Early detection of learning disabilities among children an important step in giving them a better life

Bhatia Hospital conducts certification programme for teachers, counsellors and educators to create awareness on how to better handle learning disabilities among school children

Several studies conducted in India to determine the prevalence of learning disabilities (LD) in school children have reported it to be 3-10 per cent among students, varying in different states. The prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in school children with learning disabilities in India has been found to be at 4-40 per cent and increasing every year.

Learning disorders are common morbidities that interfere with learning in school children and often make them perform poorly. Studies have shown that early diagnosis of learning disability in children is critically important to identify and suggest remedial solutions to the parents and children to understand the issue better. With sound knowledge and information, these children can improve substantially along with a combination of medicines, therapy and teaching modifications.

To this end, Mumbai’s Bhatia Hospital conducted a special certification programme on Friday towards managing children with learning disabilities. The programme was conducted by Dr Santosh Kondekar, Eminent Pediatric Neuro Developmental Expert, Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai, and was aimed at training teachers, counsellors, remedial educators, therapists and psychologists to identify and work with such children.

The programme comes at a time when experts have said that the right handling and management can go a long way in helping minimise or regulate the performance behaviour and psychosocial issues arising in children with learning disabilities. If left untreated, such children can become school dropouts and face a range of psychiatric issues. These children often have wide range of issues related to senses, balance coordination, visual and special orientation. This can be tackled by the specialist with specific interventions. If not tackled on time both the issues can become a long-term morbidity and a personality issue affecting the quality of life of the student and their family in future.

The programme was especially curated with a focus on creating awareness among school professionals to help them better understand the different issues among children who are unable to behave or perform well in schools. It aimed at making them comprehend the needs of such child with Learning Disabilities.

Speaking about the programme, Dr. Rohinton Dastur, Director Medical, Bhatia Hospital said, “It is extremely important to detect and treat cases of learning disabilities in children early to help them achieve schooling goals, improve learning and performance and make them into better personalities. The prevalence of LD is perhaps changing and people may find it rising due to improving survival rates of high-risk new-borns. Programmes like these assume more emphasis at this point since it aimed to help teachers and educational professionals understand the situation better and equip them to help the children at the right stage.”

The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) – an initiative by the government – classifies learning disabilities as developmental disabilities and People With Disabilities Act classified it under intellectual disabilities. RBSK aims at early identification and early intervention for children from birth to 18 years to cover four ‘D’s which includes Defects at birth, Deficiencies, Diseases and Development delays.

EuroKids International recognised as ‘Education Company of the Year’ at VCCircle Awards 2020

EuroKids International, one of India’s leading education company, is recognised as the Education Company of the Year at VCCircle Awards 2020. The award ceremony held on February 27, 2020 at Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai.

VCCircle Awards are India’s most coveted and pre-eminent honours for disruptive and fast-growing businesses in the private equity and venture capital ecosystem.

  

As India’s leading Early Childhood Education & K-12 Education company, delivering the ‘Joy of Learning’ is at the heart of EuroKids International. By enhancing its pedagogy and consistently building a holistic, nurturing and secure learning environment for children, EuroKids is focused on its vision of delivering the best in education. Over the last 18 years, EuroKids has played an active role in the evolution of the education landscape with its portfolio of brands committed to delivering a robust foundation for future generations. Having bagged over 30 prestigious awards in the education segment EuroKids is constantly REINVENTING EDUCATION in the country.

On receiving the award Mr. Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder & Group CEO, EuroKids International Pvt Ltd, said “We are thrilled by this recognition, which reiterates our commitment of creating a nurturing learning environment for young children. As an integrated approach, EuroKids International offers DayCare, Pre-school and K-12 schools with structured education, superior infrastructure and focus on learning outcomes. Recognitions like these reaffirm the core purpose of our journey.”

About EuroKids International:

EuroKids group today caters to customers at two levels, Business to Consumer and Business to Business. The group today nurtures over 125,000 families each day through its various services. The group is also providing long-term sustainable entrepreneurial opportunity to over 1000 FIRST generation women entrepreneurs. Besides, providing direct employment to a team of over 200 professionals, the EuroKids network is delivering employment opportunity to over 10,000 individuals, including teachers, caregivers and support staff, especially women across the country today. With a portfolio of brands EuroKids Pre-School & DayCare, EuroSchool International, Kangaroo Kids Pre-School, Billabong High International, the group is committed to delivering the Joy of Learning.  The group currently has a network of over 1100 pre-schools and 30+ schools spread across 350+ cities in India and neighbouring countries.

MELBOURNE’S SWISSE LAUNCHES GLOBALLY ACCLAIMED WELLNESS PRODUCTS IN INDIA

Ms Nushrat Bharucha and Chris Hemsworth join Swisse in prioritising health

 Melbourne-based Australian health, wellness and natural skincare brand Swisse today announced its launch into the Indian market. Discerning Indian consumers will now have access to high quality vitamins, supplements and skincare products from one of Australia’s largest vitamins, minerals and health supplements (VMHS) and skincare brands.

Internationally recognised for its quest to supply the highest quality nutrient-rich products, backed by science and world-class manufacturing standards, Swisse   products help millions of people around the world make the most from life every day.

Swisse was founded by Mr Kevin Ring and opened its first stores in Melbourne, Australia, in 1969, where its headquarters are still based. Swisse’s expansion into the Indian market comes one year after it won both the prestigious Victorian Governor’s Export Award for e-commerce and the Australian Export Award for e-commerce.

Swisse’s launch into the Indian market has been supported by tailored assistance from the State Government of Victoria (Australia) through Global Victoria, and the Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) offices in India.

Indian consumers are showing an increasing inclination towards natural and organic products in the beauty and wellness sector, and Australia is renowned for many such brands. Swisse is following a digital strategy in India focusing on the millennial population. India has the world’s largest millennial population, with 60% under the age of 35. 

Initially, around 30 of Swisse’s most popular products, such as Swisse Liver Detox, Swisse Magnesium and Swisse Hair Skin Nails liquid, as well as targeted multivitamins for men and women, will be launched in India. Plans are afoot to also launch the healthy beauty range, including Swisse Manuka Honey Cleanser, Swisse Blood Orange Facial Serum and Swisse Collagen+ with peptides and vitamins C and E.

The launch in India coincides with Swisse’s 50-year anniversary. The brand was unveiled at a special event in Mumbai this afternoon, led by Bollywood star Ms Nushrat Bharucha. Other VIPs in attendance included Swisse Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Mr Nick Mann, Chief Strategy and Operation Officer, Mr Akash Bedi from H&H Group (Swisse’s parent company), the CEO of Global Victoria, Ms Gonul Serbest and Victoria’s Commissioner for South Asia, Ms Michelle Wade.  Popular Australian and global Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth, of ‘Thor’ and ‘The Avengers’ fame and known nature lover, also sent in a special video message on the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Nick Mann, MD, Australia and New Zealand, Mr Nick Mann said, “We are absolutely delighted to share our range of premium vitamins, herbal and mineral products, including beauty supplements and natural skincare, with Indian consumers. Swisse sources the most nutrient-rich ingredients available world-wide, such as blood oranges from the foot of Mt Etna in Sicily and cranberries from Cape Cod, and have an unwavering commitment to quality, safety and effectiveness.”

According to Ms Gonul Serbest, CEO, Global Victoria, “It’s a pleasure to launch one of Australia’s largest brands in vitamins, minerals and health supplements in India. Swisse is based in the Australian state of Victoria and is a major contributor to the state’s highly successful exports in medical, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. The Victorian Government has proudly supported Swisse on its export journey and today’s launch is another outcome of our fantastic collaboration with this great Victorian company. Congratulations to Nick Mann, the Swisse team and their partners in India who have been instrumental in introducing Swisse to India.”

Akash Bedi, the H&H Group’s Chief Strategy and Operations Officer, commented on the launch, “Swisse focuses on the Power of Nature, Science and Innovation – we choose the most nutrient-rich ingredients worldwide, and use advanced formulations based on scientific and traditional evidence to ensure our products are high-quality, safe and effective. We know that India has been pioneers in and cherishes individual health and wellness. Swisse aims to support Indian consumers in their aspirations to lead healthier and happier lives, particularly the younger generation who are striving for success in our competitive and fast-paced world.”

While unveiling the products, Ms Bharucha said, “I am constantly filming and on-the-go in Bollywood. It’s so important to cultivate positive energy, stay healthy, happy and take good care of myself. That’s why, in recent years, I have embarked on what is possibly the most important quest of my personal life – the quest for physical fitness and good health. This journey led me to embrace pilates and adopt a healthy lifestyle, and I’m a firm believer that health is the only true wealth. Fitness is the new rich. Health is the new cool.”

Swisse has a wide range of products, many using vegetarian formulations targeted to support specific health functions, as well as products using local Ayurvedic ingredients, such as Indian turmeric. The brand is particularly known for its vitamins, herbal and mineral supplements that are targeted to age, gender and particular health benefit, and innovative beauty supplements.

About Swisse:

Swisse is a premium health and wellness global powerhouse, established in Australia in 1969. Swisse’s range of vitamins, supplements and skincare inspire millions around the world to treasure and enhance their health, wellbeing and happiness, and celebrate life every day.

Swisse’s parent company is H&H Group, a global nutrition and wellness company, dynamic and ambitious in its mission to inspire wellness and make millions of people healthier and happier, while contributing positively to the needs of society and the planet. www.hh.global

About Global Victoria

Global Victoria is Victoria’s gateway to global economies and communities. It opens the world to Victorian businesses and welcome the business world to Victoria. Victoria has had a presence in India through its dedicated trade and investment office in Bengaluru since 2005 and second office in Mumbai since 2012. These offices are a hub for building relationships and supporting closer engagement between Victorian and Indian businesses. global.vic.gov.au

YMCA Bombay aims to foster Skill Development in Rural Maharashtra with its first Vocational Training Centre at Kanhe, Lonavala

·         23,000sqft Vocational Center to create jobs for rural youth

·         Focus is on helping 1400+ trade students yearly

The 145 year old, the Bombay YMCA has been a pioneer in the field of vocational training of the vast labour force in the city. The National agenda of the government is to provide skill training to youth and make them job ready. Established in 1875, the Bombay YMCA has constantly innovated programmes to meet the needs of the cross sections of society, especially the less privileged ones in the city of Mumbai. The Bombay YMCA is all set to inaugurate its first Vocational Training Centre in rural Maharashtra at Kanhe, Vadgaon district near Lonavala, interconnecting both the twin cities Mumbai – Pune on Sat. 29th Feb 2020 by the hands of Mr. Chin Seng Chen, President, Asia & Pacific Alliance, YMCA along with Shri. Sunil Shelke (MLA) Talegaon. Bombay YMCA has had exceptional success in the field of vocational training in urban areas, YMCA is moving their attention to rural and backward areas of Maharashtra to fulfill a lament and urgent need for such vocation training centres.

"This 23,000  sq.ft vocational training center is built by YMCA with an investment of 7crs with support from various corporates and philanthropists. The launch of this vocational center also marks the commemoration of 145 years of YMCA in Mumbai.The Vocational training aspect of the YMCA Community Development Centre at Kanhe will be providing various vocational craft skills and help 1400+ trade students yearly. The night study classes also aims to provide a utilitarian study atmosphere for 100+ students lacking the resources. We will focus on rural youth from around 25 villages who will benefit and be job ready. We have signed MOU’s with Mahindra & Mahindra Group of Companies and Blue cross Laboratories Foundation for creating job opportunities for the youth who will graduate from the vocational center”shared Mr. Paul George, General Secretary/CEO of Bombay YMCA.

Bombay YMCA felicitated Ex. YMCA Champions, Table Tennis player Sanil Shetty and Victor Salve,noted basketball coach also to mark the occasion. Sanil Shetty shared, “YMCA provided me with a strong base, the best training facilities and coaches, which helped me win medals at various levels and also at the Commonwealth Games.” Victor Salve further added, “YMCA introduced me to basketball, and in turn it brought me my livelihood. Learning under international coaches and using training facilities helped me use those ideas to implement in my coaching techniques”.

A survey was conducted under the aegis of YMCA which highlighted that the youth in the region cannot find work due to a lack of trade related skills. With home financial levels being very low, students finishing secondary school do not look at college as a viable option as it does not offer employable skills. Factories, with the Make in India, initiative are opening up in this belt and require vocational skills. “We are also introducing new courses like Bedside Nursing/ paramedical courses, Beauty therapy, Sewing / Tailoring, Seed Co-operative, Natural farming methods besides conventional courses like Computer Training, Electrical and more.The long term goal of the Community Development Centreis to reach out to almost 1400 students every year and to improve and supplement local education to the youth of the area", further adds Mr. Paul George, General Secretary/CEO of Bombay YMCA. The project plans to add to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (2016 – 2020) is the flagship outcome-based Skill Training Scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) which aims to train 10 million youths by 2020 pan India both in Rural and Urban areas. 

The YMCA Community Development Centre (CDC) is a green site, with hostel facilities, training zones, study rooms, play areas, and community engagement halls. Designed with a very eco-friendly mind-set, the Centre uses modern conservation concepts like solar power, water harvesting, and will also have a bio-diverse mini-forest atop the structure. It will strive to be a pillar of the community!

ABOUT BOMBAY YMCA :

Bombay YMCA runs several programmes for the underprivileged such as the Boys Home - a home for orphans, the street children’s programme and rehabilitation of the commercial sex workers and their children.  Besides, the YMCA provides clean and wholesome accommodation through hostels for students and working men and the many social service centres cater to the deprived and the marginalized.

The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) is one of the oldest and largest non-profit community service organizations in India. A community based organization; we work collaboratively with government and non government organizations, and partners to provide a range of programmes and services to build strong people, strong families, and strong communities.

INSOFE, INDIA and Case Western Reserve University, USA announce the launch of a 1st of its kind MS in Core Engineering Disciplines and Data Science

Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering from CASE Western Reserve University, School of Engineering joined hands with International School of Engineering (INSOFE) to offer Masters degrees with dual specializations (Core and Data Science/AI)

The program starts with 15 credits of Data Science education at INSOFE. Once these credits are completed, the remaining credits of course work will be delivered at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.  

Major benefits of the program

·         Upon successful completion, the student gets a fully accredited Master’s Degree by the Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH and hence will be able to benefit from 3 years of OPT (Subject to approval by USCIS).

·         The programs are designed such that any engineering student can choose any discipline provided they have the right mathematical background.

·         The students once selected through the interview process become eligible for GRE/TOEFL waiver and $15,000 tuition fee waiver 

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Venkataraman Ragu Balakrishnan, Dean of the Case School of Engineering said “The Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University recognizes the importance of Data Science's role in the industry and across the engineering disciplines. Our dual specialisation master's degree programs provide a rigorous curriculum based in Data Sciences and designed to help our graduates stand out in their field. I offer my sincerest welcome to the new students joining our programs through our partnership with INSOFE.

Dr. Dakshinamurthy V Kolluru, President and Co-Founder, INSOFE said “As practicing Deep Learning has become accessible, organizations are working on complex problems and solving important issues using Data Science.  Hence engineers who understand their domain and data science are the need of the hour.

Mr. Ankush Gupta from ZS associates said “The Lifesciences industry is at a cusp where AI and Data Science is helping drive improved Commercial and Health outcomes. For example, how can Pharma companies better engage with healthcare physicians OR predict patient events to drive preventive care and completion of therapy! To solve such problems, we at ZS believe in developing experts who understand Industry and Data Science deeply. This program has a similar dual objective and feels like the right foundational step to build future experts.”

Mr. Gaurav Agrawal, Head of Education USA, INSOFE and CEO, Soothsayer Analytics, USA based Data Science & A.I. Consulting Company, said “This Master’s program will give a unique opportunity to the youth from India to excel in Global marketplace by having unparallel education in Data Science and improve employment opportunities for the youth and position India as a top destination for such talent”  Mr Agarwal thanked the media persons for the presence and support.

About INSOFE

INSOFE is a world-class research, consulting and graduate education institution with a focus on Data Science, AI, and Machine Learning. Extending the horizon beyond a perception that Data Science is a specialization in computer science, we recognize the discipline as a fundamental alternative that practices deductive Science with Data.  We work hard to bake a Data Science way of solving problems in many domains like healthcare, supply chain, financial markets, and robotics.  We are passionate about teaching applied engineering in a technology-intensive industry.  We cascade this learning through our work with CXOs, Non-tech leaders, tech leaders, and executives. We believe it will change the world for good.

INSOFE specializes in

• Creating innovative academic programs in applications of data science in various domains.  
• Researching the changing roles within the enterprise due to the proliferation of Data Science 
• Create & offer suitable intervention driven hands-on programs for each of these roles.   
• Conducting research, building IP, innovating products and consulting with companies to help solve some extremely challenging real-world problems.

Our unique aspects

• 15 Full-time Faculty
• 7 Adjunct Faculty
• 40+ Data Scientists
• 6000+ Alumni

About Case Western Reserve University

With more than 125 years of experience, the Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University is rooted in collaborative research and experiential learning. Students inquire, discover and create alongside distinguished faculty, and build a global professional network while attending classes in one of the most culturally robust communities in Cleveland.

• Ranks Among Top Private research Institutions in USA.  Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
• Founded in 1826
• 17 Noble Laureates
• 12,000 Students from 81 Different Countries
• 20000+ Alumni

About Soothsayer Analytics

Soothsayer Analytics builds smart algorithms, all the connecting pieces to make them work, and A.I. Centers of Excellence for various Fortune 500 companies globally.  Soothsayer have expertise in Classification, Predictive Analytics, Optimization, Pattern Recognition, and Unstructured Data.  Problems solved range from predicting failures of numerous machines & processes to optimizing 1000-node supply chains and from analyzing millions of documents for deep insight to computer vision-based defect detection.  We leverage our cross-industry experience, and understanding of best practices, to architect, develop, and deliver custom, data-driven solutions for forward-thinking companies. 

For further details, contact:

Bharath Mirchandani

Manager - Marketing and Communications

INSOFE

Email Id: bharath.mirchandani@insofe.edu.in

Mobile: +91 9618 483 483

Samsung Mobile is India’s Most Desired Brand in 2020; 4th time in six editions: TRA Research

Tata leads with 30 brands featured; Godrej 11; Amul, Reliance, LG & have 9 each

South Korean electronics giant Samsung wins the crown in TRA’s Most Desired Brands 2020, making it a fourth time victory in six editions of the report. The brand also led the list in 2018, 2015 and 2013 reports as well. Technology giant Apple takes the 2^nd place up one rank from last year, having climbed steadily over the years from rank 290 in 2015 to the exalted place this year. Samsung features again at 3^rd rank in the Consumer Electronics Category. Sony TV, the GEC channel is a debut entry and rises by an impressive 594 ranks to occupy the 4th position this year followed by Maruti Suzuki at 5^th. The Austin-based laptop maker Dell secures 6^th rank; Samsung in Televisions at 7^th, Amul Milk at 8^th, Honda Activa at 9^th and Hyundai at 10^th follow sequentially. The MDB 2020 list has 394 new brand entries which did not feature in the last edition.

N. Chandramouli, CEO, TRA Research, said at the launch of the report, “Desire is a longing for a brand irrespective of its need, and the success of a brand is highly dependent on the desire quotient it emanates. The brands which feature in this list have been able to exude a deep magnetic pull that impacts the consumer at a subliminal level. TRA’s syndicated research is based on our proprietary Brand Desire Matrix which measures consumers’ expressions of desire on 36 intangible attributes of a brand”. MDB 2020 lists 1000 brands across 326 Categories and 39 Super-Categories.

The F&B Category has 159 brands in the report and FMCG features 129, totaling 28.8% of the listing. Automobile features 75 brands, Consumer Electronics lists 59 and BFSI & Personal Accessories have 56 brands each. The Fashion-to-Financial Services conglomerate, Tata Group, leads with 29 brands featured, of which ten are Category leaders. Godrej Group has 11 brands listed with three Category leaders and Amul gets 9 brands included in the report of which eight top respective Categories.

Indian brands dominate the top 100 of India’s Most Desired list featuring 42 brands, followed by 15 American, 12 Japanese and 11 South Korean brands. 6 German brands also feature of which three luxury car brands dominate the list. 4 UK brands make it to top 100, and the three Chinese brands which are included in the list are from the Mobile Phone category.

About India’s Most Desired Brands 2020

India’s Most Desired Brands 2020, the fifth in the Report series, is the result of primary research based on the proprietary 36 Attributes of Desiredness that have been studied and identified by TRA Research. This year’s research was conducted among 1,454 consumer-influencers across 14 cities and generated nearly 3 million data points and 5,000 unique brand mentions, out of which the top 1000 brands have been listed in this year’s Report. The 192-page, hardbound report is available for Rs.14,000/-.

MAB

About TRA Research          

TRA Research, a Comniscient Group company, is a brand strategy and actionable brand insights company, dedicated to understanding and analyzing Consumer Buying Propensity. Buying Propensity is made up of Brand Trust and Brand Desire, which are proprietary Brand Matrices of TRA. TRA continuously conducts primary syndicated research with consumers and other stakeholders to assist brands’ business decisions and give consumer insights on improving a brand’s ‘keenness-to-buy’. TRA provides Consumer Intelligence Reports mined from its 33 million data-points on brand intangibles of 10,000 brands collected over the years, and also undertakes custom-made studies for brands. TRA is the publisher of The Brand Trust Report, India's Most Desired Brands and India’s Most Consumer Focused Brands.

Top 50 of TRA’s Most Desired Brands 2020

Launch of Australian Nutritional brand Swisse and Australian store on Amazon India

Senator The Hon Simon Birmingham, Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment with Kriti Kharbanda at the launch of Australian store on Amazon India and the launch of Australian nutritional brand ‘Swisse’ in Mumbai today