MAHE Manipal Signs MoU With MedisimVR To Advance VR-Based Skills Training In Medical Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 14 with MedisimVR, a pioneering company in Virtual Reality (VR) solutions for medical skills training.

The MoU marks a significant step forward in integrating immersive technologies into medical education.   The MAHE-MedisimVR will drive cutting-edge research in VR for healthcare and medical education, enable skill development, establish a VR skill lab in the campus, and foster innovation through various activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sharat K. Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor -Health Sciences reiterated that MAHE’s commitment to technological innovation in medical education and outlined its vision for the future of VR integration in curriculum and skill development.   Highlighting the initiative Dr. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE highlighted VR’s role in enhancing student engagement.

Providing context to the collaboration, Dr. Sambit Dash, a senior faculty at Department of Basic Medical Sciences -MAHE (DBMS-MAHE) highlighted the transformative potential of VR in enhancing the clinical skills and competency-based training.  Dr. Harish Kumar, Director -Corporate Relations at MAHE, elaborated MAHE’s expanding industry-academia collaborations, while Dr. Vimal Krishnan,  Head of Emergency Medicine at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, shared insights into the ongoing VR-related research initiatives at MAHE.

Dr. Adith Chinnaswamy, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of MedisimVR, presented an overview of the company’s VR capabilities and solutions, emphasizing their alignment with evolving educational needs.   

Senior faculty of DBMS-MAHE Dr. Ullas Kamath, Dr. Bincy George, Dr. Arvind Pandey, and Ms. Snigdha Mishra, who are part of the larger academic and research community driving innovation in Extended Reality at MAHE, were present on the occasion.

The formal signing of the MoU took place following the presentations, cementing a collaborative roadmap for research, development, and implementation of VR-based training modules in health sciences education.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Tata Tea Chakra Gold CARE Marked Tamil New Year With ‘Pudhu Aarambam’ — A Tech-Enabled Print Campaign

As Tamil Nadu came together to celebrate Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, with renewed hope and time-honoured rituals, Tata Tea Chakra Gold CARE joined in the spirit of the festival with a thoughtful and immersive campaign. Known for championing the Tamil way of showing care, the brand launched a unique initiative that blended culture, innovation, and emotional connection—reinforcing its deep-rooted bond with Tamil households.

At the heart of the campaign was a tech-enabled print innovation, rolled out in Chennai under the campaign title Pudhu Aarambam. The immersive newspaper ad featured a traditionally arranged Kani Thali—a ceremonial platter that Tamilians view first thing on Puthandu morning as a symbol of prosperity and positive beginnings. At its center lay a covered mirror, which holds deep significance in Tamil households. Traditionally, the mirror is placed alongside auspicious items like fruits, flowers, and gold—symbolizing self-reflection and hope for abundance in the new year. Through this innovation, readers were invited to scan a QR code that brought the mirror to life using webAR, revealing heartfelt customized Puthandu greetings in Tamil—a beautiful blend of heritage and technology.

Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Puneet Das, President – Packaged Beverages, India & South Asia, Tata Consumer Products, said, “Tamil Nadu has always been a priority market for us. With Puthandu being such a culturally significant festival, we wanted to celebrate it in a way that felt both meaningful and modern. This print experience allowed us to bring together innovation and tradition—just like our Tata Tea Chakra Gold CARE blend, which combines the goodness of five natural ingredients with the taste that Tamil Nadu loves.”

Kamala Venkateswaran, Sr. Vice President of .Monks, the agency that conceptualized the print innovation, added, “TCPL has always celebrated hyperlocal, and year after year, our challenge has been to find beautiful ways to connect with Tamil consumers while keeping the cultural truth intact. This year, we brought culture and technology together in a new experience. The idea was to bring a smile and happiness to your home when you woke up and had your tea with your newspaper. We hope everyone enjoyed the experience. Wishing all Puththaandu Nalvaazhththukkal!”

Tata Tea Chakra Gold CARE is a specially crafted tea that reflects the wisdom of Tamil home traditions. The blend includes Adhimadhuram, Elaichi, Ginger, Tulsi, and Brahmi—five time-tested ingredients that are part of everyday wellness practices in Tamil households. This Puthandu, the brand encouraged families to pause, reconnect, and celebrate their roots over a cup of tea that stands for care, wellness, and the Tamil way of life.

About Tata Consumer Products Limited

Tata Consumer Products Limited is a focused consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella. The Company’s portfolio of products includes tea, coffee, water, RTD, salt, pulses, spices, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, breakfast cereals, snacks and mini meals. Tata Consumer Products is the 2nd largest branded tea company in the world. Its key beverage brands include Tata Tea, Tetley, Organic India, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, Tata Copper+ and Tata Gluco+. Its foods portfolio includes brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Sampann, Tata Soulfull, Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones. In India, Tata Consumer Products has a reach of over 263 million households, giving it an unparalleled ability to leverage the Tata brand in consumer products. The Company has a consolidated annual turnover of ~Rs. 15,206 Crs with operations in India and International markets. For more information,  visit www.tataconsumer.com

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Enhances Education And Healthcare Infrastructure in Raichur Under Its CSR Program

Reinforcing its commitment to quality education and holistic community development, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has taken a significant step to empower communities in Raichur district, Karnataka. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, TKM has extended vital educational and healthcare infrastructure support to address persistent developmental challenges in Raichur, an Aspirational District identified by NITI Aayog.

Raichur continues to grapple with gaps in access to quality education and healthcare, largely due to limited infrastructure. To bridge these gaps, TKM has undertaken targeted initiatives to address the fundamental social needs, aimed at strengthening learning environments in government schools and improving maternal and child healthcare services—driving inclusive and long-term impact.

In the education sector, TKM has supported schools across the district with classroom furniture, water dispensers, and kitchen utilities to create more conducive and engaging learning spaces. These efforts have directly benefitted 66,342 students in Raichur this year, contributing to a cumulative impact of 2,63,373 students across various project locations to date.

On the healthcare front, TKM has significantly enhanced the capabilities of government hospitals by equipping the Mother & Child Center in Raichur with a wide range of critical and diagnostic medical equipment. This intervention is expected to provide the basic medical facilities in the district, thereby ensuring the facilities are accessible to the community. Enabling early detection and management of health issues, lower the risk of complicated pregnancies, and improve access to quality antenatal and postnatal care for thousands of families.

The medical support includes essential life-saving equipment such as defibrillators, ICU cots, syringe pumps, resuscitation kits, and surgical instrument sets. Diagnostic tools provided include a haematology analyser, USG scanner with Doppler and echo features, hormone analysers, ECG machines, and systems for screening auditory functions. General medical infrastructure has also been strengthened with additions like a stretcher trolley, OT trolleys, ILR, blood bag sealer, ALS ambulance, and a wheelchair.

These healthcare initiatives have benefitted over 18,000 community members in Raichur this year, taking the total cumulative health beneficiaries across project locations to 19,20,429 individuals—underscoring TKM’s ongoing dedication to building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President and Head State Affairs, stated, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe true progress goes beyond economic milestones—it lies in uplifting the communities we serve. Guided by our philosophy of ‘Growing Together,’ our CSR efforts focus on creating sustainable impact by addressing critical local needs. In Raichur, we’ve enhanced educational infrastructure by providing essential resources like furniture, clean drinking water, and kitchen utilities to support better learning environments. Simultaneously, we’ve strengthened maternal and child healthcare by equipping the Mother & Child Center with advanced diagnostic and life-saving medical equipment, ensuring timely and quality care. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to building ‘ever-better communities’ alongside ‘ever-better cars,’ creating meaningful change today and for the future.”

TKM’s commitment is guided by its core philosophy of “growing together,” reflecting its broader vision of not only manufacturing “ever-better cars” but also fostering “ever-better communities.” With this dual focus, the company aims to drive inclusive growth and contribute to the well-being and “Happier paths Together”.

GITAM University, Bengaluru, Welcomes Sirena Technologies – Launches Robotics & AI Centre Of Excellence

GITAM (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, marked a major milestone today with the inauguration of its Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence and the launch of a state-of-the-art R&D Centre by Sirena Technologies—the first corporate partner to be embedded within the campus. This pioneering collaboration sets the stage for impactful industry-academia partnerships, positioning GITAM as a leading force in research, innovation, and future-ready education.

The inauguration was graced by Sri Savyasachi K. Srinivas, Vice President of Engineering at Collins Aerospace, who served as the Chief Guest. Applauding GITAM's vision, he stated, “India’s engineering talent needs platforms like GITAM to grow from academic learners to real-world innovators. Such Centres of Excellence will be the catalysts for future aerospace and AI breakthroughs.”

The inauguration ceremony also included remarks by Dr. Errol D’Souza, Vice Chancellor of GITAM University, “Our collaboration with Sirena Technologies reflects GITAM’s commitment to applied, interdisciplinary learning. Together, we’re creating an ecosystem where students engage with real-world innovation and are empowered to lead in emerging industries.” 

Prof. KNS Acharya, Pro Vice Chancellor, expressed his immense delight, stating, “It is a proud moment for us to welcome Sirena Technologies as our first corporate collaborator on the Bengaluru campus. This is just the beginning of many such partnerships to come.”

Launched last year, GITAM’s Robotics & AI programme has already garnered attention for its forward-thinking, interdisciplinary curriculum. The newly inaugurated Centre of Excellence features advanced laboratories designed to support hands-on learning from the first year through to the final semester.

With the global robotics and AI market projected to exceed $500 billion by 2030, driven by applications in aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and smart infrastructure, GITAM’s strategic investments align with emerging industry demands and aim to produce highly employable, industry-ready graduates.

Prof. Basavaraj K, Associate Dean - Core Engineering and Director of GITAM School of Technology, Bengaluru, remarked, “We are thrilled to see core engineering regaining momentum. The integration of AI and robotics with foundational engineering has opened new frontiers for our students.”

The event concluded with an expert session on aerospace innovations by Collins Aerospace, followed by internship offer distributions and lab visits. With the inauguration of this R&D Centre, GITAM University once again affirms its role as a frontrunner in future-forward education.

Mahindra Lifespaces Launches Mahindra NewHaven Next To Successful Mahindra Zen, Bengaluru

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, has announced the launch of Mahindra NewHaven, an IGBC-certified Net Zero Energy & Waste project. The development features 70% open spaces, with bespoke 3, 3.5, and 4 BHK residences and is purposefully designed to elevate modern living with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. This project is located adjacent to the already successful Mahindra Zen on Hosur road in South Bengaluru. 

Vimalendra Singh, Chief Business Officer (Residential), Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited, said, “Bengaluru continues to be a key market for Mahindra Lifespaces, with our projects consistently receiving strong responses. Following the success of Mahindra Eden and Mahindra Zen, both of which are almost sold out, we are excited to announce the launch of Mahindra NewHaven, our fourth premium development in South Bengaluru, designed to meet the city’s evolving lifestyle aspirations.”

The project’s architectural design emphasizes natural harmony, featuring spacious homes with excellent cross-ventilation, abundant natural sunlight, and wide, expansive decks. The residences are designed to provide a serene living experience.

Mahindra NewHaven also features premium lifestyle amenities, including a 10,400 sq. ft. clubhouse with an infinity pool. Located just 1 km from Singasandra metro station and near Electronic City, the project offers excellent connectivity to IT hubs, business parks, and a thriving social infrastructure. Residents will benefit from easy access to top educational institutions, shopping centers, supermarkets, entertainment venues, and dining options, making it a truly comprehensive lifestyle destination.

About Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (“MLDL”) is a pan-India real estate developer. It operates its business through two verticals, namely, (i) residential projects, under the ‘Mahindra Lifespaces’ and ‘Mahindra Happinest’ brands (“Residential”); and (ii) integrated cities and industrial clusters under the ‘Mahindra World City’ and ‘Origins by Mahindra’ brands, respectively (“IC&IC”).

MLDL has also been delivering green-certified homes by Indian Green Building Council (“IGBC”), embedding sustainability as a core principle across all its developments. MLDL projects integrate energy-efficient designs, environmentally responsible materials, and resource optimization measures to reduce carbon impact. Reinforcing this commitment, MLDL has launched three Net Zero projects, namely, Mahindra Eden, Mahindra Vista and Mahindra Zen.Learn more about Mahindra Lifespaces® at www.mahindralifespaces.com

About Mahindra

Mahindra Group, has a global presence across diverse business verticals, including automotive, farm equipment, technology, financial services, real estate, hospitality, logistics, renewable energy, and aerospace and defense. Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com / Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise/ For updates subscribe to https://www.mahindra.com/news-room

KIMS Becomes First In India To Implement Groundbreaking Remote Surgical Training Solution In Collaboration With Medtronic

KIMS Group of Hospitals, a premier multi-specialty hospital network in South India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology to upskill young and budding surgeons on advanced surgical procedures. This partnership aims to train over 100 surgeons across KIMS hospitals in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, strengthening surgical expertise in specialties such as General Surgery, Oncology, Urology-Gynaecology, and Endoscopy. This facility will also be extended to its upcoming facilities in Thane, Mumbai and Bangalore. Under this initiative, physicians will gain access to a uniquely designed remote technology solution that facilitates real-time, interactive communication between surgeons, educators, and remote experts. This cutting-edge solution ensures high quality surgical collaboration, enabling seamless learning and training opportunities regardless of location.  The structured upskilling programs will encompass a mix of didactic sessions, hands-on experience, and observership, ensuring a holistic learning experience tailored to the specific needs of surgeons. Esteemed faculties from KIMS Group of Hospitals have been identified to conduct specialized educational workshops covering various surgical interventions.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mandeep Singh Kumar, Managing Director and Vice President of Medtronic India stated, “This partnership is a step forward in addressing critical healthcare challenges in India, where the need for skilled clinicians is paramount. Leveraging clinical expertise from KIMS Hospital and innovative training pedagogy from Medtronic, we seek to bridge gaps in surgical proficiency while enhancing patient outcomes through tailored programs. These initiatives are designed not only to refine procedural skills but also to foster a deeper understanding of value-based healthcare principles, ensuring clinicians are equipped to meet the highest standards of care.”

Dr. Bhaskar Rao Bollineni, Founder & Chairman, KIMS Group of Hospitals commented, “At KIMS, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of surgical talent by integrating technology-driven learning with clinical excellence. Our collaboration with Medtronic marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to create a robust ecosystem for surgical education. By harnessing remote training solutions and specialized modules, we aim to empower young surgeons with the skills, confidence, and global best practices needed to deliver superior patient care. This initiative aligns with our vision of advancing healthcare through continuous learning, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Medical education in India is continuously evolving, driven by changing medical guidelines and the increasing demand for structured training programs for young surgeons. Establishing meaningful partnerships for ongoing learning has become essential. Leveraging advanced technologies in a safe and controlled environment allows surgeons to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and refine their techniques with greater efficiency ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and better healthcare delivery. With this initiative, KIMS Group of hospitals and Medtronic have joined hands to build clinical capabilities and expand access to high-quality healthcare ensuring better outcomes for the patient.

About KIMS Group of Hospitals

KIMS Hospitals is one of the largest corporate healthcare groups in India with hospitals in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala providing multi-disciplinary integrated healthcare services, with a focus on tertiary and quaternary healthcare at an affordable cost. Our network of 18 hospitals and over 5500 beds is spread across Telangana (Secunderabad, Kondapur, Gachibowli, and Begumpet), Andhra Pradesh (Nellore, Rajahmundry, Srikakulam, Ongole, Vizag - 2 units, Anantapur, Guntur and Kurnool), Maharashtra (Nagpur, Nashik and Sangli) and Kerala (Kannur and Kollam). Our new units, under construction, include 2 hospitals in Bangalore and one in Mumbai.  We offer a bouquet of comprehensive healthcare services across 25 specialties including cardiac sciences, oncology, neurosciences, gastric sciences, orthopaedics, organ transplantation, renal sciences, and mother & child care.

This World Art Day, Hyundai Motor India Champions Artists As Changemakers

·         With INR 1.65 crore awarded across four seasons, ‘Hyundai Art for hope’ has supported over 150 artists and collectives, impacting 25,000+ artists nationwide

·         Bengaluru-based artists redefine inclusion with ISL-inspired visual art, trans-led installations, Yakshagana theatre, and neurodiverse digital storytelling.

Every year on April 15 the global community celebrates World Art Day, a moment to pause and reflect on the transformative and healing powers of art - as a mirror to society and a torch for progress. This UNESCO-led initiative was launched in 2019 to mark the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci - a symbol of artistic brilliance and interdisciplinary thinking.

This annual celebration consistently highlights values that form the core of Hyundai Motor India Foundation's (HMIF’s) flagship initiative ‘Hyundai Art for hope’. Inspired by Hyundai’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, the initiative has championed artists as changemakers - voices that amplify endangered traditions, question norms, and reimagine inclusion. Since its inception in 2021, ‘Hyundai Art for hope’ has become a movement, touching the lives of over 25,000 artists and awarding INR 1.65 crore in grants across four seasons. On World Art Day 2025, Hyundai reaffirms its commitment to art as a force for sustainability, echoing UNESCO’s call to harness creativity for planetary and societal well-being.

The fourth season of ‘Hyundai Art for hope’ was a vibrant celebration of India’s artistic diversity. With INR 60 lakh awarded to 50 grantees - including 40 individual artists (5 with disabilities) and 10 collectives - the event showcased art as a tool for social change. Interactive workshops, roundtables on Art from Waste, and tactile exhibits for visually impaired visitors underscored Hyundai’s commitment to accessibility. The three-day festival wasn’t just an exhibition - it was a dialogue, a call to action, and a celebration of art’s power to unite.

Regional Spotlight: Artists Weaving Change Across India

Bengaluru: Breaking Barriers with Neurodiverse Art

In the bustling tech capital, five grantees redefined what inclusion and transformation look like. Alim Chandani, a deaf artist, bridged gestures and Indian Sign Language in Beyond Signs, while Gayatri Gupta (Down syndrome) dazzled with digital art (Busting Boundaries). The Aravani Art Project celebrated transgender identities through nature-inspired installations, and Yakshadeevige used Yakshagana theatre to advocate water conservation in drought-prone Tumkur.

From Delhi’s urban canvases to Karnataka’s neurodiverse ateliers, each artist’s story is a brushstroke in a larger portrait of resilience and renewal. This World Art Day, as global conversations centre around art’s role in shaping society, ‘Hyundai Art for hope’ stands tall - not as a corporate social responsibility checkbox, but as a cultural commitment.