Nellikkuzhi Kurian left his Dubai business, toiled for 20 years to build biodiversity park with 4800 plant species

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An engineer left his business in Dubai to build a biodiversity park. Mango Meadows Agriculture Pleasure Land, built by Nellikkuzhi Kuriakkose Kurian, houses 4800 plant species.

Several forests have been cut down in the name of development by industries and governments alike, hurting tribal populations as well as local fauna and flora around the country. However, 50-year-old Nellikkuzhi Kuriakkose Kurian stands out. Nellikkuzhi Kurian has built a man-made oasis in Ayamkudy, a village in the state’s Kottayam district, using money from his own pocket.

For the past three years, the Mango Meadows Agriculture Pleasure Land, a biodiversity park, has become a popular site for visitors and tourists to revitalise in the middle of nature, with not a speck of pollution on its premises. Nellikkuzi’s objective when he began was never to establish a park for touristic interests.

Nellikkuzi, a Kaipuzha native, began his career as an engineer directing construction sites in Mumbai. He moved to Saudi Arabia in 1995, at the age of 26, to work as a site engineer for a construction company. Nellikkuzi says, he was visiting a location one day when he stumbled across a man-made oasis in the middle of the desert.

During a visit to India in 2002, Nellikkuzi purchased a 5-acre barren property in Ayamkudy village to pursue the venture. He says, “There were four coconut trees on the property, and the rest was desolate.”

He began investing money in native tree planting and travelled to remote areas of the country. Nellikkuzi had bought 30 acres of property about a decade later. He says, “In 2009, I decided to give up my business and devote my savings and life to the development of the forest.”

Today, the green haven is home to 4 lakh trees, 4,800 plant species, 85 vegetable varieties, and 145 fruit trees, including plum, cherry, Israel orange, and others. Other uncommon plant species and trees found in the park include Aegle marmelos, which is considered sacred and utilised for medical purposes.”

Nellikkuzi says, “I’ve also planted a rare species, ficus alii, which is on the verge of extinction, as well as other variations like calabash or beggar’s bow, rudraksha, and others.”

He claims that not all of the types he grows are edible.Nellikkuzi continues, “But my major goal is to save as many plant species as possible from extinction,”

The paradise also has four ponds with 64 different types of fish. Tunnels connect the ponds, which range in size from 50 to 150 square feet. Due to this, fishes can travel between the ponds. Nellikkuzi built these ponds to create job opportunities for people.

Nellikkuzi says he began cultivating the site to build a mini-forest, but it soon evolved into an eco-friendly homestay.

He says, “I built a farmhouse to oversee and maintain the plantings.”

However, many friends and relatives began to visit the area in search of quiet and to spend time away from the city’s bustle “he claims.

Nellikkuzi opened his biodiversity park to the public as the number of tourists grew.

But, he says, “Floods in 2018 inundated my park, causing losses. I looked for loans to help me recuperate. I need Rs 7 lakh each month to keep the park running, and my debts have ballooned to Rs 25 crore. I intend to compensate them through tourism.”

Aside from flora, the park has go-karting, cable cars, a swimming pool, boating and boat safaris, a ropeway, archery, a restaurant, a resort, and much more. According to Nellikkuzi, no vehicles are permitted on campus, and guests must get about by e-vehicle, bullock cart, or foot.

He says, “Researchers and students from all across India have investigated the plant species at my biodiversity park, which demonstrates that I was successful in my goal of saving and protecting unique varieties.” However, Nellikkuzi admits that establishing a mini-forest on his own has not been easy.

He says, “There was no Google or the internet to help me identify and locate unusual plants. It took me months to locate and acquire uncommon plant species. I put in a lot of effort by going to agricultural universities and botanical gardens to collect uncommon species ,” adding that financial limits are another challenge that persists to this day.

Nellikkuzhi Kurian says, “My work impressed the Gujarat Tourism and Fisheries Minister during his recent visit, and he encouraged me to develop such a biodiversity theme park.”

Nellikkuzhi believes that Mango Meadows Agriculture Pleasure Land will help future generations grasp the country’s natural heritage.

How Namit Bajoria built Rs 300 cr Kutchina home appliance brand after suffering losses in his first business

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Namit Bajoria introduced Kutchina chimneys in the year 2002. The company now offers a variety of kitchen and home appliances and clocks a Rs 300 crore turnover.

Namit Bajoria, 49, the creator of Kutchina, a Rs 300 crore turnover home and kitchen appliances firm based in Kolkata, was a youngster when he decided not to work or join his father’s business.

His father, Bimal Kumar Bajoria, had a small-scale sodium dichromate plant in Ranchi, with a branch in Kolkata. Namit, on the other hand, had little interest in the business and was resolved to be self-sufficient from an early age. He began working part-time jobs after finishing Class 10, and at the age of 22, he created his first firm after graduating in 1995.

“I borrowed Rs 1.30 lakh from my father and opened a fax machine and digital phone dealership,” Namit explains.

At the age of 29, he eventually created Kutchina, a kitchen chimney brand, which has now developed into a composite kitchen and home appliances brand over the subsequent two decades. While Kutchina is still known for its chimneys, it now also sells modular kitchens, microwaves, dishwashers, induction cookers, hand blenders, and toasters.

Kutchina began with chimneys and has now expanded to include microwaves, dishwashers, induction cookers, and a variety of other home and kitchen appliances. Namit graduated from St Paul’s School in Kolkata in 1990 and began working in an office, where he went out to collect payments and deposit cheques at banks.

He then enrolled at St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata to pursue his bachelor’s degree in business (B Com). He went to a walk-in interview for a sales job during his first year.

The company needed salesmen to sell office equipment such as EPABXs, fax machines, and cordless phones. Namit was engaged as a sales representative with a monthly salary of Rs 1,200.

“I went to residential and commercial complexes to promote the products,” Namit recalls, nostalgically reliving the time when he refined his sales and marketing talents.

As a result, by the time he graduated, he was ready to start his own firm. He established the office appliance dealership in 1995.

The company was performing well, but Namit was eager to grow and became a dealer for a cosmetics brand that sold talcum powder, nail paint, and other items.

He did, however, lose all of his money since he sold on credit and the distributors and retailers did not pay on time.

He quickly ran out of funds. “I became bankrupt during the 1998 holiday season.”

I had lost everything in the market. Namit’s initial business collapsed, but he quickly found work as a distributor for a chimney brand and recovered his fortunes.

“I invested the Rs 30,000 I had with me and bought a few chimneys on a half-cash, half-credit basis and launched my business,” Namit laughs.

The profit margin in the business was substantial, and he made a lot of money between 1998 and 2002. He rose to become one of the country’s leading chimney distributors, and his repressed dreams awoke. “I figured if I could sell someone else’s brand, why not sell my own?” In 2002, Namit spent roughly Rs 20 lakh to import a container load of German chimneys and sell them under the Kutchina brand.

He did, however, have difficulties in developing his brand in a market dominated by MNCs. Kutchina was Kolkata’s own brand, but no one wanted to preserve it.

Namit staged a number of shows in order to directly demonstrate his items to buyers. He was able to rapidly establish his footing in the market because he had worked in the business of sales and marketing since his college days. He realised that the vast majority of chimneys sold in India were imported from European countries.

He discovered that their suction was inadequate, necessitating the cleaning of the filter every 15 days. Unlike in Europe, food in India is cooked with oil, ghee, or butter, and the fatty residue in the smoke clogged the filters. To combat this, Namit created chimneys equipped with self-cleaning machinery.

“I informed consumers that if they were satisfied, they could pay 15 days after we installed the chimney, or we would take it back. It sunk in, “according to Namit.

The company went through many ups and downs, but he stuck with it and it grew.

In the first fiscal year 2002-03, he earned about Rs 1 crore in revenue. Over the years, he increased his product line, and his business grew.

In 2011-12, the company’s revenue reached Rs 100 crore, and five years later, it reached Rs 200 crore. While running his own firm after college, Namit earned PG certificates in import – export and sales and marketing.

In 2013, he also enrolled in a three-year management development programme at Harvard, which he completed by attending classes for one month each year. Today, Kutchina Homemakers Private Limited sells a variety of kitchen products, but the chimney remains their best-selling item, accounting for over 60% of their sales.

The brand is distributed and sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers. Their products are available through ecommerce portals as well as retail shops.

They have 16 showrooms in Kolkata alone, with an additional 70 around the country.

Effective Financial Decision-Making Strategies for one to follow

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There is a huge difference between spending and investing funds. Here are

top financial decision-making strategies one should know.

In general, you spend money to keep your standard of living up, which includes paying bills, utilities, and rent. You must also pay for food, transportation, debt, subscription services such as Netflix and Spotify, your phone bill, and other fixed expenses. These are the types of expenses that you can no longer recover—they are unrecoverable.

Meanwhile, investing is the purchase of assets that will benefit you in the future, such as an investment vehicle. These are the intelligent purchases that will allow you to earn extra money.

The primary distinction between spending and investing is that consuming consumes your money, whilst investing allows you to expand your money.

Now let’s look at how you may make wise financial decisions to improve your financial future by managing your money. .”

Here are the three top financial decision-making strategies:

First and foremost, keep track of your spending

If you’re having trouble controlling your impulsive spending, you might as well store your credit and debit cards at home in a safe place. Instead, merely bring your daily stipend and a little more cash in case of an emergency. You can also bring a debit card with your allowance till the following payday. Establishing good spending habits will teach you to spend sensibly and keep your money where it belongs. This is a fantastic way to begin your investment journey!

Make and stick to a budget

Gather your receipts, bills, and account statements to establish your monthly spending and create a budget. It’s time to make a financial strategy and stick to it.

To begin, follow the 50/20/30 guideline when it comes to saving and spending. You assign 50% of your income to living expenditures and other necessities, 20% to savings and investments, and 30% to your personal spending budget. You can make changes based on your financial situation and aspirations.

Invest in items that will help your money grow

Congratulations for organising your spending habits and budget! You can start placing your money in other investment vehicles, such as equities, now that you’ve found your groove on the road to better financial health.

If you have a dollar fund, you can invest in a dollar-denominated product. What a great way to kill two birds with one stone! While you accumulate USD funds, a dollar investment allows you to have access to and participate in a worldwide financial market. This is ideal for Indians who have amassed a sizable dollar fund and want to develop it

Bharat Media Group holds world record for longest Singing in Multiple language and from multiple places

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The Day will be remembered – 22 January 2022. Bharat Media LLC created a “WORLD RECORD” Under the event, ‘Mile Sur Bharat Ka’ of ‘BHARAT BHASHA MAHOTSAV’ started by Bharat Media, a small bunch of around 60 people that belong to a massive global family of Bharat Media LLC headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States has set a world record on 22nd January 2022 under which 9 hours of non-stop fun was hosted by 5 RJs where 57 singers participated from 6 countries, 25+cities and 4 continents who sung in 26 languages of India including all official Indian languages. These languages are: Assamese, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Bodo, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Kumaoni, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.

Hriday Raval, Co-Founder/ Chief Operating Officer/ Editor-In-Chief of Bharat Media – the one who wrote the famous jingle of BHARAT FM®️- Bajega Bharat Jhoomega Bharat! And the mastermind behind this world record received this prestigious award on behalf of Bharat Media LLC in Ahmedabad, India from Dr. Rajib Pal Founder/ Director of World Book of Star Records in presence of Santashree Bhattacharya Celebrity Singer/ Brand Ambassador of World Book of Star Records and other delegates. The adjudicator of the record was Advocate Hemant Thakkar, High court, Madhya Pradesh.

Aashish Jha, Chief Program Coordinator of Bharat Media supported by RJ Varsha Walia, RJ Ishita Shah, RJ Nayana Paranjape Sahasrabudhe and RJ Nayantara Ray were the team in front to achieve this feat. The actual credit goes to these 57 singers who not only went out of the way to learn new languages and their songs but wholeheartedly despite few suffering from covid sang these songs to make this a grand success, Said Hriday Raval. We are very fortunate to have a global family of 100+ people at Bharat Media who are in constant support of us, volunteering their time to support our vision of becoming the most comprehensive broadcast platform representing the voice of Indians and South Asians worldwide. Manan Raval said that Now, we are proud to be the largest provider of free Hindi and regional language content for global Indians on our 24/7 radio and video platforms.

With an avid fan following among the Indian diaspora around the globe, Bharat Media creates fresh and unique content in 12 different Indian languages that cater to the 32-million Non-Resident Indians worldwide with a demographic between the ages of 5 and 95. Some of the content genres they offer are news, current affairs, human interest, social causes, reality shows, celebrity interviews, shows that promote local arts and culture, regional talent shows, music, literature, live karaoke, and much more. Bharat Media has joined hands with 50+ global NGOs to shed light on universal issues like human trafficking, environment protection, women empowerment, and LGBTQ rights. Apart from engaging the Indian diaspora globally and especially in the United States and India – they have often invited high-profile American politicians and delegates to their shows, which has helped them garner a considerable following among Non-Indian American audiences as well.

Being asked about the success of the company, Hriday said that with this vision and mission of our Founder Manan Raval, despite him facing lots of difficulties during Covid, he kept his heart out financially and mentally to uplift the talent of the Indian community without charging a single penny to the audience and the artists whilst building a global team cum family to support this mission is the main factor behind the success of Bharat Media.

After the success of BHARAT FM®️ which is accessible through their website i.e. www.bharatfm.com and through their iOS and Android applications, BHARAT TV™️ – OTT Platform along with its own TV channel is set to launch within 6 months from now. It has been partially launched for the independent content creators to upload their content who generally doesn’t get a chance by any OTT platforms which then through scrutiny will be get selected to be on BHARAT TV™️’s platform i.e. www.bharattvnow.com. This is the golden opportunity for any good content creator who doesn’t get a chance to showcase their creativity.

Best jobs for students to do work from home

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As work-from-home becomes a new normal after the Covid-19 pandemic, why should students lag behind? Find out 5 best jobs students can do from home.

Your choice of employment is determined by the amount of time you have available after school. Content writing and online tutoring are some of the hottest work-from-home job options available for students

Whether you’re about to start college or have already finished, the possibility of some extra cash is always appealing. Going to work, on the other hand, may not be ideal right now because the pandemic is far from finished and you may have classes to attend. This is where online part-time employment come in handy, as they offer a wide selection of opportunities and flexibility.

Working in such occupations is an excellent opportunity to hone your talents, develop time management, and obtain understanding of a specific sector. These will not only help to boost your resume, but they will also have a favourable impact on your future academic endeavors.

For example, if you want to study at a business school, your work experience may put you ahead of those who have nothing to show for in that sector.

Having some work experience is also an excellent method to impress potential employers.

Working anyplace will provide you the opportunity to engage with others, which will likely improve your ability to network and develop new contacts.

All of this will be handy when you ultimately enter the professional arena after finishing your studies.

Here are five of the best jobs students can do from home

Online tutoring: The demand for this profession has surged, during the pandemic. Jobs for part-time online tutoring can be discovered on websites like indeed.com and naukri.com.

Video calls from your laptop or phone can be used to communicate with pupils.

You can arrange for lesson hours that are convenient for you. It’s an excellent side hustle for students because all you have to do is teach a subject you’re already knowledgeable about. If you have good communication skills, this profession can provide you with a continuous stream of income for as long as you choose.

Content writing: The expertise necessary to accomplish the job varies substantially between these kinds. They do, however, have one thing in common: you need ink and an ambition to hit the mark. If you know what kind of content interests you and are fluent in the language, you may start sending your resume to organisations searching for writers right now. This field’s job posts can be discovered on the first few pages of any job portal.

Graphic designing: Different businesses hire online graphic designers for projects.

Among other things, the role entails developing posters, infographics, logos, and layouts for publications and brochures. You will need access to a range of tools in this area of work, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and Corel Draw, among others.

As every sector wants for graphic designers to develop a strong online presence, this might be an excellent opportunity for you to learn and hone the necessary abilities – YouTube and Instagram are excellent places to start for upskilling in this profession.

Social media management: Social media has become an essential aspect of brand image building due to its exponential growth in users. Every business, celebrity, and public figure employs social media managers.

Students are in high demand in this field since they are more tech aware and can learn things faster than older folks. You must comprehend the analytics and followers of the website in order to be considered for this role.

You must also keep up with the current trends and pop cultural events. If you’re new to social media management, check out Udemy, Coursera, and Harvard edX.

Virtual assistance: A remote administrative assistance is referred to as a virtual assistant. If you have a penchant for keeping things organised, this is the job for you. All you need to know is how to utilise Microsoft Office apps.

The primary responsibilities include maintaining business data, writing and replying to emails, and executing other administrative chores. You should be able to use PowerPoint to produce business documents and enter data into Excel. Virtual assistance is largely a form of self-employment. There are job vacancies for this position on Naukri and Upwork.

How to grow your money by investing and minimal spending

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Spending is sometimes used to mean investing, but there are several differences between them. Learn the difference between spending and investing to grow your money.

Spending and investing are comparable in that you spend money when you buy goods like a new phone, a car, or investment assets. But where should the line be drawn between spending and investing?

Here are the details on the difference between spending and investing:

Spending: In general, you spend money to maintain your standard of living, which includes paying off bills, utilities, and rent. You also have to pay for food, transportation, debt, subscriptions such as Netflix and Spotify, your phone bill, and other fixed expenses. These are the types of expenses that you can no longer recover—they are no longer recoverable.

Spending is not inherently bad. It’s your money, after all. Frequently, you spend a large percentage (if not all) of your money on goods that give you rapid gratification (e.g., new shoes, clothes, accessories). Is an action camera truly necessary for your future trip, or is it merely a desire?

Investing: According to Merriam-Webster, investment is a technique to “commit (money) in order to obtain a financial return” and “to use for future benefits or advantages.” In essence, investing is the purchase of assets, such as an investment vehicle, that will benefit you in the future. These are the wise purchases you make that can help you earn more money.

It entails leveraging your money to maximise your benefits and rewards. You put it in a vehicle that has the potential to develop if done correctly.

While investing to make more money comes with dangers of probable loss. It is critical that you analyse your financial condition, goals, and investment options to determine the best one for your needs and financial situation. When investing, it is vital that you do not simply throw your money into investment vehicles at random, but rather that you invest properly.

The main distinction between investing and spending is that investing is simply another method of spending money, but it is spent with the intention of generating future returns.

Furthermore, investment is typically done for long-term financial goals such as life insurance, real estate, retirement, and your children’s education fund. You’re still “spending” your money, but with the intention of financially preparing and safeguarding yourself in the future.

The major difference between spending and investing is that your money is gone, once you spend it, while investment can help you grow your money.

Founder of Trading Villa Ranvijay Chaudhary throws light on key aspects of stock market

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Many people enter the stock market expecting to make big money but fall prey to wrong investment moves, which leads to losses. Ranvijay Chaudhary, who has been in the trading and investing arena for more than a decade, has in this article thrown light on some key aspects of the stock market so that you don’t lose your money.

Many enthusiast traders add stocks to their portfolios in the expectation of winning the jackpot, but the vast majority of them end up making poor investment decisions that result in the loss of all the money they had invested. This makes it extremely important for you to take the help of an expert adviser and provider of portfolio management services if you want to make a good amount of money while avoiding losses. 

Ranvijay Chaudhary, the founder of Trading Villa, which has been providing Portfolio Management Services since 12 years, says, “Investing is an art and one needs to have adequate knowledge about the stock market before indulging in trades involving huge amounts and, most importantly, it requires a time-tested strategy which can help minimize losses if not make profits as in the stock market saving losses equals making profits.” 

According to Ranvijay, the greatest investors do not rise to the top by blindly engaging in speculative trading, but by employing a solid plan that allows them to construct a portfolio that is lucrative in the long run.

Becoming a profitable trader and investor does not happen overnight; it takes years. Start with the fundamentals and work your way up after you understand how the markets work. Before entering the stock market, Ranvijay advises newcomers to educate themselves and learn about its intricacies. In addition, for long-term investments, a diversified portfolio can help avert significant losses when markets face volatility. 

A trader who joins the stock market without prior expertise or sufficient understanding is doomed to lose money. In such circumstances, a portfolio management company can assist because they have the knowledge and tactics to help achieve the greatest potential investment returns. Trading Villa is one such management firm that employs professional portfolio managers. The clients needs are understood well by these managers, who devise the finest investment plans for the clients. They manage client portfolios for a fair charge and ensure maximum investment profits. They currently handle over 900 client accounts, and each of their clients attests to their great services, which yield favourable outcomes and a strong ROI.

With 900+ PMS clients, Trading Villa holds expertise in implementing the right investment methods, which maximize profits and minimize losses. Ranvijay Chaudhary founded Trading Villa 12 years ago and holds enough hands on experience on how to deal with the volatile markets.

Trading Villa is the right place for you if you want an expert to work on your investment and make it grow. You can expect your capital to be in safe hands with Trading Villa, which promises to take 100% assurance of your money.

To know more about Trading Villa, visit its Instagram page – https://instagram.com/tradingvillaa?utm_medium=copy_link

Khursheed Alam who built Saifi Con Fab Systems after quitting Bata now eyes warehouse automation solutions sector

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Saifi Con Fab Systems has come a long way from making conveyors to entering the warehouse automation sector. Khursheed Alam, who founded the company, now intends to make it a leader in the sector.

With the implementation of COVID-19, businesses have realised that they cannot continue as they have done in the past without embracing technology. The pandemic has hastened the rate at which firms, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs), adopt technology. This also implies that India is ushering in a “new industrial revolution” characterised by the usage of technologies such as IoT, connectivity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, sophisticated engineering, and many more.

Khursheed Alam, founded Faridabad-based Saifi Con Fab Systems in 1987 after quitting shoemaker Bata. Saifi has grown a lot in the previous 35 years, from a small material manufacturing company to constructing conveyors. It has also witnessed India’s developing industrial and warehouse ecosystem. 

Khursheed began by using his lathe machine to make machine components for shoe production machines, which he did until around 1997, when he began looking for new prospects in the market. And he did step into one of the most significant holes in the Indian manufacturing sector. And he did step into one of the most significant holes in the Indian manufacturing sector.

India was in desperate need of better technology and equipment at the time, especially after opening up its economy in 1991, when indigenous firms had to compete with international behemoths who had entered the market. As the internet boom sprFarazead throughout India, he gradually built his own website and became listed on B2B platforms such as IndiaMART to increase sales. 

Khursheed then relocated to a larger facility in Faridabad in 2004, and created two more facilities in the years that followed. In Faridabad, Saifi Con Fab Systems has three manufacturing facilities.

Ecommerce grew at an extraordinary rate between 2010 and 2015. According to numerous statistics, India has the third-largest online client base after China and the United States. As online delivery began to gain traction in the Indian market, Khursheed Alam, who was joined by his son, Faraz Alam, in 2018, noticed the trend. 

Faraz says, “Ecommerce companies have realised that they cannot reduce the time it takes to transfer things from a warehouse to a person’s home. so they have no choice but to make warehouse operations as frictionless and productive as possible.”

Khursheed and Faraz began building a separate brand in 2018 that focused solely on smart warehouse automation technologies. After two years of research and development, the father-son team established Atmos Systems in 2020.

According to Mordor Intelligence, the Indian warehouse automation market was worth $86.2 million in 2020 and is expected to reach $512.2 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 26.4 percent during the forecast period. Amazon recently announced a $5 billion investment to establish automated warehouses in India.

The business plan

Atmos Systems offers complete warehousing systems that make use of technologies such as the Internet of Things, automation, and others. Atmos first assesses a company’s exact storage needs, then begins work on developing the best solution, which includes smart conveyors and software solutions and takes around 15 days to complete. Once everything is in place, it runs tests before presenting it to the client. Atmos offers solutions such as Autonomous Case-Handling Robotic System for intelligent picking and handling of products and Robotic Palletising System for carrying heavy objects from one location to another using pallets under its brand.

The Dimensioning Weighing Scanning (DWS) System is an excellent tool for recording product measurements and weight automatically. Sortation Systems enable accuracy in sorting products based on established attributes, claims, and specifications. Faraz Atmos’ initial client was Nykaa, and it now includes large groups including Escorts, Hero, and Onida in its portfolio.

According to Faraz, the average project costs Rs 50 lakh to Rs 10 crore, including installation and packaging charges. Atmos also provides a one-year warranty to its customers and sends some of its specialists to work alongside these companies for the first few months so the clients can have a feel for the machines and systems. 

Since its establishment, Atmos has generated a total income of Rs 10 crore. Faraz says the father-son team intends to make Atmos a leading provider of warehousing solutions in the next years.

Nellikkuzhi Kurian left his Dubai business, toiled for 20 years to build biodiversity park with 4800 plant species

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An engineer left his business in Dubai to build a biodiversity park. Mango Meadows Agriculture Pleasure Land, built by Nellikkuzhi Kuriakkose Kurian, houses 4800 plant species.

Several forests have been cut down in the name of development by industries and governments alike, hurting tribal populations as well as local fauna and flora around the country. However, 50-year-old Nellikkuzhi Kuriakkose Kurian stands out. Nellikkuzhi Kurian has built a man-made oasis in Ayamkudy, a village in the state’s Kottayam district, using money from his own pocket.

For the past three years, the Mango Meadows Agriculture Pleasure Land, a biodiversity park, has become a popular site for visitors and tourists to revitalise in the middle of nature, with not a speck of pollution on its premises. Nellikkuzi’s objective when he began was never to establish a park for touristic interests. 

Nellikkuzi, a Kaipuzha native, began his career as an engineer directing construction sites in Mumbai. He moved to Saudi Arabia in 1995, at the age of 26, to work as a site engineer for a construction company. Nellikkuzi says, he was visiting a location one day when he stumbled across a man-made oasis in the middle of the desert.

During a visit to India in 2002, Nellikkuzi purchased a 5-acre barren property in Ayamkudy village to pursue the venture. He says, “There were four coconut trees on the property, and the rest was desolate.”

He began investing money in native tree planting and travelled to remote areas of the country. Nellikkuzi had bought 30 acres of property about a decade later. He says, “In 2009, I decided to give up my business and devote my savings and life to the development of the forest.”

Today, the green haven is home to 4 lakh trees, 4,800 plant species, 85 vegetable varieties, and 145 fruit trees, including plum, cherry, Israel orange, and others. Other uncommon plant species and trees found in the park include Aegle marmelos, which is considered sacred and utilised for medical purposes.” 

Nellikkuzi says, “I’ve also planted a rare species, ficus alii, which is on the verge of extinction, as well as other variations like calabash or beggar’s bow, rudraksha, and others.” 

He claims that not all of the types he grows are edible.Nellikkuzi continues, “But my major goal is to save as many plant species as possible from extinction,” 

The paradise also has four ponds with 64 different types of fish. Tunnels connect the ponds, which range in size from 50 to 150 square feet. Due to this, fishes can travel between the ponds. Nellikkuzi built these ponds to create job opportunities for people. 

Nellikkuzi says he began cultivating the site to build a mini-forest, but it soon evolved into an eco-friendly homestay.

He says, “I built a farmhouse to oversee and maintain the plantings.” 

However, many friends and relatives began to visit the area in search of quiet and to spend time away from the city’s bustle “he claims.

Nellikkuzi opened his biodiversity park to the public as the number of tourists grew.

But, he says, “Floods in 2018 inundated my park, causing losses. I looked for loans to help me recuperate. I need Rs 7 lakh each month to keep the park running, and my debts have ballooned to Rs 25 crore. I intend to compensate them through tourism.”

Aside from flora, the park has go-karting, cable cars, a swimming pool, boating and boat safaris, a ropeway, archery, a restaurant, a resort, and much more. According to Nellikkuzi, no vehicles are permitted on campus, and guests must get about by e-vehicle, bullock cart, or foot.

He says, “Researchers and students from all across India have investigated the plant species at my biodiversity park, which demonstrates that I was successful in my goal of saving and protecting unique varieties.” However, Nellikkuzi admits that establishing a mini-forest on his own has not been easy. 

He says, “There was no Google or the internet to help me identify and locate unusual plants. It took me months to locate and acquire uncommon plant species. I put in a lot of effort by going to agricultural universities and botanical gardens to collect uncommon species ,” adding that financial limits are another challenge that persists to this day.

Nellikkuzhi Kurian says, “My work impressed the Gujarat Tourism and Fisheries Minister during his recent visit, and he encouraged me to develop such a biodiversity theme park.” 

Nellikkuzhi believes that Mango Meadows Agriculture Pleasure Land will help future generations grasp the country’s natural heritage.

Nikhil Chaudhary to spread the magic of love with new album on Valentine’s Day

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It is a matter of pride for any small city in the country if someone belonging to it becomes popular in the Indian film industry. The coastal city of Virar suddenly became famous when Bollywood actor Govinda became a star overnight in the 80s. And now Ambernath, which is another small and prospering city like Virar, is gaining popularity after a boy from the city stepped into the Hindi film industry. That chocolaty boy is none other than Nikhil Chaudhary, who will appear in a new album along with Gayatri Datar, a well-known actress.

Ambernath is already known for its temple and a river due to which it is a spot of attraction for tourists. Significant work done by some people of Ambernath has also increased the fame and popularity of the city. The entry of one such person, Nikhil Chaudhary, into the Bollywood film industry has also become a matter of pride for the city of Ambernath.

Nikhil Chaudhary is an upcoming Bollywood star, who has earlier worked as a producer for the Hindi film ‘Sub Kushal Mangal” under the guidance of Producer Prachi Manmohan. Famous actor Akshaye Khanna played the lead role in the movie, which was released in 2020. Nikhil has also joined hands with Prachi Manmohan to produce a web series, which would soon be seen on the OTT.

Nikhil is an accomplished actor, besides being a producer of the film and web series. He has received training in acting from New York Film Academy and is also a founder of Ambarnath Marathi Film Festival. Nikhil also has a couple of projects in his hands through which he will display his acting skills to his dear fans. These projects will show the flamboyant and chocolaty side of Nikhil Chaudhary.

Moreover, Nikhil is a humble human being and has also been actively taking part in projects for the betterment of society. He is Founder President of Rotaract Club of Ambarnath East, and Rotary Club of Royal Ambernath. Nikhil also serves as Managing Director of SCGK Buildtech Pvt. Ltd.

Gayatri, who is starring in the new album with Nikhil, has already won the hearts of the audience before this. She was seen in ‘Tula Pahate Re’, ‘Chala Hava Yeu Dya’ on Zee Marathi. Gayatri also made a wonderful appearance in ‘Big Boss’ Marathi. 

The new Nikhil-Gayatri album is a love song based on the story of a girl who cannot speak. But that does not stop the guy from loving her unconditionally. The guy loves the girl the way she does from the moment he sees her, which the world calls love at first sight.

Dev Ahirrao has given his voice to the song, which has been written by Sanket Jadhav. Nimisha chaudhary is the producer.

As they are set to get a feast of the new album shortly, fans of Nikhil and Gayatri won’t have to wait for a long time to see these lovely stars back in action.

Nikhil is now going to visit his fans through Zee Music Marathi Channel to launch the new album on Valentine Day, Monday, 14 February.