Room to Read Children's Literature Awards (CLA)-USAID awards open up opportunities for Children's Literature creators

Awards for Literature for children and Picture Books for Children were the two broad categories  presented this year by Celebrated author Gurcharan Das at the inaugural edition of Children's Literature awards held in Delhi.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Room to Read India successfully concluded the first edition of its Children's Literature Awards, a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the dearth of age-appropriate children's literature, particularly in vernacular languages. The Awards, supported by the USAID under the Scaling-Up Early Reading Intervention(SERI) Project, underscore the critical need for quality children's literature in India.

The Room to Read Children's Literature Awards (CLA) were conceived as a response to the shortage of quality children's literature in India, especially in vernacular  languages. Committed to recognizing and promoting high-quality children's literature, CLA seeks to create awareness and evolve a culture of reading through collaborations with like-minded organizations.

The awards serve as a platform to acknowledge and provide new opportunities to book creators while offering high-quality books to children nationwide. In its inaugural year, the awards focused on literature published in the Hindi language and intends to expand to other Indian languages and Room to Read presence countries in the upcoming editions.

This year, the awards were presented under two broad categories, Teacher-Librarian’s Choice Award (where teachers and librarians voted for the best books for ages three to eight and eight to twelve) and Picture Book Creator Award (where Young Picture Book Authors, illustrators and publishers were awarded for their books for ages three to eight and eight to twelve). Celebrated Author and Management Guru, Gurcharan Das, was the Guest of Honour for the day and felicitated the winners.

Speaking on the occasion Mark Tegenfeldt, Director, General Development Office, USAID/India, emphasized, "Promoting children's literature in vernacular languages is essential for building a strong foundation in literacy. The Children’s Literature Awards serve as a platform to spotlight the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity in children's books, promoting relatable literature in India. USAID is proud to partner with Room to Read India on this novel initiative that is set to benefit children across India."

Poornima Garg, Country Director, Room to Read India, stated, "By instituting the Childrens’ Literature Awards, Room to Read India and the USAID aim to establish a foundation to encourage budding writers, illustrators, and publishers to bring creativity and magic to

children's lives. Through such initiatives, we will continue our efforts to contribute towards the national policies in India’s literacy landscape, advancing the realization of the SDG4."

 

The event featured a comprehensive panel discussion on "Gaps in Original Indian Language Children's Literature and Lack of Book Creators," where literature experts shared insights on the critical issues.

A pivotal moment of the event was the unveiling of the report titled "Bringing Children’s Literature to Classrooms," to support dissemination of learning from the Scaling-up Early Reading Intervention (SERI) project.

 

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the U.S. Government’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID works to help lift lives, build communities, and advance democracy. USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity; demonstrates American generosity; and helps countries progress along their development journey. In India, USAID is collaborating with the country’s growing human and financial resources through partnerships that catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship to solve critical local and global development challenges. To learn more, visit www.usaid.gov/india

Room to Read India was established in 2003 and presently has programs in 11 states – Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi NCR, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.

Room to Read is a global organization transforming the lives of millions of children by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, our innovative model focuses on deep, systemic transformation within schools during two time periods that are most critical in a child’s schooling: early primary school for literacy acquisition and secondary school for girls’ education.

Advanced training facilities on Fire Safety by GD Goenka University's C-OHSFE

The Centre for Excellence in Occupational Health, Safety, Fire & Environment (C-OHSFE) facility that is dedicated to promoting the study of occupational health & safety and risk engineering was inaugurated by the Hon. Minister Anurag Singh Thakur while he visited the GD Goenka University  in Gurugram, Delhi as Chief Guest for their 9th Convocation Ceremony. 

Key dignitaries and stakeholders from the education and industry sectors attended the inaugural event, witnessing the unveiling of the advanced infrastructure and facilities at C-OHSFE. 

In light of the recently released India Risk Survey report, revealing fire outbreaks as the third most significant risk to businesses and human lives in the country, the University underscored commitment to addressing these concerns through the newly inaugurated Centre for Excellence in Occupational Health, Safety, Fire & Environment (C-OHSFE). The university recognizes the gravity of the situation and affirms its commitment to producing industry-ready professionals who can contribute to enhancing fire safety measures in India. The establishment of C-OHSFE with its advanced infrastructure and hands-on training facilities aligns with the urgent call for a new perspective on fire safety. 

 

"The launch of the Centre for Excellence in Occupational Health, Safety, Fire & Environment marks a significant milestone for GD Goenka University. We believe in fostering educational excellence and providing our students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers. This centre reflects our dedication to producing industry-ready professionals in the critical fields of occupational health & safety, environment and risk management," Nipun Goenka, Managing Director of GD Goenka Group, shared his thoughts further elaborating the main features of C-OHSFE: 

Aircraft Model: The facility is equipped with a Crash Fire Tender(CFT) for fire fighting purposes during aircraft landings that minimizes the risk of fire. 

Vertical Oil Storage Tank: A Vertical Oil Storage Tank with a foam pourer system has been installed in the fire drill ground, addressing fire risks in industries with various types of tanks. 

Confined Space Entry Model: Ensuring worker safety in confined spacesis prioritized with the installation of a model for confined space entry and rescue training. 

Smoke House: A dedicated Smoke Houses emulates real-life scenarios during building fires, providing realistic training for rescue operations in environments with smoke, fumes and vapors. 

Different Categories of Fire Trays: Live demonstrations at the fire drill ground showcase various fire types, guiding students on the proper use of fire extinguishers for different classes of fires. 

Fire Lab: The state-of-the-art Fire Lab features a variety of fire fighting equipment, fire suits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), fire detectors, hydrant accessories, and fire extinguishers for hands-on demonstrations. 

Industrial Hygiene Lab: The lab is equipped with advanced monitoring tools, including Combo PM 10 and PM 2.5 samplers, Handy Sampler for air monitoring, Sound level meter, Benzene sampler, Multi- gas analyzer, Stack Sampler, and Weather Monitoring equipment for practical applications. 

Graduates from C-OHSFE will benefit from practical-oriented education and be well-prepared for careers in diverse industries. The centre offers diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degreeprograms. 

 

The Savvy Traveler's Playbook for Securing the Finest Private Jets in India to elevate your journey

Booking the best private jets in India reveals a nuanced tapestry of comfort, flexibility, and indulgence for those seeking unmatched travel experiences. With an emphasis on the luxury, comfort, and flexibility of private jets, here is a comprehensive guide for reserving the greatest private jets in India. 

Identify Your Needs: Make a detailed list of your trip needs before stepping foot in the realm of private jet reservations. Take into account variables such as the frequently traveled destinations, typical number of passengers, flight length, preferred cabin layout and size,  and frequency of trips. You can customize your private jet experience to meet your unique demands by taking this first step to be clear on your typical travel needs and preferences.

Look Up Reputable Service Companies: Spend some time investigating and locating reliable companies that offer private jet services. Seek out businesses that have a track record of success, satisfied clients, are fully regulated and compliant with DGCA regulations, and offer an aircraft fleet that is modern and well-maintained. Selecting a private jet service with a reputation for safety, dependability,, and quality of service is wise because not all of them are made equal.

Think About Membership Programmes: Investigate the membership plans that some private jet firms provide. Members of these programmes frequently receive special advantages including priority reservations, preferential pricing, flexibility and access to a larger fleet. Examine the numerous membership options and discuss them carefully with the company’s sales team in order to select the one that best suits your travel preferences.

Evaluate your aircraft options: There are several sizes and configurations of private aircraft from smaller turboprops or light jets, to large long range jets. To choose the airplane that best meets your demands, compare the many options and match them carefully to your typical travel needs. This can be complex, so use the services of an expert advisor to help with this step. Think about things like cabin size, number of seats, range, and amenities. Selecting the ideal aircraft guarantees a relaxing and delightful flight.

Recognise Pricing Structures: The cost of a private jet can vary widely according to the type of aircraft selected, the distance traveled, and extra services required. Make sure pricing is transparent and ask prospective service providers for precise quotes. A thorough explanation of the costs should be requested, and you should be aware of any potential hidden fees such as fuel surcharges, and variable costs.

Verify Safety Records and Laws: When it comes to flying, safety comes first. Make sure prospective private jet operators are fully licensed as a Non-Scheduled operator (NSOP) by the DGCA. You can also check their reputation and safety record by talking to an expert aviation advisor. Always seek out businesses who uphold the strictest safety regulations and place a high priority on comprehensive maintenance inspections.

The key is flexibility: Flexibility is one of private jet travel's main benefits. In contrast to scheduled airlines the private aviation sector is ‘on-demand’ so flexibility is the core benefit. Select a service provider that lets you alter the locations and departure timings on your trip schedule as needed. After all your plans can change, and this adaptability makes sure that your time on the private jet fits in perfectly with your itinerary.

Personalized Services: Look for private jet operators that provide individualized inflight service and care. Excellent private jet experiences extend beyond the trip itself, and may include ground connections, unique service requests, accommodating children or pets, customized catering, or particular cabin arrangements. The flexibility to customize the trip to your tastes adds even more luxury.

Examine Customer Testimonials: Read customer testimonials and reviews to learn about other people's experiences using the private jet service company. This first-hand account can yield important insights regarding the caliber of service, dependability, and general satisfaction.

Make a Plan: Planning ahead is frequently necessary to reserve the greatest private jet experience. Demand for private aircraft can be very strong, particularly during the busiest travel times. Make sure you reserve your aircraft as far in advance as possible during peak travel times to guarantee availability and the best aircraft for your trip needs.

You may hire a private jet with confidence if you use these pointers, which will guarantee that your trip is not just smooth but also customized to your particular tastes and needs.

(with inputs from Jet Set Go)

MSMEs boost country's overall economic growth with inclusive development

A unique strategic partnership is formed to educate Small Businesses on Government Schemes and Promote Digital Credit across the Country that aims to empower India's Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME).

U GRO Capital, a leading DataTech NBFC focused on MSME lending, and Laghu Udyog Bharati, an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting micro-enterprises, today launched a transformative awareness campaign designed to empower India's micro-enterprises with knowledge about government schemes, digital credit, and strategies for success in today's ever-evolving business landscape.

India's MSMEs have long been the backbone of the country's economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, industrial production, and overall economic growth. The importance of MSMEs cannot be overstated, as they account for a substantial portion of India's GDP and play a crucial role in poverty reduction and inclusive development. However, for these businesses to thrive, access to credit and financial resources is paramount. This collaboration is set to bring a positive and transformative impact on micro-enterprises in India, promoting their growth and success.

Under this partnership, U GRO Capital, along with Laghu Udyog Bharati, will host a series of seminars, workshops, and events in over 100 micro markets across India. These events are aimed at educating and empowering the network of small businesses empanelled with Laghu Udyog Bharati. U GRO Capital, known for its innovative financial products and proprietary underwriting model, GRO Score 3.0, is well-equipped to support cashflow-based lending to MSMEs. This approach offers an effective means of extending credit to micro-enterprises, aiding them in their growth journey.

Om Prakash Gupta, All India General Secretary, Laghu Udyog Bharati, said, “Laghu Udyog Bharati has always been committed to supporting and promoting micro-enterprises in India – from enhancing gainful employment to their sustained growth. Our collaboration with U GRO Capital aligns perfectly with our mission and vision of helping MSMEs achieve their potential. We believe that providing education and awareness about government schemes and digital credit will be a game-changer for small businesses in India.”

Shachindra Nath, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of U GRO Capital, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, saying, “At U GRO Capital, our mission is to address the credit needs of over 1 million small businesses in India over the next three years. We believe that empowering MSMEs with knowledge about government schemes and digital credit solutions is essential for their growth and success. As part of our ongoing expansion efforts, we are set to establish a presence across 175 locations by the end of this fiscal. We believe that India’s MSME require education regarding the benefit of being part of formal economy and adoption of digitisation. This partnership with Laghu Udyog Bharati will be instrumental in helping us reach, educate, and empower the MSMEs, providing them inputs which enables them ready to embrace credit solutions. We view this collaboration as a significant step toward realizing our mission.”

Laghu Udyog Bharati, since 1994, being the largest MSME association of the country, with presence in 22 states, 550 Districts and 45000 Members, has been key in bring out Financial Environment for Micro & Small Enterprises at the National Capital with Government of India.

Laghu Udyog Bharati, in line with G20 Financial Inclusion Mission, is desirous of fulfilling the huge needs of growing economic demand for Micro and Small Enterprises.  Laghu Udyog Bharati has engaged, as part of its Financial Outreach for Micro & Small Enterprises, with UGRO Capital, to extend Capital Support in 100 Locations of 22 states to Micro & Small Enterprises.

Conference on Global Dialogue on Harassment and Discrimination by Women Inspiring Network & ANVAY

Women Inspiring Network (WIN), a distinguished advocate for women's empowerment and equality has partnered with ANVAY, a global platform dedicated to addressing the pervasive issues of harassment and discrimination. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it coincides with the commemoration of a decade of the implementation of the POSH law.  

 

The central theme of the conference Global Dialogue on Harassment and Discrimination revolves around the vital issues of harassment and discrimination. With 14 panel topics addressing specific sub-topics such as women's safety, child safety, the well-being of young adults, and the role of universities, the event promises to provide a comprehensive exploration of these crucial subjects. 

  

The ANVAY Global Dialogue, a two-day conference and dream project culminating on the 10th anniversary of the POSH law, will bring together expert contemporaries and voices from prestigious institutions and organizations worldwide. Representatives from the United Nations, UNICEF, National Commission for Women (NCW), Harvard University, various ministries, judiciary, and professionals from diverse backgrounds in India and abroad will convene to engage in critical conversations. 

“WIN is honoured to be a media partner for the ANVAY Global Dialogue contributing to this impactful initiative. This partnership is a testament to WIN's steadfast commitment to advancing women's rights and fostering a world free from discrimination.” said Stuti Jalan, Founder of Women Inspiring Network. 

ANVAY's global reach will be further exemplified by Video Insights from experts spanning the globe, representing countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Kenya, Indonesia, the USA, the UK, and Australia. This inclusive approach underscores the universality of the issues at hand and emphasizes the necessity for a collaborative international effort to effect meaningful change. 

"This dialogue is one with a cause and for a cause," stated Divya, Chief Quality Officer (Social Media), The Legal Swan "Our primary objective is to create awareness around 'taboo' topics, fostering an environment conducive to open and honest discussions about harassment and discrimination." 

There will be speakers from different areas of works who will share their distinguished opinions on thought-provoking panels.  A few of the speaker names are listed below:  

Rachel DiBella- Associate Director, Strategic Prevention Initiatives, Office for Gender Equity, Harvard University  

Arvind Rao- Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Legal Counsel – Constitution, Disability Rights & Accessibility  

Nina Jane Patel- Co-Founder, Kabuni, United Kingdom  

Ju’Riese Colόn- Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Centre for SafeSport  

Priyanka Chirimar- Founder at Action Against Prohibited Conduct, United Kingdon  

Eleanor Manley- Co-Founder at Metta Space (Techstars '23), Spain 

Bradley Poynting- Child Safeguarding & Child Protection Consultant, Poynting Consulting & Advisory and Australian Red Cross  

Matt Skallerud- LGBTQ+ Marketing, Advertising, PR & Social Media, World's Leading LGBTQ+ Global Media Company, United States 

Kate Jenkins AO- Chair, Creative Workplaces Council, Former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission 

Sujata Nabar- DGM - Ethics & Governance, Mahindra Group 

Dr. Charlene Doak-Gebauer- Founder/Chair Internet Sense First, Founder and Chair the AICET Council, Global Chair Childcare and Protection, G100 

Luiza Drummond Veado- Human Rights and Gender Specialist, SOGIESC Expert, New York, United States 

Date: 08th & 09th December 2023 | Time: 10AM IST to 6PM IST 

Location: Virtual conference | Registration Link: https://www.anvayglobal.com/register/  

For further information about the ANVAY Global Dialogue, including registration details and a complete list of distinguished speakers, please visit https://www.anvayglobal.com/ 

A mesmerizing account of the debate between right and wrong -The Bhagavad Gita translated by Bibek Debroy

A mesmerizing account of the debate between right and wrong, The Bhagavad Gita tr. by Bibek Debroy is a mesmerizing account of the debate between right and wrong. 

This beautiful edition of The Bhagavad Gita is a masterful verse-for-verse translation, providing the original Sanskrit verses alongside the English rendition. Penguin set to release a special bilingual edition of the foundational text on Dharma and Hindu Philosophy

About the book

As a spiritual guide, the Bhagavad Gita is a mesmerizing account of the debate between right and wrong, and the bond between action and consequence. One of the core Hindu scriptures, it is part of the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, and unfolds in the form of a dialogue between Krishna and the Pandava prince, Arjuna.

Bibek Debroy's deep familiarity with the text yields a treasure trove of insights that will delight the scholar and the lay reader alike, making this essential reading for anyone with an abiding interest in Indian scriptures.  

About the translator

Bibek Debroy is a renowned economist, scholar and translator. He has worked in universities, research institutes, industry and for the government. He has widely published books, papers and articles on economics. As a translator, he is best known for his rendition of the Mahabharata in ten volumes, the Bhagavad Gita, the Harivamsha, and the Valmiki Ramayana in three volumes, published to wide acclaim by Penguin Classics. He is also the author of Sarama and Her Children, which combines his interest in Hinduism with his love for dogs. 

Unique Halloween Carnival across India that brings together pet and pet lovers for a spooky evening

Keeping up with the festive season, Zigly organised it’s third Halloween Carnival bringing joy and laughter to pets and their loving parents. Assuring a frightful and entertaining event to remember, Zigly's experience centres were all decked out for Halloween on October 29th. The event was full of surprises and delights, with excited pet parents dressing up their furry companions in eerie but charming costumes and enjoying the Halloween atmosphere at Zigly Halloween carnival organised at experience centres in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Indore, Dehradun, Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Lucknow.

The Halloween Carnival was hosted across experience centres in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Indore, Dehradun, Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Lucknow. With more than 500 visitors, the event featured a variety of activities, including a costume contest, fun games and a trick-or-treat trail. The day’s highlight was the Pet-Parent Masquerade, which delighted paw-parents who loved showcasing their creativity and style. The costume contest turned out to be a delightful duel of style, cuteness, and spookiness, with users submitting photos of themselves dressed up in their best Halloween costumes. To keep up with the excitement, prizes were awarded to the most creative pet parents showing the Halloween spirit. Total of 25 Halloween Carnival winners received certificates and gift vouchers.

Speaking at the launch of Halloween celebrations, Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First said, “As a pet care brand, we are always looking for ways to make pets' lives easier and healthier while providing a quality pet parenting experience. Our Halloween carnival is a fun way to celebrate the spooky season while staying true to our mission of creating a happy place for pets. We are excited to offer a variety of specially crafted on-ground activities that will provide a thrilling experience for our furry companions and pet lovers alike.”

From spooky-themed decor to fun selfies with paw babies at the photo booth, horror movie-inspired games, and more, pet parents had the chance to capture the charm of the day with special photo booths and decorations designed for them and their furry companions.