ArdorComm Media Group

digital divide

Dr. Heera Lal, Greater Sharda Sahayak Command Area Development Authority, Govt. of UP emphasised on students interest in choosing career pathway

ArdorComm Interview

“Relying 100% on digital methods is not ideal. There needs to be a balance between digital and physical education” said Dr Heera Lal, Greater Sharda Sahayak Command Area Development Authority, Govt. of UP What does “New Normal” means to you? Thank you for inviting me. The term “New Normal” in education, in my opinion, should mean that when a student enters an institution and eventually graduates, they should leave not only with a certificate but also with a profession. The old system of education, where students just leave with a certificate, is not sufficient in today’s world. We need to identify a student’s passion from the moment they enter our institution, help them grow that passion, and turn it into a profession by the time they graduate. This will ensure that they are not only employable but will also enjoy their profession. How should we address the digital divide between urban and rural areas, and what initiatives should be taken to bridge this gap? The digital divide is a significant issue. However, in my opinion, relying 100% on digital methods is not ideal. There needs to be a balance between digital and physical education. Based on my personal experience, the effectiveness of physical education is much higher than that of digital education. Therefore, I believe the ratio should be 70% physical and 30% digital to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education. How should education balance between skills and employability? As I mentioned earlier, if you impose something on a student that they do not enjoy, they will not take an interest in it, and you will not achieve the desired objectives. Every subject, every action, every activity is equally valuable today. The focus should be on developing a student’s passion so that when they graduate, they have a profession that aligns with their interests. This will make them not only employable but also fulfilled in their careers. Which department or position has been the most inspiring and provided the most learning experience for you? Every department and position I’ve held has been inspiring and challenging in its own way. For instance, the position of District Magistrate (DM) is highly regarded, but I have enjoyed and learned a lot from every position I’ve held, even those considered less desirable. Whether in the cultural department or any other, I have embraced each role and found immense joy and learning in it. The key is to have the ability to govern effectively, no matter where you are, and turn every position into a meaningful experience. In events like this, where government dignitaries, policymakers, corporate leaders, and academics come together, what do you learn, and what is the experience like? Such events are crucial because society is like a bouquet that requires a variety of flowers. By bringing together people from different fields—bureaucracy, academia, technology—you create a complete and impactful product. This initiative is commendable and beneficial for our society. We are celebrating the third anniversary of our media company, AdCo Media. Do you have any message or good wishes for our company? I wish that your company continues to grow and thrive, at least 30 times more in the coming years. Keep evolving and adapting to the needs of the time. My good wishes are with you as you continue doing the great work you are doing. Thank you for being a part of this forum.

The Evolution of Streaming Services: From Cable TV to Digital Domination

Blog on MEA

The advent of the internet has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, and the entertainment industry is no exception. Gone are the days when families gathered around the television to watch their favourite shows at a prescribed time. The rise of streaming services has ushered in a new era of entertainment consumption in India. In this blog, we will explore the evolution of streaming services in the Indian context, from the early days of cable TV to the current era of digital domination. The Cable TV Era For decades, cable television was the primary source of entertainment for Indian households. It brought a variety of channels into our homes, offering a mix of regional and international content. Cable TV allowed viewers to watch news, sports, movies, and TV shows, but it had its limitations. Viewers had to adhere to fixed schedules, missing out on shows if they weren’t home at the right time. Moreover, the content was limited, and viewers had little control over what they could watch. The Birth of DTH Services The introduction of Direct-to-Home (DTH) services in the early 2000s marked a significant shift. DTH providers offered a wider range of channels and improved picture quality. Viewers could now choose from various subscription packages, customizing their entertainment experience to some extent. However, the fundamental constraints of scheduled programming and limited content still prevailed. Also Read: Top 12 Reasons to Attend the ArdorComm ELSA Summit in Bengaluru on 22nd Sept 2023 The Streaming Revolution The real revolution began when streaming services entered the Indian market. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hotstar (now Disney+ Hotstar) were among the pioneers. These platforms allowed users to stream content over the internet, breaking free from the shackles of cable TV schedules. Netflix: Netflix made its debut in India in 2016, introducing a vast library of international and original content. Its ad-free, on-demand streaming model was a breath of fresh air for viewers tired of commercials interrupting their favourite shows. Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video followed suit, offering a mix of original series, movies, and a diverse catalogue. It also bundled its streaming service with its Prime membership, attracting a considerable audience. Hotstar (Disney+ Hotstar): Hotstar gained popularity for its sports content, including cricket matches and the Indian Premier League (IPL). The platform also featured a wide array of Bollywood and regional content. The Evolution of Regional Content One of the most significant advantages of streaming services was their focus on regional content. India is a diverse nation with multiple languages and cultures, and streaming platforms recognized the importance of catering to these differences. They began producing and showcasing regional content, including web series, movies, and documentaries, attracting a more extensive and diverse audience. Also Read: Eco-friendly Living for Better Health: How Sustainable Choices Improve Well-Being Original Content Boom Streaming platforms not only brought international content to Indian audiences but also invested heavily in producing original Indian content. Shows like “Sacred Games,” “Mirzapur,” and “Paatal Lok” became cultural phenomena. The quality of storytelling, production values, and the freedom to explore diverse themes set a new benchmark for Indian entertainment. Accessibility and Convenience One of the key reasons behind the digital domination of streaming services is their accessibility and convenience. Viewers can watch content on their smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smart TVs, anytime and anywhere. Mobile data becoming more affordable and widespread further facilitated this shift. The Rise of Competition As streaming services gained momentum, more players entered the Indian market. Disney+ Hotstar, Voot, ZEE5, SonyLIV, Jio Cinema and others offered a plethora of options. This competition not only led to a wider choice of content but also competitive pricing, benefitting consumers. Also Read: ArdorComm ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ to be held at Bengaluru, Karnataka on 22nd September 2023 #ELSABengaluru #ELSAKarnataka Challenges and Future Prospects While streaming services have come a long way, they are not without challenges. The digital divide still exists in India, with rural areas lacking reliable internet access. Additionally, the rise of OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms has led to discussions about content regulation, which is an ongoing debate. In the future, we can expect further growth and innovation in the streaming industry. The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into content consumption, interactive storytelling, and personalized recommendations will likely play a significant role. Regional content will continue to flourish, and more players may enter the market. Conclusion The evolution of streaming services in India represents a remarkable journey from the constraints of cable TV to the boundless freedom of digital streaming. The combination of accessibility, convenience, and a diverse content library has propelled streaming platforms to the zenith of entertainment in the Indian context. As technology continues to advance, we can only envision a future brimming with exciting possibilities for this ever-expanding industry. The story of streaming services is one of relentless innovation, expanding horizons, and a renaissance of storytelling, and it continues to captivate audiences across India. The author, Pratik Ghosh is associated with ArdorComm Media

Anantha Krishnan B, CEO- Operations, Kalorex Group, Highlights on Technology Implementation, Announces Launch of AI Clone ‘MAYA’

“It is a matter of chance that today, in education, we have launched the AI clone version of Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff. The clone is called MAYA,” says Anantha Krishnan B, CEO- Operations, Kalorex Group, in an Interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSANewDelhi #ELSAGurugram How are you feeling to witness the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Award in Delhi? It’s my pleasure being here. As usual, a beautiful event that’s been done up, the New Normal Education Leadership Summit in Delhi. I think ArdorComm Media is doing some path-breaking events with regard to bringing technology into the forefront for schools and other higher education institutions. Great event once again, and a lot of things to learn and a lot of things to know from in terms of what’s happening in the industry and where to go from here on. A lot of exchange of ideas, and a good place to be actually and to learn. The theme of our event is “India Vision 2030.” So, what according to you should be the vision for the school education sector going ahead? Well, we as an organization always believe that change is the only constant in life. Any new thing that comes up, maybe in any revolution that you see, so adaptability is the key thing. With the increase in quality, the speed of adaptability is a second thing. The more you are able to adapt to the latest technologies, the more you’re able to imbibe the new curriculum into the classroom, the more you’re able to blend these technologies with the current requirements of the skills going ahead in the next 10-15 years. We have to do a lot, and time is limited. So, I think technology is going to really help us and assist us. At the same point in time, as we always say, value systems have to be retained and have to be developed in the children so that they become good global citizens. How is Kalorex implementing technology in education? Well, we have been in the forefront of implementing technology at Kalorex from the day that we got incepted. It is a matter of chance that today, in education, we have launched the AI clone version of Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff. The clone is called MAYA. It’s basically towards bringing in new technology peripheries into education and seeing new heights in education. It happens to be the launch date of MAYA today, and I’m happy to be in this particular event to announce the launch of MAYA and the new initiatives that Kalorex is taking in the field of education in integration along with AI, blockchain, and other latest technologies. What’s your take on the digital divide, how can we bridge this gap? If you see a global scenario, we sometimes should be happy that we have come this long way. So, if you see what we as a country have been able to achieve over the last about 10 to 15 years or 20 years, it’s really fantastic. In fact, when the Indian markets opened to the economy of the world in 1991, we were the early ones to adapt the computer evolution. Then when it came to the internet revolution, we were the early ones to adapt to the internet revolution. When it came to digital payments, we are the only ones to adapt to digital payments. Now we are the only implementers of the biometric system for the whole nation. So, we do have an edge of being able to adapt to various technologies as and when things come up. Even with COVID, in a matter of three to five days, I think the whole industry shifted gears and went to new great heights. So, that way we have an edge, we have the ability. The rural India is no longer the rural India as we used to consider it 50 years back. Today’s rural India is very different. They are equally apt with all the latest happenings, all the latest gadgets. But a little more private-public partnership, probably a little more education institution of our kind, they can give a helping hand to the have nots. I think a good collaboration between these kinds of people, we should see our way through. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group on its 2nd anniversary? I definitely would like to congratulate the whole team of ArdorComm Media. Great going, and I think you guys have a lot more to do in the field of education, I would just simply say, keep up the good work. And whatever little we can be of help to you, we’ll be more than happy to do it for you.