An Interview with Dr Indra Sengar | Litterateur, Rajbhasha Scholar and Publisher |Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

An Interview with Dr Indra Sengar | Litterateur, Rajbhasha Scholar and Publisher |Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

Prof Ram Narayan Goel | Institute of Vraj Culture & Development | Nagari Lipi Parishad | Govardhan

Prof Ram Narayan Goel | Institute of Vraj Culture & Development | Nagari Lipi Parishad | Govardhan

On World Water Day NABARD Chairman Launches NABSAMRUDDHI’s Climate Ready WASH Awareness Campaign

 

NABARD Chairman Launches NABSAMRUDDHI’s Climate Ready WASH Awareness Campaign on World Water Day

NABARD Chairman  Shri Shaji  K.V. Addressing NABSAMRUDDHI's World Water Day Event  

NABARD, along with its NBFC subsidiary NABSAMRUDDHI, commemorated World Water Day on 22 March 2024 by launching the first phase of a nationwide Climate Ready WASH funding awareness campaign for women JLG borrowers of Micro Finance Institutions, to take forward the common mandate of sustainable rural development.

 

The event to kickstart the same, at NABARD Mumbai, was inaugurated by Shri Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD who, in his keynote address, emphasized the criticality of water availability for the marginalized segments and the need to focus on impact rather than returns to support them. To quote him, “Water is a public good but the water balance is changing due to climate change. It is the most marginalized who face the brunt of climate risk and their livelihoods are getting affected. NABARD being a public finance institution is looking at innovative solutions to support the most needy segment by partnering with Panchayat Raj Institutions, Civil Society organizations, Government agencies to create a larger impact. Awareness generation is key to such solutions.  Our subsidiary NABSAMRUDDHI has piloted the Climate Ready WASH funding programme under which the campaign for creating awareness among end borrowers has been kick-started, with support from NABARD. The mainstreaming of the initiative will help to address these challenges as well”.

Smt. Bonani Roychoudhury, MD,  NABSAMRUDDHI Highlighting the Critical Role of Climate-Smart WASH Funding

NABSAMRUDDHI has been providing concessional wholesale WASH loans by availing refinance from NABARD, blended technical support from its partners Water.org, FINISH Mondial, to foster sustainable livelihoods. So far, 45 Million USD of WASH funding has been provided by the NBFC through 32 partner institutions, covering 75,000 end borrowers, 90% of whom are women.

 

The campaign will cover 40 block level camps in climate vulnerable areas in 7 states in phase 1 through FINISH Mondial. To support the same, 3 exposure visits had been conducted for stakeholders since NABSAMRUDDHI pioneered the programme in November 2023, while 8 term loans have been sanctioned.

 

Dr. Rajendra Singh, Waterman of India and Smt. Vedika Bhandarkar, International President and COO, Water.org addressed the gathering through Video messages.

 

Shri Manoj Gulati, Regional Director, South Asia, Water.org and Shri Ravi Krishan Takkar, Chairman NABSAMRUDDHI addressed the gathering.

 

Smt. Bonani Roychoudhury, Managing Director, NABSAMRUDDHI underscored COP27 and COP28 declarations on climate resilient WASH, and emphasized the need for collaborative action in funding the last mile segment. According to her “Financing such solutions is expected to result in climate risk mitigation and adaptation for the vulnerable and augment health, productivity, incomes, quality of life of rural women while addressing the issues of gender equity, empowerment, safety and dignity”.

 

The event was attended by Shri G.S. Rawat and Dr A. K. Sood, DMDs of NABARD, Senior Officials of NABARD, Banks, MFIs, NBFCs and technical partners Sa-dhan, GIZ, among others.

 

The programme was taken up to address the adverse impact of climate change on safe water and sanitation, as a climate crisis majorly manifests as a water crisis, through droughts, floods, melting glaciers, cyclones and salinity of water tables induced by rising sea levels.

 

The products to be covered for financing will include majorly the following 4 solutions:

                1) Climate smart toilets

                2) Rainwater harvesting for borewell recharge

                3) Rainwater harvesting for storage

                4)Solarisation of pumps

An IEC video on NABSAMRUDDHI’s WASH funding initiatives, developed by Water.org was released on the occasion. Also, 2 brochures brought out by NABARD on water budgeting were launched.

 

A MOU was also signed between NABSAMRUDDHI and Climate Policy Initiative(CPI) on the occasion to collaborate on financing Climate smart solutions.

[Based on inputs from Press Release]

A First for India - "Vedanta's BALCO Medical Centre Bags Prestigious Cancer Grand Challenges Award"

                                A First for India :

Vedanta's BALCO Medical Centre Bags Prestigious                           Cancer Grand Challenges Award

• First Indian co-researchers team to receive $25 Million Cancer Grand Challenges award
• Esteemed award granted by Cancer Grand Challenges – a global research initiative co-founded by Cancer Research UK and National Cancer Institute US, two of the largest global funders of cancer research
• BMC is a state-of-the-art oncology institution serving a patient base of 37,000 in Central India

 

Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), an emerging leader in India’s oncology space, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian co-researchers in a team to receive the prestigious Cancer Grand Challenges Award. This recognition, with a substantial $25 million grant for cancer research, underscores BMC’s position as a pioneering institution in India’s oncology landscape. The recipient team PROSPECT, comprising of clinicians, advocates, and scientists from BALCO Medical Centre and other esteemed institutions around the world, will be addressing the critical issue of early-onset cancers challenge.

 

Ms. Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson, Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, expressed her gratitude, stating,

 “We are honoured to have been chosen for this prestigious award, which significantly advances the battle against cancer. Over the past six years, at BMC, our leaders, employees, and stakeholders have worked tirelessly to ensure that we have access to the best technologies, and that our patients and communities feel safe and confident. With this support from Cancer Grand Challenges, our efforts are not only continued but also strengthened. With collaborative efforts, I am confident that we can positively contribute to the overall healthcare landscape.”

 

Team PROSPECT is one of five global teams being funded this year by Cancer Grand Challenges, which was founded in 2020 by Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Institute US, to invite diverse world-class research teams to come together, think differently and take on some of cancer’s toughest challenges. The teams will be funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Cancer Institute, the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK and Institute National Du Cancer through Cancer Grand Challenges with a total investment of $125m to tackle some of the toughest challenges in cancer research.

 

“Together with our network of visionary partners and research leaders, Cancer Grand Challenges unites the world's brightest minds across boundaries and disciplines and aims to overcome cancer’s toughest problems,” said Dr. David Scott, Director of Cancer Grand Challenges. “With this investment, our largest to date, we continue to grow our global research community, and fund new teams that have the potential to surface discoveries that could positively impact cancer outcomes.”

 

Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre, a state-of-the-art tertiary care Oncology facility in Central India, has been at the forefront of cancer care, providing multidisciplinary treatment and support. The institution is recognized as a referral centre for advanced radiation therapy, brachytherapy, nuclear medicine, surgeries, chemotherapy, and many more. Since inception in March 2018, BMC has treated more than 37,000 patients. Additionally, the institution has received many certifications and accreditations including LEED certification, NABH, FSSAI, NABL, Nursing Excellence, CAHO certifications. This significant grant underscores BMC’s commitment to pioneering research and delivering innovative solutions to address critical healthcare challenges in India.

 

Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director at Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (BALCO Medical Centre) and the lead principal investigator for PROSPECT-India study, says, 

“The worrisome increase in colorectal cancers stresses the importance of early detection and lifestyle choices for prevention. There’s a dire need for cancer screening in high-risk areas to facilitate early diagnosis and prompt treatment, especially with the shifting demographics towards a younger population. This grant will speed up global cancer research, focusing on understanding the reasons behind the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer and strategies for prevention".

 

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is an important emerging global problem among individuals younger than 50 years. Team PROSPECT aims to address this by understanding the pathways, risk factors and molecules involved in its development. The team’s vision is to understand and ultimately try to reverse the network of causal factors throughout the life course that disrupts normal biological processes to promote EOCRC. The team will employ a disruptive, transdisciplinary approach spanning cells, individuals and populations to uncover the mechanisms linking lifetime exposures to early-onset colorectal cancer, and test new strategies to combat this cancer type.

 

Currently, Cancer Grand Challenges brings together 1,200 researchers and 16 teams from across the world to take on 13 challenges. The spirit of giving back is part of the Vedanta’s core values. This achievement brings the company closer to fulfilling the vision of contributing to the community and making a lasting impact on society.

BALCO Medical Centre (BMC) is a 170-bed, state-of-the-art tertiary care Oncology facility in Naya Raipur. It is the flagship initiative of Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (VMRF), a non-profit organization by Vedanta Resources and Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd. (BALCO). BMC is emerging as a national leader in India’s oncology space, providing comprehensive medical, surgical, radiation, haematological, BMT, and palliative care services. Although located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, it is rapidly becoming a preferred center for cancer treatment for people from Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh.

 

TACO Deploys Seven Patrolling Vehicles at Ranthambore National Park

 TACO Deploys Seven Patrolling Vehicles at Ranthambore National Park to Aid Wildlife Conservation

 

 The Animal Care Organization (TACO), a flagship animal welfare initiative under the Vedanta Group’s social impact arm, the Anil Agarwal Foundation, flagged off seven patrolling vehicles on 4th March 2024 at the Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan. The event held to celebrate World Wildlife Day, witnessed the presence of Ms. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Anchor, TACO, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd along with Shri Pawan Kumar Upadhyay, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) & Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW), Govt of Rajasthan and other forest officials. Ranthambore National Park has utilized the grant of rupees one crore awarded earlier by TACO to procure these seven vehicles.

 

With this initiative, TACO is contributing to the efforts of conservationists and forest departments in protecting endangered species and their habitats. Recognising their outstanding contribution towards wildlife conservation, Ms. Priya Agarwal Hebbar also felicitated 6 forest officials from Ranthambore National Park, at the ceremony.

 

Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Ms. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Anchor, TACO, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd said, "We are pleased to contribute to the crucial conservation efforts at Ranthambore National Park through TACO. The provision of these seven state-of-the-art patrolling vehicles underscores our steadfast dedication to strengthening the park's anti-poaching measures and response mechanism, thus fortifying the region's ecological balance. This collaboration also symbolizes Anil Agarwal Foundation’s resolution to safeguard our ecosystem for generations to come."

 

Shri Pawan Kumar Upadhyay, IFS, PCCF & CWLW, Govt of Rajasthan commented, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TACO for their invaluable contribution to the conservation efforts at Ranthambore National Park. The provision of these state-of-the-art patrolling vehicles marks a significant enhancement to our surveillance and anti-poaching measures. TACO's constant support to our team strengthens our resolve to protect the park's rich biodiversity and ensure the well-being of its majestic inhabitants. We will continue to work in the future for the betterment of wildlife in Rajasthan.”

 

The deployment of these seven patrolling vehicles marks a pivotal step towards enhancing conservation activities at Ranthambore National Park and will aid in the surveillance and protection of the park's wildlife population, including its 88 tigers. Besides tigers, Ranthambore National Park boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with inhabitants ranging from leopards to striped hyenas and sloth bears. With over 40 species of mammals, 330 species of birds, and 35 species of reptiles, the park is a vital ecosystem that requires diligent protection for which TACO has provided constant support to the authorities.

 

Notably, TACO's initiatives encompass a holistic approach to ‘One Health’, recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. The organization's shelter in Faridabad, Haryana, has provided a home to numerous animals, including cows, bulls, and dogs, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, advanced veterinary care and overall well-being. Furthermore, TACO's dedication extends to education and training through the TACO Academy, which conducts sessions for veterinarians and para-professionals. TACO also supports and strengthens veterinary healthcare services in the Delhi-NCR through OPD and ambulance services and is also coming up with a multi-specialty veterinary hospital focused on advanced animal healthcare in Faridabad.

 

The Anil Agarwal Foundation is the umbrella entity for Vedanta’s community and social initiatives. The focus areas of the Foundation are Healthcare, Women and Child development, Animal Welfare Projects, and Sports Initiatives. Anil Agarwal Foundation aims to empower communities, transform lives, and facilitate nation building through sustainable and inclusive growth.

 

The Animal Care Organization (TACO) is a unique animal welfare project under the aegis of Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the social impact arm of Vedanta Ltd. It is aimed at providing world-class infrastructure, veterinary services, a training facility, and animal shelters to heal and protect animals. TACO’s six pillars of shelter, hospital, academy, wildlife conservation, disaster relief efforts and sectoral development, aim to develop international standards for animal welfare. Advanced animal healthcare, preventive veterinary care, a spay and neuter program, diagnostics, and mobile emergency care units will be the main priorities of the under construction multi-specialty veterinary hospital and Animal Birth Control Centre in Faridabad. TACO academy offers short-term courses for a variety of target groups, including veterinarians and para-vets, the animal shelter will concentrate on rescue, rehabilitation, geriatric and palliative care, animal housing services, nutrition, and well-being. Its mission is to establish a sustainable and scalable ecosystem for the well-being of animals based on the principles of ‘One Health’.

[Based on inputs from Press Release]

 

Special Programme 'Saathi Ek Raah Ke'| International Women's Day|AkashvaniDelhi| RangmanchAuditorium

Special Programme 'Saathi Ek Raah Ke' | International Women's Day | Akashvani Delhi| Rangmanch Auditorium

Save 'Jadopatiya Paintings' | Dumka | Santhal Paragana | Jharkhand | Cultural Heritage| Philosophy

Save 'Jadopatiya Paintings' | Dumka | Santhal Paragana | Jharkhand | Cultural Heritage| Philosophy