Sikh Women Do/Should Not Keep Karva Chauth Fast : Good Conduct and Contentment is The True Fast

 Karva chauth is a festival celebrated by married Hindu women who observe a fast for the long life of her husband. Sadly, a significant number of Sikh women have started observing fast and have adopted the practice.

But Gurbani rejects such rituals. Sikhism is a practical religion. Superstition and dogmas have no place in it .Sikhs do not celebrate Karva Chauth  because Sikh Gurus does not consider fasting to be meritorious.

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, believed that fasting was inferior to "truth" or "right action". He also believed that the body is a gift from God, and that humans should maintain it in good condition. Fasting is only acceptable if it's done to promote healthy eating

Gurus do not consider fasting to be a way to purify the self or realize God. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, believed that "truth" or "right action" is superior to fasting, penance, or other austerities. Gurbani teaches "the way to Waheguru (God) is to conquer the mind which is polluted by the 5 passions. By fasting and tormenting one’s body Waheguru (God) is not attained." “One who discards this grain, is practicing hypocrisy. She is neither a happy soul-bride, nor a widow".

“To practice forgiveness; good conduct and contentment is the true fast.”. The only way to attain God is by singing HIS Name and following the true path shown in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur

Associate Professor

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College

Dev Nagar

University of Delhi

India’s comprehensive sports ecosystem conclave IAMGAME to take place in New Delhi

 India has witnessed an inspiring shift in its sports landscape, evolving from a cricket-dominated nation to a diverse sporting powerhouse. Both men and women athletes have made the country proud with their achievements on global platforms. The spirit of sports has united the nation, breaking barriers and creating heroes from all walks of life. It is in this backdrop of growing enthusiasm and emotional connection to sports that IAMGAME emerges as a crucial catalyst for furthering India's sporting potential.

IAMGAME, India’s comprehensive two-day sports conclave scheduled for 9th-10th October 2024 at Pullman, Aerocity Delhi, has been announced to provide a platform for sportspersons, coaches, sports federations, and brands to come together, amplify the Indian sports ecosystem, and build thought leadership that can make sports a recognized and viable career path for millions.

IAMGAME will serve as a marketplace for all things sports, with a vision to positively impact India’s sports landscape by strengthening communication and fostering strategic partnerships. With India's sports business expected to reach $100 billion by 2027, IAMGAME aims to play a pivotal role by supporting sports programs from the grassroots level, offering clear plans for government sports projects, and creating a nurturing environment for the sports community to connect and collaborate. 

The two-day conclave will bring together key stakeholders from the sports and allied industries to address challenges and explore innovative solutions. Envisioned as India’s largest and most comprehensive sports conclave, with the theme ‘Everything Sports,’ it will witness over 2000 delegates, 10 international speakers, 25 state sports federations, 200+ sporting brands, 20+ sports legends, and 100 sessions, including keynote addresses, investor meet-ups, start-up pitches, exhibition booths, and workshops, all aimed at transforming financial requirements into creative sporting visions and opening up opportunities within the sporting sector.

"IAMGAME is designed to bridge the gap between resources and talent in the Indian sports ecosystem. By providing a central hub for sportspersons, coaches, and brands, we aim to drive investment and elevate Indian sports to new heights. With over 400 million sports fans in India and a rapidly growing sports economy, the potential for impact is enormous," said Karan Chettri, Founder of IAMGAME. "Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving sports environment where every sportsperson can achieve their full potential."

"We are thrilled to launch IAMGAME Sports Conclave 2024, a platform that is not just about sports but about creating opportunities, fostering growth, and building a stronger, healthier nation," added Mandeep Malhotra, Co-Founder of IAMGAME. "By bringing together key stakeholders and providing a comprehensive platform for resources and investment, we believe we can revolutionize the sports ecosystem in India. The sports sector has shown a consistent growth rate of 15% annually, and with initiatives like IAMGAME, we can accelerate this growth and create a robust support system for our sportspersons.”

India’s Women Climate Collective announces new cohort to expedite leadership in climate action

 The 2023 report ‘Feminist climate justice: A framework for action,’ by the UN Women points out that by 2050, climate change may push up to 158 million more women and girls into poverty and see 236 million more face food insecurity.

Though climate change significantly affects those working in the natural resource sectors, such as agriculture, its impact is not the same on men and women. Women happen to be more vulnerable due to various soci0-economic and cultural factors. Climate change also compounds the issues faced by underserved women and girls by deepening existing inequalities, disrupting education, health services, mobility and curtailing employment opportunities.

 In India, where the effects are particularly pronounced, these challenges are compounded by regional vulnerabilities impacting underserved women and girls the most. This will deepen existing inequalities and disrupt education, health services, mobility, and even employment opportunities.

 Recognising the pivotal role that women can play in driving effective climate action, the Women Climate Collective (WCC) is strategically consolidating its efforts to amplify women-led initiatives. Their cohort highlights the unique challenges faced by women while also underscoring their  contributions to the global climate discourse.

In 2023, the WCC programme built the capacities of 16 women climate leaders, some of whom represented India on key global platforms including COP28, and were recognised through prestigious awards including Nidhi Pant who won the Earthshot Prize, Elsie Gabriel who received the face of India Achievers Award, and more.

K.G. Sreeja, who was part of the 2023 cohort, said, ““Being part of the WCC cohort has helped in gaining a more granular gendered perspective of our work on co-creating community resilience to tidal flooding. It has helped in thinking and acting in gender specific ways over and beyond gender inclusive strategy and planning. Gender specific action has helped us identify the singular strength of women in the climate action space. It has become the natural progression from gender inclusive work and I strongly believe it is due to the work and networking I have been doing with WCC.”

Following the success in 2023, and to further amplify women's  voices in climate action and ensure their equitable participation in designing and implementing sustainable solutions, WCC,  a platform created by Fondation L'Oréal with the support of Purpose Climate Lab has launched its next cohort focused on nurturing 20 young women  leaders in climate action. The se women leaders work in pertinent and diverse issues, including climate justice, nature-based solutions,  climate technology, public engagement for climate, and climate-related health and food security, spanning regions from the Himalayas to Bengaluru, and from Maharashtra to West Bengal, as well as many other states and areas of expertise.

These leaders will be provided tailored leadership training, communication, and access to international and national events, enabling them to participate in global climate discussions and showcase their work on an international platform. By elevating their groundbreaking work, the WCC platform aims to foster collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing among the leaders, ultimately promoting gender-inclusive climate  solutions in India.  They will also have access to industry experts in the form of WCC Ambassadors, that will further support the climate leaders to grow and scale their efforts; Mamta Borgoyary, Executive Director, SHE Changes Climate and Shloka Nath, CEO, India Climate Collaborative, both prominent women leaders in nurturing climate action in India, will be supporting the new cohort of WCC women leaders.

Reflecting on the impact of the program, Mamta Borgoyary, Executive Director, SHE Changes Climate, shared her thoughts: “The WCC programme's unwavering commitment to fostering women's leadership in climate action is truly inspiring. The new cohort is composed of exceptional women dedicated to addressing critical climate issues, and I am thrilled to support them. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of WCC’s programs, and I am confident that these emerging women leaders will  drive meaningful change and amplify their voices  within India's climate  ecosystem.”

As the 2024 cohort begins their journey, they embody the immense promise of empowering women to take the lead in combating climate change.  Their efforts not only aim to address today’s challenges but also pave the way for a more sustainable and fair future for everyone. In India, where the impacts of climate change are deeply felt, the involvement of women leaders is more important than ever. These women bring fresh perspectives and a steadfast dedication that can drive real progress, motivating communities and shaping policies at every level.

Allcargo Group Elevates Ketan Kulkarni to Leadership Position at Allcargo Gati

Allcargo Group, an India born global logistics conglomerate has appointed Ketan Kulkarni as Deputy Managing Director of, Gati Express and Supply Chain Pvt. Limited (GESCPL), material subsidiary of Allcargo Gati Limited (Formerly Gati Limited), one of India’s leading premier Express Distribution and Supply Chain Management company, to further bolster its growing business. Ketan assumes the new position after serving as the Chief Growth Officer of Allcargo Group, in the Chairman’s office.

Ketan will take charge with immediate effect and work closely with Pirojshaw (Phil) Sarkari, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GESCPL to facilitate the leadership transition and lead the company to the next phase of growth in express and contract logistics business with involvement in sales, operations, customer service and digital initiatives.  

Phil will retire on attaining the age of superannuation on November 30, 2024. Further, he will continue to hold the position of Non-Executive and Non-Independent Director on the Board of Allcargo Gati Limited.

Ketan joined Allcargo Group with over three decades of diversified experiences and a remarkable track record spanning multiple sectors such as logistics, consumer durables, FMCG and beverages.

Commenting on the appointment, Shashi Kiran Shetty, Founder and Chairman, Allcargo Group said, “Ketan’s appointment as the Deputy Managing Director of GESCPL is in line with the Group’s vision to strengthen its leadership team to further build our efficiency and capture emerging opportunities. We have enormous faith in his execution and strategic abilities. We are confident that he will excel in this role with his brilliant leadership capabilities. His rich experience will be instrumental in further boosting the customer experience and growth outlook of the company.”

Commenting on the elevation to the new role, Ketan Kulkarni, Deputy Managing Director, Gati Express and Supply Chain Pvt. Limited (GESCPL). said, “I am excited to step into the new role. At Allcargo Gati, we are committed to create logistics magic with effective and efficient logistics solutions backed by future-ready digital tools and technology. With an unmatched reach across India with strong brand legacy of quality service delivery, we will continue to strengthen our position in the express and contract logistics space. I look forward to working with various divisional heads at Allcargo Gati to continue to deliver growth and offer superior customer experience.”

Orchids The International School's Powerful Parent's Day Campaign - A Fresh Perspective on Modern Parenting

‘Digital Lullaby’ and ‘Spotlight and Shadows’ shed light on mindful parenting ahead of Parent's Day

In anticipation of Parent's Day on July 29th, Orchids The International School, leading K12 chain of schools launched a thought-provoking campaign featuring two compelling films: ‘Digital Lullaby’ and ‘Spotlight and Shadows’. These films aim to spark meaningful conversations about mindful parenting in the digital age and the impact of parental conflicts on children.

As part of their Parent's Day initiative, Orchids The International School through these films emphasizes the crucial role parents play in shaping their children's lives. ‘Digital Lullaby’ explores the unintended consequences of excessive screen time, while ‘Spotlight and Shadows" addresses the effects of household conflicts on children's emotional well-being.

‘Digital Lullaby’ features a young child mimicking adult behaviors with her doll, serving as a gentle yet powerful reminder of how parents' actions influence their children. ‘Spotlight and Shadows’, an eye-opening musical ad, uses a little rockstar's perspective to illustrate the impact of parental conflicts on a child's inner world.

"This Parent's Day, we want to go beyond celebration and encourage reflection," said Abhishek Kumar Yadav, Chief Marketing Officer at Orchids The International School. "Our campaign aims to highlight children's perspectives in various settings, acknowledging that every household faces challenges. However, it's essential for adults to recognize when their actions may be impacting their children negatively. Our Parent's Day campaign is an invitation to parents to join us in fostering a more mindful and nurturing environment for our children to thrive."

The films underscores Orchids’ commitment not just to educating children, but to supporting and guiding parents in their crucial role. By timing the release with Parent's Day, the school aims to maximize the impact and relevance of its message.

Both films were widely shared across digital platforms in the week leading up to Parent's Day, inviting parents, educators, and the wider community to engage in conversations about nurturing positive family dynamics.

Link to watch ‘Digital Lullaby’ - https://youtu.be/ZL5OCxEhn3c

Link to watch ‘Spotlights and Shadows’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY8H4G6-8K0

Heartthrob of Bollywood Akshay Kumar launches Livguard’s new TVC campaign "Bano Kisi Ki Energy"

Livguard, a beacon of innovation in energy storage solutions, is proud to unveil its latest campaign, "Bano Kisi Ki Energy," featuring the esteemed actor Akshay Kumar. This touching narrative highlights the profound sense of responsibility that comes with being the pillar of a family—the 'Karta'—and how Livguard's smart AI charging inverters empower individuals to support and uplift their loved ones.

In the film, we follow the journey of a father who finds joy in karaoke and is repeatedly interrupted by power cuts. This heartwarming story sheds light on the responsibility that the son feels towards his family's happiness and progress and how he steps in and helps empower the entire family. His unwavering commitment to providing for his loved ones is both inspiring and relatable.

 

The true essence of "Bano Kisi Ki Energy" lies in the meaningful actions he takes to ensure his family’s well-being. It’s not just about products - inverter & inverter batteries; it’s about how Livguard's products become a crucial part of his efforts to create uninterrupted, cherished moments for his family as they ensure #zadaloadzadalife. By addressing real-life challenges, Livguard’s innovative solutions provide the reliability and power needed to transform everyday experiences, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who matter most.

 

Akshay Kumar, a longstanding partner of Livguard, brings a deep sense of authenticity to the campaign. Having been the face of Livguard's journey of innovation over the past six years, his association reflects a legacy of trust and commitment. His enduring presence symbolizes the brand’s dedication to continuous improvement and meaningful impact in helping empower individuals empower their families.

 

The brand has recently launched their stellar product, the VISION HDX 1100i inverter that comes with advanced and smart features like power cut prediction, digital screen display with charging indicator, running load, backup time, etc., making it a state of the art product. This product will help you run your day, your way.

 

Kuku FM Acquires Exclusive Rights to Lord Jeffrey Archer's Works in Hindi Audiobooks

 

Jeffrey Archer's Bestsellers to Debut in Hindi Audio Format, Exclusively on Kuku FM

Strategic acquiring of rights brings various bestselling novels and stories of Jeffery Archer to Kuku FM's 2.7 million+ paid subscribers, furthering its mission to revolutionize audio content consumption in India

Kuku FM, India's leading audio content platform, has acquired the exclusive rights to adapt Lord Jeffrey Archer's acclaimed works into Hindi audiobooks. This pioneering initiative marks the first time Archer's beloved stories will be available in a South Asian language audio format, signaling a new chapter in India's digital content consumption.

The securing of the exclusive rights also includes the bestselling William Warwick series and classic bestsellers including "The Fourth Estate," "As the Crow Flies," and "A Matter of Honour." This strategy aims to bridge the gap between global literature and Hindi-speaking audiences across India and South Asia, making these literary masterpieces accessible.

Jeffrey Archer, whose narratives often draw inspiration from Indian concepts and characters, has long held a special place in the core of Indian readers. His works always resonate deeply with a varied readership in India, ranging from young adults and middle-aged professionals to literature enthusiasts and those who have an interest in historical narratives. Archer's books consistently top bestseller lists in the country, appealing to both urban and rural readers who are drawn to his masterful storytelling and universal themes of ambition, power, and human nature.

"We are thrilled to bring Jeffery Archer's works to our platform. His narratives, renowned for their suspenseful plot twists and compelling characters, are ideally suited for audio adaptation”, said Lal Chand Bisu, CEO and Co-founder of Kuku FM. This partnership allows us to cater to our diverse audience base and introduce these globally acclaimed stories in an immersive Hindi audio format for the first time."

The audio format is particularly well-suited to Archer's writing style, known for its chapter-ending cliffhangers and dialogue-rich prose. This adaptation promises to bring his complex characters and complex plots to life in a realistic auditory experience, improving the emotional depth of the stories.

This collaboration represents a significant milestone in Indian audio entertainment and is poised to revolutionize the audiobook market in the country. By adapting these globally renowned works into Hindi audiobooks, Kuku FM is not only making world-class literature more accessible but also contributing to the rapidly growing trend of digital audio content consumption in India.

The Hindi audiobook series will feature high-quality narration and sound design, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience for listeners. This project aligns with Kuku FM's mission to provide diverse, quality content to its users and further solidifies its position as a pioneer in the Indian audio content market.

The release schedule for the Hindi audiobook series will be announced in the coming weeks. Listeners can look forward to experiencing Jeffrey Archer's captivating storytelling in a new, auditory dimension, bringing his complex characters and intricate plots to life like never before.

Divine Solitaires joins hands with actress Vaani Kapoor for The Solitaire Festival of India (TSFI)

Divine Solitaires, a leading diamond solitaire jewellery brand, is all set to add some spark to the lean month of August and usher in the upcoming festive and wedding season. It is all set to bring back India’s biggest diamond solitaire promotion with The Solitaire Festival of India (TSFI) for the third consecutive year in 2024— this time with actress Vaani Kapoor as the brand ambassador!

Known for her roles in blockbuster films such as War, Shuddh Desi Romance and Befikre, this year, the event is set to be a grander success with the presence of actress Vaani Kapoor. Vaani brings a dash of star magic and an impressive Instagram following of 8 million, mostly comprising India’s empowered youth, who will make this campaign the talk of town this year.

This annual event will run from August 1-31 at over 200+ partner jeweller stores  and will feature the solitaire collections of some of India’s finest diamantaires. Throughout the month, customers from different states across India can browse through and indulge in stunning collections of solitaire jewellery pieces in their respective cities as well as online.

 The festival offers a unique incentive for valued customers to receive assured gifts with every purchase of diamond solitaire jewellery. Each purchase includes coupons for weekly lucky draws scheduled for August 11, 17 and 24, featuring exciting prizes ranging from iPhones to Alto cars. The grand finale of the festival will have a bumper draw on September 4, where one lucky winner will drive home in a luxurious XUV 700, and other winners will take home additional prizes.

 “The festive and wedding season is just around the corner and for our partners and customers, there is no better time than August and no better opportunity than TSFI to invest in diamond solitaire jewellery. Our customers will not only have the opportunity to see, feel and purchase the best quality diamond solitaires with 8 hearts and arrows each, but also have the chance to win some fantastic prizes!” said Jignesh Mehta, Founder of Divine Solitaires.

 The 2nd edition of TSFI in 2023 was a huge success closing with a staggering 600% increase in footfall over the previous year. This year, partner jewellers like Senco Gold, Ranka Jewellers, and Reliance Retail to name a few, are set to break that record attracting customers from across India.

 To spread the word about the TFSI 2024 campaign, Divine Solitaires will drive a series of nationwide marketing initiatives in over 100 cities. These will comprise targeted outreach through regional newspaper advertisements, impactful radio campaigns and cinema ads playing across theatres nationwide for seven days.

 To add an interactive dimension, Divine Solitaires will host a Facebook and Instagram live draw event on August 11, engaging audiences nationwide and bringing the thrill of the draw directly to their screens. This initiative aims to foster community spirit and participation, enriching the festival experience for all. With a steadfast commitment to boosting footfall and engagement, the festival promises to be a resounding success, delighting customers and jewellers alike. Join us in this grand celebration and witness the enchantment of Divine Solitaires.

Hypergro’s AI Innovations Earn Spot in Google’s AI-First Accelerator

Hypergro, an AI ad infrastructure leader specializing in hyper-personalized video ads, has been chosen for Google's AI-First Startups Accelerator. Selected from 1,030 applicants, Hypergro will join 19 other Indian startups for three months of equity-free support, training, and mentorship.

24 July 2024, Bengaluru: Hypergro, a pioneering AI-ad-infrastructure company specializing in hyper-personalized video ads, has been selected for Google’s Startups Accelerator: AI First(India) program. This milestone places Hypergro among an elite group of 20 Indian startups selected from over 1,030 applicants for the first cohort of this groundbreaking accelerator.

Announced in April 2024, the startup accelerator is designed to support startups integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud technology into their core business practices. The selected startups will benefit from three months of equity-free support, including exclusive training, cloud infrastructure credits, and mentorship from industry leaders and Google.

"We are thrilled and honored to be part of Google’s AI-first accelerator program," said Rituraj, CEO of Hypergro. "This opportunity will not only provide us with invaluable resources and mentorship but also enable us to scale our innovative AI-driven solutions to new heights, ultimately helping brands and the IndianAI mission."

Hypergro addresses key challenges businesses face in the advertising sector, such as high customer acquisition costs (CAC), lack of data and infrastructure for hyper-personalized advertisements, and operational inefficiencies. The company’s AI-driven product offers Hyper-personalized ad creation, Precision targeting, Enhanced ROAS, and Cost-effective solutions.

The company has collaborated with over 70 brands, including several from Shark Tank India. Key investors supporting Hypergro include Silverneedle Ventures, TDV Partners, Huddle, Upsparks, VentureCatalysts, FiiRE, and Dholakia Ventures, along with prominent angel investors Arjun Vaidya, Ankit Kedia, and Rajesh Sawhney.

The Google accelerator program will provide Hypergro with critical training on building human-centered and responsible AI solutions, access to Google’s mentor network, tech stack credits, and state-of-the-art AI tools. This support will be instrumental in furthering Hypergro’s mission to revolutionize the advertising landscape through AI and the IndianAI mission.

Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils

‘Freedom’ is the Flagship brand of Gemini Edibles and Fats India Pvt. Ltd. (GEF India). Freedom Healthy Cooking Oil Range is available as Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil, Freedom Physically Refined Rice Bran Oil and Freedom Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil, Freedom Groundnut Oil.  

Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil was launched in April 2010 in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Freedom Physically Refined Rice Bran Oil: It was launched in October 2015, for health-conscious consumers with its strong proposition of 10,000 ppm Oryzanol and balanced fat profile

 

Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils has almost 45% market share of the Sunflower oil category in AP, Telangana, and Odhisa.  The company has developed a robust distribution network backed by proactive and innovative marketing, digital, and PR strategy with a strategic mix of ATL and BTL activations to connect with the Target Audience and grow in the extremely cluttered, low-involvement edible oil space.

EV now on your terms

 As part of Vidyut’s rebranding initiative, the company has introduced a new logo, colour palette and new tagline, "EV now on your terms," aimed at embodying its innovative and customer-centric ethos. The refreshed visual identity is a symbol of Vidyut's renewed mission, featuring an electric bolt seamlessly integrated with the letter 'V'. The vibrant purple colour of the letter ‘V’ symbolises new-age trust, and technological innovation while the bright golden ‘bolt’ represents well-being and optimism.

 

Under its new brand identity Vidyut brings along a comprehensive suite of products aimed to make EV ownership more accessible, convenient, and worry-free for its customers.