Proudly headquartered in Mysuru since 1948, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, is today the world’s leading agarbathi manufacturer, with a presence in over 75 countries. The Mysuru brand synonymous with the fragrance of prayer, the world over, has further strengthened its ties with Mysuru’s cultural and spiritual heritage by collaborating with the government for the Mysuru Dasara celebrations 2023. Cycle Pure Agarbathi is the platinum sponsors for Mysuru Dasara. Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, the Minister for Social Welfare and also the In-charge Minister for Mysuru District, Dr. K.V. Rajendra, who serves as the District Commissioner of Mysuru and Mr. Arjun Ranga, MD, Cycle Pure Agarbathi came together to officially reveal the new logo for this collaborative endeavor. Both the District Minister and the DC expressed their elation at this significant milestone, underlining the importance of this collaboration for the community.

Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, Minister for Social Welfare, and Mr. Arjun Ranga, MD of Cycle Pure Agarbathi, revealed Mysuru Dasaras new logo

The history of association between Mysuru Dasara and Cycle Pure Agarbathis can be traced back to 1953, when the the founder, Mr. N Ranga Rao received the prestigious gold award from the government in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the world of fragrance. 2023 is a special year as Cycle Pure is celebrating its 75th anniversary, with October 19th marking the birthday of its founder. This coincidence only heightens the grandeur of the celebration.

Speaking about this association, Dr. K.V. Rajendra, District Commissioner of Mysuru, said, “We are more than happy for this collaboration with a homegrown brand like Cycle Pure Agarbathi. The brand known for its legacy, is now stepping forward to create a truly unforgettable celebration this year. This partnership stands as a testament to the potential of local businesses to make a lasting impact in our community and bring joy to the lives of our residents.”

Speaking about this association, Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “For 75 years, we have been taking the fragrances of Mysuru to the world. Now we are honoured to be able to give the Mysuru cultural experience to the world. As a homegrown brand, inseparably intertwined with Mysurus identity, Cycle Pure agarbathi is honoured to become a part of the royal city’s cultural tapestry and history. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the government to make the festivities memorable and grand.”

The combination of Cycle Pure Agarbathis’ legacy of fine incense and fragrance, combined with the city’s cultural essence promises to provide a truly divine experience.

About NRRS

The Mysuru-based NRRS was founded by Shri N. Ranga Rao in 1948. A true visionary and a philanthropist, Shri Ranga Rao created the ubiquitous Cycle Pure Agarbathi which has, today, become the largest selling incense stick brand in the world. From a home-grown enterprise, NR Group has evolved into a successfully-run business conglomerate with an established presence in India and abroad. The group has diversified into various business categories like functional air care products (Lia brand of room fresheners and car fresheners), wellness home fragrance products (IRIS) under Ripple Fragrances, floral extracts (NESSO), and Rangsons Technologies. Today, it is truly an Agarbathi to Aerospace conglomerate as it is also involved in making parts for Defence helicopters. The business has a human face that is unmistakably displayed by virtue of its continuing fulfillment of social responsibilities through its charity arm ‘NR Foundation’.

NR Group today is managed by the third generation of the Ranga family. For more information on NR Group, please visit www.nrgroup.co.in.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) organised a gala SHRM India HR excellence award ceremony to honour companies who prioritize their employees, provide future focused excellence in the field of people management and acknowledge the value of human capital as a major factor in business outcomes.

SHRM India Honours Companies Through HR Excellence Awards

These prestigious awards, currently in their 12’th edition were created with the intention of honouring businesses that have excelled at integrating NEXT into their human resource operations and enabling HR to play a strategic role.

This years SHRM India Annual Conference and Expo 2023, which was the largest-ever gathering of business leaders and HR experts, hosted the award ceremony. The conference aimed to advance and innovate several facets of human resources.

Achal Khanna, CEO SHRM India, APAC & MENA stated, “Organisations that put their employees first and support their development and well-being will surely prosper. In addition to achieving company objectives, future success depends on people working as a team to advance their professional as well as personal development. Business executives, particularly HR specialists, play a crucial role in this endeavour and it is our duty to support them. Congratulations to all of the winners, but in my opinion, all of the nominations were winners as well.“

For the 9 award categories of the SHRM HR Excellence Awards, numerous organisations were invited to submit applications.

Showcasing below the award categories and details of the winners

SHRM HR Excellence Award Category

Winning

Title

Name of the

Company

Excellence in HR Analytics

Winner

Lenovo

1st Runner Up

Persistent Systems Limited

2nd Runner Up

Infosys Limited

Special Recognition

Escorts Kubota Limited

Excellence in

Diversity & Inclusion

Winner

Concentrix Daksh

Services India Pvt Ltd

1st Runner Up

Wipro Limited

2nd Runner Up

Mondelez India Foods Pvt.Ltd.

Excellence in Community Impact

Winner

Skoda Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd.

Runner Up

Lenovo

Runner Up

InterGlobe Enterprises

Private limited

Excellence in

Developing Leaders of Tomorrow

Winner

Infosys Limited

1st Runner Up

NTPC Limited

2nd Runner Up

Cairn Oil and Gas,

Vedanta Limited

Excellence in Talent Acquisition

Winner

Concentrix Daksh

Services India Pvt Ltd

Winner

Ultimate Kronos Group

Runner Up

Flex

Special Recognition

Tata AIA Life

Insurance Company Limited

Excellence in Learning and Development

Winner

Siemens Ltd.

1st Runner Up

KPMG Global Services

1st Runner Up

NTPC Limited

2nd Runner Up

Hindustan Unilever Limited

Special Recognition

EXL Service

Special Recognition

Persistent Systems Limited

Excellence in

Health and Wellness Initiatives

Winner

Infosys Limited

Runner Up

Cipla Ltd

Excellence in Leveraging HR Technology

Winner

Tech Mahindra Limited

Winner

Reliance Industries Ltd

Runner Up

Lenovo

Excellence In

Managing the Hybrid Workplace – The HR Lens

Winner

Tech Mahindra Limited

Runner Up

Infosys Limited

Special Recognition

Tata AIG General

Insurance Co Ltd

.

Showcasing below the PSU award categories and details of the winners

SHRM HR Excellence Award Category

Winning

Title

Name of the

Company

Excellence in

Community Impact

Winner

NTPC Limited

Winner

OIL INDIA LIMITED

Runner Up

ODISHA MINING

CORPORATION LIMITED

Excellence in

Developing Leaders of Tomorrow

Winner

General Insurance

Corporation of India (GIC Re)

Excellence in Learning and Development

Winner

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited

Excellence in Health and Wellness Initiatives

Winner

NTPC Limited

Special Recognition

OIL INDIA LIMITED

About SHRM

SHRM creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 325,000 members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 235 million workers and families globally.

Learn more at SHRM.org.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is delighted to commemorate the 11th anniversary of our Surat kitchen, a milestone in our relentless pursuit of eradicating hunger and promoting education in India. The event took place on Friday, 13th October 2023, at the Atrium Hall, Ginger Surat.

Celebrating 11 years of The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s Surat Kitchen

In the esteemed presence of Smt. Meenaben M Gajjar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner – PM Poshan Yojna, Surat Municipal Corporation, joining her were an influential assembly of corporate visionaries, distinguished academics, and passionate citizens, all ardent advocates of The Akshaya Patra Foundations noble cause.

This momentous gathering served as a platform to recognize and honor exceptional students and teachers from Akshaya Patra-supported schools in Surat. These individuals embody the tangible impact of our collective efforts, offering compelling testimony to the transformative power of our sustained commitment. This Public-Private Partnership has fed and educated India and has been a beacon of sustainability, nurturing a brighter future.

Shri Jaganmohan Krishna Dasa, Unit-President, Gujarat, aptly states, “In the PM Poshan program, we see the power of unity. Together, were forging a future where no child knows hunger, and every mind is enriched with education.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Gujarat and the Ministry of Education, Government of India, along with our invaluable partners, donors, and dedicated volunteers. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in making this journey of transformation possible.

With over 375,088 children in Gujarat, and a staggering 150,000 in Surat alone, we proudly contribute to one of the largest PM Poshan Mid-Day Meal schemes by Akshaya Patra. This monumental achievement nourishes young minds and fuels the engine of education with sustainable vigor.

About The Akshaya Patra Foundation

Akshaya Patra is a not-for-profit implementing partner for the Government of Indias flagship PM POSHAN Abhiyan. Its programme is based on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in collaboration with various governments, corporates, philanthropic donors, and well-wishers. Akshaya Patra strives to ensure childrens access to nutrition by providing them hot, hygienic, and safe mid-day meals in government and aided schools every day. The programme positively impacts children’s education by improving their enrolment, attendance, retention, and concentration.

The Foundation feeds over 2 million children in 22,367 schools through its 67 kitchens across 15 states and 2 UTs of India, making it the worlds largest NGO-run school feeding programme.

For more details: www.akshayapatra.org.

The Good Food Institute India (GFI India), the central expert organization, thought leader, and convening body in the alternative protein sector marks the conclusion of the 3rd edition of its flagship program, The India Smart Protein Innovation Challenge (ISPIC). A transformative 5-month initiative equipped emerging ventures as well as student researchers with a deep understanding of the smart protein landscape, enabling them to tackle pressing challenges, drive innovation, and catalyze a paradigm shift in food systems, reinforcing global and Indian commitments to alternative proteins and advancing food security.

Winners of India Smart Protein Innovation Challenge 2023

ISPIC 2023, held in collaboration with Spectrum Impact, featured three phases of intense learning, networking, and other knowledge-building components, including more than 15 in-depth masterclasses, thought-provoking panel discussions, and interactive “Ask Me Anything” sessions, all meticulously curated in partnership with industry leaders and mentors across the smart protein value chain. Participants utilized these resources to hone their ideas and build unique solutions to the identified whitespaces in the smart protein sector.

The team at Fattastic Technologies, Winner, ISPIC 2023 said, “ISPIC has been a great platform for us to network with like-minded people. We also learned a lot about the alternative protein industry in the Indian context. The major takeaway for our company was the individual mentorship, and the support we got with product design, go-to-market strategy, co-application, and a paid pilot for product trials.”

Speaking about the culmination of the challenge, Sneha Singh, Managing Director (acting), GFI India said, “We are thrilled to witness the culmination of our 3rd ISPIC Challenge 2023 today in person for the very first time since the challenge was launched in 2020. The participants have exhibited an extraordinary level of innovation and dedication, underscoring their potential to lead the growth of the alternative protein sector in India. The solutions presented today showcase a collective acknowledgment that our challenges are unique, but so are our solutions. This recognition makes me even more confident in India’s ability to establish itself as a global Innovation hub for alternative protein.”

“I am truly impressed by the exceptional caliber of the participants at ISPIC 2023. Their in-depth knowledge and the quality of their presentations were nothing short of outstanding. It is clear that the future of smart protein is in exceptionally capable hands, and I have no doubt that these young innovators will continue to drive positive change in the industry, an area India as a country should invest early in,” said Dr. N. Madhusudhana Rao, CEO, Atal Incubation Centre – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology who was one of the judges.

ISPIC 2023 garnered nationwide participation, with representation from 22+ states and 80+ cities throughout India, receiving an impressive total of 214 applications. The competition featured a two-track format, categorized as Smart Up and Start-Up (pertaining to Career and Venture Building, respectively). The Smart Up track emphasized the development of innovative theoretical solutions, implemented through capstone projects targeting industry-specific gaps, ideally tailored for students and researchers. The Start Up track was designed to facilitate the scaling of smart protein ventures by providing hands-on guidance to navigate real-time challenges of product development, fundraising, distribution, and more.

At the Smart Protein Demo Day, leading teams from both tracks were afforded the invaluable opportunity to present their ground-breaking ideas. These presentations followed a format akin to the renowned “Shark Tank” contest, with live pitches followed by a round of Q&A with the judges. In recognition of their exceptional contributions, 3 winners emerged in each track, with teams Progo Foods, Fattastic Technologies, and ProMyce, securing substantial cash prizes of 2 lakh each in the Start Up track. Likewise, the Smart Up track witnessed the triumph of Alt Nutritos, OPZ Redients, and The Protein Gurus.

Built on the foundation of meeting global climate goals and sustainably feeding billions, the ISPIC 2023 challenge served as an inclusive platform for a wide spectrum of solution approaches. These solutions were centered on addressing a multitude of industry challenge statements, with a primary focus on enhancing the taste, texture, and nutritional profiles of plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat, dairy, and egg alternatives. This endeavor encompassed multifaceted interventions within the realms of business, science and technology, and policy-making, underscoring a comprehensive approach to advancing the burgeoning smart protein landscape.

About Good Food Institute India (GFI India)

The Good Food Institute India (GFI India) is the central expert organization, thought leader, and convening body in the Indian ‘alternative protein’ or ‘smart protein’ sector. As part of an international network of organizations with partners in the U.S., Brazil, Europe, Israel, and Asia Pacific, GFI India is on a mission to build a secure, sustainable, and just global food future. With unique insight across science, business, and policy, we are using the power of food innovation and markets to accelerate the transition of our food system toward smart proteins. In building the sector from the ground up in India, we’re aiming to establish a model for its growth all across the developing world.

About Spectrum Impact

Spectrum Impact, is a family office committed to solving large-scale societal problems with novel solutions. The objective of the family office is to allocate capital through a broad spectrum of areas like investing in and supporting technologies and businesses that are working toward arresting and reversing climate change.

The Bajaj Foundation, a renowned non-governmental organization committed to making a positive societal impact, is excited to announce its partnership with the highly anticipated Delhi Golf Club League 2023. The Bajaj Foundation is distinguished for its philanthropic initiatives that transcend conventional charity work. Notably, the foundations unique focus on promoting sports, with a particular emphasis on golf, stands out. This collaboration underscores the shared values of both organizations, including nurturing talent, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating a positive influence on the community.

Golf Team 2023 Bajaj Foundation

22 teams, comprising of 21 players and with the total field totaling 462 players will be seen in action in the 3rd Edition of the LLOYD Delhi Golf Club League to be played here from 12th October to 4th November. The tournament will be played on a four-ball better ball Matchplay Format. The inaugural season in 2021 witnessed 18 teams compete while 20 teams competed in the 2022 edition of the League.

The 22 teams competing in the League are: The A-Team, Sterling Swingers, Baale Golf, Eagles & Birdies, Christie’s Golf, SwingKKings, Shiva, Bajaj Foundation, Tee Birds, The Pioneers, MMG Coca-Cola, 24 Secure Lions, TEEm EDC, Royal Ranthambore Athletic Drive, Deutsche Motoren, Birdie Machine, Ardee Masters, Bliss Golfers, B i Luxury, Bharat Strikers, Golf Code, and Dayal Opticals, with the last three names coming on this year.

The League will be played in two stages – a Round Robin stage followed by a Knock-out stage. During each playoff match between two teams, each team will field 7 pairs (14 players). One pair from each team will play against a pair from the other team in a four ball better ball Matchplay format with all the players playing off 75% of their original handicaps.

The teams will get points for their wins. The 22 teams have been divided into 4 groups. After the Round Robin stage, top 2 teams from each group will qualify for the Knock-out stage starting with the Quarter-finals. The Finals will be played on November 4, 2023.

Mr. Pankaj Bajaj, the visionary leader behind the Bajaj Foundation, has played a pivotal role in elevating the league to new heights. He expressed his enthusiasm for the DGC Lloyd League 2023, stating, “As we tee off at the Delhi Golf League, its not just about the competition for us. Its a unique opportunity to intertwine the passion of sport with a deeper purpose. Our participation is twofold: to immerse ourselves in the camaraderie and spirit of the game, and equally, to amplify awareness for the Bajaj Foundations mission. Each swing, each round, symbolizes our drive to champion our cause, reminding everyone that supporting change is a collective responsibility.”

The league has received generous sponsorship from various organizations, with Ashish expressing their endorsement, stating, “Its been a privilege to partner with Bajaj Foundation and help them in this journey. BellWether and Bajaj Foundation share a common thread in their vision towards prosperity, well-being & development. While at BellWether we focus on the internal aspect for an individual, the Bajaj Foundation compliments our vision with a focus on social elements. Together we collectively enable the holistic approach to unleash the human potential across different dimensions of life.”

Prominent golfer Navneet Singh, who has captained the Bajaj Foundation team for the past three years since the inception of the D.G.C League, expressed his delight, saying, “I am delighted to have Captained the Bajaj Foundation team for the last 3 years since inception of the D.G.C League. We are one of the few seeded teams this year which indicates the high calibre of our team of golfers. We are a group of like-minded individuals all driven by our love and passion for the game. We particularly like playing competitive golf together. The D.G.C League is a wonderful tournament and our thanks go especially to Bajaj Foundation who have provided us this opportunity. We are also very happy playing for a meaningful cause. Finally, we also thank our sponsors M/s BellWether Associates. I look forward to the 2023 League with anticipation and excitement. Let’s make this a tournament with lots of fun and camaraderie and one to remember for a long time.”

Gaurav Seth, another golfer said, “I have been playing for Team Bajaj Foundation since the start of the DGC League in 2021. We play hard and party hard – it’s a lot of fun! Look forward to the League this year too. Playing for a meaningful cause for Bajaj Foundation is the icing on the cake!”

“We are a closely knit team with great camaraderie. This, coupled with the satisfaction of playing for a charitable foundation, makes playing for this team very enjoyable and fulfilling“, shared Arjun Singh the veteran golfer from the Bajaj Foundation team.

The Bajaj Foundation embodies the qualities essential for success in golf. Just as golf requires a tranquil mind, precision, and a deliberate approach, the Foundations holistic vision promotes these attributes in life. Their dedication to mental well-being encourages a composed disposition, echoing the serenity required on the golf course. Precision, a hallmark of golf, reflects the Foundations meticulous approach to driving societal change. Similar to the deliberate pace of a golf swing, their efforts progress steadily, ensuring a lasting impact.

In addition to their ongoing support for the Lloyd DGC League, the Bajaj Foundation will enhance the event by presenting an e-waste structure related to golf within the premises of the Delhi Golf Club. This initiative underscores their commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation.

About Bajaj Foundation:
Guided by the belief “Ek Sansaar Ek Parivaar“, the Bajaj Foundation is a Section-8 organisation which works to make the Earth a better living place through its humanitarian efforts. With a focus on the welfare of children, animals, and the environment, the foundation embodies the values of compassion and responsibility towards all living beings. The Bajaj Foundations current flagship campaign, “Beyond Tech“, embodies the 3 As policy – Awareness, Advocacy, and Action. Additionally, Bajaj Foundation also focuses on E-waste management, carbon neutrality, afforestation and the rejuvenation of ponds besides aiding emergency services & humanitarian causes.

For more information, please visit: thebajajfoundation.org.

Joy Alukkas Group proudly announces that the companys Chairman, Mr. Joy Alukkas, has steadily climbed up the ranks to reach the 50th spot in ‘Forbes List of India’s 100 Richest 2023‘. As the only jeweller from India on this prestigious list, Mr. Joy Alukkas displayed an outstanding performance that surpassed even listed peer groups in the industry.

Mr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman and Managing Director, Joyalukkas Group

Mr. Joy Alukkas was instrumental in revolutionising Indian jewellery sector. His pioneering and groundbreaking concepts such as multiple store retail, organized retailing operations, and large format stores have transformed the business landscape of the Indian jewellery sector globally, where it had been fragmented and predominantly family run stores.

Indias jewellery market size is projected to grow from US$76.77 billion in 2023 to cross US$100 billion by 2027. According to FY 2022 data, 38% of the Indian jewellery market now falls under the organized sector-a testament to Mr. Joy Alukkas impact-which is projected to rise to 47% by FY 2026.

Besides being a leader in the industry and an innovative game-changer, Mr. Joy Alukkas is celebrated for his inherent qualities as a lifelong learner and a contrarian. These traits have contributed significantly to his success-emphasized by endeavours like opening the Worlds Largest outlet in Chennai, offering a Rolls Royce car as giveaway in promotion and entering new markets like UK, USA and the Far East.

Mr. Joy Alukkas embodies decisiveness in his strategy, without succumbing to analysis paralysis. He had successfully navigated the business through major global events like the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and the 2020 pandemic.

He has improved his ranking from 69th in the previous year to 50th this year in the Forbes India’s Richest List-mere proof of the exceptional performance of the brand Joyalukkas and its consistent growth in turnover and profitability.

Affectionately known as the “Worlds Favourite Jeweller“, this milestone deserves its celebration. He continues to enrich Indias jewellery industry and leaves an indelible mark on the global front.

About Joyalukkas

Joyalukkas is an ISO certified multi-national jewellery group. Alukkas Jewellery branched out into a new brand named Joyalukkas. An organization that started as a small jeweller in Thrissur, has flourished into an entity and today Joyalukkas group has 160 Showrooms across 11 countries with more than 9000 employees. Within the span of a short period, Joyalukkas Group has become the trusted jewellery partner for 10 million customers across the world and have created 1 million exclusive designs. Joyalukkas is a well-known jewellery brand and business that has established itself as one of the market leaders, building the foundation for the next level of growth.

For more information visit: www.joyalukkas.com.