Bharti of Maharaja Surajmal Institute is TechGig’s Geek Goddess 2017

The recently concluded TechGig Geek Goddess event proved without a doubt that given the opportunity, top coders can appear from any background and are not are not exclusive to the top 10 institutes in India.

Ms. Bharti from Maharaja Surajmal Institute, not only topped the Geek Goddess leader board beating hundreds of IIT and NIT graduates, but did it in style by completing all her coding challenges with 2 hours to spare!

"This is first time I’ve come first somewhere. At Maharaja Surajmal Institute, I always placed third. I wish I could have called my Dad on stage now that I have come first. Since I was born, I have faced a lot of discrimination being a woman, I never stepped out of my house unchaperoned, even for a day. But when I shared my desire to move to Hyderabad to join Verizon, my dad supported me whole-heartedly, even against the wishes of other family members. He was the one who encouraged me for my education and supported my growth," said a very emotional Bharti.

Accepting the TechGig Geek Goddess 2017 title Bharti added, "Everyone says behind every successful man there is a woman, behind me it’s my dad. I dedicate my success and this award to him."

Bharti is a B. Tech from Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology (MSIT), with proficiency in Java and knowledge of Network and Data Security. Verizon was quick to recognize Bharti’s innate talent and employed her straight out of campus as a software developer at their Hyderabad facilities.

Women leaders from across the IT space graced the event and interacted with the contestants, including such stalwarts as,

·  Vasuta Agarwal, VP & GM, India at InMobi

·  Kalyani Sekar, Managing Director, Verizon Data Services India

·  Vidhya Krishnaswamy, Director, Sapient Razorfish

·  Deepika Goel, Vice President- Research and Analytics, Genpact

·  Anahita Varma, Managing Director - Financial Services, Technology, Accenture

·  Daisy Chittilapilly, Managing Director, Partner Organization, Cisco India and SAARC

·  Annie Mathew Director-Audience Marketing, Microsoft India

·  Bidisha Nagaraj, Chief Marketing Officer, Schneider Electric

·  Dipti Tandon, Head of Product and Technology, TechGig

Annie Mathew Director-Audience Marketing, Microsoft India, commented, “The passion and energy of the women coders at the finale was palpable. It was especially sweet to hear the stories of the women who won and others who came across and discussed the issues on top of their minds. It’s so important to have such events for women to bring out role models. So, thanks to TechGig for the Geek Goddess contests.”

Dipti Tandon, Head of Product and Technology, TechGig, thanked everyone for the resounding success of event by saying, “Each finalist at TechGig Geek Goddess is a winner, as we had 30,000 women register for the event, and only the top 100 made it to the final. This event not only revealed the top women coders from across India, but also gave an opportunity for them to interact and network with exemplary women leaders who were present at the grand finale.”

“The astonishing victory of MSIT graduate Bharti, at TechGig Geek Goddess substantiates our purpose of democratizing talent. We organize such events to promote true merit and reveal the best coding talent in the country by bringing coders from start-ups and established giants under one roof to compete and unleash their true potential, irrespective of their background. We wish Bharti tremendous success as a role model and inspiration to other women coders,” said Nilanjan Roy, Head of Strategy, Times Business Solutions.

Other winners at TechGig Geek Goddess 2017 were, RTMNU graduate Charmy Vora (Rank 2), Sneha Mujumdar from Pune University (Rank 3), Anusha Yakkala from IIT Kgp (Rank 4), and Sonal Bhargava from DAVIET (Rank 5).

Upcoming national level competitions and the complete list of winners and finalists are available on the TechGig website.

Mahindra First-Ever 'Mojo Exclusive' Showroom Now Opened in Bengaluru

Mahindra opens Exclusive MOJO dealership in Bengaluru Mahindra Mojo exclusive dealership was launched today in Bengaluru. This exclusive Mahindra Mojo dealership is located in Banaswadi of Bengaluru.

NAFS Motors, the exclusive Mahindra Mojo dealership is located at 100 feet Road, Doddabanaswadi, Bengaluru. This is a first of its kind two-wheeler brand specific dealership in the country.

The exclusive Mojo dealership, NAFS Motors comes with a workshop that has been designed to promote one-stop destination for all the biking needs of a biker. The MOJO showroom also sells accessories and merchandise of Mahindra Mojo motorcycles. Apart from accessories, the dealership will also provide customisation and servicing attributes. The exclusive Mahindra Mojo dealership is driven by young and vibrant team who are passionate about biking.

The “MOJO TRIBE” – community of owners of Mojo motorcycles translates the brand ethos into brick and mortar, having meticulously planned sections showcasing the essentials of riding and the adventure of ‘Trails of Mojo Tribe‘.

Naveen Malhotra,  senior General Manager – Sales, Marketing and Product Planning, Mahindra Two Wheelers said, “We have always believed in biking being a lifestyle and attitude than just a product and hence we look the unconventiopnal route right from the launch of the “MOJO Tribe” for MOJO owners to the “Trails of MOJO Tribe” which took the owners to experience the bike in diverse terrains.”

The company had also announced that they are working on an adventure, street and cruiser models based on the Mojo platform. With 4 new models confirmed to join the Mojo family; prime contenders being production versions of the Scrambler and Adventure version displayed at the 2016 Auto Expo. A low-cost version with standard telescopic forks and a single sided exhaust too is on the cards!

Launched in 2015, the Mojo currently retails at Rs. 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The move to separate the Mahindra Mojo from the rest of the line-up, which includes products like the Centuro and Gusto, is to add value for buyers paying this premium price by offering more exclusive experience and premium treatment. 

IIT Stuart B School Launches Online MBA Program in India

Highly motivated working professionals in India will soon be able to earn a Global MBA from a US university, without quitting their jobs. Illinois Institute of Technology’s Stuart School of Business in Chicago, Illinois, USA is launching a Global MBA program in ‘Business Innovation’ for working professionals. Keeping in mind the convenience of Indian students, this program will be a 2-year, part-time course delivered online using interactive technology that provides a rigorous high-quality learning experience. The course aims to prepare working professionals globally for the next phase in business innovation in the age of Big Data and technological transformation.

The Illinois Tech program is designed with a focus on business innovation to prepare experienced, mid-career professionals for leadership and management positions in India and abroad. The program will enable international students to take classes online in a live, interactive session once a week, using Blackboard Collaborate technology.

The technology will also facilitate student-to-student interaction; projects in global, virtual teams; the flexibility to appear for exams from anywhere. The program also offers an opportunity for students to participate in a short international immersion experience in Chicago.

Dr. M. Krishna Erramilli, program director, associate dean & professor of marketing, said, “India is a growing global hub in the business of technology and Big Data. Through this course, we aim to enhance the skills of working professionals, providing a global perspective, broadening their thinking, giving them experience with strategic innovation methods, and empowering them to recognize and seize new opportunities. The program also comes as an advantage to every Indian student who cannot afford education in an international university as we are offering this course at an affordable cost. Also, online format of the course will further reduce the cost of travel and accommodation, benefiting the student at large.”

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Alan W Cramb, president, Illinois Institute of Technology said, “Our University pioneered asynchronous delivery of advanced courses in computer science and engineering to working professionals in India’s “Silicon Valley” 20 years ago. We have seen how students and their employers have benefited. We are delighted to be able to extend these benefits to in–career professionals, who wish to pursue an MBA, and their employers. “

The mission of Stuart Business School is to provide courses designed to enhance real world and socially responsible perspectives. The Illinois Tech Online MBA for Global Professionals in Business Innovation has a unique focus on management challenges in technology-intensive organizations, financial modeling, Big Data analytics, design thinking, innovation, and sustainability. These topics are incorporated through the multi-disciplinary components of strategically competitive leadership to globally diverse in-career students.

Bangaloreans Witnessed Mercedes-Benz’s Unique Customer Engagement Initiative

India’s largest luxury car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz organized its unique customer engagement initiative, Luxe Drive, in the ‘City of Gardens – Bangalore’ over the weekend. The patrons who were present got a comprehensive brand experience, based on the three pillars of Adrenaline, Gourmet and Lifestyle during these two days of the event. The event became a runaway success and patrons enjoyed the luxurious brand experience that blends the thrill of driving with lifestyle combined with gourmet. The event was held at Nice Ring Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The patrons enjoyed the best of luxury and brand experience made available by Mercedes-Benz India. Renowned Chef Ranveer Brar ensured the guests enjoyed delectable platter prepared by him. The fashion workshop conducted by Genesis Luxury created buzz among patrons as they showcased globally renowned lifestyle brands at the event. Patrons also received an opportunity to drive the fascinating range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles on the specially designed tracks. This drive showcased the technological prowess and luxury quotient of the cars.

Speaking on the occasion,  Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The garden and IT city of Bangalore is a gateway of Southern prosperity and it is a quintessential market for us at Mercedes-Benz. Customer engagement programmes like Luxe Drive are essential to engage with our potential customer base and we do this by providing them an indulgent brand experience synonymous with the Three Pointed Star. Such customer oriented activities help us in creating and strengthening our brand’s resonance with our patrons and prospective customers. At Luxe Drive, we inform, engage and intrigue our audience by providing the best experience of gourmet, adrenaline and lifestyle. We are confident of bringing more such customized engagement programs in the future, and continue to fascinate our valuable patrons with memorable experiences.”

Mercedes-Benz introduced many interesting activities this year like the Blind Fold Photography Workshop and Live Musical Performances to enthrall the patrons. The blind fold photography workshop celebrates the diversity of human conditions; a visually

Luxe Drive had in store something for everyone, right from the tiny toddlers who can enjoy themselves in the fun-filled zone specially created for them, to the ardent brand enthusiasts who could pick some exclusive and trendy Mercedes-Benz merchandise. This time AMG Lifestyle Collection was also on display in addition to the regular merchandise, adding even more excitement. The Mercedes Trophy zone had exclusive Mercedes Trophy goodies on display that kept the participants and families engaged throughout. The Mercedes-Benz pre-owned car sales team also organized a free car evaluation where in a special trade-in opportunity was provided along with personalized finance options.

Dubai Chamber to Open First India Office in Mumbai During 2017

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry plans to open its first Indian office in Mumbai later this year. Senior officials from Dubai Chamber led by Chairman Majid Saif Al Ghurair and UAE Ambassador Ahmed Al Banna met Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis to discuss on approaches to strengthen business and partnerships between Dubai and Mumbai.

The Dubai Chamber confirmed that Chief Minister Fadnavis supported the opening of their office in Mumbai. They have also invited the Chief Minister and Indian business delegation to visit Dubai.

The visiting Dubai Chamber delegation also hosted discussions with Private Sector Focus Group on the new ways India and UAE can enhance economic cooperation. Of all new companies that registered with Dubai Chamber last year, 29% were Indian, bringing the total number of Indian members to over 36,000.

“We see a host of opportunities for business synergies between Dubai and Mumbai and the presence of the Ambassador Ahmed Al Banna shows the commitment of UAE to India. We had lively discussions, which raised many important subjects regarding doing business in Mumbai,” said Chairman of Dubai Chamber Majid Saif Al Ghurair.

 “We have a strong commitment and will be encouraging Dubai companies to open up business in Mumbai and to strengthen public-private partnerships.”

The Dubai Chamber delegation is visiting Mumbai and Ahmedabad, as part of its Global Business Forum series roadshow.

The delegation includes dignitaries and senior businessmen from the UAE visiting stakeholders in the public and private sector in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The delegation will also meet up with the Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani and discuss new ways to enhance economic cooperation between Dubai and Gujarat.

Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a non-profit public entity, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub.

Dubai Chamber Applauds Indian Government’s Ease of Doing Business Initiative

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has commended the strengthening of trade and commerce relationship between India and Dubai, crediting this growing relationship to the ease of doing business initiative by the Government at the Centre.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first Indian PM to visit the Gulf nation and this followed by two visits of the crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed last year and in January 2017 to preside over the Republic Day celebrations has strengthened the ties between India and Dubai, said Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Majid Saif Al Ghurair.

“Dubai Chamber has placed a strategic focus on strengthening the Emirate’s ties with India. The country is a major part of our expansion strategy and we are excited to be opening our representative office in India later this year,” Majid Saif Al Ghurair said while addressing a delegation of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here.

“India offers plenty of exciting trade and investment opportunities which businesses in the UAE stand to benefit from. The country is pushing ahead with plans to expand its infrastructure, develop cluster cities, and boost foreign investment in various sectors.”

Dubai Chamber and Dubai-headquartered DP World, which has operations in India, said that relationships between India and Dubai have taken a completely different turn after the PM Modi’s visit in August 2015, followed by the crown Prince of Abu Dhabi’s visits.

“Partnership between India and Dubai is growing stronger by the day and the government is making all efforts to give assistance to business on both sides,” said Anil Singh, Chairman / Senior Vice President and Managing Director - Subcontinent  UAE - India Business Council / DP World.

“Bureaucracy is major challenge faced by businesses operating in India; however, we believe that doors have been opened up for investments to increase in both countries. We also believe that the ease of doing business has been a major push and it will grow with openness and constant dialogues.”

Recently, DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem had announced investments of $1 billion in India’s ports, logistics and free trade zone, in addition to its current large portfolio.

Bihar Government & Megasoft Signs MoU to Enhance IT Services with Cloud Technologies

Megasoft Limited, a leading technology company, announced today, the award of cloud-enabled solution and services contract by the Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. (BELTRON). The state Government of Bihar, through BELTRON, plans to establish state-of-the-art cloud computing facility for use by its various e-Governance programs and other IT-driven initiatives.

The cloud-enabled State Data Centre (SDC) named ‘Bihar Cloud’ is one of the important elements for supporting initiatives of National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). The primary purpose of the cloud computing solution is to establish a viable ‘Private’ cloud environment for use by the various e-Governance applications of Bihar.

Megasoft, acclaimed for its sophisticated cloud deployments, will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology solution and services to address various needs of multiple line departments within the state that come under the purview of Bihar Cloud. While the solution is focused primarily on Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), other services such as Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) will complement and be deployed on top of the basic IaaS services.

Rahul Singh, Managing Director, BELTRON said, “In the past, applications and websites of state departments were hosted on different servers. In such a scenario, introduction of a new application or website required all other applications and websites to be brought down. With ‘Bihar Cloud’, sufficient space will be allocated to various state Government departments based on their requirements. The unique feature of this project is that the cloud-based implementation will also further strengthen the security aspect of all the applications. The inauguration of the solution is planned shortly”.

G V Kumar, CEO and Managing Director of Megasoft said, “Virtualization and the cloud mean much more than mere consolidation. Our Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) solution will not only ease BELTRON’s infrastructure management efforts but also provide them the ability to automatically scale-up or scale-down services hosted in the cloud, based on user demand. By addressing the systems and information technology needs from a holistic perspective, our delivery model will ensure that BELTRON implements ‘Bihar Cloud’ in the most effective manner”.

Megasoft cloud-enabled solution is agnostic to the underlying hardware, storage, network and operating system. Besides enabling end customers to automatically provision services via a web portal it provides service assurance for maintenance and operations activities performed by the users.