TCSRD Launches Inspirational Para-Sport Training Program In Porbandar With Ace Athlete Bhima Khunti’

~ Empowering Abilities, Transforming Lives ~

TCSRD, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Tata Chemicals Limited announced a pioneering para-sport training program in Porbandar today. This initiative has been launched in collaboration with renowned Bhima Khunti, who has personally overcome physical challenges to pursue his passion for sports. Bhima is a part of the Indian wheelchair cricket team, Captain of the Gujarat wheelchair cricket team, and a state-level gold medallist in the wheelchair hurdle race, discus throw, and shotput.

The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including, Dr. Manish Kumar Jilaniya – District Sports Office, Porbandar; and sports enthusiast Jesal Kadchha, who joined in celebrating this momentous occasion. The program emphasised on inclusivity and support for para-sports reflecting TCSRD's commitment to fostering opportunities and enabling individuals like Bhima Khunti to showcase their exceptional abilities.

In a succinct six-month initiative, TCSRD's para-sport training program in Porbandar aims to train 20 local youth for National and International competitions. This transformative endeavour will provide comprehensive support, including essential equipment, expert coaching, and mentoring. Bhima Khunti, the inspirational athlete at the heart of this initiative, symbolises resilience, determination, and an unwavering passion for sports. His remarkable journey aligns well with Tata Chemicals' broader vision to elevate the quality of life within communities.

Talking about the significance of this initiative, N Kamath, Chief Manufacturing Office & Plant Head (Mithapur), Tata Chemicals Limited said, we recognise the imperative to extend desired attention and acclaim to para-sports and the multitude of talents within our nation. Through this program, we aspire to cultivate a culture of inclusivity in sports. Despite para-athletes emerging as ambassadors for national campaigns, significant challenges persist, including the scarcity of academies for para-athletes, coaches, and infrastructure, besides battling societal stigma. There exists a crucial need for heightened awareness, inclusion, and recognition of para-sports in India, coupled with increased investments and innovations in this domain.”

“Welcoming sportsman Bhima Khunti aboard, this mission is a substantial step towards championing this cause. His esteemed stature and remarkable accomplishments will inspire many. We are steadfast in our commitment to contribute to the global recognition of Indian para players, making them a formidable force on the international stage.” he added.

In recent years, India's para-sports scene has witnessed significant growth. In the 2023 Asian Para Games, India crossed the 100 medal mark and bagged 111 medals - 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze. In Tokyo Paralympics 2021, India bagged 19 medals, including five golds.

Sharing his enthusiasm, Bhima Khunti commented, “I am thrilled and deeply honoured to embark on this transformative journey with TCSRD. This association goes beyond just a training program; it is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that sports can break barriers. Tata Chemicals' commitment to para-sport aligns seamlessly with my own journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the empowerment of youth in Porbandar. Together, we aim to inspire, overcome challenges, and redefine possibilities in the world of para-sport. I look forward to a fruitful partnership that not only enhances sporting skills but also fosters a sense of community and inclusivity.”

TCSRD, the social responsibility wing of Tata Chemicals Limited is committed to creating positive societal impacts through innovative initiatives, aligning with the organisation’s broader vision of responsible corporate citizenship.

About TCSRD  

Established in 1980, the primary aim of Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) is to initiate and support community development programs in and around regions where Tata Chemicals Limited facilities are located. While each region is different in terms of geographic spread, subcultures, and socio-economic requirements, TCSRD strives to protect, nurture, and uplift the communities by adopting an integrated approach to development and designing region-specific need-based programs. 

About Tata Chemicals Ltd. 

A part of the US$ 150 billion Tata Group, Tata Chemicals Limited, is a leading supplier of choice to Glass, Detergent, industrial, and chemical sectors. The company has a strong position in the crop protection business through its subsidiary company Rallis India Ltd. Tata Chemicals has world-class R&D facilities in Pune and Bangalore.

Niva Bupa Marks Its Entry In Jayanagar, Bengaluru

~Move part of Company’s Pan-India expansion strategy~

Niva Bupa Health Insurance (formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance) in line with its purpose to give every Indian the confidence to access best healthcare is expanding its reach to Jayanagar in Bangalore. The company plans to protect over 8000 lives over the next few years and grow at about 54% against its current growth rate of 49% at a Pan India level. The company also intends to recruit about 400 advisors in the next one year and expand the same to over 2000 over the next few years. The company has tied up with close to 15 notable hospitals in Jayanagar and currently has 390 active providers in the city where the customer can avail the cashless facility.

Niva Bupa will bring business opportunities for people in the city by providing adequate training programs and encouraging housewives and senior citizens living in the city to become insurance agents, thereby helping them to become financially independent.

Speaking on the development, Ankur Kharbanda, Director & Chief Distribution Officer, Niva Bupa Health Insurance said, “We are excited to mark our entry in Jayanagar. This expansion is part of our strategy to increase our footprints across India and make health insurance available all across the country. The populous state of Karnataka holds strategic importance for Niva Bupa as it significantly contributes to our total business across all states.

Only about 4.8% of the state’s population is currently covered under retail health insurance and hence there is immense potential to penetrate this market from a health insurance standpoint. With expansion into newer cities like Jayanagar in Bangalore, we will provide health insurance coverage to more people in this state and thereby increase the contribution of Karnataka in our overall GWP.”

Niva Bupa is one of the fastest-growing companies in India’s health insurance market, consistently growing with a CAGR of 49% since FY20. In line with this growth rate, the company expects to grow at a CAGR of 54 % in the city of Jayanagar in the next five years to achieve a gross written premium of over INR 8 lakhs by FY 27-28.

Niva Bupa is one of the most trusted brands in the country with more than a decade’s experience in offering quality healthcare support to people. The company offers a wide range of affordable, comprehensive, and disease-specific products as per customers’ varying health needs. The robust product portfolio of Niva Bupa includes indemnity products like ReAssure, Reassure 2.0, Senior First, Personal Accident plan, Health Companion, GoActive, Health Premia, and Health Pulse.

About Niva Bupa (Formerly known as Max Bupa)

Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited is committed to offering every Indian the confidence to access the best healthcare - 'Zindagi Ko Claim Kar Le'. A JV between True North, a leading Indian private equity firm, and the UK based healthcare services expert, Bupa Singapore Holdings Pte. Limited. Niva Bupa currently has over 200 offices pan India. It additionally offers health insurance through its 20 bank partners spread across 45,000+ branches.

Niva Bupa currently covers 10 million lives and has 10,100+ hospitals as part of its network where customers can avail cashless treatment. The company has been empowering consumers since 2010 with innovative products and solutions across all age groups in urban & rural markets. It is one of the fastest-growing health insurance companies with an annual average of 90%+ claim settlement ratio.

With an employee base of over 8000 people, Niva Bupa is an 'Employer of Choice' with a strong value-based culture and a sustainable business model to build a healthier future.

UST Opens New Office At International Tech Park Hyderabad

* Advanced new facility will be home to cutting-edge research initiatives in several dynamic sectors, including telecom, Hitech, retail, and insurance, and the fourth Development center in India with Innovation Labs

* Currently over 2000 employees in Hyderabad; Plans to double the headcount to 4000 employees in the next two to three years

UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has inaugurated its new office at International Tech Park Hyderabad.  The modern 1,18,000-square-foot facility, with the provision of more expansion in the future, will accommodate over 2000 UST employees in Hyderabad and act as a center for innovative research and development in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and IoT. The company plans to double headcount to 4000 employees in Hyderabad in the next two to three years.

The new office is equipped with the latest in innovative and collaborative technology. It boasts board rooms with advanced video conferencing capabilities, dedicated video conference rooms, and discussion rooms, apart from workstation seats. The facility's layout also reflects UST’s emphasis on creating a unique and open workplace culture with collaboration spaces, training rooms, recreation spaces, a wellness room, and even a room for nursing mothers. These features align with UST’s global initiative to create welcoming workspaces for its employees, efforts that have seen UST recognized across a range of markets as a Great Place to Work and a global Top Employer in addition to being included on prestigious lists such as the Top 100 Best Companies for Women and the Most Inclusive Companies Index.

UST’s presence in Hyderabad has expanded rapidly since beginning operations in 2018 with just 250 employees, and it celebrated crossing over 1000 employees in 2021. Today, it is one of UST’s fastest-growing development centers in India, alongside the company’s dedicated software delivery and development centers in 

The new facility was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) for the Government of the state of Telangana, as well as Krishna Sudheendra, Chief Executive Officer, and Alexander Varghese, Chief Operating Officer, UST. Other UST executives present included Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer and Global Head of Development Center Operations; Venkata Peram, Center Head, Hyderabad; Harikrishnan Mohankumar, Sr. Director and Head Workplace Management & Operations- APAC; Tinu Cherian Abraham, Director, and Head – Global PR & Media Relations, Kishore Krishna, VP - Talent Acquisition, Ashok G Nair, Sr. Director – Enterprise solutions, Ranjith Ravindran, Director- Cloud infrastructure services, Ramya Kannan, VP- Office of the CIO at UST and Dr. Anand Vijayasankaran, Professor at Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

“We want to thank the Government of Telangana and CapitaLand Investment for collaborating with us to launch our UST’s expanded new office in Hyderabad. This expansion will enable us to tap into the rich local talent pool as we strengthen our capabilities across various strategic domains and technologies. We look forward to making a positive impact on the communities we serve and continuing to contribute to the growth of Hyderabad as a focal point for the global IT industry,” said Alexander Varghese, Chief Operating Officer, UST.

“Hyderabad is known globally as a hub of innovation, agility, and speed. At UST’s Hyderabad offices, we transform businesses by bringing the best characteristics of this exciting city to the work we do every day. As UST’s presence in Hyderabad continues to grow, I am proud to work alongside world-class innovators to deliver cutting-edge solutions that help our clients thrive in the digital era,” said Venkata Peram, Center Head – Hyderabad and Senior Client Partner, UST.

“The inauguration of UST's new campus at CapitaLand's International Tech Park Hyderabad reinforces our commitment towards developing an ecosystem of modern workplaces, that fosters innovation and collaborative growth within our thriving global business community. We are delighted to welcome them, and wish them great success in charting a new chapter in the advancement of modern SaaS solutions and AI technologies across diverse sectors,” said Gauri Shankar Nagabhushanam, Chief Executive Officer, India Business Parks, CapitaLand Investment.

A team of skilled engineers and researchers will be based out of the new office’s engineering lab, working with clients, partners, and academia to create innovative solutions that drive growth and create value. The Innovation Lab in Hyderabad is UST’s fourth in India, joining others in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Chennai. The advanced lab will be in the center of Hyderabad’s flourishing innovation ecosystem, near top academic institutions like IIT, ISB, and IIIT Hyderabad, and T-Hub, the Telangana startup hub.

A wide range of exciting work will take place at the new Hyderabad office, including the development of SAS platform practices and research and development in AI, CIS, and engineering. Over the next two years the site will transition to a global capability center to meet demand in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals, telecom, manufacturing, retail, and insurance sectors.

Hyderabad and Telangana are home to a dedicated and skilled technology workforce. In addition, the state government of Telangana has worked with leaders in the technology sector to establish a dynamic environment that fosters innovation and boosts economic growth. UST has also entered into a corporate partnership with T-Hub to leverage the rapidly growing innovation ecosystem in Telangana. This partnership will enable UST to co-create cutting-edge technology-enabled solutions with the startups to solve customer problems.

About UST

For more than 24 years, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges, and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients' organizations—delivering measurable value and lasting change across industries, and around the world. Together, with over 30,000 employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) Announces The Culmination of The Sustainability "Accelerator Program 2023"

*  Provides 5-Day Internship To Top 20 Students In The Program

* An immersive internship program designed for students across India 

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), one of India's leading fashion companies, proudly announces the culmination of the Sustainability Accelerator Program 2023, a collaborative project with 1 Million for 1 Billion (1M 1B). The program, held in November 2023, demonstrated ABFRL's commitment to build green skills and empower Indian students while nurturing the talents required to carry our collective sustainability mission forward. 

Each of the participants were presented with co-branded ‘Certificates of Participation’ from ABFRL and 1M 1B to recognise their dedication and achievements. The top 20 students chosen for industry engagement at an ABFRL campus were also honoured with diplomas recognising their excellent performance during the 5-day internship. 

The Sustainability Accelerator Program 2023 made tremendous progress towards its goals, cultivating a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders. For beginnings, the initiative enabled youngsters to become proactive climate change champions, instilling in them the inspiration and determination to act in their communities. Second, participants acquired significant insights into cutting-edge technology, realising how crucial their role is in crafting a sustainable future. Students had the unique opportunity to apply their knowledge through hands-on activities connected to sustainable technology, bridging the gap between theory, experiential and applied learning. Furthermore, the program provided a platform for mentorship by global experts, allowing students to integrate their original ideas into real solutions, promoting a culture of innovation and creativity. 

Dr Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd and Co-Chair of the Green Jobs and Sustainability Accelerator Program, highlighted the program’s significance stating, "The Sustainability Accelerator Program 2023 embodies our commitment to nurturing a sustainability mindset in India’s youth & students and empowering them to drive our collective green mission forward. Through this program, we aim to create a new generation of sustainability champions who will lead the way in shaping a greener future for all. This program provided school students with hands-on experience, moulding them into responsible, people-centred corporate leaders who prioritise the well-being of our society and its inhabitants.” 

Manav Subodh, Founder, 1M 1B, was proud to bring this collaboration to life, saying “This is an industry first partnership, where a large corporation, ABFRL and a social venture, 1M 1B is coming together placing sustainability at the core of whatever you do. The internship aims to encourage students to be valuable contributors to climate change and introduce them to how technology can play a role in shaping a greener planet. The students will also be mentored by leaders of ABFRL.”  

The unique Internship Program was carefully designed to maximise learning and engagement. Six Learning Days were included in the curriculum, during which participants immersed themselves in instructor-led seminars that delved deep into essential sustainability concepts, innovations, and green skills. Following that, students demonstrated their newly gained knowledge in actual scenarios, exhibiting their skills in addressing real-world sustainability concerns. The program culminated with the Industry Day, an interactive session in which students presented their ideas to industry executives. This forum enabled them to demonstrate their solutions and share vital insights obtained over the program, emphasising the breadth of their knowledge and the effect of their efforts on the sustainable future we seek to create. 

ABFRL remains committed to developing a culture of sustainability, motivating future generations to pave the way towards a greener and more environmentally conscious society. 

About Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited  

ABFRL is part of a leading Indian conglomerate, The Aditya Birla Group. With revenue of Rs. 12,418 Cr. spanning retail space of 10.8 million sq. ft. (as on March 31, 2023), it is India’s first billion dollar pure-play fashion powerhouse with an elegant bouquet of leading fashion brands and retail formats.  

The Company has a network of 3,977 stores across approximately 33,535 multi-brand outlets with 6,723 point of sales in department stores across India (as on 31st March 2023).  

It has a repertoire of India’s largest brands in Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England, established over 25 years. Pantaloons is one of India’s leading fashion retailer.  

The Company’s international Brands portfolio includes - The Collective, Amongst India's largest multi-brand retailers of international brands and has long term exclusive partnerships with select brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hackett London, Ted Baker, Fred Perry, Forever 21, American Eagle, Reebok and Galeries Lafayette.  

Van Heusen Innerwear, Athleisure and Active wear is establishing itself as India's most innovative and fashionable brand. The Company’s foray into branded ethnic wear business includes brands such as Jaypore, Tasva & Marigold Lane. The company has strategic partnerships with Designers ‘Shantnu & Nikhil’, ‘Tarun Tahiliani’, ‘Sabyasachi’ and ‘House of Masaba’.  

In addition, to cater to the needs of digitally native consumers, ABFRL is building a portfolio of Digital-first brands under its technology led ‘House of D2C Brands’ venture TMRW. TMRW is on a path to building a portfolio of Digital First brands in partnership with founders of emerging brands in the E-Commerce market. With a focus on Fashion & Lifestyle categories, TMRW is building a portfolio of the most loved consumer brands that tap into the significant growth potential in India and globally.  

Hon'ble President of India Inaugurates L&T Skill Training Hub In Odisha’s Mayurbhanj

Marking a significant milestone, The Honourable President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, today inaugurated the L&T Skill Training Hub at her hometown Pahadpur, Mayurbhanj in Odisha. The historic event was also graced by Ms Meena Subrahmanyan, President of Prayas Trust - an L&T-funded non-profit organisation, along with senior officials of L&T and the Odisha-based non-profit SLS Trust.

L&T, in collaboration with SLS Trust, has established the Skill Training Hub across a land parcel of five acres.  The state-of-the-art facility was completed in a remarkable five-month timeframe and aims at providing underprivileged youth in the region with training in construction skills, thus enabling them to become self-reliant. SLS Trust, led by its President, Ms Itishree Murmu, has been instrumental in creating opportunities for the marginalised sections of society.

Commenting on the launch of project, Ms Meena Subramanyan, President of Prayas Trust said, “This training center will enable candidates to fully focus on learning and developing their skills in an enabling environment with a strong focus on life skills and personality development. We believe that empowering the underprivileged youth through accessible skill training is not just an investment for their future but a promise of a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow.”

The project, which includes operations and maintenance, is a significant opportunity for the tribal youth in the area, connecting them with opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings.

Complementing her comment, Ms Mabel Abraham, Joint General Manager - Corporate Social Initiatives, L&T, said: “Transforming dreams into opportunities, L&T is dedicated to making a lasting impact by equipping underprivileged youth with valuable skills. Our commitment to empower these young individuals is a testament to our vision for a more promising and inclusive society.”

The Skill Training Hub is equipped with contemporary infrastructure, featuring an administrative-cum-institute building, a multipurpose hall, an e-learning hall, a digital training room, separate hostels for both boys and girls (each accommodating 120 individuals), dining facilities, practice yards for various trades, and a dedicated workshop for learning pipe welding.

Additionally, the training center is equipped with state-of-the-art simulators with AR/VR technology to enhance the learning experience.

Background:

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 23 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing and Services. It operates in over 50 countries worldwide. A strong, customer–focused approach and the constant quest for top-class quality has enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for over eight decades.

NSDC Promotes Global Talent Mobility With Business Matchmaking Seminars In Japan

~Along with JITCO, conducted two successful seminars in Osaka & Tokyo and positioned India as the Global Skill Hub

In line with the visionary objective set forth by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to position India as the Global Skill Hub, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) recently organized two impactful Business Matchmaking Seminars in the vibrant cities of Osaka and Tokyo. These seminars served as a pivotal platform to enlighten stakeholders and industry leaders about the immense potential of Indian candidates in the global job market.

Co-organized in collaboration with the Japan International Trainee & Skilled Worker Cooperation Organization (JITCO) and the Embassy of India, these seminars had a primary objective: to enhance the visibility of Indian Sending Organizations (SO) and to underscore the compelling value proposition that India presents in addressing Japan's skilled labor shortage.

The seminars received valuable support from key governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Embassy of Japan in India. These seminars were specifically centred around two noteworthy government-to-government initiatives: the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), initiated in October 2017, and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program, which was established in January 2021. At the event, attendees representing diverse organizations engaged in productive discussions aimed at closing the prevailing skills gap. This involved creating an effective platform for Indian Stakeholder Organizations (SOs) to collaborate with Japanese Supervising Organizations (SVO) and Implementing Organizations (IOs).

With over 45 participants and 40 companies in Osaka each from Japanese and Indian organizations. The dignitaries who were present at the event are Mr. Anil Kumar Raturi, Consul Head of Chancery, Consulate General of India, Osaka Kobe, Mr. Masato Kume, Deputy General Manager International Affairs Dept, JITCO, Mr. Masato Kume, Deputy General Manager International Affairs Dept, JITCO and Mr. Nitin Kapoor, General Manager, CEO Office & Strategy and Mr. Anshul Singhal, Deputy General Manager, NSDC.  We were also joined virtually by Mr. Bhupendra Singh, Deputy Secretary, OIA Division, Ministry of External Affairs and Ms. Shruti Pandey, Deputy Director, International Collaboration, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.

In Tokyo, the event saw an impressive participation with 50+ participants from 40 companies and 17 Indian Sending Organizations. The event also had key guests from the Embassy of India, NIFCO, and ZENKEN, alongside the dedicated NSDC India team. Among the dignitaries, the ones who graced us with their presence are Mr. Sanjeev Manchanda, First Secretary, Embassy of India Presentation on human resources in India, Mr. Bhupendra Singh, Deputy Secretary, OIA Division, Ministry of External Affairs (Virtual), Mr. Shimpei Sugiura, Executive Vice President, JITCO, Mr. Nitin Kapoor, General Manager, CEO Office & Strategy, Mr. Isamu Koyama, Advisor, NSDC and Mr. Anshul Singhal, Deputy General Manager, NSDC. Japanese corporates and recruitment agencies like NIFCO Inc, Fourth Valley, Zenken Corporation etc. also attended the seminars.

Lauding the initiative, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International said, "We firmly believe that India has the potential to significantly contribute to the requirements of skilled workforce, globally.”

“Our candidates are equipped to meet the demands of various industries in Japan, and through collaborative efforts, we can ensure a seamless exchange of talent. This partnership between India and Japan holds immense promise for mutual growth and development, and we are committed to fostering a strong, fruitful relationship in the global job market." During the seminars, some beneficiaries of the TITP programs shared their experiences to help experts understand the labour market supply and demand, lessons learned and best practices. This also facilitated better dialogue between public and private stakeholders.

India and Japan have collaborated on various skill development initiatives, such as the India-Japan Skill Development Council, which promotes cooperation in vocational education, training, and human resource development. In 2016, the nations signed the "Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme” agreement for training 30,000 persons over 10 years with Japanese style manufacturing skills and practices. Thirty-five Japan-India Institutes for Manufacturing (JIM) and 11 Japanese Endowed Courses (JEC) have been established in different states across India.

In 2017, The TITP MoC was signed to significantly expand the bilateral cooperation between India and Japan in the skill development sector. Under the program, selected candidates from India undergo three-to-five years of internship in Japan, after which they are required to return to India and utilize the skills acquired by them in Japan.

Similarly, ‘Specified Skilled Worker’ was introduced by the Government of Japan in April 2019, under which aspiring Indian youth can take up a job and stay in Japan. Japan introduced ‘Specified Skilled Worker’ to address the severe labour shortages in Japan by accepting foreign human resources with specific expertise and skills. As of July 2022, Japan has signed SSW Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with 15 nations including India. India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in January 2021 for the implementation of ‘Specified Skilled Worker’ between India and Japan.

NSDC International, 100% subsidiary of NSDC, is catering to a comprehensive list of sectors facilitating skill development and training initiatives aimed at fostering employment opportunities and driving economic expansion. They include textile, healthcare, construction, hospitality, and railways. India and Japan's joint initiatives in skill development extend far beyond their national boundaries. They both embrace a shared vision of fostering international mobility as a central pillar of their partnership. This collective vision is rooted in the firm belief that a globally competent workforce is paramount in tackling the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities of the 21st century.

About NSDC

Giving boost to Indian Government Skill India Mission, NSDC, a nodal skill development agency, working under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, is a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) that aims to catalyze the creation of a large and quality vocational training ecosystem in India. Since inception, NSDC has trained over three crore people in different sectors through its collaboration with training partners pan India. NSDC has established 37 Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) and implements the Government’s flagship skill development schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), among others. NSDC also funds enterprises, companies and organizations that provide skill training. The organization enables private-sector capacity building in skill development by offering concessional loans, other innovative financial products, and strategic partnerships. For more information, visit at https://nsdcindia.org

Hipi Unveils A Musical Collaboration: Palak Muchhal Joins Forces With Two Exceptional Hipi Creators For Musical Duets

In a groundbreaking celebration of creativity and collaboration, Hipi proudly announces the release of two mesmerizing musical duets featuring the renowned playback singer Palak Muchhal and two exceptionally talented Hipi creators.

Palak Muchhal, known for her soulful and enchanting voice, has teamed up with Pratiksha Deka and Supratip Bhattacharya, winners of Hipi G.O.A.T. Season 2 and rising stars on the Hipi platform, to create musical magic that transcends boundaries and resonates with Indian and South Asian audiences globally.

The duet, titled "Teri Meri Kahani," brings together the distinctive vocal prowess of Palak Muchhal with the unique creativity of Supratip Bhattacharya. The synergy between the tuneful melody and the creative expressions captured in the video promises an unforgettable audio-visual experience for Hipi users worldwide.

The second collaboration on the same song showcases Palak Muchhal's versatility as she sings along with Pratiksha Deka. The track not only highlights the latter’s ability to adapt to diverse musical styles but also emphasizes the boundless creativity that thrives within the Hipi community.

The release of these duets marks a significant milestone in Hipi's commitment to fostering alliances between established artists and emerging talents on its platform. The musical partnerships aim to provide an arena for creators to showcase their skills while offering users an immersive and engaging musical experience.

"I take immense pride in being a part of a venture that offers this unique opportunity. Our unwavering commitment to uplifting singing talent and providing a platform for emerging artists to gain nationwide recognition is exemplified by this collaboration. We are dedicated to celebrating young musical talents." - Mr. GBS Bindra - Chief Business Officer of Hipi. 

Hipi believes in offering contestants a chance to learn, grow, and gain unparalleled exposure in the world of music. It makes sure that the artists are getting a chance to collaborate with Bollywood’s A-listers. Hipi G.O.A.T. Season 1 winner Chirag Tomar shared a stage with the iconic Shilpa Rao during ZEE Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Finale. The participants of Hipi G.O.A.T. Season 1 & 2 challenges got a chance to be mentored by Vocalists like Rupali Jagga and Sireesha Bhagavatula, famously known for being a Playback Singer in Netflix’s ‘Qala.’

The duets will be available exclusively on Hipi, inviting users to immerse themselves in the harmonious blend of Palak Muchhal's vocals and the creative brilliance of Pratiksha Deka and Supratip Bhattacharya.

For more information about Hipi G.O.A.T Season 2 and this exclusive duet opportunity,  visit https://www.hipi.co.in/@HipiGOAT

About Hipi:

Hipi is a leading short-form video destination that inspires creativity and passion. Made in India, Hipi has already become India’s favourite short video platform for many talented creators. Hipi brings together moments of joy, inspiration, and discovery. The platform empowers brands and merchants to harness the power of storytelling and product discovery in an industry-changing, retail marketing environment.

Download the Hipi app on the Google Play store or Apple App Store.