~The airline is offering one day mega promotion on December 12 for Indian travelers~

 

Vietjet welcomed its 111th aircraft, an advanced Airbus A321neo ACF, to its modern fleet at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. With its innovative technology, the A321neo ACF reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20% while reducing noise levels by 50%.

 

As part of its expansion strategy, Vietjet will receive three additional new aircraft in December and plans to wet-lease 6–10 aircraft to meet peak travel demand during the Lunar New Year holiday. These additions will enable Vietjet to enhance its services for both domestic and international travelers.

 

In 2024, Vietjet has achieved remarkable growth, expanding its vibrant, modern fleet to serve its global flight network connecting Vietnam to more destinations worldwide. These fleet upgrades reinforce Vietjet's position as a leader in providing safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly travel experiences.

 

Further, the airline is offering an exciting one-day promotion on December 12, 2024, from 00:00 to 23:59 (GMT+7). Travelers from India to Vietnam can book tickets for as low as INR 11, plus taxes and fees, subject to availability. The travel period for this offer extends from January 1, 2025, to October 25, 2025. Customers can use the promo code VJ12 to take advantage of this incredible deal.

 

With continued fleet enhancements and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Vietjet is making global travel more accessible and enjoyable than ever. The airline expanded its global presence with a network of 155 routes, including 43 domestic and 112 international routes across Asia and Australia.

 

Bharti Airtel, India’s first spam-fighting network, has flagged a staggering 8 billion spam calls and 0.8 billion spam SMSes within two and a half months of launching its AI-powered, spam-fighting solution. Leveraging this advanced algorithm, the AI-powered network has successfully identified close to 1 million spammers every day.

The company, in the last 2.5 months, has alerted close to 252 million unique customers to these suspicious calls and has observed that there has been a 12% decline in the number of customers answering them. Six per cent of all calls on the Airtel network have been identified as spam calls, while 2% of all SMSes have also been identified as spam. Interestingly, it has been observed that a staggering 35% of the spammers have used landline telephones.

Additionally, customers in Delhi have received the maximum number of spam calls, followed by customers in Andhra Pradesh and Western Uttar Pradesh. Delhi is also where a  maximum number of the spam calls have originated, followed by Mumbai and Karnataka. In terms of SMSes, the maximum number have originated in Gujarat followed by Kolkata and Uttar Pradesh and the maximum number of customers targeted have been from Mumbai, Chennai and Gujarat.

As per the trends, 76% of all spam calls have been targeted at male customers. Additionally, distinct differences have been noted in terms of spam call frequency across age demographics. Customers in the age bracket of 36-60 have received 48% of all spam calls, while those in the 26-35 age bracket have been the second-most targeted, accounting for 26% of spam calls. Approximately only 8% of the spam calls have landed in the handsets of senior citizens.

The company's findings have also shed light on the hourly distribution of spam activity. Spam calls commence from 9 am onwards and gradually escalate in volume as the day progresses. The peak of spam activity is observed between  noon and 3 pm, during which the highest concentration of spam calls occur. Moreover, there is a notable disparity in the frequency of spam calls between weekdays and weekends. The volume of these calls diminishes by around 40% on Sundays. Specifically, devices in the price range of 15,000 to 20,000 rupees are the recipients of approximately 22% of all spam calls.

By meticulously examining a multitude of parameters, the AI-driven system has been able to identify these unwanted intrusions in real-time with remarkable accuracy. This groundbreaking initiative has firmly established Airtel as the first service provider in India to offer a comprehensive solution to the growing menace of spam, setting new industry standards for inclusive security measures that prioritise the privacy and convenience of its vast customer base.

Note to the Editor

The Government of India (GoI) has allocated 10-digit numbers with the prefix 160 to for service and transactional calls. Customers can expect to receive calls from these 160-prefix series assigned to banks, mutual funds, insurance companies, stockbrokers, other financial institutions, corporates, enterprises, SMEs, big and small businesses used for making transactional and service calls.

Additionally, those customers who have not opted for Do-not-disturb (DND) and have subscribed to receiving promotional calls will continue to receive them from a 10-digit number with the prefix 140.

 

SMFG India Credit (SMICC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), has been awarded an international credit rating of “AA-” with a stable outlook by the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR). This exceptional outcome places SMICC four notches above India’s sovereign rating and only one notch below its parent financial group SMFG's own “AA” rating.

JCR highlighted SMICC's strategic importance to SMFG's Asia Multi-Franchise Strategy, which is supported by robust governance and alignment with SMFG's ethos of promoting financial inclusion and empowering underserved communities in India.

Mr. Pankaj Malik, Chief Financial Officer, SMFG India Credit, said “This AA- rating by JCR is a testament to SMFG India Credit’s commitment to maintaining financial discipline, operational excellence, and customer-centric growth with the help of innovative products offerings. SMICC’s consistent growth trajectory and strategic alignment with SMFG’s global objectives position us as a key player in India’s rapidly expanding retail loan market. This recognition further motivates us to continue fostering financial inclusion and delivering value to our stakeholders.”

JCR also observed that SMICC’s business scale has grown significantly, driven by the expansion in the domestic consumer credit market and strong support from SMFG. The company’s growth trajectory remains robust and it continues to maintain a healthy loan book. The company has also kept its interest rate risk and liquidity risk appropriately managed through risk management committee.

Godrej Yummiez, the ready-to-cook brand by Godrej Foods Ltd., launched India’s Frozen Snack Report, decoding how India snacks. Building on the inaugural report’s five pillars—Safety, Technology, Taste, Ease, and Mood Uplifter—STTEM 2.0 dives deeper into the perceptions, myths, and realities shaping the world of frozen snacks in India today. The report was launched, amongst the crème de la crème of the culinary world, at the recently concluded India Food and Beverages Award 2024, organized by the Food Bloggers Association of India (FBAI)held in Goa.

The latest research, conducted by YouGov, revealed, 57% of Indians now believe that frozen snacks are safe for consumption, with extensive input from healthcare professionals backing this finding. Based on an online survey of 2,004 respondents, the study ensured balanced representation across genders, age groups, marital status, and socio-economic classes using a quota-based sampling approach. By highlighting the safety standards maintained by regulated manufacturers. STTEM 2.0upholds frozen snacks as a safe and convenient option that’s compatible with modern lifestyles.

Commenting on the launch, Abhay Parnerkar, CEO, Godrej Foods Ltd, stated,“As the frozen snacks category continues to grow in India, the STTEM 2.0 report plays a crucial role in deepening our understanding of consumer preferences and perceptions. By gaining insights into what customers are feeling, what they think, and how aware they are of our products, we can continuously improve our offerings. This report helps us better align with consumer needs and expectations, driving a shift in perception that not only benefits the industry but also strengthens Godrej Foods’ position in the market, fostering greater trust and increasing demand for our frozen snack range.”

Changing Lifestyles&Festivals Influencing Growing Acceptance of Frozen Snacks

The study reveals the versatility of frozen snacks in Indian households. From a quick bite between meals to a full meal solution, over 53% of Indians incorporate frozen snacks into their daily diets. This growing trend reflects the diversity of snacking occasions in India, as consumers seek convenient and tasty options to suit their busy lifestyles.

There is a snack for every moment and there is moment for every snack; From the grand celebrations of Diwali and Eid to the quiet comfort of a personal binge-watching session, STTEM 2.0 uncovers the diverse occasions that drive snack consumption.Together, these insights reveal how specific events across demographics are driving a growing acceptance and integration of frozen snacks into India’s modern culinary landscape.

The key Consumer highlights across five pillars (STTEM) are as below:

·         57% of Delhi claim to enjoy frozen snacks as part of their intermittent meals

·         80% of Delhi agrees that their frequency of snacking has increased

·         78% of Delhi prefers snacks that are crispy!

·         Delhi likes desi-75% prefer frozen snacks with Indian flavours

·         82% of Delhi indulge in frozen snacks for their small and quick hunger pangs

·         Q-commerce is king for Delhi as 83% prefer frozen snacks due to its ease and accessibility in the city

Chef Amrita Raichand,a celebrated culinary expert, shared her thoughts, saying, “In India, snacking isn’t just about eating—it’s about connecting. From sharing plates during festive get-togethers to those chai-time chats, snacks bring us closer. Now since many cannot always get into the kitchen and cook from scratch because of lack of time etc. frozen snacks serve as quite a saviour as these give them the joy of cooking at home. In fact, it is amazing to see that 57% of Indians now trust frozen snacks as safe and convenient. Now for someone like me who loves experimenting with food and always encourages people to learn how to cook, I see this as a sign that people are accepting towards new ways of enjoying their favourites at home. Frozen snacks are not just a shortcut anymore—they are a delicious way to keep up with our fast-paced lives while still savouring every bite.”

STTEM – Safety, Technology, Taste, Ease and Mood Uplifter’ –India’s Frozen Snacks Report by Godrej Yummiez surveyed over 2000 people across 16 cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

A first-of-its-kind festival celebrating the timeless legacy and resilience of the Himalayan landscape and community

 Royal Enfield Social Mission is set to showcase the inaugural edition of ‘Journeying Across the Himalayas’ from December 5-15, 2024 at Travancore Palace, New Delhi. Celebrating the timeless spirit of the Himalayas through creative expressions, engaging conversations, curated cuisine, live music and tales from its communities,  the multidisciplinary festival was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He addressed the gathering noting the brand’s efforts to preserve and champion the legacy of the Himalayas and its communities.

As part of Royal Enfield’s social mission to partner with 100 Himalayan communities and help build resilience, Journeying Across the Himalayasis a first-of-its-kind platform that brings together a wide audience to celebrate the power of collective action.

“We look forward to welcoming audiences to Journeying Across the Himalayas. This 10-day celebration presented by Royal Enfield Social Mission showcases the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage through the lens of sustainable exploration. As we gather to share stories, music, and cuisine from the Himalayas, we hope to inspire collective action and a deeper connection to this iconic region that we call our spiritual home,” says Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation.

Bringing together over 50 communities, 100 partners, 150 experts, and 200 artists and creative practitioners on one platform, the festival spans a range of disciplines to foster cross-learning and the sharing of ideas. Below are key highlights to look forward to:

Exhibitions and Installations:

Where The Wind Tastes of Forgotten Songs by Raghava KK: Created in Raghava KK’s distinctive style, the central installation pulses with vivid, textured visuals – rare species, intricate flora, mythical creatures, and hidden artefacts emerge and fade, creating moments of surprise, connection, and contemplation. These elements reflect the fragility and resilience of Himalayan ecosystems and culture, inviting the viewer to reflect on their place within this delicate balance as we journey through its terrain.

The Long Road by Vishal K Dar: Royal Enfield Social Mission’s Green Pit Stops are demonstrative facilities planned across popular traveller routes, built for the community and by the community. Managed by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of women as an initiative to create local livelihood opportunities, Green Pit Stops provides tourist amenities like sanitation, tourist information, basic first aid, and curated local culinary and cultural experiences for travellers to explore. The exhibit features drawings and scale models of these Green Pit Stops at the intersection of traditional building techniques, community partnerships and local ecologies.

An Ode to the Snow Leopard by Doel Trivedy and Gautam Pandey: As part of Royal Enfield Social Mission’s Keystone Species programme, this project focuses on the conservation of key Himalayan species like the snow leopard, whose survival is critical to the region’s fragile ecosystem. National award-winning filmmakers Doel Trivedy and Gautam Pandey use the power of 360 VR technology to create immersive experiences that raise awareness and foster empathy for wildlife. Their groundbreaking work captures rare animal behaviour, including one of the first-ever 360 VR films featuring the elusive snow leopard—a milestone celebrated across conservation and natural history communities.

From Folk to Fabric by Ikshit Pande: Presented as part of The Himalayan Knot, Royal Enfield’s heritage textile and pastoral land conservation programme, the exhibit features displays from nine Himalayan regions capturing the storytelling traditions of the Eastern and Western Himalayas. Curated by Ikshit Pande alongside contributors such as Dr Monisha Ahmed, The WoolKnitters, Aagor and others, the exhibition narrates myths, legends, and folktales, serving as living documents of the land and its people. Visitors can explore the meticulous journey from fibre to garment, with curated attire, photographs, and artefacts highlighting the region’s rich craftsmanship.

Evolution of Ice Hockey in Ladakh, Then & Now by LAMO: As part of its initiative to elevate Ice Hockey in the region, Royal Enfield Social Mission has worked to build an ecosystem for developing winter sports in the region from the grassroots level and also to support the National Ice Hockey teams

 

 to compete internationally. Curated by Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO), this exhibition brings together six decades of Ice hockey in Ladakh through the voices of veteran players, coaches and a younger generation full of anticipation.

Helmets for India, Art for Change by India Foundation for the Arts (IFA): Royal Enfield Social Mission’s Helmets for India is a not-for-profit Artists’ Collective aimed at promoting road safety by encouraging riders to always wear helmets. The initiative uses helmets as canvases for self-expression, bringing together the global motorcycling community through art to raise awareness about safe riding. In collaboration with the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA), Helmets for India worked with 12 artists to transform helmets into unique artworks reflecting personal stories, gender journeys, and memories of bike rides. The exhibition showcases diverse artistic styles, offering deeply personal perspectives on safety, self-discovery, and the outdoors.

The Great Himalayan Exploration by National Geographic & Manou: In 2022, UNESCO and Royal Enfield partnered to document and promote India's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), starting with The Great Himalayan Exploration. Over 100 ICH practices have been identified across the Eastern and Western Himalayas, with the first two editions documenting over 60 practices from regions like Assam and Sikkim. The 2024 edition focused on Ladakh, documenting 12 practices, including sustainable traditions and local craftsmanship. This initiative aims to preserve and pass on endangered heritage, fostering cultural continuity and offering valuable lessons in resilience for future generations and exhibit is a journey of the same through a photo essay.

Through the Lens of Community, Conservation and Culture by Green Hub: The Himalayan Hub is the nerve centre of Royal Enfield’s Social Mission and is envisioned as a learning centre to build climate resilience in local communities. The main campus of the Himalayan Hub is located inTheog, Himachal Pradesh, and the Eastern outreach is based out of Tezpur, Assam. It focuses on empowering Himalayan youth to address climate change through fellowships and programs, building a network of changemakers for conservation and creating lasting community impact. This exhibition imagines a glimpse of this rich ecosystem through inspiring stories of collective action and conservation from the roots. These are just glimpses of the individuals and communities driving Green Hub’s movement. Their stories, woven together, reveal the power of connection, determination, and the belief that meaningful change begins at the grassroots.

The Shape of the Wind is a Tree by FICA (Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art): The Himalayan Fellowship for Creative Practitioners, a collaboration between Royal Enfield and the Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art (FICA), supports emerging artists from the region working at the intersection of art and sustainability. The inaugural cohort of 10 fellows, whose works are represented at the exhibit, emphasizes processes rooted in deep listening to places and communities, amplifying their voices and fostering a shared vision for the Himalayas.

The festival also features other installations and exhibitions such as Helmeted Hyphae (XXL), Risha (Aratrik Dev Varman and Jisha Unnikrishnan), and Entanglements (sā Ladakh). Snow Leopard-inspired Custom Motorcycles and Apparel by Arjun Raina, Bobbee Singh, and Suket Dhir are also being showcased. Installations by Plasticvalla aka Manveer Singh and One Earth Foundation spotlights themes like circularity and waste management.

Interactive Workshops, Discussions & Film Screenings:
The opening weekend will host an array of panel discussions and conversations covering topics such as safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, responsible tourism, and climate resilience; while also exploring themes of human-animal harmony, culinary heritage, climate literacy, systems thinking for sustainable solutions, etc. The festival will additionally feature engaging sessions on modern storytelling techniques and include poetry and oral traditions. Prominent speakers from conservation, crafts, culinary and contemporary art, filmmakers and authors will join representatives from the Himalayan communities, especially youth changemakers, in discussions that platform stories from the Himalayas to make complex issues such as climate change accessible to the general public. There is a robust curation of interactive workshops alongside an extensive programme of various film screenings featuring stories of conservation and community.

Music Performances: Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy an extensive lineup of cultural performances that bring the Himalayas’ rich traditions to life, with musical acts such as the likes of Taba Chake, Alif,  Bipul Chhetri, Lou Majaw, Ao Naga Choir, Parvaaz, and Joi Barua among others.

Food Lab: The festival takes the attendees on a journey across the Himalayas through taste with celebrated chefs and food experts such as Pankaj Sharma, Shalini Philip and Anumitra Ghosh with partners like We The Chefs, Tribal Gourmet and Käse Cheese.

Festival Shops: The retail space at the festival goes beyond commerce, offering a platform for Himalayan stories told through design, craft, and a shared commitment to conservation. The Himalayan Bazaar will offer a lineup of homegrown labels and brands Aagor Bodo Weaves, Earthen Tunes, Its All Folk, The Woolknitters, Zankla Studio and more. The festival will also feature a special pop-up of Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Knot collections such as EKA x Looms of Ladakh, Countrymade x The Action Northeast Trust, and Sonam Dubal x The Action Northeast Trust, which spotlight artisanal craftsmanship rooted in sustainability. The Himalayan Bookstore is curated by Full Circle.

For more information, clickhere
Follow@royalenfieldsocialmissionon Instagram for regular updates

EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

·         Ambuja Cements’ SEDI Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh supports Rambha Kumari in securing a job, improving her family’s financial stability.

·         Rambha’s success story promotes gender equality and empowerment, inspiring other women in her village.

·         The initiative reflects Ambuja Cements’ commitment to transforming lives through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, remains steadfast in its efforts to empower rural youth. Through its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI) in Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh, the Company has empowered Rambha Kumari to achieve financial independence and break traditional gender barriers through skill training.

Rambha, a young woman from Uttar Pradesh, enrolled in the Domestic Data Entry Operator course at Ambuja Cements’ SEDI in Nalagarh. She successfully completed her training and secured a position at Neel Metal Products Ltd., where she now contributes to her family’s income, becoming an inspiration for many women in her village.

The financial impact of her employment has allowed her family to purchase land and build a house, a dream realised through her perseverance and the training she received. The initiative underscores Ambuja Cements' commitment to providing sustainable livelihoods to individuals from marginalised communities, fostering long-term growth and self-sufficiency.

Ambuja Cements, through SEDI, is not only helping rural youth like Rambha but also reshaping rural communities by promoting gender equality and economic independence. The success of Rambha at SEDI highlights the Company’s broader vision of creating opportunities that transform lives.

 

Qlik leverages AI to integrate, improve, and govern data from virtually any source, driving trustworthy business outcomes

Qlik^®, a global leader in data integration, data quality, analytics, and AI, has been positioned in the Leaders quadrant of the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Data Integration Tools. This marks the 9th consecutive year Qlik has achieved this recognition, which we believe highlights our dedication to empowering organizations with trusted, scalable solutions that harness the full potential of their data. By delivering an end-to-end platform infused with AI, Qlik enables businesses to make timely, confident decisions.

To access a copy of the full Gartner report when it is published, please visit this link.

“Businesses are under immense pressure to turn AI investments into tangible business value, and that starts with integrating and governing their data at scale, in real time,” said Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik. “This recognition by Gartner affirms what we see as Qlik’s critical role in providing an agile, end-to-end solution that enables businesses to confidently tackle their most complex data challenges and seize AI-driven opportunities.”

Over the past year, Qlik has introduced key innovations, including Qlik Talend Cloud® and advanced data products, addressing the evolving needs of modern enterprises. These solutions establish trusted AI-ready foundations and unlock value from diverse, complex data environments. Recent investments from Thoma Bravo and ADIA further reflect confidence in Qlik’s strategic direction and its ability to deliver impactful, flexible solutions in data integration, quality, and AI-driven analytics.

Qlik’s market position reflects what we believe are its unique strengths:

·         End-to-End Capabilities: A unified set of solutions encompassing data integration, quality, analytics, and AI, enabling organizations to rely on a single provider for their data needs

·         Flexibility: Platform-agnostic solutions that integrate seamlessly with leading environments including AWS, Snowflake, and Databricks, avoiding vendor lock-in and fostering adaptability

·         Real-Time Data Integration: Advanced capabilities for replication and transformation that support real-time decision-making across complex enterprise systems

·         Innovative AI Features: Built-in AI capabilities that simplify workflows, enhance governance, and enable actionable outcomes from structured and unstructured data

Qlik believes its recognition in the Leaders quadrant reflects its commitment to solving modern data challenges with a trusted, scalable, and innovative set of solutions. Qlik Talend Cloud enables real-time data integration, streamlined transformation, and comprehensive governance. By embedding AI into workflows, Qlik simplifies and enhances data integration and quality processes, making them intuitive and efficient.

*Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Data Integration Tools, Thornton Craig, Sharat Menon, Robert Thanaraj, Michele Launi, Nina Showell, 03 December, 2024.

 

Gartner Disclaimer

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Fifty students, including faculty, from various higher education institutes and young professionals from Kerala departed for Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Tuesday, flagging off the second leg of the exchange programme, called Yuva Sangam, between the paired states.

 

Helmed by the Ministry of Education, and supported by various other ministries and departments, Yuva Sangam was piloted in 2022 under ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ – a flagship initiative of the Central government. EBSB seeks to foster people-to-people connection among Indians, promote mutual understanding and spark innovations through collaboration. Through various programmes, EBSB has successfully achieved its objectives, realising a key vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

As part of this programme, youth participate in a cultural exchange by which they receive exposure to their partner states under 5 broad areas – the 5 Ps viz; Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect), and Prodyogiki (Technology).

 

The nodal institutes for this state pairing are IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat and IIIT Kottayam, Kerala. Over the seven-day visit, the Kerala delegation will immerse itself in the local spirit of Gujarat. This reciprocal visit comes after delegates from Gujarat received warm hospitality from their Kerala hosts from 1st to 5th December.

 

As part of the itinerary, the delegates will visit major landmarks such as the Gandhi Ashram, Akshardham Temple, The Sun Temple at Modhera and the Statue of Unity. They will also interact with workers of various medium and small scale industries, including cooperatives run by women. The visit will be capped off by games, cultural activities, knowledge sessions and a local shopping experience.

 

Twenty eminent institutions across India have been identified for Phase V of Yuva Sangam during which participants from these states/ UTs, led by the nodal higher education institute (HEI) of the state/UT, respectively, will visit their paired state/ UTs. The previous phases of Yuva Sangam have witnessed massive enthusiasm with registrations crossing 44,000 in the last phase. Till date, 4,795 youth across India have participated in 114 tours in various phases of Yuva Sangam (including the pilot phase in 2022).

 

A delegation of 50 students from varied higher education institutions from Gujarat like IIT Gandhinagar, SVNIT Surat, Central University of Gujarat, and many more reached IIIT Kottayam, Kerala as a part of the fifth phase of the Govt’s. ambitious cultural and educational endeavour the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat YuvaSangam’ programme.

While IIT Gandhinagar is the nodal institute from Gujarat, IIIT Kottayam is the nodal institute from Kerala.The delegate members will stay in Kerala from 1st-5^th Dec 2024. Upon reaching, the student delegate was welcomed by IIIT Kottayam team.

Through this visit, the emphasis will be on increasing the exchange of rich culture, tradition and ideas between the two states. Further promotion of tourism, tradition, progress, technology and mutual contact are also part of the agenda.

As part of the itinerary, the student delegate will visit the residences of locals to explore their culture. Secondly, they will visit Kadappatoor temple, Ettumanoor temple, Manarcad church, vaikom temple and also explore the rubber industry as kottayam is famous for rubber plantation.

The student delegate will also visit Agro Park and explore the largest archaeological museum in the state. They will also interact with Padmashree Awardees and will visit ancient buildings, riverside cottages and beautiful scenes on the way to Alleppy. A few cultural programs have also been planned for them.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had proposed the idea for a sustained people-to-people connect during the Rashtriya Ekta Divas held on 31st October 2015 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Subsequently, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme was launched on 31st October 2016, in order to promote engagement and mutual understanding between people of different states and union territories.  

Twenty eminent institutions across India have been identified for Phase V of Yuva Sangam during which participants from these states/ UTs, led by the nodal higher education institute (HEI) of the state/UT, respectively, will be visiting their paired state/ UTs. Yuva Sangam will promote multi-dimensional exposure in five broad areas – the 5 Ps viz; Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect), and Prodyogiki (Technology). 

The previous phases of Yuva Sangam have witnessed massive enthusiasm with registrations crossing 44,000 in the last Phase. Till date, 4,795 youth across India have participated in 114 tours in various phases of Yuva Sangam (including the pilot phase in 2022).