Latest research uncovers the dual nature of Kumbh Mela as both a spiritual gathering and a powerful brand platform, offering critical insights for stakeholders planning 2025’s 400-million-strong gathering.

InsightCrunch’s comprehensive study of previous Kumbh Melas has revealed a fascinating intersection of spirituality and commerce, providing crucial insights on the 2025 event. The research, encompassing 750 respondents across diverse demographics, presents compelling findings about both spiritual experiences and brand effectiveness.

The spiritual essence of Kumbh remains its cornerstone, with 60% of attendees describing their experience as “Very Spiritual.” This connection appears particularly strong among those with primary education (72%) compared to postgraduates (52%). The sacred act of bathing at the Sangam emerged as the defining experience, with 39% of attendees – and notably 47% of younger participants – citing it as their most memorable moment.

On the commercial front, the study reveals unprecedented brand engagement opportunities. More than half (52%) of attendees noticed brand campaigns, with Fashion and Lifestyle brands leading awareness at 25%, followed by Spiritual/Religious products and Food & Beverages at 19% each. Younger attendees (18-25 years) showed the highest brand awareness at 46%, while engagement dropped to 13% among older participants (60+).

The research also identified operational challenges requiring attention. Overcrowding affected 33% of participants, with higher impact on elderly attendees (55%). Women faced unique challenges, with 40% reporting issues with washroom facilities. Transportation emerged as another key concern, particularly affecting elderly and lower-income groups.

Looking toward Kumbh 2025, attendees have expressed clear priorities for improvement. Sanitation facilities lead the improvement requests (28%), followed by crowd management strategies (18%) and improved bathing facilities (15%). The research also reveals growing interest in technological integration, with 17% of attendees, particularly those aged 46-60, seeking virtual experiences and live streaming options.

This comprehensive analysis presents vital data for both administrative and brand-side stakeholders planning Kumbh 2025, from infrastructure development to brand engagement strategies. For detailed insights, operational recommendations, and demographic-specific findings, download the complete report.

https://insightcrunch.in/kumbh-mela-2025-report/

Access the full report to explore unprecedented insights into attendee behaviour, brand engagement metrics, and strategic recommendations for maximizing both spiritual and commercial opportunities at Kumbh 2025.

Day three of the Conclave featured panel discussion on socio-industry relevant topic and a Hackathon on themes and challenge statements which would lead to “Vikshit Bharat –2047” the theme of the conclave.

The panel discussion on the topic “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental Accountability in Mining Operations” featured participation by industry academia stalwarts Shri Amitanjan Nandi (Executive Director, Mining, Damodar Valley Corporation), Mr. P.B. Sinha (Consultant, FEURST Inc., France), Dr. S.K. Chaulya (Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR), and Dr. N.K. Mohalik (Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR). This panel discussion was mainly focused on the interplay between economic growth and environmental sustainability in mining, at the global level and particularly in Jharkhand.

The panelists discussed the challenges and solutions for environmental accountability in mining operations, adoption of technological innovations for sustainable practices, economic importance of mining in Jharkhand alongside environmental degradation concerns, future of mining under climate-conscious regulations and community rights, consent, and inclusive mining policies. The event concluded with thought-provoking contributions from the panel, encouraging sustainable strategies and policies to balance economic and ecological priorities in mining sectors.

The other event featured Circuit Design & Simulation Hackathon which was organized in collaboration with VLSI System Design (VSD), Bangalore under the umbrella of IAC 24. This event was dedicated to pay tribute to Padma Vibhushan Late Shri Ratan Tata, a visionary who believed in empowering individuals through technology and innovation to build a better future for India.

All the circuit implementations were done on open-source EDA tools. Chief Guest from academia Prof. Amit Patra (Director IIT BHU) and Guest of honour Shri Kunal Gosh (VSD Benglore) shed light on the importance of open-source tools in VLSI circuits. Up skilling of students on circuit design will be utilized in development of IP for real-world applications. For this event, there were 1651 participants registered from engineering colleges all over the country and after initial shortlisting, 232 circuit design reports were submitted for final round evaluation. These designs were finally examined by the expert members from the industry and subject experts from academia for final round. The top three participants were called to present their work at NIT Jamshedpur. Chief Guest from Industry Kunal Ghosh and jury member Anagha Ghosh (VSD, Banglore) evaluated the participants based on their work.  The first prize went to Sangesh S from Patiala (Punjab), 2nd prize to Nalinkumar S (Bangalore, Karnataka), and 3rd prize to Sree Vishnu Varthini S  (Coimbatore, Tamilnadu). Dr. Kunal Singh and Dr. Chandradeep Singh were coordinator and convener of the event.

During closing ceremony of the 2nd Industry-Academia Conclave (IAC-2024), Prof. Goutam Sutradhar presented the brief report of IAC-2024. He expressed his deepest gratitude to the co-organizers of this event Central University of Jharkhand Ranchi, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, BIS, IIT Bhilai, IIT Patna, NIT Agartala, NIT Arunachal Pradesh, NIT Manipur, NIT Mizoram, NIT Nagaland, NIT Patna, and NIT Raipur, for being instrumental in shaping this conclave. He  also extend his  appreciation to the sponsors of this conclave: Powergrid, Tata Steel, Greenko Group, MIDHANI, Grind Chem, DVC, NTPC, GAIL, AIMIL, Braithwaite, Janyu Tech, Allied publishers, Springer, Nature, SBI, Canara Bank, and BIS for their financial support and motivation.

He added further that IAC-2024 has successfully brought together academia, industry, and government stakeholders to foster partnerships, advance research, and promote entrepreneurship, reinforcing NIT Jamshedpur’s commitment to contributing to a sustainable, innovative, and self-reliant India by 2047, aligned with the theme “Vikshit Bharat – Vikshit Jharkhand.” This conclave saw participation by 72 delegates from 28 IITs, NITs, and institutes of national repute, and 46 delegates from 18 industries, showcasing their latest innovations and industry-relevant products and services on 43 stalls.

The highlights of IAC-2024 included five panel discussions on national and industry-relevant topics, including Renewable Energy Integration, Industry 4.0, Digital Twin Technology, Innovation-Driven IPR, and Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability, as well as the signing of three MoUs with IIT Jodhpur, RVSCET Jamshedpur, and Ramgarh College to foster collaboration and innovation in research, a model competition featuring 300 students with 90 models from 70+ schools and colleges with a total prize amount of ₹1 lakh, a Circuit Design & Simulation Hackathon using open-source tools, and cultural evenings featuring traditional performances.

Prof. Sutradhar paid his gratitude to Dr. shubra Kamal Dutta, Hon chief adviser of conclave and heartily congratulated the organizing secretaries, Prof. M K Sinha and Prof. Amaresh Kumar, and their team on the successful event.

South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage

On October 29th, an administrative decision by a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.

The “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly canceled the venue rental without prior notice. This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the international event. Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, said that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation. They also said that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group. They further emphasize that other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, suggesting that the cancellation was “administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution.”

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were permitted within the same designated area.

The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve mosque construction.

The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus call upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and rectify this unjust decision. They urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.

Bangalore — 29^th Oct 2024 — Chanakya University proudly announces the grand inauguration of School of Engineering on 28^th Oct 2024, marking a significant milestone in technical education. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. S Somanath, Chairman – Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Professor, IIT Madras and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.

The School of Engineering at Chanakya University aims to cultivate innovative thinkers and skilled professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. With a curriculum designed to bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application, the school offers programmes such as Computer Science and Engineering, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Electronics Engineering (VLSI and Embedded Systems), Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Civil, Construction and Sustainable Engineering.

Dr. S Somanath, a pioneering figure in India’s space endeavors, delivered the inaugural address, emphasising the importance of engineering education in driving technological advancements. Prof. Abhay Karandikar highlighted the role of academia in fostering research and innovation, crucial for the nation’s progress in science and technology.

“Today, we ignite a beacon of innovation and excellence with the inauguration of School of Engineering. Our vision is to nurture talented engineers who will harness technology to transform lives. An engineer must be capable of providing remedies for the complex problems of the society. A constant learner who is rooted in the culture, heritage and traditions has a better exposure for solving complexities around. I urge the students to embrace curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Let us bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering solutions for a better tomorrow” – Dr. S Somanath said.

Prof. Karandikar added, “The foundation of any great institution lies in its commitment to inspire innovation, nurture critical thinking, and empower future leaders. Today, with the inauguration of the School of Engineering at Chanakya University, we embark on a journey to create a vibrant ecosystem where technology meets purpose, and knowledge transforms into impactful solutions for the society. Let us strive to make this school a beacon of excellence, where every student not only learns but also contributes to the advancement of our nation and the world.”

Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Professor, Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras said “The opening of the School of Engineering at Chanakya University marks more than just the start of a new academic chapter; it represents a commitment to shaping future innovators, thinkers, and leaders who will drive meaningful change. We are building a place where ideas flourish, collaboration thrives, and knowledge is transformed into action that addresses real-world challenges. Together, let us foster a community that is dedicated to engineering a better tomorrow.”

Founder Chancellor and Padma Shri Awardee Prof. M. K. Sridhar, Pro Chancellor Sri M P Kumar, Vice Chancellor Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Director – Academics, School of Engineering Dr. Vineeth Paleri, Chief Operating Officer Sri Nagaraj Reddy, and Registrar Prof. Sushanth Joshi, were present during the inauguration.

About Chanakya University:

Chanakya University, located in Devanahalli, is renowned for its innovative approach to higher education. With a strong emphasis on research, interdisciplinary learning, and community service, the University aims to develop well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

For details, contact:

School of Engineering

Sri Chandrashekar, Media and Communications

chandrashekar.km@chanakyauniversity.edu.in

www.chanakyauniversity.edu.in

28th October 2024, Bangalore: HackerEarth, a global leader in developer assessment and engagement solutions, is excited to announce its collaboration with Amazon India to host the highly anticipated Amazon Smbhav Hackathon 2024. 

This nationwide event will bring together a large number of participants from diverse backgrounds, leveraging AI and GenAI to create groundbreaking solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). 

The hackathon, designed to transform the e-commerce landscape for SMBs in India, will challenge participants to develop innovative tools and solutions that empower SMBs to expand both domestically and internationally. By using AI-powered technologies in their solutions, innovators will focus on real-world challenges such as navigating cross-border trade, compliance with international regulations, and creating AI-powered solutions that enhance SMB efficiency and sustainability.

Key Highlights of the Hackathon:

1. SMB Empowerment through AI: Participants will harness the power of AI and GenAI to develop solutions that enable SMBs to optimize their business operations, from product listings and multi-channel fulfillment to cross-border trade and sustainability. These tools will be aimed at making businesses more competitive on Amazon’s platform, both in India and globally.
2. Collaboration to create Real-World Impact: Participants will work alongside successful Amazon sellers and e-commerce experts to refine their ideas and create transformative solutions that align with the real needs of the e-commerce ecosystem.
3. Driving India’s Digital Economy: The hackathon supports India’s ambitious goal of becoming a trillion-dollar digital economy by unlocking growth opportunities for SMBs through cutting-edge AI-driven solutions.

“Empowering India’s Tech Talent to Drive Innovation”

“We’re excited to partner with Amazon India for this important initiative,” said Vikas Aditya, CEO of HackerEarth. “The Amazon Smbhav Hackathon gives India’s developers, innovators, and entrepreneurs a chance to solve real-world problems using AI. By bringing together the brightest minds, we’re helping SMBs grow while contributing to India’s digital economy. This has been made possible by HackerEarth’s long-standing commitment to building a strong community of developers and problem-solvers.”. 

Azad Tripathi, Sr. Manager, Seller Experience, Amazon added “The Smbhav Hackathon is more than just a competition; it’s a launchpad for innovation that can shape the future of e-commerce in India. We’re looking for bright minds who can turn challenges into opportunities, creating solutions that will empower millions of SMBs across the country”.

Commitment to a Digital India

Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), the hackathon underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and digitisation for SMB growth. This is expected to be one of the largest tech events in India, attracting a vast community of developers, students, and entrepreneurs. It presents a platform where India’s best minds can showcase their creativity, collaborate with experts, and develop solutions that drive meaningful change.

Phases and Recognition:

Participants will progress through multiple stages—from idea submissions to prototype development, culminating in a virtual Demo Day on December 5-6, 2024. The winners will be celebrated at the prestigious Amazon Smbhav Summit 2024 in New Delhi on December 9-10, where they stand to win cash prizes up to ₹10 lakh and a trip to Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle. Winning solutions could potentially be implemented on a larger scale on Amazon’s platform, impacting millions of SMBs and customers worldwide.

About HackerEarth:

HackerEarth is a global leader in developer assessment and engagement solutions, empowering enterprises to hire, evaluate, and upskill developers based on their skills. With an active community of developers, HackerEarth’s platform enables companies to find the best talent, streamline recruitment processes, and foster continuous innovation. For more information, visit www.hackerearth.com.

For more details on the Amazon Smbhav Hackathon 2024 and to register, please visit: Amazon Smbhav Hackathon 2024 Registration.