Bhumika Bahl’s Birthday Extravaganza A Celebration of Beauty & Legacy
New Delhi, February 24, 2025 – Renowned Celebrity makeup artist, Educator and Consultant Bhumika Bahl (@bhumikabahlofficial) marked her birthday with a star-studded celebration with her beloved son Kabir (@iamkabirdhingra), bringing together industry peers, celebrities, and close friends for a night of glamour and gratitude. The exclusive event held in Zura, New Delhi, organised by Sakshi Binjola & Simran Kashyap was a testament to her illustrious career and unwavering passion for the beauty industry.
This evening was filled with joyous moments as guests celebrated Bhumika’s contributions to the world of makeup, education and styling. Known for her impeccable artistry and transformative makeup skills, she has worked with top Bollywood stars, influencers, fashion icons and successfully trained over 50,000 plus students online & offline, making her one of the most sought-after makeup artists in the country.
Attendees at the event were treated to a dazzling ambiance, exquisite cuisine, and heartfelt speeches honouring Bhumika’s journey. Bhumika was seen wearing the label Lalit Dalmia for this event. Industry veterans and celebrities expressed their admiration for her dedication to setting new benchmarks in the world of beauty. From bridal makeovers to editorial shoots and red-carpet appearances at fashion weeks & industry events, her expertise continues to make waves across the industry.
With a commitment to excellence and a passion for empowering individuals in the beauty industry, Bhumika Bahl Makeup Academy & Studio, Sector 29, Gurgaon (@bhumikabahlacademy) has developed a comprehensive curriculum that combines traditional techniques with the latest trends and technologies. This unique approach sets the academy apart, providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the ever-evolving world of beauty. Under Bhumika’s guidance, aspiring makeup artists receive hands-on training, industry insights, and mentorship, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in the competitive beauty landscape.
Beyond her academy, Bhumika has collaborated with top fashion designers, luxury brands, and international beauty campaigns. Her work has been featured in prestigious fashion weeks and magazine covers, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the beauty industry. Her upcoming offline makeup class starting March 24th is a programme for creating flawless bridal looks or avant-garde editorial masterpieces reiterating her ability to enhance natural beauty while pushing creative boundaries makes her an inspiration to many.
Reflecting on the celebration, Bhumika expressed her heartfelt gratitude. “I am truly overwhelmed by the love and support from my family, friends, and colleagues. This birthday has been a reminder of the incredible journey I’ve had, and I look forward to continuing to innovate and inspire in the beauty industry” she shared.
Social media was abuzz with warm wishes and admiration for Bhumika, as fans and well-wishers flooded platforms with messages celebrating not just her birthday but also her remarkable impact on the beauty world. As she steps into another year, Bhumika remains committed to pushing boundaries and inspiring aspiring makeup artists with her creativity and vision.
Study Group Hosts ‘Destination USA’ to Empower Indian Students
24th February 2025: Study Group, a global leader in international education, expanded student opportunities with its much-awaited event, ‘Destination USA: Your Route to Success’. The mega event was designed to bridge the gap between ambitious Indian students and top-tier U.S. educational institutions. The recently conducted landmark event represented a pivotal moment for students seeking higher education in the U.S.
The event stood out as a comprehensive education fair featuring direct access to representatives from 11 prestigious U.S. universities, including California State University San Marcos, DePaul University, Florida Atlantic University, James Madison University, Long Island University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Towson University, University of Hartford, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Western Washington University. With the U.S. emerging as the foremost destination for higher education among Indian students, the event offered some exclusive perks, including direct meetings with university experts, a visa masterclass with expert tips to simplify the complex process of the visa journey and a hands-on STEM session, highlighting the USA’s role as a global hub for innovation and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. More than 200 students attended the event which also presented an opportunity for participating students to earn exclusive scholarships along with big savings on application fees through visa fee waiver (exclusive attendee perk).
Mr. Alex Marston, General Manager, North America for Study Group, said, “Destination USA: Your Route to Success is not a run-of-the-mill event. By bringing multiple U.S. university partners under one roof, we are addressing the evolving international education landscape, focusing on the premium benefits of enrolling at a U.S. university and helping Indian students make informed decisions for their futures. It has served as a substantial opportunity for students to explore, understand and realize their global academic aspirations in a convenient, student-centric event. Today, and with our ongoing bespoke partnerships and admissions services, Study Group provides a solid foundation for future global leaders by simplifying their path to premier U.S. institutions.”
Poonam who attended the event, shared, The event was very helpful. University booth representatives carefully reviewed the profile and shared details like program overviews, intake details, and university offerings. During the event, the staff was friendly and patient with every student. Overall, it was a great experience.
The mega event also facilitated student counseling and supported their applications to U.S. universities while providing insights into educational opportunities across premier U.S. locations like California, Florida, New York City and Chicago. Mr. Marston’s comprehensive Visa Masterclass session equipped students with crucial insights into navigating the U.S. F-1 visa process successfully. Additionally, the event also featured a networking junction that provided a dynamic platform for students to connect, share experiences, and forge collaborative relationships.
The event featured university representatives Dr. Mahadevan Subramaniam (Subu), Chair of Computer Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Dr. Sven Thijssen, Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University; and Mr. Edwin Christian Allen, Assistant Director of Graduate & International Recruitment, Towson University, to name a few.
Study Group remains committed to providing Indian students with world-class international education opportunities. The ’Destination USA: Your Route to Success’ event demonstrates this dedication by offering a gateway to the U.S.’s excellent academic avenues and global career prospects.
INOX India First to Receive IATF 16949 Certification for Cryogenic Fuel Tanks
Vadodara/Mumbai, 24th February, 2025: INOX India Limited (INOXCVA), one of the world’s leading cryogenic technology solution providers, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s first cryogenic equipment manufacturer to receive the prestigious IATF 16949 certification for cryogenic fuel tank manufacturing. The certification, issued by Bureau Veritas Certification covers the design and manufacturing of vacuum insulated cryogenic fuel tanks.
The IATF 16949 certification, a mandatory requirement for automotive OEM suppliers, validates INOX India’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality management standards in the automotive industry. This certification positions INOX India as a pioneer in bridging the gap between cryogenic technology and automotive applications, particularly in the growing LNG fuel tank sector in India, as well as opens the door for entering the global market of heavy duty vehicle fuel tanks.
Commenting on the achievement, Deepak Acharya, Chief Executive Officer- INOX India Ltd said, “This certification represents a significant breakthrough for INOX India in this industry. Being India’s first to receive this certification for cryogenic fuel tanks demonstrates our technological leadership and commitment to quality in supporting the automotive industry’s transition to alternative fuels. There is an evident intent across the globe towards shifting to greener transport fuels, and we firmly believe that our fuel tank solutions, especially for LNG, are capable to service this complex yet burgeoning demand. We are proud of our technical capabilities, and certifications like this underscore our commitment to enhance our Quality Management Systems consistently, and assures our esteemed customers, looking for dependable quality suppliers.”
This achievement strengthens INOX India’s position as a qualified supplier to automotive OEMs, opening new opportunities in the growing market for LNG-powered vehicles. It also reflects the Company’s dedication to meeting the stringent quality requirements of the automotive industry while maintaining its expertise in cryogenic technology. The certification was awarded following a comprehensive audit of INOX India’s facility located in Kalol, in Panchmahal, Gujarat. The certification’s scope encompasses the complete spectrum of design and manufacturing processes with no exclusions, underlining the Company’s comprehensive capabilities in this specialized field.
The IATF 16949, is a leading international automotive quality management standard. Being a requirement for supplies to automotive industry, IATF 16949 is a global technical specification based on ISO 9001 specific to the automotive industry. Amidst increasingly complex supply chains and regulatory frameworks, achieving the IATF 16949 certification demonstrates the Company’s solid commitment to quality.
CREDAI to Host 6th New India Summit in Nashik on 7th-8th March
24th February 2025, New Delhi: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) is set to host the 6th edition of the CREDAI New India Summit in Nashik, Maharashtra, on March 7-8, 2025. Themed “Viksit Bharat: Unlocking Potential of Emerging Cities,” the summit will bring together key stakeholders to discuss and explore strategies for accelerating growth in India’s rapidly developing Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities.
The summit will serve as a platform to address critical challenges faced by developers in emerging cities and facilitate discussions on innovative solutions to unlock their full potential. With participation expected from over 400 developers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders, this event aims to drive forward-looking strategies for sustainable urban development. This year’s summit will feature an esteemed lineup of eminent speakers, including renowned policymakers and industry leaders, among others.
At the summit, CREDAI will reinforce its commitment to the growth and transformation of India’s real estate sector by unveiling key industry initiatives and policy recommendations. The event will also highlight the significance of emerging cities in India’s economic trajectory and their role in fulfilling the vision of “Viksit Bharat.”
“India’s Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities are emerging as the backbone of the country’s urban transformation. With increasing infrastructure investments, improved connectivity, and rising real estate demand, these cities are poised to become the next hubs of economic growth and urban innovation. The CREDAI New India Summit is a testament to our commitment to unlocking the potential of these emerging cities by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and policy interventions that will shape their growth trajectory. As we collectively work towards a New India, this summit will play a pivotal role in addressing industry challenges, exploring innovative solutions, and driving sustainable urban development” said Mr. Boman Irani, President, CREDAI.
The CREDAI New India Summit continues to be a marquee event in the real estate sector, fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among developers, policymakers, and industry leaders. As India moves towards a more dynamic and inclusive growth trajectory, this summit will play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban development
The Shopping Trends That Defined Kirana Commerce on udaan in CY24
National, February 24, 2025: udaan, India’s largest e-business-to-business (eB2B) platform, today announced the shopping trends that defined eB2B in Calendar Year 2024 (CY24) on the platform, offering key insights into how the shopping patterns of Indian retailers have transformed over the past year. With key achievements in business performance, rapid growth in private label adoption, and exceptional engagement across FMCG and other key categories, the trend highlights udaan’s transformational impact on the kirana ecosystem.
The Shopping Trends That Defined Kirana Commerce on udaan:
udaan shipped over 2.45 Billion units in the FMCG business alone, with the tonnage of all food products delivered (FMCG, Staples and Fresh) exceeding 7 lakh Metric tonnes. The platform recorded ~ 65% increase in overall business, driven by a ~70% growth in the daily buyers, marking 2024 as the year with the highest-ever daily buyers on the platform. Additionally, repeat rate reached an all-time high, rising 1,000 bps above last year, reaffirming strong customer stickiness and trust. This milestone highlights the value udaan delivers to a diverse and expanding network of kirana partners, empowering them to grow and succeed in a dynamic retail market.
Further, udaan processed 85.85 million lines of orders, highlighting its growing role as a trusted partner for retailers. This growth reflects not only increasing daily reliance but also udaan’s ability to seamlessly manage diverse inventory needs. Backed by a robust network and operational excellence, udaan remains committed to delivering value to kirana partners across Bharat.
Vaibhav Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, udaan, said, “This has been a defining year for us with strong sustainable growth highlighting the success of the eB2B cluster playbook that udaan has developed to empower small retailers across India. With 85%+ growth in FMCG and 250% growth in staples private labels business, we are not just enabling kirana commerce but actively leading its transformation. The rapid adoption by kiranas also highlight udaan’s acceptance as the most trusted eB2B partner for small businesses. As we look forward to 2025, our focus remains on customer-centric innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable value creation —strengthening the backbone of Bharat’s kirana ecosystem and driving the future of retail distribution.”
Essentials category (FMCG, Staples and Fresh)
The FMCG business achieved a 85%+ Year-on-Year (YoY) growth in its revenue run rate. The growth was driven by an increase of 50% in the number of products ordered by retailers, demonstrating udaan’s strong distribution capabilities to meet the diverse and evolving needs of buyers. Additionally, the FMCG business witnessed 60% increase in buyers, highlighting the growing trust and dependence of retailers on udaan for their everyday business essentials requirements.
udaan’s private label brands continued to accelerate and recorded 250% Y-o-Y growth in its revenue run rate. This remarkable performance reflects the increasing demand for udaan’s high-quality, value-driven products that have become a preferred choice among kirana retailers. The success of private labels not only signifies deep customer trust but also aligns seamlessly with udaan’s strategy to enhance profitability by offering superior margins through exclusive, high-performing products.
The udaan platform witnessed a strong surge in demand, with Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata continuing to drive growth among Metros. At the same time, non-metro cities like Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Indore saw rapid adoption, highlighting the deepening penetration of eB2B commerce.
Additionally, Pune, Mysore, and Mumbai emerged as high-growth markets, reinforcing the growing acceptance of eB2B trade among small businesses and strengthening udaan’s position as the preferred partner for retailers across Bharat
udaan’s Sustainability Initiative: Expanding EV Adoption in Last-Mile Delivery
As part of udaan’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency, in CY24 udaan introduced and deployed Electric Vehicles (EVs) for last-mile deliveries in Bengaluru. This initiative marked a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly logistics in the eB2B sector.
Overall Business Performance: Key Highlights
In CY24, udaan achieved consistent growth highlighting the strength of its strategic approach and implementation of the new design playbook in the marketplace. The company is on track to achieving profitability, with an impressive 65% ARR growth and over 70% increase in daily transacting buyers, driving deeper market penetration and increasing wallet share among retailers. Additionally, gross margins improved by 200 basis points and contribution margins by 320 basis points, alongside a 20% increase in buyer wallet share and monthly repeat ratio of over 90%. Most notably, during the period the company achieved a 30% reduction in absolute EBITDA burn, underscoring consistent focus on driving sustainable growth through efficiency enhancement and superior execution in the marketplace.
Mehtab Niazi Indian Classical Music Now in Stadiums at Ideas of India 2025
Mumbai, 24 February 2025: At ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Mehtab Ali Niazi, Mahesh Raghavan, and Nirali Kartik discussed the healing power of music during their session titled ‘Healing Power of Music, Touching the Divine Within’. The artists engaged in a captivating session that emphasised how music transcends boundaries, providing comfort and connection to the soul.
Mahesh Raghavan, Music composer spoke of his introduction to music, saying, “I grew up learning Carnatic music and the keyboard. I started when I was three and was always drawn to music. I bought an iPad just to play games, but soon realized its potential for music. Traditionally, Indian classical music had no use for synthesizers, but with an iPad, I could shift between notes seamlessly. It opened up a whole new way to explore music”.
Mehtab Niazi, Sitarist and vocalist from the Bhendi Bazar Gharana remarked,” As I grew older, I realized that music was the only thing I was truly good at, even though I tried sports and academics. Indian classical music has now moved to larger auditoriums and stadiums. With advancements in technology, we can capture even the subtlest resonances of instruments, preserving the richness of sound like never before.”
Nirali Kartik, Classical vocalist said, “My mother, a music lover, encouraged me to learn music, and thankfully, our dreams aligned. Today, many Gujaratis are taking up music and we are witnessing a cultural shift.”
On using technology for classical music, she said,” Technology is a broad term when it comes to music. If I record something in my voice, AI can replace it with someone else’s voice entirely. While some may see this as concerning, I view AI as a powerful tool for musicians.”
Mahesh Raghavan, Music composer further added,” Technology has significantly improved the clarity of recordings. I consider myself a fully digital musician, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what we want our audience to hear. I use AI as a tool, not a replacement. AI, after all, learns from us.”
The session concluded with a soulful performance by Mahesh Raghavan, Nirali Kartik, and Mehtab Niazi, leaving the audience mesmerized with their unique blend of tradition and technology in music.
ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions for a better, more sustainable world for all.
Karnataka Kshatriya Maratha Parishat Marks Golden Jubilee & Shivaji Maharaj’s Anniversary
Bengaluru, February 24, 2025 : Karnataka Kshatriya Maratha Parishat (KKMP) successfully organized its Golden Jubilee along with the 398th birth anniversary celebration of Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj on February 23 at the KKMP Kalyana Mantapa, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru. The event, which commenced at 10:00 AM, witnessed enthusiastic participation from dignitaries, community leaders, and beneficiaries.
The auspicious occasion was graced by Shri Shri Shri Manjunath Bharathi Swamiji of Gavipuram Gosai Math , honored the event by offering floral tributes to the portrait of Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj. The program was presided over by KKMP State President, S Suresh Rao Sathe who extended his gratitude to all attendees for making the event a grand success.
One of the key highlights of the celebration was the distribution of scholarships and financial aid to over 3,000 beneficiaries, including students, senior citizens, disabled individuals, and widows. Hanagal MLA Srinivas Mane distributed scholarships to students, financial assistance to elderly and differently-abled individuals. Additionally, KKMP State Governing Council Chairman S.R. Sindhia, KKMP State General Secretary T.R. Sunil Chavan, KKMP State Treasurer T.R. Venkata Rao Chavan, and KKMP Women’s Chairman Smt. Krishna Kumari distributed pensions to widows.
A special lecture on the legacy and leadership of Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj was delivered by renowned scholar and speaker Guruprasad Bhat from Udupi, who captivated the audience with his insights into Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions and enduring influence.
The event was attended by Central Executive Committee members, Governing Council members, and district committee representatives, making it a memorable and impactful celebration that reinforced the community’s commitment to social welfare and historical reverence.
TeamLease EdTech HY1 2025 74% Rise in Freshers Hiring IT Sector Rebounds
India, 24th February 2025: TeamLease EdTech, India’s leading learning and employability solutions provider, has released its comprehensive Career Outlook Report HY1 (January – June 2025), shedding light on India’s emerging professional landscape for new graduates. The findings reveal 74% of freshers’ hiring intent in HY1 2025, suggesting unwavering business confidence for the upcoming months.
Several industries showcase strong recruitment momentum for the first half of 2025 compared to HY2 2024. The report reveals many increased hiring intent. E-commerce & Technology Startups registered increased from 61% to 70% (+9%), Manufacturing from 52% to 66% (+14%), and Engineering & Infrastructure touched 62%, up from 59% (+3%). Furthermore, the IT sector has experienced a remarkable recovery, with entry-level hiring intentions surging to 59% compared to 45% in HY2 2024. The healthcare and pharmaceuticals sector has also shown positive momentum, increasing from 47% to 52% (+5%). Even traditionally smaller sectors like Power & Energy and Marketing & Advertising have displayed modest growth, with increases of 4% and 2% respectively, reaching 22% and 11%. The geographical spread of opportunities continues to favor Bangalore (78%), Mumbai (65%), Delhi NCR (61%), and Chennai (57%) as primary employment destinations for recent graduates.
Deep-tech roles seem to be emerging career paths, including roles such as Clinical Bioinformatics Associate, Robotics System Engineer, Sustainability Analyst, Prompt Engineer, AI & Machine Learning Engineer, Cloud Engineer and Cybersecurity Analyst. Companies are particularly seeking candidates skilled in Robotic Process Automation, Performance Marketing, Network Security, and Financial Risk Analysis to address contemporary business needs. Beyond technical expertise, employers value computational thinking, interpersonal skills, analytic reasoning, and adaptability as crucial soft skills for entry-level positions.
The workplace transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation continues to shape employment opportunities. These technological advances are influencing recruitment patterns, encouraging newcomers to develop expertise in AI-related fields. In terms of workplace technology preferences, companies heavily rely on productivity and collaboration tools (83%), project management and task tracking software (73%), and data visualization tools (64%). Meanwhile, fresh graduates are focusing their development on data visualization and data analysis (92%), coding assistance tools (66%), and prompt engineering (57%), reflecting market demands.
A significant development highlighted in this report is the growing prominence of apprenticeship programs. Organizations are increasingly embracing degree apprenticeships as a strategic talent development approach. This trend is particularly strong in Manufacturing (30%), Engineering and infrastructure (23%), and Information Technology (12%), as businesses seek to develop skilled professionals through hands-on industry experience.
Commenting on the findings, Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech, remarked, “74% hiring intent throws a spotlight on the soaring demand in freshers’ hiring. The key is to develop skills in AI-driven domains, adaptability, and digital competencies to secure meaningful roles in India’s dynamic job market. Freshers need to smartly analyse the skills in demand and add them to their portfolio to bridge the gap and drive their ambitions to fruition.”
Jaideep Kewalramani, Head of Employability Business & COO of TeamLease EdTech, observed, “Today, tech is just not limited to ergonomic tasks, routine jobs but it is effectively changing the current work model. The employers are recognizing its potential and thus valuing job readiness through practical skills. In fact, 85% of the hiring intent is dependent on it. The same sentiment can be seen in the job market with deep tech skills and roles making it to the top.”
This report, based on a survey of 649 employers across India, offers key insights into hiring trends for freshers and Degree Apprentices, along with emerging skill demands. Get the full report.
IIIT-Bangalore’s Infin8 2025 Concludes with Success
Bangalore, February 24, 2025: The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) hosted its much-anticipated annual inter-college cultural fest, Infin8 from February 7-9, 2025, bringing together over 200 participants from 20+ colleges in a vibrant celebration of talent and creativity. This year’s edition, themed “Odyssey Osaka”, a fusion of the traditional Japanese culture and modernized ideas, turned the campus into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and artistic expression.
Spanning three electrifying days, Infin8 2025 featured an array of performances, competitions, and engaging activities. More than 700 students from 21 colleges participated in 26 diverse events, ranging from singing, dance, photography, acting, quizzes, ramp shows, poetry, and video games. With a total prize pool of INR 2.5 lakh, the festival offered a highly competitive yet exhilarating platform for young artists and performers.
One of the major highlights of the event was the mesmerizing performance by renowned mentalist Karan Singh, who left audiences spellbound with his mind-bending illusions. The festival also featured a soulful musical opening act by Akshay and Ashwin Mandoth, setting the perfect mood for Day 2. The lineup of events included enthralling band performances, rib-tickling stand-up comedy, and a grand finale featuring the high-energy rock band Oxygen On The Rocks. The festival concluded on an electrifying note with an unforgettable DJ night, where attendees danced to pulsating beats, celebrating the grand success of Infin8 2025.
Prof. Manisha Kulkarni, Dean, Student Affairs said, “IIIT-Bangalore takes pride in providing a platform where students can express themselves beyond academics. Infin8 is a testament to the boundless creativity and enthusiasm of young minds. We are proud to host such a dynamic event and look forward to an even grander celebration next year.”
Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore said: “IIIT-Bangalore is not just a center of academic excellence but also a space where students can explore their creative and leadership potential. Infin8 is completely student driven and its grand success is a testament to the organizational capabilities, leadership, and teamwork of our students.
With its diverse lineup of events and enthusiastic participation, Infin8 continues to be a beacon of artistic brilliance and cultural unity among students. IIIT-Bangalore looks forward to yet another edition of this exhilarating festival next year, promising more talent, entertainment, and unforgettable moments.
Wipro earthian Awards 2024 Felicitate Excellence in Sustainability Education
BENGALURU, India – Feb 24, 2025: Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, today held the 14th edition of Wipro earthian Awards for the year 2024 at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. The awards are a conclusion of an annual program designed to foster integrated sustainability education and recognize Indian schools and colleges that actively promote sustainable action and thinking.
The Wipro earthian program is one of India’s largest sustainability education programs for schools and colleges. The 2024 edition of this program received over 1,500 project submissions, of which 23 winning and 43 shortlisted entries were selected by an independent jury. The teams from the winning schools demonstrated a deep understanding of biodiversity, waste and water, through a combination of activity-based learning programs and written essays.
Over 100 schools were recognized for their exceptional effort by Wipro earthian’s regional non-governmental organization (NGO) partners. This year, the Wipro Sustainability Educators Network (SEN) and 22 sustainability educators from Wipro’s NGO partners engaged with local communities and students in activities such as winter & summer schools, nature camps, library sessions, and the Goa Bird Atlas. The SEN facilitates grassroots-level engagement with student communities, fostering local and contextual learning and insights on sustainability-related issues.
Anurag Behar, Chief Executive Officer, Azim Premji Foundation, and Narayan P.S., Global Head of Sustainability and Social Initiatives, Wipro Limited, and Managing Trustee, Wipro Foundation, felicitated the winning teams with certificates and cash prizes. The teams also engaged with Wipro’s sustainability partners through collaborative programs that provided insights into sustainability issues.
Narayan P.S., Global Head of Sustainability and Social Initiatives, Wipro Limited, and Managing Trustee, Wipro Foundation, said, “The annual Wipro earthian awards is the culmination of the 14th edition of Wipro’s long-running program that seeks to ignite interest and foster learning in young minds on humanity’s unique relationship with nature. Bringing students and teachers together from schools spread across the country, the Wipro earthian program is designed to generate action-based learning that celebrates the underlying connectedness of the individual with the larger fabric of community and nature. We continue to be inspired by the spirit of resilience and optimism we see in our young citizens as they get ready to face the multiple challenges of sustainable development the world faces.”
Wipro earthian extensively supported colleges through the ‘ideas to Impact’ (i2I) challenge, in collaboration with IIT Madras. In August 2024, five college teams were recognized for their innovative projects in the themes of Energy, Building Material, and Water. i2I received participation from schools and colleges spread across 27 states with more than 2,000 registrations. The challenge aimed to validate eco-innovative ideas and support their transformation into viable prototypes that contribute to a carbon-neutral future.
Since 2011, Wipro earthian has engaged with over 50,000 schools, 4,000 colleges, 2,00,000 students, and 40,000 teachers. This year, participation remained high with more than 1,500 submissions from schools and over 700 from colleges. Support from Wipro’s education partners, including CEE, CPREEC, Wild Ecologues, IIT Madras, IIM Bangalore, state governments, and educators in the SEN, has expanded the program’s reach.