Wednesday 26 February 2014

ICAI elects new Council


ICAI elects new Council
MR SUBHASH CHANDRA SARAF (CA) TAKES OVER AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL WHICH HAS JURISDICTION EXTENDING TO THE EASTERN REGION STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES SERVING 22,000 PROFESSIONALS AND OVER 90,000 STUDENTS

Kolkata, 2014: Eastern India Regional Council (EIRC) of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has elected its governing body for the Council year 2014-15 on 24th February, 2014, with Mr Subhash Chandra Saraf (Chartered Accountant) as the Chairman of the Council.
“It would be my endeavour to move the Institute towards new frontiers by icorporating new ideas and professionalism to keep ahead of the ever-changing global and national accounting, regulatory and legal knowledge of our domain and sharing the same with our members and the students. Interacting pro-actively with the tax and regulatory authorities to remove administrative apathy and with the Sate and Central government authorities to place before them the unique services being provided by the CA professionals would be top on our agenda,” said CA Subhash Chandra Saraf.
ICAI would approach the State governments to involve more senior professionals and as well as techo-savvy new generation chartered accountants to advise, maintain, review and suggest improvements in the government system of accounting, financial and tax matters for better administration.
The jurisdiction of EIRC extends to the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Sikkim, Tripura, The Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and West Bengal. EIRC presently serves 90,000 plus CA students and 22,000 plus members in the profession and industry. EIRC plays significant role in students training, professional knowledge development of members and takes initiative with tax authorities and regulators in streamlining the process of regulatory compliance and tax administration. EIRC also helps in creating professional opportunities with the assistance and supervision of its parent body ICAI, New Delhi.
EIRC Chairman, CA Subhash Chandra Saraf, will be supported by newly elected Vice Chairman CA, P D Rungta, Secretary, CA Anirban Datta, Treasurer, CA Manish Goyal and two members namely CA Sunil Kumar Sahoo and CA Ranjeet Agarwal.

About ICAI: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established under the Chartered Accountants Act 1949 (Act No. XXXVIII of 1949) for the regulation of the profession of Chartered Accountants in India.  During its 65 years of  existence, ICAI has achieved recognition as a premier accounting body not only in the country but also globally and is the second largest accounting body in the world.  ICAI is serving today more than 10 lakhs students and 2.10 lakh members both in profession and industry. 


The SAIL Retired Officers’ Association (SROA)


Kolkata, 2014: The SAIL Retired Officers’ Association (SROA) takes pride in announcing their mega event  Seminar on “Steel Rolling Mills in India –Present & Future”  being held on Saturday, 22nd February 2014 at MeghnadSaha Auditorium, Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Jadavpur, Kolkata.
A prestigious gathering of top-level experts from the industry and consulting domains will share the dais with the audience representing a cross section of steel and allied disciplines. The Seminar is expected to be a unique event of its kind where the participants will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge quotient by listening to the legends of the past and leaders of the present in steel domain.
Among the notable dignitaries who have accepted our invitation and agreed to grace the event with their personal presence include Sri Malay Mukherjee, ex-global head of L N Mittal group of companies. Prior to that he held the position of Executive Director (Works) of Bhilai Steel Plant of SAIL , Sri P.Roy- Director General, Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Shri Arabinda Das- Principal Director Commercial Audit; Sri Sushim Banerjee, Director General INSDAG;  Shri Asim Basu- Director(Fin)- MSTC; Representatives of RINL,SMS-MEER; M.N.Dastur & Co; State Bank of India; HSCL and other notable personalities and Institutions.
In an unique initiative of sharing the wisdom of those who are already recognised as specialists in Steel Making, we have invited some students of premiere engineering institutes like BESU, IIT-KGP, JU and NIT-Durgapur. The students will be accompanied with their professors too.
Key benefits of this conference will be to identify how innovative techniques in steel rolling is playing a vital role in the growth and efficiency of operations, share the best practices of steel rolling and bring the steel community together on a common platform.
SROA is a body of retirees who had to demit their offices at the prime of their cognitive existence - at the epitome of their functional efficiencies.  But not to be intimidated, the members of SROA have decided to buck the trend. They have pledged to convert the events of the past into opportunities for the future. Today, SROA is a storehouse of immense knowledge - a heady cocktail of expertise and experience soaked in greying wisdom. Yet, the association is bouncing with energy, ever eager to serve the industry and the nation.
Thinking big and beyond the conventional box, SROA is setting new standards of post retirement service by rededicating its collective expertise with fortitude for the cause of the steel industry. Formation of Knowledge Bank by leveraging the diverse and intensive portfolio of knowledge of its members, to be ploughed back for the service of the industry in an organised and mutually beneficial manner, is very much beeping in the radar of SROA.

This seminar is a small but firm step in that direction – an oar to set sail into the ocean of profound existence.

Kerala Tourism attracts more tourists with new initiatives!


Kerala Tourism attracts more tourists with new initiatives!
Registers consistent rise in both international and domestic tourist arrivals
The favourite destination of more and more tourists…
Kerala witnessed 7.94 lakh foreign tourists arrival in 2012 as compared to 7.33 lakh in 2011. Compared to 93.88 lakh domestic tourists in 2011, 1.01 cr domestic tourists visited Kerala in 2012. The Foreign exchange earnings had also gone up from Rs. 4221.99 cr in 2011 to Rs. 4548 cr in 2012. The total revenue, both direct and indirect from tourism touched Rs. 21,125 cr in 2012 compared to Rs. 19,037 cr in 2011. 
New Initiatives in God’s Own Country…
Government of Kerala has rolled out two new initiatives ‘Seaplane Project’ and ‘Project Muziris’ in order to enhance the travel experience and add to its array of tourist sites. Where the former project is aimed towards improving last mile connectivity by air to its destinations across state, the latter is directed to reinstate the historical and cultural significance of the legendary port of Muziris.
For the Seaplane Project the plan is to provide service initially in the priority circuit, consisting of the three airports of Trivandrum, Cochin & Calicut and the prime destinations viz. Astamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Bolgatty and Bekal in the state.
The Muziris Heritage Site (MHS) stretches across from the municipality of North Paravur in Ernakulam district to that of Kodungalloor in Thrissur district. Project’s objective is to promote awareness and understanding of the cultural distinctiveness and diversity of Muziris. More than 25 museums will be there to showcase the Muziris Heritage.
On the trail of the Spice Route…
Another amazing initiative in the offing is the Spice Route Revival Project. Kerala's initiative to revive and promote the two millennia-old spice route, that links the south western coast of India up to Europe, through tourism has received a boost, with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) pledging support to the venture. Delegates at a three-day international meet in August on Silk Road tourism organized by the UNWTO in the northwestern Chinese city of Dunhuang appreciated a presentation on Spice Route.
Other Noteworthy Projects…
Kerala Tourism has come out with a unique nature based soft adventure holidays program NATVENTURE. The idea behind this is to use the key tourism products - - Wildlife, Hill Stations, Beaches, Backwaters etc and engage the possibilities of adventure activities they present. Kerala Natventure activities include Trekking, camping, Rock Climbing, Jungle, Wildlife safaris, Bird watching, Cycling, Kayaking, Canoeing and paragliding.
Another forward initiative is the virtual world launch of the new 'Great Backwaters' campaign. Ahead of the traditional media, the campaign to unveil the state's majestic backwaters as a single destination.
A new campaign, Home of Ayurveda was also launched to promote Ayurveda through all medium. Introduced Bakelasa new destination in north Kerala.
From a seasonal tourist place, Kerala was elevated to an all season destination through a successful Dream Season campaign launched during the off-season.
To identify and promote 40 new destinations in five years, over 40 new tourist centres have been spotted, project reports prepared and sanctioned for development.
Real progress in the Virtual world…
In a short span of time, Kerala Tourism has made a mark in the Digital world. Kerala Tourism has 852238 Fans on Facebook, 20818 followers on Twitter and the Kerala Tourism YouTube channelhas 5,199subscribers, 7,110,913 views.
New website has been launched recently with a fresh look and increased accessibility with more information, 1500 pictures and 3000 videos.
We have tapped into the vast potential of information technology for promoting Kerala Tourism in the global market. Kerala Tourism’s website, which attracts the maximum number of visitors, has been translated into various Indian languages like Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu, as well as foreign languages including Dutch, Italian, Portuguese and Swedish.
Kerala has emerged as the No. 1 travel destination in Google search trends, edging out TajMahal. This is a testimony to the international recognition of brand Kerala.
Cultural Events showcasing Kerala…
Utsavam 29th December to 19th January
Kerala has switched on to a festive mode to give a feel of its traditional and folk arts to domestic and foreign tourists as the high tourist season got under way. Branded as 'Utsavam', the cultural extravaganza will be staged in 60 venues across all the 14 districts of Kerala for three weeks. 'Utsavam' (festival) has been an annual event since 2007.
Nishagandhi Festival
To be held between January 20th - 26th, 2014 this year. Renowned dancers perform Bharat Natyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, modern ballet and other folk forms. Artist and connoisseurs of dance from all over India come to enjoy this cultural treat. The festival is organised by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
 Awards and Accolades…
Kerala Tourism also bagged a number of national as well as international awards such as the National Tourism Award for the Best Rural Tourism Project in Kumarakom, ITB Berlin – Golden City Gate Award (Print Campaign), Best family & Best value for money destination and many more.

But the real award is the people who visit and take back amazing memories from God’s Own Country. See you here! 

Maharashtra to attract tourists from East India

Maharashtra to attract tourists from East India
Conducts a road-show for tour operators in Kolkata

Kolkata, February, 2014- In a most aggressive marketing plan, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has been keeping up with its mission to attract tourists from various parts of country meeting tour operators of the regions. Amongst other cities, MTDC has already conducted roadshows in Goa, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and Agra.
West Bengal, being one of the most progressive states of India holds a key to improve domestic tourists’ footfalls in Maharashtra. MTDC will promote its destinations here to improve tourism in the state.
Dr Jagdish Patil, Managing Director, MTDC, said, “We already attract maximum foreign tourist arrivals and now we are also focusing on attracting domestic tourists in large numbers. Maharashtra has everything in terms of tourist destinations. It is an unlimited resource for beach lovers, adventure sport lovers, honeymoon travelers, pilgrimages and sites of historical importance and for nature lovers. West Bengal is one of the key markets for domestic and international tourists as it is the major centre in East India.”
Maharashtra is always known for its rich culture, art and festivals. The State is blessed with the world famous World Heritage Sites like the caves of Ajanta-Ellora, 700km long coastline, pilgrimages like Shirdi-Saibaba, Entertainment Capital - Mumbai, Buddhist Pagoda at Gorai (Mumbai), hill stations like Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani and Matheran, wildlife sanctuaries of Tadoba-Pench and India’s wine capital-Nashik.

Dr. Jagdish Patil, said, “MTDC has been taking several progressive steps to encourage tourism in Maharashtra. We are hosting a road-show for the tour operators to promote Maharashtra as a preferred tourist destination. It will be an interactive session with the tour operators about how best we can improve the number of tourists visiting from East India to Maharashtra.” Apart from Kolkata, MTDC is also planning to organise similar roadshows in Lucknow and Chennai this month.

Thursday 13 February 2014

CA Manoj Fadnic Elected ICAI Vice President for 2014-15


CA Manoj Fadnic Elected ICAI Vice President for 2014-15




Mr. Manoj Fadnis is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He passed his B.Com. from Indore University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in January 1987.  Since then he is in continuous practice. He has also completed the Diploma in Information Systems Audit (DISA).

He has been elected to the Central Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for the term from 2001 for the fifth consecutive term. He was elected to the Managing Committee of Indore Branch for the term 1992-95 and acted as Chairman of the Branch in 1994-95.He was also elected to the Central India Regional Council for the term 1995-98 and acted as Chairman in 1997-98.

As a Central Council Member is nominated as Chairman of Direct Taxes Committee and Committee on Economic, Commercial Laws & WTO of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

He was nominated as the Chairman of the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) for three consecutive years from 2010-13. As Chairman of the ASB, he has overseen the formulation of the Indian Accounting Standards converged with the International Financial Reporting Standards, which have been eventually notified in February 2011. He has represented the Institute in the meetings of the National Standard Setters and the World Standard Setters, Asia Oceanea Standard Setters Group, Emerging Economies Group. He was also the member of the delegation led by the Secretary Ministry of Corporate Affairs to the first Indo Japan Summit in Tokyo in July 2010.

He has worked in all the important committees of the Institute including Disciplinary and the Examination Committees.

He is the non-executive chairman of MP Stock Exchange Limited.

He is nominated on the board of  public companies by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. He is also on the board of listed companies as independent director. He is also on the board of Directors of Indore Management Association.  

He was nominated as Director on the Board of State Bank of Indore from 2002 to 2005. He has been nominated on the Audit Board of M.P. Co-operative Board, Bhopal.

He has presented papers in various seminars and conferences. His articles have been published in various magazines including the Chartered Accountant. He has also been the visiting faculty in management colleges for the subjects related to the profession. 

CA.K Raghu Elected President ICAI for 2014-15

CA.K Raghu Elected President ICAI for 2014-15  


A worthy combination of youth, dynamism, experience and excellence,CA.K Raghu has taken over a 22nd Council of the Institute on February 12, 2014. Having gained deep insights into the profession as a fellow member of the ICAI with more than 23 years of impeccable professional standing, he was the Vice President of the ICAI for the Council Year 2013-14. A creative and visionary yet realistic and tech savvy, he craves for inclusive as well as exclusive growth of Indian accountancy profession. He is the second person from Karnataka to occupy this prestigious position.
Known for his altruism, openness to new ideas and dynamic and dedicated service to accountancy profession, he has always dazzled his fellow members with his deep and visionary understanding of Information Technology ever since 1990 when he started serving the profession with an inextinguishable youthful enthusiasm. A trusted and credible leader, liked for his strong values, high integrity, conscientious, and empowering style while serving the profession in various capacities, he is widely known for his pioneering and far-reaching initiatives of webcasting, e-learning and ICAI Web TV. A man driven by high level of passion for excellence, he specialises in Taxation, Business and Technology Consulting. Sociable, friendly, warm, supportive and approachable, CA. K Raghu is also widely respected as an inspirational motivator.
An illustrious and versatile professional, CA. K Raghu represents the ICAI in the Board of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), besides being the Chairman of XBRL India. He has also represented ICAI in ‘High Level Steering Committee for Implementation of XBRL based Data Submissions by Banks’. He is also the Chairman of the Accounting Research Foundation (ARF) of ICAI. He has also been the member of the Task Force in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in regard to the Plan Budget of the Ministry for the 12th Five Year Plan and also represented the ICAI in the ‘Advisory Committee on Mutual Funds’ of Security and Exchange Board of India.
A native of Bangalore, CA. K. Raghu began his long and fruitful journey in the Central Council of the ICAI with his election to this supreme body of accountancy profession in 2007 to which he was again re-elected in 2010 and then again for a third term in 2012. Demonstrating the trust bestowed in him by the members, he has every time been elected to Central Council with highly impressive victory margins. A multi-dimensional professional, he has watched the nitty-gritty and intricacies of the profession from very close quarters ever since as a child as he belongs to a family of Chartered Accountants with his father CA. K R Kumar having been the Chairman of the SIRC of the ICAI in the past. A commerce graduate from the University of Bangalore and a student of St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, CA. K. Raghu qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1990 and practises in Bangalore.
CA. K Raghu has shown his professional skills and acumen in all tasks and responsibilities assigned to him both at national as well as international level. In the Central Council of the Institute, he has been pro-actively involved in the functioning of the ICAI in various capacities, viz. as Chairman, Vice-Chairman and member of its various Committees. As the ICAI President in charge for shaping the profession this year, he is now the chairman of all the standing committees of the ICAI viz. Examination Committee, Finance Committee and Executive Committee besides being Presiding Officer of the Board of Discipline (Under Section 21-A), Disciplinary Committee (Under Section 21-B) and Chairman Disciplinary Committee (under section 21D). He is also the ex-officio Member in all the Non-Standing Committees of ICAI and Editor of The Chartered Accountant. As the Vice President of the ICAI, he was the Vice-Chairman of all the Standing Committees of the ICAI, the Member ex-officio in all Non-Standing Committees of the ICAI and Joint Editor of The Chartered Accountant journal.
He played a distinguished role as a member of the Executive Committee of the ICAI in his first year in the Council in 2007-2008. He outstandingly served as the Chairman CPE Committee in 2008-09, and as Chairman of the IT Committee, and Peer Review Board in 2009-10. He proactively worked as Member Disciplinary Committee in 2010-11. He also won accolades of the profession as the Chairman of CMII, during which tenure he is particularly known for launch of ICAI Web TV (www.icaitv.com) and launch of ICAI Connect – Membership Revival Campaign. He was also a Vice Chairman of the Peer Review Board in 2011-12. He also served as Chairman Ethical Standards Board (ESB) and Vice Chairman of Financial Reporting Review Board in Council Year 2012-13.
He has also particularly left an indelible mark in the service of the profession as a member of the Accounting Standards Board, Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, Corporate Governance Committee, Professional Development Committee, Public Finance Committee, Management Accounting Committee, Editorial Board, Financial Markets and Investor Protection Committee, International Trade Laws and WTO Committee, Committee for Capacity Building of CA Firms and Small and Medium Practitioners and International Affairs Committee before taking over as Vice President.
Known for his technology driven initiatives for ICAI as a partner in nation building, CA. K. Raghu had earlier been elected to the Membership Development Committee of XBRL International and also appointed as Director of XBRL India (Section 25 Company) as a nominee of ICAI to promote the use of XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) in India. He had also been nominated as ICAI representative on the MCA 21 Stakeholders Committee constituted by Ministry of Corporate Affairs for ensuring continuous improvement in service delivery under MCA 21.
Also acknowledged for his international outlook and drive to promote brand ‘Indian CA’ globally, he has also put forward Indian accountancy profession’s views in various meetings and programmes of IFAC, SAFA, Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA) and many other international bodies. He was nominated as the Mentor for the New York Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for the year 2008-09.
As an avid academic and an orator of excellence, CA. K. Raghu has attended and contributed to numerous national and international seminars and conferences on the issues of professional interest, commendably demonstrating his passion for the profession and its core concerns. 



Before his elevation to the Central Council, he had recorded his magnetic presence in the Southern India Regional Council of the Institute as its Chairman during 2003-04. He has served as the Vice Chairman and Secretary of the SIRC in its Golden Jubilee Year during which the SIRC was adjudged as the ‘Best Regional Council’ of the Institute. During 1996-97, he was the Chairman of the Bangalore Branch of SIRC of ICAI during which the Branch was adjudged the Most Active Branch of the Region. He also served as the Secretary and Vice-Chairman of the Branch and was the Chairman of the Southern India Chartered Accountants Students Association during 1991-92.

Besides professional domain, he has also been involved in societal and economic causes all through these years. During 1997-98, he was the Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Bangalore. He was also appointed as the Member of the Managing Committee of Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) for the year 2013-14. He is a life member of the Bombay Chartered Accountants Society, Karnataka State Chartered Accountants Association and Bangalore Management Association. He has recently been nominated as a member of the RBI Regional Monitoring Committee of NBFC’s for Karnataka State.
Having a penchant and inclination for social service, CA. K Raghu is also an active Rotarian. He was the President of Rotary Club of Bangalore Peenya (RI District 3190) during 2002-03 and was awarded the “Best President Award” by RI District 3190 for conducting the 6th Mega Jaipur Foot Camp where more than 2350 patients were provided with artificial foot, calipers, crutches and wheel chairs free of cost. He is also a Paul Harris fellow of Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
His motto for the year 2014-15 is: ‘Moving Towards New Frontiers’.

Saturday 8 February 2014

Father of Rural Marketing felicitates Calcutta Business School students

Father of Rural Marketing felicitates
Calcutta Business School students
Kolkata, February, 2014: Known as the Father of Rural Marketing in India, Mr Pradeep Kashyap, addressed the fourth convocation of Calcutta Business School (CBS) today as the Chief Guest at a function at Calcutta Business School’s campus in Kolkata. Chairman of Calcutta Business School, Mr S K Birla, along with Mr Kashyap, inaugurated the convocation which was attended by a host of senior industry representatives and eminent guests. Mr Kashyap handed over diplomas and medals to the students of CBS.
Pradeep Kashyap, Founder & CEO – MART, who has never had a formal management degree in life, is known as the Father of Rural Marketing in India having pioneered the concept of ‘Inclusive Marketing’. He has in the past few years addressed 40 global events speaking on a wide range of topics. He is on many national-level committees and has addressed global investor meets in many countries and is an advisor to many multinationals.
 “It is our endeavour to introduce our students to innovative practices, better managerial skills and initiatives, which, while providing excellent career opportunities, will also be helpful for them in building a better nation. Rural marketing is emerging out to be one such field. We at Calcutta Business School are drawing up plans to start a centre for research & excellence in rural marketing. This would greatly benefit the students and the corporates. Rural marketing is the next wave that all large corporate are gearing up to ride,” said Dr Gautam Sengupta, Director, Calcutta Business School.
Delivering his convocation speech, Chief Guest, Pradeep Kashyap said, “I consider it a special privilege to address Calcutta Business School since I myself do not have the benefit of MBA education.” Describing each graduating students as unique, Mr Kashyap, urged to students not to lose their originality by imitating others and that their single aim should be to find the purpose of their life and pursue it with heart and passion and follow your inner voice. 
Addressing the students, Kashyap said, “For you to win nobody needs to lose. In real life cooperation not competition is the mantra of success. Share knowledge with everyone freely and you will get ten times back. You are fortunate to be starting your working life at a time when India is tipped to become the third largest global economy in the world by 2025. You will enjoy the benefits of a modern country.”
Mr Kashyap is recognized as a thought leader and is a regular speaker at CEO forums in India and abroad. He has been Marketing Advisor to Ministry of Rural Development and has served on Prime Minister Office and Chief Minister Committees on rural development. He is a World Bank and UN consultant.
The convocation ended on an exultant note with the vote of thanks, national anthem and the procession walking down the stage.
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ABOUT CALCUTTA BUSINESS SCHOOL: Calcutta Business School is an autonomous institute offering an AICTE approved two-year fully residential Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program and several Executive and Management Development Programs. The school, modelled on some of the top ranking Business Schools in the world, is located on a sprawling 15 acres fully residential, eco-friendly and 'intelligent' campus on the outskirts of Kolkata. The campus is rated among the largest dedicated Business School campuses in India. The infrastructure consists of various dedicated edifices like Management Academy, Management Development & Research Cell, Seminar Halls, Administrative Building and Student Residences.

Thursday 6 February 2014

Father of Rural Marketing to address Calcutta Business School convocation

Father of Rural Marketing to address
Calcutta Business School convocation


Kolkata, February 2014: The Father of Rural Marketing in India, Mr Pradeep Kashyap, will address the fourth convocation of Calcutta Business School (CBS) on February 8th 2014 at the B-School's campus in Kolkata. Chairman of CBS, Mr S K Birla, and a host of senior industry representatives and eminent guests would be present at the convocation funtion.

Pradeep Kashyap, Founder & CEO – MART, who is known as the Father of Rural Marketing in India, has in the past years addressed 40 Global events in the US, UK, France, Netherlands, Bangladesh and India. He has spoken on a wide range of topics –Innovation in Emerging Markets, Investment Opportunities in Rural India, Inclusive Marketing, Rural  Marketing and Conscious Business and Inspired Leadership.
“It is our endeavour to introduce our students to innovative field of studies and management practices in action which, while providing excellent career opportunities, are rooted in the process of nation building as well. Rural marketing is one such exciting field and Mr Pradeep Kashyap is an authority on the subject who can inspire bright young students of our School and pursue excellent careers ahead,” said Dr Gautam Sengupta, Director, Calcutta Business School.
Mr Kashyap is recognized as a thought leader and is a regular speaker at CEO forums in India and abroad. He has been Marketing Advisor to Ministry of Rural Development and has served on Prime Minister Office and Chief Minister Committees on rural development. He is a World Bank and United Nations consultant. He was Chairman, Khadi Commission National Marketing Committee and member of the NABARD and SIDBI national advisory committees.
He has worked in the corporate sector for the first 20 years with MNCs like Exide, BOSCH & DENSO, and the next 20 years as a rural development and marketing advisor. He has worked relentlessly to create tens of thousands of livelihoods for rural poor through collective marketing, public private partnerships and the 300 Gramshree melas organized in 75 cities for sale of rural products. He co-created Project Shakti with Hindustan Unilever to appoint 46,000 poor women from micro finance groups as company dealers and has pioneered another low cost, last mile rural distribution model by appointing village entrepreneurs on bicycles for many FMCG and durable companies. He has also pioneered the concept of ‘Inclusive Marketing’.

CBS, a leading B-School of Kolkata providing residential PGDM course, had recently introduced the L N Birla Memorial Award for Corporate Excellence.

ABOUT CALCUTTA BUSINESS SCHOOL:

Calcutta Business School is an autonomous institute offering an AICTE approved two-year fully residential Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program and several Executive and Management Development Programs. The school, modelled on some of the top ranking Business Schools in the world, is located on a sprawling 15 acres fully residential, eco-friendly and 'intelligent' campus on the outskirts of Kolkata. The campus is rated among the largest dedicated Business School campuses in India. The infrastructure consists of various dedicated edifices like Management Academy, Management Development & Research Cell, Seminar Halls, Administrative Building and Student Residences.

Wednesday 5 February 2014

Skagen Denmark Delivers Accessible Minimalist Collection in Spring 2014

Skagen Denmark Delivers Accessible Minimalist
Collection in Spring 2014

Inspired by the array of brightly colored fishing nets and boats found along the Skagen coastline in Denmark, the watch major is introducing ‘Aktiv,’ styles for the on-the-go versatile man this spring. The designs for spring 2014 will mark a major milestone for Skagen embarks on reimagining of the brand.

Skagen will incorporate inspiration from the natural elements of everyday culture and lifestyles in Denmark and these changes will be visible in the Spring 2014 watch collections for men and women. The increased product assortment will provide minimalist aesthetic designs in a way that is universally accessible. As spring speeds into gear, stay on track with versatile timepieces designed to turn heads.

All Skagen Aktiv watches will be available with a functional chronograph or a simple three-hand-with-date movement. Incorporating a variety of colorful and neutral straps, it is a visible step in an absolutely new direction. The new Aktiv styles are water resistant to 5ATMand boast a 42mm Titanium case in gray or black and a range of three silicone straps, in red, black and orange. It will also be available in titanium-linked bracelets.

SKW6073 is inspired by the strength of sprouts emerging after a long winter with bright signaling readiness to take on challenges that lay ahead. A strong red silicone band meets a distinctive multifunctional titanium case to create a lightweight and enduring timepiece. Skagen Gents Aktiv SKW6074 has an Analog quartz movement, Grey dial encased in durable Titanium and featuring Orange Silicone infused Strap. A tour de force of timekeeping, our Aktiv collection pays tribute to the pride the Danish people take in an active lifestyle.

The SKW6075 chronograph comes with multifunctional movement encased in black stainless steel dial and a black leather band. Favoured for its urban style and durability, this chronograph timepiece is a casual addition to your everyday look. The contemporary sleek and distinctive form of SKW6076 chronograph features a light and strong titanium case and bracelet in stainless steel mesh and leather. The grey dial features a subtle sunburst effect, and is set with three chronograph sub-dials and easily readable orange accents.Priced from Rs 10,795/- onwards, the Skagen Aktiv is available at  select Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Helios, Ethos, Just in Vogue and other leading watch retail outlets across the country.

About Skagen Denmark: Skagen Denmark is a contemporary lifestyle brand, rooted in simplicity, modesty and a sense of purpose. Combining the inspiration of timeless Danish craftsmanship with thoughtful innovation, we create honest, high-quality products that are both functional and elegant.

Inspired by the welcoming spirit of ‘hygge’, the respect for nature and the unmatched ability to create essential beauty, we hope to be a source of inspiration throughout the world. We believe the world needs a retreat from complexity, and a breath of fresh air.


Founded in 1989, Skagen Denmark is now part of Fossil Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FOSL) with presence in nearly 80 countries worldwide and a global ecommerce presence via www.skagen.com. Our lifestyle collections include watches, jewelry, leather accessories, gifts and home goods.