SIERRA’s Futuristic eFACILITY® Building Achieves WELL Certification

SIERRA’s Futuristic eFACILITY® Building Achieves WELL Certification

According to Statista, Americans spend 92% of their time indoors. Part of it may be due to the COVID19 pandemic, however, research reports indicate that the Internet and social media (average 2 hours 25 minutes per day) help bring everything indoors (you can order food, groceries, and pretty much anything online), and no one feels the need to stir out.

The United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) concurs this and says that people spending practically an entire lifetime indoors face various health risks. You may have imagined that it is safe to remain indoors, but did you know that the air within buildings is seriously polluted according to studies conducted by the EPA?

A deep concern for the environment and the welfare of its employees were the significant factors that led to the creation of one of the healthiest and India’s highest-ranking WELL Platinum-certified workspaces – the eFACILITY® Building. Post-COVID, the workspace is proving to be doubly safe.

Rated under the WELL v2 rating system by the International WELL Building Institute, the eFACILITY® Building is the healthiest workplace in India today, scoring a whopping 86 out of 100 points for various indoor health parameters. Heaving a sigh of relief, the employees stream in every morning to work, knowing very well that they will remain healthy and safe while inside the premises despite the lingering threat of the pandemic and the consistently deteriorating air quality due to high pollution levels in the city.

The main pollutants in the city are the increasing industrial activity, and fossil fuel usage (Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are steadily increasing, and CO2 emissions have increased by 90% since 1970. Also, 29% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions – it is the single largest contributor to U.S. CHG emissions). The pandemic is a recent phenomenon, but the more alarming fact is the PM 2.5 & PM 10 levels (caused by industrial and construction activities), which are increasing unabatedly in most cities. Added to that is the threat from the increased gas pollution like NOX, SOX, etc., because of industrial activity.

According to the McKinsey report, despite the pandemic, some critical activities like negotiations, crucial business decisions, brainstorming sessions, providing sensitive feedback, and onboarding new employees are better accomplished at the office than remotely.

With the primary focus on health, a green building like the eFACiLiTY® Building helps enhance employee productivity, safety, and general well-being. To become a WELL Platinum-certified workspace like SIERRA’s HQ, the eFACILITY®Building, you need to fulfill 10 WELL concepts like Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, and Community. Also, WELL stipulates several mandatory credits across these 10 key factors, some of which earn you points, and some don’t, though both sets are equally significant.

WELL combines best practices in design, construction, and operations with evidence-based scientific research – harnessing buildings as vehicles to support human health and well-being. Beyond the physical features, WELL also informs the organization’s policies and protocols, from the benefits provided to the employees to the operational protocols followed to keep the space safer and healthier.

At the eFACILITY® Building, employee health is critical and treated with high priority. Spaces can positively impact each employee’s health, safety, and well-being. The company worked in tandem with the team at InHabit, a Coimbatore-based Green Building Consultant, to introduce other health-focused changes like ergonomic furniture, circadian lighting, pure, safe water, and ample outdoor space for physical activities.

The software fraternity has always been under tremendous stress; SIERRA understands the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Even during the pre-COVID days, SIERRA implemented flexible work-from-home policies, and also offered part-time options to help employees be immediately available to take care of ailing/elderly family members.

There is also the SIERRA Eldercare Support Policy that allows employees to make use of local support services and referral programs available at the company. The bereavement support policy allows eligible employees to avail of 5 days of paid leave per year in case of an unfortunate loss of a spouse, child, or parent.

SIERRA’s eFACiLiTY® Occupant Wellness app contains knowledge-based articles that are very useful for its employees. These are probably some of the reasons why there’s a mad scramble to get hired in this leading software company that caters to international clients. While the applicants are many, only the best get hired.

Whether at work or play, the best place to be is the eFACiLiTY® Building at Coimbatore. It is rated the World’s 2nd Highest Ranking Green Building under the U.S. Green Building Council LEED rating system NC v2009, and India’s Highest Ranking Green Building under the India Green Building Council (IGBC) Green New Buildings rating system.

Bella Vida – A Game Changer in Skin Care

Bella Vida – A Game Changer in Skin Care

A new player in the healthcare industry has come up with solutions for your family’s skincare routine. Now, say goodbye to all the skincare products that failed to meet your expectations. Bella Vida promises to solve all your skincare issues with its launch in various cities across the country.

The research for these formulations was carried out by a team of Dermatologists for more than two years to suit the Indian skin.

The sun protection lotion has already become a rage among people of all ages.

“Our sunscreen lotion is the first one in India to protect against Infra-Red (IR) radiation besides protecting against ultra-violet (UV) rays. All other sunscreen lotions provide protection only from UV rays. Today, people spend lot of time on mobiles & laptops, hence it is essential to be protected from IR radiation as well,” explained Abhishek Joshi, Founder of Joshi Pharmaceuticals, about the USP of the products.

“Another unique product is our powder sunscreen. It is the first sunscreen in India in powder form,” he added.

Besides sunscreens, Bella Vida lip balms and moisturizers are also very popular. The products Brand has 17+ SKUs. All the  Bella Vida products have been dermatologically tested and are suitable for people of all skin types.

Bella Vida was conceptualized with the motto of providing high-quality skincare products at affordable price to the entire family. Bella Vida, the name itself translates to beautiful and happy life. As Indians, we like to do everything together and our life is beautiful when we are with family; hence One Family, One Bella Vida.

Pick your product and see the difference!

Transform Your Showering Experience With The Luxury Jaaz Shower Panel – Aquila

Transform Your Showering Experience With The Luxury Jaaz Shower Panel – Aquila

Looking for best-in-class shower panels? Buy Jaaz Shower Panels to give your bathroom the aesthetics it deserves

Shower Panels are a great way to get multi-functional in-built showering options at affordable prices. The best part about installing a shower panel is that it is easy to fix and use. It is suitable for any bathroom space. The ergonomic design of shower panels attached to bathroom walls takes less space without compromising on the output. Moreover, you get an elegant and luxurious look by installing a shower panel, making it a hot trend in the market.

About Jaaz Shower Panels

If you want versatility and a luxury bathroom look, then opt for Jaaz shower panels. Our innovative shower panels are an amalgamation of state-of-the-art technology and durable, long-lasting fixtures to give you a high-quality idyllic shower experience. This stems from our vision to always conceptualise and execute the manufacturing, designing, and distribution of bathroom products that suit the modern sustainable lifestyle and ergonomic home structure.

Jaaz has been the forerunner in delivering top-quality products to facilitate dealers, retailers, luxury hotels, and real estate developers better serve their target audience and clients.

We introduce to you our top-selling Jaaz shower panel – Aquila. Here is an overview of this product.

The Aquila Shower Panel: A Refined Sense Of Beauty

The Jaaz Shower Panel – Aquila is a must-have bathroom essential. Aquila Shower Panel has an organic design that can transform any bathroom with refined beauty.

All the Jaaz Shower Panels have been made to ensure smooth water flow without any leakage. This has two major significance. First, your bathroom space is always dry and clean. You can bid good riddance to any unnecessary dampness or damage to your bathroom due to leakage. Second, there is no water wastage. Installing our Jaaz Shower Panel – Aquila contributes to a sustainable environment and water conservation.

Feature of Aquila Shower Panel

The Jaaz shower panel – Aquila has been manufactured using premium material for elegance. Aquila has built-in showering options, including vitalising jet and multi-purpose shower heads with an easy cleaning system. The Aquila shower panel can be installed as a stand-alone unit within a shower cabinet or fixed on a bathroom wall. The wall panel is the base unit for all the functions, including:

  • Handshower
  • Adjustable vertical wall jets
  • Natural rainfall overhead shower
  • Soft-touch buttons or levers to operate various components fitted on the panel
  • Hot and cold temperature gauge and controls with a thermostat
  • Water pressure control lever
  • Inbuilt shampoo rack
  • Safe hot water lock for child safety

Usage and Experience

Jaaz Shower Panels gives a modern and luxurious look with a unique style adding to the aesthetics of a bathroom. Since all the functions are mounted on one wall unit, it is relaxing and easy to use all the functions. The perfect angle of water jets evenly distributes the water to every part of the body for a soothing and massaging effect.

As pioneers of the latest trends in bathroom products, we’re constantly innovating and advocating for products that seamlessly combine sustainability, ergonomics, and luxury. Order Aquila now and experience the luxury yourself. For more information visit our website.

Lindy announces a new distribution partnership with Green Sources Pvt. Ltd.

Lindy announces a new distribution partnership with Green Sources Pvt. Ltd.

Green Sources Pvt. Ltd, the India-based value-added distributor in AV & IT products signed a partnership agreement with Lindy. Both parties are celebrating this great opportunity for multiple reasons.

Green Sources, established in 2009, have operations across India, and they are one of the most recognised AV & IT distributors in the country. Together with Lindy, they are an unbeatable pair as Lindy is high quality and the high-performance range covers the whole AV/IT cable & connectivity spectrum and all come with the Lindy guarantee as standard.

Elia Lupi, Head of Global Sales at Lindy says about the partnership:

“Being distributed is very important for a manufacturer but being distributed by a value-added distributor such as Green Sources is essential. We always look for territory coverage, competence, knowledge, support, and professionalism when thinking of a partnership and we found all of these ingredients with Green Sources. We are thrilled to serve the Indian market with their help and support. Stay tuned. Lindy and Green Sources are coming to the market!”

Swadesh Khetawat, Managing Director at Green Sources Pvt. Ltd. comments on the new cooperation:

“Introducing new products is nothing unusual. But partnering with a company like Lindy, which has stood its ground since 1932 for the values of fairness, honesty, and integrity is surely some great news for Green Sources. Our Indian customers will surely benefit from the Lindy brand which has been synonymous with innovation and high-quality connectivity and technology solutions. Look out people, Lindy is coming to you in India, soon.”

About Green Sources

Green Sources Pvt. Ltd. is a value-added distributor in AV & IT products, with offices across India. They have gathered adequate experience to ascertain the best quality products for businesses. Today, they are known to offer the most sought-after AV & IT products to their esteemed partners. Rated SME 1 by CRISIL (Highest level of Creditworthiness), they are known for their dependability, combined with financial safety and security for all their stakeholders.

Learn more about Green Sources (https://greensources.co/)

Chocolaty Brings Exclusive Gifting Range for Rakhi in 2022

Chocolaty Brings Exclusive Gifting Range for Rakhi in 2022

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is observed, and the dates change frequently every year. Of all the holidays in India, this one is the one that all brothers and sisters excitedly welcome. It is a celebration that holds promise since it provides blessings like joy and love, which enhances the beauty of the event. Raksha Bandhan is a custom of tying rakhis, which is stronger than iron chains and symbolises a vow that never expires. This celebration has been around since time immemorial.

Raksha Bandhan festival is here once more on the calendar and as always it is a celebration of joy, happiness, siblings, and divine. Also, Chocolaty is ready to assist people with their Rakhi celebrations by offering a wide array of rakhi and rakhi gifts as they do every year. Chocolaty serves as an ideal link between siblings and brothers during this Raksha Bandhan. It has expanded its reach nationally which allows sisters and brothers to build a solid connection by delivering rakhis pan India.

The celebration of rakhi in India is renowned for its beauty and strengthening the force of deep devotion between the sisters and brothers. In fact, India is all around the globe renowned for its vibrant celebrations and the evergreen tradition. It is celebrated with various celebrations, family gatherings, and sweets, Raksha Bandhan is about the love of God and happiness. Similar to other festivals, the rakhi ceremony has a unique significance.

There is almost only a month left in Raksha Bandhan and the Chocolaty is ready for the festival. For 2022 Rakhi Celebration, Chocolaty is providing facility to Send Rakhi Online Delivery in all the 29 states of India.

The CEO and Founder of Chocolaty.in the statement, he stated, “Chocolaty always holds in high regard the feelings and emotions of its clients. We believe in spreading smiles with our tokens. The overwhelming response we received from the rakhi distributions in a handful of states over the last year has prompted us to extend our reach to 29 states, and to every part of India. The trust of our customers in our service has been an important driving factor. Also, this year we are determined to bring together brothers and sisters who are separated by geographical borders.”

Chocolaty always has an array of rakhi options that are diverse. This year is no exception. In addition to single rakhis The website is also able to market rakhi sets that include three, two-four, and five. Also, one can purchase bhaiya bhabhi sets of rakhi and combinations of dry fruits, chocolates, sweets, Signature boxes, and even plants. One of the most essential benefits is that one can Same Day Rakhi Delivery.

Chocolaty also demonstrated the safety precautions taken in order to establish a powerful and positive influence as a known brand while keeping the pandemic and viruses in mind. The gifting giant has demonstrated how they are handling the matter, from appropriate sanitization of the facilities, rakhis, and rakhi presents, to temperature checks of the personnel every day, from giving zero touch delivery to having the employees immunised. Additionally, it guarantees the clients a secure celebration. Chocolaty, an online retailer of rakhis, has also claimed that they have increased the scope of their delivery services to the highest level possible.

To ensure that the celebrations are alive, regardless of distance, the website allows family members to send Rakhi presents for India. The website lets its users select from a variety of unique rakhis, curated across the country to different age groups. Chocolaty also has a special Rakhi hamper, which includes rakhi threads for both the brother and sister-in-law, a law, as well as a tray decorated with traditional sweets and modern chocolates, based on the person’s preferences. In addition, the website provides a variety of choices for the sister-in-law, such as Rakhi threads for her, personalised luxurious hampers and watches, couple mugs, and specially designed gift certificates.

To keep the present catalogue engaging for its clients, the firm has created a wonderful blend of traditional and contemporary gift goods. They may purchase traditional rakhi designs at reasonable prices, including semi-precious stone rakhis, hand-painted rakhis from Tanjore, zardozi rakhis, and many others. In addition to this, the web site has created American Diamond Rakhis and Bracelet Rakhis that are fashionable and can be delivered the same day in order to match the expectations of the younger generation.

Since its starting, the company has delivered thousands of gifts across the PAN India. To give gifting a personal experience and ensure that the recipients choose and deliver the most appropriate gifts, Chocolaty offers 24×7 customer support. The customer service representatives help users navigate the site and assist them in selecting the most appropriate gift options for sending the rakhi.

About Chocolaty

Chocolaty has thrived in the Indian market as a leader in the gift industry with its distinctive gifts (flowers, cakes, jar cakes, plants, etc., personalised gifts, combos). Mr. Abhishek Singh’s effort allowed the company to build its first Chocolaty store in New Delhi in 2017.

In addition to having the top-of-the-line gift-finding platform, a unique range of products, customised packaging as well as zero tolerance quality of service standards, and a food-to-table supply chain The brand is always Vocal For Local. Chocolaty is a market leader today, providing delivery services to hundreds of locations and guaranteeing a great experience for every customer. Chocolate is prepared to handle all of the Indian Market’s needs for the rakhi celebration.

Khyati Mehta- The First Woman Amputee To Climb Kalsubai Peak in Maharashtra

Khyati Mehta- The First Woman Amputee To Climb Kalsubai Peak in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Khyati Mehta, a 39-year-old amputee is the first woman to climb the Kalsubai peak with a prosthetic leg. Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra at 5,400 ft and a 6.6 km long trek that has a moderately hard difficulty level. This feat which was performed on 26th January 2022 on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day of India to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, holds a record title under India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records, 2023.

Born with 60% disabilities including bilateral flexion contracture & bilateral varus legs, Khyati has scaled the Surkandadevi Temple trek which is a steep 3 km trek at 9000 ft in Uttarakhand. In the past, she has trekked the 5,200 ft Vaishanavdevi peak. Being modest about her achievements, Khyati says, “I am still a trekker but wish to be a mountaineer someday and reach for a more technical climbing that will help me scale unexplored summits.”

Khyati is a passionate traveller who has travelled to more than 20 countries of the world. With her disabilities and a prosthetic foot, she did sky diving in New York, trekked Taman Negara Forest in Malaysia, travelled to North Cape Norway, scuba dived at Langkawi, Malaysia and Andaman, paraglided at Bir Biling, Palampur, and did white water river rafting at the highest altitude of Ladakh. Little wonder that she is entrepreneuring as a Travel & Visa Consultant and has her travel agency in Mumbai.

Khyati has also gained the reputation of one of the Fastest Walking Marathoners with her participation in more than 20 marathons. When asked what challenges an amputee faces during the treks, marathons, and similar adventures, Khyati says “Every 30 mins or 1 hour, I have to remove my prosthetic limb and give a few minutes to relax my muscles and the stump. I often get blisters on the stump, develop bursitis on my hips or endure severe back pain. During the Kalsubai trek, there were around 6 steeply inclined ladders with wide railings. My deformed hands cannot extend to hold the railings, at the same time, my hands don’t have the ergonomic grip to hold the railings. But with the support of my co-trekkers and god’s grace, I managed to reach the top.”

Besides planning new adventures, Khyati is busy giving shape to her new startup wherein she designs uniquely curated travel packages for specially-abled communities. “Being an ardent traveller, I have experienced innumerable challenges which specially-abled people like me have to endure. With my experience and expertise, I want to design hassle-free and smooth travel for disabled people that accommodates their shortcomings while allowing them to optimally explore the destination.”

Uranus Oil : India’s first tech based green energy startup that collects used cooking oil using EVs and helps in converting the oil into green fuel

Uranus Oil : India’s first tech based green energy startup that collects used cooking oil using EVs and helps in converting the oil into green fuel

Uranus Oil is a renewable energy and waste management startup based in India. The startup remains in the news for having a well-executed tech-based waste management platform and efficient infrastructure to aggregate the waste used cooking oil generated from various outlets and sending them for producing biodiesel, which is a cleaner alternative for the conventional diesel derived from petroleum. Uranus Oil is an FSSAI RUCO authorized used cooking oil aggregator and has tie ups with many biodiesel plants across India. Primary Biodiesel partner of Uranus oil is Pan Oleo Energy Limited, which is a large-scale biodiesel manufacturer.

The startup has also been deploying several EV vehicles for their waste management operations, thus making them as the first firm in the Indian used cooking oil management domain to use EVs for their operations. Their operations are spread all across India with the primary operations spread across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Biodiesel is being made from Used Cooking Oil as well as other waste oils as well as fats.

Uranus Oil also aggregates other feedstocks like animal tallow, palm stearin, and palm oil mill effluent (POME) which can be used as primary feedstock in the production of biofuels.

Mr. Saravanan, Co-founder of Uranus Oil commented that “The whole world is facing a shortage of energy resources. In such a situation, substantial increase in renewable energy production can go a long way to satisfy the growing energy demand. Uranus Oil follows balanced eco-friendly rules. The wasted used cooking oil which used to be dumped in the drains is now getting a fair price for the restaurant owners. We are happy to inform you that a large number of people are joining us, and this Taking the campaign forward. The whole system of used cooking oil collection creates a virtuous cycle for the restaurant owners, restaurant customers, the biodiesel manufacturers as well as biodiesel consumers. The restaurant owners are getting paid to dispose of their waste oil, consumers of such restaurants are consuming healthy food made from cooking oil that has not been reused, biodiesel manufacturers are getting feedstock for their business and the consumers of biodiesel are getting a cleaner fuel for conventional diesel at a cheaper price.”

Uranus Oil was awarded the best emerging startup in renewable energy, by the Times group. The team is composed of a combination of renewable energy experts as well as youngsters. The company is on track to set up entrepreneurship alternatives for individuals across the country through the Uranus Entrepreneurship program. The company has also plan of expanding its scope into Plastic waste management as well as rubber waste management, apart from Used Oil Management.

Tata Capital Launches Digital On-boarding Journey For Loan Against Shares

Tata Capital Launches Digital On-boarding Journey For Loan Against Shares

Tata Capital Ltd, already known for its one-of-a-kind and unparalleled financial facilities, has recently made yet another staggering announcement. The company has launched digital on-boarding journey for Loan against Shares.

As a part of the launch of the facility, Abonty Banerjee, the Chief Digital Officer of Tata Capital, said that the digital LAS offered by the NBFC will help its customers meet their financial requirements conveniently. She further said that Tata Capital is confident that its newly – launched credit facility will benefit its customers.

Tata Capital has introduced the facility via its digital customer service portal, which can be used for placing pledge requests digitally with the help of NSDL API and get the same approval from the respective depository participants (DPs). The availability of this online facility is expected to make the process of availing credit against shares highly convenient and quick.

How Does the ‘Loan Against Shares’ Facility Work?

Loan Against Shares is a facility where people can take Loan Against Shares in their Demat account as collateral. The maximum amount an individual can avail is determined by a percentage of the total market value of shares present in the portfolio of the individual.

In India, banks can lend a maximum of Rs. 20 Lakh under a single entity under the LAS facility. However, by being a Non-Banking Financial Corporation (NBFC), Tata Capital can offer up to Rs. 5 Crore credit under the LAS facility. Tata Capital is one of the first NBFCs who offer an end-to-end integrated digital onboarding experience for Loan Against Shares.

Who is Eligible for Tata Capital’s LAS Facility?

The eligibility criteria for availing Tata Capital Loan Against Shares facility are as follows –

  1. Individuals: Salaried and self-employed individuals who fall in the age bracket of 18 to 65 years are eligible for the LAS facility.
  2. Non-Individuals: Entities that have existed for at least the last two years are eligible for the credit facility.

Documents Required for Loan Against Shares Facility:

To avail this facility, one needs to submit the following documents:

  • A photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc
  • Address proof such as Passport, Utility Bill, Bank Passbook, etc.
  • Last six month’s bank statement
  • Income Tax Return for the last two years
  • Last three months’ salary slips
  • 1 Security Cheque
  • A Passport-sized photograph

What are the Key Benefits of the Tata Capital LAS Facility?

One can enjoy the following benefits by availing of the LAS facility with Tata Capital –

  • Online Process: The process, from application, account creation, pledging of shares, and identity verification to the transaction of the amount, can be completed online. No paperwork and no branch visits are required. One can also electronically sign their documents and benefit from the e-Nach facility.
  • Retention of Ownership: When one pledges their shares to avail of a loan from Tata Capital, they continue retaining their ownership over their shares. They can continue to benefit from the returns generated by their investment in the share market, as they need not liquidate them.
  • Zero Scope of Error: With Tata Capital’s online onboarding and customer servicing platform, the risk of document error stands at zero, be it the ones submitted to the NBFC or those exchanged with the DPs. Thus, it helps in avoiding the risk of rejection of their application and delays in processing the loan amount.
  • Interest Payable on Utilised Loan Amount Only: When one avails the LAS facility with Tata Capital, they only need to pay the interest on the amount utilised as a loan by them and not the total credit extended by the NBFC. The remaining credit line can be used as an overdraft facility.
  • 1-Day Processing of Loan: Once the documents submitted by the individual are verified, the shares are pledged and final approval is given, then it takes only a day for the individual to receive the entire loan amount.
  • No Foreclosure or Prepayment Penalty: One can pay back the loan amount whenever they want, even if it is just 1 or 2 days right after the loan disbursement from Tata Capital. The NBFC charges no foreclosure or prepayment penalty.

Wrapping Up:

With the LAS facility offered by Tata Capital, one can leverage their investment to fulfil their credit requirements while enjoying returns from their investment. All one needs to do is pledge their shares digitally, and they can get a loan of up to Rs. 5 Crore!

Leapfrog Strategy Consulting Pvt Ltd launches new website, pioneers applied semiotics and cultural semiotics in India

Leapfrog Strategy Consulting Pvt Ltd launches new website, pioneers applied semiotics and cultural semiotics in India

India’s leading experts in applied semiotics for marketing, Leapfrog Strategy Consulting has recently launched a brand new website – www.leapfrogstrategy.com. The website aims to evangelise applied semiotics based on real experiences and tangible results delivered over the last ten years.

Chief semiotician and founder of Leapfrog Strategy Consulting, Ms. Hamsini Shivakumar, nostalgically talks about semiotics not being new at all, “Two years into our existence, Leapfrog Strategy had included Applied Semiotics into our proposals, as early as 2009.” Two years later in 2011, the semiotician with over a decade worth of experience co-founded Semiofest – a global conference in commercial semiotics that helps resolve interpretational conflicts and provides sharper tools for social meaning-making spaces.

What is semiotics? For the beginner, semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and what meaning they represent. Linguist Ferdinand de Saussure from Switzerland was perhaps the first semiotician; he spent considerable time studying how the meaning of words (in a language) is encoded into language. The nexus of symbols and signs and the meaning it forms as given by Saussure is still used by modern-day semioticians in their submissions. Charles Sanders Pierce, on the other hand, created a theory that was language-agnostic, that is to say, that signs and sign interpretations that are applicable across all classes of signs – mathematical, visual, symbols, etc. As part of their website and knowledge centre, Leapfrog Strategy shares a plethora of beginner-level information while also catering to experts in consumer insight. The website is akin to a bridge that joins theory and practice with respect to applied semiotics.

And how is semiotics useful? Often users say one thing but actually mean quite another. This confuses the marketer or the business owners with regard to their communication strategy. In such cases, semiotic decoding helps paint a truer picture of what’s going on in the consumers’ minds. Another use of semiotics is in simply understanding how some individuals think in a changing culture. For instance, our understanding of a mother’s role has changed over the years, she is no longer the sacrificing dying-but-still-cooking mother that we used to deify in the Nirupa Roy days. So perhaps communication to new mothers might now be about taking care of themselves, as opposed to the earlier notion of putting others first. Understanding these changing heuristics in dynamic cultures, helps us understand our consumers better, resulting in pinpointed and effective messaging.

The main attraction of the Leapfrog website is the knowledge centre – https://leapfrogstrategy.com/learning-centre/ containing a comprehensive and in-depth column dedicated to colour semiotics, video guides, reading material like articles, white papers, and even a list of books.

Broadly, Leapfrog Strategy has four offerings. The first is that one can commission a Semiotic Study or Research in Semiotics, for example, the Mahindra group commissioned a study about the alpha male for their SUV car category. The second is Brand Strategy where their Leapfrog’s semioticians help reimagine or reconstruct a brand to make it more future relevant, for example, the work the team did for Chambor cosmetics by tracking the brand’s 30-year history and mapping the changing contexts of user consumption. The third service they provide is Semiotic Inputs into Design, for example, they helped decode the SugarFree Green package design, and based on their inputs, their client Zydus Wellness’ sales grew at least ten times. Lastly, they provide training to marketing professionals in using semiotics in their jobs.

Rasika Batra, one of the semioticians in the Leapfrog team explains why the team is a pioneer in semiotic research that finds useful applications and proven results. She says, “The Leapfrog Strategy team consists of leading experts, a whole team works on the project, not just one person, so the client benefits exponentially from collective eyes and minds. I think our experience in strategy, particularly Hamsini’s thirty-plus years in advertising and consumer insight make our work highly implementable.”

www.leapfrogstrategy.com was launched on 1st June 2022.

To learn more about how semiotics is applied in the fields of marketing and advertising for brands and businesses, look up www.leapfrogstrategy.com

Leapfrog Strategy is a semiotics-approach strategy consulting firm that provides an overarching brand strategy to specific design inputs from brand packaging to product User Experience or User Interface (UI & UX). The team helps their clients identify their current problems within the category, with the design or with the understanding of the culture they are operating in. They then devise an actionable solution based on research and analyses. To know more about Leapfrog Strategy Consulting, visit – https://in.linkedin.com/company/leapfrog-strategy-consulting

Manoj Mauryaa awarded Raja Ravi Varma Award

Manoj Mauryaa awarded Raja Ravi Varma Award

Painter- Filmmaker Manoj Mauryaa was awarded Raja Ravi Varma Award for his contribution to the field of art and culture. The award ceremony was organised in New Delhi in association with the Ministry of Culture, Delhi Police, and Megh Mandal Sansthan to commemorate Raja Ravi Varma’s 174th birth anniversary as a part of Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Platinum Jubilee of Delhi Police. Manoj received the award at the hands of G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture, Tourism, Professor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Former Governor of Punjab, Haryana and Tripura, and Rakesh Asthana, Commissioner of Police, Delhi. There was an exhibition of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma at the event. Manoj’s painting titled ‘The War of Existence’ was selected to be a part of the Ministry of Culture.

Vimlesh Brijwall (Secretary, Megh Mandal Sansthan), Ramavarma Thampuran (General Secretary, ‘Kilimanoor Palace Trust’ and a descendent of Raja Ravi Verma), Sonal Mansingh (Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha), Anu Asthana (President, PFWS), Sanjay Beniwal (Special CP Perception Management) and many other notable artists and senior police officers also graced the occasion. G Kishan Reddy congratulated Manoj Mauryaa and conveyed his sincere appreciation to the artists on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Manoj’s paintings evoke surreal realism and are thought-provoking, figurative, and mystic. Manoj takes inspiration from nature, spirituality, current affairs, philosophy, women, and Benaras, his city of birth and graduation. Manoj has participated in various solo and group exhibitions at prestigious galleries like Nehru Centre, Mumbai, Lalit Kala Vibhag, Varanasi, NGMA, and Kala Ghoda, Mumbai. His solo exhibition in Mumbai titled ‘Reborn’ at Nehru Art Gallery received rave reviews from the critics and the masses for his style of painting as well as for the social experiment wherein he invited blind students and made them ‘see’ and create paintings.

As a filmmaker, Manoj has written and directed a German Feature Film based on the journey of a musical dyslexic florist who becomes a soloist in a symphony orchestra. The film shot and produced in Germany shall be released in Europe. His Hindi feature film titled ‘The Icecake’ is an adventurous journey about 12 Indian motorcycle riders to Himalayan Spiti valley who discover their inner mysticism while battling treacherous weather, interpersonal conflicts, treachery, revenge, and love. The film has real stunts performed on Spiti valley’s toughest and highest motorable road, where temperatures dropped below -15C.

His upcoming project is a painting and film project based on ‘Kamasutra’ for which he is developing a new series of paintings. He is also working on a European film.