All posts by Rekha Nair

K12 Techno Services’ Senior HR Manager Pooja Khanna wins the HR Rising Star of the Year 2023 for the second time

Delhi, 24th May 2023: Second feather added for Pooja Khanna, senior HRBP Manager and legal advisor of K12 Techno Services. Once again, she has been awarded as ‘HR Rising Star’ in 2023 by the HR Distinction Award 2023, organised by HR Association India, VATS Consulting, World HR Federation and HR Distinction recently in New Delhi. Ms. Khanna was awarded for her spectacular initiatives at K12 and contribution to the HR industry.

While receiving the award, Ms Pooja Khanna said, “Dedication, confidence, loyalty, continuous learning, passion, and commitment towards HR & Legal concepts for the past 20 years of hard practice made me earn this award today. I would like to thank HR Association India, VATS Consulting, World HR Federation and HR Distinction for honoring me with this award.”

The HR Distinction Awards (HRD Awards) is a platform to recognize and honour Excellence in HR and Related fields/services. It aims to bring together the entire spectrum of HR professionals across the globe and give you a chance to witness what it takes to become an epitome of the industry. Accredited by The Human Resource Association India (HRAI), a national-level association representing human resource and people management professionals through their network of 22,000 members from India and across the globe.

The Minimalist awarded digital creative media mandate for Schwarzkopf’s Consumer Business Line

Mumbai, 23rd May 2023: The Minimalist, one of India’s fastest growing creative solutions company has been onboarded by Henkel Consumer Brands, a global retail powerhouse with over 140 years of expertise, to lead the digital creative mandate for Schwarzkopf India. Following a competitive multi-agency pitch, The Minimalist has come on board as the digital partner with the mission of building Schwarzkopf’s social community and leading the creative communication mandate for the brand.

On the mandate win, Sahil Vaidya, Co-Founder, The Minimalist shared, “Schwarzkopf has established itself as a leading brand in the premium hair care and color category. With their latest offering in India of expert inspired at-home hair color formulations, they continue to bring beauty shoppers never-seen before technologies for superlative results and experience. We are thrilled to be associated with the brand as their creative partners and look forward to building inventive campaigns and engagement ideas. Together, we aim to create a powerful digital community that will add to the legacy of the brand.”

Mrs. Shama Dalal, Head of Marketing – Henkel Consumer Brands India commented on the partnership, “Our mandate for the recently launched Schwarzkopf Consumer Business Line required a robust strategy that resonated with digitally forward audiences. We’re delighted to partner with The Minimalist and look forward to leveraging their creative delivery & digital prowess to bring alive our brand vision.”

Since 2015, The Minimalist has partnered with more than 250 dynamic brands and created compelling brand case studies and delivered the most inventive solutions in the areas of Marketing Solutions and Experience Design. In the last one year itself, The Minimalist has collaborated with multiple young D2C brands and successfully crafted and driven their brand narratives. With their team of data-driven experts who offer unique digital solutions, The Minimalist has created a niche that creatively caters to the emerging ‘New Age’ segment.

Limited Time Dehlnavi Cuisine Pop-Up Makes Way with Visiting Chefs at ITC Maratha & ITC Grand Central

ITC Hotels have consciously carried the culinary-advocacy of heritage and modernist India; through an ever-evolving research on native dining experiences that transcends the anecdotal to actual achieved through the scrupulous supervision of groups Master Chefs.

This time the group is taking the iconic Dehlnavi trail all around India, with its multicity culinary tour bringing the cross-border melange of erstwhile Capital City- in a handpicked curation of unaltered taste influenced from Mughal, Baniya, Kayasth, Punjab and many more. Served at homes, by food carts or at the high table, Delhi’s flavours, like her unique gharana, tells the story of the city. Successive settlers have invested the city with their own heirloom flavours and sense of urbanity.

The four-day Dehlnavi trail dinner pop-up in Mumbai can be enjoyed ITC Maratha at Sahar Andheri East and ITC Grand Central Dishes at Parel in its award-winning restaurants Peshwa Pavilion & Hornbys Pavilion respectively giving an ease proximity access to gourmet enthusiast from North, Central and South districts of Mumbai. The culinary showcase is led by cuisine authority Chef Rais – ITC Maurya & Chef Mofid – Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi Hotel to Mumbai.

The food trail will start off with chaats such as papdi chaat, and the unique kulle ki chaat, Bhe ke Kebab, Tulsi ke kebab from the walled city. Kulle ki chaat, for the unversed, is made by scooping out the centres of boiled potatoes, sweet potatoes or summer specials like watermelons, and filling them with a mixture of chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, spices, and tangy chutneys. The stuffed potatoes or watermelon are then garnished with a variety of toppings such as sev, coriander leaves, and chaat masala, which is a spice blend commonly used in Indian cuisine.

Besides the chaats, Dehlnavi cuisine trail will also feature kebabs and fish fry. While bhey ke kebab or lotus stem kebabs will stand true to the earnest effort for uniqueness, the other offerings on Purani Dilli Fried Chicken and Fish Fry will reflect the vast diaspora of Mughlai kebabs and street foods of Delhi.

The main course, however will remain the highlight of the fare and perhaps for the first time ever, the vegetarian side will seem more enticing with Dal Dehlnavi served with a crisp biscuitty roti will catch your fancy. Imagine the tantalizing fragrance of slow-cooked moth and split moong dal, infused with the pungency of chopped chillies, roasted cumin, and ginger juliennes. As you dip the sweet, biscuit-like roti into the creamy and thick textured dal, a heavenly blend of flavours dances on your taste buds.

The nimona pulao will be as intriguing as the dal and biscuitty combination, since the usual nimona pulao has green peas (matar), it is given a unique spin with matar stuffed inside the salan mirchis! The matar paneer naize would be the perfect nod to rustic flavours and a smooth, creamy-like texture thanks to the pine nuts. The chatpate soya charra aloo mime the mock meat hype in Mughal corterie introduced by Bania community. While kunni dal which is slow cooked on a gentle flame with a blend of Bengal gram and black lentils is infused with a handful of secret spices and a hint of garlic, is sure to comfort you to no end.

The non-vegetarian fare on the other side will be as royal as it could get. Expect the all-time favourite Dilli Butter Chicken in luscious gravy with a velvety texture and an indulgent buttery taste that coats the tongue. The juicy and tender boneless chicken pieces perfectly cooked and complemented the buttery goodness of the dish, will guarantee a lasting impression on the taste buds. The extravagant Nihari and Gosht Pulao too irresistibly delicious and added the perfect touch of Mughlai to the unforgettable experience.

The dessert platter will be the perfect conclusion to the hearty meal – full with Barf Ki Handi and decadent kheer (Khurchan) and gulab jamun.

The Dehlnavi Food Trail can be experienced for dinner buffet from 11th May 2023 to 14th May 2023 for 2400 plus taxes at Peshwa Pavilion, ITC Maratha, Mumbai.

Date & Timing : 11th – 14th May 2023,
Dinner – 07:00pm -11:00pm
Priced at : INR 2,400 + Taxes
For Reservation : +91 022 28303030

Barun Das, MD & CEO of TV9 Network, conferred with India’s Transformational Leader Award 2023 by WCRCINT

New Delhi, April 19, 2023: TV9 Network, India’s largest news network has transformed and disrupted the industry leaving legacy players far behind. TV9 Network has received two prestigious awards from WCRCINT (World Consulting & Research Corporation International) bolstering its remarkable transformational journey.

Barun Das, the MD & CEO of TV9 Network, has been awarded India’s Transformational Leader 2023, while News9 Plus, the world’s first News OTT platform launched by TV9 Network, has been recognized as WCRCINT India’s Transformational Brand 2023.

Barun Das, MD & CEO of TV9 Network, has been recognised for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the media industry. Under his visionary leadership, TV9 Network has grown from strength to strength, delivering news and information to millions of viewers across India and beyond. Barun Das has been instrumental in driving the transformation of TV9 Network into a leading news network known for its credibility, innovation, and commitment to journalistic excellence.

Speaking about the accolades, Barun Das said, “I am humbled and honoured to receive India’s Transformational Leader 2023 award from WCRCINT. When a large ship like TV9 Network, is moving at high speed, every single nut and bolt is important. Therefore, this recognition is a testament to our stupendous growth enabled by collective effort of each employee at TV9 Network. I am happy that News9 Plus, an out of box idea, has been duly recognised as the transformational news brand of 2023.”

Giving details about choosing Barun Das as India’s Transformational Leader 2023, Abhimanyu Gosh, Editor-in-Chief of WCRC, said “He (Barun Das) is a legend in the Indian media industry. He is known for transforming many media networks in his long spanning career. He is one of the most trusted names with his colleagues in the entire industry. In terms of all the research that we have done Mr. Das stands as one of the most incredible media personalities in the country ever.”

WCRCINT India’s Transformational Brands & Leaders 2023 is a prestigious platform that pays tribute to the best brands and leaders in India who are driving significant changes in the nation through their leadership, innovations, branding, and product innovations that positively impact human lives. The proposition recognizes individuals and brands that have demonstrated exceptional vision, commitment, and dedication to transforming their respective industries and making a positive impact on society. The award ceremony took place at Eros Hotel, New Delhi on 18th April 2023.

News9 Plus, the world’s first News OTT platform launched by TV9 Network, has been recognized as WCRCINT India’s Transformational Brand 2023. News9 Plus offers an exquisite, curated collection of nuanced news reportage and news documentaries presented in a new-age OTT environment. The platform goes beyond the obvious and draws out detailed and multi-faceted narratives built on the pillars of fact-based and rigorous journalism.

News9 Plus has earlier been hailed by veterans across industries, Actor and producer Anupam Kher said, “In the times when news broadcast is witnessing a rapid transformation, News9 Plus is an innovative platform giving viewers short and crisp news storytelling keeping international standards in their broadcasts.”

“TV9 Network has picked a very exciting segment and I have no doubt that it will do well. My best wishes to News9 Plus. I think the team is doing something fantastic with the app. I think it’s going to be a gamechanger,” said Deep Kalra Founder, MakeMyTrip.com.

Raving about the storytelling, R Balki, Film Director, Screenwriter and Producer, said, “News9 Plus is the world’s first news OTT. The 360-degree treatment of eclectic subjects and rich production takes their storytelling beyond the immediate news cycle. The narratives have a longer shelf-life and stay relevant whenever the audience seeks to return and view them. I love the way they tell their stories.”

CriticalRiver Reflects on Nine Years of Progress and the Importance of a Unified Culture

Hyderabad, March 2023 – CriticalRiver, a global digital and technology consulting services company, recently celebrated its 9th anniversary in Hyderabad. The event was aimed to recognize the company’s employees as critical growth drivers. The celebration included various fun activities such as games, DJ, dance floor, and an awards ceremony to appreciate and recognize employees for their resourcefulness, positive attitude, excellent client service, and successful implementation of large-scale projects.

In his opening address, Mr. Anji Reddy Maram, the CEO of CriticalRiver, reflected on the remarkable journey the company has undertaken, saying, “As we commemorate our 9th anniversary, I cannot help but reflect on the incredible journey we have embarked upon together. In 2014, we started with a team of just 24 employees, driven by a long-term vision. Today, we have over 1,000 dedicated employees spread across nine countries. We are thrilled to mark this momentous milestone in the presence of our esteemed colleagues. Let us continue to stay at the forefront of our industry and drive our continued success.”

Maram also highlighted the company’s recent achievements, stating, “Over the past year, we have expanded our presence in Hyderabad by launching the Center for Digital Innovation, and added over 20 new global customers, including Fortune 500 companies. We are especially proud of these achievements, given the challenges faced by our industry during this period.”

He emphasized that the company’s innovative solutions, strong partnerships, core values, and culture of collaboration and teamwork have been instrumental in its growth.

The CFO of CriticalRiver, Chandra Chandragiri, highlighted the company’s mission to empower clients with the right digital solutions to overcome even the most severe disruptions, citing the pandemic as a prime example. He said, “Our goal has always been to empower our clients with the right digital solutions that help them not only survive but thrive even in the most challenging circumstances. The past few years taught us that businesses that have the right digital strategy in place can overcome even the most severe disruptions.”

CriticalRiver’s anniversary celebration marks a milestone in its near-decade of operations and reignites the culture of collaboration and teamwork, reflecting the company’s commitment to serving its customers better. As the world faces unprecedented economic uncertainty, CriticalRiver continues to lead in enabling recession-proof digital strategies for its clients.

The event culminated with a festive feast and refreshments.