Trailblazers in Diplomacy and Defence Share Leadership Lessons at FICCI FLO’s ‘Frontline India’ Event

Bengaluru, June 9, 2025 — FICCI FLO Bengaluru hosted a compelling leadership session titled “Frontline India”, featuring two prominent voices from India’s diplomatic and defence arenas — Ambassador Nirupama Rao, former Foreign Secretary of India, and Captain Yashika Hatwal Tyagi, retired Indian Army officer and motivational speaker.

The event brought together members of the FLO community and aspiring professionals for an engaging dialogue on leadership, resilience, and national service. It highlighted the lived experiences of two pioneering women who have broken barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Ambassador Nirupama Rao shared her insights into international diplomacy and governance, reflecting on the critical need for empathy, strategic communication, and inclusive leadership in today’s global order. She emphasized that modern leadership is about more than authority — it requires listening, adaptability, and the ability to bridge diverse perspectives.
“Women today are redefining leadership across diplomacy, governance, and national security. Their courage and intellect are shaping India’s future at home and on the world stage,” she noted.



Captain Yashika Hatwal Tyagi, drawing from her journey in the armed forces, spoke about the challenges women face in uniform and the need to constantly overcome societal expectations. Her address focused on mental strength, perseverance, and the importance of purpose-driven service.
“Joining the army meant not just serving the nation, but paving the path for future generations of women. Sharing my story on this platform was deeply humbling,” said Tyagi.



FLO Bengaluru Chairperson Dekyi Yangtso Chawla described the session as a celebration of women’s strength and determination, saying it reflected the ethos of FLO — a network committed to fostering leadership and change.
“Events like Frontline India empower women to claim their space in leadership with authenticity and courage. It’s a tribute to women who lead with vision and heart,” Chawla said.



The session resonated with a diverse audience, including young professionals and entrepreneurs, as it emphasized collaboration over competition, and the importance of emotional intelligence, clarity, and resilience in leadership. The speakers also highlighted the value of strategic thinking and the ability to adapt in rapidly changing environments.

The event served as a reminder of the growing role of women in shaping India’s narrative, not just in boardrooms and policymaking spaces, but also on the frontlines of national defence and global diplomacy.

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Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 Extends Nomination Deadline to March 9

Bengaluru, March 4, 2025: The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, an initiative by Aster DM Healthcare, has extended its nomination deadline to March 9, 2025, following an overwhelming global response with over 100,000 registrations from more than 200 countries.

Launched in 2022, the award recognizes and honors the crucial contributions of nurses worldwide. The winner will receive a grand prize of $250,000. Nurses from around the world can submit their nominations through the official website: http://www.asterguardians.com.

The third edition of the award was held in Bengaluru, India, in 2024, where Nurse Maria Victoria Juan from the Philippines emerged as the winner. Using the prize money, she launched the #BeOneMovement, a nationwide initiative integrating lifesaving training (Barangay Lifesaver Program) and environmental stewardship (Nursing the Environment). These programs aim to address critical health and environmental issues while empowering communities.

Speaking about the award, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, said:
“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing unwavering care and compassion. This award is our way of recognizing and honoring these unsung heroes who work tirelessly to improve healthcare and make a lasting impact on lives.”

Maria Victoria Juan, winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024, expressed her gratitude, saying:
“Winning this award has been a life-changing experience, allowing me to launch the #BeOneMovement. Nurses are not just caregivers; we are changemakers, and this platform helps us amplify our impact globally.”

Nominations are open to nurses from across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Africa, the Americas, and Europe.

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Historian Vikram Sampath Calls for a Comprehensive Historical Narrative

Udupi: Renowned historian Vikram Sampath emphasized the need for a more inclusive and accurate representation of Indian history at the birth centenary programme of late Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat. The event, organized by the Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Memorial Trust at Town Hall, Udupi, focused on re-examining India’s historical narratives, particularly concerning temples and heritage.

Dr. Vikram Sampath was honoured with the Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Centenary Award for his contributions to historical research. In his keynote address, he highlighted the influence of colonial narratives on Indian history and stressed the importance of rewriting history to include lesser-known figures and events. He noted, “History shapes the minds of people, a fact well understood by our colonial masters. George Orwell once said, ‘Those who control the past, control the future.’”

Sampath criticized the Delhi-centric approach in Indian history, arguing that many significant rulers and events from South India and the Northeast remain overlooked. He cited examples such as Rani Abbakka, the queen of Ullal who resisted Portuguese invasions, and Marthanda Varma, the Travancore king who defeated the Dutch at the Battle of Colachel in 1741. He remarked, “Had he not triumphed, we might have been speaking Dutch today at a few places.” He also questioned the lack of awareness about the Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for over six centuries.

The conference featured eminent speakers, including Dr. Surendranath Bopparaju, who provided an in-depth analysis of temple architecture and its scientific precision. Padma Shri awardee K.K. Muhammed presented a session on the preservation and restoration of ancient temples, detailing his efforts in reviving nearly 70 Gurjara-Pratihara temples in Bateshwar, Madhya Pradesh, which had been left in ruins due to invasions.

Prof. P. Sripati Tantri, Chairman of the Trust, stated that the conference aimed to bring evolving perspectives on Indian history and promote an unbiased approach to education. Mr. Vishwanath Padur, Secretary of the Trust, emphasized that the event served as a platform for historians, scholars, and enthusiasts to engage in meaningful dialogue on India’s cultural and historical identity.

Dr. Malathi Krishnamurthy fondly recalled Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat as an educator known for his humanitarian approach, stating that his values of simplicity, hard work, and compassion left a lasting impact on students.

The conference successfully fostered discussions on India’s historical identity, the role of temples in shaping cultural heritage, and the need for a more comprehensive, inclusive, and well-documented history that represents all regions of the country.

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Dr. Yoonas Jones Honored with ‘Karnataka Kesari State Award’ for Contributions to Film and Social Work

Mysore, February 23, 2025Dr. Yoonas Jones was conferred with the prestigious Karnataka Kesari State Award for his outstanding contributions to the fields of film and social work. The award ceremony, organized by the Karnataka Samskrutika and Sahitya Parishat (R), took place at Mysore Town Hall in the presence of esteemed dignitaries and guests.

The event featured cultural performances, including dance and karaoke, followed by a free eye screening and spectacles distribution camp. The ceremony was graced by Sri Ilai Alwar Swamiji, with social worker K. Raghuram Vajpayee inaugurating the event. Former Chairperson of Kanteerava Studios, Vijayalakshmi Urs, attended as the chief guest, while industrialist and social worker Dr. Sandeep Pande presided over the function.

Dr. Jones, known for his dedication to social service and the arts, has been recognized with multiple accolades. Previously, on December 27, 2024, he received the Bharath Jyothi National Award at Ravindra Kalakshetra Kannada Bhavana in Bangalore, an event organized by the Survey Cultural Academy.

Apart from his contributions to film and philanthropy, Dr. Jones serves as the Vice President of Human Resource Development at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). He has actively participated in various initiatives and addressed the media at the KPCC office in Bangalore.

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JSW Group Honoured with “Investor of the Decade” Award at Invest Karnataka 2025

Bengaluru, February 13, 2025: JSW Group has been recognized as the “Investor of the Decade” at the Global Investors Meet – Invest Karnataka 2025, a prestigious accolade awarded by the Government of Karnataka. The award was presented to Parth Jindal, Managing Director of JSW Cement & JSW Paints, in recognition of the Group’s transformative contribution to Karnataka’s industrial growth over the past decade.

JSW Group has played a pivotal role in strengthening Karnataka’s manufacturing ecosystem, infrastructure development, and employment generation, with investments exceeding ₹1 lakh crore in the state. Under its leadership, the company has made significant strides in advancing steel production, green energy, cement manufacturing, and port infrastructure, fostering economic resilience and long-term growth.

JSW Group has continuously expanded its footprint in Karnataka, including JSW Steel’s Vijayanagar plant, one of the largest single-location steel plants in India, alongside major investments in renewable energy, cement, and infrastructure projects. This award further reinforces JSW’s position as a key enabler of Karnataka’s vision for industrial excellence.

The Investor of the Decade award was conferred at a grand ceremony held at Bangalore Palace, Bengaluru, in the presence of senior government officials, business leaders, and key industry stakeholders.

JSW Group remains committed to fostering industrial innovation, creating employment, and driving economic development in Karnataka and across India.

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