United Way Bengaluru and Alstom Join Forces to Propel ‘Rural Rising’ Program in Coimbatore

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Inaugurated 07 Projects that are aimed at delivering positive community transformation in 02 gram panchayats impacting lives of 8380 beneficiaries.

Coimbatore, November 11, 2023: Top of Form
Bottom of Form
United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), in strategic alliance with Alstom, continues to champion the ‘Rural Rising’ initiative with its latest intervention in Sultanpet Block, Coimbatore. This collaborative effort underscores a shared vision to elevate the quality of life in Appanaickenpatti and Selakarachal Gram Panchayats.
Anchored in the principles of advancing education, healthcare, livelihood, and environmental sustainability, the ‘Rural Rising’ program celebrated its third year of implementation, while also showcasing significant achievements and milestones unveiled during the inauguration event held in October 2023. The event was attended by Shri Kandhaswami, MLA of the Sulur Constituency; Shri Vijaya Kumar, Block Development Officer of Sultanpet; Shri Francis, Assistant Educational Officer; Smt. S. Salma, Child Development Project Officer of Sultanpet; Smt. Maragathavadivu Karuppaswami, and Smt. Santhi Rajendran, Panchayat Presidents representing Appanaickenpatti and Selakarichal respectively. Additionally, Smt. Renuga, School Headmaster, along with Shri S Selvakumar, Site Managing Director at Alstom Transport, and Shri Sriram Ananthanarayanan, Director – Projects at United Way Bengaluru.

Commenting on the initiative and its impact, Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India, said, “Alstom’s CSR initiatives in India are strategically designed to drive long term impact in the lives of people and communities. Our consistent engagement with United Way Bengaluru for its Rural Rising program enables us to deliver on our commitment centered around education, health and hygiene. It is also a matter of pride for us that we will be able to deliver strategic impact in gram panchayats, touching the lives of 8380 beneficiaries of Coimbatore which is one of our strong manufacturing hubs in India.”

Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru, said, “One aspect that particularly stands out is the collaborative nature of the Rural Rising flagship program. By working closely with local authorities and engaging community members in meaningful ways, the program ensures that the voices and aspirations of the people on the ground are heard and integrated into the community development process. This participatory approach not only identifies the major issues and priorities of each area but also helps to design the implementation plan that aligns with the specific needs of the community.”
Aligned with Alstom’s commitment to positively impact communities in the area of education and environment, several key interventions have been implemented under the Rural Rising program.
Eight Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been strengthened with enhanced services, facilities, and improved infrastructure to provide a safer and more conducive environment for children.

Additionally, capacity building initiatives for Anganwadi workers and helpers, mobilization of mothers’ groups, and the promotion of nutrition gardens were undertaken, which have further enriched these AWCs. The program’s scope also extends to improving the health and sanitation standards within the community.

This includes strengthening a block Primary Health Centre (PHC) with state-of-the-art equipment, constructing toilets at the Panchayat Union Public School in Appanaickenpatti, setting up a solid waste management system by providing a door-to-door waste collection vehicle and community awareness initiatives. Installing a 2000 LPH Water ATM at Selakarachal village ensures access to safe drinking water.

Recognizing the significance of a healthy environment, 125 solar streetlights were installed to promote sustainable energy practices across the two Gram Panchayats. Soil and water conservation activities, such as lift irrigation, have been initiated, benefiting community members, especially children, women, and farmers. Furthermore, ‘Rural Rising’ extends support to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Selakarachal, which includes the establishment of shops, distribution of aids, computer access, and mobility solutions.
The event also marked the commencement of other transformative initiatives in Appanaickenpatti, including the setting up of one digital classroom and one library. Additionally, construction in a new school kitchen, refurbishment of an existing school kitchen, and installation of 20 solar streetlights were officially kickstarted. In Selakarachal, a vocational skill training intervention for youth development and rejuvenation of a lake also kickstarted.

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A bill presented by Amit Shah that will grant rights and representation to Kashmiris displaced for 70 years

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Since the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union after independence, various ups and downs have occurred. In the 1980s, a wave of terrorism hit Jammu and Kashmir. People who had lived on their land for centuries were uprooted, and their concerns were overlooked by successive governments. If effective measures and strength had been applied to eradicate terrorism at that time, many Kashmiris wouldn’t have had to leave their homeland. Amit Shah, known for his politics of empathy, presented the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the Lok Sabha on December 6, 2023.
In any society, uplifting marginalized individuals is a fundamental principle of the Indian Constitution. Respect is more crucial than assistance in advancing the cause of the underprivileged. In amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, the Modi government not only aimed to provide reservations but also introduced the constitutional term ‘Other Backward Class’s to honor these individuals.
Reviewing the history of the Congress government, from the Kaka Saheb Kalelkar Commission to the Mandal Commission, it is evident that the reservation for the backward class was placed on the sidelines. In the past nine years, under the leadership of Amit Shah in the Modi government, efforts have been made to provide reservation to the backward class and integrate them into the mainstream of society.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on August 5 and 6, 2019, Home Minister Amit Shah, by abrogating Article 370, listened to the voices of all those oppressed individuals who hadn’t been heard for years. The entire country knows that after the removal of Article 370, there has been a significant reduction in terrorist incidents in Kashmir. The mortality rate of security forces has decreased, theaters have reopened in the valley after years, and the tricolor proudly waves at Lal Chowk. Those who are perturbed by the removal of Article 370 should understand that the bill included judicial delimitation. If the process of delimitation itself is not sacred, then democracy cannot remain sacred. Hence, the bill incorporated provisions for judicial delimitation.
For the first time in the history of delimitation, nine seats have been reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and reservations for seats have been arranged for Scheduled Castes as well. In Jammu, the seats have been increased from 37 to 43, and in Kashmir, from 46 to 47. Additionally, 24 seats of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir have been kept reserved. Earlier, there were 107 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly; now, it has been increased to 114. Previously, there were two nominated members; now, there will be five nominated members. According to the laws of Jammu and Kashmir, two women are nominated by the Governor; now, one woman from the Kashmiri diaspora and one from Pakistan-administered Kashmir will also be nominated.
The efforts of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, a senior leader of the Bhartiya Janata Party, will be remembered by every Kashmiri who has suffered and is backward. To provide justice to those wandering in their own country for years, the Indian government has reserved two seats and provided reservation to refugees from Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Modi government has also done the work of conferring constitutional dignity to the weak by giving the constitutional term ‘Backward Class’ instead of ‘Weaker Section’ in the bill.
The duo of Modi and Shah has effectively wiped away the tears of the displaced over the past nine years, like threading a precious pearl in the string of numerous transformations brought to the country.

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Panasonic Redefines Smart Living with India’s First Matter-Enabled Room Air Conditioners*

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New Delhi, December 11, 2023: Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) – a leading diversified technology company, today announced a ground-breaking advancement in the world of air conditioning by introducing India’s First Matter-Enabled Room Air Conditioners (RACs)* powered by Miraie. With this, Panasonic takes a significant leap in ensuring flexibility, and convenience for consumers in the smart appliances realm. Starting February 2024, the Panasonic range of Air Conditioners equipped with Matter protocol will be available across all leading outlets and e-commerce platforms in India right before the summer season. Matter is an open-source connectivity standard that enables seamless interoperability across smart devices.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Manish Sharma, Chairman, Panasonic Life Solutions India and South Asia, said, “At Panasonic, we have been launching products and technology in line with consumer insights. We find that our consumers use products of different brands, and each brand has a platform or an app to manage a particular appliance. Hence to make lives more convenient and comfortable for our consumers, we have integrated Matter, an open, universal standard, with our Miraie platform and introduced India’s first Matter-enabled Room Air Conditioners as the first product under this new range. So now a Panasonic Air Conditioner equipped with Matter technology can be managed using the Miraie platform or any other platform that is Matter compatible. Similarly, any other Room Air Conditioner brand that is compatible with Matter can also be controlled through the Miraie platform. This is indeed a big breakthrough in consumer tech space.”

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Manish Misra, Chief Innovation Officer, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said, “Our vision is to bring innovation to elevate the daily living of our consumers through smart technology. We launched Miraie – our smart home platform in 2020 and we have seen 70% of our Air Conditioner consumers using the platform. And now we are taking the Miraie platform to the next level by making it Matter-compatible and introducing India’s first range of Matter enabled Room Air Conditioners. India Innovation Centre has been at the forefront of many innovations at Panasonic and with Matter, we have done extensive testing and are delighted to provide our consumers with an upgraded Miraie platform that provides inter-operability and is simple to use, reliable and secure.”

Mr. Fumiyasu Fujimori, Managing Director, PMIN, Panasonic Life Solutions India, “At Panasonic, we are driven by our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer experience. Our new line of Matter-enabled Air Conditioners exemplifies this commitment and empowers our customers with futuristic and efficient solutions. Panasonic Air Conditioners will not only provide a more convenient and integrated living experience but also contribute to reducing energy consumption. By seamlessly connecting with other Matter-certified devices and platforms, they will facilitate a smarter and more efficient use of energy, optimizing comfort while minimizing environmental impact.”

Consumers can control their Matter-enabled air conditioners through the Miraie app, an innovative platform designed to enhance the connected living experience. Miraie’s compatibility with Matter reflects Panasonic’s commitment to providing consumers with a futureproof, smart and connected experience to enhance daily living. In near future. with Miraie, users can seamlessly control and monitor a wide range of smart appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and more irrespective of the brand.

A global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, industry, communications, and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022, with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company and eight companies positioned under its umbrella. Founded in 1918, the Group is committed to enhancing the well-being of people and society and conducts its businesses based on founding principles applied to generate new value and offer sustainable solutions for today’s world. The Group reported consolidated net sales of around 8,500 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2023. Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) is a subsidiary of Panasonic Holding Corporation (PHD). To learn more about the PLSIND, please visit: https://www.panasonic.com/in/

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Dinesh Gundu Rao Ji graced the Valedictory Session of Global Health Conference 2023

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Dinesh Gundu Rao Ji graced the Valedictory Session of Global Health Conference 2023

Two-day conference creates a dynamic platform for inclusivity in healthcare in India
Bangalore, 09 December 2023: The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare – Sri Dinesh Gundu Rao Ji graced the Valedictory Session of the Global Health Conference 2023, organised by India’s First Free Private Rural Medical College – Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR) in association with All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
The Conference was designed on the theme – ‘Augmenting Synergies for Universal Healthcare’ at Sathya Sai Grama on 08-09 December 2023. The Minister presented the ‘Gift of Life’ certificates to two children who were treated at SMSIMSR. ‘Gift of Life’ is a ceremony which was instituted by Sri Madhusudan Sai across all his hospitals, where those who are saved through surgeries are celebrated. The Hospital provided baby Malashree sepsis NICU management in addition to pre-term birth management care. The child was kept in the NICU for 26 days, absolutely free of all costs! Six-year-old Krishna Seervi hailing from Bagepalli, Chikkaballapur underwent an ASD device closure. Both the children were discharged, hale and hearty and look forward to live a healthy life.
The Conference collectively embarked on a journey of exploration, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration in the pursuit of advancing global healthcare. ‘Augmenting synergies for Universal Healthcare’ was a pivotal event that promised to shape the future of healthcare through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. By bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, the Conference inspired a transformative change, forging a path towards a more inclusive, patient-centric, sustainable, affordable and accessible healthcare landscape.
Sri Dinesh Gundu Rao Ji in his address said, “I was always looking forward to be invited to this holy place and witness the glorious work done here. The work is simply astounding and setting up a private medical college in record-breaking time span is laudable. It isn’t easy to achieve such a huge milestone in such a limited duration. Even for the Government, to achieve such an enormous task of establishing a medical college and hospital is difficult. I was awe struck to see the seamless functioning of the Hospital and College here during my walkthrough. We need people who are willing and dedicated to run such institutions and thus able to achieve such substantial outcomes. What is something impossible is been made possible here! SMSIMSR has given a ray of hope to the entire humanity. The people and work being done reinvigorates the hope in humanity. Government facilities have always faced multiple challenges in terms of quality and delivery of healthcare. This Institution has achieved something which any government has failed to. The number of free surgeries and services provided absolutely free of cost is truly inspiring. I would love to extend all the support from the Government and looking forward for meaningful collaborations in making healthcare accessible and affordable to the public.”

In the closing remarks Sri Madhusudan Sai said, “To take the healthcare to remotest of the geographies and making it accessible to everyone despite of hardships is the step taken by us. This can happen only with a magnanimous feeling of ‘vasudhaiva kuṭumbakam – One World One Family’. Parents never charge their children for providing them. Our ancient India never charged for dispensing nutrition, education or healthcare, believing everyone as a part of one single family.
We belong to such great India where the vaidyālayas were patronised by kings dispensing free healthcare to the public. Over time with the onslaught of modernisation things have changed drastically. We as an Institution, believe in the great ideals of our country. The need of the hour is imbibing the feeling of oneness. Charitable institutions, corporate and government must work hand in hand to fill this gap in society. Everyone must have clothes to cover their bodies, nutritious food to live a healthy life and holistic healthcare to cure the disease affected body.
We are a large country and it will take a while to reach out to the last person but we have begun somewhere and set the ball rolling. One step towards this goal that we have set is by establishing a free medical college creating noble healthcare professionals from the rural population of India. They are the one who will commit themselves to this cause and serve the rural poor getting back to their natives. Majority of them hail from families earning less than INR 20k per month. These students have come forward and committed themselves to serve lifelong in this noble cause out of sheer gratitude towards the institution and the country. They are inspired from free medical education and free healthcare which is a myth in this contemporary world. After churning out so much of knowledge over two days, we must put it into action. All the stakeholders should partner to resolve the underlying issues of healthcare in society.”
As part of the Valedictory session, a fireside chat show was held where noted former cricketer Sri Sunil Gavaskar posed many questions about the ethos of ‘compassionate healthcare’, which is the model of all the hospitals which have been established by Sri Madhusudan Sai (Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Care Hospitals, Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Mother and Child Hospitals, Sri Sathya Sai Sarla Memorial Hospital and the Medical College), joint partnerships and collaborations, the concept of universalisation of healthcare, etc.

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PCL 2023: School from Manipur wins the Equality Cup 2023

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The winners of this year’s PCL Equality Cup 2023 are:

CT Higher Secondary School, Manipur 

CT Higher Secondary School beat Step by Step, Udaipur 4-0

Goals:CT school

(Jersey 11) Elangbam Airish – 11m. 13m

(Jersey 16) Konthoujam Korou  – 24m. 43m

Player of the match: Konthoujam Korou from CT Sec School

Runner’s-up

Step by Step, Udaipur

Third place 

Yenepoya School, Mangalore 

Yenepoya School, Mangalore beat The Frank Anthony School 5-1

Goals: Yenepoya

(Jersey 49) Adil Muhammed K  – 2m. 9m

(Jersey 55) Zayed Haque – 28m. 31m. 40m

Frank Anthony:

(Jersey 10) Ryan Vonbock – 8m

Player of the match: (Jersey 54) Lairelakpam Suraj Singh from Yenepoya school

Winners of the Equality Plate

Parikrma Center For Learning 

Parikrma beat Legacy 2-0

Goals:

Parikrma Centre for learning

(Jersey 10)  Henminlum Changloi – 16m

(Jersey 11) Dhanush – 24m

Player of the match: Henminlum Changloi from Parikrma

Fair-Play Team : Legacy School

Player of the tournament: Aman Roat, Step by Step, Udaipur  

Golden Boot: Alvish Konsam, CT Higher Secondary School, Manipur AND Adil Muhammed K from The Yenepoya School, Mangalore

Best Coach: Shanniyas, The Yenepoya School

They also hosted an exhibition match between CEOs of Bengaluru and the Parikrma alumni team. 

The guests of honour for PCL Day 3 2023:

Arjuna Awardee, AB Subbaiah, former Indian hockey goalkeeper and coach

Ashwini Akkunji – sprint athlete gold medalist and Karnataka Rajyotsava winner

Dhanya Ravi, disability evangelist

Arghya Saha, marathoner and endurance sports enthusiast. 

Jayaprakash Shetty, international athlete, executive member of the Bangalore Urban District Athletics Association

NA Harris, President, KSFA

Aslam Khan, Deputy Secretary, KSFA

M Kumar, Secretary, KSFA 

SM Balu, Chairman, and Sridharan, Secretary, BDFA

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