Kankatala Celebrates Real Heroes In Saree This Women's Day

* #someheroeswearsarees

Queen of Sarees, Kankatala known for innovative campaigns celebrates the Heroes in Sarees this Women’s Day. The campaign puts a spotlight on 8 women achievers who also wear sarees including Sadhna Singh, Animal Activist, Dr. Anjali Adinath, Breast Cancer Surgeon, Suchithra Balasubramanian, Award Winning Vocalist and Harikatha Exponent, Olly Esse, Italian Disc Jockey, Amrita Rajpal, Edupreneur, Ashwini Narayan, Handloom Stylist, Siddhi Manerikar, Pro Rock Climber, Nirupa Bhatt, Gems & Jewellery Industry Expert.  

Sarees have been synonymous with Indian women globally. As a brand, Kankatala has dedicated 3 generations to normalizing the saree and celebrating the Indian women who represent this 6-yard fluid fabric with various campaigns and initiatives.  

With the ‘Heroes in Sarees’ initiative, the brand puts the spotlight on real-life women achievers who have managed to break the glass ceiling in various fields draped in a saree. This initiative aims to highlight the fact that there is nothing a woman in a saree cannot do.  

‘Heroes in Sarees’ was first launched as an online and offline contest run across 13 outlets PAN India and Social Media community of 230k followers was requested to nominate the Heroes in Sarees from their own lives. The contest received an overwhelming response with more than 1000 nominees. 8 out of 1000 women achievers were shortlisted and invited to become the face of the Women’s Day campaign.  

Each women achiever represented a different profession including an Award Winning Vocalist & Harikatha Exponent Suchitra Balasubramanian who represented Indian music, An Italian DJ Olly Esse who discovered Indian Handlooms and loves wearing sarees, Sadhna Singh, an Animal Activist, Dr. Anjali Adinath, Breast Cancer Surgeon, Aswini Narayan, a handloom stylist who has created unique drapes that make sarees easy and hip, Siddhi Manerikar who is a Pro Rock Climber and is often seen draped in Sarees and Nirupa Bhat, Ex Managing Director of GIA and has spent her life draped in Indian handlooms as she climbed up the corporate ladder and broke the glass ceiling. 

The campaign was conceptualized under the leadership of Anirudh Kankatala, Director, Kankatala Sarees, Directed by Filmmaker Ashutosh Warang and produced by Pandemonium Pictures. Anirudh Kankatala, as the third-generation leader of the brand has transformed Kankatala from a regional brand to a national brand with a strong e-commerce footprint and has worked on several path-breaking campaigns to connect with modern Indian women including #normalisethesaree, Queens of Andhra, Indian Metallics to name a few. 

‘As a brand, we believe that there is nothing a woman in saree cannot achieve and this initiative simply puts that fact to life. When we launched the contest and received more than 1000 entries, we were truly amazed to discover so many interesting stories of women achievers from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and fields who have shattered the glass ceiling while draped in a saree. We were given a challenge to select only 8 women from the long list of entries that we received, and this decision was not easy at all. What made us even more proud is the fact that most of these women are also our patrons. said Anirudh Kankatala, Director, Kankatala.

It's truly a delight collaborating with Indian luxury brands that embrace unconventional campaigns. Steering clear from the typical promotional campaign for Women's Day, we wanted to celebrate the real women Heroes in Sarees. It was great working with Anirudh Kankatala on this as his insights helped shape the campaign's journey," shares Fashion FilmMaker, Ashutosh Warang.

About Kankatala: 

Established in 1943, Kankatala Sarees has been representing Authentic Indian handlooms for more than 80 years. 3 generation generation-strong legacy brand, emerging from the heart of Andhra Pradesh, has created an omnichannel presence with 13 stores spread across Andhra Pradesh & Telangana and a strong eCommerce channel that caters to the Indian diaspora worldwide. Kankatala family personally handpicks handloom marvels from across 50 weaving clusters of India and houses more than ten thousand handlooms. While a lot has changed in the last 78 years, what remains the same is the love of Indian women for Handwoven sarees.

Digital Payments Brand Ongo Partners With Patanjali Ayurved To Issue Open-Loop Cobranded Rupay Prepaid Cards

AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451 & NSE: AGSTRA), digital payments brand Ongo has partnered with Patanjali Ayurved Limited, India’s leading conglomerate to launch open-loop Cobranded Prepaid Cards. These prepaid cards can be accepted on any device on Rupay network pan India.

Acharya Balkrishna, Co-founder and MD of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. said, “We are delighted to provide an elevated shopping experience to our esteemed clientele by introducing the open-loop cobranded cards in collaboration with Ongo. With Patanjali-Ongo cards, our valued customers will gain access to exclusive benefits spanning a diverse range of Patanjali's products and services across Patanjali stores. Additionally, with these cards they can now experience an unparalleled convenience at all RuPay acceptance points across the country.”

Mr. Ravi B Goyal, Chairman & MD, AGS Transact Technologies Limited said, “We are thrilled to partner with Patanjali Ayurved, country’s leading conglomerate to introduce open-loop cobranded prepaid cards on our Ongo platform. Through this partnership, we aim to provide unparalleled convenience to Patanjali's extensive customer base, ensuring every transaction is enriched with seamless efficiency and ease. Further, this alliance reaffirms our commitment to transform customer’s payment experience by empowering them with convenient solutions that cater to their dynamic lifestyles."

Patanajali-Ongo cobranded card users will earn rewards on purchasing Patanjali products through these cards. Additionally, they can use these cards for various other payments including shopping, dining, fuelling and ecommerce. Further, this card comes with NCMC feature which will allow them to seamlessly use transit services such as NCMC enabled Metro, Buses, Toll and Parking across the country. The enrolment for this can be done by customers via registration on the Ongo app available on Playstore and App store or by visiting the nearest Patanjali stores.

Ongo has a PPI license from the RBI enabling it to issue open-loop prepaid instruments like prepaid cards and wallets.

The Stunning Forevermark Setting Collection From De Beers Forevermark

* An Icon of Resilience and Grace

As the world marks International Women's Day, De Beers Forevermark, recognized for its natural, ethical diamonds, showcases the Forevermark Setting Collection. This unique set of jewellery honors women's strength and achievements, standing out as a symbol of elegance and empowerment.

The Forevermark Setting™ Jewellery is renowned for its timeless appeal and expert craftsmanship. Each piece is intricately designed to perfectly complement the stunning beauty of a De Beers Forevermark diamond. From delicate settings to intricate details, every aspect of the jewelry is meticulously crafted to enhance the brilliance and individuality of the Forevermark diamond it holds. With meticulous attention to detail and a focus on quality, The Forevermark Setting™ Jewellery exemplifies sophistication and enduring elegance, making it a cherished symbol of timeless style and refinement.

The natural diamond in the Forevermark Setting Collection is a special tribute to women's strength and achievements. These diamonds are carefully chosen and responsibly sourced, meaning they're brought to you with care and respect for the environment. They sparkle beautifully and stand for honesty and responsibility. Each piece in the collection represents the enduring beauty and strength of women. Forevermark wants everyone to appreciate and celebrate the amazing qualities of women through these special diamonds.

The Forevermark Setting Collection invites individuals to celebrate the achievements and honor the spirit of women this International Women's Day. Whether as a symbol of admiration or a token of appreciation, each jewellery piece offers a timeless expression of love and gratitude. 

Manipal Institute of Technology Partners With Altair For Advanced Mechatronics Training And Research

The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), under the aegis of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has announced a strategic collaboration with Altair, Bangalore, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to set a new benchmark in engineering education and research, with a focus on the burgeoning field of mechatronic systems. Altair, a global leader in simulation, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence (AI), joins hands with MIT to fuse industry-leading technological prowess with academic excellence. The collaboration is designed to enrich the learning and research environment for students and faculty by providing them with access to state-of-the-art software solutions and training programs from Altair. This initiative will enable practical exposure to mechatronics design, analysis, and optimization processes.

The formalization of this partnership was commemorated with a signing ceremony attended by esteemed representatives from both organizations. Dignitaries included Dr. P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE, Manipal; Dr. Harish S. Kumar, Director-Corporate Relations, MAHE; Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director, MIT; Dr. Somashekar Bhat, Joint Director, MIT; Dr. D. V. Kamath, Head of the Mechatronics Department; and Mr. Sushil Mane, Senior Technical Director at Altair; Mr. Ranjith Kumar H S, Sr. Sales Manager, Altair, among others.

Coinciding with the partnership, a new Postgraduate Laboratory in the Department of Mechatronics at MIT was inaugurated by Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, marking the beginning of this promising alliance. The inauguration was accompanied by a traditional Sharada Pooja, signifying the auspicious start of the collaboration.

A key component of this partnership is the training program on “Design of High-Performance Mechatronic Systems using Altair's Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Platform,” scheduled from March 4th to 8th, 2024. This program, inaugurated at the M V Seminar Hall in MIT Manipal, seeks to upgrade knowledge in the design and development of mechatronics systems, touching upon critical areas such as AI-assisted simulation, IIOT, and digital twins. Mr. Sushil Mane, representing Altair as the chief guest, alongside Mr. Ranjith Kumar H. S. and Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in preparing students for the future challenges of engineering.

Both MIT and Altair have expressed great enthusiasm for their joint venture, emphasizing its potential to significantly narrow the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice. This collaboration is not just a step towards enhancing the quality of engineering education but also a milestone in ensuring that students and faculty are equipped to drive innovation and tackle complex challenges in the field of mechatronics.

Union Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman Was Presented With Two Valuable Books By S. Ramann CMD, SIDBI

The Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, heralded for her unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and stability, was presented today with two insightful books by , Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman and Managing Director, SIDBI which showcased pioneering work undertaken by SIDBI. 

The first book, titled Prabhaav is an Impact Study of Fund of Funds, reveals the transformative effects of fund allocation strategies under the Start Up Fund of Funds scheme of the Govt. Through meticulous research and analysis reveals how the scheme has resulted in all-round outcomes due to the catalytic effect of the INR 10,000 crore commitment to about 100 AIFs wherein more than 5 times that amount was collected from the market. This multiplied flow of capital led to innovative solutions, inclusiveness & diversity in startups, deepening the funding ecosystem in the hinterlands of the country, strengthening of governance as well as wealth creation. 40% of the AIFs had first time fund managers and 18% were women led.

The second book is a comprehensive treatise on Cluster Development, which highlights the how SIDBI has been attending to clusters under a Programmatic/Structured Approach adopted. SIDBI has identified the mapping of skill, technology development, credit gap as important issues of policy interventions. The diagnostic mapping looks into segmental, sectoral analysis of the existing enterprises and potential for new enterprises. The diagnostic studies consist of financial & non-financial services gap mapping including primary and secondary data tapping. The book is compilation of such diagnostic mapping of 30 clusters representing variety of Artisanal, Manufacturing and Service sector clusters based on primary and secondary research along with recommendations/action plans for non-financial/financial issues and also suggested/proposed the need for undertaking the below mentioned soft and hard interventions in the clusters.

CMD SIDBI expressed profound gratitude for the Finance Minister's steadfast support and visionary leadership in driving initiatives that empower India's entrepreneurial landscape. The esteemed minister graciously accepted the books, acknowledging their significance in shaping policies and strategies that catalyse India's economic resurgence.

As India charts its course towards a robust and resilient economy, collaborations, and partnerships between key stakeholders such as the finance ministry and institutions like SIDBI are poised to play a pivotal role in realizing the nation's aspirations for inclusive growth and prosperity.

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):

SIDBI is the Principal Financial Institution for Promotion, Financing and Development of the MSME sector. SIDBI has been playing a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. The Bank has proactively been working towards Energy Efficiency (EE) in MSMEs since 2005-06 using support of multilateral institutions like World Bank, ADB, GiZ, FCDO, JICA, AFD, KfW etc. for energy efficient projects. Furthermore, SIDBI has been touching the lives of citizens across various strata of society through its integrated, innovative, and inclusive approach. Be it traditional, domestic small entrepreneurs, bottom-of-the-pyramid entrepreneurs, to high-end knowledge-based entrepreneurs, SIDBI has directly or indirectly impacted the lives of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through various credit and developmental measures.

To know more, check out: https://www.sidbi.in  

Samsung To Unveil 2 New Galaxy A Series Smartphones On March 11

Samsung, India’s largest electronics brand, is set to launch two new Galaxy A series smartphones on March 11. The two new smartphones will add to Samsung’s immensely popular Galaxy A series, helping Samsung democratize innovations. The smartphones will come with flagship features, premium design and powerful processors, ensuring a premium experience for the users.

Iconic Design and Durability

The two Galaxy A series smartphones will feature flagship-inspired design, built with premium materials. Both the smartphones will come with IP67 rating for spill resistance and will be protected by a stronger Gorilla Glass compared to last year’s Gorilla Glass 5.

Advanced Nightography

Both the new Galaxy A series smartphones will feature an advanced camera for nightography, which will help consumers shoot sharper images and videos even in extreme low light conditions.

Powerful Processor

The new Galaxy A series smartphones will be equipped with powerful processors and large vapour cooling chambers, ensuring a smooth and seamless usage experience.

Future Safe

The two new Galaxy A series smartphones will ensure top-notch security with Samsung’s defense-grade security platform Knox, which will protect users personal data in real-time. The smartphones will also offer four OS updates and five years of security updates, ensuring that the devices remain up-to-date for a long time. 

CASA BACARDÍ Brings Its Immersive Caribbean Festival To Bengaluru

* The Caribbean-themed CASA BACARDÍ House of Moods festival is coming to Bengaluru this March in an exciting fusion of music, dance, art, fashion, & mixology

Continuing to bring its Caribbean roots to India, BACARDÍ is bringing CASA BACARDÍ House of Moods to Bengaluru at Pebble - ‘The jungle lounge’ on March 9, Saturday. The experience  offers an immersive blend of music, dance, art, fashion, food, and mixology, promising to be the highlight of your weekend. With House of Moods, BACARDÍ creates a dynamic platform for self-expression, bringing a perpetual tropical mood  to Bengaluru's vibrant youth.

Here’s a full list of what you can expect to go down on this Saturday:

Get into the groove to 6 hours of nonstop Caribbean beats: Bring your dancing kicks this Saturday, as the House of Moods brings in an eclectic mix of performers to turn up the jams. The stellar lineup stars a mix of local talent and upcoming performers, including Kampai, Raka Ashok, Mary Ann, Vidur, Master Shifu, APCN (A Party Called Nanda), and DoubleT x Benkii - ensuring the peak musical mood for the night.

From naturally dyed clothing to upcycled apparel ware, glam up your style game at the on-ground fashion pop-ups: Embrace the best in new age fashion with the curated styles of next gen fashion brands Grandma Would Approve & The Santra Project. Featuring upcycled and ethically made couture choices, find your way here to add to your glam quotient in a conscious way.

Express yourself through art at the Screen Printing Workshop: Bring alive your creativity with a t-shirt as your canvas at the Screen Printing Workshop, where you can have fun with a variety of  designs and flaunt them as your own creation!

Discover the fun of making Bacardi cocktails, at the Mixology Workshop:  Get your party mood on & learn how to make your favorite cocktails from BACARDÍ Trade Ambassador, Ishrat Kaur.

Turn up the heat on the dance floor at the Dancehall workshop with Yahvi Chavan:

Add some island style spice to your dance game, at the Dancehall workshop. From the casual hip sway to high energy spins, learn from Yahvi Chavan to pick up some new moves that'll have you owning the dance floor through the night!

Indulge in a delicious mix of scrumptious snacks and drinks: Enjoythe most delicious  & indulgent food and drink pop ups at the House of Moods. Don’t forget to explore the delectable Bacardi cocktails at the pop up bars  - there’s plenty to keep your tastebuds entertained.

From music and dance to food, cocktails and fashion, the CASA BACARDÍ House of Moods is the place to be for your weekend in Bengaluru!

Event Details:

* Date: March 9, 2024

* Time: 5 PM onwards

* Venue: Pebble, the Jungle Lounge | Bengaluru

Get your tickets on Paytm Insider or here, and follow @casabacardiin & @homegrownin on Instagram for more updates.