MyGrahak.com offers convenience of buying groceries online to Delhi & NCR residents

MyGrahak.com, the first and largest online retailing platform in India selling food, grocery and household items has announced that the portal is now open for public in Delhi & National Capital Region [NCR]. MyGrahak, currently, has 8,500 registered families using the portal to buy from a range of 10,000 SKUs (Stock Keeping Units). Founded in December, 2010 by the young visionary Mr. Ambuj Jhunjhunwala, MyGrahak Shopping online Limited plans for a turnover of Rs. 1,000 crore by 2015. MyGrahak.com is opening a new entire category for e-commerce in India. E-retailing of food and groceries in India has not been attempted by anybody and thus MyGrahak is a pioneer here providing convenience and comfort for ‘Time Poor and Money Rich’ customers.




Key figures of MyGrahak,



· 5000 transactions per month growing at over 30% month on month



· Average bill size – Rs. 1,100



· Loyalty rate – repeat purchases have increased to 50% from 30% in last 2 months



· 7000 sq. ft. warehouse managed by company in Delhi



· 8,500 registered families



· 10,000 SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) – target of 35,000 SKUs



· Delivery vehicles fitted with GPS



Mr. Ambuj Jhunjhunwala, Founder & CEO, MyGrahak Shopping online Limited says, “Keeping the customer at the core of all activities, MyGrahak is a firm that intends to change the nature of consumer retail from ‘transactional sales’ to ‘sales through relationships’ thus differentiating from other format of retail stores. This is what helps us differentiate thereby giving us higher bill sizes, more supply chain efficiencies allowing us to offer free home delivery which in turn leads to a better customer experience. We don’t only sell household products; we aim to sell experiences, enriching the lives of people by using technology to create a world-class global retail destination by 2015.”
 
MyGrahak makes products available to customers at a click or call. While supermarkets offer customers 3V’s - Value, Variety and Volume, MyGrahak offers 3C’s – Convenience, Customer Needs Solution & Cost Effectiveness. Thus, all 3V’s are encompassed in one C of MyGrahak i.e. Customer Needs Solution. The venture is now all set to usher a paradigm shift in Indian retail sector, exploiting the low cost scalable and sustainable e-commerce platform and creating a new format e-retail for the consumers in the country. With retail on high growth trajectory, consumerism booming & e-commerce proliferating; this new format of food and grocery store will cater the needs of Indian consumers to have value for money, personalization and convenience of a typical supermarket, delivered at their doorsteps.

‘Why bend to Osteoporosis!’: ASSI puts spotlight on vastly under-diagnosed Osteoporotic Spinal fractures

Osteoporosis, the disease of bones that is expected to impact over 36 million patients in India by 2013, is the single largest cause of spinal fractures. 20% of women and 10-15% of men aged above 50 suffer from Osteoporosis. Despite 83% of all spinal fractures occurring due to Osteoporosis, the disease significantly lacks the required awareness, diagnosis, preventive and treatment measures.

‘Why bend to Osteoporosis!’

Commemorating World Osteoporosis Week, the All India Association of Spine Surgeons (ASSI) made a call to action by reaching out to general public. Objective of the campaign is to sensitize masses about symptoms and significance of early diagnosis and right treatment of the disease that enormously impairs quality of life of the patients. Millions of patients can avoid severe consequences by adopting preventive measures and timely treatment. This campaign is supported by India Medtronic.

The repercussions of spinal fractures can be severe. Spinal fractures can result in stooped back or change in spinal alignment, acute and chronic debilitating pain, loss of height, immobility, depression, significant performance impairments in physical, functional and psychosocial domains in older patients. It leads to five fold increase in risk of future spinal fractures after the first fracture and 75 fold increase in risk after two or more spinal fractures. Patient experiences reduced pulmonary function, increased dependence on family and even premature death. These fractures are associated with difficulty in many activities of daily living, all leading to a negative impact on quality of life.


Medical and technological advancements have made treatment of spinal fractures very effective with the help of procedures like Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty.



The major Osteoporotic fractures occur in the spine, wrist and the hip bones. Between 25% and 60% of women, aged over 60 years develop spinal compression fractures. There are two interesting features about the Osteoporosis in India - the high incidence among men and the lower age of peak incidence as compared to Western countries. The incidence of Osteoporotic hip fractures is 1 woman: 1 man in India, while in the Western world, it is 3 women: 1 man. And in most Western countries, while the peak incidence of Osteoporosis occurs at about 70-80 years of age, in India it afflicts those at age 50-60.”

Speaking on the occasion, Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahesh Bijjawara, member of ASSI and Consultant Spine Surgeon, Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain Hospital, Bangalore said, “Spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis are all too often dismissed as simple back pain or arthritis hence and so often do not come to clinical attention, thereby remaining undiagnosed and untreated. Even when referred to a doctor, only about 40% of older women with spinal fractures visible on X-ray are tested for osteoporosis and the figure is even lower in men (less than 20%). It is essential that spinal fractures are identified and treated before further fractures occur. Unless treated, as many as one in five women with a spinal fracture will sustain another within twelve months."

Dr. Mahesh Bijjawara further added, “Data suggests that even amongst patients who are recommended a surgical intervention for spinal fracture, very little percentage actually receive the right treatment. One of the major reasons for patients dropping out of surgical procedure is ‘fear’ of surgery. Unfortunately, despite the marked improvement that medical science has made over the decades, Indian patients suffer from a psycho fear and prefer leading their life in pain rather than getting the right treatment. Procedures like Balloon Kyphoplasty, Vertebroplasty etc. when performed on right patients by trained physician can lead to miraculous improvement in patient’s quality of life.”

Dr. Upendra B.N said, “Spinal fractures represent a significant socio-economic burden. It is estimated that around the world, one spinal fracture occurs every 22 seconds. Conservative estimates suggest that India will have 36 million Osteoporotic patients by 2013. Therefore, there will be a marked rise in Osteoporotic fractures and associated costs in decades to come. Hence, prevention of all Osteoporotic fractures, early diagnosis and treatment must be a key public health goal. This will help reduced disease burden along with significant improvement in quality of life of those who suffer from Osteoporotic Spinal fractures.“


VP aims to relieve pain and prevent further collapse of the vertebrae. It is usually performed by interventional radiologists or orthopaedic surgeons using imaging guidance. The collapsed vertebrae is stabilized with the injection of bone cement into the vertebral body. This can reduce pain, and help prevent height loss and spinal kyphosis (stoop) commonly seen as a result of several spinal osteoporotic fractures.



Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI)

ASSI is India's foremost spine society. We are a non-profit scientific organization, comprising of spine surgeons, orthopedic and neurosurgeons from India and its neighboring countries who share a special interest in spine surgery.



ASSI aims to promote the cause of spine surgery in India, by providing continuing medical education for interested surgeons via conferences and workshops, and supporting spine research through academic fellowships and research grants.

ASSI provides a platform for transmission of scientific information and exchange of ideas through the cross section of the country. We strive towards providing quality spine care to patients from all strata of our society, in a need based and locally adapted manner

Infertility Clinics should be regulated, immediately: Dr. Kamini Rao

In India, it is estimated that 30% of couples are infertile. Infertility is one of the most prevalent medical problems the country is facing. With advanced medicines and technologies available, 85% of the cases of infertility can be treated. This requires high level of expertise from doctors and their team. In the last two decades, we came across many infertility clinics mushrooming across the country. Many of them operate as a baby manufacturing center exploiting recipients. As such the treatments and interventions at infertility clinics throws open many avenues of unethical practices which can affect the recipient of treatment medically, socially and legally.


Today, anyone can open infertility or assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinic; no permission is required. Unfortunately, we do not have a regulatory mechanism to ensure good medical practice by all infertility clinics.



A committee comprising of medical and legal experts guided by officials from government drafted an Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill – 2010 for the consideration and enactment by the Parliament of India. The draft bill calls for a national framework for the accreditations, regulation and supervision of assisted reproductive technology clinics.


Our constitution should provide for a National Advisory Board and State Boards to monitor Assisted Reproductive Technology clinics and to ensure good medical practices by them.


There has to be clarity with respect to aspects such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), surrogacy, ART banks, privacy of patients, rights and duties of patients, donors and child born through the use of ART, sex selection and Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis.


In the interest of public, it is very important to regulate the functioning of infertility clinics. We need to ensure that the services provided by these clinics are ethical and that the medical, social and legal rights of all those concerned are protected.


[Dr. Kamini Rao is the Medical Director of Bangalore Assisted Conception Centre and is a member of the ART (Regulation) Bill drafting committee.]

Ms. Ameera Shah Bestowed With Two Prestigious Awards

Recognizing her immense contribution in steering Metropolis Healthcare Limited to scale new heights, for putting India on the global diagnostic map and for giving a new direction and thrust to the Indian diagnostic industry, Ameera Shah - Managing Director and CEO of Metropolis Healthcare Limited, has been bestowed with 2 prestigious awards.

At the second CMO ASIA for Excellence in Branding and Marketing, held at Singapore on 22nd July’11, Shah has been conferred with ‘Young Achiever Award’. The objective of the event was to engage ‘Global Marketing Leaders’ across segments and influence peers through their valuable informative resource. At another event, Entrepreneur India & Bloomberg UTV which recognises entrepreneurial talent bestowed Shah with ‘Young Entrepreneur of India’ Award 2011 on 15th July’11 in Delhi. This is not the first award for Ms Shah as she has been a recipient of GE Modern Medicare’s ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ award in 2006.

About the significance of the awards, Shah says, “Such recognition encourages me to explore new frontiers for Metropolis and strengthens my objectives to pursue the much-awaited regulations for the Indian diagnostic industry and consistently raise the bar for standards of excellence at Metropolis “.

Meanwhile the e-Health World Expo 2011 held on 1st -3rd August 2011 at New Delhi, awarded Metropolis Healthcare Ltd with an award for the project - IT Integration of Customer Service Management in the healthcare industry. Metropolis has also been chosen as the Best Diagnostic Service Provider by the Frost and Sullivan across India in 2010.

Processing over 15 million tests a year, catering to more than 10,000 Laboratories, Hospitals, Nursing homes and 50,000 consultants, and with 30 years of experience delivering accurate reports, Metropolis has earned the reputation of being India’s leading multinational chain of diagnostic centers with across India and presence in Sri Lanka, UAE and Africa.

Ms.Shah as Young Entrepreneur

Ameera Shah’s contribution as a young entrepreneur is significant, both in terms of growth of Metropolis and for being a recognizable voice of the Indian diagnostic industry. Shah, who has received a degree in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin, has chalked and executed aggressive growth path for Metropolis. Under her stewardship, Metropolis has evolved from its single pathology laboratory status to a fully integrated business with 70 laboratories across the globe.

Under her leadership, Metropolis has grown by leaps and bounds within a span of just nine years. The turnover which stood at Rs 12 crore in 2002 has grown to Rs 250 crores in 2011. Using her deal-making abilities, the company has expanded at a scorching pace in India and has inked substantial JV’s in Sri Lanka, UAE and South Africa. Her sharp vision has been to change the dynamics of the industry, through consolidation and consistent innovation.

In the past nine years, Metropolis has expanded into new service lines like Clinical Research, Hospital Lab Management and Wellness Solutions and is always exploring and adopting cutting edge new technologies and services that contribute to new revenue streams and strategically position the company as leading player in the diagnostic market.



As the face of the industry, she has been lobbying with the Government for laying down standards for setting up diagnostic labs in her role as the Co-chair for FICCI Health Service Committee. She has also been elected as Secretary of the IAPL (Indian Association of Pathology Laboratories).


About Metropolis Healthcare Ltd.

Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. was founded by Dr. Sushil Shah in 1981. The Board of Directors include Dr. Sushil Shah, Metropolis Healthcare is India’s one of the leading multinational chain of diagnostic centers across India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Middle East, Bangladesh, Nepal. It provides around 4500 specialized tests under a single roof ranging from oncology to genetics, molecular biology and immunoassays using best-of-breed and latest diagnostic equipment. Metropolis Healthcare Ltd has also been recently voted as the sole recipient of the Frost & Sullivan - 2010 India Excellence in Healthcare Awards - Diagnostic Services Company of the Year. Ameera Mam has won this prestigious award in 2nd CMO Asia Award as Young Achiever of the year'2011 & Franchisee India - Young Entrepreneur of the year'2011.

Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm, has recently invested up to $85 million in Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. With 65 State of Art laboratories, Metropolis is a preferred referral center for more than 10000 laboratories, clinicians, hospitals and research institutions across 125 cities India. The CAP, US FDA for the SMO services, NABL accredited and ISO 15189 certified Metropolis chain of laboratories has over 550 collection centers and is a preferred laboratory for providing quality testing to over 50, 000 Doctors across the country. Services include Clinical Referral Laboratory Hospital Laboratory Management, Preventive Health Checkups, Home Health Services, Site Management Services and Clinical Trials

Medtronic Board of Directors Announces Appointment of Omar Ishrak as Chairman and CEO

Medtronic Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced today that its board of directors named Omar Ishrak as the company’s new chairman and chief executive officer, effective June 13, 2011.


Ishrak formerly served as president and CEO of GE Healthcare Systems, a $12 billion division of GE Healthcare supported by approximately 20,000 employees in 120 countries. Ishrak was also a senior vice president of GE Corporation and a member of the GE Corporate Executive Council.

"We are delighted to welcome Omar Ishrak as Medtronic’s chairman and CEO," said Ken Powell, lead independent director of the Medtronic Board of Directors. "Omar is an enormously talented executive with a truly global perspective and a proven track record of driving innovation and growth in the medical technology industry. We are confident he has the leadership credentials and experience to move the company forward, advancing its position as the world leader in the development and application of medical technology to address the global challenges of chronic disease."

"I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead Medtronic – a great company with a renowned, mission‐based heritage of saving and improving lives," said Ishrak. "I have admired Medtronic for many years and believe the company’s 60‐year history of innovation, unparalleled global footprint and unmatched capabilities present enormous opportunities to improve the health of millions of people worldwide. I look forward to working with the Medtronic team to continue to advance the company as a global healthcare leader."

Ishrak brings exceptional experience and a strong track record to Medtronic. During his 16‐year tenure at GE Healthcare, he consistently drove top and bottom line growth in a number of leadership positions. He also helped to transform the way in which GE Healthcare innovates, manufactures and sells products, particularly in emerging markets. Under his guidance, the Clinical Systems Division almost doubled in revenues to approximately $5 billion from 2004 to 2009. In addition, he transformed GE Healthcare’s Ultrasound business, growing revenues from $400 million in 1998 to $1.8 billion in 2010.

Prior to joining GE Healthcare in 1995, Ishrak spent more than 13 years in senior technology development and business management roles at Philips Ultrasound, Diasonics Inc. and Elbit Ultrasound Group. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of London, Kingʹs College. Ishrak is a member of the board at The Blood Center of Wisconsin and is on the Health Leadership Council of the Save the Children Foundation.

Ishrak succeeds William A. Hawkins, who in December 2010 announced his intention to retire from the company.

"The board would like to thank Bill for a decade of service and leadership during which the company launched several important new technologies, made major investments in quality and innovation, and successfully navigated through an increasingly challenging environment," said Powell.

About Medtronic Medtronic, Inc. (http://www.medtronic.com/), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

ON Mauritius (Omidyar Network) invests through pre-IPO financing in Tree House Education & Accessories Limited

Tree House, one of the leading providers of educational services in India, today announced that ON Mauritius, a subsidiary of Omidyar Network, has invested through pre-IPO financing in the Company. The financing, which includes existing investors Matrix Partners India Investment Holdings LLC (Matrix Partners India) and FC VI India Venture (Mauritius) Limited (Foundation Capital), was approximately Rs. 19 crores.


One of the leading providers of affordable, quality education services in India, Tree House currently operates 177 pre-schools in self-operated as well as franchise formats. The Company trains and employs qualified and experienced teachers, uses a standardized curriculum across its pre-schools, maintains quality standards across its entire network, and has an average teacher student ratio of 1:14 at its self-operated pre-schools.

About Tree House Education & Accessories Limited

Tree House, incorporated in July 2006, operates the largest number of self-operated pre-schools in India. (Source: CRISIL Report December 2010). Tree House has adopted innovative teaching methods and child-focused personalized care. The Company also has management contracts for twelve K-12 schools nationally.


About ON Mauritius

ON Mauritius, a subsidiary of Omidyar Network, is a private company limited by shares, incorporated under the laws of Mauritius.

About Foundation Capital

FC VI India Venture (Mauritius) Limited is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Mauritius.

About Matrix Partners India

Matrix Partners India Investment Holdings LLC incorporated under the laws of Mauritius. Matrix is registered as a Foreign Venture Capital Investor with Securities and Exchange Board of India

Prof. C. N. R. Rao would like to see drastic changes and major policy initiatives in the Higher Education Sector in India

Prof. C. N. R. Rao is the Chairman of Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He is the National Research Professor and Linus Pauling Research Professor as well as the Honorary President at The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research [JNCASR]. He authored over 1400 research papers and 41 books. He is a distinguished visiting professor of the University of California and Cambridge University.

Prof. Rao would like to see drastic changes and major policy initiatives in the Higher Education Sector in India. Prof. Rao flagged 10 points that require our immediate attention. He was awarded the EDGE Education Personality of the Year for 2011 and during his Vision Talk at the Conference, the foremost platform for the stakeholders in Higher Education sector in India. He said that, in 20 years there will be a terrific surge of young people aspiring for quality higher education. To gratify this need, measures are to be taken today.

1. Quality – No institution exist in India that can be comparable to

the best in the world. The Government could choose some of the promising

institutions in India and develop them into institutions which are to be

considered as the best in the world.

2. Research – India is publishing research papers in decent numbers,

however the contribution of India to top-class research papers is negligible

It is essential to nurture the atmosphere of research in education system,

as both research and quality education goes hand in hand.

3. Examinations – Importance is given to entrance examinations of

prestigious institutions rather than actual education. The examination

system in India should concentrate more on encouraging the interest of

students in actual education rather than entrance exams.

4. Rural India – There is tremendous potential in rural areas of India

and talent from this sector have to be nurtured.

5. Bureaucracy – Relieve education from bureaucracy. The limitations

and controls of bureaucracy must be lifted and true freedom needs to be

given to the institutions for them to flourish as knowledge centres.

6. Teachers – Teaching profession should be respected as well as

rewarding as this will encourage the best of the minds to become teachers.

7. Collaboration – Connectivity and collaboration with global

institutions should have no barriers.

8. Creativity – Creativity in young minds have to be encouraged. Future

of India depends on innovation and creativity.

9. Manpower Planning – We have to take the responsibility of directing

millions of children who will contribute to the future of India. We have to

give them proper directions as all of them should not end up going for

Engineering, Medical, IT etc. They should be doing different things as per

their interest.

10. Hurry, Slowly – We are lagging behind on many aspects in education. So

we must hurry to do things, but slowly so that we do not commit big mistakes

We must take the steps now for extraordinary men and women to come out of

our education system 20 years later, who will also contribute to global

science and knowledge.



The video of the speech can be found at the link below

http://ww​w.youtube​.com/watc​h?v=5mMxj​5aFqYI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTwySkDRWRE

Endometriosis & Chocolate Cysts causing Infertility in 25 million women in India

Endometriosis, a gynecological medical condition by which cysts are developed mostly in pelvic cavity, is known to be affecting the lives of over 25 million women in India . There are millions more who may be ignorant about the problem, all of whom in their reproductive age. The dark brown cysts (also called as chocolate cysts), mostly found in ovaries, fallopian tube and pelvic sidewalls, and the condition Endometriosis is one of the biggest causes of infertility. About 40 percent of women who are diagnosed with Endometriosis face problems in conceiving.


Dr Kamini Rao, India’s leading Gynaecologist & Infertility Specialist and also Medical Director, Bangalore Assisted Conception Centre said “Infertility is one of the leading consequences of Endometriosis. The prospect of going through a painful intercourse; Scarring or adhesions of the internal tissues and organs in the pelvic region restricting adequate movement of the egg; Imbalance of hormones – all these can lead to infertility.”

The most common symptoms are increased pain during menstruation and painful sexual intercourse.

“There are many women with Endometriosis who get pregnant without any treatment at all. And there are some others who get pregnant and bear children successfully by adopting simple dietary, lifestyle changes or other complimentary therapies such as Homeopathy and Ayurveda. So it may be a combination of treatments where everything is intended towards rectifying the hormonal imbalances that may have triggered Endometriosis, or setting the structure of the reproductive organs right.” Dr. Kamini Rao added.



Doctor further said, “In severe conditions of Endometriosis, a laparoscopic procedure would be needed. Since Endometriosis is a recurring medical condition, the best chance for a woman to get pregnant is within the first couple of years following treatment. Doctors prescribe medications to halt the progress of the disease. Surgery is recommended only when absolutely necessary.”



Endometriosis can be graded as mild, moderate and severe based on laparoscopic findings of sites of involvement and size of lesion. Patients’ age, duration of infertility and pelvic pain should be considered while deciding treatment. If pain is a concern, laparoscopic surgical treatment should be considered. Pregnancy rates by natural cycle or Ovulation induction and IUI is enhanced after laparoscopic treatment of mild, moderate and severe Endometriosis.



Medical treatment of Endometriosis has no role in enhancing fertility. Be aware of Endometriosis. Diagnose early, treat and conceive early in Endometriosis. Pregnancy is the best tool to win over Endometriosis.

Italian joint venture starts operation in India

Two Italian majors in the Power Transmission Equipments industry, with a combined legacy of over 123 years and operations in more than 60 countries, have joined their hands to set foot in India. With a combined investment of 1 million Euros (Rs. 6 crore, approx.), MGM Mottori Elettrici SpA and Varvel SpA today announced the start of operations of their joint venture, MGM-Varvel Power Transmission Pvt. Ltd in Chennai. The factory is located at Indus Valley Logistics Park in Mel Ayanambakkam. The joint venture aims for Rs. 35 crore turnover in 3 years, with exports contributing 30% to it.



Entities are expecting to double their respective revenues by the year 2013 catering consistent growth in India in multiple sectors like Construction, Material Handling, Wind Energy, Food, Packaging, Textile, Chemical, Pharma and Ceramics. MGM-Varvel will be a key player in India supplying highly efficient Brake Motors and Gearboxes.


Mr. Edaordo Ghieri, President, MGM Motori Elettrici SpA said, “We chose India as the location for MGM-Varvel recognising the excellent technically trained resources here. India also has a quality infrastructure and allows us to develop a business with growth rates higher than those of western countries.”


Mr. Francesco Berselli, President, Varvel SpA said, “We firmly believe that the only way to develop new markets is by creating a network. We joined forces with MGM, to exploit our desire to give a new impulse to the production catering the demand existing in India. India represents a new opportunity for us. Prominent growth of this dynamic emerging country promises a lot. We are looking forward to grow exponentially here.”

Mr. Krishnamurthy Ravi, General Manager, MGM-Varvel Power Transmission Pvt. Ltd. said, “With high optimisation of resources, MGM-Varvel bring a level of competency, efficiency and scalability to cater the market in India and abroad.”


“The land occupied in October 2010, is strategically located to cater our customers in India and outside. With easy access to ports, the facility will be a strategic logistical pole in India for our global operations. We look forward to start our exporting from the year 2012.” Mr. Krishnamurthy Ravi added.

Our website is http://www.mgmvarvelindia.com/



About Us


MGM Mottori Elettrici SpA

Established in 1944 and started producing brake motors in 1950, we are a leading manufacturer in the field of fail-safe brake motors. Our head office and production is located in Serravalle Pistoiese (PT), close to Florence in Italy. We are present in more than 50 countries in the world. MGM brake motors are particularly suitable for hoisting and traverse machines, tooling machinery, automatic and transfer machinery in textile, ceramic and packing fields and in all situations where precision and quickness in braking is required. The perfect engineering and assembling, combined with a strong and safe brake, make these motors very reliable. Latest annual turnover of MGM is 18.7 million Euros. http://www.mgmrestop.com/


Varvel SpA

Varvel, founded in 1955, was the first manufacturer producing variable speed drives in Italy after the World War II, focusing then into the manufacturing of mechanical power transmission drives. Headquartered at Crespellano, close to Bologna in Italy, Varvel today employs approximately 150 people with an annual turnover of 24.5 million Euros. Gearboxes of Varvel are well regarded in manufacturing, mechanical, ceramic, textile, food, chemical, pharmaceutical, woodworking, plastic, rubber and other main industries. http://www.varvel.com/

Indian Higher Education sector calls for corruption free administration

EDGE 2011, India ’s flagship 3-day conference in Higher Education concluded today with all stakeholders calling for a corruption free administration. Conference inaugurated by Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Union Minister for HRD and Communications and Information Technology, GoI, witnessed participation of 700 delegates from across the world bringing together Vice-Chancellors, Presidents, Directors, Professors, Education Councils, Entrepreneurs and policy makers to interact, collaborate and understand the prevailing trends in the higher education sector.


The final panel discussion on government policy frameworks to encourage, enrich and enhance the sector was driven by Shri Oscar Fernandes, MP, Rajya Sabha, Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Member of Planning Commission, GoI, Dr. G. Viswanathan, Chancellor, VIT University, Mr. Amitabh Jhingan, Partner, Ernst & Young India and Mr. Anand Sudarshan, CEO & MD, Manipal Education.

Stakeholders of the Higher Education sector in unison called for a corruption free administration and ecosystem facilitating investment and growth of the sector. Sector is facing challenges to increase Gross Enrollment Ratio to 30% by 2020 from the present 13.5%. Higher Education sector would need 1 million faculties to teach and would need 1500 universities more to the 504 universities present now. According to the estimates of Ernst & Young, the sector would require 9 lakh crore in investments.

Well-known educator, scientist and institution builder, Prof. C.N.R. Rao was honoured with the EDGE Education Personality of the Year Award. The award was conferred in recognition of his extraordinary and exemplary contribution to higher education sector. Mr. Madan Padaki, Co-Founder & CEO, MeritTrac Services Pvt. Ltd. won Young EDGE Award 2011 for having demonstrated leadership in the education sector with significant contribution to the field of Higher Education.

About EDGE Forum

Conceptualized in the year 2007, by a group of leading educational institutions from public and private sector under the visionary leadership of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former Chairman, ISRO & Director, NIAS and presently Member, Planning Commission, GoI, EDGE Forum is committed to excellence in education. The forum addresses several dimensions of education like governance, human resource management, cutting-edge technologies, holistic approach to education infrastructure and above all adoption of global best practices. It serves as an analytical and authoritative source for policy recommendations on higher education. EDGE Forum organizes international Conferences and Workshops, recognizes outstanding contribution of personalities, undertakes research projects, fosters international partnerships and nurtures open debate and dialogue.

The who’s who of the Higher Education sector in India is part of EDGE Forum assuming various roles. Partners and Associates of EDGE Forum are, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Manipal Education, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Federation of Universities (FedUni), Symbiosis International University (SIU), BITS Pilani, Ernst & Young, Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), The College Board, Institute of International Education, USA, United States - India Educational Foundation, Commonwealth Business School and MM ACTIV Sci-Tech Communications Co. For more information - www.edgeforum.in

EDGE Conference to shape the future of Indian Higher Education

EDGE 2011, India ’s Flagship annual Conference for Higher Education by EDGE Forum (Emerging Directions in Global Education) to become a platform to shape the future of Indian Higher Education. More than 30 international institutions from USA , France , Singapore , Australia , Dubai and Canada are in city to explore partnerships with Indian Institutions. EDGE conference will be held at India Habitat Center in Delhi from 9th to 11th March, 2011. The annual EDGE conference brings together Vice-Chancellors, Presidents, Directors, Professors, Education Councils, Entrepreneurs and policy makers to interact, collaborate and understand the prevailing trends in the higher education sector.



The Conference will be inaugurated by Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Union Minister for HRD and Comms. & IT, GoI. Dignitaries like Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Shri Shashi Tharoor, Dr. Ramdas Pai, will grace the Inaugural Function. NAFSA, the largest Association of International Educators, an organization promoting international education is a key participant in EDGE 2011.

Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU and Academic Programme Committee Chairman of EDGE 2011, Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai said, “EDGE is the foremost platform for the stakeholders in Higher Education sector in India and the world to converge. Interactions at the platform will help us act together towards identified goals with a beneficial intent for the education sector”


The Conference will be addressed by 70 leading personalities including Smt D. Purandeswari, Hon’ble Minister of State for Human Resource Development, GoI, Shri. Rajesh Ankushrao Tope, Hon’ble Minister for Higher & Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission, Ms. Vibha Puri Das, Secretary (SE & HE), Dept. Of Higher Education, Ministry of HRD, GoI, Mr. Amit Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education, MHRD, GoI; Dr. Ayoub Kazim, MD, Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) & Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), Prof Bertil Andersson, Provost, Nanyang Technological University, Mr. Ajit Gulabchand, Chairman, Lavasa Corporation Ms. Marlene M. Johnson, Executive Director and CEO, NAFSA, Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU.


'Shaping the Future of Indian Higher Education’ is the theme for EDGE 2011 Conference. Conference will cover various critical topics for the sector like International Partnerships, Future of Medical Education, Vocational Education, Education Infrastructure, Funding Education, Frontiers of New Assessments, ICT for Next Generation Learning Environments, Creativity in Higher Education, Medical Education and Education Policy Framework.


4 Workshops are organised covering diverse topics like New Models of Admissions by the College Board, USA ; Governance Issues in Educational Institutions by IIM-Bangalore; Making International Partnerships Work by Symbiosis and What it takes to be in Top 100 by QS Apple. The event also consists of EduExpo for Educational Institutions, Publishing Houses, IT Companies, and other service providers. Two important Research Reports by Ernst & Young and Parthenon will be released. The Young EDGE Award for Leadership will also be presented at the EDGE Conference to a emerging leader in education. The past recipients are Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar and Shri Achyuta Samanta.



About EDGE Forum

Conceptualized in the year 2007, by a group of leading educational institutions from public and private sector under the visionary leadership of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former Chairman, ISRO & Director, NIAS and presently Member, Planning Commission, GoI, EDGE Forum is committed to excellence in education. The forum addresses several dimensions of education like governance, human resource management, cutting-edge technologies, holistic approach to education infrastructure and above all adoption of global best practices. It serves as an analytical and authoritative source for policy recommendations on higher education. EDGE Forum organizes international Conferences and Workshops, recognizes outstanding contribution of personalities, undertakes research projects, fosters international partnerships and nurtures open debate and dialogue.

The who’s who of the Higher Education sector in India is part of EDGE Forum assuming various roles. Partners and Associates of EDGE Forum are, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Manipal Education, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Federation of Universities (FedUni), Symbiosis International University (SIU), BITS Pilani, Ernst & Young, Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), The College Board, Institute of International Education, USA, United States - India Educational Foundation, Commonwealth Business School and MM ACTIV Sci-Tech Communications Co. For more information - http://www.edgeforum.in/

EDGE 2011 Invites Nominations for Young EDGE Award

EDGE 2011, the annual conference for Higher Education by EDGE Forum, is inviting nominations for Young EDGE Award. Young EDGE Award was constituted with the notion of recognizing emerging young leaders from India in education who have made significant impact in the higher education sector. Past recipients are Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar (Principal Director, Symbiosis Society) and Mr. Achyuta Samanta ( Founder KIIT University and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) .



Award will be given during EDGE 2011 to be held at India Habitat Center between 9th -11th of March, 2011. EDGE (Emerging Directions in Global Education) conference is a one of its kind event which will bring together decision-makers to interact, collaborate and understand the prevailing trends in the higher education sector.



Young and dynamic person (Under 45 years) having demonstrated leadership in the education sector with significant contribution to the field of Higher Education can be nominated for Young EDGE Award. More information and nomination form are available at website – www.edgeforum.in.


Prof. V. S. Ramamurthy, Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies and Chairman, Vision Group of EDGE said, “Young EDGE Award recognizes dynamic emerging leaders making a distinct impact in the higher education field. We want them to feel proud of their work and would like them to set bigger goals for themselves and the sector.”

Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU and Academic Programme Committee Chairman of EDGE 2011, Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai said, “EDGE is the foremost platform for the stakeholders in Higher Education sector in India and the world to congregate. Interactions at the platform will help us to act together towards identified goals with a great intent.”


EDGE 2011 will witness participation of Vice-Chancellors, Presidents, Directors, Professors, Education Councils, Entrepreneurs and policy makers. NAFSA: Association of International Educators, an organization promoting international education and providing professional development opportunities to the field is participating in EDGE 2011. 4 Workshops and 12 Conference Sessions will focus on diverse themes. Representatives from more than 25 international universities and 70 Indian universities will participate in EDGE 2011. EDGE 2011 will also feature Exhibition, EDGE Awards, Vision Talk, Highlight Lectures and EduPartnering. EDGE research reports, a regular feature every year, will be released by prestigious research organizations.


'Shaping the Future of Indian Higher Education’ is the theme for EDGE 2011 conference. Theme has been chosen understanding the prevailing scenario of the higher education sector. The sector is at the cusp of a major change. It is one of the high profiled agenda of Indian government. The education fraternity is gearing up for some revolutionary changes. International institutions are increasingly looking at India for collaborations, research and for student recruitment. At this juncture it is important to adopt right systems, policies, ideals and methods for a robust education system.







The who’s who of the Higher Education sector in India is a part of EDGE Forum assuming various roles. The long list of them can be found at this online link. Partners and Associates of EDGE Forum are, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Manipal Education, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Federation of Universities (FedUni), Symbiosis International University (SIU), BITS Pilani, Ernst & Young, Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), The College Board, Institute of International Education, USA, United States - India Educational Foundation, Commonwealth Business School and MM ACTIV Sci-Tech Communications Co

‘Battle of Minds’ at the South Asia finals of Horlicks Wizkids 2010

Bangalore city warms up to welcome 60 students from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal for the finals of Horlicks WizKids 2010, South Asia's biggest interschool literary and cultural carnival. The city finals of Horlicks Wizkids 2010 were held in 22 cities of 4 countries and witnessed participation from more than 200,000 students. Four winners from the South Asia finals will be titled the Horlicks Wizteam South Asia 2010 and will get an opportunity to go for an international student exchange programme.


As part of the finals, students would have a wholesome learning experience over a period of five days from 20-25 Nov, 2010 at the School of Ancient Wisdom , Devanhalli, Bangalore . . They engage in project presentations, developing communication skills, reasoning skills, cultural knowledge, physical fitness, inter personal skills, psycho socio development, talent presentation and several other areas that would form a part of their evaluation. There will also be cultural evenings and entertainment.



Participants will make a visit to ISCKON for an insight into Nation’s largest Mid Day Meal program on 23rd November. On the same day, a road show will be held by participants in the city to sensitize people about the growing concern on Carbon emissions and footprints.



“The response to Horlicks Wizkids by Krayon this year has been excellent from students not just across cities in India but also from other countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It is students who have been the backbone of the property and have made Horlicks Wizkids what it is today. Horlicks Wizkids is a national phenomenon on account of the immense popularity it enjoys with schools and students across the country. I want to thank all the students and their parents for their enthusiastic participation and support and wish them luck for the South East Asia Finals”, says Mr. Puneet Das, GM, Horlicks, GSKCH.



Mr. Syed Sultan Ahmed, Managing Director, EduMedia added, “Finals of Horlicks Wizkids 2010 will be closely followed by thousands of school students across South Asia. The response to the city finals was tremendous with participation from over 2 lakh enthusiastic students in all the four countries. We were touched by the courtesy and hospitality extended by people in other countries I.e. Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. We extend a warm welcome to students from these countries and all the Indian cities for Horlicks Wizkids South Asia finals in Bangalore and provide them a culturally enriching experience.”

Horlicks Wizkids is organized by Krayon, the events division of EduMedia Pvt Ltd. This annual event, which is being successfully conducted since 1997, is a great platform for students to grow and develop their talents and evolve in every sphere of their life.