The United Nations Recognizes GlobalShala’s Superhero U Contest

Taking inspiration from the United 'Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Ed-tech company had announced its initiative Superhero U. In the pursuit of cultivating a force of forward-thinking and self-responsible leaders. The contest invited students to self-imagine a "Superhero" that essentially takes on universal challenges and strives to make the world a better place. Winners of the competition will also be awarded an opportunity to visit the U.N. Headquarters in New York, USA.

To distinguish future leaders' creative engagement, the United Nations recognized the contest as an impactful initiative to encourage imaginative student ideas to solve global problems. This special recognition marks a proud moment for Globalshala, a company inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  In today's complex, global society, the need for innovative and creative problem-solving has never been greater. Our communities face myriad challenges, and each individual should have a role in reimagining their future with the powers and intelligence required to create an idealistic society. Globalshala's dynamic engagement platform enables young social entrepreneurs to catalyze their creative thinking and social innovation.

Superhero U was a collaborative effort between GlobalShala and Northeastern University, a UNAI member institution, and a top 50 ranked research university in the U.S. and a global leader in experiential learning.

Anushika Jain, Founder & CEO, GlobalShala, said, "The entire GlobalShala team extends gratitude for the recognition from the United Nations for the innovative approach to inspiring students in solving real-world problems with the "Superhero U".  It is delightful to see the impact of our work and 1,000+  aspirants from more than 80 countries taking upon the opportunities provided by GlobalShala. We revel on the feature on the U.N. website and hope to thrive more with our collaborative efforts."

GlobalShala focuses on empowering students and educators through experiential learning and education to open up hopes and dreams of lifelong learners worldwide. Through the GlobalShala platform, individuals can participate in exciting global competitions and events, have a chance to earn international scholarships, receive hands-on training through global internships, and secure batches and certificates towards lifelong learning.

About GlobalShala:

Inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably Education, Gender Equality and Women Empowerment; GlobalShala provides lifelong learners from across the globe a platform to express, experience, explore, and engage. Globalshala offers hopes and dreams to make a good world better through various learning opportunities, including competition,  internships, and career-focused learning modules.

Link: https://globalshala.com/

Apollo Hospitals and Medtronic Partner to Advance Stroke Management Using Artificial Intelligence

* Medtronic will support Apollo Hospitals with technical expertise, training and setting up of comprehensive stroke centers aiming at reducing door to needle time ~

* Apollo Hospitals, with one of the largest Neuro care team in South Asia to use AI in an organized and scalable manner for comprehensive stroke management ~

Apollo Hospitals Group today announced a partnership with India Medtronic Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) for advanced stroke management for the first time in India. The USFDA approved AI platform for stroke diagnosis has been validated by clinical trials.1 The AI software will provide automated analysis in less than two minutes as against currently accepted imaging practices for diagnosis of stroke that takes up to one hour to complete, enabling faster decision making in stroke where every second counts. Through this partnership, Medtronic will help in bringing in stroke technologies, technical expertise, training and comprehensive stroke management with the integration of AI platform at the Apollo Institute of Neurosciences at ten locations in Apollo Hospitals across the country, taking stroke management to the next level by standardizing stroke diagnosis and empowering clinicians to make faster, more accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “Stroke is a major global public health problem with 1 in 4 people over the age of 25 years suffering a stroke during their lifetime, according to data from the World Stroke Organization2. The fourth leading cause of death today, around 1.8 million people in India suffer from a stroke every year and it is only early treatment that can reduce morbidity and mortality.3 There is an urgent need to improve the treatment and management of stroke using digital technologies. Today, AI platforms are improving patient care and outcomes every day, and at Apollo Hospitals, we are proud to be at the forefront of the AI revolution in healthcare. This partnership brings together Apollo Hospitals’ clinical expertise, AI platform and stroke technologies from Medtronic to transform stroke treatment in the country. With this partnership, Apollo Hospitals continues to be the torchbearer in adoption of digital technology as the first hospital group in South Asia to use AI in an organized and scalable manner for comprehensive stroke management. Also, with the introduction of 640 slice CT Scan having a capability of doing cerebral angiogram, the patient will definitely gain by means of advanced technical adaptations in stroke treatment.”

Mr. Madan Krishnan, Vice President, Medtronic Indian Subcontinent said, “Medtronic has been leading the fight against acute ischemic stroke (AIS) – enabling our physician partners with meaningful stroke technologies to empower their expertise. There is a huge unmet need with regards to stroke awareness and therapy in India. Medtronic has been partnering with hospitals to create centers of excellence in the country so that patients are identified faster, and they receive the best treatment. We are aiming to address the current treatment gaps in stroke with our innovative technologies, aiming at reducing door to needle time, thereby potentially improving outcomes for patients. Our partnership with Apollo Hospitals will further our goal of creating awareness and providing quicker access to quality healthcare for stroke patients in India.”

The AI platform uses artificial intelligence to create high quality, advanced images from non-contrast CT, CT angiography, CT perfusion, and MRI diffusion and perfusion scans, helping hospitals to improve time-critical triage or transfer decisions and facilitate better patient outcomes. The stroke team will be able to remotely access the brain scans of stroke patients with the AI analysis on mobile app or email for faster decision making without losing time. Other benefits include physicians being able to evaluate the patients remotely and visit in-person only when the AI analysis of the scans suggest indication for treatment. This will help to reduce unnecessary exposure in a COVID situation. The AI system will also generate a valid document proof to support the clinician’s decision taken on the course of treatment for a stroke patient.

Ms. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “The Apollo Hospitals – Medtronic partnership will bring about a paradigm shift in acute stroke management, building and establishing a world-class stroke program with uniform stroke protocol across the group. Trials have shown success in achieving substantially larger clinical benefits through the use of AI technology and the Apollo – Medtronic partnership will support early diagnosis and effective clinical decision in stroke patients leading to the shortest treatment time for better clinical outcomes. While early treatment leads to the best clinical outcome, a trial of stroke patients treated up to 6 to 24 hours with use of AI technology lead CTP or MRI scans showed better clinical outcomes for the patients.1 The partnership also envisages a structured training and education program to further improve the clinical efficiency of the Apollo stroke clinicians and support team.”

The Apollo Hospitals and Medtronic partnership to build comprehensive stroke management will lead to multiple patient benefits. The use of AI platform in stroke management will reduce diagnosis time from 60 mins to 2 mins1. The time saved is brain cells saved as every minute of delay leads to 2 million more brain cells dying. A stroke at odd hours of night will not result in patient losing time for an expert review to begin treatment. Time between onset of stroke to treatment is significantly reduced which can help in improving outcome, reducing hospital stay and saving costs for the patient not just on hospitalization but also on follow-up and rehabilitation. Every patient will receive appropriate treatment as per the indication and not lose any treatment opportunity.

Ms. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “The Apollo Institute of Neurosciences has revolutionized high-end neurological care in the country. With a legacy of innovation and excellence, it has been working at the cutting-edge of neuro-imaging, neuro-intensive care and medical and radiation oncology services to deliver outcomes that match the leading neurology institutions in the world. A highly skilled multidisciplinary neurosciences team dedicates itself to enhancing patient care through cutting edge technology and the partnership with Medtronic will elevate the quality of stoke care with world-class AI-powered stroke treatment.”

Apollo Hospitals’ comprehensive stroke center equipped with 24/7 emergency, a team of specialized experts, CT, MRI facility, and capability of specialized surgical and interventional therapies will have treatment taken to the next level through AI. With AI technology, stroke diagnosis will be standardized and scans will be available remotely within no time to the stroke physician. The technology will increase utilization of IV-tPA (intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke). It will also increase detection of LVO (large vessel occlusion) which accounts for up to 38% of acute ischemic strokes4 and utilization of mechanical thrombectomy (physical removal of the clot in the brain by a special device threaded through the blood vessels). The partnership will optimize stroke protocol and create a strong regional tele-stroke network with the power of AI.

Ms. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “AI has been a boon for the healthcare industry and has transformed many different aspects from drug development to diagnostics and clinical medicine and surgery. It has simplified the lives of patients, doctors and hospital administrators, taking over tasks that are routine, saving time and costs, freeing the doctors to dedicate more time to their patients. It has helped to reduce the chances of errors in diagnostic processes and medical errors due to heavy case loads. At Apollo, we have been harnessing the power of AI in oncology, telepathology, radiology, and robotic surgery, and this partnership with Medtronic brings in world class technologies for the benefit of our patients. The AI analysis of stroke patients will generate clinical data that can be used to identify any gaps in the stroke protocol, improve treatment time, and develop a referral network. The technology will standardize stoke diagnosis, take individual bias out and help in making quick decisions.”

The AI technology enabled advanced stroke management will be launched at the Apollo Institute of Neurosciences at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru; Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai; Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai; Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad; Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad; Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi; Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Jayanagar, Bengaluru; Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru; Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysore; and Apollo Hospitals, Indore.

About Apollo Hospitals:

Apollo Hospitals was established in 1983 by Dr. Prathap C Reddy, renowned as the architect of modern healthcare in India. As the nation’s first corporate hospital, Apollo Hospitals is acclaimed for pioneering the private healthcare revolution in the country. Apollo Hospitals has emerged as Asia’s foremost integrated healthcare services provider and has a robust presence across the healthcare ecosystem, including Hospitals, Pharmacies, Primary Care & Diagnostic Clinics and several retail health models. Since its inception, Apollo Hospitals has been honoured by the trust of over 150 million individuals who came from 140 countries. At the core of Apollo’s patient-centric culture is TLC (Tender Loving Care), the magic that inspires hope amongst its patients.

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Mzaalo - A Newly Launched, Unique Platform, Allows Users to Watch Content and Win Rewards

Mzaalo, a blockchain-based Video Streaming application today announced the launch of its AVOD platform. The gamified video ecosystem is designed to reward consumers for viewing content on the platform. Mzaalo's system is secured by blockchain, trusted infrastructure for content and brands to own engagement and commerce for their users.

The AVOD platform offers consumers 50,000+ hours of premium content from over 25 content partners. The content library features a mix of Bollywood and Regional Movies, Original series, music videos, linear television programing and more that will be available in Hindi and nine other Indian regional languages. 

The wide-ranging content catalogue will attract users who can enjoy an immersive experience in which they can earn for watching content, interacting with the community, inviting friends as well as sharing, liking, and commenting on social media platforms. The process of watching content and being incentivized in the form of blockchain-based rewards adds to Mzaalo's credibility in building engagement, loyalty and driving growth. 

The earned reward coins are stored in the users' digital wallets and can be spent on premium experiences, physical merchandise, partner products and services, digital goods, games, and charitable giving. Mzaalo plans to on-board established brand partners spanning across range of categories such as health & fitness, fashion, accessories, electronics, travel, wellness, and much more.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Vikram Tanna, COO, Mzaalo said, "Technology is increasingly becoming the centre of every human interaction. Also, brands today are adopting to innovate and engage with users by creating bespoke, experiences without disrupting the entertainment journey. Mzaalo’s consumer centric ecosystem is the first to reward consumers for their time and attention. Moreover, our engagement algorithm is designed for advertisers to build valuable user–brand experiences based on data transparency and privacy.”

Mzaalo has conducted consumer research across the country to understand user sentiments towards sharing personal data on various platforms and the process of selecting winners and rewarding customers. Understanding the requirement of user privacy and data protection, Mzaalo created an ecosystem that addresses consumers' needs by providing a rewarding entertainment experience in a trusted environment.  

Mzaalo shall adopt a secured Decentralized Ledger Technology (DLT) to establish a trusted entertainment ecosystem where participants derive value from their contribution to the network. Additionally, users will be empowered to take control of their digital identity and shall be gratified for valuable behavior such as providing engagement on the platform through recommendations and for bringing peers onto it.

FanCode Announces Partnership with WSC Sports to Innovate the Delivery of Video Content

FanCode, India’s premier digital sports destination for all fans, has introduced WSC Sports AI technology on the platform to power the delivery of video highlights. The partnership with WSC Sports will allow FanCode to grow the speed, scale and personalization of video content for their key sports rights content.

WSC Sports’ technology was first launched across T20 Cricket tournaments earlier in the year and has now expanded to other sports leagues and tournaments in the region. The partnership will allow FanCode to dramatically expand their video storytelling capabilities, with the use of machine learning and automation for live and post live sports content.

FanCode Co-Founder, Yannick Colaco, said: “FanCode aims to provide the best digital experience to Indian sports fans and leveraging technology is a critical component of delivering on our promise. Our partnership with WSC allows us to deliver a  superior interactive match viewing experience to our users through customized and near real-time highlights of their favourite games.”

“It is an exciting partnership as FanCode is truly innovating the delivery of sports content to Indian sports fans,” WSC Sports Head of APAC Guy Port said. “We look forward to the opportunity for scale and personalization of highlights in the future.”

The agreement adds to the list of global sports properties working with WSC Sports’ AI automation technology. This includes the BBL and WBBL in Australia and other top global sports leagues such as the NBA, Bundesliga, PGA Tour, MLS and FIBA.

ABOUT FANCODE:

FanCode is India’s premier digital sports destination committed to giving all fans a great personalized experience in Content, Community and Commerce. Founded in 2019 by sports industry veterans, Yannick Colaco and Prasana Krishnan, FanCode offers live streaming, sports fan merchandise (FanCode Shop), fastest interactive live match scores, comprehensive live commentary, fantasy sports data and statistics (Fantasy Research Hub), expert fantasy tips, sports news and much more. Dream Sports, India’s leading Sports Tech company, is the parent company of FanCode and also has brands such as Dream11 and DreamX in its portfolio. FanCode has already amassed over 1.5 crore+ app installs and won the “Best Sports Startup” award at FICCI India Sports Awards 2019.

Russian Helicopters Launches Mi-8 Test Operation Program in Indonesia

Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (U-UAP) as part of Russian Helicopters holding company (State Corporation Rostec) launches Mi-8/171 type helicopter test operation program, which is aimed at the assessing of all the advantages of helicopters real operation in conjunction with all available corporate support tools and implemented aftersales services of Russian Helicopters holding company. The pilot project is being implemented in Indonesia, where two Mi-8AMT helicopters are already involved in firefighting operations.

Helicopters sent to the Republic of Indonesia with crew and technical staff of U-UAP were relocated to the island of Kalimantan almost immediately upon arrival to extinguish forest fires. In the future, the rotorcraft will be on operational duty on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan.

«A contract with PT. National Utility Helicopters (PT. NUH), a utility helicopter operator in Indonesia with 50 years of experience in providing services for Indonesian Government as well as private companies, has become the pilot project of this program. The main task under the contract is to carry out firefighting operations in the region, as well as provide consulting services regarding the formation of its own air fleet of Indonesian operators for annual firefighting operations” said Leonid Belykh, Managing Director of U-UAP.

In the process of temporary use of helicopters, the customer gets the opportunity to consult the company's specialists in 24/7 mode, access to a replacement fund and a fund of additional equipment.

It is worth noting, that one of the first Mi-171A2 helicopters manufactured by the enterprise, since 2018 has been participating in a test operation program at UTair-VU airline, where it successfully fulfills the tasks facing the operator and demonstrates high flight performances. The experience of the joint work of the manufacturer and the customer was reflected in the U-UAP helicopter test operation program for Indonesia.

Mi-8/171 helicopters for a long time have been involved in the disaster relief operations not only in Russia, but also abroad. They have proved themselves as one of the most effective tools in the firefighting, medicine delivery and casualty evacuation operations, as well as in passenger and cargo transportation to hard-to-reach areas.

JSC Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant  is one of the manufacturing enterprises of Russian Helicopters holding company. Modern production and technological capacity of the plant allows to organize quickly production of new types of aircrafts, to combine creation of prototypes with aircraft serial production. During the 80 years of existence the plant have produced more than 8000 aircrafts. Today the plant specializes in production of the Mi-8AMT (Mi-171E), Mi-171 and Mi-8AMTSh (Mi-171Sh) helicopters.

JSC Russian Helicopters (a part of the state owned corporation Rostec) is one of the world leaders of the helicopter production industry, the only developer and manufacturer of helicopters in Russia. The holding is established in 2007. The head office is located in Moscow. The holding company includes five helicopter plants, two design offices, and also the enterprises on production and service of vendor items; the aircraft repair plants and the service company providing after-sale support in Russia and beyond. Buyers of holding production – the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, EMERCOM of Russia, other state customers, “Gazpromavia” and UTair airlines, the large Russian and foreign companies.

Rostec State Corporation is the Russian corporation established in 2007 for assistance in development, production and export of hi-tech industrial production of civil and military purpose. It includes more than 700 organizations from which nowadays established 11 holding companies in military-industrial complex and 4 in civil industries, and more than 80 organizations of direct control. Such known brands as AVTOVAZ, KAMAZ, the Kalashnikov Concern, “Russian Helicopters”, VSMPO-AVISMA, Uralvagonzavod etc. enter a portfolio of Rostec. The organizations of Rostec are located in the territory of 60 territorial subjects of the Russian Federation and deliver production on the markets of more than 100 countries. The consolidated revenue of Rostec in 2017 has reached 1 trillion 589 billion rubles, consolidated net profit - 121 billion rubles, EBITDA - 305 billion rubles. The average salary in the corporation in 2017 was 46,800 rubles. According to the strategy of Rostec, the main objective of Corporation is ensuring technological advantage of Russia in the highly competitive world markets. One of the key objectives of Rostec is implementation of new technological mode and digitization of Russian economics.

Shiv Nadar University Chennai Launched - The First Private University to be Legislated in Tamil Nadu After 90 Years

 

* Mr. R Srinivasan to be the Chancellor of the University and Dr. Kala Vijayakumar appointed as the Pro Chancellor

* Dr. C. Rangarajan, 19th Governor of Reserve Bank of India and Dr. Raj Reddy, Indian-American computer scientist and winner of the Turing Award to be distinguished mentors

* The University announced admissions for four programs under the School of Engineering, and School of Commerce and Management for the academic session 2021-22

Shiv Nadar Foundation today announced the launch of its third initiative in the field of higher education- “Shiv Nadar University Chennai”. The University is the first private University to be legislated in Tamil Nadu after 90 years (since Annamalai University Act in 1928), upon the passing of the Shiv Nadar University Act 2018. Shiv Nadar University Chennai will be housed in a sprawling, vibrant campus at Kalavakkam. It will be home to world-class facilities including academic and research blocks, state-of-the-art cricket stadium, library, sports centre, hostel facilitates for students and a faculty housing complex, auditorium, guest house and 24/7 internet access. The new University was virtually announced by Ms. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCL Technologies and Trustee, Shiv Nadar Foundation in the presence of Mr. R Srinivasan, Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University Chennai along with Dr. Kala Vijayakumar, Pro-Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University Chennai.

Dr. C Rangarajan, former Governor of Reserve bank of India and one of the most eminent economists and policymakers of the country, and Dr. Raj Reddy, acclaimed computer scientist, University Professor at Carnegie Mellon University and winner of the Turing Award will be distinguished mentors at the University. The University has also appointed a renowned academician from one of the IITs as the Vice Chancellor, who will take over the role in December 2020. Additionally, the University announced the appointment of Dr. T. Nagarajan as Professor and Head of Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Dr. S. Gurusamy as Professor and Head of the Department of Commerce, School of Commerce and Management.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCL Technologies and Trustee, Shiv Nadar Foundation said, “My father, Mr Shiv Nadar, is a product of education and strongly believes in its power to transform people’s lives. The Shiv Nadar Foundation was created with this vision and has established institutions offering world-class education to contribute to nation building. The Foundation has been on this journey for the last 26 years and our institutions are testament to how education can be a force multiplier, transforming not just individual lives, but those of groups and communities at large. We are, therefore, thrilled to set up a world-class private university in Chennai that has been envisioned with a core raison d’etre of moving beyond disseminating knowledge. Shiv Nadar University Chennai will be a catalyst for new research, novel discoveries and creation of new forms of expression…eventually helping create responsible, well rounded citizens.”

Mr. R Srinivasan, Founding Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University Chennai said, “Shiv Nadar University Chennai comes as a response to the overwhelming persuasion by parents and alumni of our institutions to establish a multidisciplinary university after seeing the quality of education we had to offer through our other institutions of higher education. The University will strongly focus on holistic development of students through an approach that blends academic rigor, culture of research and sustained industry engagement. While we are announcing the University today with two Schools (Engineering and Commerce and Management), our hope is that over the next five years, the University will significantly expand its offerings, including establishing a School of Law. We also want to take this opportunity to invite acclaimed academicians and scientists to join us as we set out on this journey of creating new knowledge and contributing to meeting the human capital needs of the world.”

Dr. Kala Vijayakumar, Pro-Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University Chennai said, “Shiv Nadar University Chennai will offer programs that will prepare students with the skillsets needed in an ever-evolving world. The curriculum has been modeled on global best standards with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, cutting across all schools, allowing the University to break disciplinary silos and institute a broad-based academic structure. We are thrilled to bring to students a university that will enable them with an enduring foundation for their future success.”

The University will open for admissions in April 2021 with four specialized courses in disciplines of Engineering and Commerce. These programs have been designed in-line with the evolving educational and professional requirements within India and internationally.

·         The School of Engineering will offer students a strong engineering orientation through four-year undergraduate courses in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and Computer Science and Engineering with specialization in Internet of Things (IoT). These programs will inculcate a strong theoretical foundation, systematic professional knowledge as well as powerful practical skills in their respective subjects.

·         The School of Commerce and Management will offer curated programs in Bachelor of Commerce (Professional Accounting) preparing students for professional destinations such as CA, CWA, CMA; and a Bachelor of Commerce offering a broad- based academic background in analytical and financial domains, preparing them to solve real world financial issues and problems.

In addition to courses offered in Engineering as well as those offered by the School of Commerce and Management, the University also plans to introduce a four-year undergraduate program in Business Management (BMS) in the following academic year (2022 – 23). Over the next five years, Shiv Nadar University Chennai will continue to introduce new programs and expand its offerings, including establishing a School of Law at the University.

For more information, please visit https://shivnadaruniversitychennai.edu.in/.

About Shiv Nadar University, Chennai

Shiv Nadar University, Chennai (website link) is a research-focused University offering wide-range of specialized academic programs at the undergraduate level. The University has been set up by the Shiv Nadar Foundation, a philanthropic foundation established by Mr. Shiv Nadar, Founder, HCL - a US$ 9.9 billion leading global technology enterprise. The University endeavors to become a pioneering institution of higher education, setting new global academic benchmarks and revolutionizing the education landscape in the country.

The University campus features state-of-the-art infrastructure for learning, including seminar halls, auditoria, libraries, gymnasium, a sports complex and hostels for men and women. The campus is entirely wi-fi enabled with 24/7 internet access.

The University offers a holistic educational environment that is continually evolving to bridge the gap between the classroom and global demands by world-class faculty who are progressive academicians, leading thinkers and innovative educators from ranked global universities. The University has commenced its journey towards becoming a globally acclaimed centre for learning and innovation in fields of engineering and commerce and will continue to add diverse disciplines to its repertoire.

About Shiv Nadar Foundation

Established in 1994, by Shiv Nadar, Founder, HCL - a US$ 9.9 billion leading global technology enterprise, the Foundation is committed to the creation of a more equitable, merit-based society by empowering individuals through transformational education, and to bridge the socio-economic divide. Over the last 26 years the Foundation, has directly touched the lives of over 30,000 alumni and students through its marquee institutions in literacy, K12 and higher education. Today, the Foundation has a community of over 100,000 constituents, which includes not only globally dispersed alumni and students but also faculty members, corporate executives, and extended families.

The Foundation has invested ~$1bn in its six landmark institutions and initiatives across education and art. Currently over 12,600 students and over 2,000 faculty are part of the Foundation along with around 19,000 strong globally dispersed alumni community.

The Foundation’s students have gone to study at some of the best institutions globally including the Ivy League in the US and top universities in other countries including Australia, Singapore, China and UK. Students are also working across major corporations, including Goldman Sachs, Honda, HP, Schindler, and several others both in India and across other geographies. Faculty across the Foundation institutions are drawn from the best Indian and international universities, with a strong focus on research and innovation. 

The Shiv Nadar Foundation pursues the philosophy of 'Creative Philanthropy'. It is a powerful model which envisages creation of institutions that are built to last and continue to impact future generations. It is an approach that allows sustained institutionalized philanthropy for long-term, high impact, socio-economic transformation.

Supporting Your Child’s Journey Towards Better Digestive Health

 

Has your toddler been refusing to poop in the toilet? Does she cry or make faces while passing stools or has the frequency of pooping reduced to less than thrice a week? If you’ve noticed any of these signs, then it’s possible that your child is constipated.

But there’s no need to panic. Many children go through chronic constipation. Studies have found the prevalence can be as high as 29 percent, and constipation is most commonly seen in kids when they are 2-3 years old. This is usually the toilet training phase which can prove challenging for both mothers and children.

Understanding digestive health

A healthy digestive system can effectively break down food, absorb essential nutrients and eliminate undigested components smoothly. Trillions of good bacteria in the gut including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus aid these functions and contribute to digestive health.

Moreover, 95 percent of the hormone serotonin, which regulates emotions, is found in the gut. And 70 percent of the immune system is active in our digestive system.

What to do if your child is constipated

Constipation is not a trivial matter. Even if a child sees temporary relief, relapses can disrupt the toilet training process. Frequent straining can cause painful anal fissures. The fear of passing painful stools often leads to a vicious cycle: children hold their bowel movements, which in turn hardens the stool and makes it more painful to poop.

There are many home remedies that parents can consider. Increase fluid intake by encouraging your child to drink more water or homemade fruit juices. Including exercise as part of their daily routine also helps stimulate digestion. Naturally, a healthy and balanced diet is vital, and it also helps to set specific meal times and give children smaller portions to let them eat slowly and prevent overeating.

Yet there are situations when constipation still persists. Supplementation with an appropriate prebiotic could help. Prebiotics (not to be confused with probiotics) are non-digestible food ingredients which play an important role in digestion. Dr. Vandana Rao, The Children's Clinic, MICO Layout, Bangalore, said, “Despite the fact that about one in three children face constipation during toilet training, child gut health can often go unaddressed. In my experience, parents report child constipation late, and usually continue with home remedies for a month or two before seeking help. Timely and sustained treatment is important to establish consistent and healthy toilet habits. Palatable child-friendly prebiotics can not only help relieve constipation, but also promote better long-term digestive health in kids.”

Prebiotic supplements release nutrients that encourage the growth and activity of ‘friendly’ digestive bacteria, while reducing the levels of ‘bad’ bacteria. They can relieve the symptoms of childhood constipation by softening stool and facilitating regular motion.

Prebiotics are commonly found in fruits and vegetables such as bananas, onions, garlic and leeks. But if your kid is a fussy eater, then what are your options?

There are innovative, child-friendly formats available, explains Dr. Srirupa Das, Medical Director, Abbott India. She says, “Constipation requires a long-term solution that is compatible with setting a regular toilet habit. Through it is treatable, our research shows that only 30 percent of parents consult their doctor on time and pediatricians observe frequent relapse due to non-adherence. Responding to this need, we have launched Duphalac Bears in India, which is a new product featuring fruit-flavoured gummy bears containing the prebiotic lactulose. This safe, child-friendly food supplement promotes healthy intestinal balance and bowel regulation to promote digestive health.” 

A healthy digestive system is paramount to children’s physical growth and mental development. Ensuring your child has a balanced diet, engages in regular physical activity and stays hydrated will go a long way, and appropriate supplements can help ensure they receive all the nutrients they need for a healthy body and good intestinal health.