Raises awareness for Indian Sign Language through unique display

The 360-degree immersive installation, powered by cutting edge technology, was an unforgettable experience

We don’t always need words to understand each other. Sometimes all it takes is a sign. As an extension of celebrations for International Day of Sign Languages, KFC India is using its most distinctive brand asset, the iconic bucket, to raise awareness for sign language, through an exhibit unlike any other.

KFC India’s first ever 360-degree immersive Sign Language experience

KFC India’s first ever 360-degree immersive Sign Language experience featured a life size replica of its recently introduced Sign Language Bucket. With a twist.

The installation is powered by cutting-edge technology and has step-by-step visual tutorialsof commonly used words and phrases, giving consumers a chance to learn how to communicate in Indian Sign Language (ISL). It is a part of KFC India’s Kshamata program, which is aimed at feeding people’s potential, and bridging the gender and ability gap. Through the Kshamata program, KFC India is committed towards empowering women and the speech and hearing-impaired across restaurants.

Speaking about the immersive experience, Moksh Chopra, General Manager, KFC India & Partner Countries, said, “Our founder Colonel Sanders, firmly believed that everyone had a seat at his table, and this belief continues to inspire everything we do. KFC’s Kshamata program is aimed at feeding people’s potential, enhancing inclusivity. We believe that one of the biggest ways to bridge the ability gap is by encouraging the use of Indian Sign Language. With this 360-degree immersive experience, we wanted to put Sign Language front and center for consumers. So we’ve taken our most distinctive brand asset and turned it into a platform for learning to communicate without words. The installation demonstrates how easily Sign Language can become a part of our daily lives and conversations.”

On walking into the life size bucket, people were greeted with a heart-warming video, where KFC India’s Sign Language Facilitator shared inspiring stories from the lives of specially abled team members.

Next, they are presented with a hands-on experience. People were invited to place their hands on the screen, and on doing this, over 30 options of commonly used words and phrases were presented to them. Once the selection had been made, the bucket came to life all around the group of people, with actions in Indian Sign Language lighting up the interiors. The multimedia display gave consumers a Sign Language tutorial unlike any other, as they went through projections which taught them terms like “Hello”, “Thank you”, “Nice to meet you”, and “Have a good day” amongst others.

KFC India’s first ever immersive Sign Language experience was unveiled an exclusive event, at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

As a part of the brand’s efforts to encourage Indians to #SpeakSign, KFC has introduced the Sign Language bucket featuring words and phrases in ISL, along with a step-by-step visual representation to learn them. The Sign Language bucket is currently available across all KFC restaurants in India. A unique SignLanguage Menu has also been introduced across Special KFC restaurants (operated by speech and hearing-impaired employees), giving consumers a chance to learn how to sign their favourite KFC menu items.

About KFC

KFC, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM.), is a global chicken restaurant brand with a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. It all started with one cook, Colonel Harland Sanders, who created a finger lickin’ good recipe more than 80 years ago, a list of secret herbs and spices scratched out on the back of the door to his kitchen. Today we still follow his formula for success, with real cooks breading and freshly preparing our delicious chicken by hand in more than 26,000 restaurants in over 145 countries and territories around the world.

For more information, visit online.kfc.co.in.

As the monsoons pass and festivities begin, we’re ready for riding season all over again. With a nip in the air, the next few months are perfect to saddle up and hit the open road. We at Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles proudly introduce premium additions to two of our most loved motorcycles – Jawa 42 and Yezdi Roadster. These machines flawlessly blend classic design with cutting-edge performance, embodying true neo-retro aesthetics. As a brand, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles believes in gradual and continuous evolution, and our motorcycles exemplify this philosophy. Weve focused on delivering world-class products with exceptional quality, all proudly made in India for the global market. The newly launched Jawa 42 Dual Tone and Yezdi Roadster variants set new benchmarks.

The new Yezdi Roadster

Both premium variants are offered in four exciting new colour options along with various enhancements, ensuring an unparalleled riding experience. Prices for the new Jawa 42 Dual Tone starts at Rs. 1,98,142, while the new Yezdi Roadster begins at Rs. 2,08,829, available at dealerships alongside the existing Jawa 42 and Yezdi Roadster models. The Jawa 42 range now starts at Rs. 1,89,142, and the Yezdi Roadster range from Rs. 2,06,142 (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

The New Jawa 42 Dual Tone Is a reimagined Jawa 42. The Dual Tone variant features clear lens indicators, short-hang fenders, and a new dimpled fuel tank, all complemented by premium diamond-cut alloy wheels. Furthermore, the engine and exhaust components have been treated with a Raven texture finish to enhance the contrast of the premium dual tone colourways, which include Cosmic Rock, Infinity Black, Starship Blue, and Celestial Copper. The seat has also been redesigned to harmonize with the new sportier aesthetics.

This new variant features a redesigned bash plate, new handlebar mounted mirrors, and new handlebar grips. All Jawa 42 continue to be powered by a 294.7cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 27.3PS and 26.8Nm. With peak torque available at just 5,750rpm, the 42 is an ideal city bike that also performs admirably on the highway. It is paired with a smooth six-speed gearbox and features class-leading dual-channel ABS for safety.

Mr. Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO of Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, commented on the introduction of two new premium variants, stating, “At Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, our story goes beyond motorcycles; its a tale of passion, innovation, and our unwavering commitment to crafting machines that transcend generations. We continuously strive for evolution and innovation to create motorcycles that are not only admired but also cherished and desired. The introduction of the new Jawa Forty-Two and Yezdi Roadster is a testament to our pursuit of excellence and our responsiveness to customer feedback. These motorcycles are our promise to riders that they are part of something enduring and beautiful.“

Yezdi Roadster: This new Yezdi Roadster has become more touring-friendly with key changes in the ergonomics department. The most prominent changes include revised rider foot pegs (forward set by 155mm) and the taller handlebar. This update reflects the brand’s proactive approach to customer feedback. That said, as this new variant will retail alongside the existing Roadster, customers will now have the option of choosing the rider triangle that suits them best.

Much like the new Jawa 42, the Yezdi Roadster too features some design updates, such as a sportier-looking knee recess, premium diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a Raven texture finish over the engine and exhaust. It also features new handlebar grips and handlebar-mounted mirrors; another enhancement based on customer feedback.

A critical new addition are the new exhausts. Be it their new curved routing which is a hark back to the Yezdis of yesteryear, or the new rorty exhaust note they offer, the Roadster takes having fun, rather seriously. This new model is available in four new colours including three dual tone themes: Rush Hour Red, Forest Green, and Lunar White, and a solid theme – Shadow Grey.

The Yezdi Roadster range is powered by the spirited 334cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 29.5PS and 28.9Nm. It features class-leading dual-channel ABS and boasts a long 1440mm wheelbase for effortless highway cruising.

Both the new Jawa 42 Dual Tone and Yezdi Roadster exemplify motorcycles that seamlessly bridge the gap between the past, present, and future. They showcase the brands commitment to delivering excellence while honoring its rich heritage. These new variants are poised to capture the hearts of Jawa and Yezdi enthusiasts alike, while also attracting a new generation of riders seeking a harmonious blend of classic design and modern features.

Despite being more negatively impacted than men, rural women proved to be very resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the wake of disruptions in supply chains, closure of markets, and lock-downs causing a short supply of labour force, women stood out by continuing their hard work, taking on additional tasks and upholding the lifeline of agriculture despite being vulnerable to threats and inequities. Their remarkable leadership in this time of crisis should serve as a guide for policymakers, development practitioners and agriculture extensionists to support women-led development and women’s leadership in agri-food systems, global experts said on Wednesday.

Experts and scientists in conversation with media representatives

“Multiple and intersecting crises, such as climate change and COVID-19, have exposed the vulnerability of agricultural communities, particularly women. However, they have also highlighted the resilience of women and how they have been at the forefront of addressing these wicked challenges. Collectives of women have proved to be an important mechanism to enable them to do this. We have great examples of that from India, with a strong history of Self-Help Groups,” said Dr. Ranjitha Puskur, CGIAR gender researcher and Country Representative for India at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Experts and scientists in conversation with media representatives

Dr. Puskur spoke in a webinar for journalists, organized in the run-up to the international gender research conference, “From research to impact: Towards just and resilient agri-food systems,” which will take place in New Delhi on October 9-12. The event is designed to share cutting-edge knowledge and bridge the gap between research and practice to foster gender-equal and socially inclusive, resilient food systems. It is hosted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.

“During this conference, we will discuss how policies and other innovations can strengthen collective action and help women become more resilient,” stated Dr. Puskur.

While complimenting Bihar and Uttar Pradesh for targeted policy interventions addressed to women, experts speaking in this webinar said that focus on leadership in creating resilient, sustainable agri-food systems for women should be sharpened.

Dr. Eileen Bogweh Nchanji, a CGIAR gender specialist at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, is leading research across 32 countries in Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Africa. She said that gender researchers can help develop technologies and innovations that can strengthen women’s resilience: “Women need different combinations of socio-technical bundles of innovations to build equitable, resilient and healthy systems in diverse contexts,” Dr. Nchanjihighlighted how some policymakers in Africa are looking to India to learn from its experiences with establishing public-private partnerships. “It is time to scale up our successes through public-private partnerships,” she stated.

The CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform is convening its one-of-a-kind global network of gender researchers and bringing them together with other researchers, practitioners and policymakers to take stock of agricultural gender research to date and propose innovations for use on the ground: “We are combining theoretical and practical understanding to find out how to bring better tools into the hands of rural women and policymakers so that we can achieve greater resilience for everyone,” informedDr. Nicoline de Haan, Director of the CGIAR GENDER Platform.

Dr. Seema Jaggi, Assistant Director General (HRD), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, said that ICAR is pleased to host this esteemed international research conference, together with the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform: “This event will bring together experts from across the globe to deliberate on gender inequality in agriculture and food systems and share their findings to improve research and practice. ICAR has been at the forefront of agricultural research, education, and extension activities for productivity enhancement and diversification of Indian agriculture. We are certain that the outcomes and the discussions will complement our endeavor to ensure innovation-led, inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth in the country.”

Experts said the task is cut out for the global community working to realize its goals on gender equality. Halfway to the end of Agenda 2030, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5-gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls-appears out of reach. Based on the current pace of progress, it will take nearly 300 years to achieve gender equality. Omni-crises of COVID and climate change have halted and reversed progress, while, at the same time, growing inequality is undermining our ability to respond to the very crises that threaten rural peoples and landscapes everywhere.

Marianne Gadeberg, communications consultant with the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform, said, “Coming directly on the heels of the successful G20 Summit, this conference will afford a unique opportunity for researchers and practitioners to discuss how their joint efforts can support and advance the commitments set out in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, particularly on women-led development and women’s leadership roles in climate action, food security and nutrition.”

The event was moderated by Aparajita Kujur, South Asia regional strategic communication, IRRI. Many journalists also participated in the discussion and shared insightful perspectives. The webinar was organised by GreyMatters Communications and development communication platform Fijeeha.