Use of advanced technology brings more vibrancy to Vibrant Gujarat

January 4, 2013 by sagarmedia

Use of advanced technology brings more vibrancy to Vibrant Gujarat – Effective use of web enabled technology to enhance user experience of delegates – More than 2700 people downloaded Vibrant Gujarat Mobile apps on BlackBerry, Android and iOS platforms
Gandhinagar, January 4, 2013: Effective web management has provided fillip to the efforts of Industries department to mobilise delegates’ registration for the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Using the website http://www.vibrantgujarat.com and robust backend IT infrastructure created to support it; the department has done entire program management, entire content management and summit registration, delegate registration and B2G and B2B meetings facilitation process. Due to such facilities, the online registration for the 2013 summit has increased manifold and looking into the overwhelming response, the government closed the online registration as on 1st January, 2013. As on date, more than 350 B2G meetings and around 4200 B2B meetings have been facilitated using this platform for the upcoming summit.
The government has also managed the entire process of exhibition registration and inquiry management system using the web. The investment intentions and strategic partner management, providing relevant information to international investors through country desks using web platform are some of the important tasks managed using the web based technology.
Briefing the media about the use of technology during the summit, Mr Maheshwar Sahu, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat said, “In this day and age, technology is a great enabler and we have to take advantage of it. We have taken strong measures to provide best user experience to the participations with the help of technology to enable them to take complete control of their time before and during the summit. Today, Gujarat has gained recognition as a global business hub and such initiatives help us strengthen that position.”
Mahatma Mandir is going to be completely Wi-Fi enabled venue allowing users to access high-speed internet on their notebooks, tablets and smartphones.
This year’s Vibrant Gujarat Summit would provide a digitally enhanced user experience to all the participating delegates and others attending the summit. Use of modern technology would allow delegates more interactivity and provide flexibility to plan their meetings at the summit with other delegates as well as government officials. Mobile Apps available on various smartphone platforms would allow them to have complete information about happenings at the summit such as seminars, discussion forums, exhibition and venue & parking maps etc. on their fingertips. This app would have GPS and Wi-Fi enabled map feature that would allow users to know their current location and how to go to the next location they want to go.
Once registered on the Vibrant Gujarat site, users can:
1. Browse and find information for every event through tickers, newsflashes periodic newsletters and through ‘Country desks’ 2. Receive personalized information as per his/her area of interest including ‘Exhibition registration’ 3. Gain access to information and schedule of various events beforehand and decide which one to attend by just a click of the mouse 4. Request for meeting of management and other delegates (including Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) meeting requests), through a simple show of interest. User instantly receive the acknowledgement by the system and then by the respective department. Subsequently, user shall receive the appointment details via e-mail
The Vibrant Gujarat website also allows users to download smartphone based mobile applications allowing users to have a complete control on their fingertips. While attending the summit, a user can instantly fix up a meeting or want to know more about a particular subject, he or she just needs to go to their profile in the app, check the event they want to attend or department they want to contact and ‘press’ submit. Rest will be taken care by the technology.
Apart from this, there is another major initiative to help investors. In the year 2011, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat launched the ‘Investor Facilitation Portal’ aimed at providing a single window facilitation mechanism for investors. Managed by the Industries Commissioner, the portal is an effective medium of information for investors on government policies, incentive schemes and the availability of infrastructure. The portal over the last two years has provided a thrust to the investment facilitation in the State

Major winners Clarke, Cabrera, Campbell and Beem

to tee-off in an innovative

franchisee-based Golf Premier League

·        Teams to play for $ 400,000 in prize money

·        Major champions, global stars to compete with top Asians and Indians in a new team concept

·        Event to be held at world-class Aamby Valley Golf course

New Delhi, January 4: Four Major champions and a host of top European, Asian and Indian stars will come together for the inaugural edition of the Golf Premier League (GPL), a pioneering and exciting city-based concept in golf.

The four champions, who between them have won five Majors, besides a host of European and Asian Tour titles, will tee off alongside Gen Next stars of Asia and the PGTI in an unique concept bringing together players from various international Tours across the world.

The event to be played on a stroke-play-cum-best-ball format over three days will be telecast live.

The Golf Premier League officially launched on Thursday (January 4) is a brainchild of India’s leading pro golfer Shiv Kapur, a regular on European and Asian Tours, and Neeraj Sareen, a former top-flight amateur golfer.

The event will be held under the banner of Sportsmantra with players having been released by the Asian and the PGTI Tours.

WHO ARE THE STARS?

THE INTERNATIONAL LEGENDS:

The Major champions, who have confirmed for the event are Angel Cabrera (US Open in 2007 and Masters in 2009), Darren Clarke (2011 British Open winner), Michael Campbell (US Open in 2005) and Rich Beem (PGA Championships in 2002).

Also confirming their participation are Johan Edfors, a multiple winner on European Tour, and David Howell, the winner of the inaugural WGC-HSBC Champions, when he beat Tiger Woods. Some more names will be released soon.

THE INTERNATIONAL INDIANS:

The International Indians will comprise of players playing on various international Tours. They include the likes of four-time Asian tour winner, Gaganjeet Bhullar, former Volvo Masters of Asia champion, Shiv Kapur.  Also in the list of Indian Internationals, is Daniel Chopra, of Swedish-Indian parentage. A two-time PGA Tour winner, Chopra played golf in India in his formative years. The field also includes Anirban Lahiri and Himmat Rai, also an Asian Tour winner in 2011. The International Indians line-up also includes Chiragh Kumar, the 2011 Order of Merit winner on Indian PGTI Tour.

ASIAN SUPERSTARS:

Thaworn Wiratchant, the 2012 winner of the Asian Tour Order of Merit and holder of the record for most Asian Tour titles, and Chapchai Nirat, who holds the world record for the lowest four-round total of 32-under recorded in India a few years ago, will lead the starcast from the Asian Tour. The top eight available stars from the Order of Merit, as at the end of the 2012 season, will be eligible. Also confirming their participation are Australian Scott Hend, winner of the ‘Long Drive’ statistic on PGA Tour in 2005, and two-time Asian Tour winner, Jason Knutzon.

INDIAN STARS:

The top PGTI professionals, who have been confirmed include Shamim Khan and Rashid Khan, the No. 1 and 2, from the PGTI Order of Merit for 2012, besides three-time Asian Tour winner, the seasoned Gaurav Ghei. Former PGTI Tour Order of Merit winner, Ashok Kumar, and multiple winner on PGTI Tour, Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera, have also confirmed their participation.

Interestingly, the field includes the last three PGTI Order of Merit winners – Ashok Kumar (2010), Chiragh Kumar (2011) and Shamim Khan (2012).

WHERE WILL IT BE HELD?

·         The event will be held at the world-class Aamby Valley Golf Course in Aamby Valley City in Maharashtra with a purse of $4,00,000 USD from the 7th -10th of February 2013. The Aamby Valley Golf Course, which nestles in the Sahyadri Hills is easily reachable from Mumbai by road. It is 25 km south-west of Lonavala, near Pune. A designer course, it has played host to various international and Indian pro events, besides corporate events.

·         Part of the Aamby Valley City, it has state-of-the-art Golf Academy and other sporting facilities.

·         The Course is just under 7,100 under from black tees and plays to par of 72

WHAT DO THEY PLAY FOR?

·         The winning team will walk away with a quarter of a million USD (about Rs. 1.35 crores)

·         There will also be $ 25,000 available in a Charity Skills Challenge

HOW DOES IT WORK?

·         The event, which will become an annual affair, will feature eight franchises with teams of four golfers each.

·         Each team will comprise four players, one each drawn from a pool of Internationals, Indian Internationals (Indians playing on various Internationals Tours), Asian Tour (top eight available players from 2012 Order of Merit) and PGTI Tour (top eight available players from the 2012 Order of Merit).

·         There will be an auction for the Internationals and the Indian Internationals later this month.

·         There will be a cap on how high the bids can go.

·         Part of the proceeds will go for a Charity

WHO OWNS THEM?

One of the eight franchise owners/ principals is the former Sri Lankan captain, Mahela Jayawardene, a very keen golfer, who will head the Colombo Sixers. The principals for the franchisees, which have taken ownership of the teams are:

1. Delhi Darts                      (Mr. Madhav Dhar)
2. Gujarat Underdawgs        
3. Colombo Sixers               (Mr. Mahela Jayawardene)
4. Shubhkamna Eagles          (Mr. Piyush Tiwari)
5. Tamilnadu Pulis               (Mr. Dilip Thomas)

The details of the remaining franchises will be announced soon.

WHY IT IS  UNIQUE?

·         The GPL beginning February 7, 2013 will have three rounds with two day-night rounds of stroke play and the final round being on the best-ball format. The team scores will be calculated on cumulative scores of all four professionals over three rounds each.

·         This is the first time day-night competition has been adopted in professional golf in Asia.

·         The event will be telecast live for all three days.

·         The main event to be held from February 8-10 will be preceded by Pro-Am competition and a Skills Challenge, featuring Celebrities and professionals, on February 7.

·         Each round will be played over 14 holes, taking a leaf from the T20 cricket.

WHAT DO THEY SAY?

“It is the most unique concept in golf that I have seen in almost two decades as a professional. Playing alongside some of the top names and top Asian and Indian players will bring in a new excitement. I have been to India and I know the game is growing fast. I am looking forward to the Golf Premier League,” said Michael Campbell, the 2005 US Open winner.

“The Golf Premier League (GPL) is the first of its kind golf property, which seeks to create an innovative competition through a franchise-based model. This format will allow for a unique partnership between golf players and team owners. The presence of Golf Legends, European and Asian superstars, all of whom have played and won at a very high level, will play alongside top Indian talent. This will not only promote the game but also raise awareness about golf, something that will bring added spectator interest,” said Shiv Kapur, Co-Founder, the Golf Premier League.

Neeraj Sareen, the co-founder of the GPL, added, “Through the GPL we are seeking to create value for franchise owners and sponsors and at the same time we wish to bring world-class golfers in a friendly and yet competitive atmosphere. This will also help sponsors realize the value in golf, which has grown in great measure in India.”

Commenting on the GPL, Padamjit Sandhu, Director PGTI said, "This high profile international professional golf championship in India will further enhance the already growing stature of the sport in the region. We wish the promoters, the sponsors and the franchise owners the very best and look forward to an exciting week of golf with international marquee players at the GPL."

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For further details please contact:

Abhoy Chattopadhyay: abhoy@wordswork.in;                +91-98113 25251

Deependra Chetri: deependra@wordswork.in;               +91-98111 82106

Gujarat to develop tourism infrastructure, tourist facilities across State at Rs. 730 crores

***

• Excellent growth in tourist arrival, domestic & internationally
• International Kite flying event in Delhi on 7^th January

New Delhi: With five million tourists visiting Gujarat in last two years, Gujarat Government has laid an outlay of Rs 730 crores to develop its tourism infrastructure related to tourist facilities under progress in 22 districts across the State, said Shri Vipul Mittra Principal Secretary (Tourism).

Gujarat tourism has build up a three-pronged strategy to develop tourism sector—infrastructure, promotion and policy. The Tourism of Gujarat Corporation Limited (TGCL) is focusing on developing infrastructure and systematic planning for promotion of different popular destinations of Gujarat under the banner of Khushboo Gujarat Ki, Shri Mittra apprised at an interactive session held with Delhi based tour operators here.

Gujarat is perhaps the only state which has done an in-depth study on the infrastructure gap existing in the various tourist locations across the State. The micro-level study was carried out by Gujarat Tourism Opportunity Ltd., a joint venture company formed between Gujarat Tourism and ILFS (Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited).

Shri Mittra said that “Khushboo Gujarat Ki” campaign with Mr Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador has immensely contributed to the huge tourist influx to Gujarat with an increase of 54 lakhs visitors in last two years. Through “Khushboo Gujarat Ki” campaign Gujarat Tourism has been successful in marketing key destinations of the State, he added.

Gujarat has the longest coastline of 1600 kms. The Planning Commission for the current five year plan has sanctioned Rs. 1200 crores for development of Coastal Tourism. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has also sanctioned total 20 projects for Gujarat worth Rs.103.74 crores in the 11^th Five Year Plan. The upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013 being organized between 11-13^th January at Gandhinagar will provide great investment opportunities in tourism sector. Shri Mittra invited stakeholders of tourism industry to participate in the mega business event.

Gujarat is fast emerging as a popular tourist destination with Lonely Planet voting Gujarat as one of the 10 most unsung places in the world. Last month, Gujarat won two coveted awards-- Best Tourism Board by CNBC Travel Awards-2012 and Runners up award for best emerging  destination in India by Conde Nast Traveller, India.

Over the past nine years, the overall tourist arrival in Gujarat has grown at the Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.13 per cent with excellent growth in international arrivals at CAGR 24 per cent.

The ongoing Rann Utsav in the white desert in Kutchh has been a stupendous success being a completely sold out event with 100 per cent bookings for its packages till 31^st January 2013. Shri Mittra said that Gujarat Government is planning to rope in private players to enhance possibility of profit and promotion of tourism through this exotic destination which is fast becoming a popular attraction both nationally and internationally.

As part of the International Kite Festival, which is celebrating its 25^th glorious year, Gujarat Tourism is organizing a Kite flying event in Delhi and Mumbai on January 7^th, 2013. Around 30 kite enthusiasts from 13 countries (Ukraine, China, Italy, Cambodia, Switzerland, Spain, Netherland, UK, Malaysia, S.Korea, Lebanon, and Indonesia) will showcase their skills and kites in different shapes and sizes in the event slated on 7^th January 2013, bringing a visual delight to Delhiites.

Tourism Minister Calls for Strengthening of Ties with Vietnam

Union Tourism Minister Shri K Chiranjeevi has said that Vietnam is a pillar of India’s Look East Policy and India gives high priority to strengthening our engagement with Vietnam both bilaterally and within the framework of ASEAN. Addressing a seminar on Trade and Investment organized by the Embassy of India in Hanoi today in coordination with Ministry of Industry and Trade and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry the Minister said, “ We stand ready to add more content to our ‘Strategic Partnership’, especially in economic, commercial, defence and security, scientific and technical and cultural fields.” While emphasising on bilateral trade Shri Chiranjeevi said; “We have set a target of US$100 billion for ASEAN India trade by 2015. The ASEAN India FTA in goods and the conclusion of negotiation on the ASEAN India FTA in services and investments have laid the foundations for an ASEAN India Free Trade Area, comprising 1.8 billion people and a combined GDP of US$3.8 billion.”

The seminar was attended by Mr. Phung Tan Viet, Vice Chairman of People’s Committee of Danang, Mr. Hoang Van Dung, Vice Chairman of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, Chairman of Vietnam National Tourism Administration and representatives of about 150 Vietnamese companies.

The Tourism Minister also had a bilateral discussion with the Chairman of Vietnam National Tourism Administration Mr.Nguyen Van Tuan. During the discussion, the Minister said that the potential for cooperation between the two countries in tourism is very big and proposed that government authorities of both the countries should give the lead to promote the cooperation’s among tour operators in both Vietnam and India. He requested Vietnam to introduce a good package for film making delegations from India so that they can come and shoot films about Vietnam. He invited the Vietnamese delegation to participate in the Indian International Tourism Mart which will be held later this month in Guwahati.

Dear Naresh,

 

I just want to give you a quick update!

 

A week from today, Ellen Gustafson and I will launch Food Tank: The Food
Think Tank. We are both excited (and a little nervous!). 

 

There’s no doubt that the food system is broken. More than 1 billion people are overweight or obese, nearly 1 billion people go to bed hungry every night, and at least 2 billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. 

 

We can find ways to solve these problems, though. Solutions are out there--in fields, in kitchens, and in board rooms all over the world. And you are a big part of those solutions. 

 

If we start now, there is an opportunity to develop a better vision for the global food system. We need to change the conversation and find ways to make food production—and consumption—more economically, environmentally, and socially just and sustainable.

 

Food Tank's goal is to be a clearing house and community to inform, share, and scale up innovations that are helping alleviate hunger and poverty while also protecting the environment. Our goal is to offer original research, share stories of success and impact, and propose innovative solutions of what's working on the ground. 

 

We are proud of how we've been pushing this message in major media. You can check out some of our recent news clips over the last week, including Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Voice of America, the Wall Street Journal, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Vancouver Sun, the Santa Fe New Mexican, the Virginian Pilot, Business Day (South Africa), Earth Island Journal, and many, many more.

 

Throughout 2013 Food Tank will be actively traveling and touring--listening to you talk about the innovations that are working in your own communities. We want to involve you in this process as much as possible. For those of you we can't visit in person, we are looking for guest posts on our site. Share your stories with us! 

 

We will also be organizing several events this year. At each event we plan to bring together major local and regional stakeholders--farmers, businesses, workers, non-profits, local activists, academics, policy-makers, industry, journalists, community organizations, the funding and donor communities, and many others--for frank and open discussion about the food system. We hope to see you there!

 

Please let us know if you'd like to be involved or if you have suggestions for where we should visit by emailing me at danielle@foodtank.org.

 

And connect with us now on social media--Food Tank is already live on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.
 

Thank you again for wanting to be part of Food Tank!

Onward!

Danielle
www.FoodTank.org