Republic Day Sale Trends by Unicommerce
28th January 2024,Mumbai: During the year’s first online sale event, the Republic Day sale, Unicommerce witnessed over 16 mn transactions processed by marketplaces and D2C brands through its platform over the 14-day event, which started on the 13th of January 2025.
The top performing categories during the sale period were health & pharma with over 80% YoY order volume growth, followed by home decor with 35% growth and beauty, wellness & personal care recording a 16% growth in volumes as compared to the sale period last year. This surge reflects the enthusiasm of consumers at the very start of the year.
Driven by compelling deals and marketing campaigns, marketplaces observed a notable 16% year-on-year (YoY) growth in order items during the period. In contrast, D2C brand websites saw a modest YoY growth of over 5% during the same period.
A large share of the demand was from towns like Lucknow, Jaipur, Patna, Coimbatore, Surat, Kolar, Alwar, Rohtak, Kamrup and Gandhinagar.
Products that attracted higher demand and recorded significant growth included makeup products, home decor & furniture items and travel accessories. While tier-1 and metropolitan cities led growth across toys & baby products and gaming accessories, tier-2 and tier-3 towns saw higher demand for perfumes & deodorants, and health devices.
The share of prepaid orders in e-commerce continues to rise across tier-2, tier-3 cities and beyond regions. During this year’s sale period, the market share of prepaid orders in the fashion and accessories category grew from 23.9% to 25.1%. Similarly, the health & pharma category witnessed higher prepaid orders with their share rising from 8.4% in 2024 to 14% in 2025. The volume of prepaid orders across beauty, wellness and personal care also grew from 20.7% to 21.4% in 2025.
With the rise of regional warehousing across smaller suburban towns and the growing adoption of technology in these regions, the e-commerce industry is unlocking connectivity, reaching previously untapped areas. This, in turn, supports brands and e-commerce platforms to fulfil consumer demand across the hinterland of Bharat.
As of Q2 2025, Unicommerce serves 3600+ clients including D2C brands, retail and e-commerce companies as well as logistics provider firms. With 260+ technology & partner integrations, the company has achieved an annual transaction run rate of 850+ million order items managing 8800+ warehouses and 3150+ omni-enabled stores across geographies. Shipway by Unicommerce, the company’s logistics automation arm, enables automated shipping for faster fulfillment, serving more than 12,000+ online brands.
The 5 Most Impactful AIoT Trends to Look Out for in 2025
Mumbai, 28th January, 2025: In recent years, we have explored the evolving trends in the security landscape. As technology has advanced, the focus has broadened from merely securing our world—to making it smarter. AIoT (AI-powered Internet of Things) is leading this transformation, revolutionizing industries beyond security. This year, we dive deeper into the trends driving AIoT, showing how they are reshaping industries and fostering a more efficient, secure, and sustainable future.
- Perception technologies are adapting to varied environments and situational needs
Perception technologies are continuing to evolve to operate efficiently in diverse conditions. AI Image Signal Processing (AI-ISP) technology, for example, has already set a high bar on image quality performance in low-light conditions by significantly reducing image noise and addressing motion blur. For large-scale monitoring scenarios that require wide angles and detailed images, Ultra High Definition (UHD) technologies are becoming the norm. They offer faster frame rates, improved contrast, and richer details, making it easier to capture and analyze vast, complex scenes.
Beyond the visible light spectrum, millimeter-wave radars see through smoke, dust, and obstacles, providing precise speed and direction measurements widely used in traffic management. In noisy, harsh industrial settings with continuous operations, meanwhile, sound wave sensing enables non-invasive equipment monitoring for early fault detection, reducing downtime.
- AIoT is bringing digitalization to life in diverse industrial applications
Companies are increasingly adopting AIoT technologies to address specific operational challenges and speed up digital transformation. In retail, where loss prevention and maintaining a competitive edge is crucial, AIoT devices now provide valuable data such as inventory tracking, foot traffic, queue lengths, and area density. This information helps stores tailor their offerings, optimize operations, and mitigate losses. In the energy sector, meanwhile, safety is a non-negotiable requirement. AIoT solutions, such as automated personal protective equipment (PPE) checks, now use AI to streamline the inspection of proper safety gears, reducing manual oversight and enhancing workplace safety.
Furthermore, the development of large vision, audio, and fiber-optic models is being tailored with industry-specific designs, algorithm optimization, and model simplification. This trend aims to create lightweight, vertical-specific AIoT deployments that are practical and effective in real-world scenarios.
Additionally, the increasing adoption of generative AI is adding an extra layer of ease and efficiency. Multimodal large models, which integrate text with visual data, make it much simpler to search and interact with information such as when people are locating a particular package in a logistics center. By providing user-friendly text-based interfaces, these models are delivering increasingly rapid and seamless access to needed data, streamlining decision-making and operational processes.
- There is a significant move towards open and collaborative ecosystems
As the demand for tailored AIoT solutions in fragmented industrial scenarios has increased, no single company can meet all the user demands on their own. Open platforms and tools are therefore becoming essential. These enable solution providers to seamlessly integrate third-party applications in order to accelerate digital transformation across industries.
To further support this, standardized protocols are simplifying device communication, reducing development time and costs. These protocols make it easier for all types of devices to work together, addressing issues like configuration complexity, scalability, and network security.
This collaborative environment helps developers and integrators create flexible and effective AIoT solutions. Simple to use AI training platforms are now becoming widely available, which allow non-specialist systems integrators to train and deploy their own custom AI models. Users can easily combine and customize these AI models for tasks like object detection and audio classification, enhancing the functionality of their solutions and, therefore, the value they can add in sectors ranging from industrial processes to home automation.
- Building cybersecurity trust through proactive strategies and cross-industry partnerships
Cybersecurity remains a critical concern in the expanding AIoT landscape. Increasingly, companies are adopting proactive, yet responsive, cybersecurity approaches, which focus on rapid threat detection and effective response. By partnering with specialized security testing firms, they are able to evaluate products against a wide range of standards, identifying and tackling vulnerabilities early to prevent exploitation. Continuous testing ensures updates and enhancements consistently meet the highest security benchmarks.
Transparent communication has become crucial for openly addressing security concerns. Increasingly, organizations are setting up security response centers and deploying robust vulnerability management programs. Again, close collaboration is key to this trend, with installers, system integrators, and customers all working together to ensure secure deployment and use, leading to a more resilient and trusted operational framework.
- AIoT becoming a game-changing catalyst for sustainability
Organizations worldwide are seeking more sustainable ways to operate and conduct business, and many are turning to AIoT technologies to do this. By augmenting connected sensors with AI algorithms, AIoT is helping to optimize resource use, cut energy consumption, improve waste management, and boost operational efficiency in numerous industries.
In building management, for example, AIoT systems are being used to automatically adjust energy use based on occupancy and weather conditions, leading to significant cost savings and lower carbon emissions. In transport, the technology is being used to optimize traffic flow and reduces congestion, cutting carbon emissions in the process. Similarly, the combination of millimeter-wave radar and water-level detection cameras allows for real-time analysis of water quality and flood control. Advancements such as these highlight AIoT’s potential as a powerful tool for positive change, benefiting both people and the planet.
ELEGANTE 8.0 at IIM Bodh Gaya: A Celebration of Culture and Sports Over Three Exciting Days
Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya concluded its annual cultural and sports fest ELEGANTE 8.0 on 26th January. The event included students from prestigious institutions such as the NSIT Patna, IMI Kolkata, St. Xavier’s Patna and IIM Ranchi. The theme of this year’s event is “Abhyudaya” meaning progress, emphasising the institution’s growth.
The festivities commenced on January 24 with an inauguration ceremony facilitated by Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, and the Hon’ble Chief Guest, Shri Anand Kumar, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gaya. During his address, the Chief Guest emphasised mindfulness, a core value of the institute, and its importance in all aspects of life.
Dr. Sreelekha Mishra, Chairperson of Students’ Affairs, delivered the welcome speech, thanking the students, committees, and clubs for their efforts in organising the fest. The ceremony also introduced the participating sports teams and officially declared the fest open.
The first day of the annual fest included sports events with participation from leading institutes: IIM Ranchi (50), St. Xavier’s Patna (70), NIT Patna (70), IMI Kolkata (30), and NSIT Patna (20). In addition, the day included an online gaming competition, a simulation of the International Court of Justice, and creative workshops like pottery and painting. The evening concluded with cultural performances, showcasing the diverse talents of the participants.
January 25 continued with sports competitions and events like Quizzilla, Policy Case Competitions, and a painting competition. The day also featured the NAVYATA fashion show, with participation from the Indian Institute of Design and Technology (IDT), Muzaffarpur, Bihar, NSIT Patna, and IIM Bodh Gaya. The evening showcased solo singing performances followed by a performance by IIM Bodh Gaya’s official musical band, The Story Tellers. The day concluded with a live musical performance by the band Azaadi.
On the final day, January 26, the CSR Committee of IIM Bodh Gaya organized EduRun, a marathon aimed at raising awareness about rural education and highlighting the importance of collective efforts in promoting accessible education for all. The event saw participation from over 800 individuals, including students, faculty members, officers and cadets from the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
The marathon started from IIM Bodh Gaya’s Academic Block to Maya Sarovar Lake through the Magadh University campus and back to the Academic Block, covering a total distance of 8.5 km. Refreshments (food and beverages) were available at all stages of the run. The initiative was supported by the State Bank of India (SBI), Coca-Cola, Union Bank, and Raasta Café.
The celebrations started with a Republic Day observance, which included solemnly hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem. The day unfolded with sports matches and cultural programs, culminating in a valedictory ceremony. The Hon’ble Director and Mr. Kumar Anurag, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Gaya recognized the achievements of students in various sports such as cricket, football, basketball, table tennis, throwball, badminton, chess, and volleyball, followed by the cultural prize distribution. A lively DJ night and dance performances in the evening concluded the festivities.
Governor’s Excellence Award 2024 Acknowledges IVR’s Contributions at L V Prasad Eye Institute
Hyderabad, January 28, 2024: The Institute of Vision Rehabilitation (IVR) of the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Divyangjan Welfare on January 26, 2025, at Raj Bhavan. The award included a citation and a cheque for rupees two lakhs. The esteemed recognition highlights the institute’s exceptional contributions to empowering, including, and supporting persons with disabilities (Divyangjan). As one of the very few eye institutes in the world that has integrated vision rehabilitation into its functional arms since inception (in 1992) the award is a recognition of LVPEI’s dedication, diligence, progress, performance and impact.
The first series of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence 2024 — the first of its kind in the history of Raj Bhavan (Telangana State) recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations, were presented on the 76th Republic Day at Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad.
The award was received by Dr Beula Christy, Head – IVR from Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, the Honourable Governor, in the presence of Mr. Revanth Reddy, the Honourable Chief Minister, Telangana High Court acting Chief Justice Sujoy Pal, and Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and other dignitaries.
The award acknowledges the Institute’s dedicated efforts over the past five years (since 2019) to enhance accessibility, provide essential services, advocate for rights, and create opportunities for Divyangjan to lead dignified and independent lives. Key initiatives include direct support, inclusive education, skill development, and innovative solutions to address challenges faced by persons with disabilities, ensuring their full participation in all aspects of life. The award is a recognition of our commitment to build a more inclusive and equitable society and whose efforts inspire others to contribute to the welfare and upliftment of Divyangjan.
The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the field of Divyangjan Welfare recognized individuals and Institutions/ Organizations/Societies/ Trusts for their extraordinary contributions to the empowerment, inclusion, and welfare of persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).
IMD and 1Weather Introduce Glance Lock Screen Weather Alerts for 235 Million Indians
Bangalore, 28 January, 2025: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and InMobi’s 1Weather, a global leading weather app, have formed a unique strategic partnership to deliver national weather warnings and alerts to millions of Indians on their Glance-enabled smartphone lock screens.
The Letter of Agreement (LoA) between IMD and InMobi will enable 235 million Indian smartphone users to stay informed about critical weather conditions instantly, without having to unlock their phones. This distinctive experience will not only help citizens stay safe and prepared but also facilitate swift action at scale during emergency situations.
IMD employs advanced numerical weather prediction models to analyze and forecast critical weather conditions, continually enhancing this capability. Long-term and large-scale weather alerts for events such as cyclones, low-pressure systems, and depressions can be predicted 3 to 5 days in advance, allowing people to prepare and minimize potential loss of life or property. Additionally, hyper localised alerts provide timely warnings for short-term events such as localised heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, or dusty winds which may last only for a few hours. The distribution of these alerts will now be accessible directly on smartphone lock screens, enabling wider reach and quicker dissemination of critical information with the help of 1Weather and Glance.
Glance is an AI-driven platform that delivers diverse, personalized, relevant, and serendipitous experiences directly to the lock screens of Android smartphones, allowing the users to access content without unlocking their phones, searching or downloading multiple apps. This makes it an essential platform for timely content such as weather alerts, enabling people to notice and act instantly. Additionally, localisation plays an integral part of this communication as Glance can adapt alerts to suit the location and visual preferences of users across different regions, ensuring the information is accessible and easily understood by people throughout the country.
Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD said, “IMD is continuously enhancing its capabilities to improve weather and climate services. As we celebrate the 150-year milestone, we are further committed to innovating to build a better climate future for India. With the use of smart AI and strategic partnerships such as InMobi and 1Weather, we are optimistic of achieving newer and quicker ways of sharing life-saving weather alerts.”
Srikanth Subramanian, Vice President and General Manager of 1Weather, said, “At 1Weather, we believe that this first of its kind collaboration, between 1Weather and IMD, will alert users ahead of time on severe weather right on their Android lock screens, and help them prepare better, saving precious lives in the process. We truly believe in helping people own their day with actionable weather insights. After success in the USA, we are hoping to reshape the climate story in India too and make a larger difference to society at large.”
The weather alerts feature represents Glance’s commitment to social responsibility through its Glance for Good program. This initiative uses Glance’s AI-powered platform and vast reach to leverage its platform for social impact, which includes initiatives in public safety, disaster preparedness, and community well-being.
“Weather affects everyone, from daily commuters to farmers. Through Glance for Good, we’re democratizing access to critical weather data and ensuring it reaches those who need it most,” added Bikash Chowdhury, Chief Marketing Officer at InMobi and Glance. “Our mission is to use technology not just for information and experiences, but as a force for social good.“
These live updates will be available soon on the Glance lock screen and later through the 1Weather app, which is available on the Google Play Store, across all major Android smartphone brands in India. 1Weather is one of the top 5 weather apps in the USA and LATAM regions.
Navi Finserv Hosts Major Gathering of 135 Leaders at Lenders Summit
January 28, 2025: Navi Finserv Limited successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship event, the Navi Lenders Summit 2025, at its headquarters in Bengaluru. The event brought together over 135 senior leaders from banks, NBFCs, family offices, and other financial institutions, along with representatives from rating agencies and bureaus reaffirming Navi Finserv’s position as a trusted partner in the financial ecosystem.
The full-day summit kicked off with a management presentation that outlined Navi Finserv’s strategic vision and future roadmap. Renowned industry leaders, including Mr. Srinivasan Kannan, India Head of Innovation Economy at JP Morgan; Mr. Gaurav Goel, National Head for Fintech & New Economy Business at Yes Bank; Mr. Ajit Velonie, Senior Director at Crisil Ratings, and Mr. Anshul Gupta, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Wint Wealth shared their insights on emerging trends in the financial sector, enriching the experience for all attendees.
In the latter half of the day, the team at Navi Finserv showcased its cutting-edge technological capabilities, including proprietary in-house tools and applications, demonstrating its tech-first approach to solving problems in the financial services industry and enhancing customer experience.
Since December 2024, Navi Finserv has successfully raised over ₹1,200 Crores across multiple instruments, including NCDs, Commercial Papers, Term Loans, Securitization and Co-lending. This milestone includes a fundraise of ₹295 Crores through a securitization transaction rated AAA by a reputed rating agency — the highest ever in a single transaction, for the company through PTCs.
Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Bansal, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Navi Finserv, said, “Over the years, Navi Finserv has built strong and enduring collaborations with its partners, and I am grateful to each one of our partners who have stood by their conviction in the company, its processes and systems. The success of this summit is a testament to the strength of our partnerships. I am excited for the next stage of the company’s growth story, and I look forward to sustaining and building on these partnerships.”
University of Tasmania Announces Open Applications for Master of Strategic Communication
The University of Tasmania (UTAS), is now inviting applications for its Master Strategic Communication program for 2025.
The Master of Strategic Communication at the University of Tasmania equips students with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to navigate diverse communication landscapes, spanning the sciences, creative industries, and politics. Designed for those looking to drive and implement change across social, environmental, political, and business settings, this program prepares graduates for the complexities of a global, digital-first communication environment in sectors spanning Arts, Law, Education, Engineering, Sciences and Health professionals among others.
With jobs requiring communication skills growing rapidly, this degree caters to students from various backgrounds—whether fresh from undergraduate study or transitioning from professional roles in the sciences, arts, or business. Graduates will develop advanced analytical abilities and professional-level communication expertise, tailored to tackle real-world challenges.
Program Delivery: The postgraduate program is provided full-time in English for two yearsThe program offers the chance to specialise in areas that leverage Tasmania’s unique industry connections and the Media School’s reputation for cutting-edge research. Students can choose from specialisations including Environmental Conservation and Management, Marketing Communication, Public and Environmental Health, and Tourism and Experience.
Entry Requirements: Eligibility requires meeting the minimum grade requirements in prior studies, satisfying any prerequisite subject criteria, and demonstrating proficiency in English.
English Language Requirements: Applicants who do not meet the English language requirement through citizenship or prior education in an approved English-speaking country must provide evidence of an approved English language test taken within the last two years. Detailed information is available on the English Language Requirements page.
The minimum English proficiency standard for this course is an IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0.
Course-Specific Requirements: For entry into the Master’s program, candidates must have either:
- A Bachelor’s degree in any field with a credit average; or
- A minimum of three years’ professional experience in journalism, public relations, event management, or related industries.
Radisson Hotel Group Joins Simon & Schuster India to Celebrate Literature
In a world where travelers increasingly seek experiences that go beyond traditional luxury, the hospitality industry is witnessing a shift toward cultural and intellectual enrichment. Modern travelers are looking for more than just premium accommodations, extending to unique, immersive concepts that embrace personal growth, creativity, and meaningful connections. As a result, the demand for offerings that integrate culture, art, literature, and lifestyle has never been higher, setting a new standard for what travel can offer.
Bringing this vision to life, Radisson Hotel Group is excited to announce its partnership with Simon & Schuster India, one of the world’s leading publishing houses. This collaboration will position The Group’s hotels as a destination for intellectual and cultural pursuits, offering guests exclusive literary experiences across its properties in South Asia. Together, the partnership aims to inspire travellers by blending quality accommodations with the timeless appeal of literature and creativity.
As part of the partnership, Literary Escapes will feature dedicated spaces within the Radisson Hotel Group portfolio where a series of thoughtfully curated literary activities, including book lounges, pop-up libraries, author meet-and-greets, and book signings will be hosted. Guests can immerse in engaging literary retreats featuring some of Simon & Schuster’s most celebrated authors, whose works span fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature. These immersive experiences will provide guests with opportunities to connect with literature in stylish, comfortable settings, making each stay memorable and enriching.
“At Radisson Hotel Group, we recognize that literature has always been a trusted companion for travelers, offering inspiration, reflection, and connection on every journey. Building on this timeless bond, our collaboration with Simon & Schuster India introduces Literary Escapes—an initiative that reimagines the traveler’s relationship with books. By combining our exceptional destinations with thoughtfully curated literary experiences, we aim to transform every stay into an immersive journey of creativity, relaxation, and discovery. This partnership reflects our commitment to enhancing guest experiences, offering moments of rejuvenation and intellectual engagement that go beyond traditional hospitality.” said, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, Radisson Hotel Group South Asia
“It is a huge credit to Radisson Hotel Group and Simon & Schuster India that Literary Escapes is being launched. It speaks to the importance of understanding that the world of books is a world of reading experiences, an opportunity for connection, empathy and escape. We are incredibly proud to be supporting a partnership which will see many more readers enjoying Simon & Schuster books in inspiring surroundings.” said Polly Osborn, Publishing Strategy & Communications Director, Simon & Schuster UK
The partnership creates valuable opportunities for both brands to amplify their visibility and engage with a broader, more diverse audience. Radisson Hotel Group will strengthen its connection with a growing demographic of experiential travellers, while Simon & Schuster will be able to tap a diverse pool of travellers eager to explore their portfolio of authors and books. By combining their global influence and audience bases, the two brands aim to deliver meaningful, culturally enriching moments through storytelling and immersive cultural moments tailored for modern travellers.
Radisson Hotel Group continues to command a leading presence in the Indian market and is one of the country’s largest international hotel operators with over 194 hotels in operation and development. It continues to be the largest hotel operator in a tier-1 market like Delhi NCR, while over 50% of its portfolio is in tier-2 and 3 markets. With hotels in over 114 destinations across India, Radisson Hotel Group has properties located within a 4-hour drive of each other. The Group has successfully introduced various brands to the growing Indian market, including Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Radisson Individuals and its extension Radisson Individuals Retreats.
Agriculture Delegations Visit Heartfulness Institute for Knowledge Sharing
Mumbai / Hyderabad, 28 January 2025: Two delegations from the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) and ICFA (Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture) visited Kanha Shanti Vanam – the largest meditation centre in the world and the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad for three days between 25-27 January. The WAF delegation was led by Dr MJ Khan, Special Advisor to WAF Board, and President- Agriculture Today Group. The ICFA delegation was led by Ms. Shreyasi Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer, ICFA. The purpose of the visit was to have knowledge transfer between Heartfulness Institute and the visiting organisations. Heartfulness Institute is a forerunner of sustainability in agriculture and has been adopting and practising the ancient wisdom in agriculture intertwined with modern methods in agriculture. Heartfulness Institute offers training in agriculture and sustainability to farming communities periodically.
Dr. MJ Khan, Special Advisor to WAF Board said during the tour of the facility at Kanha Shanti Vanam, “This is a wonderful place. I am very impressed by what Heartfulness is doing at Kanha Shanti Vanam for transforming the desert into centre of excellence in agriculture.” He added that this model can be adopted by many countries in the World who are facing the challenge of increasing desertification, citing the concerns flagged by the world leaders at the UN-COP 16 on Desertification in Riyadh last month. “It is a very good blend of creativity, science and ancient wisdom that Kanha Shanti Vanam has perfected, which the world can take advantage of,” said Dr Khan, while proposing that WAF will support Kanha efforts to bring COPCCD World Congress here. This institution is protecting the endangered plant species and propagating them. They are also growing the kinds of plants that we all need at one place to spread greening cover in the desert lands. It is a quite an example of a strong ecosystem. WAF would be keen to work together and set up its representation at the Kanha Vanam to bring global expertise and also global delegations.
“This is one of the most exhilarating experiences we have had in any of our knowledge transfer programmes. Heartfulness Institute has indeed shown to the world what can be achieved through a proper scientific and spiritual approach in reviving the lost flora and also applying technical know-how in raising the agricultural yield,” said Shreyasi Agarwal, CEO, ICFA. “To see a rainforest right in the middle of an arid land is quite something and Heartfulness has achieved all this in a few years with the strong inclination for social good,” added Shreyasi Agarwal.
Mr. Suresh Prabhu – Chairman, ICFA Board and former Union Minister, who had earlier visited the Heartfulness Institute reminisced, “Heartfulness Institute is creating a huge impact on the way we look at agriculture now. The blend of spirituality and agriculture is very evident here at how with the right attitude and scientific knowledge plants can get a new lease of life. This is exemplary in rejuvenating the flora, raising an rainforest and helping out the farming communities.” Mr. Prabhu offered to collaborate for the two organisations to work together on key challenges to our farmers and food production in context of the challenge of climate change and the need of Indian agriculture. Mr. Prabhu said that ICFA would be happy to work on Biochar project and rural entrepreneurship development, besides sustainable agriculture initiatives. He also agreed for ICFA to sign MoU to have regional office hosted here to work closely on sustainable agriculture.
Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “We are very pleased to host the esteemed guests from WAF and ICFA. As India is soaring on the technological front, we also need to hold on to some of our traditional knowledge in farming. Our rishis and ancestors would connect spirituality to agriculture. And it makes a big difference in the attitude and the consciousness with which one sows the seeds and anticipates the yield by invoking the Gods. It is essentially way of surrender and yet doing one’s Purusharth in applying the right means and irrigate with patience until it is time to harvest. What Heartfulness has also done is intertwine the ancient wisdom with the state-of-the-art mechanisms of agriculture which we want to share with the prospective agriculturalists.”
The two-day visit by the delegation is expected to bring more awareness and exchange of knowledge between the visiting organisations and Heartfulness in scaling up agricultural products, empower the farming communities, grow green cover and above all make India self-reliant as a predominantly agrarian country.
In the past Heartfulness Institute also signed MoU with ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research) and AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) to bring about awareness on consciousness in education and knowledge-transfer.