Exhibit Staff, Author at Exhibit Tech

LARISSA D’SA – Travel Influencer Of The Year (Female)

Ex : How did your content creation journey kick start?
Content Creation wasn’t even a concept when I started my journey 11 years ago. I simply posted YouTube videos and photos on Instagram because I loved it! While I did that, I also started an e-commerce brand called We Love Customade at the age of 19. These eventually became a source of understanding my direction going forward, and with consistency and the passion to keep doing it is what started my content journey.

Ex : What is your most viral reel/short? How did the idea come, and how long did it take to shoot?
My recent viral reel was a video I shot on my trip to Kerala. I was skateboarding alongside a beach in a Kasavu saree! That got the masses speaking because it was something that changed the narrative of how one should be skateboarding.

Ex : Any 4 creators you want to collaborate with in the future.
Ankush Bahuguna.

Ex : What piece of tech is your favourite.
My iPad lets me explore my creativity with digital art since that’s where I began.

Ex : Assuming Instagram is shutting down in 24 hours, what will you do?
I guess Im good if that happens. I have multiple ventures running on the side, and I have a lot of experience and ideas regarding marketing and branding. The ability to transition is what counts, and I believe I have that in me.

Ex : Tell us about a project that you are the most proud of.
It’s hard to put a finger at it, but when I launched my IP ‘Creator Masterclass’ in 2019 – it made an impact. Apart from that, all my brand deals are well thought out and executed. Im proud of all the work I put into every project. It’s really hard to pick one.

Ex : Give us one or more hashtags describing you.
#ChangeTheNarrative

Ex : Can you describe a BTS / blooper that happened during a shoot but didn’t make it into the final content piece?
I once burned my hair while shooting a self-shot photo. It was during COVID-19, and I had a good laugh at myself and cried later for losing a lot of my hair, but it was too funny because the moment it happened, I was curious to know if I recorded it instead of checking my hair.

Ex : What’s the first-ever trend that you hopped on?
I’m not a fan of all trends, but the spotlight self-shot photoshoot is the first one I hopped on during COVID-19.

Ex : What will the creator landscape look like in 10 years from now?
My advice and prediction is: keep making quality, and only follow trends sometimes. Making unique IPs and making an impact will count.

Ex : What are the platforms you are active on – how do you decide what goes where?
Youtube and Instagram.

Ex : What’s the next big thing in the pipeline for you?
There are a lot of things Im working on behind the scenes of what people see. I don’t need to disclose yet, but it only gets bigger and larger from here.

Ex : What is your dream project?
My dream project is the next big thing I’m working on, so let’s not disclose it and keep our fingers crossed.

Ex : Advice you would like to give to budding creators.
Stop running the race. Take time to understand yourself and do what makes you “YOU”. Do not imitate others or follow trends mindlessly – that shuns your creativity, and you just become ‘one from among the billion’ and not ‘one in a billion’

PRABHJOT SINGH – Petrolhead Influencer Of The Year (Male)

Ex : How did your content creation journey kick start?
It didn’t start because of the content, to be very honest, but just because I loved travelling and it was a random trip that I took to Nepal, which was my first ever International ride, so from then onwards, I uploaded my content for fun sake without knowing that it would hike so drastically on YouTube which gave me a boost and after that, I started my journey of content creation.

Ex : Any 4 creators you want to collaborate with in the future.
I would love to work with Bhuvan Bam, CarryMinati, Mr. Beast and Casey Neistat.

Ex : What piece of tech is your favourite.
The latest Apple laptops.

Ex : Assuming Instagram is shutting down in 24 hours, what will you do?
I would then chase the YT shorts and post there.

Ex : Do you have an industry mentor?
I don’t have any mentor as such.

Ex : Tell us about a project that you are the most proud of.
I feel proud of restoring the bike I had in my accident in Nepal. I never thought I would be able to be successful in this project since it’s a machine which has been discontinued since 2017, and therefore, it’s very difficult to get the parts of the bike, so remaking my H2 was the biggest and proudest feeling ever for me.

Ex : Give us one or more hashtags describing you.
#chotokohello

Ex : Can you describe a BTS / blooper that happened during a shoot but didn’t make it into the final content piece?
I tend to record many shorts while travelling, and I forget to upload them at the end of the video.

Ex : What’s the first-ever trend that you hopped on?
My song Manzil.

Ex : What will the creator landscape look like in 10 years from now?
It all depends on the creator’s mindset and talent and how they want to make the landscape look like.

Ex : What are the platforms you are active on – how do you decide what goes where?
Facebook , Instagram, Threads and Telegram

Ex : What’s the next big thing in the pipeline for you?
I just don’t plan about the big things in life. I take part in the trend and make it happen, be it buying a superbike, car, etc.

Ex : What is your dream project?
To create a house designed by me in which I can showcase my bikes and cars.

Ex : Advice you would like to give to budding creators.
Just be consistent; it’s the key to success! The world would try to tame you down but don’t give up and believe in yourself.

YASHRAJ MUKHATE – Musician Of The Year

Ex : How did your content creation journey kick start?
My content creation journey began on YouTube in 2010, where I initially shared cover videos of songs. With the advent of Instagram, I transitioned into creating original content, which eventually became a consistent endeavor.

Ex : What is your most viral reel/short? How did the idea come, and how long did it take to shoot?
My content journey notably took off with my video titled “Rasode Mein Kaun Tha,” released in 2020, which has amassed over 90 million views on YouTube. The creation process spanned approximately 4-6 hours, divided across two days. The idea for this video was inspired when I encountered the content on a meme page, sparking my creativity.

Ex : Any 4 creators you want to collaborate with in the future.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many of my favorite content creators. However, if we consider Charlie Puth a content creator due to his social media presence, I would be immensely thrilled to collaborate with him in the future.

Ex : What piece of tech is your favourite.
I rely on my MacBook Pro, and I’m continually amazed by its exceptional design and the multitude of tasks it can effortlessly handle within its compact frame. It empowers me to create music tracks that are release-ready, all using just the MacBook Pro, showcasing its remarkable capabilities.

Ex : Assuming Instagram is shutting down in 24 hours, what will you do?
I’ll download all my archives and drafts from the app, and capture screenshots of the most memorable comments and direct messages I’ve received. And then go back to my studio to make more music.

Ex : Do you have an industry mentor?
Tanmay Bhat is my primary go-to for feedback; his skill in providing constructive input is invaluable. Additionally, I greatly admire Zakir Khan, who consistently shares his expertise in a manner that I find highly beneficial and inspiring.

Ex : Tell us about a project that you are the most proud of.
One collaboration I’m particularly proud of is an acapella cover of “Insaaf” from Talvar with Rekha Bharadwaj. We didn’t use any instruments, and the outcome was fantastic – something I’m really proud of. for my shade, they would always tell me it’s impossible to get it in India. But after getting into this industry, I was the face of one of the foundation colours.

Ex : Give us one or more hashtags describing you.
#Lover

Ex : Can you describe a BTS / blooper that happened during a shoot but didn’t make it into the final content piece?
In the majority of my videos, I’m recording solo in my studio. Consequently, a significant portion of the time is spent conversing with myself while meticulously planning my next shot. It often amuses me when I review the footage later.

Ex : What’s the first-ever trend that you hopped on?
I typically refrain from following popular trends because I firmly believe that when numerous creators adopt the same trend template, the risk of the video becoming lost amidst the crowd significantly increases. My objective is to minimize this possibility.

Ex What will the creator landscape look like in 10 years from now?
To be honest, it’s tough to say. The internet changes so quickly, and I get asked this a lot, but I can’t give a clear answer because things keep shifting all the time.

Ex : What are the platforms you are active on – how do you decide what goes where?
I primarily engage with my audience through Instagram and YouTube. I use Instagram for short-format content, typically under 1 minute, and reserve YouTube for longer-format content.

Ex : What’s the next big thing in the pipeline for you?
I wish I could spill the beans, but I’m officially bound to keep it hush- hush. I’m super pumped about it though – it’s a project for an OTT platform that’s got me really excited!

Ex : What is your dream project?
My lifelong dream project is to create a song bank that spans over years, a collection that people will revisit and cherish time and time again.

Ex : Advice you would like to give to budding creators.
For new creators, my advice is simple: Watch lots of different content. The more you watch, the better you’ll understand what’s been done before and what fresh ideas you can bring to the table.

PARUL GULATI – Entrepreneur Influencer Of The Year And Stunner Of The Year

Ex : How did your content creation journey kick start?
As an actor, I was always creating content; whether in front of the camera or behind the camera, I was always creating something. When social media came in, I wanted to create more original content for my brand, Nish Hair.

Ex : What is your most viral reel/short? How did the idea come, and how long did it take to shoot?
I feel the most viral reels aren’t the ones that you don’t plan. I genuinely feel it must be one of those hair-flip videos for me. Honestly, I’d never create content thinking it’ll go viral. Even with Nish Hair, I just created videos without any plan in mind and that have gotten the maximum views. I never expected they would be doing so well.

Ex : Any 4 creators you want to collaborate with in the future.
Kusha Kapila, Charlotte Dobre, Komal Pandey and Ahsaas Channa.

Ex : What piece of tech is your favourite.
Kindle.

Ex : Assuming Instagram is shutting down in 24 hours, what will you do?
Well, I will promote the heck out of my YouTube and tell people to move on that. And I’ll only do it for Nish Hair. I think, for my own account, I don’t think I have the energy to start fresh, but for Nish Hair, I’ll do it because girls gotta make money.

Ex : Do you have an industry mentor?
I do not have an industry mentor, but I own my Instagram success a lot to “Girls Hostel”. It’s a series I did, which was very popular amongst young girls. Then, “Pocket Aces” came along when I was doing Girls Hostel, and they eventually started managing my social media brand deals. I owe it to these 2 for introducing me to the world of social media.

Ex : Tell us about a project that you are the most proud of.
Nish Hair – it’s my brainchild.

Ex : Give us one or more hashtags describing you.
#malkin #alwayslookingup #nevergivingup

Ex : Can you describe a BTS / blooper that happened during a shoot but didn’t make it into the final content piece?
I was once doing this interview, which was meant for RVCJ, and they said, “Spill the tea”. So, we were having tea at that time, and I just took the tea and spilled it in her cup. I thought it was so funny, but they didn’t keep it. They thought it was disrespectful.

Ex : What’s the first-ever trend that you hopped on?
It was, “Kiki, do you love me?” when the car was being driven and I was dancing outside. I love that trend.

Ex : What will the creator landscape look like in 10 years from now?
All the content creators understand business so well. I would not be surprised if all the Ace influencers have their own businesses down the line. A lot of them are starting because, at the end of the day, we are producing, writing, executing, and editing our content. So we can actually sell anything. I don’t know if Instagram will last 10 years or not, but many creators will be running successful businesses, agencies, or production houses.

Ex : What are the platforms you are active on – how do you decide what goes where?
YouTube, Instagram, Threads and Pinterest.

Ex : What’s the next big thing in the pipeline for you?
So, my next big project is a series for Epic On. It’s a new channel that’s coming up soon. It’s called “Blue Tick”, and I’m talking about that project here because it is a satire on influencers and the influencer world, and I’m excited to see how it unfolds.

Ex : What is your dream project?
I want to act in a movie, which is a biography of Amrita Pritam. I don’t know if many would know, but she is one of the most profound, prolific writers, a poet from Punjab, and she was so ahead of her time when she was there.

Ex : Advice you would like to give to budding creators.
I would tell all the creators, I know it sounds cliche, but if we all start doing what others are doing, then originality dies somewhere. I believe in doing whatever you understand and like instead of just hopping on the trends. Create your own niche because that’s what people would want to see, and you never know how many people would relate to your true self than you just trying to do someone else’s content or trying to recreate that.

SOURAV JOSHI – Vlogger of the year (Male)

Ex : How did your content creation journey kick start?
I started crafting YouTube videos centred around my art. At the time, I never fathomed that these humble creations would catch fire and go viral. No, my initial motive was simple – I just enjoyed sharing my art through video and creating tutorials that showcased my process. It was a labour of love, a hobby that I couldn’t get enough of. Soon, I got my family members involved, and our collaborative videos struck a chord with a growing audience.

Ex : What is your most viral reel/short? How did the idea come, and how long did it take to shoot?
While visiting my ancestral village, I was in the cosy, familiar confines of my old house’s kitchen. In an impromptu moment, we decided to create a makeshift bonfire to ward off the evening chill. Little did I know that recording this heartwarming scene, featuring my mom and paternal aunt joyfully engaged, would lead to an astonishing 30 million views.

Ex : Any 4 creators you want to collaborate with in the future.
Bhuvan Bam, Mr. Beast and the iconic SRK.

Ex : What piece of tech is your favourite?
Drones hold a special place in my heart.

Ex : Do you have an industry mentor?
Drawing inspiration from Sandeep Maheshwari has been a profound influence on my life. I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet him in person.

Ex : Tell us about a project that you are the most proud of.
At the beginning of my YouTube journey for my art channel, I needed more money to buy good-quality raw materials. I used to use 5-10 rupee pencils. After a ton of savings, I finally collected 400-500 rupees to buy an imported Japanese pencil to create content. Eventually, I collaborated with the same brand of pencils and had my face and name inscribed on its packaging.

Ex : Give us one or more hashtags describing you.
#Vlogger #Traveller #Family

Ex : Can you describe a BTS / blooper that happened during a shoot but didn’t make it into the final content piece?
During a visit to Chandigarh, my team and I were on the lookout for a hotel to stay in after a day of shooting. It was during this time that a young fan spotted me outside the hotel and, in a sheer moment of excitement, stumbled and fell. To my surprise, I witnessed the child’s parents scolding him for this accidental tumble brought about by his overwhelming enthusiasm. I felt a profound mix of sympathy and awkwardness as I approached them. In an attempt to make amends and ease the situation, I took a photo with the young fan and extended my apologies to his parents.

Ex : What will the creator landscape look like in 10 years from now?
In a decade, the creator landscape will be a thrilling evolution of what we see today. Vlogging, which has already become a powerful medium for storytelling, will continue to thrive. Advanced technology will offer audiences even more immersive and interactive experiences. We might see the emergence of augmented reality vlogs or holographic vlogging, blurring the lines between real and virtual worlds. Additionally, creators will likely be more diversified in content and their collaborations, bridging gaps between different genres and cultures. The vlogging community will become a global tapestry of voices, offering viewers a broader array of perspectives and stories to enjoy.

Ex : What are the platforms you are active on – how do you decide what goes where?
Instagram and YouTube the most.

Ex : What’s the next big thing in the pipeline for you?
Well, I have a couple of things in the pipeline that will be big in the coming few months. I can’t stay much, but it would be enormous.

Ex : What is your dream project?
My dream project involves meeting Shah Rukh Khan and collaborating with him on a captivating video.

Ex : Advice you would like to give to budding creators.
For budding creators, my advice is simple. Be yourself, keep trying new things, and don’t give up. Success takes time, so stay persistent.

In conversation with Uday Dodla, Senior Director, Automotive Business Development, Qualcomm India

Exhibit: How will technology change the automotive industry in 5-10 years?

Uday Dodla: Electric vehicles (EVs) will become mainstream in the next 5-10 years due to improvements in battery technology and nationwide charging infrastructure. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) suited for Indian driving conditions will improve the safety quotient of cars. We will see progress in autonomous driving. Advanced cockpit systems will transform the console’s look and feel, and AI-driven personalisation will elevate in-car experiences. Data analytics will enable real-time contextual use cases. The same cybersecurity and privacy measures required in every other industry will also be expected of the automobile industry. In addition, technologies such as IoT, AI, and robotics will transform manufacturing in the Auto sector.

Ex: What is Qualcomm’s role in the automotive industry, and how has it evolved?

Uday: With over two decades of experience, Qualcomm is a trusted technology provider for the global automotive industry. We collaborate closely with global automakers and Tier-1 partners, who increasingly adopt our diverse portfolio of automotive solutions. In the past, the automotive industry primarily focused on cost-effective manufacturing, supported by R&D and skilled labour. However, the growing demand for intelligent, sustainable, next-generation features is driving advancements to enable more intelligent cockpits, connectivity, electrification, battery technology and autonomous driving, all built on a modular architecture. Automakers are redesigning vehicles’ electronics architecture and digital infrastructure, and we are positioning ourselves to be their trusted technology partner in this journey. We want to redefine the automotive and transportation tech landscape with ever-evolving products, technologies, and partnerships in all forms of vehicles – 4W Passenger Vehicles, 2 Wheelers & Commercial Vehicles. We focus on integrating consumer wireless technologies, semiconductors, cloud, and software platforms with technologies such as High-Performance. Edge Compute, 5G, AI and XR (Extended Reality) and adapt them to the Automotive domain. The Snapdragon Digital Chassis platform encompasses all these advanced features envisioned for the future car.

Ex: Can you tell us about any specific projects or collaborations Qualcomm is working on in the automotive sector?

Uday: We are working with players across the automotive ecosystem to build connected and intelligent vehicles. For instance, the recent Tata Nexon EV MAX and the Harrier and Safari are powered by our Snapdragon Digital Cockpit platform, as are Mahindra & Mahindra’s Scorpio N and XUV 700. We have invested in Ultraviolette Automotive through our investments arm, Qualcomm Ventures. The investment aims to enable the startup to scale up its presence in India and expand into international markets. We power the Smart Clusters on the OLA Electric S1 & S1Pro and the Ather Energy 450X scooters. Outside India, we have collaborated with Renault’s dedicated electric and software company, Ampere, and are working towards co-developing a centralised platform architecture for software-defined EVs powered by the Snapdragon Digital Chassis. Qualcomm also works with BMW, which focuses on the joint development of next-generation autonomous driving technologies. Our Snapdragon Ride Platform, developed for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving, also powers a fleet of vehicles by GM. Globally, we have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Autotalks to enhance the safety quotient of C-V2X (cellular vehicle-to-everything) solutions. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technologies are increasingly important as they become critical sensors for automotive safety systems. Autotalks’ V2X safety solutions will augment our Snapdragon Digital Chassis product portfolio. We are collaborating with Salesforce and Visteon to develop a new intelligent, connected vehicle platform and a next-generation digital cockpit.

Ex: How do you see 5G technology impacting the automotive industry, and what is Qualcomm doing to prepare for this shift?

Uday: The high speeds, low delays, and enhanced connectivity of 5G will help improve vehicles’ safety and efficiency. 5G will be the foundational platform for developing connected vehicles, autonomous driving, and intelligent transportation systems. It will enable better traffic management and allow vehicles to communicate with each other, pedestrians, and the smart infrastructure nearby. The integration of C-V2X technology with cellular connectivity will enable advanced alerts and driver assistance, significantly improving driver safety. We recently announced the Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 – our most advanced automotive modem-RF system. As 5G networks spread and strengthen across the country, we will see more and deeper collaborations between players in the automotive ecosystem.

Ex: How do you see the relationship between tech companies like Qualcomm and traditional automakers evolving in the coming years?

Uday: As car electronics evolve towards a Software Oriented Architecture and include aspects such as autonomous driving, and advanced cockpit systems with high-speed connectivity, there will be increasingly higher engagement between automakers and technology providers such as Qualcomm. While we work closely with our Tier-1 partners, we are seeing a shift among the automakers to have more direct conversations with technology companies to keep up with the fast pace of technology innovation. We have seen that automakers are willing to invest directly in platforms and create customised experiences for their loyal customers in-house. Rather than approaching opportunities on a component-by-component basis, we offer a comprehensive digital chassis solution aligned with most automakers’ long-term strategy.

Ex: Finally, what message would you like to convey to consumers and industry professionals about the role of technology in the future of the automotive industry?

Uday: Technology is transforming the way vehicles are built, operated, and maintained. And the pace of this transformation is constantly increasing. Historically, a good car design ensured good mileage and easy maintenance. Today, it is about designing user experiences, and that’s where technology comes into play. In the years and decades ahead, cars could become a part of massive, wirelessly connected technology platforms. We need to look at technology’s use and development through that lens.

Ex: Your insights on the future of mobility in India?

Uday: The demand for generative AI models is experiencing rapid growth. Models like ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion, and DALL-E have already garnered millions of users within a short span of time. These groundbreaking technologies are poised to revolutionise automotive user experiences. AI-enabled cockpits, informed by vehicle-related data, can offer highly personalised interactions. In-vehicle digital assistants can enable drivers and passengers to stay connected on the go. Enterprise APIs further allow third-party service providers to integrate their offerings, extending customer relationships into the vehicle. In India, we will surely see vehicles with 5G-enabled digital cockpits driven by a high-performance edge platform in the not-too-distant future. With their intuitive experiences, interactive displays, high-definition maps, advanced augmented reality displays, intelligent AI capabilities and smart navigation systems, these vehicles are set to alter the landscape of the driving experience in India radically.

Power Talk ft. Raj Kumar Rishi, Vice President and Managing Director, Dell Technologies India

Exhibit: What are the key responsibilities that come with your role as Vice President and Managing Director? Also, tell us about your journey with Dell Technologies India.

Raj Kumar Rishi: Our mission at Dell Technologies is to use technology to drive human progress, and my primary responsibility is to ensure that we consistently deliver on this mission by keeping customers at the centre of every product decision we make. Furthermore, as the VP and MD for the Consumer and Small Business segment, my job is to drive growth in India, which remains a top priority market for the company. It has been an incredible journey for me with this great company. I am a big fan of Dell’s openness, trust and empowerment culture.

Ex: Dell Technologies is a global technology leader. What specific strategies have you implemented to drive growth and innovation in the Indian market? Can you share some examples of how Dell Technologies India has successfully delivered value to its customers?

Raj: At Dell Technologies, we are relentless in our pursuit of providing the best-in-class customer experience. We truly believe that customers are the ones who drive us to bring innovations to our product lines every year. This approach has enabled us to make meaningful product decisions, such as improvements in thermal infrastructure in our gaming portfolio, a variety of form factors in the Inspiron and XPS series, the addition of an 18-inch form factor in the Alienware line-up after 2015 and providing budget-friendly gaming laptops without sacrificing performance under the G-series. Furthermore, we have taken a strong omnichannel approach with our extensive network of 632 Dell Exclusive Stores (DES), 3 Large Format Retail outlets (LFR), and over 5000 Multi-Brand Outlets (MBO) across 400 cities in India. To facilitate easy access and convenience, we have enhanced our store locator experience and lead management system, and we are constantly ensuring that there is a regular cycle for refurbishing these stores to increase the engagement rate. However, we recognize that we are living in an era in which the line between online and offline has blurred. As a result, our products are also available online at dell.com and other e-tail partners. This customer-first approach, combined with exceptional customer service and engagement with partners, has helped Dell Technologies become the most trusted brand in India for the fourth consecutive year, according to TRA.

Ex: How do you see the technology landscape evolving in India, and what opportunities and challenges do you anticipate in the coming years?

Raj: The country’s appetite for technology and the rate at which the technology industry is growing presents a significant opportunity for us to strengthen our offerings further. In the context of PCs, consumers in India are becoming more aware of what they require. A gamer, for example, is aware that improved thermals and performance will lead to marathon gaming sessions, a student is aware that a larger display and camera will make online classes more fun and engaging, and a creator is aware that 2-in-1 form factors, better connectivity, and immersive displays will lead to higher productivity while on-the-go. All of this is made possible by continuous innovation supported by integrating emerging technologies. With the convergence of traditional hardware, new technologies and architectures, such as AI and 5G, PCs can now deliver a brilliant, customized, and tether-free PC experience—and as we continue to embrace the digital-first world, we’re excited about how these technologies will shape the future of the PC industry.

Ex: The Indian gaming market is expected to grow from $2.8 billion in 2022 to $5 billion in 2025, growing at a 28-30% CAGR. What are some of the trends contributing to the gaming industry’s growth? How is Dell Technologies betting on the sector?

Raj: The Indian gaming market constantly evolves through innovation, investment, and overall efforts. The industry is thriving, with an expanding pool of gamers who want to consider gaming as a serious career option rather than just for leisure or entertainment. What we’re also seeing is that the industry is growing holistically. Thousands of software engineers, content creators, data analysts, game designers, social media specialists, venue operators, accountants, lawyers, and others are needed to make gaming more fun and realistic. This has increased the role of technology in gaming devices, and as a result, there is an influx of devices in the market every year that offers incredible power and performance. Given these shifting dynamics, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of all types of gamers. For example, for consumers new to PC gaming or moving from mobile to PC, the Dell G Series portfolio is a great place to start. On the other hand, Alienware has been designing premium, high-performance desktops and laptops for professional gamers. We have launched a robust product line-up across both these portfolios this year. In addition, our first gaming store in India demonstrates our ongoing commitment to engaging with Indian gamers. It’s more than just a store; it’s a hub for gamers and enthusiasts to meet, interact, and play their favourite titles on Dell’s latest devices while also exploring the various accessories and peripherals on offer. In terms of design, we’ve incorporated creative elements and cutting-edge technologies to keep players engaged and provide a comprehensive experience. The “Battle Zone,” which is essentially a section for gamers to face off against their opponents and try out the entire available ecosystem of devices, is the store’s main attraction.

Ex: Dell Technologies is known for its commitment to sustainability. Could you share some initiatives Dell Technologies India undertook to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable practices?

Raj: At Dell Technologies, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We’re inspired by the opportunity to improve things for our future generations. As per our 2030 ESG goal of advancing sustainability, for every product sold, we will reuse or recycle an equivalent product, 100% of our packaging and over 50% of our product portfolio will be made from recycled or renewable materials. In fact, our new Inspiron laptops are shipped in packaging that is made from 100% recycled and renewable materials and is 100% recyclable. Select Inspiron notebooks also use seamless logo technology in the lid, which helps reduce waste in the manufacturing process.

Ex: What advice would you give aspiring professionals wanting to build a successful career in the technology industry?

Raj: In today’s rapidly changing world, we are presented with a plethora of career options that were once viewed differently. Gaming has seen a significant shift in perception, with people today being dynamic, social, and successful, and proud to identify as gamers. Careers in video editing have also grown in popularity. As a result, today’s youth must take advantage of the various opportunities available. In an ever-changing job market, they must embrace technology and constantly upskill themselves.

Ex: Lastly, could you share any recent milestones, achievements, or upcoming projects that Dell Technologies India is excited about and that our readers should look forward to?

Raj: Being named India’s most trusted brand for the fourth time in a row by TRA is a significant milestone in our journey because it truly embodies our customer-first approach. Additionally, opening our first gaming store in India this year is a watershed moment as it allows us to foster innovation, interaction, and community building. We have also launched a number of marquee devices across product lines to meet the diverse needs of our customers. To summarize, it’s been an eventful year so far, and we will continue to leverage our technology expertise and listen to our customers to deliver meaningful products.

Digitalising deliveries across Bharat: Customers can now use what3words across all Blue Dart Platforms

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express air-integrated transportation and distribution express logistics company, announced that it has equipped its platforms with what3words location technology. Now, Blue Dart stakeholders can add their what3words address in the address section of the ‘My Blue Dart’ App, Blue Dart website and On the Move (OTM) platform to enable them to specify a very precise delivery location—be it the front door of their home/ office, a specific apartment complex entrance, or a tucked-away side passage.

In India, addresses are, as practice, slotted under pin codes, which are associated with delivery post offices. These cover very broad areas with the chances of street names being duplicated or incorrect. This makes it difficult for customers to specify precisely where a delivery needs to be made, thus leading to a time-consuming exercise for delivery agents. The technology that aids what3words has been designed to solve this. It has divided the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words: a what3words address.

For example, ///swimmer.kindness.habits are the what3words location for Blue Dart Head Office in Andheri, Mumbai. By typing these three words on the what3words portal or website, one can easily find, share and navigate to the location from anywhere in the world. The technology is also available offline and in 54 languages, including 12 South Asian languages: Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, Nepali, Urdu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Odia.

Of the initiative, Ketan Kulkarni, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart, says, ” Given the customer centricity values that Blue Dart carries, we partnered with what3words to stand true to our brand commitment of Customer Convenience and Delight. The three-word addressing will not only provide a seamless last mile delivery but will also increase delivery efficacy by reaching the precise location (within 3m of space) as specified by the customer. We believe that as the use of what3words grows, it will provide a unique way for us to deliver to specific locations, particularly in areas with informal addresses.”

On the partnership, Chris Sheldrick, what3words CEO and Co-Founder, adds, “What3words is the ideal technology for deliveries in a market like India where addressing is complex and often inaccurate. Our partnership with Blue Dart means that anyone, no matter how hard their home might be to find, can ensure their deliveries will go to the right place.”

The latest version of what3words will be available on all the Blue Dart platforms. Stakeholders will be able to download the what3words application for free via iOS and Android platforms. The easy adoption is what has made what3words a popular tool for businesses around the world and has helped them improve their customer experience and enhance efficiency while reducing expenses and environmental impact.

Blue Dart customers can find their unique what3words address via the free what3words app – available for iOS and Android – or the online map at what3words.com. They can then save their what3words address in the My Blue Dart App, website or OTM under the address section. Blue Dart’s customer and delivery platforms give customers power and flexibility over their deliveries, and the addition of what3words will provide further precision in the delivery address.

Aakash Malhotra | Creator Of The Month

Ex: How did you get started as a travel creator?
Aakash: The story began with first falling with the idea of travelling, travel bug bit me 2014 when I was selected for a reality show called Swiss Made Challenge and got an opportunity to travel to Switzerland for a month. I won the show! After winning the reality, show I won a trip to Switzerland again with my family to Switzerland and I happened to come back to Europe along with this trip. I did a backpack to 7 countries across Europe. That was where my idea of travel was further affirmed. Eventually, the idea of travelling was to work hard in the marketing job to save, travel and repeat. During this time I have explored almost 15+ countries and by 2016. I wanted to travel more and more and a job just became a limitation so I took a leap of faith and quit after quitting my job. The visited Thailand, Laos and Vietnam and during this time I became a freelancer digital marketeer which eventually turn into a full-time marketing company. By 2018, I realised that the digital era was coming in big time with social media influencers and that was a time Wander With Sky was born. The idea was very simple to showcase a Indian boy who is
travelling the world mind it a middle-class Indian boy and what started as a photo blog in 2018 today is a full-time content channel. This is how I became a travel cot in Creator.

Ex: You’ve visited some incredible destinations while pursuing your passion for travel. Can you share with us your top three favourite destinations and why?
Aakash: Iceland – The Northern Lights
Zanskar Valley, Ladakh – For the Rawness
North East India – Meghalaya, Sikkim and the other 5 sisters culturally and landscape wise fascinate me the most.

Ex: As an extreme athlete, you must have faced some unique challenges while travelling to different parts of the world. Can you tell us about some of the most challenging experiences you’ve had while pursuing your passion?
Aakash: One of the biggest challenge has been fighting my own mental limitations, and becoming a bird, haha I mean a skydiver. Being a skydiver is as extreme as it can go, jumping out of a plane requires a mindset and courage par any human. It takes years for people to be ready to take on such a sport, and for me this was one of the most challenging things I have done.

Ex: Social media has played a significant role in shaping the travel industry in recent years. As a travel creator, how do you use your platform to promote sustainable and responsible travel?
Aakash: I have always been an advocate for responsible travelling, and I use my channels to show people the reality of tourism and how they can reduce impact. This can be seen on my recent Spiti Trash Hill reel. I believe as travellers we should only leave our footsteps behind and take
the rest back for proper disposal.

Ex: You have an impressive following on social media. What do you think sets you apart from other travel creators, and how do you engage with your audience?
Aakash: I am REAL, I don’t showcase things just for views and likes, I just put my raw travel lifestyle out their which audience has really appreciated. I believe that I still have the same approach towards my followers as I had when I began, replying to each comment and DM, being a shoulder where I can and just be ME! PS – Yes, I sit and reply to 500+ comments a day.

Ex: As an extreme athlete, you must be constantly pushing yourself to your limits. How do you balance your desire for adventure with the need for safety and precaution?
Aakash: “PROFESSIONAL TRAINING”, I think the best way to learn any sport is to learn “responsibly”, thus I always go through trained and professional instructors and schools. Along with that when I put out content, I make sure I myself taking all precautions to showcase safety first.

Ex: You’ve worked with several brands and tourism boards over the years. Can you tell us about some of the most memorable collaborations and campaigns you’ve been a part of?
Aakash: My recent collab with “Visit Australia” has been one of the best, they understood my content style and made a custom itinerary according to my taste, that always makes content creation way better and easier. Recently, I did a video for Rado, as a raw adventure travel content creator it was a big deal integrating travel with luxury and was indeed one of my best works I have done.

Ex: Your Instagram feed is full of incredible action shots and stunning landscapes. Can you give us some insights into the process of creating such visually appealing content?
Aakash: I think, I am a PRO at capturing what my eyes see, confused? Eye see unique perspectives, depth and colors which isn’t what your camera lens will always capture. So, being able to imitate that emotion via my Lens is really important.

Ex: Travelling can be a life-changing experience for many people. How do you hope your travels and adventures inspire your followers to explore the world and try new things?
Aakash: I aspire to inspire 1 person a day since 2018, and that’s still my focus. What’s now added is ‘responsible’ travelling, making sure I talk loudly about travelling responsibly. As I explore unexplored terrains, I showcase the journey in the rawest form, which is the most important for my audience to understand.

Ex: Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who loves to travel and become a travel creator?
Aakash: Define your why, define if you want to “Travel to create?” Or “ Create cause you are travelling?” Cause traveling is demanding job, it requires you to stay on the road for long, and if you don’t love the idea of exploring you would not be able to keep up with the job. PS – It’s a long journey before you find success, so being self motivated is the most important skill.

Cruise ropes in Vaani Kapoor as the brand face for its new VarioQool Ultra ACs

India’s premium air conditioner brand, Cruise, has roped in leading Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor as the brand face of its new cutting-edge VarioQool Ultra AC range. The new range offers customers a superior and smart cooling experience with best-in-class performance and air purification technologies.

Onboarding Vaani Kapoor resonates with modern consumers and their lifestyles, while the Cruise brand represents an exceptional and intelligent cooling experience. The new association will motivate a larger population to choose cooling options of the highest calibre. “I am happy to be the face of Cruise ACs as they do a truly fantastic job of cooling the soaring temperatures of India’s summers. Their new range offers smart and efficient cooling experience to its customers and thus, drive them to opt for a world-class cooling solution,” expresses Vaani Kapoor, Bollywood Actress.

Top Highlights of the new Cruise VarioQool Ultra DUAL EEV Inverter Air Conditioners range include AI convertible capacity for 25% faster cooling and up to 40% energy savings, with no irritating vibration sounds to ensure Noiseless Operation. 100% high-quality inner grooved copper tubes that enable faster heat exchange and longer air conditioner life, and its Rust-O-Shield anti-corrosion technology on the heat exchanger protects the AC in corrosive & coastal environments and keeps weather corrosion at bay. This range also comes with the 7-Stage Air Filtration with PM2.5 anti-bacterial and anti-viral functions that keep your indoor environment clean, pure, and healthy. Its AerPro filtration features VOC, Activated Charcoal, Catechin, Anti-bacterial, Silver ion and HD dust filter to deliver 99.9% pure air.

“We chose VaaniKapoor as the face of Cruise ACs because she embodies qualities we uphold – Style, Elegance & Diversity. She is known for her bold choices and carries a universal appeal despite playing a variety of roles. Our cooling solutions also need to be bold in the summer heat and are proven to perform in extreme conditions whether it’s in your home, office, restaurant, or a large ballroom for social gatherings,” says Roshan Sirohia, Director at Cruise Appliances Pvt Ltd.

Cruise Appliances has also been recently recognised as Asia’s Best Consumer Electronics Brand at the BARC Prestigious Brand Awards Asia 2023 in Abu Dhabi. This accolade reaffirms its passion and commitment to delivering world-class solutions to discerning customers of the Cruise group, and its latest VarioQool Ultra and VarioQool Pro range is a testament to its passion for constant innovation and sustainability.