Transforming Lives: How Rani's Coffee Plantation Became A Symbol of Empowerment

* Meet Rani, a resilient woman from Heravanadu, a quaint village nestled in Kodagu’s Madikeri taluk, steeped in the rich history of Mysore’s royal legacy.

A century ago, Heravanadu’s origins were intertwined with the grandeur of Mysore’s royal legacy. The founding families arrived here at the behest of the Mysore king, tasked with caring for the royal horses. When the king eventually left, he granted them the very lands they had nurtured. Thus began the saga of Heravanadu’s small coffee planters and laborers.

Starting as laborers in the fields, they gradually transitioned to cultivating their own land, primarily focusing on coffee. Today, there are approximately 25 coffee farmers in the village, each owning plots of land ranging from 2023 square meters to 8094 square meters.

Rani HP embarked on her journey in Heravanadu as a young bride with hopes and dreams. However, tragedy struck when her husband expired, leaving her with the responsibility of raising their three children and only 8094 square meters of land.

Determined to secure a future for her family, Rani initially worked as a daily wage laborer. Seeking guidance, she turned to the Dharmasthala Sangha (SSG), where she received invaluable support from other women. With their assistance, Rani transformed her barren land into a flourishing coffee plantation over two decades of hard work and dedication.

As the coffee market evolved, so did Rani's fortunes. From humble beginnings, she now commands a respectable price for her coffee beans, thanks to her expertise and perseverance. The turning point came when Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation spearheading the Unnati coffee project in Coorg, and ISWAR, an NGO, recognized her dedication and offered support to Heravanadu.

Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, and ISWAR’s collaborative assistance were instrumental in providing specialized training, modern techniques in coffee plantations, and sustainable farming practices to Rani and her fellow farmers. As a result, Rani embodied the true essence of Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference women empowerment campaign, which aims to uplift and empower rural women farmers and entrepreneurs like her.

Recognizing her leadership qualities, Rani was appointed as a board director for the Madikeri Highlands Farmers Producers Company Limited (FPO), launched by ISWAR in Coorg.

Rani's story epitomizes the collective strength of Heravanadu's community. With the unwavering support of her fellow villagers and her resilience, she transformed adversity into opportunity. Today, as she tends to her coffee plantation and manages her small coffee shop, Rani stands as an inspiration, showcasing how dedication and community support can lead to success.

Her legacy extends to her son, Raghu, who now manages her plantation and household. Inspired by his mother's perseverance, Raghu actively participates in the affairs of the FPO, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication passed down through generations.

Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) Appoints Mr. Ashwani Jotshi As Secretary General

The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the General Body of the Indian Forging Industry in India has announced the appointment of Mr. Ashwani Jotshi as its new Secretary General. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades at the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Mr. Jotshi brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to AIFI.

Mr. Vikas Bajaj Managing Director and CEO Bajaj Motors and President of AIFI, congratulated Mr. Jotshi on his new role, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Mr. Ashwani Jotshi as the Secretary General of AIFI. His extensive experience and visionary leadership will be invaluable as we navigate the challenges and opportunities in the forging industry. We look forward to his strategic insights and initiatives that will further strengthen our industry."

Mr. Ashwani Jotshi, in a brief statement on his vision and goals for AIFI, said, " I am thrilled to take on the role of Secretary General at the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI). The forging industry plays a crucial role as a key link between critical manufacturing segments and end-user industries. With its presence in vital sectors like Automotive, Off-Highway, Railroad Equipment, Agriculture Machinery, Defense, and Aerospace, the Indian Forging industry is globally recognized for its technical expertise. However, it faces challenges such as a shortage of skilled manpower, rising energy prices, low-cost imports, increasing raw material costs, and inadequate support for micro and small units. I am eager to work alongside the AIFI team to address these challenges and propel the Indian Forging industry towards greater success and global competitiveness."

During his tenure at ACMA, Mr. Jotshi led several notable projects and achieved significant milestones. He facilitated OEM customer visits, organized tech shows, and conducted B2B meetings, buyers-sellers meets, and exhibitions. He engaged with state governments on industry issues, conducted sessions on laws and regulations like GST, and initiated numerous training programs, workshops, and competitions. Mr. Jotshi was also responsible for expanding ACMA Western Region across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, establishing new offices in Pune, Ahmedabad, and Indore. During his tenure at ACMA, Mr. Jotshi travelled overseas on various assignments which helped to strengthen global connections. He also initiated the launch of HR, CFO, and Digital Forums, and promoted industry development through engaging activities.

As the new Secretary General of AIFI, Mr. Jotshi plans to focus on several immediate initiatives aimed at enhancing the association's impact and reach. He intends to broaden AIFI's membership base to include a wider range of stakeholders, increase the number of educational and knowledge-sharing sessions, and form strategic partnerships to benefit the association and its members. Additionally, Mr. Jotshi will also initiate forums for young business leaders and digital innovators and conduct comprehensive industry surveys to gather insights and drive development. His appointment marks a significant step forward for AIFI as it continues to advocate for the forging industry and address its critical challenges.

Bank of Baroda Announces Winners of The “4th Edition of The #SaluteHerShakti Contest”

* The Bank’s Brand Endorsers, PV Sindhu And Shafali Verma, felicitated The top 3 Winners

Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, announced the winners of the “4th edition of the #SaluteHerShakti contest”. The contest, launched on International Women’s Day in March every year, recognises and celebrates the common women amongst us who have broken barriers in their own domains and are successful amidst societal challenges. They speak stories of resilience, courage and an unwavering spirit and are an inspiration to all. Through the duration of the contest from 08.03.2024 to 20.03.2024, the Bank received a number of entries on its social media handles, amongst which Ms. Madhu Motiyani, Director at Servilink Systems Ltd. in Vadodara, Ms. Paramita Mazumder, Principal of Sunshine Education Society in Navi Mumbai and Ms. Anush Salampuria, Edupreneur, Heila Global School, Pune emerged winners.

The three winners got an exclusive opportunity to interact with India’s sporting sensations and the Bank’s endorsers, Ms. PV Sindhu and Ms. Shafali Verma.

In its 4th year, Bank of Baroda’s #SaluteHerShakti contest encourages men and women to participate by submitting the anecdotes of everyday women who have inspired them through their journey, struggles & accomplishments and made a significant impact in their lives.

Shri Lal Singh, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “Bank of Baroda’s #SaluteHerShakti contest is a platform to share and learn from the extraordinary stories of seemingly ordinary women. The contest acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of women while advocating for women's empowerment and rejecting stereotypes. All these women deserve recognition. They will also inspire many more to courageously take the first step towards realising their dreams, hopes and ambitions.”

Introduction to the Winners

Ms. Madhu Motiyani, hailing from a small town in Gujarat, is known as the Iron Lady of Industrial Automation. She studied to become an applications engineer and defied norms to excel in a male-dominated field. Ms. Motiyani has risen to Director at Servilink Systems Ltd., playing a vital role in the growth of the company.

Ms. Paramita Mazumder's story reflects her dedication to supporting people with Autism Spectrum Disorder since the last 18 years. A parent of a child with autism, she is a qualified special educator, counsellor and the Principal of Sunshine Education Society in Navi Mumbai since its inception. The school was started so that differently abled children, who are unable to adapt to mainstream schools, can be provided with appropriate schooling. In 2018, she established a shelter for differently abled individuals to foster independent living.

Hailing from a conservative family, Ms. Anush Salampuria’s journey to one of an edupreneur has taken enormous courage and resolve. Today, she successfully guides a set of 20-25 ladies and takes care of 250+ kindergarteners every year with especially crafted preschool curriculum and activities at Heila Global School in Pune.

The insightful and fun interaction between the three winners and Bank of Baroda's brand endorsers, PV Sindhu and Shafali Verma was hosted and moderated by Ms. Monica Murthy, a multilingual anchor and actor. 

Punch.ev Receives 5-Star Safety Ratings With Highest Ever Scores From Bharat-NCAP

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEM), a subsidiary of Tata Motors and the pioneer of India’s EV revolution, in a significant announcement today declared that the Punch.ev and the Nexon.ev have achieved the 5 star Bharat-NCAP safety rating. While the Punch.ev set a major milestone by receiving the highest ever scores achieved by any vehicle till date – 31.46/32 and 45/49 points for adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP) respectively, the Nexon.ev scored 29.86/32 and 44.95/49 points for AOP and COP respectively. With this, Tata Motors is now the only OEM with the safest range of SUV portfolio scoring 5-stars across Bharat-NCAP and Global-NCAP tests.

Mr. Nitin Gadkari – Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, expressed, “My heartfelt congratulations to Tata Motors on this significant milestone as the Nexon.ev and Punch.ev receive a 5-star rating, under Bharat-NCAP. The certification aligns with the Indian government's vision for safer vehicles in the country and emphasizes the role of Bharat-NCAP in making India's automobile industry 'aatmanirbhar'. The Bharat-NCAP car safety standard is pivotal in realizing the government’s vision to make India a global automobile hub and increase its export worthiness in International markets.”

Commenting on this extraordinary achievement, Mr. Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “Safety, once less discussed, is now a top priority for the Indian car buyer. At Tata Motors, safety is engrained in our DNA, which has made us an industry benchmark. We have continued to be the pioneers in driving the safety conversation – ensuring that our commitment reflects in every vehicle we manufacture, regardless of price point. We welcome stricter government safety standards and are proud to be the first manufacturer to have sent vehicles and lead the Bharat-NCAP protocol with superlative results. We are delighted to produce India’s safest vehicle – an EV – in the Punch.ev, while the Nexon.ev continues its legacy of safety with its 5-star rating. Together, all four of our SUVs tested under the Bharat-NCAP have achieved 5-star ratings, setting a benchmark for all passenger vehicles to follow. Looking ahead, our proactive stance on safety will continue, backed by extensive R&D to help us evolve and enable us in leading the way to create a safer future for every road user.”

The Punch.ev, since its launch, has been quite an attraction for EV enthusiasts and first-time buyers, with over 35% owners from the rural markets. With its combination of long range, exalting performance, cutting-edge technology, and features that are generally found in segments 2 – 3 above its own, the Punch.ev has attracted over 10,000 proud members to its family. It’s not only a truly electric SUV; it’s a bold step into the future of mobility. The Punch.ev also scores mighty high on convenience and punches above its weight, offering a premium experience that is accessible to customers.

Credited as the kickstarter of India’s EV revolution, the Nexon.ev has sold over 68,000 units since its launch in 2020. The updated gamechanging avatar of the SUV unveiled in 2023 makes a significant leap forward for the entire Indian auto industry. Its striking digital-first design, technology-driven driving experience, and groundbreaking innovations makes it a true gadget on wheels and has established a new benchmark in the Indian EV industry.

Beyond The Tie: De Beers Forevermark Diamonds For A Father's Day He'll Remember

He is the man ready to take you on a shopping spree, lend you his credit card, or take you out for dinner when your significant other lets you down! Today's fathers are not confined by the traditional boundaries and stereotypes of the past. They are caregivers, confidantes, and friends.

This Father's Day, it's time to celebrate these multifaceted men with gifts that reflect their diverse interests and dynamic roles. So, skip the predictable and opt for a gift that reflects the enduring strength and the unwavering love of your dad.

For all that they are & all that they do, they definitely deserve some sparkle in their wardrobe as a reminder to who they mean to us. De Beers Forevermark offers a range of men's diamond bracelets, rings, and cufflinks, each meticulously crafted to embody timeless elegance. But what truly sets them apart is that each diamond is inscribed with a unique inscription number accompanied by a card ensuring that you are receiving a natural, genuine diamond, one that is among the world’s most beautiful!

Forevermark diamonds are ethically sourced, ensuring the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. This allows you to gift with a clear conscience, knowing the diamond represents not just luxury, but integrity.

Here are some unique gift ideas to honour the modern-day dad.

Classic Cufflinks:

Diamond cufflinks from De Beers Forevermark serve as a perfect gift which can be worn to work or for a night out. The sleek and timeless cufflinks from the Forevermark Icon™ Collection hold a beautiful, natural diamond at the heart of each pair and are crafted with 18k gold. They are available in both enamel and white gold. Each pair is crafted with precision, ensuring a timeless accessory that can be cherished as a memento of love.

Statement Rings:

Dads are notoriously tricky to shop for, but a De Beers Forevermark men's ring strikes the perfect balance between sentimental and stylish. These rings are crafted with ethically sourced diamonds, ensuring both quality and a clear conscience. The timeless designs, from classic bands to contemporary pieces, celebrate his unique personality and the special bond you share. This Father's Day, gift him a ring as a symbol of your love and appreciation that will be treasured for years to come. With a range of white & yellow gold rings to choose from, a De Beers Forevermark diamond ring is always a classic piece of jewellery to gift a loved one. 

Distinctive Bracelets:

Modern dads appreciate a touch of sophistication on their wrist.  A De Beers Forevermark bracelet in sleek platinum and rose gold is the perfect solution. Featuring a sparkling solitaire diamond at the clasp, this bracelet is both stylish and meaningful. Even a sleek gold bracelet from the Avaanti Collection is a gift he'll love to wear every day.

So, forget the impersonal tie or another box of chocolates. This Father's Day, create a lasting memory with a gift of diamond jewelry. It's a timeless expression of your love and appreciation for the one-of-a-kind man in your life.

To explore the Forevermark Collection, visit www.forevermark.com or your nearest authorized retailer De Beers Forevermark.

AGS Transact Technologies Set Up Addition Of New Cash Vault Facility In Bengaluru

Wholly-owned cash management subsidiary of AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451 & NSE: AGSTRA), Securevalue India Ltd. (SVIL), has set up a new cash vault facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This state-of-the-art facility will offer world class cash processing and vault services. The addition of this new cash vault facility is expected to further enhance company’s cash management operations across Karnataka.

SVIL’s new cash vault facility is spread over an area of 14,000 square feet. It is equipped with topnotch security features, including 24x7 CCTV monitoring, intrusion systems with motion sensors, fire alarm systems, interlocking systems and other advanced access control systems to ensure highest level of security for the stored cash.

Commenting on the development, Shailesh Shetty, Managing Director, Securevalue India Limited said, “The new state-of-the-art cash vault facility in Bengaluru is significant for the cash management operations at Securevalue India. Our focus is on optimising route operations and other processes to maximise growth, revenue, and profit margins. This facility will enable us to provide best-in-class cash-in-transit services with higher operational efficiency and security. Furthermore, its strategic location will offer us a competitive advantage.”

Securevalue India Limited is the second-largest cash management company in India. As of March 31, 2024, SVIL services 38,418 ATMs/CRMs across 1,800+ locations in India and has an expansive infrastructure of 47 vaults & 400+ spoke locations, and 2,370+ secure cash vans.

About AGS Transact Technologies Limited (AGSTTL)

Established in 2002, AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451| NSE: AGSTRA) is one of the largest integrated omni-channel payment solutions providers in India in terms of providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients. AGS Transact provides customised products and services comprising ATM and CRM outsourcing, cash management and digital payment solutions including merchant solutions, transaction processing services and mobile wallets. The company operates in three broad business segments, namely, Payment Solutions; Banking Automation Solutions; and Other Automation Solutions.

Ongo is a fast-growing omnichannel digital payment platform by AGS Transact Technologies, which offers convenient payment solutions. Launched in 2015, Ongo offers merchant Acquiring and Prepaid Issuance services. Furthermore, Ongo is a non-bank prepaid payment instrument and offers dedicated open-loop Prepaid solutions for consumers in segments.

AGS Transact Technologies serves diverse industries such as banking, retail, petroleum, toll and transit, cash management and fintech in India and other select countries in Asia. As of March 31, 2024, the company has deployed 248,585 payment terminals and was one of the largest deployers of PoS terminals at petroleum retail outlets in India, having rolled out 41,756 terminals at various petroleum retail outlets.

For more information, visit www.agsindia.com

76% of Indian Employees Say Their Team Is Constantly Pulled In Too Many Directions: Atlassian State of Teams Report

Atlassian Corporation (NASDAQ:TEAM), a leading provider of team collaboration and productivity software including Jira, Confluence and Trello, has launched its report, ‘The State of Teams 2024’, that addresses the most crucial pain points of modern work and highlights specific focus areas for leaders who want to build high-performing teams, through effective collaboration. This year’s survey revealed 76% of Indian knowledge workers agree that their team is constantly pulled in too many directions.

Atlassian surveyed 5,000 knowledge workers across India, U.S., Australia, Germany, and France, as well as 100 Fortune 500 executives. The data shows knowledge workers spend so much time planning and talking about work that it prevents them from actually doing work that matters. The survey found that 93% of F500 executives say teams could deliver similar outcomes in half the time if they collaborated more effectively, and they estimate that only 24% of their teams are doing mission-critical work. According to the research, 25 billion work hours are lost to ineffective collaboration each year within the Fortune 500.

Annie Dean, Global Head of Team Anywhere, Atlassian said, “Modern teams are more global, online, and overwhelmed than ever before. We know that great teamwork isn’t a product of great software alone. Great teams develop consistent practices, and constantly improve how they work. And we care a lot about validating what those new ways of working are. Our results show that high-performing teams build the right foundations for teamwork by making time to improve their processes, practices, and tools.”

“These new ways of working need to prioritize a reality where work does not happen shoulder to shoulder. The internet and AI are going to start to solve these problems for us. If we can focus, get clear on what matters, and build the right teams, we can deliver creative solutions to the problems we face - at a much higher speed,” she further added.

Team Pain Points

According to the State of Teams report, teams are facing challenges because they are:

(1) Spread across too many goals

82% of Indian knowledge workers agree that it would be easier to make progress if they had fewer, more specific goals

(2) Drowning in notifications and meetings

83% of Indian knowledge workers say it’s more important to quickly respond to messages than it is to make progress on top priorities

77% of Indian knowledge workers say that they are overwhelmed by the number of notifications and messages they receive each day      

(3) Struggling to share and find information

66% of Indian knowledge workers find it hard to track down information despite knowing a lot of people at their job

63% of Indian knowledge workers have worked on a project and only later found out that another team was working on the same thing

63% of Indian knowledge workers say that teams at their company plan and track work in different ways, which makes it hard to collaborate

(4) Unsure how to harness AI in their day-to-day

68% of Indian knowledge workers agree that AI is important, but they don't get how to use it in their day-to-day work.

Focus Areas

Top teams stop to answer and act on these three questions:

(1) Are we working on the right things?

In India, when teams put processes in place to identify their top-priority work, they are:

7.5x more likely to be effective

7.5x more likely to be productive

9.8x more likely to be adaptable

(2) Do we use our time to make real progress?

Globally, teams who make the most of their time are:

1.6x less likely to engage in “productivity theater” [acting busy to appear productive without actually making progress on important tasks]

1.6x more likely to plan and track work in consistent ways across teams

(3) Is knowledge easy to find and understand?

In India, when teams make information self-serve, they are:

5.4x more likely to be effective

5.6x more likely to be productive

6.8x more likely to be adaptable

For further details on Atlassian’s State of Team report or to download it, please visit: https://www.atlassian.com/blog/state-of-teams-2024

About Atlassian

Atlassian unleashes the potential of every team. Our agile & DevOps, IT service management and work management software helps teams organize, discuss, and complete shared work. The majority of the Fortune 500 and over 300,000 companies of all sizes worldwide - including NASA, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Salesforce - rely on our solutions to help their teams work better together and deliver quality results on time. Learn more about our products, including Jira, Confluence and Loom at https://atlassian.com.