Baryl Vanneihsangi speaks out on challenges of being first time MLA in Indian politics

Baryl Vanneihsangi, the youngest first-time woman legislator in Mizoram is a journalist who rose to become Mizoram's youngest MLA, sheds light on the challenges and pressure of being a first-time legislator and a woman in Indian politics on Day 2 of India Today Conclave 2024 held in Dalhi. 

Mizoram's Baryl Vanneihsangi, who has etched history as the youngest MLA in the northeastern state, shed light on her inclination to serve the community and her motivation to stay relevant in the political arena. She admitted to having been born and brought up in a patriarchal society and the challenges she faces as a woman legislator.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2024, Baryl Vanneihsangi spoke about her decision to plunge into Mizoram politics and her life before that.

"Prior to plunging into state politics, I had the privilege to serve the community as a media person for seven to eight years. It was a fulfilling experience. The reason I say fulfilling is that many of the viewers might think that entertainment is something that just amuses you, or you have fun with and, later on, waste your time. But to me, entertainment imparts education, knowledge and information," she said.

On her inclination to serve people through politics, Baryl Vanneihsangi said, "Life of the people that I was serving through television, so I became interested in pursuing politics as it allows you to truly work for people and with people. The mission perfectly matched my passion."

Baryl Vanneihsangi, 32, not only became the youngest MLA in Mizoram but also stands as the first woman to take charge of an Assembly session in the state's history. Her journey to the historic milestone began with her victory in the December 2023 election, where she triumphed in the Aizawl South-III constituency under the banner of the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), securing victory by a margin of 1,414 votes.

Beyond her political milestones, Baryl Vanneihsangi's influence extends to the digital realm, boasting a considerable following of over 252k on Instagram.

On having been inducted as the youngest MLA in Mizoram and the two months since she assumed the office and her expectations, she said, "I have pressure on my shoulders, the seniors, veterans sometimes tell me what to do and what not to about the approach, and I'm always in dilemma. But later, I follow my heart and hear the voices inside my head, and look back at the reasons why I entered politics. Let's see now for the next five years (as an MLA)."

ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND GENDER INCLUSIVITY

Speaking about the Women's Reservation Bill and politics in India, she said, "Born and brought up in a patriarchal society, I did have a lot of obstacles even during the campaign, not only as an MLA but even as a corporator (in the civic body), which was my previous profession. But those disadvantages can always turn into advantages of mine. But why do I bother? Why not utilise it as a stepping stone to climb the higher ladder?

"When you're optimistic, you can overcome anything. Everyone asked me about women's reservations, but you should not seek a reservation just because you are a woman," she opined. 

Jayalakshmi, an electrical engineer from Thrissur is the 1st Runner up in Mrs Keralam Gold Category

Jayalakshmi crowned at the 1st Runner up in the Mrs Keralam Gold Category

Among several married women from diverse backgrounds showcased their talents and shared their stories at the The Crown of Glory beauty pageant held at Kochi.

Jayalakshmi, an electrical engineer, working in the IT sector at Bangalore for the past 25 years, won the first runner-up in the Gold Category at the GNG Mrs Keralam – The Crown of Glory beauty pageant held at Kochi.

The beauty pageant was organised to celebrate the spirit and essence of married women across Kerala. It is a platform which provides a unique and empowering opportunity for married women to embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-confidence, and self-expression.

Jayalakshi, was born in an ordinary family in Kollam district, is the daughter of late Madhusudan and mother Ratnamma. Jayalakshmi, born in a family with no artistic tradition, always excelled in studies.

Jayalakshmi said that her desire to do things outside her comfort zone, while juggling with family and work, prompted her to participate in this race at the age of 48. The constant encouragement of her husband Divakaran (Ullampuzha Mana), working in the IT sector, children Ashwin (engineering student) and Aparna (ninth standard student), had always inspired to start trying new fields. Through this success, Jayalakshmi intends to give a message to married women to believe in their own abilities and follow their dreams.

The beauty pageant is being organised to create a National and Global platform for all the aspiring women in Kerala. This is a space where married women from diverse backgrounds can unite to showcase their multifaceted talents, share their stories, and inspire others. Mrs. Keralam Pageant is a stepping stone for married women to break barriers, redefine beauty standards, and embrace individuality.

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Inspiring stories of embracing adversities, brave conversations, navigating difficulties at TEDx FIIB conference

Dr. Gunwant Singh Mongia of Mongia Steel Limited shared his vision for disrupting the not-for-profit business space, Chitra Zutshi - "The Girl on Wheels," shared her inspiring story of overcoming challenges in a paraplegic condition at the TEDx conference that was organized by Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), New Delhi, 

Themed "Brave Conversations: Navigating Difficult Dialogues," the day-long conference featured engaging talks from diverse speakers, including eminent personalities, faculty, and students, captivating the audience with their insights and experiences in the 5th edition of TEDxFIIB in the Ishwar Dayal Auditorium.

 

The latest installment of TEDx FIIB, 'Brave Conversations: Navigating Difficulties,' decoded the secrets to confronting challenges, embracing the unknown, and finding the courage to move forward, even when the path seems daunting.

The panel of distinguished speakers at the TEDxFIIB event included Dr. Gunwant Singh Mongia, Chairman and MD of Mongia Steel Limited, who captivated the audience with his vision for disrupting the not-for-profit business space. He emphasized the importance of community development alongside business growth, showcasing a well-researched plan that could revolutionize nonprofit practices in India and beyond.

 

Biswajeet Jha, a Social Worker, Social Entrepreneur, and Author, then took the audience on a journey of self-discovery and service. Leaving behind a corporate career, Jha's initiatives, including free schools and football academies for underprivileged children in West Bengal, showcased the power of dedication and compassion in creating meaningful change. The stage was then graced by Pukhraj Joneja, CEO of Udaan India, who embodied servant leadership and commitment to excellence. With credentials from prestigious institutions, Joneja emphasized the importance of holistic growth and personal development in achieving success.

Chitra Zutshi, known as "The Girl on Wheels," shared her inspiring story of overcoming challenges in a paraplegic condition. Her resilience and determination, evident in accomplishments such as completing a 10K Marathon and being a finalist for Harley Davidson's World's Best Job contest, inspired the audience to embrace adversity and strive for greatness.

Dr. Ehteshaam Waquarib, an IPS Officer from the Jharkhand Cadre, then shed light on his impactful work in combating naxalism and human trafficking. His dedication to public service and tireless efforts in upholding justice left a lasting impression on the audience. Niraj Gera, a Social Activist and Founder Chairman of Humanify Foundation, brought attention to menstruation stigma through his powerful photo series, "Sacred Stains." His advocacy for women's rights and empowerment sparked intellectual conversations on gender equality and social justice.

The event also featured collaborative efforts by Nirupama Subramanian and S. Venkatesh, who discussed strategies for empowering marginalized communities. Through their insightful dialogue, they highlighted the importance of unity and solidarity in creating positive change. Pritiman Sarkar, Senior Vice President at SBICard, an alumnus of FIIB, shared his challenging journey during the COVID era, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing connections over conventional necessities.

Among others who took the center stage were Iytha Mallikarjuna, a Social Entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of IDEA, who highlighted the importance of inclusivity and empowerment in entrepreneurship, Dr. Sakshi Kathuria, Assistant Professor at FIIB, who advocated for breaking the silence on issues like dowry and empowering women. Her brave conversations inspired the audience to stand up for themselves and pave the way for positive change. Anoushika Verma, a PGDM student at FIIB, shared her transformative experiences from an introverted individual to a confident scholar and emphasized the importance of honest communication through journal writing. Her insights resonated with many, sparking conversations on self-acceptance and understanding.

As the event concluded, the auditorium was brimming with energy and excitement, and attendees were left inspired and motivated to embark on their own journeys of change and empowerment. The insightful talks, coupled with the captivating aura of the event and the active engagement of the audience, created a powerful platform for futuristic thinking and the exchange of ideas. 

Breakthrough on this International Women’s Day, a new benchmark of 55% Female Workforce at Eveready's Maddur Plant

55 % women workforce at Eveready's Maddur Plant

Women empowerment, that is the theme among the corporate houses in India and with the mission of fostering inclusive work environment, Eveready Industries India Limited achieved a landmark goal of having women in more than half of it's work force at the Maddur Plant on the shop floor, while women consist 5% in it's staff. The Maddur plant offers safe transportation and on-site clinics to meet the needs of their female employees along with on-site childcare services to assist working mothers

The SheMaker Summit 2023 Acknowledges Eveready's Maddur Plant for Women's Development and Inclusive Leadership in Manufacturing and this battery manufacturer is involved in several CSR initiatives- Project Durga, Saksham, Sushasthya, and Go Green are designed to advance sustainable practices, empower women, foster education, and enhance healthcare in local communities forging a breakthrough in its pursuit of diversity, inclusivity, and equality at its Maddur Plant unit in the Mandya district of Karnataka.  

 

With the mission of fostering an inclusive work environment, Eveready stands as an exemplar of promoting diversity across dimensions such as culture, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, caste, age and ideas. Notably, the Maddur Plant unit sets a new benchmark with an impressive 55% women representation, showcasing the company's dedication to creating a workplace that embraces diversity at every level.

Eveready’s Maddur plant has also been recognised for its dedication to women’s development and inclusive leadership at The SheMaker Summit, a dynamic platform uniting women in manufacturing to witness, innovate, and collaborate to lead the future in the industry, which took place in August 2023 at IIM Mumbai.

Prasad Tantry, Head, Maddur Plant, Eveready Industries India Ltd., stated “On this Women’s Day we are committed to building an inclusive workforce and proud of achieving 55% women workforce in shop floor setting a powerful precedent for diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing sector. The women employees are working in all areas from running machines to maintaining production records in the ERP systems. They handle stores, dispatches and are actively involved in jobs related to purchase, HR and plant security. By active engagement with nearby and rural communities through employment exchanges and school campuses, we prioritize community development while ensuring gender parity within our diverse workforce, driving innovation and success.”

The company owes much of its success to distinguished female leaders, including the Head of Legal & CS, Head of CSR, Corporate HR Leads, IT Lead, Research and Development Lead, and Women Supervisor at the Maddur plant. In support, we prioritize the well-being of our female workforce, offering secure transportation, on-site clinics, and crèche facilities, with plans to replicate these supportive workplaces across our offices and manufacturing units.

Sandeep Banerjee, CHRO, Eveready Industries India Ltd. said, “At Eveready, we are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that allows impartial offering of equitable distribution of work opportunities and responsibilities to both men and women. While we celebrate International Women’s Day, we always aspire to provide equal opportunity, emphasize talent and competence above all considerations. As the happiness of our employees is of paramount importance to us, we ensure work-life balance with growth opportunities. In all our endeavours, we strive to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for our employees for a continued empowered future.”

Celebrating commitment to empower persons with autism, leading fulfilling lives - Autism Centre for Excellence

Providing comprehensive programs and resources rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to empower individuals with autism to reach their full potential, the Autism Centre of Excellence celebrated a Milestone 10 Years of Achievements and Giving Back to the Community. 

The Autism Centre for Excellence (ACE), a beacon of hope and support for the autistic community, celebrated a momentous milestone recently, marking a decade of dedication, innovation, and compassionate care for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The celebratory event, held at the esteemed Triveni Kala Sangam, was a vibrant showcase of inclusivity, talent, and the unwavering spirit of the entire ACE family.

The event not only celebrated the past achievements but also reignited the commitment to empowering individuals with autism to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

The evening commenced with a heartfelt welcome note by the Co-founder and Director of ACE, Dr. Archana Nayar set a tone of gratitude and reflection for the journey that began in 2014. The event unfolded with a series of captivating performances, including a student musical, a dance by dedicated staff members, and a play, all of which underscored the talents and capabilities of the ACE community.

An address by the Guest of Honour, Mrs. Indu Rawat, Director of the Hans Foundation, further illuminated the event, reinforcing the importance of support and understanding for individuals with autism. Co-Founder of ACE, Sameer Nayar gave a heartfelt address to distinguished contributors to ACE’s journey, that included Mr. Manit Jain, Mr Lalit Jain and Mr. Rajesh Jain, co-founders of The Heritage School, who were all honored in a felicitation ceremony, celebrating the collaborative efforts that have fueled ACE's mission. 

The highlight of the evening, the ACE Feature Film, provided a visual journey through the center's decade-long endeavor, touching the hearts of all attendees.

In a fashion show titled ‘Fashion beyond Label,’ students dazzled the audience, breaking stereotypes and celebrating diversity. The timeline of student achievements, showcased during the event, was a testament to the progress and breakthroughs made possible through ACE's comprehensive programs and interventions.

The evening also featured heartwarming performances by parents, and a soul-stirring Qawwali performance by the band Rooh. and an art exhibition titled "Imagination meets Creation," allowing guests to witness the creativity and imagination of the ACE students.

Dr. Archana Nayar eloquently captured the essence of the celebration, “I reflect on the achievements of the past decade and envision a future filled with many more milestones and successes. The achievements of students would not have been possible without the support of the parents and the dedicated effort of all those who teach at ACE.”  The event concluded on a note of hope and celebration, with the community coming together to applaud the success stories of individuals who have thrived with the support of ACE.

As ACE steps into its next decade, it remains committed to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, continuing to pave the way for a more compassionate and supportive society for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The event not only celebrated the past achievements but also reignited the commitment to empowering individuals with autism to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

The Autism Centre for Excellence (ACE) is a pioneering institution dedicated to supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families in India. Founded in 2014 by The Special Child Trust, ACE provides comprehensive programs, interventions, and resources rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to empower individuals with autism to reach their full potential. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, ACE aims to create a more compassionate and supportive society for individuals with autism in India.

Bolstering infra projects, Hon'ble PM dedicates 9 projects under BPCL for the nation

Augmentation of Cryogenic facilities, Inauguration of New Kero Hydro Treater (KHT) Unit and the POL Terminal were among the 9 projects dedicated to the nation, that would greatly boost India's infrastructure, the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today, laid the foundation stone for the launch of 9 projects led by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a leading Fortune 500 Maharatna Energy Conglomerate, at an event in Bengusarai, Bihar.

In a major stride towards bolstering infrastructure and fuel production capabilities, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is set to embark on a series of transformative projects with a cumulative investment of Rs. 9,800 crore for the combined 9 projects. Out of these 9 projects, 4 have already been completed, while the remaining 5 are slated for completion between 2024 and 2025.

Projects under Foundation Stone:

1.       Kalaburagi POL Depot: Located in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, BPCL constructed a POL Depot spanning 56 acres, amounting to Rs. 246 crores. Serving districts like Gulbarga, Bidar, Yadgir, Bijapur, and Raichur, this depot fosters industrial and economic development in northeastern Karnataka. The depot ensures efficient fuel distribution, generating employment for approximately 1 lakh mandays during construction and offering operational roles for 50 individuals.

2.       City Gas Distribution in Fazilka, Ganganagar, and Hanumangarh: Covering Fazilka, Ganganagar, and Hanumangarh districts in Rajasthan and Punjab, this project targets logistic savings of Rs. 60 crore annually while reducing CO2 emissions. It anticipates creating around 1 lakh mandays of employment, ensuring efficient fuel distribution and significantly impacting the local economy.

3.       POL & LOBS Installations with Receipt Pipelines at Rasayani: Located in Rasayani, Raigad District, Maharashtra, BPCL's pipeline project from Mumbai Refinery to Rasayani aims to foster industrial growth and socio-economic development in the region. This initiative enhances infrastructure, facilitates industrial growth, and generates employment, with approximately 6 lakh mandays during construction and 150 persons during operation.

4.       Lube Oil Blending and Filling Plant at Rasayani: Planned at Rasayani, Raigad District, Maharashtra, this automated blending plant replaces the congested existing plant at Wadilube, ensuring efficient production and operation. This project enhances operational efficiency, leverages strategic location advantages, and generates employment, with around 3 lakh mandays during construction.

5.       Augmentation of Cryogenic facilities at Uran LPG Import Terminal: Located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, this project enhances cryogenic facilities to import and decant Propane and Butane simultaneously, thereby increasing import capacity. It provides commercial advantages, enhances product distribution efficiency, and benefits the region's economy and employment sector.

Projects under Dedication to the Nation:

1.       Inauguration of New Kero Hydro Treater (KHT) Unit at Mumbai Refinery: BPCL's Mumbai Refinery inaugurated the New Kero Hydro Treater (KHT) unit, aimed at producing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) with low sulfur content and treating kerosene streams to meet BS VI HSD standards, thus significantly reducing the carbon footprint. This pioneering unit, the first of its kind in India, not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also produces ultra-low sulfur Mineral Turpentine Oil (MTO), Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO), and ATF, aligning with eco-friendly practices. The project, which witnessed substantial employment during both construction and operational phases, represents a significant step towards cleaner and greener fuel production.

2.       Enhancement of Lube Oil Base Stock Production at Mumbai Refinery: BPCL enhanced its Lube Oil Base Stock Production unit, significantly increasing the capacity to produce Group III base oils and specialty oils. This strategic move promotes self-reliance by reducing reliance on imported high-quality lubricants, aligning with the vision of 'Atma-nirbhar Bharat'. During construction and operational phases, the project generated substantial employment opportunities, further boosting the local economy and fostering growth in the lubricants sector.

3.       Construction of POL Terminal with Railway Siding at Haveli, Pune: The POL Terminal at Haveli, Pune, Maharashtra, equipped with a railway siding, addresses the region's fuel supply needs more efficiently. This initiative aimed to reduce dependency on other Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) while increasing product availability in the region. Notably, the construction of this terminal generated indirect employment and contributed to business and economic growth in Pune and Satara districts. Moreover, the reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions associated with truck transportation enhances environmental sustainability.

4.       Commissioning of POL Coastal Installation at Krishnapatnam, SPSR Nellore, Andhra Pradesh: BPCL commissioned a POL Coastal Installation, featuring fully automated and environment-friendly facilities. This state-of-the-art installation ensures product security and supply assurance, catering to various demand centers in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and neighboring states. Significantly, the project generated significant direct and indirect employment, stimulating business and economic growth in the region. Besides, the installation's streamlined operations reduce lead time for supplies, thereby enhancing overall Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) standards, while also contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

All of the projects are poised to yield multifaceted benefits for society at large. Beyond their immediate impact on the energy sector, these initiatives will play a pivotal role in fostering socio-economic growth.

The implementation of these projects have anticipated to generate employment opportunities of approximately 22.5 lakh man-days, thereby contributing to job creation and skill development within the community.

With the growing demand for fuel and energy in their respective locations, these initiatives have become catalysts for economic growth. Additionally, the expansion of the CGD network in regions like Fazilka, Ganganagar, and Hanumangarh, is in alignment with government’s vision of participation of natural gas in India’s energy basket to 15 percent by 2030.

By incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable practices, BPCL aims to minimize its ecological footprint, aligning with its dedication to responsible corporate citizenship. These endeavors collectively exemplify BPCL's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and addressing the dynamic energy needs of the nation.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) is a Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

Engaging games, dance workshop and open stage for young artists to perform at KMF-Kasauli Music Festival 2024, to be held in March

Kasauli Music Festival to be held in March 2024

Kasauli Music Festival (KMF) headlined by Kavita Seth, a Sufi composer and a music director and singer is a rare festival that has a vision to provide local musicians with an opportunity to present their talent. It sets apart from other music festivals as in addition to soulful music, this year it will have a festival bazaar, fun engaging games, a dance workshop, meditation & treks and an open stage for younger artists to come and perform. 

A 2-day music festival ‘Kasauli Music Festival 2024’, KMF 24, is all set to enthrall the audience on 29th and 30th March 2024 in Santa Roza - A WelcomHeritage Resort, nestled in the picturesque Pine hills of Kasauli. Organisers have unveiled KMF's poster.

The event is being organised by the team of Santa Roza-A WelcomHeritage Property in association with ShowCase Events, with support partner City Woofer, a leading online ticketing platform from Chandigarh. Details of the upcoming musical extravaganza were shared by Dr Zoya Singh, Director, Santa Roza;  Gunjan Pandey-GM Santa Roza and Nanni Singh-Chief Executive Officer of ShowCase Events, which is also KMF’s curator.

Nanni Singh said, “This year we are marking the first edition of KMF 24 who’s theme is ‘Folk and Bollywood’ music. What sets the festival apart from others is the motive to showcase live music spread across different genres in a unique setting - the beautiful Kasauli hills.”

According to Dr Zoya Singh , “What will accentuate the experience to music lovers is the venue – Santa Roza - A WelcomHeritage Resort, which located in the heart of a lush green forest, is itself an ode to the great natural beauty of Himachal. The ambience will be one-of-a kind with melodious, musical performances reverberating in the middle of the enchanting ‘pines’ and the pristine environs of our resort in Kasauli.”

What also makes the fest different is the organisers’ vision to provide local musicians with an opportunity to present their talent. “The fest aims to give local singers and musicians of Himachal a fillip. HP 14, The Band- A Hindi rock music band with its roots in Solan and Himalayan Roots, a band from Shimla are a part of the lineup. In addition to this the music fest will also promote the rich culture of Himachal’s folk music,” said Gunjan Pandey.

The fest will be headlined by Kavita Seth, a Sufi composer and a music director and Singer known for Bollywood hits like ‘Rangi Saari’, ‘Iktara’, ‘Tum Hi Ho Bandhu’ and many more. Music Composer and instrumentalist Abhijit Pohankar will present 'Bollywood Gharana', a fusion of Classical, Folk and Bollywood. There are performances by Akaash Verma, Kutle Khan and Jasleen Aulakh planned. What’s more, with Fouzia Dastango & renowned vocalist Vidhi Sharma’s Musical Dastangoi on Meena Kumari - 'Meena Kumari Ki Dastaan', the festival is slated to be a big draw. Notably, Dastangoi is an ancient way of ‘telling a tale or story.’

 “There will be something for every age group. In addition to soulful music there will be a festival bazaar, fun engaging games, a dance workshop, meditation & treks, an open stage for younger artists to come and perform in the day and more,” added Dr Zoya.

“Surrounded by breath-taking landscapes and fresh mountain air, attendees can escape the chaos of city life and indulge in soul-stirring music and a sense of connection with nature with their family and friends,” concluded Nanni.