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Goa Legislative Assembly in association with MIT School of Government inaugurates Goa@60

Celebrating democracy by empowering youth, women and panchayats
PANJIM, India, Nov. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — With the vision of creating ethical, spirited and committed Political Leadership for the country from the grassroots and from all walks of life, MIT School of Government (MIT-SOG) collaborated with Goa Legislative Assembly to celebrate the occasion of 60th year of liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule. This event is in line with the school’s vision to develop a pool of dedicated young leaders committed to nation building, infusing in them sense of national pride, democratic values and empathy for people coming from various walks of life. The event also marks 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements as the nation observes Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Through this momentous event the MIT-SOG and Goa Government aims to highlight the strides Goa has made since 1961. Goa’s journey post 1961 is breathtaking! The character, patience and resilience shown by the Goans is commendable.

The five-day mega event commenced on 8th November 2021 comprises of thought provoking conclaves on mainstreaming women in policy making through National Women’s Parliament, strengthening active participation of youth in policy making through National Youth Parliament, and reiterating the strength and utility of local governance through National Panchayat Parliament. The Conclaves are being organized by Goa Legislative Assembly, conducted by MIT School of Government (MIT SOG), Pune and supported by Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad.
The MIT School of Government in the past have collaborated with State Legislative Assemblies of Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala to organise similar youth and women parliaments to inspire, motivate and engage them to take the baton of democracy, leadership and governance forward. MIT School of Government aims to strengthen the democratic systems and governments that will pave the way for world peace by training young minds of the country in electoral systems and governance.
Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa who also is the Patron and Chief Convenor of the event said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the slogan of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and on the theme of Goa at 60, the Government of Goa is working towards giving more emphasis on women empowerment. To make women self-reliant, all the schemes of the central government and CM employment scheme have been implemented. Similarly, the government is providing employment to women by promoting the products made by various women self-help groups. On one hand we are working towards contributing to a self-reliant India and on the other we are working on a self-sufficient Goa. We thank MIT School of Government for giving us strength by organizing National Women’s Parliament along with National Youth Parliament and National Panchayat Parliament. Going forward we plan to organise such events every two years.”
Shri Rajesh Patnekar, Hon’ble Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly in his welcome address said, “The events on Women, Youth and Panchayat are part of diamond jubilee celebration of liberation of Goa. The events will focus on three important pillars of women, youth and local self-government bodies and will focus on increasing their participation in the democratic and electoral processes at various levels.”
He further stressed that the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by UNGA emphasizes on the need for gender equality, women participation in decision making process, and representation in legislature which lead to women empowerment in social, political, and economic context. Women participation in legislations is critical to achieving democracy in the true sense which in turn will help in creation of an inclusive society.”
Shri Rahul V. Karad, Managing Trustee & Executive President, MAEER’s MIT and Executive President, MIT World Peace University & Chief Initiator, MIT School of Government, addressed the audience on the vision behind having conclaves such as National Women’s Parliament. He said, “MIT School of Government was established in 2005 to give a new direction to politics and to bring educated youth into politics. Through this organization activities like Indian Student Parliament, National Women’s Parliament and Sarpanch Sansad are being implemented. Democracy is being celebrated on the occasion of 60th anniversary of Goa and Amrit Mahotsav of the country. Therefore, Women Parliament, Youth Parliament and Panchayat Sansad are being organized in collaboration with the Government of Goa for empowerment of women, youth and panchayats.”
Shri Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Govt. of India was the Special Guest of Honor for the event along with Shri Rajesh Patnekar, Hon’ble Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Chandrakant Babu Kavlekar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Goa, Smt. Nirmala Sawant, Former Power Minister, Government of Goa, Shri Churchill Alemao, MLA, Benaulim Constituency, Alina Saldanha, MLA, Cortalim Constituency, and Shri Govind Gawde Hon’ble Minister for Art & Culture, Government of Goa.
The first day of the National Women Parliament saw the presence of eminent dignitaries including Dr. Rama Jayasundar – Professor & Head, Department of NMR, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, Devi. Vaibhavishri Alekar – Shrimad Bhagvat Katha Exponent (Pune, Maharashtra), Adv. Manasi Pradhan – Founder, Nirbhaya Vahini, Nirbhaya Samaroh and OYSS Women, Smt. Laxmi Agarwal – Campaigner, Stop Acid Attacks Mission, Smt. Shovana Narayan – Padma Shri, Renowned Indian Kathak Dancer, Ms. Shital Mahajan – Padma Shri, Arjun Awardee, Indian Skydiver, Founder, Phoenix Skydiving Academy, Neli Rodrigues- Principal, MES College, Ex. Zilla Parishad, President, South Goa, Zilla Panchayat , Ch. Hima Bindu – Senior Associate Director, Indian School of Business, Shri. Nanik Rupani – Chairman, Neutron Electronic Systems Pvt. Ltd. & Chairman Emeritus, Priyadarshni Academy, Former President, Indian Merchants Chamber,Dr. Dilip Chenoy – Secretary General, FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and  Pratima Dhond- Ex Chairman Goa Women’s Bank, Vice President GOA Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
The themes of the post-inaugural session revolved around evocative topics that stressed upon the need for a greater participation of women in politics and policy making. Women are dynamic leaders of change, who can galvanize the society for achieving higher ideals, strengthen the community bonds, and protect the family system. Their participation is fundamental to decision making at all levels of democratic and inclusive governance.
Goa began its journey towards glory and a better life for its citizens with high hopes and strong resolve. Today, Goa is considered to be a very mature state with a stable economy, able political leadership, an ever increasing tourism industry as well as having the best quality of life in India. This journey would have been incomplete without the three strong pillars – women, youth and panchayats. With these conclaves the participation of the three groups will be further strengthened and will act as models of excellence for other states to replicate.
About MIT SOG
The MIT School of Government (MIT-SOG), a constituent unit of MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, is the first institute of its kind to initiate a two-year Master’s degree program in Political Leadership & Government or MPG (UGC-approved program) for a Career in Politics.
MIT-SOG was initiated in the year 2005 under the visionary leadership of Shri. Rahul V. Karad – Initiator & Executive President, MIT World Peace University with the vision of creating Ethical, Spirited and Committed Political Leadership for the country from the grassroots and from all walks of life.
Under the able guidance of Late. Shri. T.N Seshan, First Chairman, MIT-SOG, former Chief-Election Commissioner of India (also well known as the Father of Electoral Reforms in India), the curriculum for MPG program at MIT-SOG was designed with the complete involvement of highly decorated officials from Government, Politics, Judiciary, Media and Academia. MIT-SOG specifically caters to the need for training students in politics & government in order to become trained Political Leaders of the country.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1682993/MIT_SOG_Goa_Legislative.jpg

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Times of India Launches Inaugural ‘TOI AI Quotient Awards’ to Celebrate Pioneers in AI Innovation

In collaboration with Knowledge Partner Adrosonic, the premier nomination-led platform will honor excellence, scalability, and measurable impact across India’s AI ecosystem. NEW DELHI, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Times of India has announced the launch of the inaugural edition of the TOI AI Quotient Awards—India’s most credible, nomination-led recognition platform celebrating excellence in artificial intelligence adoption, innovation, and impact.

Organized in collaboration with Adrosonic as the official Knowledge Partner, the awards will bring together pioneering enterprises, technology leaders, startups, innovators, and institutions that are harnessing the power of AI to drive business transformation, optimize decision-making, and enhance customer experiences.As AI becomes a core driver of competitiveness and productivity, this initiative marks the beginning of a prestigious annual celebration. The awards aim to spotlight those leveraging AI to solve complex challenges, unlock new opportunities, and deliver meaningful, scalable outcomes across sectors.Leadership Insights”The conversation around AI has rapidly moved from experimentation to execution. For modern brands, a high AI Quotient is now a boardroom priority. The TOI AI Quotient Awards will serve as India’s most credible validation platform, spotlighting the enterprises that are successfully navigating this transition to drive real business outcomes and stronger governance. We look forward to uncovering the incredible stories of human-machine collaboration that are redefining the future of Indian industry.” — Prasad Sanyal, Group Business Head – TOI, IndiaTimes, WhatsHot”AI will not replace human intelligence, it will amplify it. The organisations that succeed with AI will be those that combine technology with human judgement, domain expertise and a clear focus on business outcomes. The true measure of AI success is not how much AI is deployed, but how effectively it improves decision making and delivers measurable value. Achieving this requires clear objectives, strong governance and responsible guardrails. The TOI AI Quotient Awards celebrate organisations turning AI potential into meaningful business impact.” — Mayank, Founder & CEO, AdrosonicAward Tracks & CategoriesThe initiative features 25+ awards distributed across 4 distinct tracks: Industry, Functional AI, Maturity-based, and Special Jury Awards. Key categories include:Sector Excellence: BFSI, Retail & Commerce, Healthcare & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Media & Content.Functional & Strategic AI: Customer Experience, HR & Talent, Risk & Compliance.Enterprise & Impact: Social Impact, Women in AI, Legacy to AI Transformation, and Native Enterprise.To ensure absolute credibility, the evaluation matrix leverages Adrosonic’s deep technical consulting frameworks for an objective initial screening. Following a preliminary audit by the expert TOI Editorial Board, the final winners will be selected by an esteemed, independent jury comprising leading AI experts, technology pioneers, industry veterans, and business visionaries.Why Nominate Your Organization?The TOI AI Quotient Awards offer more than just recognition—they provide a premier platform for national visibility and industry-wide alignment:National Recognition: Showcase your AI-led innovations and business impact before a distinguished audience of industry leaders and decision-makers.Credible Validation: Gain elite positioning backed by TOI’s powerful media reach and Adrosonic’s technical validation frameworks.Industry Benchmarking: Measure your achievements against the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem to strengthen your market leadership.How to ParticipateIs your organization setting new benchmarks in AI adoption and implementation? Do you know an enterprise driving measurable transformation through artificial intelligence?Nominate your organization or a deserving industry leader today to secure your place among India’s most forward-thinking, AI-driven enterprises.Learn more and submit your nomination here: toievents.indiatimes.com/ai-quotient-awards 

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Santokbaa Humanitarian Award 2026 Marks 20 Years of Compassion and Service

SURAT, India, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Santokbaa Humanitarian Award 2026, instituted by Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundation (SRKKF), the philanthropic arm of Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK), marked 20 years of honouring individuals who have made a lasting difference through compassion, service and leadership. The awards were presented recently in Surat.

This year’s Santokbaa Humanitarian Award was conferred on Padma Shri Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, renowned Indian ophthalmologist and Founder-Chair of the LV Prasad Eye Institute, and Padma Shri Smt. Reema Nanavaty, development worker and Director of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). Their work has touched millions of lives through healthcare, empowerment and community development.In a significant addition this year, SRKKF introduced the Social Entrepreneur Award to recognise leaders who combine business excellence with measurable social impact. The inaugural award was presented to Shri Srikanth Bolla, Founder of Bollant Industries, a sustainable manufacturing company known for disability-inclusive employment and environmentally responsible practices.The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and Guests of Honour Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat; along with several other distinguished personalities.Established in 2006 by Shri Govind Dholakia, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. and SRKKF, the award reflects the legacy of compassion and selfless values embodied by his mother, Santokbaa. Over the past two decades, it has become a platform to honour individuals whose lives and work continue to inspire society.The awardees are selected through a rigorous and transparent process led by an independent jury comprising leaders from diverse fields. The 2026 jury included Shri Govindan Rangarajan, Director, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru; Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO; Admiral R. Hari Kumar (Retd.), Former Chief of the Indian Navy; Shri Rishabh Shroff, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas; and Shri Shreyans Dholakia, Entrepreneur and Brand Custodian, SRK.Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh said that the SRK Foundation is carrying forward Santokbaa’s legacy to the next generation by celebrating service, sacrifice and compassion over wealth or fame. He added that the family’s effort to connect this legacy with social entrepreneurship reflects the values of nation-building.Shri Harsh Sanghavi said the Santokbaa Award reminds us that true achievement lies not only in personal success, but in bringing light and happiness to others. Shri Govind Dholakia said his mother Santokbaa spent her life guided by truth, love and compassion, and that her values continue to inspire the family’s work. He added that the award’s 20-year journey is a tribute to changemakers whose efforts have strengthened communities across the country.Speaking on the honour, Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao said it was a privilege to receive the recognition on behalf of all those working to expand access to quality eye care. He said restoring sight restores dignity and opportunity, and praised SRK’s world-class operational systems. Smt. Reema Nanavaty said the award belonged to the millions of women whose resilience and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire SEWA’s mission. She noted that when women are empowered, they become agents of change for their families and communities. Shri Srikanth Bolla said his journey has shown that limitations often exist more in perception than reality, and that the award is a reminder that with the right support, every individual can contribute meaningfully to society.Over the past 20 years, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award has honoured 20 of India’s most distinguished humanitarian and social leaders, including Shri Ratan Tata, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr. Sudha Murty, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Shri Shiv Nadar, Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, Dr. Verghese Kurien, Shri Kailash Satyarthi and Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar. With the introduction of the Social Entrepreneurship Award in 2026, the milestone celebration reaffirmed the importance of empathy, service and purposeful leadership in building a better future.About Santokbaa Humanitarian Award:Over the past 20 years, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award has honoured 19 of India’s most distinguished humanitarian and social leaders, including Shri Ratan Tata, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr. Sudha Murty, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Shri Shiv Nadar, Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, Dr. Verghese Kurien, Shri Kailash Satyarthi and Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, among other eminent personalities. In 2026, SRKKF also instituted the Santokbaa Social Entrepreneurship Award, with Shri Srikanth Bolla becoming its inaugural recipient.As the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award completed a remarkable 20-year journey, the milestone celebration reaffirmed the enduring importance of empathy, service and purposeful leadership in shaping a better future. The journey endures, contributing to nation-building through compassion, innovation and service to humanity.For more information, visit: https://srk.foundation/honoursPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2997209/20th_Santokbaa_Humanitarian_Award_2026.jpg 

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Apollo Athenaa Launches ‘Holding Hope’, India’s First Dedicated Handbook for Cancer Caregivers, during National Cancer Survivors Month

Authored by Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead – Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Athenaa, the handbook aims to empower caregivers with practical guidance, emotional support, and clinical insights throughout the cancer journeyNEW DELHI, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Marking Cancer Survivors Month and reinforcing the importance of holistic cancer care, Apollo Athenaa, Asia’s first comprehensive cancer centre dedicated exclusively to women, marked a significant step in India’s oncology support landscape with the launch of Holding Hope: A Handbook for Cancer Caregivers—India’s first dedicated resource designed exclusively to support individuals caring for loved ones with cancer.

While cancer survivorship is often celebrated through the resilience and recovery of patients, the journey is rarely undertaken alone. Behind every survivor is a network of family members and caregivers who provide emotional, physical, logistical, and financial support throughout diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and beyond. Data indicates that 95 per cent of cancer patients in India have at least one primary caregiver; 57 per cent are supported by three to four caregivers, and 23 per cent have five to seven individuals involved in their care1. Yet despite their critical role, caregivers often navigate this demanding responsibility without access to structured guidance or dedicated support.Recognising this unmet need, Holding Hope: A Handbook for Cancer Caregivers has been authored by Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead – Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Athenaa, along with Dr. Hussain Shaik, Associate Consultant – Medical Oncology, Apollo Athenaa. Drawing on years of clinical experience and patient interactions, the handbook serves as a practical companion for caregivers, offering actionable guidance on managing treatment journeys, navigating difficult conversations, supporting emotional well-being, understanding medical decisions, and prioritising self-care.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead, Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Athenaa said, “When we celebrate cancer survivors, it is equally important to acknowledge the caregivers who stand beside them through every treatment cycle, every setback, and every milestone. With over 15 lakh new cancer cases reported in India in 20242, the number of families navigating the complexities of cancer care continues to grow. Caregivers are often the silent pillars of strength in a patient’s journey, yet many feel unprepared for the emotional and practical challenges that come with the role. Through Holding Hope, we wanted to create a trusted resource that equips caregivers with knowledge, confidence, and reassurance at every stage of the cancer journey.”Sharing his experience as a caregiver, Mr. Sudesh, who has supported his wife through her cancer journey said, “When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, caregivers often find themselves navigating uncertainty, difficult decisions, and emotional challenges with little guidance. The launch of Holding Hope is a welcome initiative. Its practical advice on managing treatment, understanding medical decisions, supporting emotional well-being, and prioritising self-care will help many caregivers like me feel more informed, prepared, and supported.”Highlighting the importance of equipping caregivers with the right knowledge and support, Dr. Hussain Shaik, Associate Consultant, Medical Oncology, Apollo Athenaa added, “Caregivers play a vital role in the cancer journey, often serving as the bridge between patients and healthcare teams. However, many find themselves navigating complex medical decisions, treatment-related challenges, and emotional stress with little formal guidance.” This handbook combines evidence-based medical information with practical caregiving strategies and real-life experiences to help caregivers better understand their role and foster stronger communication with patients and clinicians. Importantly, it also addresses an often-overlooked aspect of caregiving, the need for caregivers to prioritise their own physical and emotional well-being while supporting their loved ones.The launch of Holding Hope reflects Apollo Athenaa’s broader vision of advancing patient-centred and family-centred cancer care. By placing caregivers at the heart of the oncology continuum, the initiative seeks to strengthen support systems that contribute meaningfully to patient outcomes, quality of life, and long-term survivorship.As conversations around cancer care continue to evolve, Apollo Athenaa hopes that Holding Hope will encourage greater recognition of caregivers and foster a more compassionate, informed, and inclusive approach to cancer survivorship in India.1 Profile of cancer caregivers among adult Indian rural cancer patients: A prospective survey. | Journal of Clinical Oncology 2 https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/185/AU3233_xEZ9oE.pdf?source=pqalsAbout Apollo AthenaaApollo Athenaa, a unit of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, is Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for women, rooted in empathy and powered by science. It is not just a facility—it’s a mission. Apollo Athenaa is envisioned as a safe, specialised space exclusively for women, combining cutting-edge oncology expertise with compassion, dignity, and privacy. Women are the cornerstones of families and communities, and their health directly impacts the strength of the nation. Recognising the need for timely, specialised, and compassionate care, Apollo has taken a pioneering step forward. Apollo Athenaa provides comprehensive women-focused cancer care, from preventive screenings and advanced diagnostics to surgical oncology, breast oncoplasty, fertility preservation, and reconstructive care. Supported by multidisciplinary expertise and precision oncology, the centre also offers nutrition, physiotherapy, onco-psychology, and palliative care, ensuring a continuum of services that place women’s health, dignity, and well-being at the forefront. Log on to: https://www.apollohospitals.com/hospitals/apollo-athenaa-womens-cancer-centre 

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