The report reveals that women constitute 64.4 percent of India’s agricultural workforce, yet only 6 percent to 10 percent are employed in top agri and agri-related companies. It outlines actionable measures to foster inclusion, innovation, and equitable growth in agribusiness.

Commenting on the report, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, of Godrej Agrovet, said, “At Godrej Agrovet, we believe the future of agribusiness lies in empowering women through education, workplace inclusivity, and leadership development. By championing mentorship, aligning skills with industry needs, and fostering inclusive ecosystems, we aim to drive meaningful change and build a resilient, equitable sector.”

He further added, “Last year, we pledged to support 100,000 women across the agri value chain, and I’m proud to share that we’ve positively impacted 20,000 women in just one year. Through training, creating safe spaces, and enabling leadership, we are building an empowered agribusiness community.”

Prof. Vidya Vemireddy, Faculty Member, IIMA, noted, “The agricultural landscape in India presents us with a striking paradox: women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce and educational cohorts, yet a major proportion of the graduates do not enter the formal employment structures and leadership positions. This study addresses critical knowledge gaps regarding women’s participation in formal employment relationships within agribusiness enterprises.”

The report provides a roadmap to bridge gender disparities in agriculture. It calls for equitable access to resources, gender-responsive training, and inclusive workplace reforms. Prioritizing education-to-employment transitions, enhancing leadership representation, and leveraging financial and technological tools are highlighted as transformative strategies. Together, these actions aim to empower women and foster equitable growth across the agricultural value chain.

At the summit, Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products Limited, and Balram Singh Yadav announced the launch of the Godrej Agrovet Women in Agriculture Scholarship, empowering five students pursuing agricultural studies and fostering the next generation of women leaders.

Mallika Mutreja, Head – Human Resources, Godrej Agrovet, added, “Females account for 30 percent to 40 percent of total enrollment in agricultural studies, yet only 6 percent to 10 percent work in top agri and agri-related companies. This stark gap highlights the need for the industry to take proactive steps to bridge these disparities. By fostering inclusive policies and creating opportunities, it is possible to address this imbalance and also unlock the innovation and resilience that women bring to the sector, driving its sustainable growth.”

“At Godrej Agrovet, we have increased women’s representation from 8 percent to 12 percent in FY25 and are committed to reaching 32 percent by FY28. Through initiatives like creche and care policies, alongside ensuring a safe and secure environment for women in frontline roles, we are fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace that empowers women to thrive,” she further added.

To showcase its commitment to empowering women across the food value chain—from farm to fork—Godrej Agrovet highlighted the impactful initiatives of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Godrej Foods Limited (GFL). By supporting farmers like Bhagyamma in Karnataka and Jayshri in Nashik, and enabling distribution leaders like Rozaline in Manipur, GFL is fostering inclusivity and resilience. Through programs like WINGS, GFL is bringing more women into sales, marketing, and leadership roles, driving innovation, and shaping an equitable and sustainable food supply chain led by women.

The summit also featured two-panel discussions. “Breaking Barriers for Women in Agriculture”, moderated by Mallika Mutreja, Head – Human Resources, Godrej Agrovet, included panelists Kirti Jangra, Co-Founder, Animall; Asha Kharga, Chief Customer and Brand Officer, Mahindra Group; Anitha Polimetla, Head of HR APAC & Global HRBP, BASF and Prof. Vidya Vemireddy, Faculty Member, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).

“Boardroom to Breakthroughs: Women in Leadership”, moderated by Parmesh Shahani, Head – Godrej DEI Lab, featured Neetu Kashiramka, Managing Director, VIP Industries; Ritu Verma, Founder and Managing Partner, Ankur Capital; and Soumya Rajan, Managing Director, Waterfield Advisors.

The Women in Agriculture Summit has become a catalyst for systemic change. Through its initiatives and insights, Godrej Agrovet is leading efforts to recognize, celebrate, and amplify women’s contributions, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable agricultural future.

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MUMBAI: The legendary MS Dhoni addressed over 3,50,000 students at ALLEN Career Institute’s first-ever pan-India student summit ‘Sangam’. Speaking at Mumbai’s SVP Stadium Dome, the former Indian captain drew from his own small-town success story to inspire students preparing for India’s most challenging competitive examinations.

“If a boy from Ranchi can conquer the world, it shows that with the right guidance, dedication, and mindset—success is possible no matter where you come from,” Dhoni said, addressing the gathering that combined 5,000 in-person attendees with digital participants across 11 cities, including Kota.

It was also announced that effective immediately, ALLEN is offering free revision tools for all exam takers across India on the ALLEN App, aimed at helping students prepare for their Board exams, IIT JEE, and NEET, among others. Dhoni unveiled a showreel of the ALLEN App, spotlighting resources such as video lectures, revision notes, flashcards, mock tests, and an extensive question bank. The audience also got a sneak peek at ALLIE, an AI-powered doubt-solving bot and 24/7 personal study companion designed to assist NEET aspirants.

During the event, ALLEN’s CEO Nitin Kukreja highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to making quality education accessible to students across India, including those in the most remote regions. He emphasized ALLEN’s focus on democratizing education and providing the best resources to students nationwide. Mr. Kukreja revealed that ALLEN would be launching a new ALLEN center in Ranchi, marking a crucial step in making quality education accessible to students in the region.

Through the event, Dhoni emphasized the importance of honesty, hard work, and meticulous planning for achieving the best results. He acknowledged that success and failure are part of life, encouraging students to learn from failures and keep moving forward.

Responding to a student’s question on the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome, Dhoni advised, “Live in the present and enjoy every moment. I never thought about playing for India; I only focused on giving my best in every match I played while growing up.”

He also highlighted the role of pressure in performance, the value of learning from failure, and the life lessons sports can teach. Dhoni stressed the importance of respect for leaders, embracing challenges, and the irreplaceable value of hard work.

When asked about his ability to stay calm during big moments, Dhoni responded, “Focus on the preparation that happens behind the scenes; this is what leads to composure on the big stage and the results that follow.” He also emphasized the significant role of having the right partner in chasing ambitions and how ALLEN’s support can provide the necessary guidance. Additionally, he stressed the importance of mental health, acknowledging the need for students to stay balanced and focused in their academic journeys.

The event featured personal interactions between Dhoni and students, including a felicitation ceremony where Dhoni gifted IIT-JEE and NEET toppers a signed ALLEN jersey to 11 ALLEN champions who had excelled in their academic endeavors. In recognition of Dhoni’s inspiring presence, ALLEN’s directors Dr. Govind Maheshwari, Rajesh Maheshwari, Dr. Naveen Maheshwari, and Dr. Brajesh Maheshwari presented him with a 6-foot cricket bat signed by hundreds of ALLEN students.

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HYDERABAD: Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) has been awarded the prestigious gold award at FICCI’s 4th Sustainable Agriculture Summit and Awards 2024. The Sustainable Livelihood Programme was recognized under the Natural Resource Management and Climate Resilient Agriculture category, for best practices and innovations in climate-resilient, smart agriculture, and sustainable management of natural resources. Under the program, ABF supported Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) which has capacitated rural communities across Khunti district in Jharkhand, Narayanpet district in Telangana, and Ahmednagar and Beed districts in Maharashtra to participate in watershed development work to improve water availability, adopt low-risk sustainable agricultural practices for improvement in crop yield, and strengthen local community institutions to take the development agenda forward.

The multiple key initiatives implemented under this project have led to its scalable impact in the region:

• Enhanced Irrigation Access: Improved irrigation access for farmers in Telangana and Jharkhand.
• Increased Income: Material increase in annual income due to improved irrigation and agriculture practices.
• Diversified Agriculture: Cultivation of fruit and agroforestry trees, development of kitchen gardening, and multi-layer farming.
• Institutional Strengthening: Establishment of local institutions such as VDCs, FIGs, FPOs, and SHGs, leveraging resources from MGNREGS for infrastructure.
• Climate-Resilient Practices: Adoption of climate-resilient practices by over 8,920 farmers, enhancing productivity and soil health, while reducing costs and inorganic fertilizer use.
• Non-Farm Livelihood Development: Supporting households in constructing and repairing animal sheds, purchasing livestock, and providing marketing support for pig rearing in convergence with government schemes and programs.

India’s diverse landscape, varied agro-climatic zones, and rich natural resources present significant challenges for community sustenance, natural resource management (NRM), and rural livelihoods. The target communities in Telangana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra face severe issues such as water scarcity and natural resource depletion, critically impacting agriculture and allied livelihoods. These regions are home to economically disadvantaged rural populations, including tribal groups and landless families, who are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. They face increased production losses, higher input costs, and reduced incomes. The program addresses these challenges through targeted interventions across the impacted areas.

Dhruvi Shah, Executive Trustee and Chief Executive Officer of Axis Bank Foundation commented on the award, “Our Sustainable Livelihood Programme delves into a nuanced approach to livelihood challenges while focused on the local context. FICCI’s 4th Sustainable Agriculture Summit and Awards 2024 is a recognition of our efforts and a great motivator. It reinforces our commitment to the need for self-reliance among rural communities. This recognition strengthens our determination to drive with our approach and inspires us to build a legacy of positive change for years to come.”

Training and capacity-building of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and ‘Jalsevaks’, stakeholder engagement workshops, and watershed development have been key to the program’s success. These efforts have strengthened Village Watershed and Water Management Committees, facilitated exposure visits to successful projects, and promoted collaborative workshops with government departments. Land treatment measures, afforestation, water resource development, and water-saving technologies have been implemented to enhance resilience. Training sessions for VDCs, SHGs, and farmer groups focus on planning, management, monitoring, and sustainable livelihoods. ‘Jalsevak’ and para-agronomist training enhances project implementation at the village level.

Prakash Keskar, Executive Director, WOTR, shared his thoughts on the recognition, “This recognition from FICCI validates the core idea that when communities are equipped to manage their resources, development follows naturally. Through the Sustainable Livelihood Programme, we are not just addressing immediate challenges; we are laying the foundation for sustainable futures. This acknowledgment inspires us to amplify our efforts and drive even greater impact in the lives of vulnerable communities.”

The program has significantly impacted rural communities by enhancing water availability, promoting climate-resilient strategies, and increasing income through sustainable agriculture practices. Key outcomes include improved market linkages, increased access to irrigation, crop diversification, enhanced food and nutritional security, and strengthened institutions. The FarmPrecise mobile app has further supported farmers by providing weather and agro-advisories, helping plan activities and manage pests, thus increasing productivity and reducing climate-related risks. Moving forward, the program aims to empower people and institutions for sustained impact.

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PUNE: The Organ Donation Summit, hosted by Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST) in association with ZTCC Pune, ISCCM Pune, and MOHAN Foundation, concluded on October 5, 2024, in Pune. The two-day event brought together leading national and international experts in organ donation and transplantation to discuss important topics such as “Donation after Circulatory Death” (DCD) and “Quality Assessment in Organ Donation,” which set new standards for organ donation procedures in India.  Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth, VSM, Head of Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST) served as the Organizing Chairperson.

National and international specialists presented their perspectives, with particular focus on the potential for Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) to boost India’s donor pool. This summit was also the first time that Quality Assessment in organ donation and the need for Key Performance Indicators specific to India were discussed.  The summit was also a final step in the creation of a consensus statement of the National Consortium on Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) for DCD. The event also investigated new technology and techniques for improving donation processes and outcomes.

While speaking at the summit, Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth, VSM, Head, Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST) said, “In 2023 we crossed 1000 organ donors following brain death for the first time in India. In brain death, the heart is still beating so that the blood supply to organs continues. We are now moving towards establishing protocols for DCD. Here, since the heart has stopped, one must move quickly to save organs. One of the ways this can be done effectively is by re-establishing circulation for 2 to 4 hours by a process called Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP). Through Organ Donation Summit 2024, we have made significant progress towards developing a low-cost, hybrid, extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation system for NRP in India. This summit marks a critical turning point for organ donation in India, and the innovations and discussions we’ve seen here will help improve transplant outcomes and save more lives in the years to come.”

Dilip Jose, Managing Director and CEO, of Manipal Hospitals, “At Manipal Hospitals, we believe that organ donation is a powerful way to give others a second chance at life. The MOST Summit represents our commitment to raising awareness and improving the systems that make this life-saving practice possible. Our goal is to ensure that every patient in need of a transplant has access to the care they deserve, and that organ donation becomes a more widely understood and accepted practice in India.”

Dr. Anil Kumar, Director, of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), “Organ donation is one of the most powerful ways to give someone a new lease on life. Quality assessment at each step from early identification of potential donors to organ retrieval and transplantation is important for achieving excellence and promoting best practices in the field.’ With thousands of people in need of transplants, people need to understand the impact they can make by becoming organ donors after death.”

The highlight of the summit was the presentation of a low-cost hybrid Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) circuit for normothermic regional perfusion, a technology specifically designed to improve organ preservation in DCD scenarios. This innovation is poised to revolutionize the organ donation process by increasing the viability of organs for transplantation, thus saving more lives.

A significant part of the Organ Donation Summit 2024 focused on navigating the ethical and practical challenges surrounding the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, a crucial aspect of DCD. The summit concluded with a strong call for deeper collaboration among healthcare professionals, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to establish a sustainable organ donation framework so that more lives can be saved through timely transplants.

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In the morning of September 19th, a delegate group of 70 individuals will attend a White House Briefing to discuss issues concerning our diverse communities, followed by a White House tour for 100 Summit attendees. In the afternoon, representatives of the DOJ will meet and listen to our community voices at the Crowne Plaza Hotel which will be followed immediately by a youth session discussing racial bias in school and cross-cultural identities. 

During the Unity Summit on September 20th, the AAUC will advocate for various causes such as racial discrimination, civil rights, hate crime prevention, immigration, and Asian American history education. GOPIO had suggested taking up the legislative issue of legal immigration backlog (Green Card) which has put 1.2 million Indian applicants on the waiting list, at the current level may take as many as 100 years to get a visa number until and unless the immigration rules are changed to remove the discriminatory rules towards Indian applicants and also the Chinese and Filipino applicants. There are two bipartisan bills in Congress (HR-6543 and S-3269) that could reduce this long waiting period. These bills are included in the AAUC Summit agenda.

The summit will also mark the launch of the mobile-responsive online AAPI Community Hub. During the press conference on September 20th, the AAUC will present its resolution on the Alien Land Laws. Additionally, the AAUC will also highlight the power of the online AAPI Community Hub.

Several distinguished individuals will be recognized for their contributions during the summit:

• US Rep. Judy Chu will receive the Political Leadership Award.
• US Rep. Andy Kim will receive the Public Service Award.
• Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society, SEWA-AIFW, Team Aids, and Elizabeth de Leon-Gamboa will be honored with the Community Service Award.
• Mr. Evan Chen will be recognized as Philanthropist of the Year.
• Ms. JencyMalena Mesik and Mr. Suraj Kulkarni will receive the President’s Young Person and Youth Awards, respectively.

The AAUC Unity Summit registration is now closed. Attendees from across the country representing diverse AAPI ethnicities and age groups will have networking opportunities with leaders from multicultural ethnic groups through in-person interactions.

The AAUC has made significant contributions to the AAPI community by organizing national conferences, assembling a diverse working board, developing monthly newsletters and podcasts, and creating an online hub that connects over 15,000 AAPI nonprofits across all 50 states. To learn more about the conference agenda, visit https://www.asamunitycoalition.org/2024-unity-summit/.  

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• From Bengaluru to the World- A Preview of BTS 2024
• Consul Generals from Australia, Denmark, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, the USA, and the UK confirm their commitment to participation

BENGALURU: The Department of E, IT, Bt Government of Karnataka, under its Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) initiative, hosted the GIA Meet today to promote the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 (BTS 2024) to its Global Innovation Alliance partner countries & international trade mission representatives. The meeting, held in Bengaluru, was graced by Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Bt, and Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Government of Karnataka. The Consul Generals of GIA countries along with Heads of International Trade Missions & different provinces of these countries participated in the event including Australia, Denmark, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, the USA, the UK, Poland, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy & many more. Shri Darshan H.V, IAS, Director, Dept. of Electronics, IT, Bt, and Managing Director, KITS, Govt. of Karnatakaset the tone for the GIA Meet, detailed presentation on the event was provided by Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Govt. of Karnataka, and Ms. Ruchi Bindal, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Dept. of E, IT, Bt Govt. of Karnataka concluded the event.

The Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) is an initiative of the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and the Government of Karnataka. The platform aims to create partnerships with leading countries in the field of technology and innovation. This program was conceptualized in 2017 under the Karnataka Unit for International Co-operation (KUIC), and the GIA partners have grown exponentially, from 10 countries in 2018 to 30+ countries in 2024. The GIA Meet aimed to strengthen international cooperation, foster innovation, and invite global participation in the upcoming BTS 2024 scheduled from November 19-21, 2024, at the iconic Bangalore Palace.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Bt, and Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Government of Karnataka emphasized the importance of Bengaluru and Karnataka as a global hub for technology collaboration. He stated, “Bengaluru is not just the tech capital of India; it’s a globally recognized hub for innovation, research, and technology-driven growth. The state’s dynamic ecosystem has attracted over $45 billion in foreign direct investment, with global giants establishing significant R&D centers here. With over 15,000 startups and a startup valuation of $180 billion, Karnataka is at the forefront of global innovation. It is also the leading destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), with more than 400 centers already established in Bengaluru, making up over 40% of all GCCs in India. The Bengaluru Tech Summit has been instrumental in bringing together the brightest minds from around the world, and I strongly urge our Global Innovation Alliance partners to include BTS 2024 in their event calendars. Active participation will not only contribute to our shared technology future but also help continue creating high-quality jobs, driving economic growth, and building a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive world. Karnataka remains the destination of choice for global technology collaboration, and we look forward to welcoming our GIA partners to explore new opportunities and drive innovation together.”

International partners were invited to bring their country delegations, including both ministerial, academic, R&D, and corporate representatives, to participate in the exhibition by setting up country pavilions to showcase their technological capabilities, hold meetings with representatives from various nations, and conduct focused sessions under the Global Collaboration Track in the conference.

Echoing the message from Shri Kharge, Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary to Government, Department of E, IT, Bt, and S&T, Government of Karnataka said, “GIA has been a key pillar in promoting Karnataka’s status as a global innovation hub, fostering partnerships with over 30 countries worldwide. Through these partnerships, Karnataka has successfully established itself as a vibrant center for technology and innovation, creating a conducive environment for startups, entrepreneurs, and global corporations alike. The GIA Meet marks the start of global outreach efforts to ensure robust international participation in this as well as the future editions of Bengaluru Tech Summit.”

Dr. Ekroop Caur presented an overview of the event along with new GIA initiatives which will be tailored to the requirements of the partner countries. She spoke about how the Government of Karnataka is actively enhancing its global engagement through several key initiatives aimed at fostering international collaboration for the state’s vibrant startup ecosystem. The Global Innovation Alliance Market Access Programme (GIA MAP) has successfully facilitated physical exploratory visits for growth-stage Karnataka startups to five countries—UAE, Singapore, Belgium, Australia, and Germany—across various tech segments, supporting 42 startups. Notably, the recent edition in North Rhine Westphalia, Germany, announced a Welcome Package offering €10,000 in financial support to Karnataka-based startups.

In addition, the GIA Mixer, a monthly event launched in August 2024, focuses on promoting collaboration with a new country each month, with the pilot edition featuring DeepTech and Fintech startups pitching to Australian counterparts. Furthering its commitment to nurturing innovation, the Department is in discussions with the UK’s Catapult Network and Paris’s Station F incubator to bolster Karnataka’s Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and support the growth of its startups. The Department has recently launched a newsletter: ‘The Innovation Chronicle’: a monthly guide to key events, initiatives, and industry highlights in ESDM, startups, IT, and biotech through different sections like Breaking news, Department Hub, Industry in Focus, Luminary talks, among many other interesting insights from the Department.

The event under the theme ‘Breaking Boundaries’, will provide unbound opportunities that will feature a range of activities including a 6-track Conference covering IT & Deep Tech, Biotech & Healthtech, Startup Ecosystem, Global Innovation Alliance, India-USA Tech Conclave and newly added Electro-Semicon track. The Conference will host over 85 sessions featuring 460+ speakers. Each of these tracks are curated by a committee of experts from the industry, research, and academia. Special programs like the India-USA Tech Conclave, CEO Conclave, Startup Conclave, and Fireside Chats with renowned personalities will also be featured. The International Exhibition with over 700 Exhibitors including  500+ startups will be a major highlight with focused pavilions on Corporate & Industry, Global Innovation Alliance, Startup Zone, STPI National Showcase, MSME Pavilion, R&D Pavilion (Lab to Market), Leading States of India, Karnataka Showcase and Technology Parks. This year there is a special emphasis on the sectorial pavilions focusing on industry sectors like Biotech & Healthtech, Electro & Semicon, Telecom, Spacetech, Mobility, Greentech, Edutech, BFSI & Fintech, and Animation & Gaming.

A host of networking events like B2B Partnering, Awards, Strategic Roundtables with GCCs, investors, startup ecosystems, satellite events like Beyond Bengaluru; as well as IT & Bio Quizzes, Poster showcase, and Hackathon are some of the other highlights of the event.

The GIA meet also featured addresses from the Consul Generals including Ms. Hilary McGeachy, Consul General, Australia; Mr. Eske Rosenberg, Consul General, Denmark; Ms. Orli Weitzman, Consul General, Israel; Mr. Nakane Tsutomu, Consul General, Japan; Mr. Jonas Brunschwig, Consul General, Switzerland; Mr. Chrisopher Hodges, Consul General, USA; Mr. James Godber, Deputy Head of Mission, UK and Ms. Anne Cremers, Deputy Consul General, Netherlands. They expressed their commitment to fostering deeper engagement with Karnataka’s thriving innovation ecosystem and participating in the Bengaluru Tech Summit.

BTS 2024 is set to bring together global thought leaders, industry executives, technology experts, policymakers, and investors to explore the latest trends and developments in technology and innovation. As the event approaches, it heralds a new era of unbound technological innovation and expansive global collaboration.

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President Anand Ganu mentioned “The event was exceptionally well-received. We were honored to have Dilip Chauhan Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs from Mayor Eric Adams’ office address the GMG Excellent Summit. He spoke about the various business opportunities available and emphasized the potential for collaboration between Maharashtra and New York City. The administration is always prepared to assist businesses from Maharashtra and GMG members in opening or expanding their operations in New York City. Additionally, Chauhan highlighted that this year marks the first time NYC schools will remain closed during the day for Diwali. He also commended President Anand Ganu and his team for their outstanding efforts in bringing this convention to the New York Tri-State Area. Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan is heading the Trade, Investment and Innovation for NYC Mayor Office for International Affairs.”

Garje Marathi Global (GMG) is a California-based nonprofit that empowers Marathi professionals worldwide, with over 25 chapters fostering education, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship. GMG’s initiatives promote global networking and collaboration, as seen in the GMG Excellence Summit 2024, which connected professionals across borders and was recognized by the New Jersey Senate for its contributions to socio-economic development.

The summit featured industry-specific sessions, a startup Pitch Fest, and strategic MoUs, setting the stage for future collaborations and innovation. Plans for the 2025 summit are already underway, continuing GMG’s mission to uplift the Marathi diaspora.

Highlights from the Summit

The GMG Excellence Summit 2024 featured two full days of insightful sessions, workshops, and networking events. Day 1 focused on industry-specific breakout sessions, including cybersecurity, AI, and sustainability, offering participants deep dives into current trends and prospects. Day 2 was marked by a series of fireside chats, panel discussions, and interactive workshops that covered topics ranging from personal branding to the future of technology.

A key highlight of the summit was the Pitch Fest, where 13 innovative startups presented their ideas to a panel of investors and industry experts. The event also saw the signing of strategic MoUs that will drive future collaborations between US-based institutions and their international counterparts.

Looking Ahead

As the GMG Excellence Summit 2024 comes to a close, the impact of the event is expected to resonate well beyond the two days of activities. With a strong emphasis on building global connections and fostering innovation, the summit has set the stage for ongoing collaborations and initiatives that will benefit professionals and businesses across the world.

As GMG looks forward to the future, plans are already underway for the 2025 summit, which promises to be even more impactful and far-reaching. The torch has been passed, and the journey of empowering the Marathi diaspora continues with renewed vigor and commitment.

For more information about Garje Marathi Global Inc. and its upcoming events, visit www.garjemarathi.com.

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Jai Chechani further highlights that this synergy between startups and educational bodies will result in a more dynamic and responsive educational system, capable of adapting to the rapid pace of technological and market changes. He believes collaboration between startups, the government, and industry is crucial to maximizing the benefits of skilling initiatives, as startups can offer internships, mentorships, and training programs, while the government can facilitate funding and resources.

These insightful perspectives from Jai Chechani set the stage for the upcoming Global Unicorn Summit 2024, scheduled for August 24, 2024, in Bengaluru. The upcoming summit, in partnership with Zee Business and WION, will bring together over 500 industry leaders to delve into crucial topics such as disrupting marketplaces, the fintech revolution, and the transformative potential of Web3, blockchain, and crypto innovations, etc.

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The conference witnessed participation from over 500 attendees, featuring keynote addresses and panel discussions by a power-packed line-up of speakers. TiE Bangalore also announced the winners of the prestigious Matrix 2024 Startup Awards. The Matrix Global Summit 2024 featured an extensive program with over 30 keynotes, panels, and workshops led by 80+ speakers. The rich discussions covered various deep tech areas, including Generative AI, new-age manufacturing, blockchain, industrial sustainability, agritech, and robotics. 

During a speech at the 9th TiE Bangalore Matrix Forum, Dr. Ajai Chowdhry Co-Founder of HCL and founder, of EPIC Foundation India highlighted that India stands at a pivotal moment in its technological journey, transforming from a service-based economy to a formidable product nation. Leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence, we can drive innovation and create and manufacture world-class products for global markets. Our government’s progressive policies are laying the foundation for this transformation. We must foster a robust ecosystem that encourages startups, supports research and development, and bridges the gap between academia and industry. As we harness AI’s potential, we are not just participants but leaders in the global tech arena. Let’s embrace this opportunity to position India as a beacon of innovation, shaping a future where our products define the world stage.

At the 9th Matrix Global Summit, Arvind Tiwary, Futurist and Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Matrix Forum took us on a journey on what the future holds. He stated, “Generating profit from GenAI applications may take a considerable amount of time. Large language models (LLMs) will exhibit imaginative tendencies, hallucinations, and stereotype biases akin to human behavior. Effective AI regulation demands a diverse range of specialties, contrasting with the flawed US model that relies solely on AI suppliers for safety oversight—comparable to asking cigarette manufacturers to regulate smoking. The future might lean towards analog technologies and synthetic biology, with innovations like Xenobots offering a glimpse into this potential direction”.

Winners of the Matrix Startup Awards:

The summit celebrated the achievements of emerging startups through the prestigious Matrix Startup Awards. The 2024 Winners are

Matrix Startup Awards Scale-up category:

• Winner – Suzhiyam Industrial Machines (Municipal solid waste to Industrial Process heat for hard-to-abate sectors like Cement and Steel)
• 1st runner up – Whrrl (Decentralized blockchain-based warehouse receipt financing for Agri produce)
• 2nd Runner up – Ayati Devices (Diabetic Neuropathy detection and monitoring device)

Matrix Startup Awards Innovation  category:

• Winner – Chara Technologies (Pioneer in rare-earth free motor and drive systems)
• 1st runner up – Next Big Innovation Labs (Customizable 3D Bio-Printing technology) 
• 2nd Runner up – Meukron Technologies (microfabrication of MEMS packaging and microfluidic devices in  semiconductor and biomedical industries)

Jury Special Impact Award: 

• Padcare Labs (Pioneering technology  in recycling of used sanitary pads)

Major Announcement at Global Matrix Summit:

• Clodura.AI Secures $2 Million Investment from Bharat Innovation Fund: Clodura.AI, the GenAI-powered “sales companion,” platform raises $2 million to transform sales prospecting to closure with its ability to find decision-makers, gather intelligence, automate outreach, and create a 10X sales pipeline.
• IIIT Bangalore partners with Matrix Forum to strengthen its Deeptech Startup Incubation Program ORBIT: This partnership will provide startups with tech expertise, GTM mentors, test beds, customer and partner connections, and investor connects, incubating 10-12 early-stage deeptech startups annually.
• Algorand Foundation announces the Faculty Development Programme on Next Gen Educators: The program aims to equip educators with blockchain fundamentals, decentralized application development, curriculum integration, and cutting-edge research, leading to a proficiency certificate.
• Next, Big Innovation Labs launches TRIVIMA PRO, Customizable 3D Bioprinting Technology: TRIVIMA PRO, a Made in India technology, enables the on-demand creation of human/living tissues, paving the way for innovative pharmaceutical testing and potential organ printing.

These significant announcements at the Matrix Global Summit underscore the transformative advancements in technology and education, driving innovation and growth in the industry.

Speaking at the event, TR Anand, Chair, Matrix Forum and Board Member of TiE Bangalore said “The 9th Matrix Global Summit has once again demonstrated the incredible potential of Deeptech and Generative AI to transform industries and improve lives. India is poised to become a global leader in these fields, and the announcements made today underscore our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration. We are excited about the future and look forward to seeing the revolutionary advancements that will emerge from this summit.”

Madan Padaki, President, of TiE Bangaluru stated, “The energy and innovation showcased at the 9th Matrix Global Summit have been truly inspiring. The collaborations and breakthroughs presented here highlight India’s growing influence in the fields of Deeptech and Generative AI. We are eagerly anticipating the next chapter at the TiE Global Summit in December, where we will continue to drive forward with even more groundbreaking ideas and partnerships.”

At TiE Matrix Forum, we are thrilled to witness the impactful outcomes of the 9th Matrix Global Summit, which underscore India’s prowess in Deeptech and Generative AI. The collaborations and advancements showcased during the event highlight the spirit of innovation driving our tech community. We eagerly anticipate further exploration of transformative ideas and the cultivation of new partnerships globally that will continue to propel our ecosystem forward, said Rahul Mathur, Conference Chair, TiE Matrix Global Summit 2024.

Attendees had the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, visionaries, and professionals worldwide, creating valuable connections and opening doors to global business opportunities. The sessions provided deep insights into emerging areas such as AI, IoT, quantum computing, and other disruptive technologies reshaping industries. Led by renowned experts, these sessions offered practical and actionable knowledge to help organizations navigate the evolving tech landscape.

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BANJUL, GAMBIA: The 15th Islamic Summit Conference of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) (www.new.OIC-oci.org) commenced its deliberation in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, in the presence of their Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses, heads of states, and governments of the OIC member States, and high-level dignitaries from non-member states.

The summit is being held under the theme: ‘Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development’, from 4 to 5 May 2024.

The session was addressed by the chair of the 15th Islamic Summit, President of The Gambia, H. E. Adama Barrow, who, as the Chairman of the OIC Summit, stressed that he pledged to promote unity, solidarity, and sustainable development within the Islamic world. He added that his approach will include prioritizing initiatives that enhance economic cooperation, foster cultural exchange, and address pressing issues, such as poverty and access to education and healthcare.

The 15th Islamic summit is being held in light of the dangerous and unprecedented developments taking place in the Palestinian cause, especially the crimes of the brutal Israeli military aggression against the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip.

The Secretary-General emphasized that the Palestinian cause remains the OIC’s central issue and urged the member states to redouble efforts to mobilize the responsibility of the international community toward stopping the aggression and genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

H. E. Hissein Taha called on the OIC Member States to continue to mobilize international support for the recognition of the State of Palestine and help it attain full membership in the United Nations.

He announced the establishment of a media observatory at the OIC General Secretariat to document and highlight, within the media, the numbers of martyrs, wounded, detainees, and various crimes of the Israeli occupation. The OIC is also concurrently working towards activating the Legal Observatory to document Israeli crimes, in line with the decision of the recent Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh.

Furthermore, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the OIC’s commitment to addressing pressing political and humanitarian challenges facing the OIC Member States. He emphasized that the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir remains a priority for the OIC.

On Afghanistan, the OIC Secretary-General noted that the organization continued its engagement within the framework of its humanitarian approach and constructive dialogue with the de facto authority in Afghanistan.

He urged the member states to contribute generously to the OIC humanitarian efforts, particularly in Afghanistan, through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF) under the supervision and management of the Islamic Development Bank.

Recognizing the importance of dialogue and reconciliation, The Secretary-General emphasized the OIC’s support for conflict resolution in Member States such as Yemen, Libya, Sudan, and the Sahel region.

The Secretary-General Stressed that OIC continues to support the sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan over its entire territory as well as for the unity, sovereignty, and security of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in addition to its solidarity with Turkish Cypriot Muslims, alongside cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.

H. E. Hissein Taha, salutes the vanguard role played by The Gambia, in defending the Cause of the Rohingya Muslim community before the International Court of Justice and calls on Member States to contribute to the financial costs required for this matter, which has recorded significant achievements. He also reiterates deep gratitude to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and other Member States for welcoming the Rohingya refugees.

In the field of humanitarian action, the Secretary-General Highlighted that the General Secretariat and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are currently working to coordinate the arrangements for organizing the Donors Conference for the Sahel region and the Lake Chad Basin for the mobilization of adequate resources to support refugees and displaced people.

The 15th Islamic Summit Conference was also addressed by H. E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, chair of the previous 14th Summit H. H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the President of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Special Envoy of the President of China.

At the end of the two-day conference, the 15th Islamic Summit is expected to adopt a special resolution on the issue of Palestine and Al-Quds Ash-Sharif, a comprehensive communique, and the Banjul Declaration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

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