Candlelight Concerts Sets The Stage For South Indian Expansion With Bengaluru Debut

Candlelight Concerts, the global sensation known for its enchanting blend of live music and candlelit ambiance, has successfully made its South Indian debut in Bengaluru. The inaugural event, a tribute to Coldplay, took place on September 29th at the prestigious Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, marking a significant milestone in the concert series' expansion across India.

The Bengaluru launch was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, resulting in a sold-out show that captivated the city's music lovers. This triumphant entry into South India follows the concert series' previous successes in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Jaipur, solidifying its position as a must-see cultural phenomenon.

Deepa Bajaj, Country Manager of Live Your City India, expressed her excitement about the launch: "We are thrilled by the incredible reception Candlelight Concerts has received in Bengaluru. This successful debut in South India is just the beginning of our journey to bring immersive musical experiences to audiences across the region. We have an exciting lineup planned that will showcase and celebrate both local and international musical treasures."

Building on the success of its recent launch, Candlelight Concerts is expanding its presence in Bengaluru with exciting new venues. On October 27th, audiences will be treated to an enchanting evening at the Sir M V Auditorium, followed by a captivating performance at the Hyatt Centric Bengaluru Hebbal on November 9th. These carefully selected venues will host a diverse range of musical tributes, including homages to The Beatles, Mozart, Chopin, and more, promising to deliver unforgettable experiences to music enthusiasts of all tastes.

Produced by Live Your City, a division of Fever Labs Inc., Candlelight Concerts aims to make classical music more accessible by hosting performances in venues that highlight each city's cultural heritage. The series collaborates with local artists to offer a wide range of musical programs, including tributes to Indian movie soundtracks, reimagined popular Punjabi music and pop hits, contemporary tributes to international artists like Coldplay and The Beatles, and timeless classical compositions by Mozart and Chopin. This diverse repertoire is designed to attract a broader audience, including those who may not have previously considered attending classical concerts.

With its successful launch in Bengaluru, Candlelight Concerts is poised to explore further opportunities in South India, promising to bring its unique blend of music and atmosphere to even more cities in the region. Stay tuned for upcoming performances and be among the first to experience this immersive experience.

Check out the upcoming programming in Bengaluru:

Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles

Venue: SIR MV AUDITORIUM

Dates and Times: Oct 27th  (Time- 17:00)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: To be revealed!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 1099 onwards

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay

Venue: SIR MV AUDITORIUM

Dates and Times: Oct 27th  (Time- 19:00 and 21:00)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: To be revealed!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 1099 onwards

Candlelight: Best Movie Soundtracks

Venue: Hyatt Centric Bengaluru Hebbal

Dates and Times: Dec 9th  (Time- 19:00 and 21:00)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: To be revealed!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 1399 onwards

Candlelight: Best Movie Soundtracks

Venue: SIR MV AUDITORIUM

Dates and Times: Nov 23rd  (Time- 21:00)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: To be revealed!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 1099 onwards

Candlelight: From Mozart to Chopin

Venue: SIR MV AUDITORIUM

Dates and Times: Nov 23rd (Time- 17:00 and 19:00)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: To be revealed!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 1099 onwards

Candlelight: Tribute to RD Burman

Venue: Hyatt Centric Bengaluru Hebbal

Dates and Times: Dec 7th  (Time- 21:00)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: To be revealed!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 1399 onwards

Candlelight: From Mozart to Chopin

Venue: Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway

Dates and Times: Dec 28th (Time- 17:00)

Duration: 65 minutes

Musicians: To be revealed!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 1399 onwards

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay

Venue: Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway

Dates and Times: Dec 28th (Time- 19:00 and 21:00)

Duration: 65 minutes

Musicians: To be revealed!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 1399 onwards

UST To Expand India Presence With Its Kochi Campus And Create Over 3,000 New Jobs In Next 5 Years

* Laid Foundation Stone for Own Campus at Kochi Infopark, Kochi Phase 2; To be the second owned campus in India for UST after Thiruvananthapuram.

UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, announced plans to expand its presence in India by adding over 3000 new jobs at its upcoming Kochi campus in the next five years, as it gets ready to inaugurate its own campus in Kochi, Kerala, by December 2027. The company, which has set itself a target of 6,000 employees in the next five years, currently employs more than 2,800 people in its existing facility at Infopark Kochi.

The foundation stone for UST’s new Kochi campus that will come up in a sprawling 9-acre land at Infopark Kochi Phase 2, was laid, by Krishna Sudheendra, Chief Executive Officer, UST. Susanth Kurunthil, CEO, Infopark Kochi; Alexander Varghese, Chief Operating Officer, UST; Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer & Kochi Center Head, UST; Anil Pillai, Vice President, Campus Development Team, UST, Shilpa Menon, UST Thiruvananthapuram Center Head; Sheffi Anwar, General Manager - Business Operations & Workforce Management, UST; and other leaders and employees, were present.              

The new UST campus in Kochi, which will be completed in three years, will be a 10-floor building and 4400 seats, with an area of over 6,00,000 sq. ft. This campus will also have a modern gym for employees, and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 1400 seats. It will also be incorporating the latest technology, and energy efficient measures generating green energy. When the Kochi campus goes on stream, it will become the second owned campus in India for UST after Thiruvananthapuram.

UST, which already has a facility operating out of Infopark Kochi, currently caters to US, UK and APAC clients from almost all domains such as healthcare, retail, telecom, financial services/asset management, and hi-tech. Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the new campus building, Krishna Sudheendra, CEO, UST, said that the new campus will not only strengthen UST’s presence in the region but also attract more clients and create new work opportunities, positioning Kochi as a dynamic hub for innovation and growth.

“I congratulate and wish the best to UST in building its own campus at Infopark. The company has shown high levels of commitment and determination in setting this goal of having its own state-of-the-art space in the industrial hub of Kerala, and the results will soon show off,” said Susanth Kurunthil, Chief Executive Officer, Infopark Kochi.

Alexander Varghese, Chief Operating Officer, UST, spoke high of the state-of-the-art infrastructure planned for the campus and appreciated the architecture company’s role in shaping its vision. “Ever since UST began its Kochi operations in 2007, we have been able to post steady growth. The strategic location of Kochi aids companies to easily connect and reach out to other IT locations in South India. This aspect, along with Kochi’s development in social and physical infrastructure arenas, has helped UST attract talent from other locations. With UST’s own campus coming up in Kochi, we will be able to add jobs and customers in a big way, Alexander Varghese added.

Kochi has built a name as the industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi boasts of advanced infrastructure, a large and highly skilled workforce, and a supportive business environment. With the aim of having its own campus in the city, UST had started the pre-construction work before Covid-19 pandemic.

Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer & Kochi Center Head, UST, who expressed pride in the project’s progress, also spoke about the challenges that had arisen, and how the company had overcome all hassles to stay firmly in track. Anil Pillai, Vice President, Campus Development Team, UST, unveiled the new campus design for Kochi Center at the event.

Founded in 1999, UST, which began its India operations with its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, has expanded its presence across India with offices in Hyderabad, Kochi, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, and Hosur.

About UST

Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering expertise, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse innovation and agility into our clients' organizations—delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com

Sachin Tendulkar Joins Sugar.fit As Brand Ambassador And Investor To Promote Diabetes Management And Healthy Living

Sugar.fit, a health-tech startup dedicated to managing and reversing Type 2 and Pre-diabetes announced the onboarding of the legendary cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador and strategic investor. Through a holistic, science-backed, and data-driven digital health experience, Sugar.fit has revolutionized diabetes care treatment with its first-of-its-kind evidence backed treatment options. This strategic partnership with Sachin Tendulkar will aid Sugar.fit in in its journey as a groundbreaking force in the battle against Type 2 diabetes.

Overtime Sugar.fit has made significant strides in the space of outcome driven Diabetes care solutions. Over 51,000+ paid subscribers are on their platform under the guidance of 100+ doctors and 300+ coaches. This holistic approach to diabetes care has yielded positive health results for users – 90%* of them see a reduction in their sugar levels while also reducing their reliance on medicines. Sugar.fit has also recently launched a range of products such as Sugar Control Atta, Sugar Control Rice, Diabetes Protein Powder, Sugar Control Juice and Sugar Control Vinegar. These products are designed to support better blood sugar management and overall health for the complete family, complementing its holistic approach to diabetes care.

Madan Somasundaram and Shivtosh Kumar, Co-founders of Sugar.fit, say, “We are deeply honoured to welcome Sachin Tendulkar as our brand ambassador and equity partner. His unwavering commitment to fitness and healthy living resonates with our mission. At Sugar.fit, we see the struggles of those battling diabetes every day, and it is our passion to help them regain control of their health. With Sachin by our side, we believe we can inspire more people to take charge of transforming their lives.”

This alliance is an alignment of Sugar.fit's commitment to providing effective, sustainable solutions for diabetes reversal and management along with Sachin’s vison of a fitter and healthier India. As part of this partnership, Sachin Tendulkar will serve as the face of Sugar.fit and represent its overall diabetes management program.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said, “Sugar.fit is a brand that shares my vision for a fit and healthy India. Their aim to change how people perceive diabetes and help them take preventive or even curative care will certainly help to battle diabetes that affects millions in India and I am truly happy to be part of their mission.  Together with Sugar.fit, I hope to inspire people to make lifestyle changes that can lead to a heathier India”.

This collaboration strengthens Sugar.fit's brand image in the digital health space and solidifies its market presence as a reliable and consumer-focused diabetes care brand. The innovative approach by Sugar.fit has set a new benchmark in diabetes care by transforming thousands of lives.

*Analysis based on the 90-day outcomes of clients with A1c levels greater than 8% and Random Capillary Glucose readings exceeding 8%.

About Sugar.fit

Sugar.Fit is an innovative Healthtech startup that seeks to manage and reverse diabetes through a highly consumer-centric data-driven digital health experience. Backed by Mass Mutual Ventures, Cure.Fit, Endiya Partners, Tanglin Venture Partners and B Capital, Sugar.Fit uses continuous glucose monitoring technology (CGM), which helps users see real-time impact of various food and lifestyle activities on their blood sugar level to optimize metabolic health.  

Sugar.fit’s comprehensive program further combines medical experts with deep technology, including coaching, personalized analytics, and integrated devices and testing. Sugar.fit’s founding team includes Madan Somasundaram and Shivtosh Kumar and the core founding team comes with vast experience in building and scaling products at Walmart Labs, Cure.Fit, Dailyhunt, Flipkart, Myntra, Samsung etc.  

For more information on Sugar.fit, visit: https://www.sugarfit.com/

Department of Student Affairs, MAHE, Hosts Gender Champion Awareness Workshop 3.0

The Department of Student Affairs, MAHE, successfully organized the Gender Champion Awareness Workshop 3.0 at the KMC Interact Hall. The workshop brought together student gender champions and nodal faculty members from various MAHE institutions for an insightful and empowering session focused on gender sensitivity and inclusivity across campuses.

Dr. Raviraja N S, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MAHE, graced the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the vital role that gender champions play in promoting a culture of equality and respect on university campuses. He highlighted the need for constant efforts to ensure that gender sensitivity is ingrained in academic environments.

Ms. Saraswathy, Director of Finance, was the Guest of Honour. She shared her perspectives on the importance of fostering gender equality within academic institutions, noting that it is crucial for the holistic development of both students and staff. Her insights added a valuable financial and administrative viewpoint to the discussions on gender inclusivity.

The workshop commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Geetha Maiya, Director of Student Affairs, MAHE, who set the tone for a productive day of learning, dialogue, and collaboration. Dr. Rayan Mathias, Senior Counselor, served as the emcee for the event, ensuring a smooth flow of activities throughout the day. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Aravind Pandey, Deputy Director (Health Science), who expressed sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the workshop's success.

Key attendees included Prof. Roshan David and Dr. Rashmi Yogesh Pai, Deputy Directors (Technical), as well as Dr. Nithin, Deputy Director from the Mangalore Campus, who played pivotal roles during the workshop's inauguration. The event was further enriched by contributions from the team of student counselors at the Department of Student Affairs, MAHE, and esteemed faculty from KMC, MAHE Manipal, Manipal Centre for Humanities, and Manipal Centre for European Studies, who served as resource persons for the sessions.

The Gender Champion Awareness Workshop 3.0 provided an excellent platform to deepen participants' understanding of gender-related issues. It also empowered students to take the lead in promoting gender sensitization initiatives across the university, ensuring that MAHE continues to be a space of inclusivity and equal opportunity for all.

Prof. Madhav Rao Of IIIT-B Honoured With Prof. Satish Dhawan Young Engineers Award In Field Of Engineering Sciences For 2023

Prof. Madhav Rao, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) has been conferred with the esteemed Prof. Satish Dhawan Young Engineers State Award in the field of Engineering Sciences for the year 2023. This prestigious award, instituted by the Government of Karnataka, recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of Engineering Sciences.

The honour was bestowed upon Prof. Madhav Rao by Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, at a ceremony held at J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru on September 26, 2024. Distinguished guests, including Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Bharat Ratna, Shri N. S. Boseraju, Hon'ble Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, and Dr. Ekroop Caur (IAS), Secretary, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology (E, IT, BT and S&T), Government of Karnataka, graced the occasion.

"Prof. Madhav Rao’s recognition with the Prof. Satish Dhawan Young Engineers Award 2023 is a proud moment for IIIT-Bangalore. His innovative research, teaching and dedication to advancing the field of Electronics and Communication Engineering reflect the high academic standards we strive for. This recognition not only honors his individual accomplishments but also highlights the impactful works happening at our institute of his projects," said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore.

" I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award. I would like to thank our students, Director, Deans, my ever-inspiring faculty colleagues, staff, and the entire IIIT-Bangalore community for their unwavering support, which has allowed me to grow in the field of Engineering Science. My heartfelt thanks to my collaborators and funding agencies for believing in me and my students' ideas, and for their constant encouragement. Receiving Prof. Satish Dhawan State Award for Young Engineers is a tremendous motivation to continue my research pursuits in the broad area of Electronics and to further serve the student community across state of Karnataka.” said Prof. Madhav Rao.

The Prof. Satish Dhawan Young Engineers Award is given annually to engineers below 50 years of age who have made significant contributions to Engineering Sciences. This award is a testament to Prof. Madhav Rao's dedication to his field and his commitment to advancing engineering education.

About the Prof. Satish Dhawan Young Engineers State Award

The Prof. Satish Dhawan Young Engineers State Award is an annual recognition of outstanding contributions to Engineering Sciences ¹. Instituted by the Government of Karnataka, this award honors engineers below 50 years of age who have made significant impacts in their field.

About IIIT-Bangalore 

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute dedicated to undergraduate and postgraduate programs specializing in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), IT for Society, and broader fields of IT and research. Situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bengalru, it holds a prominent position in the academic landscape. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). IIIT-Bangalore secured the 74th position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for the second consecutive year, 2024 reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The institute was ranked number 9 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations.

The institute’s specially designed courses make the students’ cognizant of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.

For more information about IIIT-Bangalore, visit www.iiitb.ac.in

Samsung Launches Galaxy S24 FE In India; Makes Full Galaxy AI Capabilities Available For More Users; Pre-Book Now For Exciting Offer

* Consumers pre-booking Galaxy S24 FE will be able to get 8GB+256GB storage variant at the price of 8GB+128GB variant at just INR 59999

Samsung India’s largest consumer electronics brand today announced the launch of Galaxy S24 FE, the latest addition to the Galaxy AI ecosystem that delivers premium mobile experiences to more users.

Galaxy S24 FE, powered by the AI-based ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist features showcases an enhanced camera setup that empowers users to be more creative. It’s the perfect device for gaming on the go with a 6.7-inch[i] Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a long-lasting 4,700mAh battery, and a powerful Exynos 2400 series chipset. The Galaxy S24 FE offers premium Galaxy AI tools and ecosystem connectivity to enhance communication, productivity and creativity — all housed in an iconic design and protected by robust Samsung Knox security.

AI-enhanced Camera and Editing

Galaxy S24 FE’s premium camera setup features a 50MP wide lens and 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom — both supported by optical image stabilization (OIS) — plus a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 10MP selfie camera.

Making its debut in the FE series, ProVisual Engine features vastly improved technology that leverages advanced AI algorithms to deliver breathtaking detail and remarkably subtle textures:

Nightography with AI image signal processing (ISP) to improve low light performance, enabling beautiful night portraits

Works with the wide camera’s 50MP Adaptive Pixel Sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x in addition to the optical 3x zoom. AI zoom also provides the enhanced image quality at distances between digital zoom lengths.

Object-Aware Engine to recognize scenes and optimize colors in Super High Dynamic Range (HDR), ensuring vibrant and lifelike photos and videos

When it is time to edit, Photo Assist features breathe life into ideas. Since its introduction with the Galaxy S24 series devices, Galaxy AI has become invaluable for editing images and expressing creativity:

Generative Edit reassembles the world through object moving and removal capabilities, allowing more creative freedom

Portrait Studio reimagines selfies as cartoons, comics, watercolor paintings, or sketches to add flair to online profiles

Edit Suggestions quickly remove pesky flaws, such as reflections, with the press of a button

Instant Slow-mo immortalizes every second of life’s important moments in a snap

Powerful Performance

The powerful Exynos 2400 series chipset enables an uncompromised gaming experience compatible with cutting-edge features such as Ray Tracing. In the world where every bit of speed and efficiency counts, the Galaxy S24 FE utilizes several key features to stay ahead of the competition:

A 1.1x larger vapor chamber improves cooling to maintain peak performance for longer durations

A bigger 4700mAh battery allows for long, worry-free gaming sessions

A 6.7” adaptive Dynamic AMOLED 2X display – the largest display ever used in the FE series – with a up to 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and stunning viewing experience

Vision Booster optimizes color and contrast for clear and comfortable gaming even in sunlight

Galaxy AI Experience

The Galaxy S24 FE incorporates the same advanced AI experience as the Galaxy S24 series. Designed to enhance work, simplify communication, and increase connectivity, Galaxy AI on the S24 FE offers tools that unlock new possibilities:

Circle to Search with Google satisfies curiosity with unprecedented ease by offering instant search results with just a long press of the home button and circle

Interpreter instantly translates in-person conversations, lectures, or any other type of presentations, even when offline

Live Translate breaks down communication barriers on phone calls and is now being extended to a selection of popular third-party apps

Composer from Samsung Keyboard generates suggested text based on simple keywords for email and supported social media apps

Note Assist streamlines the note-taking process and automates formatting and translation. In Samsung Notes, you can get transcription, translation, and summarizing of voice recordings directly. Texts in PDF files also can be translated and overlaid through PDF overlay translation

Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem

Every Galaxy AI-enhanced experience becomes even more useful when the Galaxy S24 FE is connected to Samsung’s expansive mobile ecosystem. It seamlessly transfers files, quickly sets up extended displays, and effortlessly executes complex creative ideas through intuitive inputs. In this hyper-connected Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, Galaxy S24 FE enables experiences that increase productivity, creativity, and efficiency.

Building on the innovative legacy of the S series, the Galaxy S24 FE is fortified with strong security. Samsung Knox, Galaxy’s multi-layer security platform that safeguards critical information and protects against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.

As a continuation of the S24 series tradition of sustainable design, the Galaxy S24 FE has been made to do more with less when it comes to the planet’s resources. It features a wide variety of recycled materials, including recycled plastics, aluminum, glass, and rare earth elements in both internal and external components. It also features seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, and comes in a packaging box made from 100% recycled paper material.

Availability & Price

Galaxy S24 FE will be available in three refreshing colours- Blue, Graphite and Mint. Pre-booking for Galaxy S24 FE starts from September 27, 2024. Consumers can pre-book Galaxy S24 FE at Samsung.com and at leading retail stores. 

Empowering MSMEs For Global Trade: India SME Forum Launches ‘Start Exporting In Eight Weeks’ Initiative

India SME Forum (ISF), the country's largest not-for-profit organization for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), launched a program today titled "Start Exporting in Eight Weeks", to work with e-commerce export leaders like Amazon towards promoting Make in India products. Launched under ISF’s flagship initiative ‘IndiaXports’, the program was announced by Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon'ble Minister of State for the Ministry of MSME, at the Business Beyond Borders 2024 Conference in presence of MSMEs and industry leaders.

The innovative "Start Exporting in Eight Weeks" program is designed to enable Indian MSMEs to access global markets and boost exports within just eight weeks. It will offer comprehensive guidance, resources and networking opportunities free of cost to MSMEs aspiring to explore international market opportunities and expand their reach. The initiative reflects ISF’s commitment to fostering global trade opportunities for MSMEs, aligning with the Government of India's broader vision of promoting economic growth and empowering enterprises through international trade.

Speaking on the launch of the program, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon'ble Minister of State for the Ministry of MSME, said, “MSMEs play a crucial role in contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, and their success is essential to our nation’s journey towards becoming a developed and self-reliant India. In today’s highly competitive landscape, skilling and upskilling are critical, and it is vital that our products meet international, export-quality standards. Through platforms like the India SME Forum along with it's partners like Amazon, UPS etc and the new initiative launched today, our entrepreneurs will be connected to global markets, opening up new avenues for growth and collaboration. Let us utilize these opportunities to the fullest and continue striving for global excellence.”

Mr. Vinod Kumar, President, India SME Forum, said, “E-commerce has become a game-changer, breaking down traditional trade barriers and allowing even the smallest enterprises to reach international customers with ease. By harnessing digital platforms, MSMEs can bypass many of the logistical challenges of traditional exporting, making global trade more accessible than ever before. The ‘Start Exporting in Eight Weeks’ initiative is a movement towards transforming Indian MSMEs into a powerhouse of global trade. By equipping them with essential tools, knowledge, and international market access, we are enabling these businesses to become self-sufficient, globally competitive and significant contributors to India’s economic growth. We believe that with the right support, Indian MSMEs have the potential to compete with the best in the world.”

The launch event saw the participation of key dignitaries, including Ms. Dona Ghosh, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Mr. Bhupen Wakankar, Head of Global Trade at Amazon India, among others. The Business Beyond Borders 2024 Conference also hosted a series of engaging sessions, workshops, and B2B country meetings, all aimed at empowering MSMEs to become successful exporters.

In addition, the conference brought to the spotlight key topics such as accelerating e-commerce exports and addressing the gender gap in global trade, with insights from industry leaders including Mr. Britto Premkumar from UPS, Mr. Ganesh Yogesh Pai from Yes Bank, and Mr. R Sampath Raghavan, Head of EXIM & Logistics at Raymond. More than 300 MSMEs and businesses attended the event.

About INDIA SME FORUM

India SME Forum (ISF) is the India’s largest not for profit, non-political, non-governmental & nontrade organization for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs, with over 98,200 MSMEs as paid members including 9400+ Women Entrepreneurs and over 12,36,000 MSMEs as subscribers, and with 19 State Chapters across the country. Our professional association & affiliation includes Ministry of MSME, Govt of India, FIDD RBI, UNIDO, UNCTAD, ITC Geneva, WUSME, INSME & WTO’s informal group for SMEs.

About FORUM FOR INTERNET RETAILERS, SELLERS & TRADERS (FIRST) INDIA

FIRST, a division of ISF formed in order to support the entry of retailers, sellers and traders who have been inducted in the definition of micro small and medium enterprises under the MSMED Act 2006 on the advice of the Advisory Committee constituted under subsection (2) of section 7 of the MSMED Act 2006. Together with Indian policymakers, FIRST India can work on a daily basis to create a conducive policy and ecosystem which will help remove, the biggest obstacles for online merchants to expand their business nationally as well as across-borders.

Photo Caption: Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, MoS , Ministry of MSME, addresses the audience on India SME Forum’s launch of ‘Start Exporting in 8 weeks’ program in Bangalore.