Beware of winter depression

New Delhi: Saturday, 15 December 2012: SAD or seasonal affective disorder is defined as recurring depression with seasonal onset and remission. Fall-onset (winter) SAD is more common than spring-onset SAD said Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal President Heart Care Foundation of India.

Fall-onset SAD is characterized primarily by atypical symptoms of depression, while spring-onset SAD is associated with the more typical features.

Fall-onset SAD is characterized by the following symptoms of depression:

·         Increased rather than decreased sleep (inability to get up in the morning)

·         Increased rather than decreased appetite with carbohydrate craving (craving for sweet sour and salt)

·         Marked increase in weight

·         Irritability

·         Interpersonal difficulties (especially rejection sensitivity)

·         Leaden paralysis (heavy, leaden feelings in arms or legs)  

The cause is imbalance of serotonin to melatonin ratio. And the treatment involves enough light exposure, artificial light exposure, sun therapy and drugs if needed.

Light therapy has proven effective. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to see a response, although some patients improve within days. Therapy is continued until sufficient daily light exposure is available through other sources, typically from springtime sun.

  MAJOR NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO BE PLANNED AGAINST FDI IN RETAIL

    TWO DAYS TRADE LEADERS NATIONAL CONVENTION TO BEGIN AT JAIPUR FROM TOMORROW

                                   

 

The controversial issue of FDI in Retail will be at the centrestage of two days “National Conference” of trade leaders of the Country to be held at Jaipur on16-17 December,2012 to decide the strategy of their aggresive national movement against FDI in Retail and role of the different political parties for and against the issue. The meet is being held under the umbrella of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), an apex body of trading community of the Country. More than 100 trade leaders from different states shall be participating in the conference-said Shri B. C. Bhartia, National President, CAIT and Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal in a joint press statement released here today. The meet will also finalise the strategy to convert the trading community across the Country in a vote bank to play a decisive role in forthcoming Assembly elections in 2013 and Lok Sabha Polls in 2014. The traders leaders are also likely to rake up recent Wallmart Lobbying disclosure report episode  and adopting aggresive tactics to highlight the business module of MNCs across the Country. More than 5 crore business enterprises are carrying their trade in unorganised sector of the Country.

Both Mr. Bhartia and Mr. Khandelwal said that trade leaders of leading trade organizations of different states shall be participating in the conference. They further told that leaders of credible organizations of farmers, hawkers, small industries, consumers, transporters, laborers, cooperatives and self employed groups have also been specially invited to the conference beside the research team of CAIT.

 

CAIT leaders lambasted the Government for manufacturing and engineering a 'manipulative majority" in Parliament on a debate held on FDI in Retail and by propogating " Opposing and Absenting from vote" as a new definition of Indian democracy which amounts to cheating the electorates." There are many issues which goes from Road to Parliament and also several issues which goes from Parliament to Road" and FDI in Retail is such an issue on which the incorrect facts and figures quoted by the Government, major deviations in Govt. notification of 20th September,2012 providing large extra ordinary benefits to MNCs and 11 questions raised by CAIT will be the major issues of national campaign of trading community.

 

Both Mr. Bhartia and Mr. Khandelwal further informed that besides holding discussion on FDI in Retail several important issues like GST, Food Safety and Standards Act, Direct Tax Code, a National Trade Policy for retailers, formation of a separate Ministry of Internal Trade both at Centre and States,  review of laws, acts and rules governing domestic trade by a Commission, status of tax collector to traders, pension to traders attaining the age of 60 years and other issues will be discussed at depth in the two days conference and a strategy will be finalized for future course of action.

“WAKE UP WALK” in major cities from 20th to herald ‘national movement against assaults on women’  

Eminent public figures, sports and film icons likely to join

            "Your daughter could be the next to be molested. You could be the next father/brother  to die defending your daughter/sister's honour,” warn Walkathlon organisers 

Chandigarh, Dec.14: In a bold initiative to stop assaults on women in the country, the well-known Patiala-based NGO, Punjab Today Foundation, this afternoon announced the start of a major nation-wide awareness  movement against what it called the "collective guilt of society" against girls and women.,

The movement would be flagged off with a ‘WAKE UP WALK (Conscience Walk)  on Dec. 20, 2012 to coincide with the International Day for Human Solidarity. The walk will start  after performing ARDAS at the Holy precincts of Sri Darbar Sahib at Amritsar and  would travel through all districts of Punjab and later reach the national Capital for the next phase. 

A signature campaign will also be launched on the sidelines of the Walk, which will culminate in Delhi where a joint appeal by hundreds of thousands of countrymen to the Chief Justice and other honourable judges of the Supreme Court. The appeal would highlight the need for quick disposal of cases pertaining to atrocities and harassment of women in the state and the country and to put in place some special, dedicated women-specific courts/benches headed by women judges only, given the sensitivity involved in such cases. Similar appeals would also be submitted to the Chief Justices of High Courts in all the states and Union Territories of the country.

Giving details of the movement, Kanwar Manjit Singh, the CEO of the Punjab Today Foundation, said here today that the movement would enlist the support of eminent social activists, members of the Civil Society, intellectuals, human rights, civil liberties and right thinking political organisations and individuals. Mr Singh said that recent incidents in some parts of the country, including Delhi, Haryana, Mumbai and Punjab had sent shock waves among all conscientious people in the country about the status, safety and security of mothers, sisters or daughters .

 He said that as the main motive of this Walk was to awaken the spirit of togetherness in our society hence citizens of all walks of life are requested to spare a few minutes to join this movement. He requested intellectuals, thinkers, social workers, media-persons, religious leaders, policymakers, professionals, businessmen, employees, workers of all political parties and students to support and participate in this initiative.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Punjab Today Foundation.
Punjab Today Bhawan
C-179, Focal Point, Patiala
Tel : 91.175.223.2382 Cell : 9814.231.777

e-mail : punjabtoday@gmail.com

Give us the Right to Choose: Farmers organizations from five states in Delhi to press for their demand for quicker implementation of relevant new & novel technologies

December 14, 2012: Pro-technology progressive farmers and farmer leaders from Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu collectively stated on Friday said that  they strongly urged the government to usher new and novel agricultural  technologies already proven safe and profitable  for ensuring rejuvenation of Indian agriculture. In a rare show of unity these farmers, represented by over six different farmers’ organizations, said they should be given the right to choose what is good and bad for them. They have all been camping in Delhi meeting various Members of Parliament and Ministers trying to draw their attention to the compelling need for integration of technology in agriculture given the immense challenges being faced by them.

Farmers stressed on the need for introduction of genetically improved varieties of major crops like rice, maize, pulses, oilseeds and few major vegetables. “We have been all over Delhi meeting various MPs and ministers and asking them to understand our concerns and anxiety,” said….Jaipal Reddy….

Farmers drawn from organizations including Prataprudra Farmers Federation, Warangal (AP), Nagarjuna Rythu Samakhya (AP), Progressive Pro-technology Farmers Federation, Chennai (TN), Naujawan Kisan Club (Punjab), Kisan Club, Fatehabad (Haryana), Shetkari Sangathan (Maharashtra) informed that they had come to Delhi  to plead with the parliamentarians and the government for making agriculture profitable and sustainable. They  submitted  petitions to MPs and Ministers to take urgent initiative and implement pro-farmer and pro-technology  policies including deployment of  biotechnology products in agriculture. GM crops, they said, will lead to rural prosperity stimulating greater economic growth in the country and lesser migration to the cities thereby making inclusive growth a reality. Even city dwellers will benefit as food will be produced with much less pesticide application.

Farmers collectively said that those who do not have the least knowledge of farming consider agriculture policy as their prerogative. “They must understand farming is the expertise of those who till the land to feed millions. Farmers should be given a right choose what is in their interest including right to choose new technology. Scientific community has many times reiterated that GM crops are safe and the only way to meet future challenges,” said….

S Jaipal Reddy from Pratap Rudra Farmers Federation said, “Agricultural community in Andhra has immensely benefitted from Bt cotton. Now we hope that the government will soon allow commercialization of other important GM food crops and extend the benefits of technology to  farmers growing other crops as well.” He was supported by a farmer leader from neighboring Tamil Nadu. D Valter, President, Progressive Pro-technology Farmers Federation added, “Uncertainty over availability of river water for irrigation casts a perpetual shadow on fate of our crops. Introduction of genetically modified rice – a crop that  maximizes yield per unit  water supply, for instance, will ensure greater profitability and less tension”

There were those who insisted empirical evidences suggest GM crops cause no harm to human or animal health. Saying this, Narendra Singh of Naujawan Kisan Club added, “Out of our experience from Bt cotton, we are confident that biotechnology holds the key to curb the drudgery in agriculture in Punjab. We are eagerly waiting for genetically modified maize that shall help improve dismal agricultural scenario where our land holdings are shrinking lowering out individual land productivity.”

Hemant N Ingale, Shetkari Sangathan said, “Genetically improved varieties have minimal dependence on fertilizers and pesticides. This reduces the input cost which in turn leads to increase in profitability for the farmers. GM crops will also help cut the cost of labour needed for weeding, which involves a big chunk of farming costs.”

Trilokchand Saini, Kisan Club, Fatehabad said, “Amid fears of crop failure due to changes in weather patterns GM crops will be a huge relief to the farmers of Haryana who have otherwise been bestowed with very fertile land. GM crops offer hope to curb many challenges posed by nature and make agriculture more productive and profitable.”

For details, please contact:

S Jaipal Reddy

President , Pratap Rudra Farmers Federation

Warangla(AP)

Ph 91 9440424999

DIAL gets BSA's CSS(O) Certification For Software Asset Management

BSA The Software Alliance, an organisation dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world, has announced that Delhi International Airport (P) Limited (DIAL) has become the first Public Private Partnership globally to be Certified in Standards-based SAM for Organization or CSS(O). It is the second Indian organisation after Symphony Services to achieve CSS(O) status. The certification was awarded by H.V. Raghuram, Managing Director, Karnataka Udyog Mitra, Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Karnataka to Davesh Shukla, CIO & Vice President – IT, DIAL.

CSS(O) is the first and only enterprise-level certification for Software Asset Management (SAM) in the industry based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) SAM standard. CSS(O) was developed through a collaboration between BSA and leading Indian knowledge partners including KPMG and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Private Limited, and has been tested and proven through a local pilot program with Symphony Services in November 2011.

By being certified in Standards-based SAM, organisations will be able to better align their software assets with their operational needs, maintain and easily prove their license compliance, accrue software and network cost efficiencies, and improve their business performance. In addition, they will receive a two-year audit forbearance from major software publishers, which will help minimise their risk and improve business efficiencies.

IIPM’S FEST - AMAZE 2012 ENDS WITH A BIG BANG…

India’s Liveliest & Biggest B-School fest witnesses a participation of over 188 colleges!

New Delhi - 13^th December 2012: Three-day long festivities at IIPM concluded with a big bang in New Delhi yesterday. The Indian Institute of Planning & Management’s (IIPM) Annual cultural fest - AMAZE 2012 witnessed a participation of over 188 colleges from Delhi & NCR.

Speaking on the occasion Ms Rajita Chaudhari, Dean, IIPM, Centre for Higher Education "Every year the theme of Amaze is different. The theme is selected keeping in mind the area that interest the youth. Last year the theme was SACK - Students Against Corruption and Kick Backs. This year we thought we should focus on the abilities of the youth to go beyond boundaries and think unconventionally so the theme was ‘Free Your Mind’, which has many interpretations and originates from IIPM's ideology ‘Dare to Think Beyond’. The theme was followed in all the competitions, like the debate topic was "Man does not have the ability to exercise free will’, the topic of creative writing competition was’ If the Mind is Blind, the Eyes Cannot See’ etc. Prices worth Rs 1, 00,000 were awarded to Fashion Show & Debate competition winners & a Trip to Leh Ladakh for case study winners.

To support the theme we thought of doing unconventional activities which includes Pool Party, In House Karaoke Evening, Bull Riding, Paint Ball, DJ Night, Wall Climbing etc. The hospitality we extend not only to our judges but to our participants and sponsors also. IIPM's fest is getting bigger and better every year like this year 188 colleges participated as compare to 100 colleges last year. Next year Amaze will be more bigger and livelier with may be even International participants."

Having kicked off on December 10th, the festival was integrated with various competitions like 360 degree - The Best Manager, Debate Competition, Ad Guru, Ad zap competition & case study competition titled Nutcracker. The other cultural events include singing & dancing competition and Street plays amongst others. The added attraction was Fashion show judged by International Fashion choreographer Vinay Gupta, and Mr. & Ms Amaze 2012. There was a special DJ night & a pool party was organized to conclude the fest.

Winners: Debate Winners: Jamia Milia Maisara Khan

Fashion Show Winners: Institute of Home Economics

Ad Zap Winners: Sri Venkateshwara Shivangi, Shreya

COMMISSIONING OF INDIAN COAST GUARD SHIP H-188

ON 12 DEC 12

           Indian Coast Guard Ship H-188, the second in the series of twelve          Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) designed and built by M/s Griffon Hoverworks Limited (GHL), UK was commissioned at Haldia by Inspector General Rajendra Singh, PTM, TM, Deputy Director General Coast Guard. The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by Inspector General KC Pandey, PTM, Commander Coast Guard Region (North-East) and other dignitaries from the Central and State Governments.

        The 21 metres long Air Cushion Vehicle with 31 tonnes displacement can achieve a maximum speed of 45 knots. The ACV is capable of undertaking multifarious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and rendering assistance to small boats/craft in distress at sea.

        With the commissioning of H-188, the force level of ICG has gone up to 77 ships & boats and with the planned inductions the force level would be doubling by 2018.

       

        The Air Cushion Vehicle H-188 will be based at Haldia under the Administrative and Operational Control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (North-East). 

        The hovercraft is commanded by Commandant D Dinakaran. The hovercraft has a crew of 02 Officers and 11 Enrolled Personnel.

Northern India Science Fair at National Science Centre

The Northern India Science Fair is being organized from 10^th to 12^th December, 2012 at National Science Center, Delhi. This fair is organized every year at National Science Centre to provide students a forum to give physical shape to socially relevant innovative technological and scientific ideas. Teams from the Northern States i.e. Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Delhi are participating in this Science Fair and displaying their individual and team projects. The fair also offers a contest for teachers and gives them an opportunity to show their capability to develop & use  low cost teaching aids to supplement their classroom teaching.

The fair exhibited several models and investigatory projects providing practical approach towards solving energy conservation problems and moving to recycling, reducing pollution etc. One of the model on ‘intelligent transport system’ in the fair explains how the Bluetooth and CCTV can control the heavy traffic and avoid accidents. Another model on ‘Power House’ using Green House Effect was gathering crowd at the Centre. Models on ‘generation of electricity using Overhead Community Water Tank’,  ‘new design of windmills’ to capture more power to meet future energy needs were also visited by large number of students.

The fair was inaugurated by Prof. Yashpal on 10^th December, 2012. Total 54 projects are on display by the students of northern states in this Fair. This Science fair will culminates on 12^th December, 2012.The valedictory & prize distribution function will take place on 12^th December 2012. Shri Vineet Joshi, Chairman, CBSE is expected to be chief guest on this occasion.

Panasonic strengthens foothold in India to Invest 200 million US$

Panasonic strengthens foothold in India:
Inaugurates new manufacturing unit – Panasonic ‘eco ideas’ Factory

 

·         Panasonic’s first ‘eco ideas’ Factory in India, spread across 76 acres, inaugurated by Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda

·         Investment of 200 million USD  from 2010 to 2015

·         Provide employment to 1,500 people in the first phase and over 2,000 in the second, by 2018

12^th December 2012, Jhajjar, Haryana, India: Panasonic India, today announced the expansion of its presence in India with the opening of its first model ‘eco ideas’ Factory in India. This is the company’s latest initiative to showcase best practices in sustainable manufacturing and raise level of eco consciousness in the community through outreach activities. With the opening of this manufacturing unit in India, Panasonic reiterated how localization is key for the company’s growth and its commitment in India. This factory promises not just state-of-the-art manufacturing of high-tech products, but also brings much-needed employment, economic growth, and social benefits to the region. In addition to creating hundreds of jobs, vocational trainings will be offered to improve the technical skills of the people working in and around the Jhajjar facility, helping them increase their employment opportunities.

The factory was inaugurated in the presence of dignitaries like Honorable Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda; Shri. Pradeep Jain ‘Aditya, Minister for Rural Development, Government of India; Shri Naresh Kumar Sharma, MLA, Badli; Mr. Randeep Singh Surjewala, Industries and Commerce Minister, Haryana; Shri Deepinder Hooda, Member of Parliament; Shri Ram Kishan Gujjar, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Industries and Commerce Department, Mr. Pradeep Puri, CEO of Model Economic Township Company Limited; Mr. Rajeev Arora, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Mr. Tarun Bajaj, Managing Director of Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC).  Senior representatives from Panasonic also graced the occasion. 

The new Panasonic India Group facility, located at Dadri Toi in Jhajjar Haryana, will implement a wide range of eco initiatives, including development of technologies to support a zero-carbon lifestyle and the adoption of sustainable business practices across the entire company. Panasonic Technopark is designed with various green features, which include a 28.29 KWp solar modules installation at the rooftop of the office, entrance canopy and car park to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, and a 100% water recycling system for a sustainable water provision. As part of the factory’s sustainable manufacturing, the company will implement initiatives that focus on three key areas, which include CO₂ emissions reduction, waste management and recycling, and chemical substance usage.

The construction of the manufacturing unit commenced in April 2011 and has an initial manufacturing capacity of over 1,000,000 sets of air conditioners, 400,000 sets of washing machines and 25,000 sets of welding and cutting machines per annum. These environmentally friendly products will cater to the domestic market and the manufacturing unit will be providing employment to approximately 3,500 staff by 2018. Panasonic shall focus on making India a manufacturing hub and will export products from India to other markets like Middle East and Africa region. The percentage of export of products manufactured at Technopark will be 5% by 2013 and 20% by 2015.

At the factory inauguration, Panasonic India announced its commitment of making “environment” central to all business activities in line with the regional ‘eco ideas’. These actions have been divided as 1) ‘eco ideas’ for Lifestyle - achieving green lifestyles to enrich Indian people’s lives through activities promoting energy saving eco products, developing new comprehensive energy and environment solutions business and expanding Eco Learning Programme; 2) ‘eco ideas’ for Business-style - reducing environmental impact through Green manufacturing and CO₂ emissions reduction.

 

Mr. Daizo Ito, President, Panasonic India commented, “Panasonic has been known for making everyday life simpler, more convenient and more energy efficient. Today’s opening of this factory will fuel our first priority goal in India of doubling Panasonic’s revenue in fiscal 2012-2013. We plan to achieve this by focusing on three core strategies: pursuing our company vision of becoming the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry by 2018; integrating Indian expertise into our product design and manufacturing processes; and increasing focus on rural development to ensure that Panasonic India performs as a responsible corporate entity contributing to the equitable growth of the entire Indian society.”

Present at the launch, Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda said, “Panasonic has demonstrated its strong commitment in contributing to the country’s efforts in environmental protection. Indeed, the newly established ‘eco ideas’ Factory is a prime example of a manufacturer taking stewardship of its processes and products to mitigate any detrimental environmental impact. We hope such efforts will spur even more manufacturers to do the same and this will lead to the overall development of this area as well as the country especially in terms of providing employment to so many people.”

Panasonic ‘eco ideas’ brand ambassador Dia Mirza said, “Environmental deterioration is prevalent not only in India, but also in many other parts of the world. The choice is ours to reduce the impact of this alarming trend and ensure environmental sustainability. Eco ideas and eco activities have been a core focus in Panasonic. I am sure that through this ‘eco ideas’ Factory and eco learning activities being conducted, Panasonic will successfully be able to play an effective role in changing mindsets and driving individuals to assume greater environmental responsibility in their communities.”

Six Panasonic ‘eco ideas’ Factories have been set up in the Asia Pacific region so far.  In addition to Panasonic India’s Technopark, Panasonic Asia Pacific has established Panasonic Vietnam Group at Thang Long Industrial Park in Vietnam; Refrigeration Devices Company in Singapore; Home Appliances Company in Thailand; AVC (Audio Visual Components) Networks Company in Malaysia and Lighting Company in Indonesia. Panasonic will further promote environmental sustainability initiatives and its commitment to contribute to a greener society.

Panasonic Corporate Vision

Panasonic has a vision to become the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry by 2018, when Panasonic will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Panasonic aspires for global excellence as a Green Innovation Company, encompassing two goals: Green Life Innovation to realize green lifestyles to enrich people’s lives and Green Business Innovation to bring forth innovation in our business styles.

 

About Panasonic Corporation

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for three business fields, consumer, components & devices, and solutions. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 7.85 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2012. It aims to become the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry by the 100th year of its founding in 2018.The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/

About Panasonic India

Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and an estimated turnover of Rs 10,000 crores in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit http://panasonic.co.in.

 

 

Issued by Panasonic India |For media queries please contact:

Panasonic India | Richa Sethi | +91 9560498765 | richa.sethi@in.panasonic.com

Genesis Burson-Marsteller | Malvika Sinha | +91 9873382955 | malvika.sinha@bm.com

President Victor Yanukovich visiting India 

 India start his tour from  Sunday evening for a four-day state visit, in his sojourn the two countries  agree to raise bilateral cooperation ad to strengthen comprehensive partnership.India and Ukraine today signed five agreements to enhance cooperation including in areas of defence, Nuclear, Science and Technology and also to remove barriers in trade and commerce.

The agreements were signed after delegation level talks between visiting Ukraine President Victor Yanukovich and Prime Minister Manmohnan Singh at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The pacts also include a Memorandum of understanding between the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India and the Ukranian Nuclear regulator for cooperation in nuclear safety, construction design, operation and nuclear waste management.

Mr. Yanukovich also held talks with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on matter of mutual interest to both countries

VChangeU wins eNGO Challenge 2012 Award for Organizational Efficiency.

Received award from Mr. Munaf Hakim - Chairman of State Minority Commission, Maharashtra during 9^th Manthan Award South Asia & Asia Pacific 2012 on 1st December, 2012 at India Habitat Center, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

VChangeU is a non-profit organization based in Hyderabad helping young people by educating them what tobacco and alcohol really are, how occasional tobacco and alcohol consumption can lead to regular use and then to addiction that can wreak havoc with health and wellbeing of entire family. Through school-based education programs and public information programs on tobacco, alcohol and drugs VChangeU endeavours to keep the young generation away from these activities for lifetime.

The website www.vchangeu.com has been used to reach out to a large section of people and spread awareness and inspiration on the core issues with good compilation of information in the form FAQ, statistics and analytics. A tool called Stat Counter is used for analysis and monitoring of website visitor activity in real-time. Usage of Social Media, Blogs, YouTube, Skype and Flickr has helped reachout to the younger generation. LinkedIn is used as a channel to connect to the senior people and professionals from different sectors.

Various software tools have been used for designing a number of Anti-Tobacco & Alcohol posters and campaigns with innovative ideas to bring awareness among younger generation. Production of Live, 2D & 3D animated short films on Tobacco awareness were undertaken and they were showcased during presentations in schools and colleges.

More than 300 domains were registered and hosted to create massive awareness on various social causes with more than 150 Facebook pages.

An active usage of Social Media by the organization helps in spreading awareness and motivation among the students and youth.  The organization is using both ICT and local means of campaigning to educate the people on Tobacco and Alcohol Awareness.

Vijay Bhasker is Founder & President and the driving force behind VChangeU, is tirelessly working for the organization says We should live up to our responsibility to society for a better tomorrow.

The Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) has organized this eNGo Challenge for the first time in India to recognize the work of non-profit organizations, using ICT for social development in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal spreading recently to Kenya and other African countries too. There are more than 2000 NGOs registered under the eNGO network and the community is only growing by the day.