Roots Foundation, in collaboration with Cummins India Foundation and Samhita CGF, organizes Career Guidance Conclave 2024

Pune,  April 15, 2024: Roots Foundation, in collaboration with Cummins India Foundation and Samhita CGF, organized the ‘Career Guidance Conclave 2024’ at Mahatma Phule Sanskrutik Bhavan, Wanowrie, Pune, Maharashtra. The conclave aimed to empower the youth with insights, strategies, and resources essential to navigating the complexities of the modern professional landscape.

Over  300+ students, along with 13 teachers and parents from diverse backgrounds, eagerly participated in this conclave, seeking      guidance and motivation to make      informed career choices. The event served as a platform for attendees to explore numerous      career avenues , gain valuable insights into emerging industries, and establish meaningful connections with mentors and professionals across various sectors.

The conclave featured a distinguished panel of guests, including       Ms. Soujanya Veguru, Head of Corporate Responsibility(CR)  at Cummins India Ltd., Ms. Avanti Kadam, Executive Manager – CR at Cummins India Ltd., Mr. Anil Mandrupkar, General Manager – Key Accounts – Distribution Business at Cummins India Ltd., Mr. Abhishek Kadam, Senior Associate at Samhita – Collective Goods Foundation, Mr. Ritwik Bahuguna, Founder & General Secretary, Roots Foundation, and Ms. Vidula Chopra, Program Manager at Roots Foundation.

The conclave was a   part of the Life Employability Skills for Adolescents Program (LEAP), a collaborative initiative aimed at           holistic development among adolescent students. LEAP      focuses on enhancing Functional English, Life Skills, and Career Guidance across 19 schools in Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune,      benefiting over 2,000 students from classes VIII-X.

Focusing on      students in grades 10-12, the conclave provided guidance to help them choose           career paths aligned with their interests. Experienced speakers from various fields, including Mr. Ajay Mehta, Sr. General Manager, New Product Development, Cummins India Ltd., Professor Vijay Navale, Guide and      Lecturer, Dr. Malhar Ganla, Healthcare Consultant, Brigadier Vidur Ramchandra Nevrekar, a Military Veteran, and Ms. Shreeja Rao, a Law Student and      Global Youth Advisor for Google Through Canvas8,      shared insights from their career journeys, offering personal experiences and reflections.

M. Ritwik Bahuguna, Founder & General Secretary of Roots Foundation, emphasized the immense and awareness levels in today’s students. He underscored, “In today’s times of information glut, it is important for students to stay focussed to be able to realise their true potential in their area of interest.”

Ms. Saujanya Veguru, Head – CSR, Cummins India Ltd., addressed students and said, “In today’s rapidly evolving world, technological advancements like AI have significantly altered the career landscape. With many options available to young students, staying motivated, continuously learning, and embracing new opportunities for skill enhancement is imperative. Curiosity is key which helps in making informed decisions about future career paths.”

Mr. Sharad Dua, Director, Collective Goods Foundation mentioned that, “At Samhita-CGF, we are passionate about empowering young people to chart their career paths. Through the Career Guidance Conclave 2024, we are leveraging our expertise in impact sectors and emerging markets to equip students with the tools and connections they need to thrive. By equipping the next generation with the right guidance, we are not just shaping individual futures, but also building a stronger, more impactful workforce. By working collaboratively with organizations like Cummins India Foundation and Roots Foundation, we can empower them to become future leaders and changemakers.”

The      students actively engaged with the speakers, posing      questions about their career paths and      seeking guidance on navigating      their professional pursuits. The speakers shared      advice and addressed the students’ queries.

Additionally, the students were also provided with comprehensive handbooks, containing tips on identifying career interests, strategies for career planning, resources for further education and training, and invaluable insights into various industries and job roles.    

LIBRARY refurbished by NDMC at LODHI Road

Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Govt. of India – Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi inaugurated a Public Library refurbished by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in the presence of Chairman – NDMC, Shri Amit Yadav and Secretary NDMC Shri Krishna Mohan Uppu at Veer Savarkar Park, Lodhi Road, New Delhi today.

 After inaugurating the library, Smt. Lekhi said that a library is a place where any person can enjoy learning and reading is the best addiction to avoid other ill-addictions. She also said that a library is a place where concentration and peace of mind collect the knowledge for self improvement and development.

Smt. Lekhi said that the Hon’ble Prime Minister called the Nation for “Padega Bharat tau Badhega Bharat ” is the path of Viksit Bharat target till 2047. She stressed upon the reading and learning habits for not only every child but it is an hour of need for everyone. For this requirement, the library is the best place to achieve the target of knowledge from reading. The library will also provide the space for students and aspirants of competitive exams.  

In his welcome address, the Chairman NDMC – Shri Amit Yadav thanks to the Smt. Lekhi provides funds for the refurbishment of the library. He informed that this Public library has been refurbished with area Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Fund of Rs.10.00 lacs. The library is equipped with all types of books in Hindi, English, Punjabi, Urdu and folktales for kids for the public.

Shri Yadav also mentioned that NDMC’s Lodhi Road Library Complex is situated near Veer Savarkar Park in Lodhi Colony. It comprises two floors each having an area of 115.00 sqm. The building is two storied lower ground and upper ground. The capacity of the library is approximately 75 Nos. persons/students in total. 35 Nos. persons/students at lower ground floor and 40 Nos. persons/students at upper ground floor. Ambience of the library gives a natural environment for readers and gives pleasure.

To facilitate the public at the library and for the smooth functioning of this refurbished public library, total 18 Nos. of seven feet book racks, 40 No. of 4 feet book racks, 17 study tables, 03 round tables, 05 kids study tables, 50 chairs and 20 kids chairs are provided for readers.

Total 08 libraries run under NDMC for all public in which 01 Public Library is under construction at JPN Library, Mandir Marg area, New Delhi. The New Library at Veer Savarkar Park Lodhi Road New Delhi was recently started for the public.  

Some Libraries of NDMC are modernized and digitalized & 4 libraries are under progress for Modernization and digitalization. Approx. 55,000 Nos. of visitors are visited in NDMC Public Libraries annually. Total 13949 Nos. of Books issued in Public libraries last year. Total 54228 Nos. of books of different categories i.e. General knowledge, reference, Children book, fiction etc are available in NDMC public libraries and NDMC is going to procure some new books in next financial year for all public libraries.

Gujarat becomes the first state in the country to launch its GatiShakti portal

GANDHINAGAR. 10 January 2024: Addressing the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit’s session “PM GatiShakti: Informed Decision Making for Holistic Development” organised by FICCI, Union Minister Mr Piyush Goyal, lauded the GatiShakti project as India’s significant offering to the world. 

Minister Goyal projected that GatiShakti’s comprehensive framework will, in the coming years, serve as a crucial tool for planning infrastructure not only in India but globally. He highlighted the presence of approximately 1400 data points in the GatiShakti dashboard that aid in informed and efficient decision-making. Emphasising the project’s impact, Goyal stated that PM GatiShakti will facilitate an environment conducive for India to achieve its goal of becoming the third-largest economy. The integration of these data points through technological protocols will enable smart planning, reducing costs and time overruns, thereby serving the people more effectively.

The event also witnessed the launch of the PM GatiShakti Gujarat Compendium by Union Minister Goyal and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel. This launch symbolises a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure development and economic growth in Gujarat, aligning with national objectives. “Gujarat is the first state in the country to launch its GatiShakti portal in line with the prime minister’s vision,” said Chief Minister Mr Bhupendrabhai Patel on occasion. 

Among other engagements facilitated by FICCI during the summit, the session ‘Next Phase’ of Japan’s role in ‘Make in India’, organised in association with JETRO, saw Mr Kanubhai Desai, Minister of Finance, Government of Gujarat highlighting the robust India-Japan partnership spanning several sectors, from automobiles to green energy. “Japan stands as one of India’s key allies of India,” he said. Mr Kazushige Tanaka, Deputy Director-General for Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Government of Japan, pinpointed potential areas for collaboration, particularly in semiconductors and regional supply chain setup. 

The Saudi Arabia Country Seminar organised in association with Invest Saudi, Mr Engineer Ibrahim bin Youssef Al-Mubarak, Assistant Minister of Investment, Saudi Arabia, recognised India’s Smart City model as a significant inspiration for the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030, acknowledging the growing global appreciation for India’s innovative approach to urban development, highlighting the potential for cross-country collaboration in sustainable and intelligent city planning. Mr Adeeb Ahmed, Managing Director of Lulu Financials Holding and Chair of the FICCI Arab Council, emphasised the dynamic exchange of innovative ideas between the private sectors of India and Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal juncture in bilateral relations. Besides, Dr Manar Al Monif, Chief Investment Officer at NEOM, spoke about the revolutionary concept of NEOM. He described the project’s ethos as believing ‘the impossible is possible’, which has driven the focus on Green hydrogen and 14 other sectors. FICCI Secretary General Mr Shailesh Pathak along with industry leaders met Mr Al-Mubarak, on the sidelines of the seminar. “FICCI is taking a CEOs’ delegation to Saudi Arabia next month and will be opening an office in Riyadh soon,” he said.

Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, the UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, United Nations, and the Commonwealth, expressed his admiration for the UK-India relationship at ‘The UK 4.0’ seminar, organised in association with the British Deputy High Commission. “Our relationship with India has been an incredible one,” Lord Ahmad remarked, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. He expressed delight at the growing interest of British companies in India, particularly in Gujarat, highlighting the state’s dynamic business environment. Further, Mr Jaimin Shah, MD & CEO, Dev Information Technology Limited and Member of FICCI Gujarat State Council, stated “India is taking the lead in cybersecurity and digital transformation. With the rising demand in cybersecurity, India has a lot of potential to innovate and is the best location for innovation and exploration with Gujarat as the pioneer state.”

Besides, the UK Session on Artificial Intelligence, English Language Teaching and Higher Education India UK collaboration: Reimagining the future, spotlighted opportunities for foreign collaborations based on “Twinning Programs” and the importance of AI and access to advanced technology. 

Mr Tran Luu Quang, Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, emphasised the untapped potential for India and Vietnam to collaborate in various fields including the green economy and artificial intelligence, among many others. He highlighted the importance of identifying opportunities and overcoming challenges to bolster bilateral economic cooperation. Ms Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, echoed similar sentiments, focusing on the necessity of establishing robust supply chain connectivity. She stressed the significance of collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and textiles, among others. In addition, FICCI Secretary General Mr Pathak along with an industry delegation met Deputy PM Mr Quang and his colleagues on the sidelines of the event to explore avenues to expand trade and strengthen the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam. He said, “Businesses in India and Vietnam would have more partnerships in joint research projects, technology transfer arrangements and trade in agriculture, material science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and other technology applications.”

At the Kazakhstan Country Seminar, organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Kazakhstan, Mr Kairat Torebayev, Vice-Minister of Trade and Integration, Kazakhstan emphasised the substantial potential for collaboration, extending into digitalisation, innovation, healthcare, education, and tourism. Mr Mulubhai Hardasbhai Bera, Minister for Tourism, Cultural Activities, Forest and Environment, Climate Change, Government of Gujarat, highlighted the growing potential for India-Kazakhstan collaboration in areas such as connectivity, infrastructure, semiconductors, and green energy. Adding to the discourse, Mr Ankit Patel, Co-Chair of the MSME Committee at FICCI Gujarat State Council, stressed the importance for Indian industries to recognise and seize business opportunities in the Kazakhstan market. He emphasised the need to expand potential trade and investment flows between the two countries, indicating a vibrant future for bilateral economic relations.

#Bhashantara #FICCI Conference inaugurated by Secretary MEITY

NEW DELHI. 18 DECEMBER 2023

Addressing the FICCI conference, Bhashantara, Secretary MEITY, Mr S Krishnan, underlined that the inclusion of Indian language content in large language models will help improve these models.   

Also, he emphasised the necessity of developing foundational models relevant to India’s diverse linguistic landscape, which could then be adopted on a vast, continental scale. “India has the opportunity to present this to the rest of the world as an alternative; it is an opportunity really to demonstrate leadership across the world,” Mr Krishnan asserted.   

Secretary Krishnan advocated for increased use of local languages to ensure wider participation and deeper engagement in various societal domains. He alluded to the Government of India’s approach, noting, “The one thing that we try to do certainly is to use the language of the people and use it in a way, which is simplified, and in a way that everybody can understand.”  

On occasion, Dr Ajay Data, Chairman of the FICCI Task Force on Multilingual Internet and Universal Acceptance and CEO of Data Xgen Technologies, highlighted the critical need for a multilingual internet in India’s diverse linguistic landscape. He pointed out the staggering linguistic diversity in India, stating, “In this diverse country of 22 official languages and over 1600 dialects, the significance of a multilingual internet cannot be overstated.” With India boasting 895 million internet subscribers, he emphasised the need for these users to not only consume content but also to create it in their languages. “The real use of the internet lies in enabling people to read and write in their language,” he said.  

India, being the second largest online market globally, faces the challenge of harnessing the internet’s potential as a unifying force. “Linguistic diversity must be embraced to truly realise the internet’s unifying potential,” Dr. Data asserted. He highlighted that 75 per cent of India’s population prefers content in their local or regional language, underscoring the demand for a multilingual internet infrastructure.  

Mr Bikram Bedi, Vice President & Country Managing Director, Google Cloud, unveiled the transformative impact of Google’s initiatives in promoting language diversity in digital content. He alluded to the GNI Indian Languages Program, stating “This six-month program, running from June to December 2023, supported over 300 news publishers across India in nine languages.” The program included workshops, technical support, and development assistance for mobile sites and apps. The results, as Bedi shared, were substantial. “PageSpeed increased dramatically from under 10 per cent to 80 per cent, and there was a 100 per cent setup of GA4. News distribution on Google News reached 82per cent, and native app adoption soared to 70 per cent,” he noted. The program led to an over 30 per cent increase in active users for the participating publishers.  

Prof. Rajat Moona, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, said “I think in time to come AI is going to take a major lead in a variety of things, whether it is our healthcare sector, industry, or education. But I think the biggest achievement that AI is going to bring in is connectivity for people, where people can talk and listen in various languages.”  

Mr Shailesh Pathak, Secretary General, FICCI, said, “FICCI will work towards even better synergy between government, industry, academia, and research, as demonstrated. This will be our focus in every single business area.”