deAsra Foundation encourages entrepreneurship, and promotes job creation in India

deAsra Foundation inspires entrepreneurship by conducting Entrepreneur Excellence Awards

deAsra Foundation, a not for profit organisation from Pune, held  their annual Entrepreneur Excellence Awards function at Dewang Mehta Auditorium, Persistent Systems Ltd., Pune.

The Entrepreneur Excellence Awards is deAsra’s way of celebrating entrepreneurship and providing a forum for the successful stories of established entrepreneurs to be shared with a wider community. This award also aims to provide aspiring and existing entrepreneurs an opportunity to learn from their journeys.

The awardees of the evening were Milind Shalgar, owner Shalgar Hosiery; Neha Sarang Lagu, Director Lagu Bandhu Jewellers; Dr Vinay Koparkar, Founder & Director, Papillon Hair & Face Clinic; Mandar Desai, owner Desai Bandhu Ambewale, and Mr. Hanmant Gaikwad, Founder and owner of BVG. These awardees were honoured by Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder of deAsra Foundation and Founder, CEO of Persistent Systems.

The dignitaries shared their experiences, especially challenges, and how they overcame them.

They also discussed what inspired them during their entrepreneurial journey.

The honourable dignitaries felicitated champion entrepreneurs from deAsra’s entrepreneur community, who are setting an example by living their dreams of becoming successful entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs are a part of deAsra’s 8000+ strong entrepreneur community which has benefited from various deAsra services, in various sectors such as food, fashion, beauty and more.

On this occasion, Dr. Anand Deshpande said, “deAsra is now focusing on a highly growing segment of urban service jobs for scaling. For this, most of the tools and resources, including checklists required for any small business entrepreneur is now made available online. Any assistance required by the entrepreneur is provided through a telephonic call or on Google hangouts. Packaging the service solutions is something we are hoping would be of great help to all entrepreneurs.”

During the discussion, Mr. Hanmant Rao Gaikwad encouraged entrepreneurs by mentioning that he had a vision at a very young age, to do something on his own, and with that he wanted to contribute to the progress of the country. If an entrepreneur persistently continues to work towards his/her vision, soon dreams will become a reality. He encouraged entrepreneurs to believe in themselves even in the toughest of times.”

Mr. Shalgar mentioned how product innovation can be an USP of any small business. Over a period, Shalgar Hosiery has been creating new products as per customers’ demands and has created a brand which offers clothing for the entire family under one roof.”

While talking about breaking the stereotype work profile/ profession, Dr. Vinay Koparkar said, “He was the first doctor from his generation who started a men’s salon with skin treatment service for men. Critics & negative comments never stopped him from learning different techniques and implementing them. He believes hair cutting is also a science. His efforts in research and his belief in his products and service has lead him to be where he is today.”

Mr. Mandar Desai of Desai Ambewale, said, “For over 87 years we have successfully maintained the trust of our customers. This is important in every business. This trust helps your business grow successfully.”

Gemologist and jewellery designer Ms. Neha Lagu said, “Today’s customers are very selective in their requirements, and we have to be sensitive to their needs. Understanding their requirements and customizing designs to their likings is the key to our success.”

In an endeavour to provide a platform of recognition, the dignitaries also felicitated deAsra champion entrepreneurs from similar sectors.

deAsra Foundation has been a strong support to existing and aspiring small business entrepreneurs, providing knowledge, tools, templates and services through the portal, www.deasra.in, to overcome the challenges they face while running or starting a business.

This event encouraged entrepreneurs to take the next step in their business journey, and be the job creators that India needs today.

Media Contact: Aspire PR & Strategies Pvt. Ltd., Aspire has been the leading agency in the PR industry of India since 2004, its 14 years small journey with wisdom and extensive experience of organizing more than 1800 press conferences and 5000 plus press releases with best PR results to some of the most renowned clients in various sector. We are also one of the topSocial Media Agency in Pune.

QNET Entrepreneurs kick off Festive Season by Raising Funds for Underprivileged Community in 21 Cities including Pune

• Money raised to fund essential goods for orphanages, old-age homes, and others in need
• 39 events planned across 21 cities in the country
• Pledged sums ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 1 Lakh in each city

 Pune, October 16, 2018: Independent representatives of Direct Selling company QNET have once again come together to brighten up the festive season for the underprivileged. In a series of events spread across 21 cities throughout India, various groups of Independent Representatives have come forward to raise money to help the underprivileged communities.

Around 100 young entrepreneurs, who run a successful direct selling business with QNET, have pledged between INR 50,000 to INR 1 lakh per city towards important causes benefiting a local community in need. This is the fourth year that these entrepreneurs have initiated such an exercise during the festival season to reinforce their commitment to helping communities and their own belief in the spirit of giving.

Funds raised by the group this year will be used to help orphanages, homes for the disabled and the elderly, and for the education as well as provision of life-saving medical treatment to children in need.

In Pune more than 20 such entrepreneurs came together and distributed groceries, toiletries and blankets at the Madhurbhav Bliss (AJ Foundation) Old Age Home.

Entrepreneurs have also planned 38 other such charitable initiatives in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata, Bhubneshwar, Hubli, Mangalore, Mysore, Patna, Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Jammu and Meerut, between 14 October and 7 November 2018.

“We have been fortunate to find our path and purpose with QNET which has helped us transform, not only our lives, but the lives of those around us. Giving back to our community during this auspicious festival season is our way of paying it forward.” said Mahesh who leads the effort of thegroup in Pune.

Commenting on the effort, QNET Global CEO Trevor Kuna said “The initiative undertaken by our Independent Representatives in their individual capacity is truly encouraging. QNET’s underlying philosophy of RYTHM – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind is the force that drives a lot of what we do. It is a reflection of our business, which is about empowering people to take control of their lives, so that they can, in turn, help empower their communities. After all, there is no better feeling than doing well while you are doing good”.

QNET had in the past partnered with the Cancer Patients Aid Association in Mumbai to support the treatment of children with cancer from low-income families. QNET had also contributed significantly towards the Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya campaign by partnering with the Lions Club in Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad on a number of projects including clean drinking water, nutrition education and health camps for children.

The second such event will be held on 31st October at the Sanmati Bal Niketan Sanstha, Manjari Budruk.

KPIT Second Quarter Results FY 2019

Q2FY19 reported EBITDA at 13.6%, growth of 62.5% Y-o-Y, 19.3% Q-o-Q
Q2FY19 Constant Currency Revenue growth of 2.9% Q-o-Q,
Constant Currency Revenue growth of 9.8% in H1FY19 over H1FY18

Investor Release BSE: 532400 | NSE: KPIT 

India, October 24, 2018: KPIT (BSE: 532400; NSE: KPIT), a global technology company specializing in providing IT Consulting and Product Engineering solutions and services to Automotive, Manufacturing, Energy and Utilities companies, today reported its consolidated financial results for the second quarter and half year ended September 30, 2018.

Highlights for the quarter ended September 30, 2018

• ₹ Revenues grow 6.4% Q-o-Q and 17.8% Y-o-Y
• Net Profit for the quarter registers a Y-o-Y growth of 37.4%
• Operational EBITDA for the quarter at 15.2%
• Reassuring increase in Pipeline, led by large deals in Engineering
• BMW today announced KPIT as a technology partner for Autonomous Driving

 Management comments

Commenting on the performance of Q2 FY19, Kishor Patil, Co-founder, CEO & MD, KPIT said, “The quarter gone by witnessed solid improvement in operating margins despite wage hikes, driven by operating efficiencies and better quality of revenues. We are on track to achieve our annual revenue guidance and exceed the annual operating margins guidance. The Merger Demerger process is progressing well, as per planned timelines.”

Sachin Tikekar, President and Board Member, KPIT said, “Engineering and Digital revenues continue to grow at a much faster rate for us. We expect the trend to continue during the remainder of the year. We are progressing well on the business familiarization process with Birlasoft and are happy with the cultural and value similarities between the two organizations.”

About KPIT Technologies

KPIT (BSE:532400, NSE: KPIT) is a global technology company specializing in providing IT Consulting and Product Engineering solutions and services to Automotive, Manufacturing, Energy & Utilities and Life Sciences companies. Together with its customers and partners, it creates and delivers technologies to enable creating a cleaner, greener and more intelligent world that is sustainable and efficient.

deAsra Foundation’s second Entrepreneurs Excellence Awards 2018 to be held on 26th October

In a bid to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and promote entrepreneurship, deAsra foundation is all set to organise its second Entrepreneurs Excellence Awards 2018 that is going to be held on Friday, 26th October 2018 6:00 PM onwards at the Dewang Mehta Auditorium, Persistent Systems, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune. Before the award ceremony, people will get an excellent networking opportunity to interact and connect with deAsra’s entrepreneurs and mentor community 5:15 pm onwards.

These awards will be given to five successful entrepreneurs from various sectors such as food, fashion, beauty and more. Prominent names include; Mr. Hanmant R. Gaikwad, Chairman & Managing Director, BVG India Ltd., Mr. Milind Shalgar, owner Shalgar Hosiery, Ms. Neha Sarang Lagu, Director Lagu Bandhu Jewellers, Dr. Vinay Koparkar, Founder & Director, Papillon Hair & Face Clinic, Mr Mandar Desai, Owner Desai Bandhu Ambewale, will be honored. These dignitaries will also felicitate five deAsra-empowered entrepreneurs.

Hon’ble Shri Vishwas Mahajan, Founder –Whizible LifeLine Systech (Ex-Trustee at TiE Global, Secretary MCCIA) will conduct a discussion session between these dignitaries at the award function. Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder & CEO of Persistent Systems, Founder of deAsra Foundation, will felicitate these five successful entrepreneurs.

Ms. Pradnya Godbole, CEO deAsra Foundation said, “We bring these dignitaries together to share their journey and insights gained from years of experience, so as to inspire those who wish to start their own business journey and also those who are currently running a business.”

deAsra Foundation is committed to provide the right guidance and encouragement to those who wish to start and grow a small business. Established and aspiring entrepreneurs should attend the event to hear first-hand about the successful entrepreneurial journeys of these personalities.

Media Contact: Aspire PR & Strategies Pvt. Ltd., Dipali Dhamal, 9689966141/9967348414 020 24488778

Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand to play chess with Pune Students

The unique chess tournament to be held at Edify International School Pune

• Around 1000 participants, top 12 will play with Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand 
• Top seven from 12 will get prize money, trophy and certificate
• For registration login at : www.edifypune.com

Edify International School Pune in association with Pune District Chess Association is all set to bring a unique Chess tournament for school students aged between 5 and 16. The preliminary rounds are scheduled between 17-18 November, which will witness around 1000 participants from Pune and the top 12 finalists will get an opportunity to play against Viswanathan Anand in a 1: 12 match on 8th December at Edify International School Hinjewadi, Pune.

This will be the most unique opportunity for Pune students as it involves our own Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, the tournament will be telecasted live on youtube.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Chand Budhrani, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Edify International School said, “Viswanathan Anand is the brand ambassador of Edify International School Pune and the management wanted to provide a unique opportunity to students to play a match against Grandmaster hence the chess championship is being organized to select the top finalists”.

While addressing media Ms. Priya Anand, Principal of Edify International School said, “On 8th December 2018, Viswanathan Anand will also inaugurate Edify international school offering IB curriculum and address the chess lovers. He will also be felicitating the top 3 toughest competitors from the final 10. The total prize money in the event is Rs 45,000/-, top 7 participants will be honoured with prize money, trophy and certificates.”

The prize money for top 7 participants will be 1) Rs.10,000/- 2) Rs.6000/- 3) Rs. 4000/- 4) Rs. 2500/-, 5)2500/- 6) Rs. 2000/- and 7) Rs 2000/-.

Mr. Joseph D’Souza, Chairman, Pune District Chess Association, said “It is a golden opportunity for the youngsters of Pune to participate in this event and qualify to play with ex-world champion, the legendary Viswanathan Anand, it will be a boost for the talented player of Pune they will be getting tips from him”.

The championship has a registration fee of Rs. 300 and the revenue generated through this fee will be utilized to sponsor a girl child education from the underprivileged background to study at Edify Hinjewadi Pune. BLiSS scholarship will be offered to a student in Grade 6 and will be identified through a unique talent identification program through Teach for India.

Edify International School is located in Pune’s premier IT hub. The school offers a broad, rich and challenging curriculum based on the world-renowned IB programmes. It promotes a strong foundation in the academic disciplines, a broad exposure to the liberal arts, and selective opportunities to pursue individual interests. As students’ progress, the programme becomes increasingly flexible and offers a wide array of electives beyond the core curriculum. This is the first academic year of the school which is a candidate school for IB PYP and MYP.

It also offers sports facilities including tennis basketball football skating badminton swimming and squash. Music, dance, drama, visual art and design are the important part of the school offering.

Interested participants can log in to the website: www.edifypune.com for more information and registration. There are limited entries hence the registration will be done on first come first serve basis. Candidates also can contact on: 7741950000/ 7741850000; Email: events@bkfbliss.org

Candidates also can register at offline registration centres:

Edify International School, 38, Phase 1, Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune- 411057

Joseph D’souza Chess Academy, 1138, Sadashiv Peth, Next to Indian Bank near perugate police Chowky, Pune- 411030

Budhrani Knowledge Foundation, D35, Vastusree Complex,, Near Hyde Park, Market Yard, Pune- 411037

Media contact: Aspire PR & Strategies Pvt. Ltd., a top PR Agency in Maharashtra, Dipali Dhamal, 9689966141/9967348414 020 24488778

Special gift for Mumbai this Diwali – the largest dining room on the sea!

This Diwali, Mumbai is all set to receive a very special gift – its largest ever dining room on the sea.

On November 10, India’s financial capital will witness the unveiling of its largest ever floating restaurants, giving diners the enviable experience of having a sumptuous meal in the middle of the Arabian Ocean while catching on the city’s iconic skyline.

The restaurants on board two large ships - Queensline Neverland and Queensline Sea YAH will be parked a few miles into the sea off Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India.

Each ship will be able to accommodate 450 diners at any given point of time.

The restaurants will be multi-cuisine and will have the best flavours from across the world. There is however, another bonus – the ships will also cruise across Mumbai’s shoreline, giving diners an unparalleled experience of seeing India’s majestic city at sun set over a sumptuous meal.

The restaurants are owned by Delhi-based entrepreneurs and husband-wife duo Mridul Thirani and Shripriya Dalmia Thirani. It was the idea of senior minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, Nitin Gadkari, to open up Mumbai’s Eastern Sea front and turn it into a Riviera similar to that in the Mediterranean or Western countries. Gadkari is expected to open the restaurants along with a host of other dignitaries included the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis on November 10.

Passengers will be picked up from designated points across Mumbai’s coastline and taken on board the ship for an unparalleled dining session coupled with a cruise that would allow people to see the city from the water.

“The wait is almost over. This is our gift to Mumbai. People in this city love to work hard and party hard. We wanted them to have a brand-new place to relax and what better than the middle of the sea, looking at the shoreline – the imposing sky scrapers creating a perfect silhouette against a setting sun. The food will be the best of global flavours. Indians don’t have to travel abroad for such flavours anymore,” Shripriya Dalmia Thirani said.  

The ships have been bought from Turkey. Interestingly, the duo hurled the Indian flag over the Bosporus in Istanbul along with two of the ship’s original owners before it set sail for India. History was made when the duo in their late 30s won the first ever bid to open restaurants on the Arabian Sea. Both of them who are rank outsiders in the food and restaurant business beat industry honchos and swung the tide towards them by a demonstration of their sheer love for Mumbai and its waterfront.

Shripriya also intends to open the ships for fairy tale destination weddings. “Water is a very auspicious space and perfect for Indian weddings. Many Indian families you will see now are travelling to sea-side destinations for their weddings. Now they don’t have to travel too far. I have brought that fairy tale to their doors now. The two ships can be a perfect host – maybe one for the bride’s side and the other for the groom’s,” she added.

According to Shripriya, food is central to the DNA of India. The psychographic profiling of India’s youth confirms that they are very liberal, enjoy experimentation and greater consumption. Eating out is a habit and not an occasion driven activity. The rise of eating out economy has propelled the restaurant industry to $48 billion, according to a report by the National Restaurant Association of India.Interestingly, Mumbai is the tourism hub of India which boasts of over 55 million domestic visitors and 5.10 million international visitors annually. Over 15 million people inhabit the city. Mumbai houses over 500 restaurants. But till now, not a single restaurant has been on the Arabian sea.

Thirani said, “Imagine a classic Turkish vessel standing majestically off the coast near Gateway of India. Adding to the historic view and a delectable feast, this vessel will have an international feel to it from the outside and have the warmth of an Indian embrace from the inside. A meal ceases to be just a meal then. What it ends up becoming is a feast for all our senses.”

There is already a rush to book space on the two vessels. Shripriya, a mother of three, is the alumni of The Indian Institute of Learning and Management which is affiliated to the University of Bradford and an MBA from Symbiosis Pune, says pre booking will begin mid-October.

Puranik Builders Limited gets SEBI Nod for its IPO

Puranik Builders Limited, prominent residential real estate developers in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR) gets SEBI clearance for its IPO.

Puraniks which has a longstanding presence of over 28 years in the real estate market in India, developing residential projects in the mid-income affordable housing segment in the MMR and the PMR real estate markets filed IPO papers with SEBI in June, 2018.

The IPO consists of a Fresh Issue of up to Rs 810 crore and an Offer for Sale of up to 1,859,620 Equity Shares by Promoters of the company up to 238,796 equity shares by Shailesh Puranik, up to 100,768 equity shares by Shrikant Puranik, up to 100,751 equity shares by Yogesh Puranik, up to 235,015 equity shares by Nilesh Puranik, up to 591,410 equity shares by Ravindra Puranik and up to 592,880 equity shares by Gopal Puranik

The company plans to utilize the proceeds of IPO for:

• Prepayment or repayment of all or a portion of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the Company on a consolidated basis
• General corporate purposes

Puranik Builders Limited is one of the leading residential real estate developers in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (“MMR”) and Pune Metropolitan Region (“PMR”) based on number of units currently being marketed in these regions.

Also, the company is a leading residential real estate developers in the growing Thane region of MMR based on the projects currently being marketed and corresponding units sold.

Some of company’s key theme-based projects include “Rumah Bali”, “Puraniks City Reserva” and “Tokyo Bay” in the MMR, and “Aldea Espanola” and “Abitante” in the PMR.

As of March 31, 2018, the company has developed 421,422 square meters (4,536,184 square feet) of Developable Area across 29 Completed Projects.

On the financial front, the company has registered revenue from operation of Rs. 505.86 crore with a PAT of Rs. 50.72 crore as of March, 2018.

Edelweiss Financial Services Limited and IIFL Holdings Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) to the Issue.

Mr. Vinay Aranha and Shri Shrimant Malojiraje Chhatrapati flags-off ‘Run to give 2018’ Marathon for Chennai-based NGO Rising Star Outrage

Pune October 2018: The 'Run to Give 2018’ Marathon organised by the Chennai-based NGO Rising Star Outrage was graced by Vinay Aranha, trustee of The Aranha’s Rosary Education Group and Shri Shrimant Malojiraje Chhatrapati, trustee of AISSMS College of HMCT . They flagged off the marathon of over 1200 participants in Pune. The marathon was flagged off from AISSMS College of HMCT, Pune. 




The Marathon received encouraging response from adults and children. Among the participants are about 170 Rosary students who voluntarily took part in the marathon. The marathon was organised to create awareness about the charity and to encourage all age groups to stay active. The students of Rosary school were informed of the marathon and its significance. “Parents of our school have been very supporting by having their children and themselves in some cases participate in the Marathon. I am very proud of them all and so glad that we all could help the cause”, said Vinay Aranha of Rosary School.




The marathon was met with a lot of enthusiasm from all participants. #RunToGive2018 was a success on a lazy Sunday morning that was made active by the motivated participants. The marathon organisers Rising Star Outrage is an NGO that helps lepers. They have been doing great work in assisting those inflicted to recover with the best facilities.

Hon'ble Shri. Prakashji Javadekar Inaugurates Robotic Assisted Joint Replacement Centre at Shashwat Hospital

Robotic Assisted Joint Replacement Centre at Shashwat Hospital was inaugurated at the hands of Chief Guest Hon'ble, Shri. Prakash Ji Javadekar, Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India and Mrs Medha Kulkarni, MLA Pune.

Robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery uses a robotic system to aid a surgeon during a surgical procedure. The robot-assisted system eliminates the possibilities of human error and its benefits include; High accuracy, more natural knee motion, small incisions, minimal pain and blood loss etc. 

Using Robot-assisted surgery helps to prevent human error as well as gives best results to the patient, after the surgery same day the patient can walk more confidently, also gets the discharge within three days which results in minimum hospital stay, reduces the use of painkiller medicines, no need of physiotherapy. Overall, the robotics has become a boon for the patients.

Shri. Prakash Javadekar said, “This significant change in the medical sector has enhanced the lives people, it is the science to prove that the progress made in medical science and new facilities and equipment helps in diagnosing bigger diseases.

The robotic-assisted system is set up by the initiative of Dr P. S. Karmarkar, Chairman, Shashwat Hospital Kothrud and Dr Hrushikesh Saraf, Robotic Joint replacement surgeon Shashwat Hospital.  

“First time in Pune city we have started robotic assisted surgery, which is not going to increase the cost of the surgery but the accuracy and benefits” said Dr P.S. Karmarkar         

Dr Hrushikesh Saraf said, “Robotic technology makes artificial joint replacement more beneficial for a patient, in less time, more accuracy can be obtained, which also increases the longevity of implants and joints”.

Talking about Ayushman Bharat scheme, Shri. Prakash Javadekar said “ For the common people who cannot afford big and costly surgeries Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi has implemented scheme like Ayushman Bharat, which can provide free medical services upto 5 lakh”. 

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