Latest news with #Gurnani
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indian students refuse to give up on Harvard dream despite SEVP hiccup
Hyderabad: Despite the recent revocation of Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP) by the US govt, Indian students are resolute in their plans of joining the Ivy League institute, in the upcoming academic term that starts in Aug. The development, however, has left some of them jittery — particularly those who've booked visa interview slots and are just one step away from realising their 'Harvard dream'. Montoring developments "I was in the middle of the visa process when I heard the news. Though I am worried I am certainly not reconsidering my decision. I may, at best, reschedule my visa appointment if the situation does not become clearer within the next week or so," said a student from north India who has secured a MBA seat at Harvard Business School. "For now, I am monitoring the developments through the student community and the university's Slack group (forum for internal communication)," the student added. Shweta Gurnani, chief academic mentor at Gurgaon-based consultancy, Academy One, which specialises in Ivy League admissions, also said that students are anxious but willing to fly out for Aug term. "There are 35 students who have secured admission through us this year. All of them are travelling for their master's in business administration (MBA)," Gurnani said, adding, "Since the university has also assured that it is addressing the issue through legal channels and promised that the academic year will proceed as planned, students are willing to take the risk. On that basis, we too are advising students to stick to their original plans unless there is a significant policy shift in the near future. " Multiple reassurances Harvard University has issued multiple reassurances via its official website and through a series of emails to current students, copies of which are in TOI's possession. In one such email, the university stated: "As many of you may be aware, the University received a letter from the US Department of Homeland Security revoking Harvard's SEVP certification. We understand the extreme anxiety and uncertainty this has caused, and we share your deep concerns. The programmes have since been reinstated. The situation remains highly fluid, and we will keep you informed as further updates become available." Another email read: "Please know that we are committed to supporting you. We want to clarify that students should be able to come to campus. The news of visa restrictions involving Harvard has left incoming executive education participants questioning whether they will be permitted to enter the US. In reality, the proposed action should not affect these individuals." There are currently 788 Indian students (in master's and PhD programmes) at Harvard. Among these, Graduate School of Art and Science, Medical School, and Business School have 2,23,131 and 108 Indian students respectively. Apart from the incoming batch, some current students and recent graduates from Harvard are also feeling the heat of the development. One such student who recently completed his degree said: "We are worried about our job prospects," even as some others sounded more hopeful. "I personally feel things will work out because Harvard cannot afford to lose 30% of its student community," said an Indian student in first year added: "I also don't think it makes sense to single out one varsity. I believe the court will rule in our favour though none of us have full clarity at this point."
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘I can vouch for it, can put a stamp on it': When Aishwarya Rai said she didn't have the best beach body at Miss World — and still won; how pageants shape body image
When it comes to beauty pageants, the idea of physical perfection often overshadows everything else. But Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of the most celebrated Miss World winners, has never hesitated to challenge outdated perceptions. Reflecting on her journey during the 1994 Miss World competition during a media interaction, she said, 'When I became Miss World, I was definitely not the best beach body of all the 87 contestants. I can vouch for it, I can put a stamp on it. And yet I won the title.' The former Miss World welcomed the Miss World organisation's 2014 decision to drop the swimsuit round. In her view, focusing solely on physical appearance overlooks the true purpose of such competitions. She explained, 'People believe that this (swimwear round) is an imperative round, and this becomes the deciding factor. That's not true. I was told getting the 'Miss Perfect 10' title isn't about literally your physicality, it was all about how you presented yourself, your confidence, and so much else that went with it.' How do beauty pageants impact young people's perceptions of body image? From a psychological standpoint, beauty pageants like Miss World can create what's known as appearance-focused social comparison. This is when individuals, particularly impressionable teens and young adults, evaluate their self-worth by comparing their bodies to cultural or media ideals. As psychologist Rasshi Gurnani explains, 'These comparisons often lead to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and can trigger disordered eating behaviours.' The internalised belief that attractiveness equals value reinforces conditional self-worth — a harmful mindset where individuals feel they're only deserving of love or success if they look a certain way. Miss World Aishwarya Rai. (Source: Express archive photo) This is why it's critical to decouple confidence from physical appearance. 'True confidence stems from self-efficacy — the belief in one's abilities — not just physical traits,' Gurnani adds. Teaching young people to anchor their self-esteem in character, talent, and authenticity builds long-term psychological resilience. What impact can removing the swimsuit or 'beach body' rounds have on promoting more inclusive and healthy beauty standards? Eliminating swimsuit or 'beach body' rounds in pageants is a progressive move toward dismantling the thin ideal internalisation — a psychological construct where people believe that thinness is a prerequisite for happiness and success. 'Such segments reduce complex, intelligent women to their physical measurements,' says Gurnani. 'Removing them broadens the definition of beauty and signals that strength, intelligence, and individuality are equally valuable.' This can foster body neutrality, where individuals focus less on how their body looks and more on what it can do, promoting healthier self-image. How can individuals develop body confidence without conforming to narrow ideals of beauty? Aishwarya Rai emphasized the importance of presentation and confidence over physical appearance. Gurnani advises practices rooted in cognitive restructuring—actively challenging and replacing negative body thoughts with empowering ones. 'Mindful self-compassion, mirror work, journaling positive affirmations, and reducing exposure to appearance-centric media can reshape how we relate to our bodies.'
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
AI startup AlonOS rolls out AI agent for business continuity management
Artificial intelligence (AI) startup AIonOS — a joint venture (JV) between CP Gurnani's Assago Group and Indigo parent Interglobe Enterprises — on Monday announced the launch of an AI agent for business continuity management in partnership with Singapore-based enterprise resiliency automation company Perpetuuiti Technosoft Services . #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan India considers closing airspace to Pakistani carriers amid rising tensions Cold Start: India's answer to Pakistan's nuclear threats The AI agent will enable enterprises to anticipate disruptions, respond autonomously, and recover mission-critical operations faster, according to a statement by the two companies, which have inked an agreement to form a JV. The JV will create a dedicated AI-led resiliency and cybersecurity unit focused on automating organisational recovery and continuity following cyberattacks or IT disruptions, the statement said. 'In a world where AI-led cyber threats evolve faster than ever, enterprises need more than protection; they need the ability to bounce back instantly,' said Gurnani, cofounder and CEO at AIonOS. Gurnani was earlier the CEO of IT services major Tech Mahindra , before cofounding AIonOS last year. Live Events 'In today's AI-driven world, resilience isn't optional—it's a survival strategy,' said Rohil Sharma, cofounder and CEO at Perpetuuiti. 'The speed and intelligence of recovery will define tomorrow's enterprise.' Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories The partnership will amplify AIonOS's mission to help enterprises become AI-native, said the startup's chief technology officer Arjun Nagulapally. Perpetuuiti's intelligent automation platform, which has a resilient, plug-and-play architecture that delivers scalable, AI-driven automation across IT and business operations, will be integrated with AIonOS's agentic AI approach to embed intelligence into enterprise decision-making, streamline workflows, and enhance customer experiences, he added.
Deccan Herald
28-04-2025
- Business
- Deccan Herald
CP Gurnani's AIonOS teams up with Perpetuuiti for AI services
Addressing a media briefing Gurnani said through the joint venture the two firms will create a dedicated AI-led resiliency and cybersecurity unit, focused on automating organizational recovery and continuity following cyberattacks or IT disruptions.
