Category: Awards & Recognition

  • Renowned Dancers Of Pune To Perform ‘Rutubhedan’ On 30th April


    Rutubhedan

    PUNE:‘Rutubhedan’ a performance of Renowned dancers of the city will take place on Tuesday, 30th April at Bhave Primary School Auditorium on Tilak Road at 6 PM. The program is being organized by Shastriy Nritya Sanvardhan Sanstha (SNSS) and renowned Dance scholar Ashish Mohan Khokar. The program is free and open to all on a first-come first served basis.

    In the dance program, ‘Rutubhedam’ renowned dancers of the city including Arundhati Patwardhan (Bharatnatyam), Rasika Gumaste (Odissi), Prajakta Atre, Leena Ketkar and Manjiri Karulkar (Kathak) will perform along with their respective disciples.

    During the program a special edition of ‘Atten-dance’ – The Dance Annual of India will be inaugurated at the hands of Padma Bhushan Dr Vijay Bhatkar, Chairman, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and Former Chancellor of Nalanda University. Renowned Bharatanatyam Guru Dr Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Winner Kathak Guru Shama Bhate, and Kathak Guru Manisha Sathe will also grace the occasion.

    Atten-dance, The Dance Annual of India features various Dance aspects of the Pune city including all the dance forms and dancers in the city. Ashish Mohan Khokar is the editor of this special edition along with the co-editor Neha Muthiyan. Neha is the famous dancer and editor of the Dance Magazine ‘Loud Applause’.

  • Renowned Dancers Of Pune To Perform ‘Rutubhedan’ On 30th April


    Rutubhedan

    PUNE:‘Rutubhedan’ a performance of Renowned dancers of the city will take place on Tuesday, 30th April at Bhave Primary School Auditorium on Tilak Road at 6 PM. The program is being organized by Shastriy Nritya Sanvardhan Sanstha (SNSS) and renowned Dance scholar Ashish Mohan Khokar. The program is free and open to all on a first-come first served basis.

    In the dance program, ‘Rutubhedam’ renowned dancers of the city including Arundhati Patwardhan (Bharatnatyam), Rasika Gumaste (Odissi), Prajakta Atre, Leena Ketkar and Manjiri Karulkar (Kathak) will perform along with their respective disciples.

    During the program a special edition of ‘Atten-dance’ – The Dance Annual of India will be inaugurated at the hands of Padma Bhushan Dr Vijay Bhatkar, Chairman, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and Former Chancellor of Nalanda University. Renowned Bharatanatyam Guru Dr Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Winner Kathak Guru Shama Bhate, and Kathak Guru Manisha Sathe will also grace the occasion.

    Atten-dance, The Dance Annual of India features various Dance aspects of the Pune city including all the dance forms and dancers in the city. Ashish Mohan Khokar is the editor of this special edition along with the co-editor Neha Muthiyan. Neha is the famous dancer and editor of the Dance Magazine ‘Loud Applause’.

  • Indian School Of Hospitality- BBA In Hospitality Management In Alliance With Les Roches


    Indian School of Hospitality- BBA In Hospitality Management in Alliance With Les Roches

    INDIA: Part of Sommet Education, the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) in Gurugram is an institution of higher education focused on reimagining hospitality education for today’s generation and tomorrow’s businesses. The ISH philosophy is to impart lifelong skills to students to help them succeed as leaders of tomorrow – giving them the tools they need to shape one of the biggest industries worldwide. 

    Program Overview:

    Embark on a transformative educational journey with the Indian School of Hospitality’s BBA in Hospitality Management program. This comprehensive four-year program offers much more than just hotel management, as it combines the art of hospitality with the science of business. It empowers students to hone their skills, enhance their leadership abilities, and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit while offering them a plethora of opportunities in some of the world’s most dynamic industries.

    Graduates of this course can explore a range of career paths in hotels, luxury retail, consulting, luxury real estate, startups, and travel, making it an excellent choice for those who aspire to succeed in the most promising fields across the globe.

    The four-year program delivers a BBA in Hospitality Management degree conferred by Gurugram University, augmented by an international certificate from Les Roches. After completing the 6th semester at ISH and receiving a degree from Gurugram University, students can opt for a transfer to Les Roches campuses in Switzerland or Spain to commence the 7th semester.

    This will allow them to receive a second bachelor’s degree, a BBA in Global Hospitality Management. Moreover, students also have the option to transfer to Les Roches campuses in the 4th semester and receive a bachelor’s degree, BBA in Global Hospitality Management from Les Roches.

    Duration of the Program:

    The BBA in Global Hospitality Management spans 3/4 years, including an industry internship in India, Switzerland, and Spain for unprecedented, hands-on exposure to the global hospitality industry. The program’s areas of specialization include:

    Marketing: Delve into the world of hospitality marketing, where you’ll learn about branding, digital marketing, and consumer behavior. This specialization equips students for roles in marketing management, public relations, and event planning within the hospitality sector.

    Hospitality Entrepreneurship: Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, this track focuses on the essentials of starting and managing successful hospitality ventures. Learn about business planning, innovation, and leadership in the context of the hospitality industry.

    Finance: Gain specialized knowledge in financial management, revenue management, and investment strategies specific to the hospitality industry. This specialization prepares students for careers in financial analysis, asset management, and hospitality consulting.

    General: A versatile option for students who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of hospitality management. This track allows students to explore various aspects of the industry, from operations and service management to human resources and sustainability in hospitality.

    Each specialization is crafted to provide a deep dive into the specific facets of hospitality management, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application through internships, industry projects, and case studies

    Eligibility Criteria

    To apply for ISH’s BBA in Hospitality Management, students must meet the following eligibility criteria.

    The BBA in Hospitality Management Programme is designed to nurture the next generation of Hospitality leaders. It is open for aspirants who have completed 12th standard from CBSE, ICSE, or any State Board with a minimum of 50 percent marks with English as one of the subjects. The admissions for 2024 will commence in August.

    In the case of International Baccalaureate students, a diploma is the minimum requirement. International Baccalaureate certificate students are not eligible for admission.

    In the case of Cambridge University students (GCE/IGCSE/GCSE examinations of the approved British Examination Bodies), an ‘A’ Level certificate is the minimum requirement with 5 (Five) subjects in A, B, and C Grades including English at Ordinary (‘O’) Level and 2/3 (Two/Three) subjects at Advanced Level.

    Candidates in their 12th standard or equivalent class can also apply, provided they will be completing their final examination before 30th May, and can produce their 12th passing certificate/mark sheet before 31st August. Admission of such a candidate shall be strictly provisional until they submit the qualifying certificates before the prescribed last date.

    Early applicants will also have the chance to receive significant scholarships and financial aid.

    Program Fee:

    Composite Fee: 8,40,324

    Indicative Student Accommodation and Meal: 3,05,000 

    Last date of Application: 30th April 2024

    For more information and to apply, please visit – https://www.ish.edu.in/hospitality-management-programme.html

  • Leading Crypto Exchange WazirX Releases Bi-Annual Transparency Report Highlighting Growth And Compliance Focus


    Rajagopal Menon, Vice President, WazirX

    MUMBAI: WazirX, India’s largest crypto exchange by volume, has published its 6th Transparency Report for the period of October 2023 to March 2024. The report provides an overview of the company’s recent activities and its adherence to compliance standards. WazirX has continued its efforts to maintain a secure platform for trading virtual digital assets (VDAs), with a focus on compliance with regulatory requirements. The company has been actively working with regulators and law enforcement to support the development of a regulatory framework that benefits the VDA ecosystem.

    Commenting on the report, Rajagopal Menon, Vice President, WazirX said, “At WazirX, we are dedicated to protecting users while fostering innovation in India’s VDA ecosystem. Our latest transparency report is indicative of this ethos. Through proactive collaboration with regulators, law enforcement agencies, industry bodies, and other stakeholders, we are paving the way for positive regulations that can unlock the transformative potential of blockchain and crypto technologies across sectors. In the months to come, we will continue establishing robust security protocols, engaging with policymakers to build an appropriate regulatory framework, and promoting crypto literacy.”

    Key Highlights from the Report:

    Trading volume saw an increase of 217% compared to the previous six months

    New user registrations grew by 122%

    March 2024 witnessed the highest trading volume of over $400M, whereas December 2023 saw the highest sign-up rates

    WazirX added 16 new tokens and 30 new trading pairs to its offerings

    Prioritizing customer satisfaction, WazirX’s dedicated customer support team addressed more than 158,900 inquiries during the reporting period

    The company responded to 1,700 requests from Indian and foreign law enforcement agencies, maintaining a 100% compliance rate

    A swift Turnaround Time of 22 minutes for responding to Law Enforcement Requests

    The company also trained officials from the Joint Cyber Crime Coordination Teams (JCCT) Northeast, Assam Police and I4C MHA on the security aspects of crypto

    As a member of the Bharat Web3 Association, WazirX contributed to policy discussions to encourage the adoption of Web3 and blockchain technologies

    Participated in the International Startup Summit

    WazirX collaborated with TaxNodes and GoSats, empowering the youth at IIT Bombay’s Techfest through a focused workshop on Crypto Trading

    Also collaborated with TOKEN and HTX DAO for conducting Learn and Earn campaigns

    As the crypto exchange ecosystem continues to evolve, WazirX remains committed to ensuring a safe and transparent trading environment for its rapidly growing user base.

    The full transparency report can be accessed through this link: https://wazirx.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WazirX-Transparency-Report-Edition-6.pdf

  • Symbiosis Skills And Professional University Celebrates World IPR Day By Filling 26 IPR’s And Patents On 26th April 2024


    Shweta Uttam, CEO AIC-SEED IISER and Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis Skill and Professional University, Dr. Khushboo Bhurat Head IPR, Publications and MoUs,Symbiosis Skill and Professional University, Pune and Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, Registrar Symbiosis Skill and Professional University at the unveiling of IPR policy

    PUNE: To promote the role of Intellectual Property in fostering innovation and creativity, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune celebrated World Intellectual Property Day on 26th April by Unveiling the IPR Policy and filling 26 IPRs and Patents. The program was designed in sync with this year’s theme ‘IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity’ with distinguished speakers, including Pro Chancellor SSPU Dr. Swati Mujumdar, and CEO of AIC-SEED, IISER Pune Ms. Shweta Uttam, who shared their insights on the IPR’s role and significance in a Skill University.

    Shweta Uttam, CEO of AIC-SEED IISER shared her thoughts on how IP is connected to entrepreneurship. She said that the road from intellect to property goes through many stepping stones and routes like IPR and entrepreneurship. With 50% of our country’s population below the age of 25 years, universities need to tap the creative potential and support student-led innovation and start-ups.

    Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor, of Symbiosis Skills, and Professional University, encouraged the students to find solutions to industry problems considering that they are Students of a Skills University. She informed me that the university has set up a large Incubation and Innovation Center to foster, promote, and nurture students’ ideas to convert them into Patents. It is for this purpose that we have created an incubation center where ideas can be debated to come out with innovative products and solutions and college is the right time to do it.

    Dr. Khushboo Bhurat Head of IPR,  Symbiosis Skills, and Professional University highlighted the importance of student-led Innovations. She informed me that being a Skills University, Students have several innovative ideas and are naturally inclined to start their own companies. The University has created an environment to support and promote such ideas.

    World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated every year on the 26th of April and highlights the importance of intellectual property protection and promotes the role of IP in fostering innovation and creativity. This day is an occasion to raise awareness about the need for a balanced approach that takes into consideration the rights of IP holders as well as its role in social well-being and public interest.

    The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the University’s IPR policy and the filling of 26 IPRs and Patents on World IPR Day. This includes a complete framework and know-how about any innovation by students or faculty, its protection, implementation, processes, etc. The IPR policy was drafted by a team of legal experts and curated by a team of management and faculty members at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University.

    67 inventors including students and staff who have shown their interest in filing IPR in the form of patents, copyrights, or novel designs along with the dignitaries

    Additionally, around 67 inventors including students and staff who have shown their interest in filing IPR in the form of patents, copyrights, or novel designs were felicitated on the occasion. The students have shared their content which is in the process of scrutiny and will be followed by filing of IPR.  

    The occasion was also special as Symbiosis announced that it would be filing 26 copyrights and designs prepared by students across various courses under the mentorship of faculty members. These are mainly in domains like technology, healthcare, and management.

  • Symbiosis Skills And Professional University Celebrates World IPR Day By Filling 26 IPR’s And Patents On 26th April 2024


    Shweta Uttam, CEO AIC-SEED IISER and Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis Skill and Professional University, Dr. Khushboo Bhurat Head IPR, Publications and MoUs,Symbiosis Skill and Professional University, Pune and Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, Registrar Symbiosis Skill and Professional University at the unveiling of IPR policy

    PUNE: To promote the role of Intellectual Property in fostering innovation and creativity, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune celebrated World Intellectual Property Day on 26th April by Unveiling the IPR Policy and filling 26 IPRs and Patents. The program was designed in sync with this year’s theme ‘IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity’ with distinguished speakers, including Pro Chancellor SSPU Dr. Swati Mujumdar, and CEO of AIC-SEED, IISER Pune Ms. Shweta Uttam, who shared their insights on the IPR’s role and significance in a Skill University.

    Shweta Uttam, CEO of AIC-SEED IISER shared her thoughts on how IP is connected to entrepreneurship. She said that the road from intellect to property goes through many stepping stones and routes like IPR and entrepreneurship. With 50% of our country’s population below the age of 25 years, universities need to tap the creative potential and support student-led innovation and start-ups.

    Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor, of Symbiosis Skills, and Professional University, encouraged the students to find solutions to industry problems considering that they are Students of a Skills University. She informed me that the university has set up a large Incubation and Innovation Center to foster, promote, and nurture students’ ideas to convert them into Patents. It is for this purpose that we have created an incubation center where ideas can be debated to come out with innovative products and solutions and college is the right time to do it.

    Dr. Khushboo Bhurat Head of IPR,  Symbiosis Skills, and Professional University highlighted the importance of student-led Innovations. She informed me that being a Skills University, Students have several innovative ideas and are naturally inclined to start their own companies. The University has created an environment to support and promote such ideas.

    World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated every year on the 26th of April and highlights the importance of intellectual property protection and promotes the role of IP in fostering innovation and creativity. This day is an occasion to raise awareness about the need for a balanced approach that takes into consideration the rights of IP holders as well as its role in social well-being and public interest.

    The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the University’s IPR policy and the filling of 26 IPRs and Patents on World IPR Day. This includes a complete framework and know-how about any innovation by students or faculty, its protection, implementation, processes, etc. The IPR policy was drafted by a team of legal experts and curated by a team of management and faculty members at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University.

    67 inventors including students and staff who have shown their interest in filing IPR in the form of patents, copyrights, or novel designs along with the dignitaries

    Additionally, around 67 inventors including students and staff who have shown their interest in filing IPR in the form of patents, copyrights, or novel designs were felicitated on the occasion. The students have shared their content which is in the process of scrutiny and will be followed by filing of IPR.  

    The occasion was also special as Symbiosis announced that it would be filing 26 copyrights and designs prepared by students across various courses under the mentorship of faculty members. These are mainly in domains like technology, healthcare, and management.

  • Leap Gymnastics Partners With World-Renowned Gymnastics Expert Kym Dowdell


    Ria Vardhan (CEO LEAP Gymnastics) and Kym Dowdell (Member of FIG technical committee)

    Planning to develop a competitive framework for the growth of Gymnastics in India  

    Partners with Maharashtra Amateur Gymnastics Association (MAGA) to host the first Gymnastics Championship under the newly developed competitive framework on May 11 & 12

    MUMBAI: Leap Gymnastics is an initiative of the JSW Group’s expanding commitment to pioneer the development of sports in India. It is focused on introducing Gymnastics to a wider base of Indians and creating a strong foundation that will develop athletes at the elite performance level who will eventually aim to compete at global championships including the Olympics 2032. During the last 18 months, since its inception, Leap Gymnastics has trained more than 1,000 gymnastics enthusiasts in Mumbai. In the next five years, Leap Gymnastics plans to train and develop more than 10,000 gymnasts across the country.

    Gymnastics is one of the best foundation sports for physical literacy which becomes even more important and relevant for India where participation levels in sports and physical activity have significant room for improvement compared to global benchmarks. This includes providing a strong foundation in ABC of physical literacy (agility, balance, and coordination); enhancing motor skills, body posture and improving muscle/bone health, and supporting mental, emotional, and social development.

    JSW Group’s Leap Gymnastics initiative will develop a robust sports ecosystem ranging from developing world-class gymnastics centers, progressive training curriculums, and structured pathways for high-performance sports; to international collaborations to develop a unified competitive framework for India; to coach, and judge development. Leap Gymnastics’ belief stems from India’s untapped potential in the sport to develop its capabilities and the opportunity to compete for the 42 Olympic medals in this sport.

    As a first step in this direction, Leap Gymnastics has partnered with International Gymnastics Expert Kym Dowdell, Member and former Vice-President of the International Gymnastics Federation Technical Committee, to develop a holistic Competitive Framework for Gymnastics in India. This Competitive Framework has been developed through a deep examination of fundamental, compulsory, optional, and high-performance programs in countries that are successfully growing the sport of gymnastics, both in participation and performance. Moreover, through its collaboration with Kym, Leap Gymnastics has also developed the Judge Education and Accreditation System for strengthening the Gymnastics coaching & judging ecosystem in the country.

    The Competitive Framework developed by Kym Dowdell through Leap Gymnastics aims to increase participation and improve the performance levels of Indian Gymnasts. It has 3 core parts – Fundamental, Performance, and High-Performance pathways with detailed technical requirements and evaluation processes. The Framework is supported through video-based educational tools for the development of fundamental skills and compulsory routines.

    According to Kym Dowdell, “The newly developed Competitive Framework aims to increase participation, improve performance levels, and assist new clubs to develop a gymnastic curriculum. The compulsories will ensure there is progressive development and consistent evaluation for all gymnasts in competition. The optional program will allow Indian gymnasts to further develop and demonstrate their skills in optional routines at three different grades. The final high-performance program is for the development of high-performance gymnasts who at an appropriate time transition from either the compulsory or optional grades.”

    According to Ria Vardhan, CEO of Leap Gymnastics, “We have begun implementation of the new competitive framework in Maharashtra by conducting an orientation workshop in Pune, engaging over 250 coaches, judges, and officials from the state. We have supplemented this with a comprehensive coaches and judges education course aimed at familiarizing state officials with technical guidelines and judging protocols under the new framework. The coaches workshop was attended by 120 coaches and 85 Judges enrolled for the Judges Course.”

    Leap Gymnastics has also partnered with Maharashtra Amateur Gymnastics Association (MAGA) to pilot the Competition Framework and Judge Education and Accreditation System at competitions & championships in Maharashtra. The success of this operating pilot program will provide a pathway for the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) and its adoption across all other states.

    India’s first-ever structured Gymnastics Championship

    As part of its partnership with MAGA, Leap Gymnastics will host the first club gymnastics championship – Leap Invitational Gymnastics Championship 2024 on May 11 and 12. This will be the first championship to be organized according to the new competition framework adopted by MAGA. More than 250 gymnasts from across Maharashtra are expected to participate in the championship. The competition will be hosted for WAG and MAG (National Grades 4 – 7) which are based on compulsory routines. Leap will also be hosting multiple competitions during the year.

    At present, JSW Group and the Inspire Institute of Sport scout & train talented Indian athletes in six disciplines including Football, Boxing, Wrestling, Swimming, Judo, and Track & Field. India has qualified only twice in gymnastics during the last 70 years, while Russia, the USA & China account for the highest medal tallies in this sports discipline. The lack of modern training facilities; structured curriculum-based progressive training programs; availability of skilled coaches and a level-based competition framework have been the key reasons behind India’s weak presence in gymnastics. Moreover, the elitist label of this sport has been a significant deterrent to mass interest & adoption of this discipline in the country so far. Leap Gymnastics will focus on the following goals:

    Build India’s capability in Gymnastics by establishing a high-performance training center for Indian gymnasts competing at Indian & Global championships. It plans to establish a high-performance center by 2027. 

    Develop India’s Ecosystem for Gymnastics by providing a world-class training environment for competitive athletes along with a performance pathway. By 2030, Leap Gymnastics will establish 10 centers to offer training & development facilities. The Leap Developmental Centres will also have the capability to host regional championships.

    Build the foundation of gymnastics and increase accessibility to the sport, Leap Gymnastics will establish 15 Leap Recreational Centres to serve as satellite hubs to expand its reach for training talent in India. These Centres will also deliver introductory gymnastics training programs to its member gymnasts.

    Create a capability ecosystem through the introduction of a world-class competition framework, progressive curriculum, upskilling of judges and coaches.

    Amongst all the pay and play sports programs at JSW Sports, Gymnastics at Leap Gymnastics has been the fastest growing programme. This is a testament to the demand for the sport in urban India and the growth strategy focusing on quality coaching, broad-basing the sport, infrastructure and making it accessible for Indian gymnast enthusiasts.

  • Leap Gymnastics Partners With World-Renowned Gymnastics Expert Kym Dowdell


    Ria Vardhan (CEO LEAP Gymnastics) and Kym Dowdell (Member of FIG technical committee)

    Planning to develop a competitive framework for the growth of Gymnastics in India  

    Partners with Maharashtra Amateur Gymnastics Association (MAGA) to host the first Gymnastics Championship under the newly developed competitive framework on May 11 & 12

    MUMBAI: Leap Gymnastics is an initiative of the JSW Group’s expanding commitment to pioneer the development of sports in India. It is focused on introducing Gymnastics to a wider base of Indians and creating a strong foundation that will develop athletes at the elite performance level who will eventually aim to compete at global championships including the Olympics 2032. During the last 18 months, since its inception, Leap Gymnastics has trained more than 1,000 gymnastics enthusiasts in Mumbai. In the next five years, Leap Gymnastics plans to train and develop more than 10,000 gymnasts across the country.

    Gymnastics is one of the best foundation sports for physical literacy which becomes even more important and relevant for India where participation levels in sports and physical activity have significant room for improvement compared to global benchmarks. This includes providing a strong foundation in ABC of physical literacy (agility, balance, and coordination); enhancing motor skills, body posture and improving muscle/bone health, and supporting mental, emotional, and social development.

    JSW Group’s Leap Gymnastics initiative will develop a robust sports ecosystem ranging from developing world-class gymnastics centers, progressive training curriculums, and structured pathways for high-performance sports; to international collaborations to develop a unified competitive framework for India; to coach, and judge development. Leap Gymnastics’ belief stems from India’s untapped potential in the sport to develop its capabilities and the opportunity to compete for the 42 Olympic medals in this sport.

    As a first step in this direction, Leap Gymnastics has partnered with International Gymnastics Expert Kym Dowdell, Member and former Vice-President of the International Gymnastics Federation Technical Committee, to develop a holistic Competitive Framework for Gymnastics in India. This Competitive Framework has been developed through a deep examination of fundamental, compulsory, optional, and high-performance programs in countries that are successfully growing the sport of gymnastics, both in participation and performance. Moreover, through its collaboration with Kym, Leap Gymnastics has also developed the Judge Education and Accreditation System for strengthening the Gymnastics coaching & judging ecosystem in the country.

    The Competitive Framework developed by Kym Dowdell through Leap Gymnastics aims to increase participation and improve the performance levels of Indian Gymnasts. It has 3 core parts – Fundamental, Performance, and High-Performance pathways with detailed technical requirements and evaluation processes. The Framework is supported through video-based educational tools for the development of fundamental skills and compulsory routines.

    According to Kym Dowdell, “The newly developed Competitive Framework aims to increase participation, improve performance levels, and assist new clubs to develop a gymnastic curriculum. The compulsories will ensure there is progressive development and consistent evaluation for all gymnasts in competition. The optional program will allow Indian gymnasts to further develop and demonstrate their skills in optional routines at three different grades. The final high-performance program is for the development of high-performance gymnasts who at an appropriate time transition from either the compulsory or optional grades.”

    According to Ria Vardhan, CEO of Leap Gymnastics, “We have begun implementation of the new competitive framework in Maharashtra by conducting an orientation workshop in Pune, engaging over 250 coaches, judges, and officials from the state. We have supplemented this with a comprehensive coaches and judges education course aimed at familiarizing state officials with technical guidelines and judging protocols under the new framework. The coaches workshop was attended by 120 coaches and 85 Judges enrolled for the Judges Course.”

    Leap Gymnastics has also partnered with Maharashtra Amateur Gymnastics Association (MAGA) to pilot the Competition Framework and Judge Education and Accreditation System at competitions & championships in Maharashtra. The success of this operating pilot program will provide a pathway for the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) and its adoption across all other states.

    India’s first-ever structured Gymnastics Championship

    As part of its partnership with MAGA, Leap Gymnastics will host the first club gymnastics championship – Leap Invitational Gymnastics Championship 2024 on May 11 and 12. This will be the first championship to be organized according to the new competition framework adopted by MAGA. More than 250 gymnasts from across Maharashtra are expected to participate in the championship. The competition will be hosted for WAG and MAG (National Grades 4 – 7) which are based on compulsory routines. Leap will also be hosting multiple competitions during the year.

    At present, JSW Group and the Inspire Institute of Sport scout & train talented Indian athletes in six disciplines including Football, Boxing, Wrestling, Swimming, Judo, and Track & Field. India has qualified only twice in gymnastics during the last 70 years, while Russia, the USA & China account for the highest medal tallies in this sports discipline. The lack of modern training facilities; structured curriculum-based progressive training programs; availability of skilled coaches and a level-based competition framework have been the key reasons behind India’s weak presence in gymnastics. Moreover, the elitist label of this sport has been a significant deterrent to mass interest & adoption of this discipline in the country so far. Leap Gymnastics will focus on the following goals:

    Build India’s capability in Gymnastics by establishing a high-performance training center for Indian gymnasts competing at Indian & Global championships. It plans to establish a high-performance center by 2027. 

    Develop India’s Ecosystem for Gymnastics by providing a world-class training environment for competitive athletes along with a performance pathway. By 2030, Leap Gymnastics will establish 10 centers to offer training & development facilities. The Leap Developmental Centres will also have the capability to host regional championships.

    Build the foundation of gymnastics and increase accessibility to the sport, Leap Gymnastics will establish 15 Leap Recreational Centres to serve as satellite hubs to expand its reach for training talent in India. These Centres will also deliver introductory gymnastics training programs to its member gymnasts.

    Create a capability ecosystem through the introduction of a world-class competition framework, progressive curriculum, upskilling of judges and coaches.

    Amongst all the pay and play sports programs at JSW Sports, Gymnastics at Leap Gymnastics has been the fastest growing programme. This is a testament to the demand for the sport in urban India and the growth strategy focusing on quality coaching, broad-basing the sport, infrastructure and making it accessible for Indian gymnast enthusiasts.

  • Leap Gymnastics Partners With World-Renowned Gymnastics Expert Kym Dowdell


    Ria Vardhan (CEO LEAP Gymnastics) and Kym Dowdell (Member of FIG technical committee)

    Planning to develop a competitive framework for the growth of Gymnastics in India  

    Partners with Maharashtra Amateur Gymnastics Association (MAGA) to host the first Gymnastics Championship under the newly developed competitive framework on May 11 & 12

    MUMBAI: Leap Gymnastics is an initiative of the JSW Group’s expanding commitment to pioneer the development of sports in India. It is focused on introducing Gymnastics to a wider base of Indians and creating a strong foundation that will develop athletes at the elite performance level who will eventually aim to compete at global championships including the Olympics 2032. During the last 18 months, since its inception, Leap Gymnastics has trained more than 1,000 gymnastics enthusiasts in Mumbai. In the next five years, Leap Gymnastics plans to train and develop more than 10,000 gymnasts across the country.

    Gymnastics is one of the best foundation sports for physical literacy which becomes even more important and relevant for India where participation levels in sports and physical activity have significant room for improvement compared to global benchmarks. This includes providing a strong foundation in ABC of physical literacy (agility, balance, and coordination); enhancing motor skills, body posture and improving muscle/bone health, and supporting mental, emotional, and social development.

    JSW Group’s Leap Gymnastics initiative will develop a robust sports ecosystem ranging from developing world-class gymnastics centers, progressive training curriculums, and structured pathways for high-performance sports; to international collaborations to develop a unified competitive framework for India; to coach, and judge development. Leap Gymnastics’ belief stems from India’s untapped potential in the sport to develop its capabilities and the opportunity to compete for the 42 Olympic medals in this sport.

    As a first step in this direction, Leap Gymnastics has partnered with International Gymnastics Expert Kym Dowdell, Member and former Vice-President of the International Gymnastics Federation Technical Committee, to develop a holistic Competitive Framework for Gymnastics in India. This Competitive Framework has been developed through a deep examination of fundamental, compulsory, optional, and high-performance programs in countries that are successfully growing the sport of gymnastics, both in participation and performance. Moreover, through its collaboration with Kym, Leap Gymnastics has also developed the Judge Education and Accreditation System for strengthening the Gymnastics coaching & judging ecosystem in the country.

    The Competitive Framework developed by Kym Dowdell through Leap Gymnastics aims to increase participation and improve the performance levels of Indian Gymnasts. It has 3 core parts – Fundamental, Performance, and High-Performance pathways with detailed technical requirements and evaluation processes. The Framework is supported through video-based educational tools for the development of fundamental skills and compulsory routines.

    According to Kym Dowdell, “The newly developed Competitive Framework aims to increase participation, improve performance levels, and assist new clubs to develop a gymnastic curriculum. The compulsories will ensure there is progressive development and consistent evaluation for all gymnasts in competition. The optional program will allow Indian gymnasts to further develop and demonstrate their skills in optional routines at three different grades. The final high-performance program is for the development of high-performance gymnasts who at an appropriate time transition from either the compulsory or optional grades.”

    According to Ria Vardhan, CEO of Leap Gymnastics, “We have begun implementation of the new competitive framework in Maharashtra by conducting an orientation workshop in Pune, engaging over 250 coaches, judges, and officials from the state. We have supplemented this with a comprehensive coaches and judges education course aimed at familiarizing state officials with technical guidelines and judging protocols under the new framework. The coaches workshop was attended by 120 coaches and 85 Judges enrolled for the Judges Course.”

    Leap Gymnastics has also partnered with Maharashtra Amateur Gymnastics Association (MAGA) to pilot the Competition Framework and Judge Education and Accreditation System at competitions & championships in Maharashtra. The success of this operating pilot program will provide a pathway for the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) and its adoption across all other states.

    India’s first-ever structured Gymnastics Championship

    As part of its partnership with MAGA, Leap Gymnastics will host the first club gymnastics championship – Leap Invitational Gymnastics Championship 2024 on May 11 and 12. This will be the first championship to be organized according to the new competition framework adopted by MAGA. More than 250 gymnasts from across Maharashtra are expected to participate in the championship. The competition will be hosted for WAG and MAG (National Grades 4 – 7) which are based on compulsory routines. Leap will also be hosting multiple competitions during the year.

    At present, JSW Group and the Inspire Institute of Sport scout & train talented Indian athletes in six disciplines including Football, Boxing, Wrestling, Swimming, Judo, and Track & Field. India has qualified only twice in gymnastics during the last 70 years, while Russia, the USA & China account for the highest medal tallies in this sports discipline. The lack of modern training facilities; structured curriculum-based progressive training programs; availability of skilled coaches and a level-based competition framework have been the key reasons behind India’s weak presence in gymnastics. Moreover, the elitist label of this sport has been a significant deterrent to mass interest & adoption of this discipline in the country so far. Leap Gymnastics will focus on the following goals:

    Build India’s capability in Gymnastics by establishing a high-performance training center for Indian gymnasts competing at Indian & Global championships. It plans to establish a high-performance center by 2027. 

    Develop India’s Ecosystem for Gymnastics by providing a world-class training environment for competitive athletes along with a performance pathway. By 2030, Leap Gymnastics will establish 10 centers to offer training & development facilities. The Leap Developmental Centres will also have the capability to host regional championships.

    Build the foundation of gymnastics and increase accessibility to the sport, Leap Gymnastics will establish 15 Leap Recreational Centres to serve as satellite hubs to expand its reach for training talent in India. These Centres will also deliver introductory gymnastics training programs to its member gymnasts.

    Create a capability ecosystem through the introduction of a world-class competition framework, progressive curriculum, upskilling of judges and coaches.

    Amongst all the pay and play sports programs at JSW Sports, Gymnastics at Leap Gymnastics has been the fastest growing programme. This is a testament to the demand for the sport in urban India and the growth strategy focusing on quality coaching, broad-basing the sport, infrastructure and making it accessible for Indian gymnast enthusiasts.

  • TiE50 Awards 2024 recognizes Garuda Aerospace as a Game Changer in Drone Technology

    TiE50 Awards 2024 recognizes Garuda Aerospace as a Game Changer in Drone Technology

    Garuda Aerospace Kisan Drones, Garuda Aerospace Drones

    twenty fourth April, 2024; National: India’s main drone expertise producer Garuda Aerospace, is honored to be acknowledged as the winner on the worldwide TiE50 Award 2024 for its main innovation and expertise in the drone business. This world recognition highlights Garuda Aerospace’s distinctive achievements, its pioneering spirit and its dedication to growing cutting-edge drone applied sciences.  The win positions India as a key participant in the worldwide drone business.

    TiE50 Drone Technology Awards

    The extremely aggressive annual award attracted participation from hundreds of promising startups the world over. Garuda Aerospace emerged victorious submit a rigorous choice course of involving a number of rounds. Marking its 14th 12 months, the TiE50 awards have been a hallmark of figuring out and honoring essentially the most impactful and disruptive technology-enabled startups.

    Garuda Aerospace will probably be felicitated on the grand stage with the TiE50 winner trophy on the TiEcon 2024. TiEcon is a premier world tech convention designed for main entrepreneurs, company executives, and buyers.

    Drone Technology Winners

    Elated on the win, Agnishwar Jayprakash, CEO and Founder, Garuda Aerospace mentioned, “We are honored to be acknowledged as a TiE50 Award Winner. This award is a validation of our group’s arduous work and unwavering dedication. Garuda Aerospace is proud to symbolize India at a world stage and place India as a world drone hub. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries with steady analysis and innovation, thereby contributing to the development of drone expertise worldwide.”              

    Backed by MS Dhoni, Garuda Aerospace is shaping the way forward for drone ecosystem in the nation. Recently, the corporate secured orders of high-tech quadcopter drones from ISRO. Garuda Aerospace additionally dominates the drone market with 55% market share in agri drone class and 25% market share throughout all drones in India.

    About Garuda Aerospace

    Garuda Aerospace is India’s main Drone tech start-up centered on disrupting two main multi-billion-dollar sectors, Precision Agri Tech and Industry 4.0 upgradation. Garuda Aerospace is asset-light, recession-proof, and agnostic, and focuses on eliminating labourers in the agricultural subject with drones specializing in designing, constructing, and customization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Founded in 2015 with a group of 5, Garuda has scaled to a 200+ member group having the biggest drone fleet in India with over 400 drones and 500 pilots working in 84 cities. Garuda Aerospace manufactures 30 varieties of drones and provides 50 varieties of companies. Having served over 750 shoppers together with TATA, Godrej, Adani, Reliance, Swiggy, Flipkart, Delhivery, L&T, Survey of India, SAIL, NTPC, IOCL, Smart cities, Intel, Amazon, Wipro, IISC, MIT Boston, NHAI for varied tasks, the corporate just lately partnered with world giants such as Lockheed Martin, Cognizant and Elbit Systems. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji launched the drone yatra the place 100 drones had been flagged off concurrently throughout 100 villages in India. Garuda Aerospace is the primary drone firm to get DGCA approvals for Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation. Garuda is on a mission to impression 1 billion lives positively utilizing reasonably priced precision Drone Technology. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in the corporate and is the Brand Ambassador.