Jaipur Music Stage 2025 Ends on a High with Kailash Kher & Hrishi
Held at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, the three-day Jaipur Music Stage came alive each evening as the Jaipur Literature Festival’s inspiring sessions concluded. The first night featured two performances celebrating the timeless verses of medieval mystics Amir Khusrau and Kabir Das—Abhijit Pohankar’s ‘Hazrat Amir Khusrau Project’ and a rock-opera interpretation of Kabir’s baani by the acclaimed Dastaan LIVE. The second evening had performances by singer-songwriter Kamakshi Khanna, followed by a remarkable collaboration between vocalist Susheela Raman, guitarist Sam Mills, and 13th-generation Nagada player Nathoo Lal Solanki. The evening drew to a close with Raman’s much-loved rendition of the evocative song Yeh Mera Diwanapan Hai.
Lovers of music, literature, and the arts arrived in huge numbers for the grand finale as the Jaipur Music Stage prepared for two spectacular performances. The evening opened with Hrishi, the Carnatic-Pop sensation who has taken the internet by storm with his unique fusion of Western pop and Carnatic sounds. With over 300,000 followers and 30 million views online, his music has amassed 5 million streams and 2.4 million YouTube views. His magnetic stage presence, magical voice, and innovative sound captivated the audience, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
The headliner of the evening was the legendary Kailash Kher and his band, KAILASA. A Padma Shri awardee and one of India’s most celebrated voices, Kher is a global ambassador of Indian music, known for his soul-stirring blend of folk, Sufi, and contemporary styles. With over 1,500 songs in 25+ languages and more than 2,000 concerts worldwide, his music has transcended borders. Since its formation in 2004, KAILASA has brought together some of India’s finest musicians, creating a distinctive fusion of traditional and modern sounds. As the Jaipur Music Stage crowd swayed to his iconic anthems like Teri Deewani and Saiyaan, the evening became an unforgettable celebration of rhythm, melody, and emotion.
The 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 will conclude with its final two days on the 2nd and 3rd of February at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. Just like the first three days, the closing sessions will feature a dynamic line-up of thought-provoking conversations with some of the world’s most renowned thinkers, writers, and speakers. The Jaipur Music Stage promises to return in 2026 with yet another spectacular showcase of musical excellence.
Cooper Corporation Launches Tractor Plant and NDC Series
Mumbai / Satara: Cooper Corporation, a globally renowned manufacturer of engines, engine components and generators, proudly inaugurated its state-of-the-art Tractor Plant in Satara, Maharashtra, on Saturday, 1st February 2025. The event also marked the launch of the company’s first-ever tractor, the Cooper Tractor NDC Series, designed to revolutionize farming with its superior performance, fuel efficiency and innovative engineering.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri. Ch. ShivendraRaje Bhosale, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Public Works, Government of Maharashtra, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri. Mahesh Shinde (Hon’ble Vice Chairman, Maha. Krushna Khore Vikas Mahamandal, MLA) and Shri Clive Bagnall, Director – Global Product Development of Ricardo, UK.
The State-of-the-Art Tractor Plant and the launch of the Cooper Tractor NDC Series are a part of the company’s ongoing mission to innovate and provide superior, high-performance machinery to the agriculture sector. The Cooper Tractor, designed for tough terrains and heavy-duty operations, comes with an array of innovative features, such as high fuel efficiency, ergonomic design and lower maintenance costs. Developed in collaboration with renowned global engineering firms such as Magna Steyr for design, Ricardo UK for engine development, Carraro for transmission and Mita for hydraulics, the Cooper Tractor promises superior performance and savings in fuel, service and operational costs and is tailored for Indian farming needs. As Mr. Farrokh Cooper is the first agriculture graduate to own a tractor factory and has his own agricultural lands, he is well aware of what exactly a farmer needs from a tractor and has provided his personal insights into the design and development of the Cooper tractor.
Shri. Farrokh N. Cooper, Chairman & Managing Director, Cooper Corporation Pvt. Ltd., expressed his vision for the new venture, stating “Today marks a historic milestone for Cooper Corporation as we step into the agricultural sector with the launch of our first-ever tractor. The Cooper Tractor NDC Series is a result of years of research, innovation and dedication to delivering a product that truly serves the needs of Indian farmers. Built with global expertise and local insights, this tractor is designed to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs and withstand the toughest farming conditions. As a company deeply rooted in Satara, we are proud to contribute to the growth of Indian agriculture and the prosperity of our farmers.”
The Cooper Tractor NDC Series is engineered to meet the diverse needs of modern farming. With features like dual-clutch transmission, power steering and a low turning radius of 3 meters, the tractor ensures ease of operation and superior performance. Its fuel-efficient 4-valve engine, Bed plate design, HLA, Bosch Fuel System, ceramic-coated rings, Piston Cooling Jet and long-life compacted graphite cylinder head, First of its kind for Long life & Durability and low maintenance, Champion at Haulage and farming operations like ploughing and rotavator, No front weight , Long tyre life, It boasts key advantages such as no engine oil top-up, longer service intervals , The tractor’s superior performance is highlighted by its easy deep ploughing, low RPM drop during fieldwork and a quick forward & reverse shuttle lever, etc. making it a reliable companion for farmers. Cooper Tractor is built to serve the world with the highest standards of excellence.
Designed to tackle the most demanding conditions, these tractors provide outstanding load capacity and exceptional all-terrain capability. With cutting-edge fuel efficiency and a host of innovative features, the Cooper NDC series minimizes operational costs while ensuring maximum productivity. Designed with the farmer’s needs in mind, the Cooper Tractor combines precision and power to meet the diverse demands of modern agriculture. From its ergonomic design to its heavy haulage capabilities, it delivers superior savings, reliability and versatility.
Anil Agarwal Focused on Value Creation & Critical Minerals
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal highlighted the company’s earnings, views on critical minerals, and future roadmap in his letter to shareholders for the third quarter of FY25. He also emphasized on the company’s commitment to financial discipline, sustainability, the proposed demerger and commitment to shareholder value.
Speaking on the importance of natural resources and how it can help in Indian economic growth, Agarwal said “The mining and natural resources sector has played an extremely valuable role in the growth and development agendas of all the world’s major economies: North America, Europe, the Middle East, China and Australia are all testimony to this. With less than 20% of our mineral resources explored to date, and with increasing focus on the sector both at home and overseas, India’s time is now.”
For the third quarter, Vedanta reported its highest EBITDA in 11 quarters at ₹11,284 crore and a Profit After Tax of ₹4,876 crore—a 70% jump from the previous year. The company also recorded its lowest net debt to EBITDA ratio in seven quarters at 1.4x.
In the third quarter of FY25, Vedanta’s Aluminium production witnessed robust growth, with production increasing to 614kt in the third quarter and 1,819kt over nine months, up 3% YoY. Alumina production jumped 16% to 1,543kt over nine months, while Zinc India achieved its highest-ever refined metal output during this period.
“Vedanta’s commitment to optimizing its production reflects our recognition of the rising demands of such metals in India and the role they will play in supporting our nation’s progress toward a low-carbon future.”, Agarwal said.
Anil Agarwal also discussed Vedanta’s commitment to value creation delivering exceptional value to the shareholders.
“Anyone who had invested in Vedanta at the start of the past five-year period would have seen their investments multiplying over 4.7 times during this time, both in terms of capital appreciation and cash dividends returned, where Vedanta has the strongest track record – a dividend yield of 81%” he said.
Agarwal also highlighted the Vedanta’s focus and role in meeting India’s growing demand for critical minerals while expressing confidence about the company’s proposed demerger.
Dr. Deepak Singh Wins Golden Book Award 2025 for Bravo Yadav
Celebrated author and filmmaker Dr. Deepak Singh has been awarded the prestigious Golden Book Award 2025 for his book Bravo Yadav, earning the title of Best Biopic Author. This recognition underscores his outstanding contribution to literature and storytelling, celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Honorary Captain Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav.
Bravo Yadav narrates the inspiring journey of Yogendra Singh Yadav, a war hero whose courage and dedication have left an indelible mark on the nation. The book has resonated deeply with readers worldwide, securing the No. 1 spot in Amazon’s global bestseller category. Its success highlights the power of literature in preserving and honoring stories of extraordinary valor.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Deepak Singh stated, “It is an honor to receive the Golden Book Award 2025 for Bravo Yadav. Literature serves as a vital medium to share heroic tales, and through this book, I aimed to immortalize the courage and sacrifices of Yogendra Singh Yadav. This recognition motivates me to continue bringing such inspirational stories to the world.”
Dr. Deepak Singh is a multifaceted storyteller, excelling in both literature and cinema. His acclaimed works include the biographical sports drama Soorma, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Taapsee Pannu, and the international film Tiger, featuring Mickey Rourke. Additionally, his satirical film Bad President (2021) and thought-provoking short Rakshaday Everyday (2022) have garnered critical appreciation. Dr. Singh holds a doctorate in mass media communications from The American University, further cementing his expertise in storytelling and media.
With Bravo Yadav set to be adapted into a feature film, Dr. Singh continues his mission of bringing real-life heroes to the forefront. The Golden Book Award 2025 serves as a testament to his literary prowess and dedication to impactful storytelling.
Analyzing the Finance Bill 2025 and Its Impact on Real Estate
Hyderabad, India – The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) Hyderabad acknowledges the presentation of the Finance Bill 2025. While the government has introduced several provisions aimed at fiscal stability, the budget falls short in recognizing the real estate sector’s crucial role in economic growth and employment generation.
The recently released Economic Survey 2024-25 underscores the significance of the real estate sector, which, along with financial and professional services, contributed nearly 45% to the total services GVA in the first half of FY25. Furthermore, real estate is one of the largest employment
generators in the country, directly and indirectly supporting numerous ancillary industries. Despite these contributions, the Finance Bill 2025 does not adequately address the pressing needs of the sector.
Key Concerns and Policy Gaps:
1. Lack of Targeted Tax Incentives: While the retention of current income tax rates is noted, the absence of specific tax incentives for real estate investment is disappointing. Targeted
measures, such as enhanced tax deductions on home loans and reduced GST on construction materials, would have significantly boosted sectoral growth.
2. Insufficient Infrastructure and Housing Support: The allocation of ₹1 lakh crore for urban development is a step forward, but it remains insufficient to address the rising infrastructure demands of an urbanizing India. The housing demand in India is projected to reach 93 million units by 2036, necessitating greater financial support and policy initiatives.
3. Inadequate Funding for Stalled Projects: The ₹15,000 crore allocation under SWAMIH Fund- 2 for completing stalled housing projects is welcome, but it raises concerns about whether
this funding is sufficient to tackle the current backlog.
4. Affordable Housing and Mortgage Reforms: While the budget includes provisions to support affordable housing, CREDAI Hyderabad urges the government to introduce more
comprehensive policies, including interest subvention schemes and relaxation of mortgage conditions, to make home ownership accessible to a larger population.
5. Need for Greater Digital and Infrastructure Integration: While the expansion of the Gati Shakti portal for better urban planning is promising, its effectiveness in streamlining approvals and project execution for real estate developers remains to be seen.
6. Investment in Ancillary Industries: The real estate sector directly impacts numerous ancillary industries, including cement, steel, and construction technology. Policies that support these industries, such as production-linked incentives, can lead to a cascading positive impact on the economy.
7. Second Property Investment Benefits: The removal of notional rent on second properties is a positive step, but further incentives to encourage investments in rental housing and commercial properties are required to stimulate market demand.
Ramayana Kalpavrksam 2025 A Grand Celebration of Art and Culture
Hyderabad, 3rd February 2025: Hyderabad witnessed a spectacular cultural resurgence with Ramayana Kalpavrksam 2025, a three-day festival dedicated to celebrating the timeless epic, the Ramayana, through music, dance, storytelling, and scholarship. The festival, which has now become a much-anticipated annual event, brought together artists, scholars, and audiences from across the country for an immersive and enriching experience.
Day 1: A Grand Inauguration & Captivating Performances
The festival was inaugurated by Honorable Member of the Parliament, Sri Tejasvi Surya ji. Addressing an enthusiastic audience, he eloquently spoke about the relevance of the Ramayana in today’s world, emphasizing the importance of engaging with our rich arts and culture. Sharing anecdotes from his own life, he beautifully connected the eternal wisdom of the Ramayana to contemporary challenges, inspiring everyone to delve deeper into our heritage.
The inaugural ceremony began with a heartfelt musical presentation by the children of Swarnam School of Music, led by Smt. Preethi Gopalan Deshmukh, leaving the audience spellbound.
This was followed by a visually stunning dance presentation, Takkuvemi Manaku, by Shankarananda Kalakshetra. Choreographed by Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, the performance depicted the Dashavatara of Maha Vishnu, set to the poetry of the Telugu poet Bhakta Ramadas.
The night culminated in a spellbinding Harikatha performance by Vishaka Hari ji on Ramayana, the Eternal Life-Giving Tree. Through eight different versions of the Ramayana spanning various cultures and languages— from Kamba Ramayanam (Tamil) and Molla Ramayanam (Telugu), to versions from Thailand and Laos—Vishaka Hari ji transported the audience across time and space, illustrating the universality of Lord Rama’s virtues.
Day 2: Knowledge, Art, and a Classic Dance Masterpiece
The second day commenced with an engaging Sanskrit workshop, Kathasvadanam – Story Defining Shlokas of the Valmiki Ramayana, where over 40 participants immersed themselves in reciting powerful Sanskrit verses making the space reverberate with energy.
The festival then hosted three insightful talks:
- Yashodeep Deodhar elaborated on the eternal nature of Valmiki Ramayana, emphasizing how it is both Adi (the first) and Ananta (endless).
- DK Hari and DK Hema presented a fascinating session on the engineering marvel of Rama Setu, blending historical and scientific perspectives.
- Anupama Kylash concluded the session with a mesmerizing dance demonstration on select verses from Ramayana Kalpavrksam by Sri Vishwanatha Satyanarayana, after which the festival is named.
The afternoon featured a hands-on Cheriyal Painting Workshop by traditional artist Madhu Merugoju, attended by over 40 participants from various age groups, eager to explore this ancient art form.
As the sun set, Hyderabad witnessed an unforgettable dance performance by the legendary Kalakshetra Foundation – ‘Sabari Moksham’. Originally choreographed by Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1965, the production, set to the verses of Valmiki Ramayana, left the audience spellbound with its rich characterization, intricate storytelling, and the sheer brilliance of the ensemble’s performance. The packed auditorium bore testimony to the enduring magic of this classic production, leaving Hyderabad’s art lovers yearning for more. The evening was presented in collaboration with Kalakshetra Foundation, and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Day 3: Ecological, Philosophical, and Musical Explorations
The final day of Ramayana Kalpavrksam 2025 began with the second session of the Sanskrit workshop, followed by a series of illuminating talks:
- Vikram Sridhar, the storyteller, explored the Ecological Dimensions of the Ramayana, from Krauncha to Ashoka Vana, through an interactive and engaging presentation.
- Amritanshu Pandey spoke on Rajadharma of the Ishvakus, shedding light on governance and leadership principles drawn from the epic.
- Ami Ganatra, a bestselling author, delivered a compelling talk on Dharma and Dharma Sankata – Lessons from the Ramayana, drawing parallels to modern ethical dilemmas.
The afternoon saw an engaging Fabric Painting Workshop (Vastra Varnam) by Anusha Namburi, a student of Shankarananda Kalakshetra, attracting over 50 keen participants.
The festival concluded on a high note with two grand performances:
- JN Manipuri Dance Academy from Imphal presented a mesmerizing Manipuri Raas, marking a historic first-of-its-kind performance in Hyderabad.
- The grand finale was delivered by the stellar musical duo, Ranjani and Gayatri, with their exclusive presentation RAMA by RaGa, leaving the audience enthralled.
Special Features of Ramayana Kalpavrksam 2025
This year’s festival also featured unique cultural showcases:
- An exhibition-cum-sale of vintage lithographs, a rare collection from Pratima Sagar and MC Mohan, with proceeds dedicated to animal welfare.
- A traditional Bommala Koluvu (doll exhibition) curated by Kavitha Nimmalagadda, from Sri Vishwanatha Satyanarayana garu’s family.
- Kala Grama – an artisan bazaar, featuring local artists and brands, offering visitors a chance to take home handcrafted treasures.
BrainTap Launches Advanced Brain Fitness Tech in India
Hyderabad, 3rd February 2025: BrainTap, the pioneering Brain Fitness Company; unveiled its state-of-the-art innovation to boost mental clarity, alleviate stress, and elevate overall well-being in India today at T Hub, Hyderabad. The revolutionary device was officially launched by Chief Guests Dr Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consulate of Republic of Kazakhstan; Dr. Patrick Porter, Founder & Co-CEO, BrainTap USA. Ms. Cynthia Porter, Co-Founder, CMO, (Brain Tap) USA; Mr. Vishal Baijal, Board of Director, (Brain Tap) USA; Dr. Francisco Cidral, Chief Science Officer, (Brain Tap) USA; Ms. Chhayal Baijal, COO, Nirvana Neuro Pvt Ltd (Brain Tap) India; Mr. Harshil Maun, Business Development Head, (Brain Tap) India. Attendees witnessed the technology in action through an immersive live demo.
Mental health is the cornerstone of overall wellness, impacting everything from emotional resilience to productivity, relationships and physical health. Despite its importance, mental health remains one of the most neglected aspects of healthcare. BrainTap aims to change that by providing a science-backed, at-home solution to improve focus, enhance willpower, promote sound sleep, reduce stress and anxiety and prevent burnout.
“At BrainTap, we strive to unleash the boundless potential within individuals by harnessing the transformative power of brain fitness. BrainTap is a revolutionary brain wave technology for overall health with the mission to Better Billion Brains”, says, Dr. Patrick Porter.
“BrainTap seamlessly integrates ancient Indian wellness practices with modern neuroscience. Inspired by Dhyana (meditation), Nada Yoga (sound healing), and Trataka (light therapy), BrainTap uses binaural beats, guided visualization, and photonic stimulation to activate the brain’s natural healing states. Just as Ayurveda balances mind-body energy, BrainTap harmonizes brainwave activity—bridging timeless Vedic wisdom with cutting-edge technology for holistic wellness”, says Vishal Baijal.
After years of research, BrainTap has crafted an innovative tool that helps the brain reorganize and build new neural pathways for a more balanced and empowered life. Backed by clinical studies and trusted by thousands of healthcare providers, BrainTap technology has demonstrated significant benefits.
“Our technology is grounded in proven science, validated through clinical studies and trusted by thousands of health providers. Studies indicated, increased heart rate variability, improved quality of sleep, increased parasympathetic activity, decreased stress, worry and irritability, overall, an improved brain health”, says Dr Om Prakash, Sr. Neurologist, India.
With this groundbreaking innovation, BrainTap is set to redefine mental wellness and cognitive fitness in India too, making it accessible anytime, anywhere.
Saanand Verma Reveals Auditioning for Manmohan Tiwari’s Role
Saanand Verma has left audiences in splits as the quirky, eccentric, and hilariously unpredictable Anokhe Lal Saxena in &TV‘s cult comedy Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. With his signature catchphrase “I Like It” and his unique antics, Saxena has become a fan-favourite character. In this heartfelt conversation, Saanand opens about playing the beloved character, his journey of resilience, and how his life changed after joining the show.
Anokhe Lal Saxena is such a unique character. What makes him stand out?
Saxena is a character like no other! His eccentricities, optimism, and unexpected behaviour make him memorable. Despite his oddities, there’s an innocence to him that connects with the audience. Saxena’s character is truly one of the most unique on Indian television. I’m confident there isn’t another character written like him who pets lizards, drinks their blood, takes bites from snakes, or enjoys getting electric shocks for pleasure! His quirks and eccentricities set him apart from anything audiences have seen before. Creating Saxena required a lot of thought and experimentation, but his bizarre yet lovable nature resonates deeply with viewers. It’s his unpredictable and unconventional traits that make him unforgettable and iconic in the world of Indian television.
How do you resonate with Saxena personally?
Saxena reflects my personality in many ways. Like him, I try to find humour and joy in every situation, no matter how challenging. His quirkiness and positive outlook resonate deeply with me. Playing Saxena feels natural as if I am bringing a part of myself to the screen.
What is the best thing that happened to you after joining Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai?
Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai is not just a show but a blessing for me that changed my life. It gave me immense recognition and an identity that people love. I remember shooting in Central London once, and out of nowhere, people came up to me saying, “Saxena Ji, I like it!” They started clicking pictures with me, and it was such a surreal experience. That moment reinforced how much this character and show mean to people globally. This show and Saxena are irreplaceable parts of my career as an actor, and I will always be grateful.
What’s the secret behind Saxena’s catchphrase “I Like It”?
(Laughs) The phrase was crafted to reflect Saxena’s quirky charm. It’s simple yet impactful, and the audience’s love for it has made it iconic. Interestingly, the story behind it is even more special. During the early days, Shashank Bali Ji, our director, casually said “I like it” while discussing the character. Somehow, Manoj Santoshi sir, our writer, noticed it and decided to weave it into Saxena’s personality. Since then, it has become the catchphrase that everyone associates with Anokhe Lal Saxena. People often stop me on the streets, requesting me to say it, and the overwhelming love and joy it brings are truly heartwarming.
You started your journey as a singer when you came to Mumbai. Can you share more about that and your connection
with popular music directors?
Yes, that’s true! When I first came to Mumbai, my journey began with singing. I had the privilege of building good relationships with some legendary music directors like Raam Laxman and Nadeem Shravan. Music has always been close to my heart, and I still have a strong desire to be known as a singer. Singing brings me immense joy, and I hope to explore it further alongside my acting career. Perhaps someday, the world will also know me for my voice, just as they do for Saxena Ji’s quirks!
During the audition were you sure about this role?
Well, I never auditioned for this character. When the makers announced auditions for Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, I applied for the role of Manmohan Tiwari. I prepared extensively, thinking I could bring my quirks to the character. However, during the audition, the creative team felt that my energy and spontaneity were better suited for the character of Anokhe Lal Saxena.
What does Saanand Verma’s day off look like?
I love spending time reading books, watching films, or indulging in long conversations with loved ones. Also, I observe people around me a lot which helps me recharge and bring fresh ideas to my work.
Any message for fans who adore Saxena?
Thank you for embracing Anokhe Lal Saxena with so much love and laughter. Your support motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and entertaining you. Keep watching Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, and remember, “I Like It!”
Devendra Fadanvis unveils Marathi version of Skill India Digital Hub
Chandigarh, February 1st, 2025: In order to foster an inclusive and robust skilling ecosystem in Maharashtra, Honourable Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadanvis unveiled Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform in Marathi language on occasion of Vishwa Marathi Sammelan 2025 at Fergusson College in Pune on Friday.
Shri Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, launched the Marathi version of SIDH which will enable professionals, students, and researchers to engage more effectively with valuable content, ensuring wider knowledge dissemination across Maharashtra.
By breaking language barriers, this initiative fosters linguistic inclusivity and empowers citizens with essential information in their mother tongue, as envisioned in NEP 2020. The platform will assist youth in skilling themselves in over 7000 skill courses that includes Industry 4.0 courses, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Drone technology to name a few.
Shri Uday Samant, Minister of Marathi Language of Maharashtra, Shri Shrirang Barne, Member of Lok Sabha, Smt Neelam Gorhe, Member of Maharashtra Legislative Council, Sri Siddharth Shirole, Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shri Bapusaheb Pathare, Member of Legislative Assembly, along with Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD NSDC International and other eminent dignitaries from various fields graced the occasion.
Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC, was felicitated by the Hon’ble Minister Shri Uday Samant, for his instrumental role in shaping SIDH into a pioneering initiative that is transforming knowledge accessibility. Shri Tiwari has been at the forefront of driving innovation, integrating technology with education, and ensuring that skill development reaches every corner of the nation. His relentless efforts have positioned SIDH as a model for linguistic inclusivity and empowerment.
Speaking at the ceremony and reinforcing the central government’s commitment to skilling and digital empowerment, Shri Tiwari said, “SIDH has nationally recorded more than 1.26 crore registrations in over a year. It is offering thousands of skilling courses, and with the unveiling of the Marathi version, NSDC is showcasing the utility of the platform to empower millions of Marathi-speaking youth and help them unlock their career prospects.”
In terms of registrations, Maharashtra is among the top five states in the country while in terms of user traffic, at 30 per cent nationally, it stands next to Uttar Pradesh. With the unveiling of the Marathi version, the popularity and registration of the skilling courses and the platform will further go up. Marathi is among the 23 languages in which the platform can be accessed.
The most popular courses in the state include, web design, cybersecurity, kisan drone operator. Over 43,000 female users have enrolled in various online courses, with over 80 per cent being under the age of 30. The top sectors attracting enrolment from the state include IT-ITeS, entrepreneurship, and electronics among others.
People learn more effectively in their native language, so the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, along with NSDC, has been working to offer skilling courses in local languages to maximize results.
“With the unveiling of the Marathi version of SIDH, we are trying to ensure that language is never a barrier to skilling. It aligns with vision of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises the importance of regional language communication in education and skill development. We are enabling the youth of Maharashtra and the global Marathi community to seamlessly integrate into India’s employment and digital skilling ecosystem.” Shri Tiwari said, underscoring the significance of regional inclusivity and digital transformation.
SIDH is a comprehensive digital platform that has been developed to access skilling opportunities, career guidance, and opportunities both in India and abroad. Maharashtra is the largest economy in India, so the demand for a skilled workforce would be maximum.
With the aim of making the state a USD 1 trillion economy by 2028, a district-wise Skill Gap Analysis Report was conducted in the state in 2023 by the Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department (SEEID).
The survey engaged with over 1500 industries and over 200,000 trainees across the state to understand skill gaps in traditional and new-age sectors and identified electronics, automotive, agriculture, BFSI, and IT/ITeS among the sectors for immediate intervention.
The 2023 survey also conducted a language proficiency of the labour force, and found that majority of the staffs in the sample, laid huge emphasis on the proficiency of Marathi language. Over 95 percent of industry respondents expected the workforce to know Marathi, while over 83 percent Hindi.
Maharashtra being a hub for industry and commerce, this initiative will provide young aspirants with the necessary resources to upgrade their skills and integrate into the workforce efficiently.
The unveiling event included video on the platforms key features, demonstrating its user-friendly interface and potential to connect youth with over 50,000 industry partners and 5.5 lakh apprenticeship opportunities. The Marathi version of SIDH will serve as a bridge between aspirations and opportunities, furthering the mission to make India the skill capital of the world. Additionally, the platform will include industry-specific skill modules, certification programs, and employer-led training programs to ensure job readiness among youth.