Latest news with #Arundhati
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Nagpur gets Gopichand-style academy from two illustrious students: Arundhati-Arun
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: Come Sunday and Nagpur will inaugurate its first professional badminton training facility, following the model of India's most successful Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad. The state-of-the-art centre will cater to players across all skill levels. The Arundhati Arun Badminton Academy (AABA) will commence operations at Besa, utilising the facilities of Nirmal Sports Academy, a venture of the Nayse family. The academy will provide training to beginners, amateurs and elite professionals under experienced coaches. In a major first for Central India, the AABA is a premier professional badminton academy founded by former Indian badminton stars SR Arun Vishnu and Nagpur's very own Arundhati Pantawane. This makes Arun and Arundhati the first Indian badminton couple to set up a professional academy in the region. Addressing media persons on Thursday, the former National Games champion and world No. 49 Arundhati said, "The AABA is founded with a vision of strengthening India through badminton. With a mission to train athletes from grassroots to elite international levels, AABA offers world-class coaching, advanced facilities, and comprehensive training programmes." Arun Vishnu, a five-time national mixed doubles champion and former world No.37, expressed enthusiasm about training regional talent. "We have shifted from Hyderabad to Nagpur to start our own set up. Our aim is to train the promising players from the region and give them a perfect platform to launch their career. I am sure in the years to come, you can see players from our academy shining at the national and international level," said Arun, who had served as Indian team doubles coach. Both Arundhati and Arun gave the credit to Gopichand. Arundhati said, "We are what, we are today, is only because of Gopi sir. We thank him for the efforts he put in us and for making us successful. Its time to pass on the baton to the next generation." Nirmal Sports Academy's Sachin Nayse said they signed a five-year deal with AABA for the benefit of local players. "We constructed a huge badminton hall keeping in mind the talented players of the region. Earlier, top local players used to shift to major academies in Hyderabad or Bengaluru. But now they will get all the best facilities here. Both Arundhati and Arun are not only top badminton players of their playing days but have now also established themselves as leading coaches," said Nayse. The facility features five hova badminton flooring on wooden surface, gymnasium, changing rooms, Yonex store, and spectator gallery for 600 people, suitable for national coaching camps and tournaments. The coaching team includes Rutvik Kiran, Tanmay Gawande, Atul Tamrakar, Akshaya Warang and Sanskriti Chabra. Ramesh Nayse and Sushant Nayse of Nirmal Sports Academy attended the announcement.
Mint
5 days ago
- Business
- Mint
AI as a Social Equaliser, Salesforce' Arundhati Bhattacharya on India's Digital Leap
Humanity has always stood at turning points. The discovery of fire was one such moment—a force that transformed how we lived, communicated, and connected. But fire was never just warmth and innovation; it also symbolised power, danger, and the need for responsibility. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is our fire. It's not just the future—it's already here, quietly and radically reshaping the way we work, learn, govern, and grow. And much like fire, AI has the potential to unite or divide, to uplift or upend. The choices we make now will define the next century. India is at the cusp of this transformation. India could boost its GDP by an additional $359 billion to $438 billion in FY 2029-30 through the adoption of Generative AI, surpassing baseline growth projections. This is more than an economic opportunity—it's a social inflection point. As digital technologies move from elite boardrooms to everyday lives, the country needs leaders who understand both legacy systems and the demands of a digital future. One such leader is Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and CEO of Salesforce India and former Chairperson of the State Bank of India. A rare figure who has straddled the worlds of traditional finance and cutting-edge technology, she represents the kind of leadership this moment calls for: rooted in experience, driven by vision. In a recent episode of the bilingual podcast All About AI, Arundhati offered more than insights—she delivered a blueprint for a more inclusive, AI-augmented India. Speaking just weeks after receiving the Padma Shri, she reflected on her journey with characteristic humility. 'I am quite happy,' she said with a quiet smile. 'Getting this kind of honour makes everyone happy.' 'But more than that,' she added, 'it's a recognition of the contribution to national development—and that makes it even more special.' You can watch the full episode below, Her achievement marked a historic first. She is the only public sector banker in India's 70-year history to receive the civilian honour. But even more striking is how she has used every chapter of her career—as a banker, a change maker, and now a tech leader—to push boundaries and redefine what's possible. After over four decades at the State Bank of India, Arundhati could have retired at the top. Instead, she joined Salesforce in 2020, at a time when the pandemic was accelerating digital adoption like never before. According to a report, India is the third-largest digitalised country in the world in terms of economy-wide digitalisation. It is witnessing a leap in cloud computing, mobile-first engagement, and AI experimentation. Bhattacharya's transition into tech leadership reflected a broader trend - the blurring lines between finance and technology, especially in an age where customer experiences are increasingly digitised. 'The change doesn't stop for anyone,' she said. 'You either ride the wave or get drowned by it.' Her decision to 'ride the wave' has helped Salesforce India become a strategic digital partner to public and private sector clients, enabling everything from digital citizen services to AI-driven CRM solutions. Arundhati believes that Artificial Intelligence marks a transformative chapter for India, like the arrival of the internet. 'Just like the internet changed the world, Artificial Intelligence—or as some prefer, Augmented Intelligence—is poised to do the same,' she said. 'It enhances and deepens the intelligence we already possess. It will fundamentally change how we work. Yes, there will be downsides, but if we use this tool wisely, it can greatly improve our lives and lifestyles.' Before moving forward, the elephant in the room needs to be addressed. Will AI Steal Your Job? The short answer is maybe. But they'll also create better ones if you're ready. Artificial Intelligence is the biggest business opportunity of the next decade. It's already taking over manual and repetitive tasks, and soon, it will start enhancing human decision-making across industries. According to global forecasts, AI is expected to contribute more to the world economy by 2030 than the current combined GDP of China and India. That's a huge shift. With that kind of growth, there will be a wave of new jobs, many of them better, smarter, and more fulfilling than the ones being phased out. The key is Learning to work with AI, not against it. Arundhati, too, acknowledged that disruption is part of progress but emphasised that history offers perspective. 'When motor cars came in, horse carriages went out. But the answer is not to block change. The answer is to skill up.' As NASSCOM projects, 50% of India's workforce will require re-skilling over the next two years to meet the demands of an AI-driven economy. For Arundhati, the AI wave is not about human redundancy, it's about human evolution. India's digital public infrastructure has become a force to reckon with. Over the past decade, India's JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) has driven a digital revolution focused on financial inclusion, transparency, and reducing corruption. With over 54 crore Jan Dhan accounts, the foundation for a financially connected India is solid. The growth of UPI is equally transformative, crossing ₹ 200 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, up 138% since 2017-18. Now operational in 7 countries, India accounts for over 40% of global real-time payment transactions. (Source:PIB) Arundhati sees AI as the next layer in that transformation. 'With Jan Dhan Yojana, mobile penetration, and Aadhaar, we were able to bring people from the farthest corners of the country into the formal banking system.' She invoked the vision of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: a time when urban-quality services reach rural India seamlessly. With AI-powered chatbots, healthcare diagnostics, and agri-advisory tools now being piloted in local languages, this dream feels closer than ever. Arundhati outlined three clear waves of AI: Predictive AI, like SBI's Einstein engine, which personalized alerts and services. Generative AI, which enables natural language understanding and creation. Agentic AI, where digital agents don't just recommend—they execute tasks autonomously. 'We're moving from having a personal secretary to tell you what to do, to someone who actually goes ahead and does it for you.' This next leap could significantly improve productivity, decision-making, and access, especially for underserved segments. Despite the optimism, Arundhati emphasised responsible deployment. 'Technology needs to be inclusive. It's no good if it only helps the top 5%.' Her call to action is -Public and private sectors must collaborate to build trust, ensure ethical AI practices, and democratise access. With India's Digital India mission, Skill India program, and global partnerships around AI governance, the pieces are falling into place, but execution remains key. Arundhati Bhattacharya's journey is not just one of personal success. It mirrors India's larger ambition: to lead in tech, without leaving anyone behind. From a decorated career in banking to shaping the AI narrative in India, she embodies a rare blend of vision and adaptability. 'This is a country of tremendous talent,' she said. 'And if we ensure the right skilling and the right opportunities, AI can be a great equaliser.' As India stands on the edge of a trillion-dollar AI opportunity, her voice offers the clarity we need: the future belongs to those who ride the wave, not resist it. Disclaimer: This is a Mint editorial initiative, sponsored by Salesforce.
The Hindu
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Mallemaala Entertainments carves a niche on Telugu television
It is business as usual on the second floor of the Mallemaala Entertainments (ME) office in Hyderabad. A team of over 40 assistant directors and directors are immersed in their work, while creative head Mallemaala Deepthi Reddy reflects on the production house's journey. It has been 18 years since Mallemaala Entertainments, originally a film production company, forayed into the Telugu television landscape. The company's founder, Shyam Prasad Reddy, began his career as a producer with Thalambralu in 1987, and went on to launch the Mallemaala banner in 1992, producing notable films such as Ammoru and Anji. Even as the company was busy with the production of the Anushka Shetty-starrer Arundhati, it was already preparing to make its mark on the small screen. Nothing but the best Shyam Prasad Reddy, the founder of Mallemaala Entertainments, is known to be a taskmaster. At work, personal and professional relationships are kept aside to allow for objective feedback, says Mallemaala Deepthi Reddy. 'It isn't easy to convince Shyam gaaru; we hold him as our benchmark. If we can convince him, convincing the channel or audience becomes far easier.' Every storyline is first presented to Shyam Prasad for approval before it is taken to the channel. 'If he finds something mediocre, he simply says, 'Why don't you go back, brainstorm, and come up with something more interesting?'' says Deepthi. Smiling and nodding in agreement, Shyam Prasad explains his approach: 'I believe you work for yourself, so do it to your own satisfaction. People are giving us their valuable time — it's our responsibility to entertain them. Whether it's my children or my team, everyone must deliver. Nothing short of the best works for me.' Looking ahead, he hopes the production house continues to build compelling concepts and stories. 'There's no pause. You have to enjoy the work you do, that's what delivers great results. That's exactly what SS Rajamouli or Sukumar do. Telugu cinema has made its mark, and now the world is watching us.' At Mallemaala, the focus remains firmly on creating the next big idea — no resting on laurels, no fixation on milestones, just steady movement forward. The shift from films to television was a conscious decision, says Deepthi, referring to the banner's first serial Sravana Meghaalu in 2007. An engineering graduate, Deepthi was drawn to the medium not only to pursue her creative ambitions but also because of her belief in the unique power of television. 'Unlike films, which release once every two or three years, television has an incredible impact and reach. As a content creator, you hold the power to entertain viewers every single day — that's a responsibility and a privilege.' Adapting to small screen Having been accustomed to larger-than-life structures and narratives in cinema, the team initially faced a few challenges in adapting to the small screen format. However, the launch of Dhee, a dance reality show in 2008, now in its 19th edition, marked a turning point. Dhee, with Jabardasth, a comedy skit show launched in 2013, not only gained immense popularity but also served as a launchpad for many artistes. 'Jabardasth became a platform for budding comedians to discover and showcase their talent,' Deepthi says. 'It's heartening to see audiences now cheering for our artistes as they appear in films. It makes us proud to have played a part in creating opportunities and nurturing talent.' Television anchor and household name Suma Kanakala, known for her enduring presence across Mallemaala-produced shows such as Star Mahila and Cash, made her primetime debut with their show Genes. Notably, Star Mahila was recognised in the Limca Book of Records for being the longest-running women's game show on Indian television. Strength in non-fiction As Mallemaala moved ahead with different projects, one constant has defined their television journey: the ability to connect with people. That, Deepthi says, has been their USP. She acknowledges that non-fiction has been their core strength, and credits Eenadu Television for its early and unwavering support. 'They were like a guiding force, backing all our ideas.' While ideation remains the most exciting part of their brainstorming sessions, the execution — often complex and demanding— comes with its rewards. 'The journey from concept to completion is filled with both pleasure and pressure,' Deepthi reflects. A question that continues to guide their creative process is: What is the audience watching, and what can we offer that is different? This mantra has sustained the team through 18 years and still holds true today, even amidst growing competition from social media and OTT platforms. 'Television demands a great deal of discipline,' Deepthi says. 'Unlike film or OTT, it doesn't offer the luxury of big budgets or long timelines. You have to be punctual and deliver a set number of minutes every single day.' Changing medium Speaking about changing television habits, especially among younger viewers, Deepthi says, 'the medium has changed, but not the entertainment.' She explains, 'Appointment-based viewership is gone, but viewership on demand is here to stay. The Telugu audience still loves entertainment, and the content hasn't faded, only the medium has evolved. What was once accessible only on television is now watched on mobiles, anytime, anywhere. This flexibility has only enhanced the viewing experience.' At the helm of Mallemaala Entertainments, Deepthi feels grateful for the opportunities and her career path. 'There are many women more talented than me, but I've been given this chance, so I don't want to waste it.' That thought, she says, continues to motivate her. Mallemaala values open dialogue — directors and editors are encouraged to approach decision-makers with ideas. The team also welcomes fresh voices, actively inviting budding writers, directors, and editors with new storylines to reach out via email or social media. 'I don't believe ideas only come with experience. What you really need is passion to entertain.' Deepthi celebrates the spirit of collaboration above all. 'Entertainment is a group effort. Remove even one part of the team, and the magic disappears,' she says, crediting the entire collective for Mallemaala's success.
India Today
23-04-2025
- India Today
Telangana first-year intermediate student dies by suicide after failing exams
A first-year intermediate student (equivalent of Class 11) of Narayana College in Hyderabad, Telangana, died by suicide, allegedly because she was unhappy with her examination student, Arundhati, was found hanging in her room on Tuesday evening at her home in Tatti Annaram area of Hayathnagar area of Rangareddy district. She was enrolled in the BIPC stream, which has advanced biology, physics and chemistry as Telangana Board of Intermediate Education announced the Intermediate Public Examinations 2025 results on Tuesday. Arundhati was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors confirmed her death. The police were further investigating her death. In March, a college student in Telangana died by suicide, reportedly due to fear and anxiety over her upcoming examinations. The victim, too, was a first-year intermediate student at a private college in Hyderabad and a resident of Medak to the police, the student had returned home to Medak for the Shivaratri festival but had been struggling with a lack of interest in studies and mounting stress over her impending exams. Her parents, concerned about her reluctance towards academics, brought her back from Hyderabad on February 1 with plans to enroll her in another as the March 5 exams approached, the pressure appeared to have intensified, police said. On March 1 the victim was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her bedroom. Family members noticed her hanging through a window and rushed her to a nearby government hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead on Watch IN THIS STORY#Telangana#Hyderabad
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
The play ‘Parchhaaee, Amrita Aur Imroz Ki' on Amrita Pritam and Imroz explores platonic love on stage
Writer Amrita Pritam and poet-painter Imroz's unusual relationship comes to life on stage this weekend in Hyderabad with the play Parchhaaee, Amrita Aur Imroz Ki. Written and directed by Suhas Bhatnagar of Kahaniwala Arts and Theatre, the production also weaves in elements of fiction to explore their emotional journey. Element of fiction 'The script incorporates letters written by them to each other and also poems written by me on behalf of Amrita,' says 64-year-old Suhas, who plays Imroz in the play. Suhas conceived the play in 2020 while writing poems about Amrita Pritam. Drawn to their story, he developed it into a full-fledged production and decided it was a case of 'now or never'. 'I'm 64, and I believe this is the age to do everything I couldn't earlier. I have a backlog of written theatre material that needs to be staged— after all, I doubt even Yamraj encourages theatre in his realm,' he says with a laugh. The production offers glimpses into their platonic love, the care, respect and mutual affection they shared. 'Amrita and Imroz, two figures — one from literature and the other from the visual arts — demonstrated how the two worlds can blend beautifully in companionship. Though their time together ended in 2005 with Amrita's passing, Imroz kept her memory alive until his own death in 2023. He had once said, 'Usne jism chhoda hai, mera saath nahin' (She has left the body, not my companionship).' Neha Surana Bhandari, who plays Amrita Pritam, comes from the fashion industry and represented Telangana at the Mrs India Earth contest in 2017. A keen painter, she has closely worked on recreating Amrita's appearance and style. IT professional Sudeshna Samant plays Dr Sudipta, a fictional character who is a research scholar and admirer of Amrita Pritam. Of love and care Suhas hopes younger audiences will discover a deeper meaning of love through the play — what it truly means to care, to be devoted, and to live for one another. 'Love today, in the age of social media, is often instant — like ready-to-eat food. But this is a story of two individuals, Amrita and Imroz, who lived with deep affection and concern for each other. I hope young viewers will see that emotion differently and understand what it means to care from the heart,' he says. A regular in the storytelling circuit, Suhas has written and directed five plays: Arundhati, Draupadi, Mere Kirdaar, and Chuhalbaaziyan Ismat Aur Manto Ki. Kahaniwala launched the Parchhaaee series in 2024 with its first production, Parchhaaee: Ismat Aur Manto Ki, which was staged at the Hyderabad Literary Festival (HLF) and again on International Women's Day at Maulana Azad National Urdu University. Parchhaaee, Amrita Aur Imroz Ki to be staged at Lamakaan on April 27; 8 pm onwards; Tickets:
