Inspiring Futures: Venkateshwar International School’s TEDx Debut Focuses on Voices, Vision, and Vistas
New Delhi, India – January 21, 2024 – Venkateshwar International School made a remarkable debut on the TEDx platform with their event themed “Voices, Vision, and Vistas”.
The event featured different speakers, each bringing unique perspectives and inspiring thoughts. Capt. Jaison Thomas, Kargil hero turned educationist, shared stories of courage and resilience that transcend battlefields. Drisshya Duggal, a pioneering cyberpsychology evangelist, explored the intricate relationship between technology and humanity. Tatsam Lamba, a debate coach and a law student, spoke passionately about education as the ultimate catalyst for societal transformation. Notable speaker Atul Gupta, former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, inspired with his journey from public service to building Arista Vault, a 100-crore entrepreneurial triumph
This event provided a platform for insightful conversations that encouraged individuals to explore new possibilities. It emphasized the importance of creative thinking, perseverance, and community-driven action in shaping the future.
The Tedx event was not just a gathering, it was a celebration of diverse voices, visionary ideas and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. The audience left feeling empowered and ready to embrace new vistas in thought and action.
Principal of Venkateshwar International School, Dr. Manisha Sharma expressed her pride in the school’s participation in TEDx saying, “We are thrilled to have been a part of this enlightening event. It shows the spirit of innovation and intellectual curiosity that we deliver at our school.”
Venkateshwar International School’s debut marks a significant milestone in their commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking and global citizenship among students.
Vietjet Launches Monthly 20% Discount on Premium Seats for India-Vietnam Flights
Mumbai, January 21, 2025 – Vietjet, Vietnam’s new-age airline, offers flyers a golden opportunity to enjoy additional privileges during their journeys with an attractive 20% discount on Business and SkyBoss tickets . The promotion is valid for all passengers purchasing the airline’s premium seats on the 20th of every month.
Starting January 20, 2025, travellers can take advantage of this exciting offer when booking their flights via the website www.vietjetair.com, the Vietjet Air mobile application, booking offices and agents globally. Promotional tickets are available for journeys between March 1 and May 29, 2025 .
With Vietjet’s Business and SkyBoss services, passengers will enjoy priorities and privileges throughout their flights. SkyBoss tickets come with a 5-in-1 benefit package, including access to luxurious lounges, checked baggage allowance of up to 50kg, a diverse in-flight dining menu, spacious soft seats, and free Sky Care travel insurance. Meanwhile, Business class is the top choice for flights between India/Australia and Vietnam, offering private cabins and spacious seats on modern Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft for maximum comfort.
Vietjet’s growing flight network connects key hubs like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang to numerous destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, making travel to Vietnam more convenient and affordable. Indian travellers can fly to the three Vietnamese cities with Vietjet’s non-stop services from New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi. With the airline’s expansive domestic network within Vietnam, visitors can easily explore the country’s diverse attractions.
IIM Sambalpur Hosts CEO Immersion for Professionals
January 20th, 2025; Sambalpur: IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, hosted a six – day CEO Immersion Programme for the Executive MBA 2024-26 and MBA for Working Professionals2023-25 batches at its Sambalpur campus. The programme aims to equip the batch with practical knowledge, industry trends, and leadership skills through direct interaction with seasoned professionals. As many as 100 executives from different industries participated in the programme that was addressed by over 15 – 25 CXOs of top companies.
In his welcome address, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “Our campus blends modern infrastructure with Indian ethos, as reflected in its architecture, art, and cultural elements. We have also introduced transformative Drivers for digitalization and Green Technologies like AI, blockchain are set to revolutionize industries by creating unified systems for business processes, from design to sales. This shift will demand a new wave of consulting talent, and MBA graduates will play a pivotal role in leading this transformation.” Prof further said, “As the world transitions to sustainable practices, industries such as oil, gas, coal, and traditional automotive manufacturing will undergo significant changes. These shifts present both challenges and opportunities for leaders equipped with the right skills. Institutions like IIM Sambalpur must lead these transformations. We aim to contribute by fostering a knowledge base that supports global organizations and industries. To this end, we are signing an MoU with an AI-driven learning management system. This initiative will enable IIM Sambalpur to develop and share case studies and articles on a global platform, similar to the renowned Harvard Business Cases.”
Attending the events as the chief guest, Dr. Biswajit Mahapatra, Head of Customer Solutions-CIO Advisory – Amazon Web Services, said “Digital transformation is about reimagining how we think, act, and operate in an increasingly intelligent, interconnected, and instrumented world, where new business paradigms emerge through evolving models, innovative ways of working, and the cultivation of expertise. It’s a shift from merely adding AI to systems to centering every business outcome around AI, fostering democratized innovation and responsive operations. Expertise, once defined by narrow specialization, now demands a comb-shaped approach—deep skills across multiple areas with broad horizontal knowledge—while orchestrated ecosystems, built on collaboration and co-opetition, drive success. Technologies like cloud, blockchain, IoT, and intelligent workflows form the bedrock of transformation, with data as indispensable as air, fueling insights that power this evolution. “
During the programme, selected meritorious MBA female students including, Kratika Krishna Panchal, Sapna Rani, Pallavi Lata, Gunika Kaur and Manjot Kaur from economically weaker sections, awarded a scholarship of one lakh rupees in recognition of their academic excellence. The award was given by Mrs. Sharada Gupta of Delhi, wife of Dr. Girish Mohan Gupta, an MBA for Working Professionals student at IIM Sambalpur Delhi Campus.
The event was attended by Priyadarshi Nanu Pany, CEO of CSM Technology; Nilesh Biniwale, General Manager at Pattern India; Manas Barpanda, National Head at Britannia Industries Ltd.; Padmanabhan S., Senior Vice President at MSN Laboratories; Gulshan Tiwari, J oint President & Plant Head at Hindalco, Jharsuguda; Dr. Debasish Guha, Head of Research TCS innovation Park IIT KHARAGPUR; Aparna Chetan, CHRO at Torry Harris Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; Ghanashyam Parida, President & CEO of the Power Vertical at Welspun Corp; Abhishek Kumar Verma, Founder and CEO of Indiano Pelletteria; Dr. Angshuman Ghosh, CEO of MENRV AI; Jay Prakash Singh, CHRO at JSW Steel; Akshay Rakshit, HRBP at BMW Group India; Manish Pandey, Senior Director at Infosys and Head of Infosys Foundation Bhubaneswar; Damodar Mittal, Executive Director at Jindal Steel & Power Limited; Debasish Mallik, President at Hindalco – Hirakud and Rajesh Singh, Senior VP HR & IR at TRL Krosaki Refractories Limited.
86400 Powers UPI Credit Line Payments for Banks & FinTechs
Mumbai, 20th January 2025: 86400 (an Initiative of Mobileware Technologies), a leading provider of cutting-edge payments infrastructure announces the launch of its Credit-as-a-Service (CaaS) solution, designed to integrate Credit Line on UPI into the offerings of Banks and Fintech companies. This solution is set to develop and redefine digital credit accessibility, providing instant, flexible, and user-friendly credit options to millions across India.
Built on NPCI’s Credit Line on UPI framework, 86400’s new solution offers financial institutions a robust and compliant solution to unlock short-term credit capabilities without disrupting existing systems. As per the prediction by 86400, this scheme is poised to revolutionize the market, offering an end-to-end solution that enables banks to conceive and rapidly launch versatile credit products.
Credit Line on UPI
Credit Line on UPI is an NPCI offering that allows users to access pre-approved credit directly within UPI-enabled apps. By integrating the solution into its advanced technology stack, 86400 enables financial institutions to offer customers easy access to credit for transactions like bill payments, shopping, and emergency expenses.
How the Solution Works
The solution is designed to deliver seamless functionality for both customers and financial institutions. For financial institutions, the solution offers streamlined APIs that facilitate quick integration with their systems, ensuring minimal operational disruptions and accelerating time-to-market for credit services. For customers of these financial institutions, it enables easy access to pre-approved credit directly within their existing UPI-enabled apps, catering to a variety of financial needs such as bill payments, shopping, and emergencies.
Key Benefits
Instant Access to Credit:
- Customers can tap into pre-approved credit instantly without delays.
- Real-time credit utilization and repayment capabilities simplify user experience.
Seamless Integration for Financial Institutions:
- Quick onboarding with 86400’s robust and scalable technology stack.
- Reduced setup costs and operational complexities.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Fully adherent to RBI and NPCI guidelines, ensuring data privacy and securit
Airtel and Bajaj Finance Partner to Create a Game-Changing Digital Financial Services Platform in India
Kolkata, January 20, 2025: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom services providers and Bajaj Finance, the country’s largest private-sector Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), today announced a strategic partnership to create one of India’s largest digital platforms for financial services and transform last mile delivery.
The one-of-a-kind partnership brings together Airtel’s highly engaged customer base of 370 million, 12 lakh+ strong distribution network, and Bajaj Finance’s diversified suite of 27 product lines, and distribution heft of 5,000+ branches and 70,000 field agents.
Airtel will initially offer Bajaj Finance’s retail financial products on its Airtel Thanks App for seamless and secure customer experience, and later through its nation-wide network of stores. The combined strength of the companies’ digital assets will enable Airtel and Bajaj Finance to significantly deepen penetration of financial products and services.
Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD, Bharti Airtel, said, “Airtel and Bajaj Finance, two trusted names in this country, have the shared vision of empowering millions of Indians with a diverse portfolio of financial needs. The combined reach, scale and distribution strength of the two companies will serve as the cornerstone of this partnership and help us succeed in the marketplace. We are building Airtel Finance as a strategic asset for the group and will continue to invest in and grow the business. Today. we are trusted by over 1 million customers and our vision is to make Airtel Finance a one-stop shop for all the financial needs of our customers.”
Rajeev Jain, Managing Director, Bajaj Finance, said, “India’s digital ecosystem has been at the heart of data-driven credit underwriting and financial inclusion. Our partnership with Airtel not only leverages India’s digital infrastructure for inclusive growth but also brings together the expertise and reach of two of India’s leading and most-trusted brands. Together with Airtel, we seek to be the financier of choice to India and enable millions to access financial services, even in remote areas. We are excited to join hands with Airtel at a time when Bajaj Finance is harnessing the power of AI to enhance efficiencies and elevate customer experiences.”
So far, two products of Bajaj Finance have been piloted on the Airtel Thanks App. By March, four products of Bajaj Finance will be available to customers on the Airtel Thanks App. These include Gold Loan, Business Loan, a co-branded Insta EMI Card and Personal Loan. Airtel will progressively offer close to 10 financial products of Bajaj Finance within this calendar year.
Airtel customers have the opportunity to apply for the Airtel-Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card via the Airtel Thanks App and later through its nation-wide network of stores. Airtel-Bajaj Finserv EMI card provides access to a range of offers available to Bajaj Finance customers. Users will benefit from flexible EMI options and payment plans for purchasing various goods, including electronics, furniture and groceries at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across more than 4,000 cities. Additionally, the co-branded card is applicable for e-commerce transactions on multiple platforms.
The Airtel Thanks App now also enables customers to secure a gold loan, enabling new-to-credit customers to access finance and integrate with the formal financial system.
As part of the partnership, both the companies are committed to strong regulatory compliance, data privacy and security, and seamless customer service.
Relaxo Opens New Outlet in Nawada, New Delhi
New Delhi – January 20, 2025: Relaxo Footwears Ltd., India’s leading footwear brand, proudly announces the grand opening of its newest Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO) in Nawada, Delhi. This significant addition reinforces Relaxo’s commitment to bringing stylish, durable, and affordable footwear closer to its customers across the state.
The launch of this outlet marks an important milestone in Relaxo’s retail expansion journey in Delhi, where the brand now operates 60 outlets across the city, solidifying its position as a preferred choice for quality footwear in the region.
The new EBO in Nawada showcases Relaxo’s flagship brands, including Flite, Sparx, Bahamas, and Boston, offering a diverse range of footwear that blends style, comfort, and functionality. From everyday essentials to trendsetting designs, the store caters to a wide array of customer preferences, ensuring a seamless and satisfying shopping experience.
With this opening, Relaxo’s retail presence has now grown to 412 Exclusive Brand Outlets nationwide, a testament to the company’s unwavering focus on making premium footwear accessible to both urban and semi-urban markets. This latest store underscores Relaxo’s strategy of deepening its footprint in key markets to meet the rising demand for high-quality and affordable footwear.
VergeCloud Launches Tailored Packages for Startups on National Startup Day with Attractive Discounts for Early Adopters
20th January 2025: VergeCloud is the first edge cloud from India for India, an innovative deep-tech platform offering CDN, cloud security, and edge computing solutions. VergeCloud platform enables startups to scale securely, deliver faster user experiences, and optimize costs in a highly competitive landscape. VergeCloud has introduced exciting offers designed to empower startups to leverage cloud services effectively, and tailored to meet the unique needs of early-stage entrepreneurs.
Providing startup founders with step-by-step guidance, tailored resources, and practical insights on how to optimize cloud technologies, VergeCloud’s platform will enable them to scale their businesses efficiently and sustainably. The platform offers <30 ms latency in India, 99.999% uptime and 80% reduced bandwidth costs. Startups can get started in less than 5 minutes by clicking on this link here.
To make this opportunity even more compelling, Verge Cloud is introducing an exclusive offer for new users who sign up before January 31st, 2025 The first 100 startups that sign up for the service will gain access to the Growth and Professional editions of the VergeCloud platform with extended discounts. For the first three months, these users will enjoy a free trial, allowing them to explore the platform’s capabilities risk-free. In the following four to six months, they will receive an 80% discount, followed by a 50% discount from months seven through twelve, allowing startups to integrate and scale their operations without financial strain.
Saurabh Bhardwaj, CEO of VergeCloud, said, “Startups are the driving force behind innovation, and we at Verge Cloud want to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed. Our new initiative involves a partnership with entrepreneurs to help them unlock the potential of cloud technology and fuel their growth. We believe that by eliminating barriers to access and providing tailored tools, we are contributing to a more vibrant, dynamic, and innovative global startup ecosystem.”
Kia India Unveils EV6 at Bharat Mobility Expo 2025
New Delhi, 20th Jan 2025: Kia India, a leading mass premium carmaker, unveiled the new EV6 at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Kia India also announced that bookings for the new Kia EV6 start today, marking another milestone in the brand’s electric journey.
The new Kia EV6 continues to set the standard for safety, equipped with our ADAS 2.0 package, which includes 27 advanced safety and driver assistance features. As compared to previous EV6 we have added five additional ADAS 2.0 features – Front Collisions Avoidance assist (FCA) – City/Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction Turning, Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) – Junction crossing, Forward Collision Avoidance– Lane Assist Change (FCA) – Oncoming & Side, Forward Collision Avoidance assist (FCA) – Evasive Steering and Lane Follow Assist (LFA). These features are derived from the cutting-edge technology from our flagship model, EV9 and include improvements to collision safety, structural rigidity, and enhanced occupant protection. With the added strength and enhanced ADAS package, you can drive with confidence, knowing that the EV6 is designed to protect.
The EV9 stands as Kia’s flagship electric SUV, setting new standards for technology and innovation in the automotive industry, globally. Having crowned as the prestigious WCOTY 2024, the vehicle is powered by a 99.8 kWh battery, the EV9 offers an impressive range of up to 561 km on a single charge, making it suitable for both city commutes and long-distance travel. Its ultra-fast charging capability allows the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes with a 350kW DC charger.
Kia India is also showcasing its legacy of pushing boundaries by seamlessly harmonizing global technology, luxurious design, and sustainable engineering with its product range including the newly debuted Kia Syros. The immersive display at Bharat Mobility pavilion aligns with Kia India’s commitment to driving the future of automotive excellence while supporting India’s vision for a sustainable and innovative transportation ecosystem.
Mr. Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO of Kia India, said, “At Kia India, we are committed to driving positive change in the automotive industry. Since the EV6 first hit the roads, it has garnered widespread admiration, growing in popularity and strengthening its global reputation. Today as we unveil the new EV6 we are sure that it will redefine the electric mobility standards with its latest hi-tech innovations.
Mr. Lee further added,” Our participation in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 underscores this commitment, where we are proud to unveil the new EV6, a key step in our journey towards carbon neutrality. With it, we are taking a bold stride in offering environmentally conscious, next-generation technology to Indian consumers.”
At the Auto Expo, Kia will showcase cutting-edge technology with several key demonstrations highlighting our commitment to innovation and sustainability. In the electrification segment, the E-Vision concept will offer an immersive visual experience, powered by the E-GMP platform and 4th Gen Battery technology. Additionally, the Kia Smart Home will provide a connected home experience, featuring outdoor seating powered by the EV9’s Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities.
The Hi-Tech segment will feature the Kia Connected World, an immersive Q&A game where visitors can drive through the Kia Smart City, answering questions to earn prizes, while experiencing Kia Connect 2.0, OTA updates, and ADAS technology. An exhibit showcasing over-the-air software updates will provide insight into Kia’s tech engagement, including the controller OTA updates. The Syros Smart Drive Experience will offer a virtual drive experience in a real car simulator, showcasing the inspiring drive program. Digital and AI engagements include the My Kia Life, an AI-powered photo booth allowing visitors to capture their selfies and enter the virtual world of Kia, and My Kia Getaway, an AI-powered video generator that creates personalized driving videos. Lastly, the Carnival de Lounge will provide a premium experience, highlighting Kia’s luxury and design leadership with leather calligraphy, coffee brewing, and high-end imagery.
New Kia EV6: Redefining electric luxury with power, performance, and innovation
Kia’s new EV6 is an electrifying leap forward, with more style, power, and technology than ever before. As the refreshed version of Kia’s first-ever dedicated EV, the vehicle offers significant upgrades that reinforce its position as one of the most advanced electric vehicles in the market.
On the design front, the model features a sportier and more aggressive front end, in line with Kia’s signature Opposites United design language. With up to 15 enhancements, including the new signature Star Map lighting with connected DRLs, a front GT-Line styling bumper, 19-inch glossy finish alloy wheels, and star-map LED rear combination lamps, the new EV6 is bolder, sharper, and more dynamic than its predecessor.
Inside, the new EV6 offers an even more premium and spacious cabin. New features, such as the double D-cut steering wheel with hands-on detection technology, elevate the driving experience and ensure comfort and safety. The vehicle also impresses with its upgraded performance. It now features a powerful 84-kWh battery, offering an impressive range of over 650 km, a significant improvement from the previous 77.4 kWh. With a power output of 325 PS and 605 Nm of torque, the refreshed EV6 delivers an exhilarating driving experience, while its 350-kW fast charger enables a rapid charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
Safety has always been a priority for Kia, and the new EV6 is no exception. Equipped with the ADAS 2.0 package, it offers 27 advanced safety and driver assistance features, including 5 new autonomous features. These include FCA 2.0 – Junction Turning, which detects oncoming traffic while turning at intersections, and FCA 2.0 – Junction Crossing that prevents collisions when crossing through junctions. Additionally, FCA 2.0 – Lane Change Assist and FCA 2.0 – Evasive Steering Assist provide an extra layer of protection during lane changes and emergency maneuvers, ensuring a smooth, safe drive-in unexpected situation. The vehicle also comes with LFA 2.0 – Lane Follow Assist, which helps maintain proper lane positioning, reducing the risk of accidents caused by unintentional lane departure. Collectively, these features make the new EV6 one of the safest electric vehicles on Indian roads.
Not leaving the tech behind, the new EV6 features a dual 31.2cm (12.3-inch) panoramic curved display, integrating Kia’s next-generation infotainment system- the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit. The vehicle is also equipped with Kia Connect 2.0, allowing Kia Connect Diagnostics and Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates. Additionally, Digital Key 2.0 (featuring Ultra-Wideband technology) transforms a compatible smartphone into a virtual key, offering a new level of convenience.
Kia EV9: A new World of Innovation
The Kia EV9 introduces advanced technology with Kia Connect 2.0, offering seamless connectivity with smart devices, real-time updates, and remote vehicle control. Over-the-air (OTA) updates ensure continuous software enhancements without a dealership visit, while 44 remote diagnostic controllers monitor the car’s performance. The Digital Key 2.0 allows owners to unlock and start the vehicle using their smartphones, and the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature lets users power devices on the go.
Designed with the ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, the EV9 boasts a futuristic angular design and a digital pattern lighting grille. Its digital features include a Trinity panoramic display, combining three HD screens for a comprehensive and intuitive driving experience. With over 27 Autonomous ADAS features, multi-collision brakes, vehicle stability management, and a 10-airbag system, the EV9 prioritizes both convenience and safety for all occupants.
Tech Talk on Emerging Defence Technologies to be Hosted by IP Bazzaar and RIPA
New Delhi Jan 20, 2025: In a bid to address the growing technological demands of modern defence systems, IP Bazzaar, in collaboration with Reinforce Intellectual Property Association (RIPA), is organizing a Tech Talk on “Emerging Technologies Shaping Modern Defence.” The event will take place on January 24, 2025, at the National Productivity Council, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
The roundtable discussion will bring together experts from the defence sector, academia, and the industry to focus on enhancing collaboration for the development of cutting-edge defence technologies. The event will explore the current state of India’s defence technology landscape in comparison to global advancements and will seek to identify critical gaps that need to be addressed to foster self-reliance.
A key theme of the discussion will be the importance of aligning academic research with the strategic needs of the defence sector to create indigenous solutions that meet India’s specific requirements. The organizers have emphasized the need for targeted research and development initiatives to address the challenges of modern defence systems and improve country’s technological readiness.
“India’s defence sector is at a pivotal point where technological advancement is critical to meet evolving security challenges. Strategic collaboration between industry and academia is essential for cultivating innovation, facilitating international cooperation, and developing state-of-the-art Indigenous technologies,” said Mr Lalit Ambastha, Co-Founder of IP Bazzaar.
The Tech Talk will include perspectives from key stakeholders, highlighting the gaps in defence technology development and strategies to bridge them. Discussions will focus on research and development priorities, innovation frameworks, and long-term pathways for collaboration between academic institutions and the defence industry. The event will also touch upon ways to foster a culture of innovation within the defence sector, ensuring that India remains competitive in the global defence landscape.
The roundtable is expected to feature notable speakers and delegates from leading institutions, think tanks, and organizations, including the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). These discussions aim to identify actionable steps for enhancing India’s defence capabilities through focused innovation and partnerships.
Kozhikode’s Glorious Heritage Celebrated with ‘My City My Heritage’ Walk by InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach
January 20, 2025: InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, and IndiGoReach, the CSR arm of IndiGo, in collaboration with Sahapedia, organised an enriching Heritage Walk under the ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign. The specially curated walk was held in Kozhikode, Kerala, and explored the rich history and cultural legacy of the Zamorin era.
The ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign promotes awareness of India’s heritage and culture, fostering conversations and partnerships to preserve both tangible and intangible heritage. It acts as a catalyst for the local citizens of these cities and towns to learn more about the rich history and culture that engulfs their surroundings. Similar walks have been held previously in Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Nashik, and Hyderabad.
The walk, themed “Zamorin’s Trail: Exploring Kozhikode’s Glorious Heritage,” offered participants a unique opportunity to delve into the city’s vibrant past. It commenced in the morning from the Tali Shiva Temple and concluded at the 1980’s restaurant, passing through significant heritage landmarks, including Palayam, SM Street (Mittai Theruvu), Kuttichira’s historic mosques, Gujarati Street, the Big Bazaar Market, and more. The journey truly highlighted the city’s rich legacy of cosmopolitanism, religious harmony, governance, literature, and scholarship. Led by Sruthin Lal, a culture and heritage practitioner, the walk was attended by members of the local community, government officials, media, and senior leadership of IndiGo and InterGlobe Foundation.
Speaking on the occasion, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, said, “We are thrilled to showcase the naturally beautiful and culturally rich city of Kozhikode through the ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign. Building on our previous Heritage Walks, this initiative reinforces our ongoing efforts and commitment to preserve and promote India’s built and natural heritage. Kozhikode’s enduring cultural significance, shaped by centuries of history and diverse influences, offers a fascinating glimpse into India’s rich heritage, and we are delighted to share this experience with the community.”
Speaking at the occasion, Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, “Kozhikode, a prominent tourist destination, is distinguished by its rich cultural heritage. This sixth Heritage Walk underscores IndiGo’s commitment to celebrating and preserving the historical legacy of the Zamorin era. IndiGo’s extensive network connects Kozhikode to 6 domestic and 4 international destinations, enhancing global accessibility to this culturally significant region. As India’s leading airline, we remain dedicated to promoting tourism and showcasing Kozhikode’s unique history, further solidifying our commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and community engagement by connecting people, places, and culture.”
InterGlobe Foundation, in partnership with Sahapedia, launched the ‘My City My Heritage’ project in 2019, dedicated to reviving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Indian cities. This initiative transcends traditional preservation efforts by actively engaging with local communities to explore, document, and share the diverse heritage assets that shape urban identities. After initially covering ten cities across India, the program has expanded to explore the rich heritage of Srinagar, Kozhikode, Lucknow, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), aiming to create an immersive experience for a diverse audience.
Both the InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach have undertaken various projects to promote heritage conservation and preservation in India. Some of the major initiatives of InterGlobe Foundation include the conservation and cultural revival of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi, the cultural mapping and documentation of ten cities, restoration of ‘Indra Kund’ stepwell in Delwara, tile restoration of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum, and Heritage Fellowships. IndiGoReach has done projects for the conservation of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum at the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad and the restoration of the interiors of the Lal Bagh Palace in Indore.