Latest news with #St.Joseph'sUniversity
Business Standard
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Bisleri International Signs Letter of Agreement with St Joseph University for its Flagship Plastic Recycling Initiative, 'Bottles for Change'
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 14: Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., signs Letter of Agreement with St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru to introduce its flagship initiative, 'Bottles for Change' at the university campus. The focus of the LOA will be to promote plastic waste recycling, segregation, and responsible disposal within the campus. Signed ahead of the university's annual Hackathon, the initiative is designed to foster long-term behavioral change among students and staff while contributing to broader environmental goals. As part of the collaboration, students will take an active role in sustainability campaigns and outreach activities, with certification awarded for their participation. The university's housekeeping staff will also undergo training on effective waste segregation and safe handling of plastic to support on-ground implementation. In addition to hands-on training, Bisleri will facilitate interactive sessions with students and faculty to deepen awareness and reinforce a culture of environmental responsibility across departments. To ensure transparency and measurable impact, the program will include regular monitoring, with monthly and annual progress reports tracking key milestones and outcomes. Commenting on the signing of Letter of Association, Mr. K Ganesh, Director - Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. said, "Youth are at the heart of shaping a more sustainable future. Through Bottles for Change, we aim to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and platforms to take ownership of responsible plastic management and disposal. Our collaboration with St. Joseph's University ensures that environmentally responsible behaviors and practices become routine in institutions as well as in the lives of individuals." During the signing of the Letter of Association, Dr. Christo Selvan - Dean, School of Business, St. Joseph's University said that, "This collaboration with Bisleri International's Plastic Waste Management team marks a significant step towards promoting sustainability among youth. The initiative focuses on reducing plastic waste through effective recycling, segregation, and responsible disposal practices. While the long-term vision is to create a plastic-free campus, the immediate goal is to support broader environmental objectives by actively engaging the university community in meaningful, eco-conscious activities." The initiative is well-aligned with the university's sustainability roadmap. In recognition of these efforts, St. Joseph's University will receive a certificate from Bisleri on the collaboration, which will support university w.r.t sustainable actions taken during NAAC accreditation process. The Bottles for Change initiative, a part of Bisleri Greener Promise, continues to drive sustainable transformation through impactful partnerships with organizations, institutions, and the government. The collaboration with St. Joseph's University is a crucial step in Bisleri's commitment to nurturing an eco-conscious movement for a better future. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to embedding sustainability in all its operations, driving growth through responsible business practices. With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water. Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit
Fashion Value Chain
14-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Bisleri International Signs Letter of Agreement with St Joseph University for its Flagship Plastic Recycling Initiative, ‘Bottles for Change'
Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., signs Letter of Agreement with St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru to introduce its flagship initiative, 'Bottles for Change' at the university campus. The focus of the LOA will be to promote plastic waste recycling, segregation, and responsible disposal within the campus. Bisleri International and St. Joseph University Partner for 'Bottles for Change' Plastic Recycling Initiative Signed ahead of the university's annual Hackathon, the initiative is designed to foster long-term behavioral change among students and staff while contributing to broader environmental goals. As part of the collaboration, students will take an active role in sustainability campaigns and outreach activities, with certification awarded for their participation. The university's housekeeping staff will also undergo training on effective waste segregation and safe handling of plastic to support on-ground implementation. In addition to hands-on training, Bisleri will facilitate interactive sessions with students and faculty to deepen awareness and reinforce a culture of environmental responsibility across departments. To ensure transparency and measurable impact, the program will include regular monitoring, with monthly and annual progress reports tracking key milestones and outcomes. Commenting on the signing of Letter of Association, Mr. K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. said, 'Youth are at the heart of shaping a more sustainable future. Through Bottles for Change, we aim to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and platforms to take ownership of responsible plastic management and disposal. Our collaboration with St. Joseph's University ensures that environmentally responsible behaviors and practices become routine in institutions as well as in the lives of individuals.' During the signing of the Letter of Association, Dr. Christo Selvan – Dean, School of Business, St. Joseph's University said that, 'This collaboration with Bisleri International's Plastic Waste Management team marks a significant step towards promoting sustainability among youth. The initiative focuses on reducing plastic waste through effective recycling, segregation, and responsible disposal practices. While the long-term vision is to create a plastic-free campus, the immediate goal is to support broader environmental objectives by actively engaging the university community in meaningful, eco-conscious activities.' The initiative is well-aligned with the university's sustainability roadmap. In recognition of these efforts, St. Joseph's University will receive a certificate from Bisleri on the collaboration, which will support university w.r.t sustainable actions taken during NAAC accreditation process. The Bottles for Change initiative, a part of Bisleri Greener Promise, continues to drive sustainable transformation through impactful partnerships with organizations, institutions, and the government. The collaboration with St. Joseph's University is a crucial step in Bisleri's commitment to nurturing an eco-conscious movement for a better future. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to embedding sustainability in all its operations, driving growth through responsible business practices. About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the countrys largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water. Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit
New York Post
02-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
There's already a book on Zohran Mamdani's campaign, even though NYC mayoral election is months away
The Big Apple's most prominent socialist is already fueling capitalism. A book about mayoral Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani's campaign is already up for sale even though the lefty mayoral candidate still needs to get past the November general election. 'Run Zohran Run!' by Brooklyn academic Theodore Hamm went out on presale Tuesday — the same day Mamdani officially locked up the Democratic nomination in the mayor's race and a week after he defeated ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and a slew of other candidates in the June primary. Advertisement The cover of 'Run Zohran Run' by Theodore Hamm. x/orbooks Paperback editions will cost $18 while the e-book version is $10, and will be mailed out sometime in August, according to the independent publishing house OR Books. 'As fast-paced and compelling as its subject, Run Zohran Run! reveals how a charismatic candidate and a vibrant grassroots campaign ended a New York dynasty and set the stage for the city's most progressive mayor yet,' according to a description of the fawning nod to the upstart campaign. Advertisement The book, which features a cover with the colors of Mamdani's campaign logo, also promises to provide readers with 'firsthand knowledge' of the impressive run leading up to the Democratic primary on June 24. Hamm, who also penned a book about US Senator and past presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and his Brooklyn roots, told The Post he started the project in March and is now putting the finishing touches on the book. 'We're trying to include as much to make it as current as possible,' said Hamm, who has written about this year's Dem primary for various lefty publications and chairs the journalism school at St. Joseph's University in Clinton Hill. 'I'm confident that it's going to be a useful account of how things played out,' he said. Advertisement Mamdani surrounded by his family after his big primary night win. Getty Images Some social media commenters were stunned — or bothered — that the book was coming out before the general election. In November, Mamdani will face Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and several candidates running on minor ballot lines — incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, Cuomo and attorney Jim Walden. 'Are you f–king kidding me? he won the PRIMARY. deal with your opportunistic s–t once the whole damn thing is over,' one social media user argued. Advertisement Aren't we still in the book right now? Like before, we get to the book writing phase, don't we have to finish the fight ???' another account wrote. But Hamm insisted the book is meant to focus on the primary and additional chapters could possibly be added later. 'If exciting stuff happens through the fall general election we can add that to subsequent editions,' he said.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Degree admissions: Universities see renewed interest in life sciences
While Commerce stream continues to dominate the admission process in Bengaluru colleges this year, there has been a renewed interest in Life Science subjects like Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences this year, among students seeking admissions to undergraduate courses. According to college managements, there have been many factors behind the renewed interest in those subjects, including peer pressure, the growth of Bengaluru as a biotechnology hub and an inclination towards pure science studies. 'There are a lot of start-ups and biotech companies growing out of the city and that provides more job opportunities to students. With universities taking an industry integrated approach, students also get to work in labs while studying these days, which adds on to their experience,' said Christo. V. Joseph, director, Garden City University. Courses like Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), which have been attracting a lot of students over the years, have had a lot of takers this year too across colleges. 'Most seats for our BCA, BBA and BCom courses have been filled already indicating a great demand. In the post pandemic period, everyone feels that Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Gen AI are the future and that drives a lot of students towards BCA and BTech. Even those who cannot get into BTech, now choose BBA,' said Mackey Agarwal Jain, Chief Manager- Marketing & Admissions at JAIN (Deemed-to-be-university). Some noted that the demand for commerce is increasing due to recent graduates finding jobs quickly. 'Many of our students also clear international exams while studying and once they graduate, they find jobs quickly. Word-of-mouth spreads and they act as ambassadors for these courses,' said Melwin Colaco, registrar, St. Joseph's University. Increased interest in media studies, law While there has not been a significant change in demand for Humanities, universities have seen an increased interest in Media Studies, Law and Economics. 'We have always had demand for subjects like Psychology, Economics and Law. But this year, there has been a greater interest in Law,' said Anil Joseph Pinto, registrar, Christ University. Fee increased by 5% While the State government announced a 5% increase on the fees of degree courses in government colleges, private universities have also hiked it by an average of 5%. While some managements said that they increase it annually by about 5% to 10% based on inflation, some have increased it by 5% this year. . 'The cost of living in Bengaluru has increased and we need to pay our staff salaries to match that. Very few of our departments are aided and hence, we adopt a demand-based fee escalation,' said Mr. Calaco.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Mapping places where women hung out in Bengaluru's Cantonment area
It was while reading historian and writer Janaki Nair's book, The Promise of the Metropolis: Bangalore's Twentieth Century, that Nikhita Thomas first encountered an interesting expression: kineticization, 'a phenomenon in the 80s and early 90s where there was an increased presence of women in the public sphere due to the popularity of the Kinetic Honda.' But the Bengaluru-based writer and teacher, an assistant professor at St. Joseph's University, did not just stumble upon Nair's term serendipitously. 'I was initially reading Mobile Girls Koottam: Working Women Speak by Madhumita Dutta, and was talking to my dean, Dr. Arul Mani, about the book,' she says. 'It was he who suggested I read Janaki Nair.' The growing participation of women in public life got her thinking about how the phenomenon of just hanging out transpires for women, says Nikhita, who, along with Pranav V.S., has embarked on a project to map places where women hung out in the city's Cantonment area between 1984 and 1994. 'The idea was to talk to women who lived, studied and worked in Bengaluru Cantonment during the 80s and the 90s,' she says. 'We picked this specific period because of the 'kineticization' that Janaki Nair talks about and because this was a period of rapid change in the country, including two waves of liberalisation.' This project, supported by the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) under its Neighbourhood Engagements of Project 560, 'seeks to explore the spatial relationships women have with the cities and neighbourhoods they call home,' states the IFA website, adding that Nikhita's and Pranav's research engages with the following questions: When are women rendered invisible, and when are they on display in the city? How does the purpose of their movement through the city get women tossed between obscurity/safety, and visibility/danger? And how can spaces designated for one kind of interaction be persuaded to house other exchanges, given the spatial practices of women? Origin of the idea Nikhita first applied for an IFA grant in 2023, wanting to look at student migrants in the city and the spaces they occupied, 'specifically to go into their hostel or PG rooms and draw from that,' she says. While she cleared the first round of the grant, she didn't make it to the final round, 'but they encouraged me to apply again.' In July 2024, Pranav, too, joined the English Department at St. Joseph's University. They were in conversation with Dr. Mani, she says, who encouraged them to apply for the grant together this time. 'We were bouncing ideas off each other, with Pranav initially suggesting we do something about the lakes that used to exist in Bengaluru,' she says. Dr. Mani, however, was not enthusiastic about this idea, recalls Nikhita, who, around the same time, was also reading the Janaki Nair book. There was also a movie that both of them liked, Brahman Naman, 'a movie about the quizzing culture in Bangalore with mostly boys who loiter about the city,' she says. 'It is a super movie, but it left us wondering: Where are all the women?' That was the starting question for the project, which involved the duo interviewing about 15 women who had lived, worked or studied in the city between 1984 and 1994 to understand their relationship with the Cantonment. 'A lot of people thought we were looking to hear about famous spots in Bengaluru that no longer exist, but we are actually also curious about pockets of the city that no one's ever heard of,' she says. Memories and more Take, for instance, the memory of a participant who used to go to an all-women's gym. 'At the end of the gym session, the girls would gather outside the Hosur Road Cemetery for a smoke,' she says, pointing out that it wasn't a famous hangout spot but just 'one corner of the road where nobody stared at them.' She also mentions a conversation with someone who had brought her husband, then boyfriend, home to meet her parents. 'The place where they hung out was a swing in her parents' backyard, and that's still there…somewhere in Victoria Layout,' she says. Another participant whose stories enthralled them was the accounts of the journalist and novelist C.K. Meena, who had moved to Bengaluru from Kerala for her master's degree. 'She just owns the city like nobody else I've met. You cannot tell that she has lived anywhere else but here,' says Nikhita, recalling the plethora of experiences that Meena shared with them. These include accounts of working with the City Tab – a weekly Bengaluru newspaper – living alone in the garage of someone's house, which had a makeshift entrance and windows she curtained with an old Mysore silk saree that her editor's wife donated, eating at Hotel Shyamprakash, a restaurant on Infantry Road, which offered cheap food, stale beer and live music and of lugging a typewriter about the city, the way someone today carries a laptop. 'We were very excited about hearing stories like that,' she says. Essay Book All these stories will come together into a co-created art essay book, which will be showcased at 1ShanthiRoad Gallery/Studio on June 14 and 15. 'The idea was for us to create a sort of heritage walk through this book,' says Pranav. Elaborating on the nature of the final product, which will consist of illustrations and anecdotes running through the text, they say, 'When you read this, it should feel like you are going through these neighbourhoods.' While Nikhita and Pranav are still finalising the text and illustrations that will go into this book, they have also been actively engaging with the community, part of the mandate of Project 560, through a series of quizzes. 'Both of us are quizzers who have been part of the college quiz club,' says Pranav. 'So, we thought this was one of our strengths, and we can work from there.' So far, they have conducted three quizzes in the city, all within the Cantonment area and specifically focusing on it, with the questions drawn from 'all the books that we had read and combed through all our conversations to find nice little fundas about the Bengaluru Cantonment.' Pranav adds that many women come to quizzes even though they are traditionally seen as masculine spaces among women. 'So we were very, very happy about that.' Deeper relationship Another impact of the project, says Nikhita, is that it has led to a deeper relationship with the city, one that began for them as college students. 'Our relationship with the Cantonment began in college because St. Joseph's, where we studied, is right on the border of it,' she says. One of the assignments she had to do, as a journalism student, was to look at how neighbourhoods in the Cantonment and the pete area outside of it got their names. 'To me, till then, Bengaluru was Bengaluru. This concept of Cantonment and pete did not exist for me,' she says. 'I started grasping all of this only in college.' According to her, encountering the neighbourhood this way, unearthing streets and discovering why they are named the way they are, changed how she looked at her city. 'All these things which, in some ways, would be boring history if you read it from a textbook suddenly become superbly interesting because you pass these streets every day,' she says, listing some of the reading material that helped them on the journey, including Roopa Pai's columns, Kirtana Kumar's Bangalore Blues' and Multiple City: Writings on Bangalore, edited by Aditi De. 'Personally, the project has made me feel great affection towards my city. Previously, it was just a city where I lived, where everyone is always complaining about the traffic.' The duo also thinks of the project as a way of archiving the city, capturing stories of places that no longer exist or have never been written about before, and a physical way of holding onto the spirit of the city that Bengaluru used to be. 'I know it is romantic, but I can't help but miss that time,' says Pranav. 'It seems to have been a much kinder city than it is now.'
