ITM SLS Baroda University reaffirmed its commitment to art and cultural heritage by hosting two remarkable events—the Terracotta Symposium (20th November – 28th December 2024) and the 4th International Sculpture Symposium (1st January – 29th January 2025). These gatherings united renowned artisans, sculptors, and art enthusiasts, creating a dialogue between traditional and contemporary art forms. Honoring Tradition: The Terracotta Symposium The Terracotta Symposium celebrated the intricate clay art of Tamil Nadu, guided by national awardee Thangaiya Velar. Eleven master artisans, who have showcased their work across Japan, France, and Korea, meticulously crafted 37 terracotta sculptures of Ayyanar, the guardian deity of Tamil Nadu villages, under the curation of Mushtaq Khan Ji, a research officer for Folk, Tribal, and Contemporary Arts. The unique sculpting process, starting from the feet and concluding with the face, highlighted the spiritual and cultural depth of this ancient craft. Esteemed poet and art critic Shri Prayag Shukla added intellectual depth, reflecting on terracotta’s silent yet profound artistic expression. Global Artistry: The International Sculpture Symposium The 4th International Sculpture Symposium brought together 10 eminent sculptors, working with 40 to 45 marble and sandstone blocks from Rajasthan. Assisted by 36 skilled artisans from Makrana, they created 20 breathtaking sculptures—10 large-scale and 10 smaller works. The event, curated by Robin David and Anil Kumar, concluded with a grand exhibition on 29th January 2025, graced by art critic Dr. Udayan Vajpayee Ji. A Legacy of Artistic Excellence Through these symposiums, ITM SLS Baroda University continues to bridge heritage and innovation, fostering artistic excellence and cultural exchange, reaffirming its position as a leading institution in the arts.

Mental health in India is often shrouded in silence and stigma. Despite the growing awareness, many still view mental health issues as personal failings rather than legitimate health concerns. This cultural attitude leads to widespread misunderstanding, where even common conditions like anxiety and depression are misinterpreted or ignored. In India, the stigma surrounding mental health often prevents individuals from seeking help. Unlike physical illnesses, where people readily seek medical attention, mental health issues are frequently hidden due to fear of judgment and discrimination. This delay in seeking treatment can exacerbate the condition, making recovery more challenging. Dr. Shradha Malik, the visionary Founder and CEO of Athena Behavioral Health, understands these challenges all too well. Driven by personal caregiving experiences, where she and her husband lost family members to mental health and addiction problems, Dr. Malik has dedicated her life to transforming mental health care in India. Her mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment that is both accessible and patient-centric. Athena Behavioral Health, under Dr. Malik’s leadership, has implemented several innovative approaches to mental health treatment. These include evidence-based therapies, personalized treatment plans, and the use of technology to enhance patient care. For instance, Athena’s online platform provides psychological counseling to individuals from the comfort of their homes, making mental health care more accessible. One of Athena’s standout initiatives is its female-centric center, Athena Okas, which ensures safety, security, and a supportive environment for women. This center is staffed exclusively by female professionals, addressing the unique vulnerabilities women face in mental health treatment and ensuring a non-judgmental, empathetic space for recovery. Raising awareness about mental health is crucial for reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help. Public education campaigns, community programs, and media coverage all play a role in changing perceptions and promoting mental well-being. According to a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 46% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition. This statistic underscores the importance of early intervention and support. Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being. By understanding its importance and supporting those affected, we can create a more compassionate and resilient society. Professionals like Dr. Shradha Malik are leading the way in transforming mental health care, making it more accessible and effective for everyone.Mental health in India is often shrouded in silence and stigma. Despite the growing awareness, many still view mental health issues as personal failings rather than legitimate health concerns. This cultural attitude leads to widespread misunderstanding, where even common conditions like anxiety and depression are misinterpreted or ignored. In India, the stigma surrounding mental health often prevents individuals from seeking help. Unlike physical illnesses, where people readily seek medical attention, mental health issues are frequently hidden due to fear of judgment and discrimination. This delay in seeking treatment can exacerbate the condition, making recovery more challenging. Dr. Shradha Malik, the visionary Founder and CEO of Athena Behavioral Health, understands these challenges all too well. Driven by personal caregiving experiences, where she and her husband lost family members to mental health and addiction problems, Dr. Malik has dedicated her life to transforming mental health care in India. Her mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment that is both accessible and patient-centric. Athena Behavioral Health, under Dr. Malik’s leadership, has implemented several innovative approaches to mental health treatment. These include evidence-based therapies, personalized treatment plans, and the use of technology to enhance patient care. For instance, Athena’s online platform provides psychological counseling to individuals from the comfort of their homes, making mental health care more accessible. One of Athena’s standout initiatives is its female-centric center, Athena Okas, which ensures safety, security, and a supportive environment for women. This center is staffed exclusively by female professionals, addressing the unique vulnerabilities women face in mental health treatment and ensuring a non-judgmental, empathetic space for recovery. Raising awareness about mental health is crucial for reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help. Public education campaigns, community programs, and media coverage all play a role in changing perceptions and promoting mental well-being. According to a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 46% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition. This statistic underscores the importance of early intervention and support. Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being. By understanding its importance and supporting those affected, we can create a more compassionate and resilient society. Professionals like Dr. Shradha Malik are leading the way in transforming mental health care, making it more accessible and effective for everyone.

Vivo V50 Price In India: Chinese smartphone brand Vivo has launched the Vivo V50 smartphone in India. The new smartphone V50 succeeds the Vivo V40 series launched last year. The Vivo V50 is offered in three storage variants:  8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB storage model. The device also comes with AI-powered features and runs on Android 15-based FunTouchOS 15 out of the box. The smartphone is offered in three colour options: Rose Red, Starry Blue, and Titanium Grey.  The Vivo V50 smartphone is claimed to have IP68+IP69 ratings for dust and splash resistance. It is touted to be the slimmest smartphone in the segment, featuring ZEISS-tuned camera. The phone is equipped with several AI features Circle to Search, Transcript Assist, Live Call Translation and more.   When craftsmanship meets elegance, the vivo V50 is born—in Rose Red and Starry Night. An experience awaits. Pre-book now!https://t.co/q44clUx0Sz#vivoV50 #ZEISSPortraitSoPro pic.twitter.com/bky11eeR0Q — vivo India (@Vivo_India) February 17, 2025 Vivo V50 Pre-Booking And Availability The handset is available for pre-booking from today. It will be available for purchase in the country via Flipkart, Amazon and the Vivo India e-store starting February 25.  Vivo V50 Price In India And Launch Offers The Vivo V50 comes in three variants. The base model features 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, priced at Rs 34,999. Other options include an 8GB + 256GB variant for Rs 36,999 and a 12GB + 512GB model for Rs 40,999. As part of the launch offers, buyers can avail a flat Rs 2,000 instant discount on HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and SBI Bank credit card transactions. Adding further, the smartphone is available with up to 6 months of no-cost EMI options. Moreover, the buyers will receive a 1-year free extended warranty on the Vivo V50. Additionally, the Vivo TWS 3e can be purchased for just Rs 1,499 when bundled with the smartphone. Customers can also opt for up to 70 per cent assured buyback by paying Rs 499.  Vivo V50 Specifications: The handset features a 6.77-inch full-HD+ quad-curved AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,392 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 4,500 nits of peak local brightness, offering a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC, ensuring smooth performance. The phone is powered by a 6,000mAh battery with 90W wired fast charging ensures extended usage with quick recharge times. For photography, the rear setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with OIS (f/1.88 aperture) and a 50MP ultrawide shooter (f/2.0 aperture). The 50MP front camera (f/2.0 aperture) is designed for high-quality selfies and video calls, enhanced by AI Facial Contouring Technology to refine facial proportions.  The phone also features the Wedding Portrait Studio feature, offering five unique film tones—Cold Film, Sunshine, Collection of Lost Pieces, Vivid, and Wedding—to enhance wedding photography. Other features include an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, dual 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, OTG, and USB 3.2 Type-C for seamless connectivity. Vivo V50 AI Features The Vivo V50 comes with AI-powered tools to enhance user experience. Live Call Translation provides real-time speech-to-text translation during calls, while AI Transcript Assist converts audio recordings into text.  The AI Screen Translation feature translates on-screen text instantly, and Circle to Search allows users to perform visual searches on Google with simple gestures.

The Kolkata Book Fair 2025, one of the most prestigious literary events in India, witnessed the active participation of PC Chandra Group, which once again celebrated its long-standing association with the fair. This year, the brand embraced the spirit of Bengal with a uniquely themed stall that paid homage to Bengali heritage and traditions. The PC Chandra stall was officially inaugurated by Shri A.K. Chandra, MD of PC Chandra Group, alongside Shri Suvro Chandra, Joint MD of PC Chandra Jewellers, Shri Amitava Chandra, Deputy MD of PC Chandra Jewellers, and Shri Prosenjit Chandra, Director of PC Chandra Jewellers. Their presence underscored the company’s deep-rooted commitment to Bengali culture and literature. One of the key highlights of PC Chandra’s participation was the book launch of Bangla O Bangali by eminent author Shri Santanu Basu. The book offers a comprehensive portrayal of Bengal’s history, culture, and evolution over the decades. The launch event was graced by Shri Tridib Kumar Chatterjee, President of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, and Shri Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey, Honorary General Secretary of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, further adding to the occasion’s significance. Speaking on the occasion, a spokesperson from PC Chandra Group expressed their pride in being part of the Kolkata Book Fair once again. “Our stall was dedicated to Bengal and Bengalis at large. It was an honour to participate in this prestigious event and celebrate our rich cultural heritage,” they stated. The event attracted widespread media attention, with leading publications covering PC Chandra Group’s participation, the importance of their theme, and their contribution to the celebration of Bengali identity. Their presence at the Kolkata Book Fair 2025 reaffirmed their commitment to fostering literary and cultural appreciation in Bengal.

WhatsApp Chat Themes Feature: WhatsApp is introducing new customization features, allowing users to personalize their chats with multiple themes and background options on both Android and iOS. With the new Chat Theme feature, users can easily change the colour of chat bubbles and backgrounds, enhancing their messaging experience. To make customization even more seamless, WhatsApp offers pre-set themes along with the flexibility to mix and match colours according to personal preferences. While this feature is new to WhatsApp, it is not entirely unique—Instagram, another Meta-owned platform, already provides chat themes. However, Instagram offers only a limited set of pre-set themes that users can switch based on their mood or preferences. The new feature allows users to customize themes for individual chats. This can be done by opening a chat, tapping on the three-dot menu, and selecting Chat Theme to apply a different look for each conversation. Adding further, WhatsApp has introduced 30 new chat wallpaper options, along with the ability to upload custom images from the gallery. However, it is important to note that chat themes and wallpapers will only be visible to the user who applies them, and not to the recipient. Notably, WhatsApp has confirmed that the feature is gradually rolling out and will be available worldwide in the coming weeks. To access these latest updates, users should ensure their WhatsApp app is updated to the latest version. WhatsApp Chat Themes: How To Change  Step 1: Open the WhatsApp application on your smartphone and navigate to the Settings menu.  Step 2: In the Settings menu, tap on Chats to explore customization options. Step 3: Select Chat Theme and choose a theme that you want to apply to all chats. Step 4: To set different themes for specific chats, open the chat, tap on the contact’s name, then tap the three-dot menu and select Chat Theme.  Step 5: Choose your preferred theme for the chat, confirm the selection, and enjoy your customized WhatsApp experience. 

Guru Diksha is a significant step in a seeker’s spiritual journey, providing a structured path for self-awareness, discipline, and meditation. In this conversation, Jagadguru Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi shares insights on the importance of Guru Diksha, its practical benefits, and how seekers can integrate it into their daily lives. According to Jagadguru Sai Maa, Guru Diksha is not just a ceremonial initiation but a process of spiritual alignment. It offers a clear direction in one’s practice, helping individuals focus and reflect on their growth. The teachings and the mantra provided during Diksha act as a constant source of guidance, strengthening one’s ability to navigate life with clarity and purpose. The discipline that follows ensures that seekers develop a deep connection with their inner selves. One of the key aspects of Guru Diksha is its impact on mental and emotional well-being. Consistent spiritual practice, whether through mantra meditation or self-reflection, helps in cultivating mental clarity, emotional balance, and resilience. It allows individuals to detach from negative patterns and approach life with a renewed sense of purpose. Over time, this leads to reduced stress, improved focus, and personal growth. Sai Maa emphasizes that transformation occurs not through mere belief but through consistent effort and practice. Many seekers struggle with consistency in their spiritual journey. To overcome this, Jagadguru Sai Maa advises integrating spiritual practices into daily routines in a natural and practical way. Whether through short meditation sessions, mindful breathing, or reflective moments, these small efforts help create a balanced and fulfilling spiritual discipline. The goal is not to see spirituality as a separate activity but as something that enriches everyday life. In today’s world, where many individuals explore different spiritual traditions, Jagadguru Sai Maa suggests honoring past learnings while fully committing to the present path. Spirituality is a continuous journey, and growth comes from understanding oneself with sincerity and focus. Having a clear direction and a disciplined practice ensures that seekers do not feel lost in their pursuit. For those beginning their spiritual journey, patience and consistency are key. According to Jagadguru Sai Maa, real progress does not happen overnight. It requires commitment, an open mind, and self-discipline. Whether through meditation, introspection, or learning from a mentor, the journey should be approached with sincerity and dedication. When one embraces this process fully, the transformative effects of Guru Diksha can lead to profound inner wisdom and self-discovery.

Customer Experiences In SaaS: Technology is growing fast nowadays, and it is making life easier for businesses and customers. In the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry, artificial intelligence (AI) and smart data are helping companies to improve the way they serve their customers. In the past, businesses would only help customers after they faced a problem. If a customer had an issue, they had to contact the company and wait for a solution. This process was slow and frustrating. Now, AI has changed this. AI does not wait for problems to occur but helps companies predict what their customers might want. For example, it can study a customer’s usage patterns and suggest solutions before a customer even knows he needs help. This makes the service faster and more efficient. Delivering Personalized Experience for Each Customer AI also enables companies to understand each customer much more. It gathers and analyses information on how a consumer makes use of a good or service. Businesses can utilized this information to provide individualized help and recommendations.  For example, if a customer frequently uses some features of software, AI can suggest tips to improve their experience. If a customer faces common issues, AI can guide them to solutions automatically. This makes customers feel valued and improves their overall experience. Smart Data For Real-Time Insights Another very important tool is smart data. It ensures that businesses trace customer behaviour at any given point in time. This means businesses can see when their customers use their services to make quick, positive changes within the experience created. If most of the users are complaining about a feature, smart data notifies the company. The company can then address the problem before more customers face the same problem. This makes the service more reliable and user-friendly. Building Stronger Relationships AI and smart data help businesses not only improve their service but also build good and meaningful relationships with customers. If a company knows its customers’ needs and offers quick, helpful service, the customer feels a better connection with the brand. That is the initial stage of trust and long-term loyalty. In the fast-evolving digital world, artificial intelligence and smart data are reshaping customer engagement in the SaaS industry. Prashant Sinha, Founder & CEO of BiUP.ai, highlighted how these technologies enhance user experiences and drive business growth. In an email interaction, he shared insights on AI-driven personalization, predictive analytics, and automation, emphasizing their role in transforming customer relationships and boosting efficiency in the SaaS ecosystem.  “In today’s fast-paced digital world, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart data is changing how businesses handle customer experiences in the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry. AI helps companies move from just reacting to customer needs to predict them, offering personalized interactions, and providing smooth services that boost satisfaction and loyalty”. Adding further, he stated that “Smart data plays a key role in analyzing customer behaviour and preferences in real-time. This helps businesses offer proactive support, tailored solutions, and unique experiences that appeal to each customer. By improving efficiency and service quality, AI and data-driven strategies not only streamline operations but also create stronger, more meaningful connections between businesses and their clients.” Furthermore, as we look ahead, we are committed to fully unlocking the potential of these technologies, ensuring that customer experiences are not only efficient but also intuitive, innovative, and truly enjoyable.” The Future of Customer Experience in SaaS AI and smart data will continue to grow and improve in the coming years. Businesses will find even better ways to serve their customers. The goal is to make services faster, easier, and more enjoyable for everyone. These companies will stand out as they adopt AI and smart data. They will be able to engage with clients more deeply in addition to providing superior service. Making technology smarter for the benefit of customers and making their experiences smooth and hassle-free is the goal of SaaS in the future.

Redmi Note 14 5G New Colour Variant: Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi announced the new colour variant for the Redmi Note 14 5G in the India market. The company has introduced a new Ivy Green colour variant for the Redmi Note 14 5G.  This latest addition brings a fresh and stylish look to the popular Redmi Note 14 5G series, offering consumers a new way to express their personality through their smartphone. Notably, the phone was originally launched in December in Titan Black, Phantom Purple, and Mystique Purple colours. The Redmi Note 14 5G is powered by Xiaomi’s AI computational photography, features like AI Bokeh and Dynamic Shots enhance every image. The new smartphone is offered in 6GB + 128GB, 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB storage variant. Moreover, the phone runs Android 14-based HyperOS custom skin. The company is promising two OS updates and four years of security patches.    Redmi Note 14 5G India Price And Bank Offers The smartphone is available in three variants: 6GB + 128GB for Rs 18,999, 8GB + 128GB for Rs 19,999, and 8GB + 256GB for Rs 21,999. Adding further, customers can avail an instant discount of Rs 1,000 when making payments using ICICI, HDFC, SBI, or J&K Bank credit or debit cards.  After applying the disount, the new colour variant is available at a starting price of Rs 17,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant, Rs 18,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant, and Rs 20,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant.    Notably, consumers can also avail an instant discount of INR 1000 with ICICI, HDFC, J&K Bank, & SBI Credit and Debit cards. Redmi Note 14 5G Specifications It features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2100 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, SGS Eye Protection, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and TÜV Rheinland certification for a comfortable viewing experience.  The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025-Ultra chipset, paired with an IMG BXM-8-256 GPU for smooth graphics performance.  It is backed by a 5,110mAh battery with 45W fast charging support. For photography, the phone sports a 50MP OIS camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro unit. For selfies and video chats, there is a 20MP shooter at the front.  For connectivity, the phone supports 5G, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. Additional features include an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, an in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res audio certification for an immersive experience.