Cheers to Two Decades of Digital Transformation with Telenity!

Today, New Delhi buzzed with collaborative energy as Telenity commemorated two decades at the forefront of telecom software innovation. The Lalit played host to "Accelerating Digital Transformation and Partnering for the Future," an event that drew together the collective power of India's telecom giants – Airtel, Vi, Jio, and BSNL – alongside key players from the logistics and supply chain ecosystems. This convergence underscored the shared vision driving digital evolution. 

In a compelling keynote, Telenity's CEO, Mr. Ilhan Bagoren, painted a vivid picture of the telecom horizon, charting the course through 5G and beyond. His words resonated with a commitment etched in two decades of innovation: to empower Communication Service Providers (CSPs) in India and across the globe with adaptable, ROI-driven solutions that pave the way for a digitized tomorrow. The spirit of collaboration was palpable, a shared understanding that the next chapter of telecom innovation will be written through strong partnerships.

The day commenced with a welcome coffee, followed by a keynote session dissecting the global technological shifts impacting the telecom industry and the emerging opportunities within the Indian market. A compelling client panel then showcased real-world applications of Telenity's solutions, highlighting successful digital transformations and their measurable impact on ROI.

Beyond the discussions, as attendees, we immersed ourselves in Telenity's cutting-edge innovations through an interactive showcase of DSP, SmartTrail, and SmartCollect. A dedicated CTO Roundtable fostered a crucial exchange of ideas among technology leaders, focusing on future-proof telecom strategies and soliciting invaluable feedback for product evolution. The event concluded with a networking lunch, forging pathways for future collaborations and shared growth.

For communication service providers worldwide, Telenity stands as a beacon of innovation, crafting state-of-the-art services and solutions by empowering their partners to unlock the full potential of their networks through their NFV-enabled, 5G-ready VAS Consolidation Platform and Digital Services Platform – a modular suite adaptable to the unique demands of operators. 

Telenity's Enkudo Business Line acts as a vital bridge between digital service providers and operators, forging new revenue streams and enriching the digital experience for over half-a-billion mobile users across more than forty service providers globally. Its unparalleled flexibility extends to diverse business models, including revenue sharing and managed services.

Telenity's Twentieth Anniversary Celebration marks not just a company milestone, but it also stands as a testament to two decades of unwavering focus on customer-centric telecommunications. The event further solidified Telenity's position as a trusted technology partner, increasingly collaborating with CSPs in the dynamic realm of digital transformation, cementing its strong presence in the Indian market while strategically expanding its global reach.

Franchising With ExpanGlobal...

With a view to bringing over 100 leading brands and key delegates from around the world under one roof, ExpanGlobal hosted India’s Largest International Global Franchise Show at Le Meridien this week.

Throughout the show, attendees were encouraged to take advantage of the expansive display of franchise opportunities, explore and network with industry-leading franchise brands, and attend comprehensive programs.

Global Franchise Show offers guests the chance to learn strategies for success with over seminars and in-depth workshops. The show acts as a mediator that provides the best of both worlds. While for the franchisor, it brings the best form of capital that is equity free and debt free, for the franchisee it provides a guided opportunity to own and operate a business. The franchisees focus on the operations while the franchisor concentrates on enhancing the core competencies.

This being ExpanGlobal's first show in India, the event featured brands across Food & Beverage, Retail, Education, Health & Wellness, and Service Sectors.

Speaking about the event, Mr. Raghav Khattar, President Marketing and Communication, ExpanGlobal said,

“We’ve always supported the National Event shows and believe strongly in the concept of franchise expositions, although we recommend a variety of marketing channels to franchisors, the Franchise expos are consistently part of new and existing franchise marketing plans. We appreciate the consistency and professional relationship that National Events has always shown
us and our clients who exhibit with them.”

On the other hand, Mr. Mrinal Srivastava who is President Global Expansion and Strategy at ExpanGlobal was of the following opinion

“As economic optimism continues to rise and the franchise industry grows to new heights, many businessmen and women are turning to franchising to transform their lives. Each year, exhibitors who come to Global Franchise Show have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on their franchise brand, introduce their investment opportunity to hundreds of qualified individuals, attract new leads, and connect face-to-face with existing candidates all over a two-day period. The show generates massive amounts of foot traffic – allowing the franchisors on-site to be introduced to quality leads who will allow them to break into new regions and/or further develop their reach in existing markets.”

All in all, it was a great opportunity for stakeholders in the franchise world. :)

Commemorating World Cancer Day With Namo Gange...

The society and the Indian nation at large is rapidly falling victim to one of the most fatal diseases  known to mankind - ‘Cancer’.

In a bid to raise awareness among people about the dangerous disease, Namo Gange Trust organised ‘3rd Arogya Film Festival 2019’ on February 4, 2019 at Marwah Studio, Film City, Noida.

It is a joint initiative of Namo Gange Trust and International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI). The initiative is supported by
Ministry of AYUSH and Marwah Studios.

February 4 is celebrated as the World Cancer Day internationally each year to raise awareness of cancer
and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. As per World Health Organisation (WHO), because of globalization, modernization and stress, cancer is on rise.

The third edition of Arogya Film Festival is specifically dedicated to Cancer as United Nations has declared 4th February as International Cancer Day.

Research evidence reveals that cancer is responsible for almost one out of six deaths globally. More than 14 million people develop cancer every year, and it is also projected to rise to at least 21 million by 2030.

This is a very threatening as well as crucial matter of thought for all of us. With Namo Gange's belief that there film is powerful enough to communicate stories, stimulate emotions, motivate action, and to reduce the inconsistencies in health sector, the primary purpose of this festival is to spread awareness about cancer treatment through AYUSH via the medium of film and media as a catalyst.

On the occasion, the lamp lighting was done by Acharya Jagdish Maharaj (Founder, Namo Gange Trust),
Ramanand Meena (Deputy Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH), Mrs. Nidhi Agarwal (Founder, Bliss
Foundation), Swami Sehajanand (Founder Chairman of Mahamrityunjaya International Yoga & Astrology Centre), Dr. Sandeep Marwah (Founder of Noida Film City), Suresh Chavhanke (Chairman,
Managing Director of Sudarshan News), and Colonel T P Tyagi (Recipient of National Gallantry Award Vir Chakra).

The movies that were screened and made it to the Top 5 are:

• Caged (Director and Scriptwriter: Abhas  Kumar),
• Cancer: An Ill Effect of Alcohol and Tobacco (Director: Shabir Anees and Scriptwriter: Mubashir Ali Zaidi),
• A Ray of Hope (Director: Raj Dutta and Scriptwriter: Munira Dhamani),
• Zehar (Director: Abhishek Singh and Scriptwriter: Usha Singh),
• Life in Smoke (Director and Scriptwriter: Gianluca Fratellini).

Acharya Mukesh Kumar, National President, Namo Gange Trust commented on the occasion,

“Prevention is sure Cure for Cancer. An ounce of Prevention is quart of a Cure, therefore AYUSH system has possibilities through amazing lifestyle therapies, panchkarma detoxification, disciplined lifestyle and good food habits with regular yoga activities and better understanding towards the disease to protect us from the environmental Carcinogens.”

Sandeep Marwah, Founder, Noida Film City in his address extended thanks to Namo Gange Trust for organizing the Film Festival that entirely focused on how social preventive system, alternative system of medicine, and complementary medicine could be a better attempt to fight Cancer at Marwah Studios.

“The latest statistic says that after 20 years, 10 per cent of the Indian population will be suffering from this dangerous disease. The major reason of this disease is polluted air, polluted water and polluted Earth. It is high time we get conscious about the disease, which is going to kill our bodies. Let’s become more aware.

This is a small contribution to Cancer Awareness by Marwah Studios”, he added.

Witnessing participation from more than 100 countries in its third edition, the first edition of the film
festival focused on ‘Stress’ and second on ‘Diabetes’. As many as 37 countries participated in first International Arogya Film Festival while 98 countries participated in the second edition.

On the whole, Namo Gange aspires to create awareness towards some pertinent issues that plague our society each year and this edition of the Arogya Film Festival was also successful in doing so. :) 

Celebrating Saffron With Chef Harpal Sokhi At Nut Lounge...

India's leading brand when it comes to all things dry fruits - Nutraj - recently celebrated Saffron Festival helmed by 'Turban Tadka' fame Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi - at its Nut Lounge outlets across Delhi.

Coinciding with the Lohri weekend, Chef Sokhi made it a point to visit Nut Lounge By Nutraj at Dwarka, Gurugram, Rajouri Garden, and Indirapuram to chat with patrons visiting the stores for their fix to all kinds of nuts, berries, dry fruits, seeds, dried fruits, and saffron this winter and make known to them, the health benefits of saffron.

Commenting on the fact that saffron is known for two attributes - color and aroma - Chef Harpal said that unfortunately, very few people know how to:

• Select Saffron
  
• Store Saffron
  
• Use Saffron 

Given the two forms of saffron - dry and silky - one must go for the former owing to its less moisture content compared to the former.

This ensures that a greater number of strands can be packed for the same weight when it comes to dry saffron. Quoting an example, Chef Sokhi pointed out that if six or eight strands of silky saffron were to impart color, dry saffron can get the job done in two strands.

Furthermore, most of the general public purchases saffron and puts it in the refrigerator, which should not be so. Rather, a cool, dark, dry place like a kitchen shelf should be preferred for the same.

Repeatedly closing and opening a container of saffron also makes it prone to losing its aroma apart from the health benefits which are a given.

In terms of usage, Chef Sokhi pointed out that popular opinion makes it a favorite for desserts, however, he cautioned against boiling saffron - putting it in boiling milk, say, and keep on boiling thinking that it will give a darker hue.

Rather, Chef was of the opinion that saffron should be put as garnished for a prepared warm or preferably chilled dessert.

As far as savory preparations were concerned, Chef was all for using saffron in mild gravies or for aesthetic value in rice preparations, though he again cautioned to keep saffron away from the fire, lest it loses its aroma.

As a great immunity booster, saffron should be consumed on a regular basis. Sharing his recipe for Saffron Cappuccino that consisted of:

• Boiling jaggery and pepper in water to a medium thick consistency,
  
• Straining the liquid and taking a shot of the decoction, 
  
• Boiling milk separately and putting crushed saffron in it as it comes to a complete boil. 

For plating, the saffron milk can be poured over the jaggery decoction and layered with whipped cream with a couple of strands as a garnish for aesthetic value.

Speaking about Nutraj, it is a 90-year-old name that has been a B2B player, with Nut Lounge exploring the B2C route.

Mr. Vishal pointed out that Nut Lounge wanted to position itself as a health store that focuses on experiential sale with their USP being that they are the largest importer of walnuts.

As for saffron, there was also a discussion as to how Iran accounts for over 90% of the world production and how saffron has a multitude of health benefits and can be easily incorporated into daily consumption.

Wrapping up the insightful Saffron Festival on a musical note as an ode to women across the country who prepare meals for their families infused with love and care, Chef Harpal recalled his 'Namak Shamak' jingle.

On the whole, it was an interactive session held at Nut Lounge By Nutraj with Chef Sokhi focussing on the nuances of the beneficial spice that is saffron. :)

Ingenuity In Expression At The Natya Ballet Dance Festival 2018...

A Biennale celebration of creative excellence in expression through movement - DANCE - The Natya Ballet Dance Festival organized by the Natya Ballet Centre in association with Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) drew a close to its second edition on December 2, 2018. 

The three-day event at SNA premises in the heart of the city beginning November 30, 2018, witnessed a full-house audience all three days, performing arts enthusiasts and Indian culture fanatics alike, soaking in the rich heritage of the timeless art form that is dance. Exploring the pertinent themes of ‘Dance in Film’ & ‘Dance in Theatre’, NBDF 2018 showcased the best of both local and global art forms, at the same time emphasizing on female power in dance & theatre. 

Commencing with renowned American choreographer and Artistic Director of Ananya Dance Theatre, Ananya Chatterjee's Masterclass that introduced a contemporary Indian dance technique called Yorchhā, which brings together movement principles from Odissi, Vinyasa Yoga, and Mayurbhanj Chhau, NBDF 2018's first day also drew the curtains with a contemporary retelling of the Mahabharata, conceptualized by the Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust employing an amalgam of the Japanese technique of Bunraku, masks and shadow theatre, along with the elements of Chhau and Kalaripayattu to present a spellbinding storytelling session. 

Helmed by Anurupa Roy, Founder and Managing Trustee of the Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust, the hour-long enactment of the mythological epic saw a stream of the conscious narrative of the fifteen prominent characters of the Mahabharata. The unquestioning loyalty to their personal beliefs by each that paved way to the battle of Kurukshetra was portrayed effortlessly, whilst at the same time questioning whether the characters had chances to alter their choices that could have made a difference to the consequences. 

While the second and third days of the festival aimed to explore the underlying themes by the means of 'Meet The Legends' and 'Dance Discourses', there was a lot to look forward to, as the experience unfolded. 

“It was a labor of love to bring a festival of this magnitude to the Delhi public, and a rewarding experience to witness the large turnout. Natya Ballet Centre strives to innovate, expand dialogues and boundaries within the realm of dance, which was showcased under one roof, over three days. A coming together of immense talent from different fields.”, said Radhika Hoon, Chairperson, Natya Ballet Centre on showcasing a tribute to dance in the context of theatre and film, by the means of The Natya Ballet Dance Festival. 

On the second day, Sangeet Natak Akademi opened its doors to an insightful conversation with the legend of contemporary Indian Dance, Astad Deboo, who pioneered the contemporary dance style at a time when innovation in Indian dance was not welcomed. 

In his session moderated by Dr. Arshiya Sethi, a scholar, commentator, administrator, consultant and an activist in the field of art and culture, Mr. Deboo discussed how his style of dance has evolved during the years from learning Kathak and Kathakali, to his own unique style and shared his story of how he taught dance to deaf artists and children of the Salaam Balak Trust giving them an opportunity to perform in public. 

This segment was immediately followed by a tete-a-tete between the legendary Kathak exponent Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj and Manjari Sinha, an acclaimed musicologist and classical music and dance critic. 

The living legend shared anecdotes of how he learned Kathak, his journey and the legacy of Kathak which will be carried forward, beautifully binding the past, present, and future. Besides, being a maestro of Kathak, Maharaj Ji demonstrated his prowess at playing the tabla, recited his own poetry and sang leaving the onlookers in a graceful bind. 

The ‘Dance in Theatre’ segment welcomed renowned theatre artists such as Maya Krishna Rao, Vinay Kumar from Adishakti Theatre, Gowri Ramnarayan and Bharatanatyam exponent Jyotsna Shourie along with moderators Dr. Anita Cherian & Saumya Baijal, who shared their insights on how dance and theatre blend in the work and practice. 

Later in the evening, two international performances had been planned, courtesy the famous Dutch dance company Vloeistof - ‘We are waiting at the Border’ - a confrontational public space performance and Leo Spreksel's ‘Ayush’, an amalgamation of Western dramaturgy and Kathak vocabulary, performed by Hari and Chethana and Sirisha. 

Vloiestof has traveled across Europe and this festival served as the platform for it to premiere in India. With four dancers, three mirrors and a huge glass plate, the aim of this performance was to explore new ways to break boundaries and focus on unexpected aspects of borders. 

Commenting on how dance has come across as a powerful medium to fuel change in society, Nikita Maheshwary, Creative Director, Natya Ballet Centre was of the following opinion. 

“We are thrilled and humbled to see that our aim to unfold the plural discourses on dance and open up various dialogues on the shifting paradigms of performing arts has been received so well by audience and critics alike. We are looking forward to being back with our third edition in 2020, as the Natya Ballet Centre celebrates its 60th year, with international and national alliances to showcase many more inspiring artists and performances.”

The last day of The Natya Ballet Dance Festival commenced with a candid talk between Mallika Sarabhai, an eminent choreographer, dancer, filmmaker, actress, writer, and social activist. 

She has been recognized and awarded across the world and Dr. Arshiya Sethi, followed by another ‘Meet The Legends’ session with Leela Samson, who is an exponent and sensitive interpreter of the nuances of Bharatanatyam. 

She spoke about her experience of choreographing a body of work called ‘Spanda’, two decades years ago, which is known for its innovations in Bharatanatyam till date. She also shared details on her latest production named ‘Avani - The River’. The session was moderated by Prof. Naman P. Ahuja, who is a curator of Indian art, a Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Co-Editor of Marg Publications. 

In the same afternoon, the focus shifted to ‘Dance in Film’ where award-winning filmmakers and artists Saba Dewan, Justin Mc Carthy, Sharada Ramanathan, and Vikram Iyengar presented excerpts of their films and delved on the role of the camera in dance. 

The evening culminated with a powerful performance, ‘Aham Sita’, directed by Gowri Ramnarayan of the JustUs Repertory, Chennai and performed by the renowned Bharatnatyam danseuse Priyadarsini Govind. 

A blend of dance, music and the spoken word, it frames five crucial moments in the life of Sita along with the other women of the Ramayana - Urmila Mandodari, Surpanakha, and Ahalya - the act was widely appreciated.

Needless to say, the effort put in by the performing artists and festival directors shone through to put forward a successful second edition of The Natya Ballet Dance Festival, and here's hoping that dance as a performing art and catalyst continues to dissolve boundaries across the globe. :)

An Ode To Expressive Brilliance At #NBDF2018...

From the Inside to the Outside, 

From People to Puppets, 

From the Stage to Public Spaces, 

From Mythology to Modernity. 

A delicate thread of expressive movement binds these four facets of societal perception - DANCE. 

It is an age-old-adage that actions speak louder than words. Dance is one such series of actions that has the ability to spellbind, taking the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions by the means of impactful performances. 

Dance is an unbelievably powerful medium of narrative and social activism that adapts itself to the interpretation of the viewer. There is thought that is put into performances, which culminates into appreciation as the creative effort of the artiste bears fruit. 

Unfortunately, performing arts of the likes of theater, film, song, and dance are losing out gradually in modern times, yet I recently came across an earnest attempt to revive such arts and give them a new lease of life that is The Natya Ballet Dance Festival 2018. 

Helmed by Natya Ballet Centre in association with Sangeet Natak Akademi, the second edition of the Biennale ‘The Natya Ballet Dance Festival’ from 30 November - 2 December 2018 is to be held at SNA premises.

This year, the festival is centered around the themes of ‘Dance in Film’ & ‘Dance in Theatre’ that aim to showcase works that transcend any one medium. The three-day long festival is filled with rich and diverse programs that will present the best of both local and global art forms along with a tete-a-tete with living legends of Indian dance.

A melange of thought-provoking and mesmerizing performances, talks, presentations and film screenings with the host of eminent and distinguished artists from India and abroad is what will mark The Natya Ballet Dance Festival, also along with an emphasis on women power in dance and theater.

Conceptualized by Radhika Hoon, Chairperson, Natya Ballet Centre, and Nikita Maheshwary, Creative Director, Natya Ballet Centre, The Natya Ballet Dance Festival attempts to appreciate bold and assertive works that visualize and interpret conventional storytelling through the filters of social and political upheaval.

Be it the ‘Dance Discourses’ focusing on how art can act as an effective medium to mobilize social change or the ‘Meet The Legends’ tete-a-tete that provides an opportunity for the audience and fraternity alike to gain glimpses into the illustrious lives of the mega icons of Indian Dance namely Pandit Birju Maharaj, Leela Samson, Astad Deboo, and Mallika Sarabhai, The Natya Ballet Dance Festival comes across as an exciting and promising amalgamation of talents from across the globe in Delhi, this weekend.

I'll be there at The Natya Ballet Dance Festival to witness the masterpiece come to life. Will you? :)

A Decade of British Medical Journal In India...

It is just yesterday that British Medical Journal (BMJ) India celebrated its ten years of operations in South Asia.

BMJ started out in South Asia with the commencement of its operations in India. With a multitude of educational initiatives, some of which include Journals from BMJ, including The BMJ, BMJ Learning, BMJ Best Practice, Course in Diabetes, provision of high quality, evidence-based resources to clinicians in South Asia has always been on BMJ's radar. The commemoration of a decade marks BMJ's way of thanking all their partners, customers, stakeholders and collaborators in India over the past decade.

By the means of its numerous events such as The BMJ Awards South Asia, Healthcare Improvement Summits and The BMJ Conclave, BMJ has aimed to provide the best platforms to its delegates in South Asia.

BMJ has perseveringly trained nearly 9000 doctors through BMJ Masterclass and received a cumulative of 5000 entries in the BMJ Awards since its launch in 2014. In merely four years, the organization has trained 300+ doctors through its courses in Diabetes & CKD.

With accreditation from the Maharastra, Delhi, and Goa Medical Councils, and its Research To Publication initiative, BMJ is also fostering credible scholars from India's vast think tank.

To mark the occasion Mr. Prashant Mishra, Managing Director BMJ India & South Asia announced a charity initiative in partnership with Smile Foundation under which BMJ and Smile Foundation plan to jointly conduct health camps in Delhi-NCR through a programme named Smile Health Camp with the objective of providing primary health care services to the underserved women and adolescent girls in our society.

While sharing his vision and the help extended by BMJ, Mr. Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation said, “India is witnessing a rising demand for immediate medical facilities across urban and rural areas as a major part of the population continues to reside in urban slums or remote and hard-to-reach rural areas, and are also suffering and fighting the worst kind of ailments. In such a scenario a mobile healthcare service delivery system is the most practical mechanism that can deliver immediate relief to the needy. We are thankful to the British Medical Journal for their support in ‘Smile on Wheels’ programme. We are pleased to share with you that our partnership has facilitated the delivery of quality healthcare services to the very doorsteps of the needy, besides promoting healthcare awareness among the underprivileged.”

Commenting on the occasion and applauding BMJ India's achievements, Mr. Prashant Mishra, Managing Director, BMJ India & South Asia, said,

“It gives me great pleasure to see BMJ India reach this milestone. We’ve covered a long journey ever since we established the first office for the South Asian region in New Delhi. I can assure all our stakeholders that we will continue to demonstrate our commitment towards creating a healthier world through our evidence-based educational resources: courses, journals, e-learning programs, and CME content.”

All in all, BMJ India hopes to continue scaling heights in the medical and academic arenas, renewing their faith in the mission and vision of BMJ. :)

Introspection At XIN Philanthropy Conference 2018...

The Alibaba Foundation jointly with UCWeb hosted the Global Forum of the XIN Philanthropy Conference 2018 on the occasion of UN International Day of Charity in remembrance of Mother Teresa (September 5).

Launched in 2016, it is the first conference of its kind to be held out of China. The biennial conference is an important representation of Alibaba Group’s commitment to encouraging inclusive, universal and sustainable growth for businesses and communities alike.

Alibaba Group regards India as a major part of its philanthropy roadmap, while UC’s philanthropic mission in India is to bridge the Digital Divide as much as possible. In tune with this vision and under the theme of ‘Love and Infinity’, the Global Forum held in Delhi advocated for a wide public awareness and actions on Education, Children Protection and Women Empowerment.

Hosted by Indian actress and Founder of Col. Shamsher Singh Foundation Gul Panag, the Global Forum of Xin Philanthropy Conference has become a prominent gathering of renowned Indian philanthropists and public welfare advocates.

While this year's conference held in the heart of the city had popular Hindi film actress Kangana Ranaut sharing her personal experience of being a frontline advocate for women equality, a multitude of speakers within the global welfare and business domains included Robin Raina, the Chairman, CEO & President of Ebix Inc. and founder of the Robin Raina Foundation, Abha Singh, lawyer, social activist and founder of Rann-Samar Foundation, Meagan Fallone CEO, Barefoot College International among others.

The current status of women equality and education, innovative solutions with “Internet plus philanthropy” model were discussed, given the trend that internet has brought disruptive change to every aspect of our lives.

In accordance with Alibaba’s philosophy of philanthropy, technology can help to lower the barrier for each individual to participate in philanthropy and unleash “The Power of Small” to drive big change for public welfare.

“As the world’s first Internet company that integrates philanthropy into its core strategy, Alibaba’s philanthropy is without a border. That’s why we take the XIN Philanthropy Conference out of China for the first time, here in India. It shows the importance of India for Alibaba. This is also the first time our Internet plus Philanthropy Model has set its foot on the global path.”, Shunyan Zhu, President of UC, Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment Group, stated on the occasion.

Arunima Sen, Programme Analyst for Governance, UN Women India MCO, Soha Moitra, Regional Director of Child Rights and You, Saurabh Jain, Vice President of Paytm and Head of Paytm Build for India Initiative and Alex Li, Managing Director of Alibaba Cloud India, joined Shunyan to officially kick off the 5th September Philanthropy Week during which different business units of Alibaba Group will have multiple philanthropic programs for public participation on a global scale.

A business within Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment Group, UC has rooted in India for 7 years, amplifying Alibaba’s charitable efforts with the global breadth and Indian depth along with its business influence and brand reputation. With its new mission of Bigger We-Media, Bigger You, UC Browser, a leading content platform with 130 million monthly active users, will work with Indian content creators to build a responsible content ecosystem.

“We will use Internet technology to bridge the inequality gap, and eliminate poverty with knowledge and information,” said Mr. Shunyan Zhu.

Apart from empowering local charitable organizations, UC strives to empower the women in India. As the second most populated country, India possesses unexplored power from women. Based on the belief that the Internet is an equal platform, UC Browser established the UC Women’s channel, firstly in India, that provides knowledge in lifestyle, fashion, and career, it allows women to focus on self-growth and self-realization.

In addition to that, UC kicked off #SheDeservesToKnow campaign led by the well-known Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut.

“I pride myself on being a fearless woman who believes that women empowerment is a movement that has to take over the world. It has been a pleasure for me to be here to witness a brand like Alibaba and UC encouraging women and providing us with a platform where digital literacy and empowerment are primary focuses,” said Kangana, who is also associated with the #SheDeservesToKnow empowerment project.

In light of the positive result of UC Shiksha, UC determines to fully utilize the influence of its platform for philanthropy. In collaboration with ten charitable organizations and philanthropic advocates in India, UC Browser is about to launch the UC Hope, a charity channel for local charitable content. The channel aims to increase users’ awareness on the social issues in India and to nurture empathy by news-feeding the philanthropic content.

All in all, it was an insightful time at the XIN Philanthropy Conference 2018. :)