Industry

In today's world, the way we live, work and play is undergoing changes so fast that the distinction between office, home and recreation spaces is tending to blur. Architects and Interior Designers are experimenting with colors, light, texture and geometry that bring out the required function and form to fulfil multiple purposes in a defined amount of space. Meet Vipin Bakiwala, Architect, Interior and Product Designer from Jaipur, who constantly aims to experiment with spaces and materials by drawing inspirations from the Indian traditional concepts and international styles to create beautiful and connecting elements. He has been recently honoured as The Most Creative Interior Designer In Jaipur by India Business Awards, 2017.

Wedding is one of the most important events in a woman's life and looking best on that special day is the wish of every woman. It is said that when you love yourself, you look more beautiful. These days, anyone with a sense of style has myriad of options to pick from. However, you cannot really complete an ensemble without the perfect makeover! Makeup and Makeover artists play an important role as they enhance the bride's beauty and complement her wardrobe. Meet Makeup artist and Makeover specialist Nazima Arif, founder of Studio Nazima, who has been honoured with the The Best Freelance Makeup artist in Bengaluru award for the third year in a row at the recently concluded India Business Awards 2017.

Most of us agree with the notion that Education System in India needs a revolution of sorts and not just reforms. The current system of book-based and theory-oriented teaching ought to be modified to make the students learn by practice and experience that will enable cognitive growth and development. While a majority of us only keep harping about it, there are few who have taken it upon themselves to change the current learning models. Meet Pune based Parag Gore, who, through the unique DIY kits produced by his edu venture Box of Science, is transforming the way science is experienced by the students and taught by teachers. With over 50,000 students benefitting from his Activity Based Learning models in the last 5 years, Parag feels his journey has only begun.

While we find many who only stick to their daily work routine throughout their career not going beyond their call of duty, here is a government official who stands out. Meet G S Unnikrishnan Nair, Deputy Director in the Department of Agriculture, Kerala, who is on a mission to popularise science among the masses. A popular science writer, science fiction writer, children’s writer, farm journalist, Science film maker and novelist in Malayalam, he has won 7 National awards and 8 State Awards for his work on science popularisation through print and electronic media.

Tremendous progress has been made in area of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). However, as per a study, only 11% of open source participants are women. Another study of GitHub developers from 2015 found that only around 6% were women. While we do not have data specific to India, we do know that Indians are making a great impact in the world of FOSS. Jigyasa Grover, an engineering student of Delhi Technological University, has made it to the top 5 finalists across the globe for the Red Hat 2017 Women in Open Source award in the Academic category for her contribution to the world of FOSS.

Microbiz Network India Ltd, an Agro Tech company based in Mumbai has developed and mastered a technology that makes the use of harmful chemical pesticides redundant. They have been recently honoured with the Skoch Order of Merit Award in recognition to their efforts in developing technology for inclusive growth of farmers, environmental damage control and sustainable farming.

They say knowledge knows no bounds. Many famous scientists, inventors and creators were school drop outs but experts in their field. In many countries, such experts find multiple platforms to showcase their talent but in our case getting access to such platforms is not so easy. Jigyasa Research Centre (JRC), a society established in Nagpur in 2015, aspires to change this scenario and bring all useful research to mainstream irrespective of educational qualification of the inventor or creator. A brainchild of Manish Karandikar, JRC already boasts of completion of several research assignments and the honour of winning Best Smart Technology Award at a recently held tech expo in Nagpur.

The Times Food Awards 2017 recently recognized the best in the food business of casual and fine dining in Pune. Nagraj Bhat, Head Chef at Pune's renowned fine dining restaurant Syrakko and rooftop cockail lounge Sin Envy Pride, has won the prestigious Chef of the Year (Pune) Award. From being an accidental chef to cooking for celebrities like King of Pop Michael Jackson to being recognized as Pune's best, we celebrate his successful journey in the world of gastronomic delights.

There are many healthcare professionals in India from different specialties who are contributing selflessly for the betterment of the society. Dentist Dr. Swapnil Bumb from Pune, under the banner of International Research Organization for Life and Health Sciences (IROLHS), has conceptualized and created a platform to recognize the illustrious work of such professionals and organizations at national level. The first edition of Indian Health Professional Awards (IHPA) was a grand success wherein 200 doctors and dentists from 24 states were felicitated with top honours on 14 Jan 2017. Overcoming the odds and buoyed by the tremendous response received, Swapnil feels the exciting journey of IHPA has only begun.

Her passion is to create mouth-watering, nutritious, palate-tingling unforgettable memory by dishing out art on your plate. Meet Chef Shrunkhala Sharma - a single mother, a MBA in Marketing, Winner of Pune Super Chef 2016 and who has participated in the famous cookery show Mejwani Paripoorna Kitchen on Colors TV Marathi. Partnering with her sister Aanchal Sharma, she started her venture Treat Away that aspires to become the best Vegetarian Premium Food Service in Pune.