Bangalore Nov 7: Indian President Pratibha Patil will present the President’s Standard to 59 squadron and President’s Colors to Air Force Technical College for their service to the Indian Air Force at a ceremony to be held at AFTC here on November 12.

It was a rare distinction for both the units as they join the elite a few who have been honoured with these awards, said an official press release.
 
The President's Standard is presented to an operational flying unit, while non-flying/static units are awarded the President's Colors.  The practice of carrying or flying a distinguishing cloth by the leader of a clan or an army is not new to India.

The origin of Standard and Colours can be traced to the earlier days of history and they find mention in the war epics of India, Egypt, Greece and Rome, the release said.   The Puranic and mythological stories also contain numerous
references to such distinguished standards and emblems, which were flown on chariots of great warriors in battlefields.   The ceremonial parade will be commanded by group captain Bhanoji Rao of AFTC.

The President would release a special first day cover and a brochure to commemorate the occasion.

The event would be graced by many civil and military dignitaries, including the Karnataka Governor, Chief Minister, Chief of Air Staff and Marshal of the Air Force, the release said.

CII-Exim Bank bags certificate for business excellence

Bangalore, November 7, 2008: Max New York Life Insurance on Thursday has been awarded the “CII -Exim Bank Commendation Certificate for Strong Commitment to Excel” for the year 2008. 

The award, which is jointly instituted by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Export Import Bank of India is one of the most premium award for Business Excellence in the country. 

Max New York Life is the first life insurance company in India to be commended with this certification for its business excellence efforts.

Accepting the certificate, Rajesh Sud, CEO and Managing Director, Max NewYork Life Insurance said, the company is honored at being felicitated with this certification.

Vineet Sharma, Executive Vice-President - Quality and Business Excellence, Max New York Life Insurance said “the purpose of the Business Excellence journey for us is focus on the Quality of Business as opposed to the Business of Quality.”

Cognizant to IT event for school kids

Bangalore: Information Technology company Cognizant has decided to hold innovative “High-Q initiative” here on November 15 in an effort to create a knowledge platform for school students and give them an opportunity to interact with other schools and cities. 

High-Q is a knowledge initiative aimed specifically at students studying in classes X, XI and XII.   It seeks to nurture knowledge and creativity among students, make them aware of multiple career options and help them become true al-rounders. The event is being held at St. Johan's Auditorium, Koramangala, the note said.

The initiative intend to expand their awareness of current affairs and business happenings, and expose them to new and emerging career options, thereby helping them to make an informed decision about their future. 

The highlights of the Bangalore edition of High-Q will be an inter-school quiz competition anchored by popular quizmaster Giri “Pick Brain” Balasubramaniam and an interactive session on “Higher education options” by Jayaprakash A Gandhi, career consultant and analyst. 

Our Correspondent