IHM-Hyderabad Hosts Annual Awards Ceremony for 2024-25

Hyderabad, 30th April 2025: The renowned Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad IHM-Hyderabad, a central government institute under the Ministry of Tourism, held its Annual Awards Ceremony for the academic year 2024-25 with grandeur and pride, celebrating academic excellence, placement achievements, and overall student accomplishments. The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries from the hospitality, spiritual, and academic sectors, making it a truly inspiring occasion for the budding professionals of the institute.

The ceremony was graced by Sri Pradyumna Krishna Dasa, Spiritual Leader (ISKCON); Mrs. Yamuna Ranga Rao, Founding Principal, IHM-Hyderabad; Dr. Raja Rao, In-charge Principal, Osmania Medical College (OMC), Hyderabad; Mr. Sailesh Mathur, Group General Manager, Hotel Abode; Mr. Pankaj Sampat, President, HRATS, Area Director, IHCL, & GM, Taj Krishna; Mr. Abhishek Menon, General Manager, ITC Kakatiya and Mr. Sanjay Thakur, Principal, IHM-Hyderabad. Other notable guests included Mr. Srinivas Indukuri, Director HR, Taj Krishna & Taj Deccan; Mr. Arnold Lobo, L&D Manager, ITC Kakatiya, Mr. T. Chandra Mohan, Principal, Chennais Amirta and Mr. Karunya Teja, Faculty at Chennais Amirta and a proud alumnus of IHM-Hyderabad.

The ceremony commenced with a soulful Ganesh Vandana, followed by the National Anthem and a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the recent Pahalgam attack. The dignitaries joined students and faculty in observing a moment of silence in their honour.

Principal Mr. Sanjay Thakur extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and expressed his heartfelt gratitude. Our Heads of Departments felicitated the guests, and Mr. Thakur reaffirmed the institute’s dedication to nurturing future leaders in the hospitality industry.

Academic achievers of the institute and exceptional sports performers from catering colleges across the city were honoured during the event as a part of the Yamuna Ranga Rao Trophy: Inter-College Sports Meet. The winners received their awards from Mrs. Yamuna Ranga Rao, herself. Another highlight of the evening was the felicitation of winners from the Inter-collegiate Flower Arrangement Competition, who were applauded for their creativity and excellence on stage. This chapter of the competition saw participation from hoteliers in the Professional Category, which was won by Dolphin Hotels.

A proud moment for the institute came as two students placed at Ritz Carlton, Naples were recognized, along with 60+ students placed as Management Trainees in leading hotel chains across India. Additionally, over 100 students who secured placements across sectors like QSRs, FMCG, Fashion & Jewellery Retail, Co-working Spaces, Airport Outlets, Hotel Aggregators, Corporate Catering, and Facility Management were acknowledged for their versatility and preparedness for dynamic careers.

A memorable part of the event was the insightful speech by Sri Pradyumna Krishna Dasa, who emphasized the importance of Emotional Quotient (EQ) and Spiritual Quotient (SQ) to create the much-necessary balance in professional and personal life.

Dr. Raja Rao shared a moving account of how hospitality education at IHM-Hyderabad transformed his son’s life, underscoring the far-reaching impact of this field.

Mr. Pankaj Sampat spoke about the evolution of the hotel industry, highlighting the emerging opportunities available for young graduates. He emphasized how a career in hospitality offers the unique privilege of meeting and interacting with some of the most influential personalities across the world. He also noted that the dynamic nature of the industry provides professionals with an exciting

“kick” every single day, while Mr. Abhishek Menon shared his inspiring journey in the hospitality industry, narrating how he started his career and rose through the ranks to become the General Manager of the very same ITC Kakatiya. With heartfelt conviction and a dash of humour, he expressed that being a hotelier is not just a profession for him, but a calling—one he wouldn’t trade for anything else.

The dignitaries also released the 39th edition of the institute’s Annual Magazine Cackle, based on the theme “Food and Spirituality”, during the ceremony, showcasing student creativity, achievements, and institutional highlights from the past year.

The Annual Awards Ceremony 2024-25 was a true celebration of excellence, aspiration, and growth — marking yet another milestone in the illustrious journey of IHM-Hyderabad.

Academic Award Details

Shambhawi Singh Dev, (Alumnus 2024)

Thangam E. Philip award for 1st rank, instituted by South India Hotels & Restaurants Association of Chennai; Highest Scorer in Final Year Accommodation Operations, award instituted by Panaroma Enterprises, Bangalore ; Topper of 2023-24 Final Year Highest Scorer in Final Year Food & Beverage service, instituted by Madam Yamuna Ranga Rao, founder Principal; & Yamuna Ranga Rao Academic Excellence Award

Tushar Aneja, (Alumnus 2024)

Thangam E. Philip award for 2nd rank & 2nd Topper of 2023-24 Final Year

Preti Chaouhan, (Batch 2025)

Thangam E. Philip award for 1st rank – 2nd year.,

Topper of 2023-2024 2nd Year

Talera Group rolling trophy for 1st Rank in 2nd Year … Rooms Division subjects

Mandarapu Atchutha Sai Kumar (Batch 2025)

Thangam E. Philip award for 2nd rank – 2nd yr.,

2nd Topper of 2023-24 2nd Year

Subhranil Dhar, (Batch 2026)

Thangam E. Philip award for 1st rank – 1st yr., Topper of 2023-24 1st Year

Kumari Ritika, (Batch 2026)

Thangam E. Philip cash award for 2nd rank – 1st yr.,

2nd Topper of 2023-24 1st Year

Meghana Bhutada – Award for Vegetarian Course

N Manisha, Alumnus 23

Topper of 2022-23 Food and patisserie course

Anmole Rohini Gunwant, (Alumnus 23)

2nd Topper of 2022-23 Food and patisserie course

Yamuna Ranga Rao Trophy: Inter-College Sports Meet

Carrom-Singles

Runner up – Anurag Gautam (IHM Hyderabad)

Winner – Sukruth (Culinary Academy)

Carrom -Doubles

Runner-up – Om Adithya Prakash and Fayaz Mohammad (Regency College)

Winner – Danavath Vishnu Rathod and Punit (IHM Shri shakti)

Chess

Runner up – M. Mukthananda (Chennais Amritas)

Winner – MD. Yasir Khan (Regency College)

Table tennis: Singles

Runner up – Sanika juikar (IHM Hyderabad)

Winner – Varad Badhe (IHM Hyderabad)

Inter-collegiate Flower Arrangement Competition

Professional Category

Winner – Dolphin Hotel – K. Nagaraju & Aalok Kumar

Free Style – 2nd Runner up- Sara Ashish Reddy (Chennais Amrita)

Runner up – Pranav Gawande (IHM Hyderabad)

Winner – Hari Omm Shukla (IHM Hyderabad)

Flower Decoration – 2nd Runner up- Saraswati Biswakarma (Regency)

Runnerup – Susan Sara Singh (IHM Hyderabad)

Winner – Shiva Prasad (Regency)

Ikebana – 2nd Runner up- Sattwikee Ray (IHM Hyderabad)

Runnerup – Siddharth (Regency)

Winner – T. Mukhteshwar (Regency)

Bouquet

2nd Runner up- Md Abdul Ahad (IIHM)

Runnerup – Manthan Bahadure (CAI)

Winner – Sunidhi Nair (IHM Hyderabad)

Panasonic Launches 2nd ‘Kid Witness News’ Edition in India to Promote UN SDGs

New Delhi, April 30th, 2025, Panasonic Life Solutions India PLSIND, a leading diversified technology company, has launched the second edition of the global initiative – Kid Witness News in India. After running a successful first edition in the country, the programme is deeply committed to raising awareness around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among school students by upskilling youth with digital storytelling skills and creating advocates of change.

As part of the Kid Witness News (KWN) program, Panasonic Life Solutions India has so far partnered with five leading schools, including Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Shalom Hills International School, Suncity School, Lotus Valley International School, and Scottish High International School in Delhi NCR region and is still open for collaborations with more schools. Beginning May 2025, Panasonic will conduct KWN workshops, providing state-of-the-art Panasonic Lumix cameras and other equipment to participating students from partner schools. These tools will serve as a medium for students to direct their thoughts on SDGs to life, deepen their understanding of the world, and positively impact society. One video will be selected after assessment of all entries from India to be showcased at Panasonic’s Kid Witness News Global Summit as part of a global contest scheduled later in the year.

Speaking on the launch of the KWN program, Ms. Pooja Garg Khan, Head of CSR & Corporate Communications, Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) said, “Panasonic is delighted to launch the second edition of Kid Witness News in India, fostering the next generation of storytellers and community leaders. Last year, we had a number of schools from Gurgaon who participated. Through this initiative, we are providing students with the necessary technology and immersive workshops covering camera techniques, video editing, and digital storytelling. By guiding them to transform their ideas around the UN Sustainable Development Goals into compelling narratives, this program ignites creativity, hones critical thinking, and empowers young minds to champion positive change. It equips them with the necessary skills and confidence to envision and build a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

The Kid Witness News (KWN) is a global program that was launched by Panasonic in 1989 to provide students with opportunities to explore the world of digital storytelling and media production. The initiative is aimed at empowering young people by giving them access to technology and training in the fields of video production and digital media. The KWN has been successful in fostering creativity and media literacy among young people, providing them with valuable skills that can be useful in their future careers. The program has been implemented in various countries around the world and continues to be a part of Panasonic’s efforts to support education and community development.

DP World and Delhi Capitals Launch Cricket-Inspired Campaign Film

Bengaluru, 29th April 2025: DP World, a leading global provider of smart logistics solutions, has unveiled an inspiring new campaign film in partnership with Delhi Capitals, celebrating the transformative power of cricket when driven by purpose. The film highlights how cricket can open doors, create opportunities and positively impact communities.

The film brings together an impressive lineup of global cricket stars including KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc, alongside women’s cricket trailblazers Meg Lanning, Alice Capsey, and Sarah Bryce. It marks the latest milestone in DP World’s partnership with both the Men’s and Women’s Delhi Capitals teams, underscoring a shared commitment to inclusivity and impact through sport.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of local neighbourhoods across India, the film vividly captures  DP World’s grassroots commitment to making cricket more accessible. A standout scene features young aspiring players being mentored by life-sized holographic projections of their cricketing idols blending inspiration with innovation to deliver a personal, powerful training experience.

Hemant Kumar Ruia, Executive Vice President, Head of DP World India said, “India is central to DP World’s global operations, both in scale and strategic importance. Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of millions here, and through our Beyond Boundaries Initiative, we are using the power of cricket to connect with communities in India. We are providing access to cricket by providing grassroots clubs with cricket kits, equipment, and facilities through repurposed logistics containers. Our partnership with Delhi Capitals reflects a shared commitment to enabling this access, nurturing local talent, and fostering a spirit of inclusion. This film captures our unifying purpose, showcasing how we are supporting cricketing talent at the grassroots level, while building relationships that matter, both on and off the field.”

As part of its global Beyond Boundaries Initiative, DP World is converting 50 repurposed shipping containers into fully equipped cricket facilities for grassroots clubs worldwide. Each container is stocked with professional-grade kits including bats, helmets, gloves, pads and kit bags. The containers are also multipurpose to suit the local community’s needs, serving as pavilions and dressing rooms – all with the ambition of making the game more accessible.

Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has seen DP World roll out five repurposed containers across key Indian cities including Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, along with the distribution of 1,250 cricket kits to aspiring players in India. In 2024, the Delhi Capitals team supported the unveiling of containers at Delhi’s Aerocity Ground, reinforcing the commitment to bringing the game closer to communities and nurturing the next generation of talent.

Sports Fans Can Win A Bundle Of Official Memorabilia

WIN AN EXCLUSIVE MEMORABILIA BUNDLE THIS SPORTS MEMORABILIA DAY 

Sports fans around the world can win an exclusive bundle of memorabilia this weekend, featuring special and signed items from a variety of high-profile athletes, teams and brands. The bundle will include collectibles from Formula 1®, UFC, MotoGP™, Anthony Joshua and Team GB – all licensed partners of Memento Exclusives.  
Memento Exclusives is a global sports licensing
 
The competition is being run to celebrate the first ever Sports Memorabilia Day, which is set to take place on 27th April 2025. 
 
To enter the competition, sports fans need to visit the Memento Exclusives’ website and enter their details. Once the competition closes, one lucky winner will be drawn at random to win the entire bundle. 
 
The prize contains: a signed Anthony Joshua glove; an F1® phone holder made from a race used gear ratio; an autographed UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Albazi event poster; an autographed photo of Team GB’s Paris 2024 Men’s Rowing Pair; and a square of the chequered flag that will get waved at the MotoGP™ French Grand Prix. 
Sports Memorabilia Day was announced earlier this year by Memento Exclusives and will be marked annually. The date of 27th April has been chosen to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the business bringing fans closer to the sports they love. 
 
Sports Memorabilia Day will champion the incredible world of sports fans and collectors, giving recognition to the joy of collecting and the items of sporting history that people have obtained. By showcasing their cherished items and recalling fond memories, fans will have a fresh way to show their connection to their favourite sports – as well as engaging with teams, athletes, brands and businesses across the sporting landscape through social media. 
 
To enter the competition, visit mementoexclusives.com now. The competition will run between 25th April and 9th May 2025. 

SPORTS CON Pune 2025 Sparks Game- Changing Dialogue on India’s Sporting Future and Olympic Ambitions

PUNE, INDIA – On April 25, 2025, the city of Pune became the epicentre of India’s sports innovation and collaboration at SPORTS CON Pune 2025, hosted by the Institute of Sports Science & Technology (ISST). The landmark event gathered leading minds from across India’s sports ecosystem—athletes, entrepreneurs, coaches, federations, and corporate leaders—to build momentum toward India’s 2036 Olympic aspirations.

The evening opened with a stirring video celebrating India’s Olympic dream, followed by the National Anthem. Tanvi Lunawat, Director of Operations at ISST, welcomed the audience and set the tone for the evening with a powerful message: “At this event, we are not just discussing the future of sports—we’re here to create it.”

SPORTS CON Pune 2025 Sparks Game- Changing Dialogue on India's Sporting Future and Olympic Ambitions

Setting the Stage: A Vision for 2036

The event opened with an inspiring audio-visual presentation of India’s Olympic aspirations for 2036, immediately setting the tone for an evening that was both reflective and forward-looking. The National Anthem followed, drawing the packed auditorium into a shared spirit of national pride. Tanvi Lunawat, Director of Operations at ISST and host for the evening welcomed the attendees. In a symbolic Sapling Watering Ceremony, Madhukar Talwalkar, Founder Talwalkars Fitness, Dr. Pranati Tilak, Trustee, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, and Mrs. Ujwala Lunawat, Chairperson of ISST, marked the official opening of the event—signifying the nurturing of grassroots talent and a sustainable sports future.

Decoding the League Culture: The New Face of Indian Sports

The evening’s first marquee panel, titled “Decoding the League Culture: The New Face of Indian Sports”, explored the meteoric rise of sports leagues across the country. Moderated by Dr. Vipul Lunawat, Director of ISST and architect of SPORTS CON, the panel featured Kailash Kandpal (CEO, Puneri Paltan – Pro Kabaddi League), Parvin Dabas (Co-Founder, Pro Panja League), Mandar Tamhane (CEO, North East United FC – Indian Super League), and Rishi Bhansali (COO, Pune United – World Pickleball League).

SPORTS CON Pune 2025 Sparks Game- Changing Dialogue on India's Sporting Future and Olympic Ambitions

Each panelist offered a distinct lens on league-building in India, sharing their experiences in scaling both popular and emerging sports. The discussion centered on the commercial viability of new-age leagues, the importance of talent scouting through school and regional platforms, and the creation of community-based fan engagement models that go beyond metro cities. A pressing need for policy support and regulatory consistency was also highlighted.

An engaging Q&A wrapped up the session, with vibrant participation from educators, coaches, and sports entrepreneurs eager to contribute to India’s league-based sports revolution.

Powering Progress: The Role of Government, Federations, Corporates & NGOs in Sports

The second panel, “Powering Progress,” addressed one of Indian sport’s most urgent themes—collaborative governance and sustainable development. Dr. Vipul Lunawat once again led the conversation, joined by an illustrious lineup: Pawan Singh (Co-Founder, Gun for Glory Shooting Academy & Joint Secretary General, National Rifle Association of India), Lokesh Suji (VP, Asian Esports Federation & Member, International Esports Federation) and Rishikesh Joshi (Founder, Sports For All – SFA).

The panel delved into structural reforms and policy alignment across sectors, with highlights on the critical importance of state federations in athlete development, and the need for unified frameworks that connect government schemes, corporates, and NGOs.

Felicitation of Partners

The evening also included a brief felicitation ceremony to acknowledge the invaluable support of the event’s official partners. Radio Mirchi was recognized as the Radio Partner, L’utopia Magazine as the Magazine Partner, and Punekar News as the Media Partner. Go Fresh was appreciated as the Freshness Partner, while Champion Sports was felicitated as the Sports Merchandise Partner. Their contributions played a key role in the success of SPORTS CON Pune 2025.

SEF & Grassroots Action: A Movement with Purpose

SPORTS CON 2025 also cast a well-deserved spotlight on the Sports Entrepreneurs Foundation (SEF), a not-for-profit initiative launched by ISST and fellow sports professionals. SEF is at the forefront of CSR-led rural development through sport, currently supporting two schools in Mulshi with sustained efforts in donations, outreach, and awareness campaigns. A short documentary on SEF’s work received enthusiastic applause, affirming the conference’s vision of combining elite performance pathways with inclusive development efforts.

Innovation Zones & Networking Night

Attendees engaged with an interactive High-Performance Centre (HPC) showcase, featuring cutting-edge sports technologies and performance analytics tools. The Pro Gaming Zone was another crowd-puller, especially among young delegates exploring the fusion of technology, gaming, and physical sport. The day concluded with a vibrant Networking Dinner, fostering new partnerships and ongoing discussions among federation leaders, startup founders, academicians, and innovators from across the country.

Vedaanta Senior Living Launches Premium Retirement Community at Athani, Thrissur

Thrissur, April 25, 2025: Vedaanta Senior Living has announced the launch of Vedaanta Green Meadows in AthaniThrissur—a thoughtfully designed premium senior living community that blends comfort, care, and a sense of belonging in one of Kerala’s most scenic locales. Developed in partnership with Green Meadow Community by Aju Cherukara Mathew, this RERA-certified project caters specifically to the evolving needs of seniors, offering a peaceful and purpose-driven lifestyle post-retirement.
 
With a rapidly growing senior population and shifting family structures, the need for well-planned retirement communities has never been more relevant. Vedaanta’s new community responds to this rising demand by providing a safe, independent, and socially enriching environment. Centered around the pillars of wellness, comfort, and community, the project features a wide range of thoughtfully curated services and amenities. These ownership-model homes will be fully serviced by Vedaanta and include a clubhouse, cafeteria, medical centre with paramedical and physiotherapy staff, in-house theatre, library, gym, and lush landscaped surroundings, designed for vibrant and engaged senior living.
 
What truly sets Vedaanta Green Meadows apart is the lifestyle it offers. The on-site cafeteria serves freshly prepared, hygienic meals with separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian kitchens, tailored to the dietary needs of seniors. Residents have the flexibility to cook in their own kitchens, enjoy room service, or dine with fellow residents—based on their preferences. A dedicated housekeeping team ensures all homes are well-maintained, with daily cleaning and monthly deep cleaning for a worry-free lifestyle.
 
 
Speaking at the launch, Rahul Sabharwal, Director of Vedaanta Senior Living, said, “We wanted to create a space where individuals don’t just retire from work, but expand their lives. This retirement community is designed around wellness, comfort, and companionship, allowing seniors to lead active and fulfilling lives in the company of like-minded peers.”
 
Set against the lush backdrop of Thrissur, the community consists of 37 beautifully landscaped villas available in premium and deluxe formats, priced from ₹65 lakhs (pre-registration). These senior-focused homes are Vaastu-compliant, featuring anti-skid flooring and supportive railings for safety. With open terraces, spacious bedrooms, and excellent ventilation, the villas are designed for comfort, health, and a connection with nature. Dedicated walking paths and outdoor seating areas further encourage relaxation and exploration.
 
Shreya Anand, Director of Vedaanta Senior Living, added,”Senior living is evolving rapidly in South India, and Kerala is one of the most responsive and promising markets. We’re investing ₹60–80 crore in the Kerala market to develop over 300 senior living units across Thrissur, Kottayam, and Trivandrum over the next two years. At Vedaanta, our residents are at the core of everything we do. Each community is designed to reflect regional lifestyles, from food to festivals—so that residents always feel at home. They are active contributors to community policies, activities, and celebrations, co-creating a vibrant and inclusive culture with us.”
 
Medical support is a core focus at Vedaanta. The community includes on-site paramedical staff, ambulance services, tie-ups with super-speciality hospitals, and 24/7 security and concierge services. “At Vedaanta Green Meadows, our goal is for every resident to feel relaxed, cared for, and free to explore their interests and passions,” added Shreya.
 
Vedaanta Senior Living recorded an impressive 55% revenue growth in FY 2024–25, reinforcing its leadership position in South India’s growing senior living sector. Trusted by over 800 residents across 14 communities in Bengaluru, Hosur, Chennai, Coimbatore, Guruvayur, Kochi, and now ThrissurVedaanta remains focused on its mission: Your Second Innings, Our First Priority.
 
Representatives from Vedaanta Senior Living, Rahul Sabharwal – Director, K. B Babu – Director of Operations, K. C Rao – Head of Coimbatore and Kerala Business, along with Aju Cherukara Mathew – Green Meadows Township Developers, spoke at the launch press conference held in Thrissur.

Ammann India Advocates RAP for a Greener, More Cost-Effective Future

Mumbai, India April 23rd, 2025: In response to the growing need for sustainable infrastructure, Ammann India, a pioneer in road building technology, hosted its Asphalt Recycling Seminar in the financial capital, Mumbai. The event brought together industry leaders, technical experts, and partners to explore the role of cutting-edge recycling technologies in shaping the future of eco-conscious road construction in India.

As India accelerates its transition towards greener infrastructure, the importance of circular construction practices, particularly in road development, has never been more relevant. The seminar aimed to address a critical industry need to equip stakeholders with the technical knowledge and strategic clarity to translate sustainability goals into actionable, on-ground outcomes. From insightful keynotes and technical deep dives to engaging panel discussions, the seminar showcased the future of road construction with RAP (Recycled Asphalt Pavement) especially in context with its usage for Indian roads. The event provided a collaborative platform to highlight emerging trends, share best practices, and address common misconceptions surrounding asphalt recycling and sustainable road building.

Key topics discussed at the event included material management, temperature control, and binder rejuvenation, backed by real-world case studies proving RAP roads can match or exceed conventional durability. Experts also highlighted the importance of rejuvenating agents for effective binder integration and emphasized the need for standardized regulations, skill development, and better procurement practices to scale recycling in India.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Dheeraj Panda, Managing Director, Ammann India, underlined the significance of sustainable innovation in shaping the future of road infrastructure. “With both global and Indian markets shifting decisively towards sustainable construction practices, technologies like asphalt recycling have become the need of the hour. At Ammann, our 150-year legacy of innovation drives us to deliver future-forward solutions that not only meet evolving industry demands but also reduce carbon emissions and reliance on virgin resources. We’re proud to lead the way in India by enabling up to 100% use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and cost-efficiency. As the government champions greener highways, our advanced recycling technologies are poised to play a pivotal role in making this vision a reality.”

Other prominent voices at the event included Dr. Ambika Behl (F.I.E), Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-CRRI, and Prof. Dharamveer Singh, Civil Engineering Professor at IIT Bombay, alongside Mr. Martinho Fernandes, AVP & Product Head – Asphalt Plants, Ammann India. Their contributions offered nuanced insights into overcoming technical and operational challenges in the field.

Currently, RAP usage in India remains relatively low—typically below 30%. Ammann is committed to raising this significantly, aiming to scale adoption up to 60% and even 100%, which not only supports sustainability but also delivers substantial cost and time savings in line with India‘s broader infrastructure development goals.

The event concluded with a united call for industry collaboration, research, and actionable implementation, reinforcing Ammann India’s leadership in delivering smart, sustainable, and technologically advanced road-building solutions that are aligned with national priorities.

 

National Parasports Talent Hunt Kicks Off in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, 23rd April 2025Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), in association with Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF), is organising the National Talent Identification Hunt and Training Camp for Para-Athletes from 23rd April to 28th April 2025 at JNV Ranga Reddy Campus, HCU Road, Gachibowli.

Chief Guest Ms. Shilpa Reddy, Trustee, AMF, Mrs. India, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, Holistic Lifestyle Influencer; inaugurated the National Parasports Talent Identification Hunt & Training Camp, today at JNV Ranga Reddy Campus. Guest of Honour Sri T. Gopalakrishna, Deputy Commissioner, NVSRO Hyderabad Sri R. Nagabhushanam, Asst. Commissioner, NVSRO; Sri. Aditya Mehta, Founder, Aditya Mehta Foundation; also graced the occasion. The camp aims to unearth budding talent for the Paralympics 2028, Commonwealth Games 2026 and Asian Games 2026.

Ms. Shilpa Reddy said, I have been associated with Aditya Mehta Foundation for the last twelve years. AMF in collaboration with the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, has taken the responsibility of organising this Camp with love, care and strong vision. We have come together to give our young talented athletes the best  experience possible. This initiative has grown so much over the years, every year we see new champions emerging from here and everyone who comes here leaves with beautiful memory, even if they don’t get selected for the final group. We do our best to select as many students as we can, though there are limited number of spaces. In our view everyone is a champion. I am really dumbstruck with the commitment and dedication you guys have for the sport you adopted. We are incredibly proud of our journey so far, more than 10,000 para-athletes have been screened, trained, counselled under this initiative and 3500 children with special needs from Navodaya Vidyalaya alone were screened, counselled and trained over the years. AMF athletes have won more than 300 international medals, even abroad. This year, we have Youth Asian Games 2025; followed by Asian Games 2026; these are not just milestones, but important steps that contribute to the selection process of the para-athletes for the Paralympics 2028. Our aim is very realistic and focussed to support and prepare as many athletes as possible to represent India at the Paralympics 2028.

Speaking on the occasion Sri T. Gopalakrishna said, it’s AMF’s 9th Talent Identification Hunt camp, and we at NVS have been proud partners of this meaningful initiative for the past 4 years. This initiative started as an idea, mainly we looked at it from the point of view of building resilience, confidence and the inclusiveness of all these children. AMF was very clear that if these children are trained for an year or more, they are going to find their places on national and international platforms and that has become a reality today. Hundreds of children have been trained at JNV Ranga Reddy Campus, which I consider as the heart of para athlete training, It is today the Centre of Excellence for para sports. Aditya Mehta Foundation and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti are able to bring hundreds of para-athletes on the same platform and are standing as a beacon of hope for the para-athletes in the entire country. This year alone 142 medal were won by NVS children with the support of AMF and are coming out with flying colours. Our aim is to make a mark at the Paralympics 2028 on behalf of India.    

This unique initiative aims to scout and nurture paraathletic talent from the grassroots level, offering Children with Special Needs (CwSN) and differently – abled youth the opportunity to explore their sporting potential under expert guidance in parasports. The week-long Camp will conduct Talent Identification Trials; Basic Para-sports Training Sessions, Motivational Interactions with National and International Para-Athletes and Counselling Sessions for Students and Teachers, says Sri. Aditya Mehta, Founder, Aditya Mehta Foundation.

Out of 1000 online-screened applicants, 300 individuals from Hyderabad, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Pune, Patna, Lucknow, Shillong shortlisted for further trials and basic training at this camp. The most promising talents will be mentored by Aditya Mehta Foundation’s Infinity Parasports Academy in Hyderabad and given opportunities to represent their states and the nation at major national and international platforms, says Aditya Mehta.

The program is designed to identify and nurture their abilities, ultimately grouping them into specific parasports based on their individual disability levels and strengths. Throughout the camp, participants will explore a range of parasports and will be counselled and screened for 29 parasports. The structured training sessions is aimed to discover hidden talents and inspire children to pursue excellence in parasports.

Zenzo collaborates with ‘Delhi Traffic Police’ to ‘Make Delhi Emergency Ready’

New Delhi, April 23, 2025: Zenzo, India’s leading emergency Response Service Provider, hosted the Make Delhi Emergency Ready meet at India Habitat Centre, New Delhispotlighting their commitment to providing immediate and effective emergency assistance by launching the largest network of 25,000+ ambulances across 450 cities and 671 ambulances in Delhi NCR, to assist in the time of emergency. The network includes basic, cardiac and 5G enabled Ambulance which uses real-time patient monitoring, enabling paramedics to share vital stats with hospitals instantly, and improving pre-hospital care.

Mr. Shashank Jaiswal, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of PoliceTraffic Headquarters & VVIP Route, Delhi Police, was the esteemed guest at the Zenzo Press Meet, where he emphasized the critical need for civic emergency preparedness. He acknowledged Zenzo’s contribution in training approximately 100+ Delhi Traffic Police personnel in First Aid and CPR, conducted by medical experts on the 21st & 22nd April 2025.

These trainings reflect Zenzo’s broader vision of enabling enablers, individuals who are most likely to witness or respond to emergencies first. By equipping traffic police with life-saving skills, Zenzo is taking a critical step toward building a culture of readiness on Delhi’s roads and beyond. In addition to its work with the police force, Zenzo continues to expand its emergency readiness initiatives through partnerships with NGOs, food delivery partners, cab drivers, corporates and hospitals to create a unified, emergency response ecosystem.

 Ms. Sweta Mangal, Co-Founder and CEO of Zenzo, commented on the occasion: Zenzo is proud to partner with the Delhi Traffic Police in our shared mission to make Delhi Emergency Ready by training traffic personnel on First Aid and CPR and by launching a network of 671 aggregated ambulances in Delhi NCR to serve people in medical emergencies”.

She further added,At Zenzo, our mission is to Make ‘India Emergency Ready’ by building a tech-driven medical emergency infrastructure. With a network of verified ambulances and cutting-edge technology, we aim to improve response times and empower communities. Following our successful launch in Mumbai, expanding to Delhi marks a major step in strengthening emergency preparedness and collaborating with on-ground institutions.

We focus on the critical golden hour—when rapid action can save lives—by connecting first responders and medical professionals instantly. Through strategic partnerships, we’re creating a faster, more efficient, and accessible emergency care system to reduce fatalities and improve outcomes.”

Mr. Shashank Jaiswal, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of PoliceTraffic Headquarters & VVIP Route, Delhi Police, shared, “We are proud to partner with Zenzo in their mission to ‘Make Delhi EmergencyReady’, by training our traffic personnel in First Aid and CPR, we aim to make the first responders on the ground are equipped to save lives. This collaboration will enhance the city’s readiness and help provide timely medical assistance when every second counts”.

Zenzo‘s initiative aims to address critical issues affecting emergency response times and patient outcomes in Delhi NCR. In 2024, Delhi recorded 5,834 road accidents, resulting in 1,457 fatalities, making it the most affected city in India. Delays in hospital arrivals and traffic congestion worsen emergency response times. India records 1,50,000 road traffic deaths annually, with 30% of fatalities attributed to delays. Initiatives like Zenzo‘s ‘Making India Emergency Ready‘ campaign are needed to improve emergency response infrastructure and public awareness.

Zenzo’s ‘Making India Emergency Ready‘ initiative is a transformative step toward faster emergency responses, improved infrastructure, and increased public awareness, ensuring every Indian has access to life-saving care.

India Taps Civilizational Values for Economic Growth: Hardeep Puri

New Delhi, 23 April, 2025: At a special seminar organized in New Delhi by Shaheed Nanak Singh FoundationUnion Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri hailed the contribution of refugees in India’s growth and termed it a result of reclaiming of civilization values.

Delivering his key-note address on ‘Honouring Those Who Honour India‘ organized by Shaheed Nanak Singh Foundation, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri said, “We are a country which drew on the sacrifice of his previous generation. A lot of countries have benefited from the contribution of refugees. We’ve reclaimed the civilization values which were always ours. And we’ve used that as a driver of pride and in turn economic growth. The contribution of Shaheed Nanak Singh and his family is a testament of the same.”

The event was held to honour Shaheed Nanak Singh’s efforts in promoting communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims during India‘s partition. He sacrificed his life for protecting lives of students of DAV College, Multan (now in Pakistan) in 1947.

Lord Rami Ranger FRSA, Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom, and youngest son of Shaheed Nanak Singh Ji, narrated the role that his father played in uniting people of all faith during the turbulent times of partition. The unity of India is also essential for the survival of our civilization. Our civilization is miles ahead of every other civilization. When we were not united, we suffered centuries of invasion. But we managed to preserve what we enjoy today due to the supreme sacrifice of our selfless leaders,” he said.

Underscoring the significance of these dialogues, Mr. Vineet Nanda, General Secretary of the Shaheed Nanak Singh Foundation, stated that as India‘s global influence expands, it is crucial to recognize those Indians who prioritized creating a positive international image for the nation.

The event also drew the presence of numerous dignitaries, including Col. Kulwinder Singh (son of the late Nanak Singh Ji), Mr. Ravindra Sheroan, Mr. Navneet Soni, former Chairman of the Minority Commission Mr. Tarlochan Singh, Rajya Sabha member Mr. Vivek Tankha, and various other distinguished guests, such as current and former bureaucrats.