached over 800,000 students since 2007. As the grand finale of the 2025 series, the Bangalore hackathon has set the stage for a brighter and safer future, showcasing the remarkable impact of empowering youth to address pressing societal challenges. With every milestone achieved, TKM reaffirms its leadership in advancing sustainable mobility and road safety.
Uptown Mall Hosts a Musical Valentine’s Celebration with Lekka
February 15, Noida— This Valentine’s Day, Uptown by Advant invites couples, friends, and music lovers to an evening filled with love, music, and celebration. Renowned singer Lekka will take the stage for a soul-stirring live performance, making the night truly unforgettable.
One of India’s most dynamic trilingual artists, Lekka seamlessly blends English, Hindi, and Punjabi in her music. She has released hit songs such as Le Jaana (Jjust Music and Warner Music India), Kaabil-e-Tareef (Sony Music India), and Kingpin (T Series). Her journey has been remarkable, with performances at major festivals like Zomaland, Horn Ok Please, and Sundowner. Her dynamic setlist for the evening is expected to feature songs like Stayin Alive, Ghungroo, and Bang Bang. As the tempo builds, guests can dance to high-energy tracks such as Tauba Tauba, Bijlee Bijlee, and Kala Chashma.
“We want Uptown to be the ultimate destination for special celebrations. With Lekka’s electrifying stage presence and soulful music, this Valentine’s Day will be a magical experience for our visitors,” said Mr Sunil Sharma, Managing Director, Uptown.
Beyond the music, Uptown will set the perfect romantic ambiance with:
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- Exclusive Valentine’s Day promotions
- Themed dining experiences at partner restaurants
- Stunning decor to enhance the romantic mood
Whether you’re celebrating with your partner, friends, or family, Uptown is the perfect place to soak in the spirit of love and togetherness.
Navrachana University Launches NUV Graduate School in July 2025
Vadodara, 15 February 2025: Navrachana University (NUV) in Vadodara has long been at the forefront of offering education that connects students with industry realities. With established programs like the M.Sc in Clinical Embryology, Navrachana University has earned a reputation for forward-thinking, relevant education. Building on this foundation, the university is excited to announce the launch of the NUV Graduate School in July 2025. This new initiative will offer cutting-edge master’s programs designed to meet the dynamic needs of modern industries, ensuring that students are equipped for both present and future success.
The NUV Graduate School will serve as a unified platform overseeing all existing and new postgraduate programs, offering a cohesive educational experience supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure. In addition to its current offerings, Navrachana University is introducing five new master’s programs: M.Sc in Computer Science (Co-op) program, M.Sc in Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, M.Tech in Robotics and Automation, M.Sc in Food Science and Dietetics, and Master of Planning (Urban and Regional Planning). Planned and designed by experts in the respective disciplines with a focus on strong industry connections and international exposure, these courses will give aspirants the best of academic, research, internship, and industry experiences.
As industries evolve at breakneck speed, the demand for students equipped with real-world skills is greater than ever. Traditional postgraduate programs often fail to address the unique challenges posed by modern industries, leaving a gap between academia and the workforce. To bridge this divide, what’s needed is an education that connects students with the real world—offering hands-on experiences, industry insights, and opportunities to network with industry experts. This is what sets the stage for tomorrow’s leaders who can navigate and thrive in a rapidly shifting landscape.
Navrachana University’s Provost, Prof. Pratyush Shankar, an eminent academician, sought after worldwide for his research and exemplary innovative ideas states about the NUV Graduate School – “The launch of the NUV Graduate School represents a transformative milestone in our ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. In response to the rapidly evolving global landscape, we recognize that higher education must evolve as well. Our new postgraduate programs are designed to provide students with invaluable hands-on experience, global exposure, and strong industry connections, all while fostering an inclusive, creative, and flexible learning environment.”
These programs will bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs, providing students with the skills and experience necessary to become leaders in their fields. Opportunities such as stipends, internships, and advanced study options will ensure a comprehensive educational experience. Mentorship programs will also guide students toward entrepreneurial ventures, preparing them for success across various sectors.
Navrachana University is dedicated to shaping the next generation of innovators. The industry-linked postgraduate programs provide the foundation for students to thrive in a fast-changing world. For more details on admissions, fellowships, and eligibility, visit the NUV website or explore the campus to meet the faculty and learn more.
Jaipuria Institute of Management Achieves AACSB Accreditation, Becoming Part of an Elite Global and Indian B-School Community
14th February 2025: Jaipuria Institute of Management, with campuses in Lucknow, Noida, Jaipur, and Indore, has achieved a rare distinction of receiving accreditation from AACSB International. This accomplishment places them among an elite group of less than 6 percent of business schools worldwide and amongst 1% of Business Schools in India.
Established in 1916, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business education, dedicated to fostering excellence by connecting educators, students, and industry leaders to shape the next generation of business professionals.
AACSB accreditation is a rigorous process, requiring institutions to undergo a comprehensive peer review. This journey, spanning multiple years, demands that schools demonstrate their ability to deliver a forward-looking curriculum, high-impact research, innovative teaching methodologies, and demonstrated thought leadership and societal impact. Institutions must design and implement strategies to meet these stringent academic standards, making this achievement a true testament to Jaipurian’s dedication to quality.
Recognition of Excellence
“After years of dedicated effort from our leadership team, students, faculty, staff, and administrators across all four Jaipuria Institute of Management campuses (Lucknow, Noida, Jaipur, and Indore), we have earned a place among the world’s leading business schools,” said Sharad Jaipuria, the Chairman of the Jaipuria Group.
Highlighting the significance of this accomplishment, Shreevats Jaipuria, Vice Chairman of Jaipuria Institute of Management, emphasized its transformative impact on graduates. “AACSB accreditation enhances their career prospects, enabling them to secure more competitive salaries and opening doors to greater opportunities worldwide.” “This recognition not only validates the quality of education provided at Jaipuria but also underscores the enhanced value it brings to its graduates in the global marketplace”, he added.
Dr Prabhat Pankaj, Director of Jaipur campus who chaired the accreditation journey for Jaipuria felt highly upbeat. He said, “Achieving AACSB accreditation is a tremendous honour, signifying our commitment to excellence in business education. As chair of the Institute’s accreditation team, I am immensely proud of this significant milestone and look forward to greater global exposure for our students and faculty.”
Academic Offerings and Impact
Jaipuria Institute of Management serves a diverse student body of nearly 2,500 across its four campuses, offering postgraduate programs designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. These programs include the flagship Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and the doctoral level Fellow Program in Management (FPM).
The PGDM program is delivered in a traditional, fully face-to-face format, while professionals seeking a more flexible learning experience can opt for the online PGDM program. Beyond the core curriculum, Jaipuria enriches the student experience through a variety of opportunities, including international immersion programs, applied research projects, industry collaborations, national and regional conferences, and student competitions. This holistic approach ensures graduates are well-rounded and prepared for success in a dynamic business environment. There is a great deal of emphasis on ‘beyond classroom learning’ through a dedicated mentorship programme, which helps students to create their Individual Development Plan (IDP) allowing them to set their own learning and career goals.
A Global Endorsement
Stephanie M. Bryant, AACSB Executive Vice President and Chief Accreditation Officer, extended her congratulations, stating:
“We congratulate Jaipuria Institute of Management (Lucknow, Noida, Jaipur, Indore) and Chairman Sharad Jaipuria on earning accreditation and commend the entire institution—including administration, faculty, staff, and students—for their collective efforts in achieving this distinguished honour. Jaipuria’s commitment to accreditation reflects its dedication not only to its students, alumni, and the business community but also to the advancement of higher education globally. Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the inclusion of Jaipuria in the network of AACSB-accredited institutions will create a lasting impact both locally and internationally.”