Transforming Information
into Insightful Brilliance

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding work you all put into creating our internal magazine. Every time I receive a new edition, I am truly impressed by the quality, content, and overall presentation.

The magazine has become a valuable source of information and inspiration for me. Each edition is meticulously crafted with insightful articles, engaging stories, and captivating visuals. The content is not only informative but also thought-provoking, providing valuable insights into various aspects of our organization, industry trends, and professional development. The magazine’s professional and modern design sets it apart and elevates the content to a whole new level.

Raksha Sarda 

Group Data Governance & Control, AEL

Captivating Insights and Invaluable Updates

The magazine has become an invaluable resource for me to stay informed about company news, updates, and events. The articles are well-researched, engaging, and provide insightful perspectives on various topics related to our industry. It’s evident that a great deal of effort and thought goes into curating the content, and I find myself eagerly flipping through the pages to discover what’s in store.

Heena Kalwani 

Commercial & Sales, ADL

Building Bonds and
Inspiring Unity

Not only does the magazine keep us updated professionally, but it also highlights the accomplishments, stories, and achievements of our fellow colleagues. The various columns are both informative and entertaining. The features on employee spotlights and success stories create a sense of camaraderie and motivate us to strive for excellence. It’s wonderful to see our talented individuals recognised and celebrated within the organisation.

Vaishnavi Nalawade 

C&MD Office, AEL

A Beacon of Excellence

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding internal magazine that team a-connect is consistently producing. As a dedicated reader, I wanted to commend you on the exceptional quality and content that you are consistently delivering. Thank you for your dedication to producing such a remarkable internal magazine. It undoubtedly plays a significant role in fostering communication, collaboration, and a sense of community within our very large organisation.

Harish Sharma 

Cameraperson, CBC

Our Magazine Unites
and Empowers

One aspect that truly sets this magazine apart is its ability to connect us as a community. The personal stories, employee spotlights, and team accomplishments featured in each edition remind us that we are part of something greater. It fosters a sense of pride and unity, and it’s incredibly inspiring to read about the achievements of our colleagues.

Jignesh Khandwala 

Information Technology, AEL

Fostering a Strong Bond

Thank you for continuously raising the bar and delivering an internal magazine that surpasses expectations. It is a true pleasure to read and serves as a reminder of why I am proud to be a part of this organisation. It celebrates our collective achievements, recognises individual contributions, and provides a platform for sharing ideas and experiences. It truly reinforces our company’s values and creates a strong bond among us.

Pareshkumar Patel 

Projects, AGEL

Smita Kumari

Yoga is one of the most precious gifts given by the ancient Indian sages to humankind.

It is said in the Bhagavad Gita समत्वं योग उच्यते. It means “Yoga is a state of equilibrium and equanimity.”

Yoga, with its roots dating back thousands of years to ancient India, encompasses a comprehensive approach to well-being. Its primary objective is to unite the mind, body, and spirit, ultimately leading to a sense of inner peace and harmony.

The regular practice of yoga offers a wide range of benefits, including increased flexibility, improved posture, enhanced strength, reduced stress, and a heightened sense of self-awareness.

In today’s fast-paced and sedentary world, where stress, anxiety, and physical ailments have become all too common, the ancient practice of yoga emerges as a beacon of hope and transformation. Beyond its reputation as a trendy fitness trend, yoga holds profound significance in fostering a holistic and balanced lifestyle. By intertwining physical postures, controlled breathing, and mindfulness, yoga provides a myriad of benefits that extend beyond the physical realm.

Beating The Sedentary Lifestyle

Living a sedentary lifestyle characterised by prolonged periods of sitting and minimal physical activity poses significant risks to our health. However, incorporating yoga into our daily routine can help counteract these adverse effects.

Here are some key yoga poses that can be practiced to counteract the sedentary lifestyle.

Yoga practitioner should follow the guiding principles given below while performing Yogic practices:

Before The Practice

• Yoga practice should be performed in a calm and quiet atmosphere with a relaxed body and mind.
• Yoga practice should be done on an empty stomach or light stomach. Consume small amount of honey in lukewarm water if you feel weak.
• Bladder and bowels should be empty before starting Yogic practices.
• Light and comfortable cotton clothes are preferred to facilitate easy movement of the body.
• Yoga experts should be consulted before doing Yogic practices in case of chronic disease and also during pregnancy and menstruation for women.

During The Practice

• Yogic practices shall be performed slowly, in a relaxed manner, with awareness of the body and breath.
• Do not hold your breath unless it is specially mentioned to do so during the practice.
• Breathing should always be through the nostrils unless instructed otherwise.
• Do not hold the body tight or give undue jerks to the body.
• Perform the practices according to one’s capacity.

After The Practice

• Bath may be taken only after 20-30 minutes of Yoga practice.
• Food may be consumed only after 20-30 minutes of Yoga practice.
• A small sampling of research shows:
• Yoga is beneficial for physical fitness, musculoskeletal functioning and cardio-vascular health.
• It is beneficial in the management of diabetes, respiratory disorders, hypertension, hypotension and many life-style related disorders.
• Yoga helps to reduce depression, fatigue, anxiety disorders and stress.
• Yoga helps to regulate menstrual and menopausal symptoms.

The Fundamentals Of Yoga

• Yoga works on the level of one’s body, mind, emotion and energy. This has given rise to four broad classifications of Yoga:
• Karma Yoga where we utilise the body.
• Jňāna Yoga where we utilise the lighter mind.
• Bhakti Yoga where we utilise the emotion.
• Kriyā Yoga where we utilise the energy.
• Each system of Yoga we practice falls within the gamut of one or more of these categories. Every individual is a unique combination of these four factors. All ancient commentaries on Yoga have stressed that it is essential to work under the direction of a Guru.

Yogic Practices For Health And Wellness

The widely practiced Yoga sadhanas are: Yama, Niyama, Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Pratyāhāra, Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna, Samādhi, Bandhās and Mudrās, Ṣaṭkarmas, Yuktāhāra, Mantra-japa, Yukta-karma etc.

Yamas are restraints and Niyamas are observances. These are considered to be pre-requisites for further Yoga practice. Āsanas capable of bringing about stability of body and mind, “kuryat- tadāsanam- sthairyam”, involve adopting various psycho-physical body patterns and giving one an ability to maintain a body position for a considerable length of time.

Prānāyāma consists of developing awareness of one’s breathing followed by willful regulation of respiration as the functional or vital basis of one’s existence. It helps in developing awareness of one’s mind and helps to establish control over the mind.

Pratyāhāra indicates dissociation of one’s consciousness (withdrawal) from the sense organs which connect with the external objects.

Dhāranā indicates broad based field of attention (inside the body and mind) which is usually understood as concentration.

Dhyāna is contemplation (focused attention inside the body and mind) and Samādhi is being constant and the aim of Yoga sadhana.

Bandhas and Mudras are practices associated with Prāṇāyāma. They are viewed as the higher yogic practices that mainly adopt certain physical gestures along with control over respiration.

Ṣaṭkarmas are detoxification procedures that are clinical in nature and help to remove toxins accumulated in the body.

Yuktāhāra advocates appropriate food and food habits for healthy living.

Mantra Japa: Japa is the meditative repetitions of a mantra or a divine consciousness.

Mantra Japa produce positive mental tracts, helping us to gradually overcome stress.

The writer is a Yoga instructor in the Adani Group's healthcare department. She set a new Guinness World Record by holding the Samakonasana or the Centre Split for a record time of 3 hours 10 minutes and 12 seconds.

Prodyut Maji

India's rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have paved the way for significant growth in various sectors, including Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Caustic Soda, which are two basic product segments of the Indian chemical industry facilitating a chain of downstream industries including agriculture, infrastructure, housing, sanitation, and others. PVC, a versatile synthetic thermopolymer is widely used in building material (long-lasting unlike single-use plastic), medical supplies, fibre products, transportation and entertainment supplies, etc. Caustic Soda is an important raw material, which is widely utilised in the aluminium, chemical, paper industry, textile, printing and dyeing, medicine, glass, enamel and petroleum industries. India’s polymer consumption is likely to grow at CAGR of 8% p.a. due to rapidly changing consumer habits and speedy growth in urbanisation. Per capita consumption of PVC in India stands at 12.5 kg compared to the global average per capita consumption of 30 kg. India has a long way to go when compared to the US at 110 kg and China at 50 kg. This provides tremendous opportunities to enhance or create new capacities to feed the ever-growing market in India. The major PVC manufacturing hubs in India include Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

Given the growing PVC demand in India, the Adani Group is planning to set up 1 MMTPA capacity of Green PVC project in Phase-1 at Mundra, expandable to 2 MMTPA for which Environmental Clearance has already been obtained. This project will be set up under Mundra Petrochem Limited (MPL), a 100% step-down subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd. Apart from this, the project will generate Caustic Soda as major by-product and Carbide slag (for cement production by Group companies), which will also add to the revenues. The project's total cost is estimated to be around USD 2.5 billion in Phase-1.

Manufacturing Technology

There are two kinds of technologies to manufacture PVC - the EDC (Ethylene Dichloride) route and the Carbide / Acetylene route. The EDC route is preferred in places where ethylene supply is abundant, and companies enjoy the least production cost to manufacture ethylene. The process begins with the extraction of chlorine from salt, followed by its combination with Ethylene (also called Ethene as per IUPAC) for EDC route or Acetylene for Carbide route (also called Ethyne as per IUPAC), resulting in the production of Vinyl Chloride Monomer. These monomers are then polymerised using specialised catalysts, resulting in the formation of PVC resin. The resin is further processed to achieve the desired characteristics, such as flexibility or rigidity, through the addition of plasticizers, stabilisers, and other additives. MPL proposes to implement the Carbide/Acetylene based PVC production process due to readily available captive coal and power (major inputs).

Key Drivers Of The Project

Coal: The Company proposes to source coal for the project backed by the Adani Group’s expertise in developing and operating coal mines internationally and nationally as well as its expertise of being the largest integrated coal management company in India.

Availability of Abundant Power: The Group has operating green power assets and part of this green power could substitute thermal power to make Green PVC.

Reducing Import Dependency: Currently India imports majority of its PVC requirements (2 to 2.5 MMTPA), over 60% of the domestic demand. Any additional capacity would be able to plug forex outflow currently USD 2-2.5 billion. PVC manufactured in this plant will play a key role in reducing import dependency.

Project Progress

Land for the project in Mundra has been leased from Adani Ports Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ). We have obtained Environmental Clearance (EC) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 26 Sep 2022 and Consent to Establish from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board on 13 Dec 2022. The Company has already entered into agreements with various technology licensors and engineering activities are in progress as per the original schedule. MPL has also appointed Owner’s Engineer / Project Management Consultant (PMC) as integrator for the overall PVC complex.

The Infrastructure Polymer

PVC's versatility has led to its widespread adoption across sectors in India. The largest PVC consumer is the construction industry, accounting for a significant market share. PVC pipes and fittings are extensively used in plumbing, sewage systems, irrigation networks, and electrical conduits due to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and corrosion resistance. Typically, an urban unit will require about 200 kg of PVC in major applications like pipes, doors & windows, conduits, wires & cables, etc. while a rural unit requires approximately 75 kg of PVC.

Moreover, PVC finds applications in the automotive sector for manufacturing car interiors, wiring harnesses, and insulation materials. The packaging industry utilises PVC films and sheets for packaging consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and food products. PVC's electrical insulation properties make it an essential component in cables and wires.  

On a Concluding Note

Indian PVC market's steady growth is a testament to the industry's adaptability and the increasing demand for PVC products The vision and mission of the Adani Group are always aligned with India’s target of becoming self-reliant sans any impact on environment and progresses towards sustainable growth. With India pledging to net zero emissions by 2070 in the COP26 Summit, the upcoming PVC plant alongside leveraging of Green Power will also reduce dependence on imported raw materials; boost India’s drive of urbanisation and development; scale up employment; ameliorate the overall standards of living of the community in general; and benefit several small/medium scale industries.

The writer is Head, New Projects & Technology, MPL.

Andrew Strutton

Bravus Mining and Resources has donated close to AUD 50,000 to RACQ CQ Rescue this year from money raised via the Change for Choppers program, which cashes in cans and bottles collected at its Carmichael mine. A recycling program in use at the Carmichael mine, near Clermont in central Queensland, Australia, is helping keep the region’s lifesaving RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter flying.

Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe said the success of the program was due to its simplicity, and a hungry and thirsty workforce.

“We’ve been proudly supporting RACQ CQ Rescue since 2018 as we recognise the organisation’s critical role as a lifesaving service not only for our workforce, but for our broader community,” Mr Crowe said.

“The Change for Choppers recycling program is a natural extension of that successful partnership, and it’s something we’d strongly encourage other local businesses to get behind.

“Mackay-based group Anything Environmental developed the program and they do the heavy lifting for us. They put the bins in place, collect the recyclable materials, and tally up the donation – all of which goes to RACQ CQ Rescue.

“Our people are enthusiastic about doing what they can to reduce, reuse, and recycle on site, and Change for Choppers makes it as simple as putting the right thing in the right bin.

“The result is an extra AUD 50,000 donated to keep our only local rescue helicopter flying, in addition to the other support we give as part of our Community Partnerships Program.”

RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said the community was indebted to corporate partners like Bravus Mining and Resources who, through campaigns like Change for Choppers, assisted the not-for-profit service which was vital to the sick and injured within central and north Queensland.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such vital support from the community which ensures we can have a world-class aeromedical helicopter service on our doorstep and available anywhere, anytime throughout central Queensland,” Mr Healee said.

“RACQ CQ Rescue is a vital part of emergency support for all residents, visitors and workers in this region and it’s reassuring to know corporate organisations like Bravus appreciate the value of supporting our helicopter and that, with their support, we can continue to provide our vital, lifesaving service to anyone in a time of crisis.

“The reality is we rely heavily on sponsorships and donations, so community and corporate support is vital to keeping the helicopter available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice.”

Jwalit Vyas

The Adani Group, which started the capital transformation journey for its core infrastructure portfolio in 2019, has raised over USD 9 billion in a short span of four years. The program paved the way for long-only global investors to participate in the world’s largest and fastest-growing infrastructure development where the Adani portfolio offers a one-stop play through its portfolio companies spread across the infrastructure spectrum from energy and utilities to transport and logistics. It has attracted investments across various listed entities - Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), Adani Transmission Ltd (ATL), Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) and Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL).

In line with the Group’s capital management philosophy of enabling participation of strategic long term investors, Adani has attracted large-scale investments from the likes of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), TotalEnergies (TTE), International Holding Company (IHC), as well as GQG Partners (GQG) along with its co-investors Australia Super, Goldman Sachs, University of Texas, Delaware Public Employees Retirement System, Master Trust Bank of Japan, Missouri Education Pension Trust, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Universal Investment Luxembourg, New York State Common Retirement Fund and Employees Retirement System of Texas.

The faith and confidence shown by these large global investors are proof of the underlying strength of the Adani Group’s businesses and the Group’s commitment to the highest level of governance. Moreover, the success of the investment program also demonstrates the Group’s ability to raise funds across companies at each stage and achieve the stated goals.

In the most recent instance, the Adani family has raised USD 1.38 billion (INR 11,330 crore) through stake sale in the three portfolio companies — AEL, AGEL and ATL. This ensures higher capital availability at the Group level, for growth as well as near-term commitments of both debt and equity for the portfolio companies over the next 12-18 months. In addition, the three portfolio companies have also received board approval for primary issuances.

A similar stake-sale by the family in March 2023, aggregating to USD 1.87 billion (INR 15,446 crore), resulted in full prepayment of margin-linked, share-backed financing and created flexibility in a rising rate environment to equitize debt capital as and when due.

AEL is among the world’s largest business incubators, with focus on building infrastructure businesses. Its strategic priorities include the airport and green hydrogen business. Green hydrogen will enable decarbonization of industrial and mobility sectors, and support India’s push towards self-sufficiency in primary energy.

AGEL is the largest and the fastest growing renewable power company in India with operational portfolio of 8.1 GW. It envisions commissioning 45 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, while being the lowest cost generator of renewable power.

ATL is the largest private energy solutions player in India with presence in power transmission and distribution and an increasing focus on smart metering. Smart meters will enable electricity distribution companies to efficiently integrate and plan renewable energy into power grids and are essential tools for the decarbonization of the energy sector.

Adani is committed to raising capital to fulfill its 10-year roadmap of the transformative capital management program, which was formulated in 2016 to execute the plans for various portfolio companies.

Excerpts from Chairman Gautam Adani’s speech on 24 June - Adani Day - to an internal audience that also included the Champions of 1983, India's World Cup Winning Team led by Kapil Dev.

Thank you all for your birthday wishes. I am delighted that all of you could join me today on my 61^st birthday. I appreciate that, going forward, the plan is to celebrate 24 June as Adani Day to symbolize the unity and collective strength of all our group companies.

Adani Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate our core values of Courage, Trust, and Commitment. It is also a day to express our gratitude to all who have contributed to our remarkable journey and our success.

These last two hours have been fantastic. I still find it hard to believe that we have the Champions of 1983 here with us - in person.

For those of us fortunate to be well over their forties, I am sure you recall the glorious day - the 25^th of June 1983.

It is said that every nation has its defining moments. Our first World Cup victory was indeed one such moment.

Srikkanth-ji, your dropping on one knee to square drive against the pace of Andy Roberts paved the path for an entire country to rise in its self-belief.

Sandhu-ji, your massive inswinger to shatter the stumps of the mighty Gordon Greenidge paved the path for unifying an entire nation.

And, Kapil-ji, your sprinting backwards to catch a hook off the legendary Vivian Richards paved the path forward to the whole of India’s confidence.

Mohinder Amarnath-ji, Kirti Azad-ji, Roger Binny-ji, Sunil Gavaskar-ji, Syed Kirmani-ji, Madan Lal-ji, Sandeep Patil-ji, Ravi Shastri-ji (who is in London), Sunil Valson-ji, Dilip Vengsarkar-ji, (the late Yashpal Sharma-ji), and PR Mansingh-ji, your victory on that day redrew the boundaries of our national confidence.

On behalf of the Adani Group, I salute you. To us, you are all patriots.

As an organization we have a lot to learn from our cricketers. Every day is a new beginning, every ball is a new beginning and every second of glory comes at a price. There is no room for mediocrity. I find cricket inspiring not just because of the thrill of the game but because it is a game of constant adaptation - because the dimensions of uncertainty span different types of pitches, different weather conditions, different styles of bowlers and much more. It is a game where indomitable team spirit and individual self-belief must merge to attain victory. It is these principles that we must learn from the Champions of 83!

And just like the Indian team against Zimbabwe that had its 17-runs-for-the-loss-of-5-wickets moment but fought back to win, in the same way we too had to fight back against the allegations of a US based short-seller. Their report was intentionally timed to be published just as the Adani Group was planning to launch the largest Follow-on Public Offering in India’s history. In response, and to protect our shareholders, we had pulled our FPO and issued a detailed response rebutting every single allegation.

All this was to help line the pockets of the foreign short-sellers at the cost of our shareholders, our partners, and our employees. It questioned the governance practices that exist in our country. As a result, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India constituted an Expert Committee to carry out an overall assessment of the situation that had led to the volatility and to review the regulatory mechanisms of the stock market.

Last month, the Expert Committee’s Report confirmed the quality of our disclosure and governance processes and stated that there was no factual basis to the short-seller’s allegations. 

Our company is the sum-total of a set of beliefs that define us. The belief that we have a role to play in transforming infrastructure in our country, the belief that we can build the world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park, the belief that we can grow annually at double digits over the next three decades, the belief that India is unstoppable. These beliefs shape every action, every thought, and every feeling that we experience. It allows us to make the choice to do the hard and complex things that most would avoid. And, as our beliefs expand, so do the boundaries of our ambitions.

This is the reason why I find the transition to T-20s fascinating. While test matches are still considered to be the highest form of cricket that challenges a cricketer’s endurance and skills, T-20 is a game of belief. A run a ball in a T-20 match will fetch just 120 runs – a non-defendable total. A player that makes only 20 runs each game but his runs are made up of 2 fours and 2 sixes off just 4 balls is more valuable than a player that blocks the crease and makes 50 runs off 50 balls. The way the T-20 is played defines the Adani DNA of speed and constant adaptation. New and innovative scoring shots such as the reverse sweep that go against conventional wisdom are ok when you are constantly adapting. Just like the T-20, we are an outcome of our natural instincts that allow for energy and raw power over flawless techniques.

And we accept the fact that all forms of growth come with risks. Because for us, nothing could be as painful as being stuck and branded as an average growth company. I would rather trip and take the risk to thereafter rise, as against the risk of accepting slow growth and being run over. Indeed, we must never become an outcome of destiny. We must always remain an outcome of the actions we take to create our destiny.

And the power of this belief is proved by the outcomes you help deliver for me. Despite the short in January, the best birthday gift you have given me has been the results that you have achieved in the past financial year. The FY23 operational and financial results are testimony to our success. Our balance sheet has never been healthier, our assets have never been more robust, and our operating cashflows have never been stronger. The scale of our international expansions is validated by our success in Australia, Israel, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and many other nations. The pace at which we have made acquisitions and turned them around is unmatched in the national landscape. And for the year just ended, we have set all-time historic records in terms of our revenues, EBIDTA, and cash flows. These results are our true rebuttal to those that believe they could short us out.

Last year, my 60^th birthday was additionally significant because it was also the centenary birth anniversary of my father Shantilal Adani. You will recall that the Adani Family had committed to a multiyear multi dimensional program donating to a range of social causes spanning healthcare, education and skill development to help contribute towards building a more equitable India.

I am happy to say that our planning for the country’s most comprehensive state-of-the-art healthcare ecosystem is in full swing. This ecosystem is aimed to push cutting edge technology across all medical processes, build deep research and data driven capabilities to increase the exposure of healthcare professionals. I am excited about the possibilities of this integrated technology and research driven platform that we are building. We will soon be announcing more details.

As I close, let me once again thank all of you for the wonderful celebrations and, of course, a special thank you to the Champions of 1983. Forty years ago, you started the journey to help enable an entire nation to hold its head higher. You proved that winning is not about having the biggest line-up of the fastest of the bowlers or having the most aggressive of the batsmen. You showed us that winning is about resilience. It is about attitude. It is about heart, and such is the company that we aspire to continue to build.

I pray I can continue to live up to the faith you put in my abilities. You make me what I am. I wake up every morning feeling fortunate that I have all of you by my side. And I sleep every night feeling confident that I will build a better tomorrow - because I have you standing beside me. Nothing can be more empowering. Your support is my ultimate strength. You make it possible.

Happy Adani Day!

Team CBC

Frost & Sullivan has honoured AdaniConneX with the 2023 South Asian Company of the Year Award for delivering data center infrastructure and operational excellence. India’s soaring data growth along with rapid adoption of emerging technologies such as Cloud, AI, IoT, etc., are driving the need for reliable and sustainable Digital Infrastructure for India to become a digital-first nation. AdaniConneX has emerged as a key player offering an integrated approach towards building digital infrastructure with full-stack solutions addressing regional requirements with global standards.

Bringing the energy infrastructure expertise of the Adani Group and the Data Center expertise of EdgeConneX, AdaniConneX is emerging as the torchbearer in the region when it comes to implementing Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS), starting with Data Center and Energy Infrastructure services, and building towards a seamless common service orchestration and management fabric for digital infrastructure.

It delivers products and solutions that address current market gaps, while driving business and technological innovations anticipating future customer needs. The company’s targeted innovation addresses the shortcomings of existing solutions and the technology voids responsible for customer pain points and frustrations.

The company’s ability to leverage its extensive know-how in energy supply management has empowered it to offer customers end-to-end energy security and control, with cutting-edge Data Center solutions that encompass the complete digital infrastructure lifecycle, including Data Center Design, Construction, and Operations.

“AdaniConneX adopts a collaborative approach through its holistic end-to-end solutions to engage customers and goes above and beyond just offering services," said Gautham Gnanajothi, Global Vice-President of Research, Frost & Sullivan. "It acts as a consultant and strategic partner that strives to support customers in achieving their long-term visions.”  

AdaniConneX’s excellence in implementing visionary scenarios using Mega Trends creates new market opportunities, leading to customer satisfaction while establishing a strong product positioning strategy. This strategy focuses on sustainability, resiliency, and life cycle performance, including cost efficiency, time to market, and the flexibility to adapt to changes. The company serves various vertical segments with solutions tailored to suit individual sector requirements, further fostering its growth. It leads the market by staying at the forefront of technological development and innovations while promoting workforce diversity, inclusion, and skills development.

“AdaniConneX’s futuristic approach towards product and solution development combined with its staunch resolve to fill market voids and customer challenges has placed it in the forefront of this highly competitive industry. Its deep-rooted engineering expertise, along with its strong focus on delivering excellence, have resulted in path-breaking infrastructure and operational best practices, ultimately enhancing customer value,” added
Mr Gnanajothi.

With its strong overall performance, AdaniConneX earns Frost & Sullivan’s 2023 South Asian Company of the Year Award in the Data Center Infrastructure and Operations industry.

“This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our team, partners, and customers. As we continue to innovate, collaborate, and strive for excellence, we are shaping an industry that is not just about data, but about empowering business, transforming lives, and driving change,” said Sanjay Bhutani, Chief Business Officer, AdaniConneX.

Every year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year award to an organisation that demonstrates excellence in growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognises a high degree of innovation with products and technologies, and the resulting leadership in terms of customer value and market penetration.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognise companies in regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development.

Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

Arpita Vadgama & Dipika Rathi

Speaking on Adani Day on 24 June 2023, also his 61^st birthday, Chairman Gautam Adani paid heartfelt tribute to the Adani family of employees. "You make me what I am. I wake up every morning feeling fortunate that I have all of you by my side. And I sleep every night feeling confident that I will build a better tomorrow - because I have you standing beside me. Nothing can be more empowering. Your support is my ultimate strength. You make it possible."

Today, the Adani Group stands tall as one of India’s leading conglomerates, with a diverse portfolio spanning sectors such as infrastructure, energy, logistics, ports, and more.

Behind the phenomenal success and exponential growth of the Group lie two powerful drivers – visionary leadership and an army of dedicated employees working tirelessly to make everything possible.

In this special Adani Day edition of a-connect, we have assembled a representative montage of Adanian faces that reflect the spirit of collaboration and purpose that accelerates the Adani Group's growth.

The montage is our collective salute to each and every Adanian for their unwavering commitment, passion and contributions that have propelled the Group to amazing heights.

The Power Of People

In the realm of business, it is often said that "employees are a company’s greatest asset." This statement holds true for the Adani Group too, where every individual plays an integral role in driving the organisation forward. From those on the ground to the leaders at the helm, every Adanian brings unique skills and expertise to the table, collectively forming a cohesive force that propels the Group’s growth.

With the Adanian spirit burning bright, the future holds endless possibilities for the Adani Group as it continues to shape industries, transform lives, and inspire generations to come.

While it would be challenging to profile all our employees, we have pulled together a few stories that exemplify the passion, dedication, and diverse talents of the entire Adani family of employees.

These profiles offer a glimpse of the remarkable work being done by many among us, each playing a role of varying influence in shaping the Adani Group’s transformative impact on industries and communities throughout the nation.

Team Connect

On 24 June 1962, Shantaben and Shantilal Adani, the parents of a baby boy born that day in Gujarat, could not have imagined that, over the next 60 years, their son would go on to write one of the biggest entrepreneurial success stories of India.

On GSA Connect, available only to the Adani family of employees, you now have total access to his story.

The GSA Connect app, launched on the first Adani Day, on 24 June, which is also the Chairman’s birthday, takes you up close and personal. Not only do you get access to unknown titbits from his life, but you also get to see rare personal photographs, listen to his thoughts, and grab the chance to pitch your ideas to him in person and get them funded!

Here’s everything you get on the app:

GSA’s Journey - Have you ever seen the Chairman as a kid? What about his childhood photos, growing up, or having the time of his life with the Adani siblings? Or the setting up of the Mundra Port that would define his life for the years to come? GSA’s Journey takes you through a photo gallery from his personal photo album with delightful anecdotes from his life that will inspire and motivate you like nothing else.

GSA Ke Saath - We are sure you will have as much fun watching this segment as we had making it - because this is where you will find the Chairman in a never-before seen avatar - candid and fun. Topics of discussion? His favourite superstar, the price of onions, his Sunday game of cards, and so much more, we kid you not.

GSA Presents - He inspires us all, but who inspires him? This section will take you through incredible stories of resilience that are close to the Chairman’s heart. From COVID warriors to part-time community teachers, these are tales of courage, of stepping up in times of despair.

Adanians for Change - As Adanians, we all have a collective responsibility towards society. And what better than the Adani Foundation to help us fund change? If you come across a needy person or have a cause that the Foundation can contribute to, all you’ve got to do is to submit details in the app. Every little act of kindness counts.

Townhall - Have a question you want to ask the Chairman? He’s here to answer them, live in regular and exclusive townhalls. Get work tips, his success mantras, and more by tuning in.

Idea Hub - Imagine having a dream and the power to make that dream come true. The man who started from humble beginnings to become a legend will now give wings to your ideas. This is your chance to pitch your business and functional ideas to the Chairman and get funding, recognition, and more.

Customised Wishes - It’s your birthday. You wake up after a crazy night of celebrations and you find a customised birthday wish, signed by the Chairman himself, waiting for you in your app inbox! What’s more, you get a personal message from him on your work anniversary as well! If that is not swell, we don’t know what is.

GSA Connect has been downloaded by thousands of Adanians already. This is our humble attempt to bring the Chairman closer to you than ever before. So, if you are one of those who have not tried it out yet, you have no idea what you are missing out on. While the current app features are already numerous and fun, it’s all going to get much more interesting from now on, thanks to what we have in the works and what we are planning for the weeks ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates and, of course, do not forget to download your very own GSA Connect.

Juhi Chakraborty

For our nation's overall growth, there is a dire need to strengthen every nook and corner of India. That means all indigenous communities and primitive tribes should also be made a part of this nation-building process. What hinders this process is often lack of awareness about them and their work.

A great number of people in our country fall in the category of Tribes. The Kotwaliyas are one such tribe, who are master weavers and, for ages, they have been weaving beautiful baskets and other small artefacts using bamboo, which is locally produced and sourced.

Belonging to Pingot village in Netrang Taluka of Gujarat's Bharuch district, the Kotwaliya tribe and their economy still depend largely on forest resources. But the challenge is that they still don’t have bank accounts and they sell their products through middlemen, who exploit them on a regular basis by not adopting a fair pricing method.

It is very clear that there is hardly much protection, promotion of tradition-based goods and services and almost zero support for these indigenous and local community entrepreneurs. But things are taking a positive turn as recently this Kotwaliya community is now being groomed to be entrepreneurs.

The Adani Foundation is helping the Kotwaliya community of Pingot by providing them training and market linkage support. They were identified in October last year.

Usha Mishra, Dahej Unit CSR head of the Adani Foundation, says, “I visited the village with my team. An officer of the district government tribal sub plan office requested us to visit Pingot and meet the Kotwaliya community since the Adani Foundation has been doing exemplary work at the grassroot level across India. We just started the intervention. We are very new in that village. After our entry, there is a lot of awareness in them about how they can get a platform and can exhibit their items and earn well.”

So far, 15 women and five men have been identified. Currently, modern equipment is being procured and, very soon, they will get them, which will increase the production quantity as well as the quality of the goods. They work out of their homes and their group formation process has also begun. The five identified men are being utilised as the resource persons and others will also be engaged and will go out to sell these products.

The community has also welcomed the Adani Foundation with open arms, and they are happy to be finally streamlined and organised.

They did an exhibition-cum-training class recently in Bharuch at the Ladies Club of Adani Ports employees.

It was their first time visiting a city. They were touched by the reception and respect they were given. They earned around INR 700 per person in a single day, and they said that they could not earn this even after a whole day’s labour in their village.

But there is a long road ahead and the Adani Foundation’s commitment gives the Kotwaliya community hope for a brighter future for them and their future generations.

“Right now, it is in a very nascent stage," says Ms Mishra. "We need to nurture it. Our ports have a lot of demand for corporate gifting. There we have already received a purchase order. They will keep getting small orders and they will also take part in various government exhibitions in Bharuch city. When their group will be formed, they will be registered in the government’s livelihood mission and will be then eligible for a revolving fund of INR 30,000. They can then open their own shops at the block level. This year’s budget also has benefits for primitive tribes. All this nurturing will take some time, but we are very positive.”

Satinder Pal Singh

Natural Gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel and is considered globally as a ‘transition fuel’ - from more polluting fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy.While there has been talk about the longevity of this ‘transition’, there is no denying that Natural Gas will play a pivotal role for the next several decades, helping nations move further along their journey towards net zero.

India aims to achieve a 15% share for Natural Gas in its primary energy mix by 2030 from the current share of under 6%. This is an enormous undertaking requiring several techno-commercial and regulatory challenges to be overcome. As per the India Energy Outlook report (2021) published by the International Energy Association, India’s total primary energy demand in 2019 was 921 million tons of oil equivalent (mtoe), in which the share of Natural Gas was 55 mtoe. This primary energy demand is estimated to escalate to 1,237 mtoe by 2030 and if India is to achieve the 15% Natural Gas share, demand would triple to 186 mtoe. To put this in perspective, in the upcoming decade, we would run up to an approximate investment in Natural Gas storage and transportation of INR 1,20,000 crore to achieve this target.

India imports nearly half of the gas (in the form of LNG) that it consumes and, looking at our upstream prospects, the share of LNG is expected to grow in the years ahead. Accordingly, critical alignment with several exporting projects internationally would also be essential to secure stable long-term supply to help achieve our 15% share target.

Out of the 25 million tons per annum (mtpa) LNG imported in India in 2019, long-term supply sources contributed 20 mtpa, whilst the rest was from the spot market. It is assessed that, by 2030, we will need to add 40 mtpa to our long-term supply mix.

As of March 2023, total regas capacity from the existing six operational terminals located in western and southern India was 42.5 mtpa. Considering the average prevailing utilisation rates in the country of LNG terminals, an increase of between 40-60 mtpa in regasification is expected by 2030. Commissioned Natural Gas trunk pipelines stand at 18,000 km covering mainly the western, northern, and small parts of the southern and eastern regions.

Dhamra LNG

This terminal comprises relevant marine infrastructure provided by Dhamra Port for safely berthing a wide range of LNG vessels, LNG jetty, two full containment storage tanks of 1,80,000 m3 capacity each, Shell Tube Vapourisers that can regasify upto 6.5 mtpa LNG at peak capacity, three gas engines of 9.65 MW capacity each to operate the terminal in island mode and a send out pipeline to connect to the nearby GAIL national transmission system. We are privileged to have Indian Oil and GAIL as our long term (20-year) users in this phase and are well placed to double our capacity in subsequent phases.

Our journey has its genesis in APSEZ acquiring Dhamra Port in 2014 which lead to an investment decision for Dhamra LNG terminal in June 2017. This was the first investment for an import and regasification terminal by a private company in India. In October 2018, the Adani Group and French energy major TotalEnergies executed a 50:50 JV agreement to develop an LNG business in India and neighbouring countries which included development of this terminal. This JV has truly benefitted from the unbeatable Adani expertise in infrastructure development and from TotalEnergies when it comes to LNG experience and global access.

Having awarded EPC contracts, the terminal development commenced in March 2018. It was immediately obvious that developing the massive LNG tanks would be a different experience from that in existing terminals as the load bearing capacity of the soil on the eastern coast of India is typically lower. This required longer and more numerous piles at Dhamra and was one of our earlier challenges. The project was in full swing when COVID-19 struck, imposing restrictions which disrupted our man-material movement. After the first wave, we prepared ourselves and fared much better during the second wave as we had stockpiled material and adjusted our worker rota to cater for pandemic induced disruptions. We also endured severe cyclones like Yaas and Amphan.

We are proud of how we imbued the Atmanirbhar concept into our project, evidenced in our selection of EPC contractors. Apart from all civil and marine works being executed by local contractors, Dhamra LNG is the first terminal where our home-grown EPC – L&T – executed the challenging tank contract, thereby strengthening its credentials for other tenders globally.

Safety remained an unwavering focus for the team during the construction phase and, in the final tally, we compared favourably with HSE statistics when benchmarked with other LNG terminals globally.

Having endured the pandemic, the disruptive effects of the ongoing European conflict and other challenges, in March 2023, we finally felt confident of committing to receiving our commissioning cargo. The moment of truth arrived on Odisha Divas, 1 April 2023, when the TotalEnergies sourced, QatarGas delivered, Milaha Ras Laffan arrived at the anchorage of Dhamra Port. Fantastically assisted by DPCL’s powerful tugs, the berthing operation endured challenging wind conditions to present a perfect berthing of the first LNG vessel on the shores of Eastern India.

Milaha’s partial load of 26,50,000 mmbtu would be used to cool down and maintain the terminal to a cryogenic state at approximately -160^oC and conduct requisite performance tests to prove up the design parameters. That the ship stayed alongside for only 13 days, well within our planned laytime of 15 days, gave us confidence that we had begun well. Over the 40 days and as planned, we stabilised the terminal and conducted many performance tests to prove up capabilities and formally commenced commercial operations on 21 May 2023.

Since commissioning, Dhamra LNG has already received two more cargos and is expected to make a strong ramp in the coming 12 months or so.

Hinterland Connectivity

The evacuation of gas in the pipeline started on 18 April 2023 through the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra pipeline (JHBDPL). JHBDPL is connected to the national grid with connection to HVJ pipeline connecting North and West India. Also, in the northeastern part, it is connected to the Indra Dhanush pipeline network connecting the seven sister states of northeast region. The network developed by GAIL, which spans over 3,500 kms, is another infrastructure milestone as this network and Dhamra LNG were virtually commissioned simultaneously – a first in the annals of developing Indian gas infrastructure. The terminal, via this pipeline, will act as a primary source of Natural Gas to the states of Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Natural gas will be supplied primarily to refineries in eastern regions and will also cater to brownfield fertiliser plants.  Supply from this terminal to this pipeline network will not only enhance energy security, but food security as well because Natural Gas is the primary feedstock for fertilizer production.

What Does This Mean For India?

Dhamra LNG is India’s seventh operational import terminal and first in the eastern region.  With a peak capacity of 6.5 mtpa, we have added around 15% to the country’s regasification capacity. Equally, and if not more importantly, this terminal allows gas to flow from east to west and vice versa for the first time in our history.

The flexibility that this brings gives us considerable leverage when sourcing cargos and weathering disruptions.  During the recent Biparjoy cyclone, users of Gujarat based terminals had begun to consider diversion of their LNG cargo to Dhamra if the downtime there persisted. Supply sources towards the eastern part of India, as well as  Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia, will save on shipping costs when supplying to Dhamra. The North Indian gas market can now be accessed by both eastern and western LNG terminals providing choice and diversification opportunities to buyers.

There is very low penetration of Natural Gas in East India largely on account of lack of supply caused in turn by non-availability of infrastructure. Dhamra LNG has changed that as it now becomes the primary source of Natural Gas for 35% of the Indian population on account of its proximity to these markets. Having such proximity also means less transportation cost caused by compression requirements when moving gas over long distances.

Inland waterways offer an opportunity for us to transport LNG to new users. Dhamra LNG also provides the opportunity to become a regional supply hub because of its ability to re-load shipments. Bangladesh has been long trying to develop LNG infrastructure on its western shores. Dhamra offers a ready alternative both via pipeline connectivity and break bulking. Our truck loading bays will offer opportunities for potential buyers who desire Natural Gas but are not on the growing Indian gas pipeline network.

Summing Up

All in all, Dhamra offers much needed local infrastructure, diversification, and new ways of receiving gas to a large part of the Indian market. This is a small but important step in our country’s transition to a gas-based economy and I salute the courage, vision and determination of everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this a reality! Going forward, world class operation standards, throughput, continuing with record setting HSE standards, remain our priority.

The writer is Chief Executive Officer, Adani Total Pvt Ltd & Dhamra LNG Pvt Ltd.

Aarush Patel

Operating a Steadicam is an artform that can take a lifetime to master. I have been a cameraman and a drone pilot for over two years and I’m still learning, honing, and practicing my technique. This hunger to learn and develop took me to Tuscany, Italy, for a workshop organised by Tiffen, Steadicam Action and Cartoni.

I was told that I was the first Indian to attend the workshop. The fact that I was the youngest pupil there added to its uniqueness. The participants in my class ranged in age from 25 to 50. It was a six-day workshop to learn and improve skills in operating a Steadicam rig.

It was an immersive experience. The workshops were led by experienced Steadicam operators who shared their knowledge, techniques, and insights with all participants. We also had an interactive video conference with American inventor Garrett Brown, best known as the creator of the Steadicam.

I received hands-on training with a Steadicam rig, learned about the equipment and its components, and tried to understand the principles and techniques of operating the Steadicam smoothly. The workshop covered topics such as balance and set up, framing and composition, operating techniques for different types of shots, dealing with challenging environments, and troubleshooting common issues.

We also had practical exercises daily where all participants practiced operating the Steadicam under the guidance of the instructor. I gained valuable experience and received feedback to improve my skills even further.

One of the main advantages of attending the workshop was the opportunity to network and connect with professionals in the field. I interacted with the instructor and other participants, exchanged ideas, and potentially built relationships that will go a long way, I’m certain.

Overall, the workshop provided a structured environment to learn and practice, along with the guidance of experienced professionals in the field. I would like to thank my parents and the Adani Group, for their support and motivation to attend the workshop to enhance my skill.

I left Italy with an official Steadicam certificate, and the necessary skills in place to capture high-quality steady shots for our Adani Group productions.

Dipali Shah

The digital innovation and marketing trend is expanding quickly, and this is causing customers' expectations to change quickly. Customers demand all interactions, experiences, and services tailored specifically to their needs along with the accelerating pace of the digital communication ecosystem. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to strike the correct balance between preserving technical advancement and development while enabling clients to receive individualised attention.

Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) consistently attempts to update strategies and business processes with a focus on providing enhanced customer experience and assisting consumers in fully utilising features of digital initiatives. The ‘My Customer My Pride’ (MCMP) programme was introduced as a follow-up to a few elite initiatives, such as ‘Green Morning with Customers and ‘Customer Coach Programme’, to show how complaints from customers are addressed to ensure customer happiness and loyalty.

Listen! Reassure! Transform!

Suresh P Manglani, ED & CEO of ATGL, envisioned this transformational path from ‘Care to Delight’ for customers with the aim of giving customers certainty and trust, changing their experience, and attempting to build a durable, long-term relationship with its customers. From the centralised client Delight & Call Centre at Drive-in Road in Ahmedabad, he launched the MCMP programme in May with a primary focus on client orientation, technological drive, speed, and quality of implementation.

Additionally, Mr Manglani recorded ‘Delight Hours’ under the MCMP on 10 May and became the first senior management member to do so. During the visit, he interacted with the customers, listened to their queries, requests and tasks were assigned to concerned teams for resolving their issues. The programme will be amplified through participation of leaders and senior executives, regional & GA heads, twice in a month and record ‘Delight Hours’ with the customers.

Roshani Deshpande

The Adani Group demonstrated its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability through a remarkable tree plantation drive on 24 June, Chairman Gautam Adani's birthday, celebrated as Adani Day. With a focus on contributing positively to the environment, the Group mobilised its business verticals to actively participate in this cause. This resulted in the plantation of an astounding 61,000 trees on the Chairman’s 61^st birthday.

The Adani Group has always been at the forefront of sustainable initiatives, consistently integrating environmental consciousness into its business strategies. Adani Day serves as a platform to celebrate and reinforce this commitment, uniting the Group’s entities under a common goal: to create a greener and more sustainable future.

Each business unit contributed to the initiative demonstrating the power of collaboration in driving positive change. Adani Enterprises Ltd made a significant contribution, by planting a total of 31,020 trees. This, at 51%, accounted for the highest number of trees planted. This was followed by the Energy vertical planting an overwhelming 24,400 trees, accounting for 40% of the total trees planted during the drive. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone and Adani Cement planted 4,500 and 1,080 trees respectively. By engaging different business units within the Adani Group, the tree plantation drive hit 61,000 trees.

This is a significant step towards reducing carbon footprint, improving the environment, and setting an example for others. The benefits from such drives extend beyond immediate environmental impacts and have the potential to create a sustainable and greener future for generations to come.

Rainu Koul

The inaugural edition of Adani Day, the day that marks the founding of the Adani Group, turned into a nostalgic and thrilling affair with the presence of the legendary winning cricket team of 1983. Adani Day, which from this year will be an annual celebration on 24 June,  coincides with the birthday of the Group’s Founder and Chairman, Gautam Adani.

The day was filled with fun and grandeur, reflecting on the remarkable journey of the Adani Group and its leader. The event commenced with a visual homage to the Group’s humble beginnings and its growth into a generous giant committed to building the nation and creating livelihoods for the less privileged. From the Group’s inception as a modest trading firm to its current position as a leading global conglomerate, the journey was depicted with awe-inspiring visuals and heartwarming narratives, filling the heart of every member of the Adani family of employees with pride and admiration.

The highlight of the afternoon was the presence of the team that won for India our first ever Cricket World Cup - 40 years ago. The heroes of 1983, led by iconic captain Kapil Dev, brought an aura of nostalgia and reverence to the event at the ACH. Adani Day turned into a celebratory platform where sports, business and social work merged seamlessly to showcase the Adani Group’s unwavering commitment to resilience, excellence and teamwork.

As the afternoon unfolded, the stage was set for fun, learning and entertainment. The legendary cricketers, who had scripted history in 1983, opened up to the audience. Their stories of resilience, teamwork, and determination resonated deeply with everyone present. Their presence served as a reminder that extraordinary achievements are attainable through collective effort and a strong sense of purpose.

Adani Day also marked a significant moment for Chairman Gautam Adani, as he turned 61. The event became an occasion to honour his leadership, dedication, and entrepreneurship, which allowed him to transform challenges into opportunities and shape the Adani Group into a global powerhouse that gives back to society through its vast philanthropic initiatives.

The Adani Day celebrations served as a reminder of the remarkable journey undertaken and the tremendous potential that lies ahead. As the Adani Group continues to expand its horizons, this celebration will forever be etched in the annals of its history, inspiring generations of Adanians to come.

The Heroes of 1983 pose for a birthday pic with Chairman Gautam Adani and young superstars
from the Adani Vidya Mandir, Ahmedabad.

Left to Right: Sunil Valson, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Kapil Dev, Sandip Patil, Chairman Gautam Adani, Dilip Vengsarkar, PR Man Singh, Syed Kirmani, Kirti Azad, Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Mohinder Amarnath (Madan Lal, Roger Binny, Ravi Shastri & Sunil Gavaskar are missing)

Left to Right: H - Riyansh Devaliya, A - Het Shah, P - Himani Solanki, P - Rutvee Bhatt,

Y - TanviMakwana, B - Elina Khristi, I -  Ansh Bejaniya, R - Arwa Baldiwala,

T - Mh. Maruf Shaikh, H - Daksh Patel, D - Yakshit Salvi, A - Arvind Singh, Y - Varni Kalathiya

Bobby Nair

The summer of 1983 was poised to become an extraordinary one. A plucky Indian cricket team, deemed a minnow, had been called upon to compete against the greatest cricketing nations in the world for the prestigious Prudential World Cup. After all, cricket, a game entrenched deeply in the hearts of the Indian populace, had not yet seen India’s domination in the world arena.

The tournament commenced on the 9th of June. The Indian team, captained by the charismatic Kapil Dev, made their entry onto the cricketing stage against the West Indies, a team that was widely considered invincible, their aura intact after two consecutive World Cup victories. The first encounter between the upstarts and cricket’s behemoth, much to everyone’s astonishment, ended with an Indian victory, sending shockwaves across the cricketing world.

What followed was a rollercoaster journey. India lost to Australia but came back strong, defeating Zimbabwe and West Indies once more, sending a clear message – this team was not to be underestimated.

The drama escalated during the match against Zimbabwe. With the top-order batting crumbling, India teetered at the edge of elimination. It was a predicament that could have triggered panic, but Kapil Dev, displaying exceptional leadership, rose to the occasion. Unfazed, he hammered an incredible 175 runs not out, crafting one of the most memorable innings in cricket history. Kapil’s warriors managed to set a target of 267 runs, which they defended with lion-hearted vigour to secure their place in the semi-finals.

The semi-final clash against England at Old Trafford was no less intense. England, basking in the glory of their home-ground advantage, posted a formidable 213 runs. Chasing such a target, under the overcast Manchester skies, was a daunting task. But the Indians were undeterred, determined to write their own destiny.

In reply, Yashpal Sharma and Sandeep Patil produced breathtaking performances. Against the formidable English bowling attack, they wrestled control of the game, taking India closer to the total. Mohinder Amarnath, the team’s dependable all-rounder, played a nerve-calming knock, and soon the winning runs were hit. A wave of British disbelief swept over Old Trafford, while the Indian contingent erupted in joy. India had made it to the World Cup finals, and the world was taking notice.

The grand finale was to be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. It was a befitting venue for a cricketing spectacle that would forever change the cricketing landscape. India was to face the West Indies once again. The Caribbean giants, itching to secure their third consecutive world title, were hell-bent on exacting revenge.

On the fateful day, 25 June, India won the toss and chose to bat first. The strategy was clear: post a sizeable total and defend it with all their might. However, the West Indies pacers, especially Joel Garner and Michael Holding, had other plans. They tore through the Indian batting order, reducing them to a meagre total of 183 runs. The mood in the Indian camp was sombre; the dream of a world title seemed to be fading away.

But as they say, “It isn’t over until it’s over.” The Indian team, though underdogs, were no pushovers. Kapil Dev rallied his men, reminding them of their journey, the fights they had won, the giants they had toppled. He urged them to believe in themselves one last time, to defend the total with every ounce of their strength. And defend they did.

The Indian bowlers, led by the indomitable Kapil Dev, charged in like men possessed. Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath decimated the West Indian batting line-up. Each wicket brought them closer to the dream, each ball bowled carried a nation’s hope. The turning point came when Kapil Dev, running backward, pulled off a spectacular catch to dismiss Vivian Richards, the heart of the West Indies’ batting. The tide was turning, and the underdogs could sense it.

The final nail in the coffin was driven in by Mohinder Amarnath, who trapped last man Michael Holding leg-before-wicket. The umpire’s finger went up, and in that euphoric moment, time seemed to stand still. The crowd at Lord’s erupted in cheers, but none louder than the Indian team, who ran onto the field, hugging, jumping, crying. It was over. They had done it. The underdogs had triumphed over the mightiest team in cricket. The Prudential World Cup 1983 belonged to India.

The glorious summer of 1983 will forever be etched in cricketing lore, a testament to the power of belief, courage and teamwork. It stands as an enduring note of resilience that echoes beyond the boundaries of cricket, resonating with everyone who dares to dream. It is a tale of triumph, a story of grit, and an enduring lesson in determination. Above all, it is proof that sometimes, the impossible is merely untried.

Excerpts from Group Head, CBC, Aman Singh’s address on Adani Day, introducing #JeetengeHum, the campaign to wish the Indian cricket team the very best for the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

I

t is tough to come out to bat right after the entertaining performance of a legend like Srikkanth-ji. I must thank you for extending your well wishes to our Chairman for his good health, longevity and continued success. I would also like to highlight an intriguing aspect of our Chairman's and our Group's business journey – it is a journey without the luxury of peace. This year, like those before it, is laden with challenges. Adversity, however, is not a googly to Gautam Adani. It is, in fact, just another short ball for him.

As the Adani Group navigates challenges, our belief remains steadfast — we will triumph. Today, not only do we celebrate the Chairman's birthday but we also embrace the spirit of cricket in the air. From my experience in this group, I have found a special way to encapsulate the Chairman’s leadership and the Group's persona. My time working alongside him has taught me three valuable lessons, all framed within the context of cricket.

In his commentary, Sunil Gavaskar, or Sunnybhai, often offers this advice: "Respect the conditions." It is a sentiment I have discerned from not only his own batting but also that of other maestros like Sachin Tendulkar and Vivian Richards. Often, when the ball is new, the pitch is lively, the sky is overcast and there is a lot of movement, even the greatest of batsmen would give the first hour to the bowler. Later, having 'respected the conditions', they would begin tormenting the bowlers and play out the day, usually with a big score. These cricketing masters have shown us the importance of adjusting to the situation at hand, which is quite similar to navigating the fluctuating dynamics of the corporate world. The Adani Group, which is at the forefront of diverse industries, continues to respect this ethos. Our ten listed companies lead their sectors always aware of the need to respect the conditions, to acknowledge and appreciate the competition and the market conditions.

During challenging times, the measure of leadership is put to the test. And our Gautambhai, much like a proficient cricket captain, understands the importance of responding appropriately to the situation. Sometimes, this might mean sacrificing small battles to secure a significant victory in the long run.

The second vital lesson from Sunnybhai is: "Don't play the bowler. Play the ball." This advice is applicable to the corporate world where we often focus excessively on the messenger rather than the message. Shifting focus to the suggestion or idea, rather than who proposed it, can lead to more constructive outcomes.

Recalling a memorable cricket match from 1978-79, Sunnybhai, who isn't renowned for his bowling skills, was tasked by Bishan Singh Bedi to bowl against Zaheer Abbas. At that time, it was impossible to get batsmen like Zaheer Abbas and Javed Miandad out. Seeing no threat at all in Gavaskar as a bowler, Abbas overlooked the ball, which resulted in his dismissal at 96 runs. This serves as a reminder that every proposal should be evaluated on its merits rather than the status of its presenter.

The final lesson, and perhaps the most critical one, is the reality that "It takes only one ball to get you out." This reminds us that, regardless of the magnitude of our achievements or successes, we must always stay alert. In my previous innings in government, I used to tell my IG, Security, that terrorists and naxals have to be right only once, whereas you have to be right all the time to maintain safety. Here too, as a company, we have to be alert all the time. The corporate landscape is an outfield that requires constant vigilance. This includes adhering to compliance protocols, rules and regulations, and company declarations. It is essential to remain aware and vigilant all the time.

Looking ahead to the Cricket World Cup 2023, we plan to run a campaign wishing the Indian team all success. Gautambhai asserts that there is no better way to kickstart this than through the heroes of our victory in the 1983 World Cup. Here, I remember commentator Richie Benaud's words that captaincy is "90 percent luck and 10 percent skill." He added a caveat though. He warned against attempting it without the 10 percent skill.

To convey good luck to the Indian cricket team, we will be presenting them a bat signed by the Heroes of 1983 and Chairman Gautam Adani. With the launch of our signature campaign, we extend our warmest wishes to the team. The campaign, aptly named #JeetengeHum, will also have its own signature tune that symbolizes our unwavering support for India.

Team CBC

In a truly impactful and noble way, the voluntary blood donation drive witnessed an overwhelming response from Adanians across India. The nationwide drive was conducted at more than 250 sites across 22 states, in the run up to the 61^st birthday of Chairman Gautam Adani on 24 June.

The Adani Group celebrated this day as  ‘Adani Day’, which will be an annual occurrence going forward.

The collection of 20,621 units of blood, equivalent to approximately 8,200 litres, was made possible by the collective efforts of more than 3,000 staff members. This year’s blood collection has well surpassed the previous year’s 14,657 blood units and is expected to improve and save around 62,000 lives.

Creating A Culture Of Giving

This annual blood donation drive was organised by the Adani Foundation under the guidance and support of the Adani Healthcare team led by Dr Pankaj Doshi. It was conducted by tying up with Red Cross blood banks, Government hospital blood banks, etc.

The donated blood will provide crucial support to patients through various components of blood, such as Whole Blood, PCV, Platelet Concentrates, Plasma, FFP, Cryoprecipitate, and Albumin.

By facilitating the availability of these essential blood components, the Adani Foundation aims to enhance healthcare services and contribute significantly to the well-being of patients in need.

Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, expressed her gratitude.

“I am deeply humbled by the tremendous contribution of our Adani Parivaar," said Dr Priti Adani. "Their dedication towards this blood donation drive, year after year, not only demonstrates their compassion but also reinforces our collective commitment to serve the nation.”

Meticulous Planning And Execution

The successful completion of the blood donation drive can be attributed to the meticulous planning and execution by the Adani Group. The event was organised in adherence to strict safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the health and well-being of all participants. Adequate arrangements were made to facilitate the donation process, including comfortable seating, refreshments, and medical supervision.

Lifesaving Contribution

Thanks to the overwhelming response from employees and the community, the blood donation drive resulted in a significant number of blood units collected. Each unit of donated blood has the potential to save multiple lives, making this event a true lifesaving effort. The impact of this initiative will extend beyond the immediate gratification of celebrating the Chairman’s birthday, leaving a lasting legacy in the lives of those in need.

Dipika Rathi

From most angles of view, the two-sided anamorphic portrait installation looks like just a heap of memories captured in photographs. But, stand in the right spot, and it transforms into the perfect likeness of business legend Gautam Adani — on one side, the man of today, and on the other, the child.

It was unveiled on Adani Day, the 24^th of June, which also happens to be Mr Adani’s birthday. The intriguing installation, the very first of its kind in India, crafted by the Artist Collective of Arthat Studio, Mumbai, is still on display at Adani Corporate House, Ahmedabad, on the 4^th floor, perhaps permanently.

Transformative Perception

In a remarkable fusion of art and entrepreneurship, the captivating ‘Face of Resilience’ installation pays homage to the indomitable spirit of Gautam Adani. This unique anamorphic portrait offers viewers a transformative experience through visual representation, symbolism, interactivity, and spatial design. By celebrating Mr Adani's resilience and determination, this installation has been inspiring conversations and igniting a deep appreciation for how his entrepreneurship is shaping our country.

It is a work of art that one needs to walk around to fully appreciate. Embarking on a thoughtful and iterative design process, the creators of the anamorphic portrait installation crafted a multidimensional experience. Meticulous research, planning, and testing of distortion and perspective were undertaken to ensure a visually striking and interactive encounter for viewers. By pushing the boundaries of perception, this installation invites individuals to engage with art in a truly captivating and unique manner.

Behind The Scenes

During the brainstorming phase, the team envisioned two portraits of Gautam Adani — one portraying him as a young boy and another showcasing his journey to a successful and resilient adult. Simplifying these portraits in a noir art style—a graphic form of art—the team transformed them into 3D renderings using parametric layers on digital software. Through a 3D mockup, they meticulously planned the suspended layers, lighting, shadows, and background of the installation.

Calculating the required distortion based on the dimensions and position of the installation space, the team determined the ideal viewing angle and perspective to create the anamorphic effect. Next, they produced laser-cut metal plates and utilised UV printing to bring the portraits to life. This pre-production stage, completed in Mumbai, spanned eight days.

Unveiling A World Of Illusions

With the designs finalised, the team proceeded to the production and execution phase. The metal plates were laser cut into desired shapes, black paint was sprayed on their back sides, and UV printing was applied to the front sides. The installation comprises 16 layers, each featuring 3-4 UV printed metal plates. These plates were adorned with a collage of photographs representing Mr Adani’s personal and professional journeys.

Transporting the plates to the installation site at ACH in Ahmedabad, the team commenced the meticulous anamorphic installation process. Each layer was individually arranged and measured on the ground, mapping the precise placement of every plate. Gradually, the metal plates were suspended according to the predetermined plan, creating an illusion at eye level. This laborious process demanded patience and precision, needing five days just to set up.

A Lasting Emotional Connection

The culmination of their careful planning and execution resulted in a visual spectacle that promises an unforgettable experience for viewers. Arthat Studio, the creators, is a Mumbai-based multidisciplinary artist collective.

In celebrating the entrepreneurial journey of Gautam Adani, the ‘Face of Resilience’ installation stands as a testament to the impact of his entrepreneurship on our world.

Juhi Chakraborty

The success rate of OTT content and their acceptance by audiences has piqued the interest of big actors from Bollywood. Most actors are no longer depending on the big screen to connect with their fans. They are willing to embrace the digital medium which has become a primary source of entertainment in households since the pandemic hit in 2020.

One compelling aspect that has drawn these actors to OTT platforms is the absence of the pressure to achieve box-office collections. Here, they find ample room for experimentation and exploration, enabling them to push boundaries and showcase their versatility to a global audience.

Shahid Kapoor made his OTT debut with ‘The Family Man’ director duo Raj and DK’s eight-episode series ‘Farzi’, which also marked the OTT debut of another superstar Vijay Sethupathi. A crime thriller, the Amazon Prime Video show is a fast-paced, edgy production about an artist who gets pulled into the murky high stakes of a con job and a fiery task force officer on a mission to rid the country of his menaces. Actor Alia Bhatt may be riding high on her big screen successes but that hasn’t stopped her from dabbling in the digital space. She turned producer with ‘Darlings’ on Netflix, in which she also stars along with Vijay Varma and Shefali Shah in the lead. Sonakshi Sinha made a roaring debut on OTT with Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Dahaad’.

Sara Ali Khan may be a fairly new entrant in the Bollywood game, but she has not shied away from OTT and has had multiple releases online – ‘Gaslight’ on Hotstar, ‘Atrangi Re’ on Hotstar and ‘Coolie No. 1’ in Amazon Prime Video. In fact, her father, actor Saif Ali Khan is one of the first actors to have dabbled with the space back in 2018 with Netflix’s ‘Sacred Games’ along with Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who is also quite a regular on the various digital platforms.

Kartik Aaryan is another actor doing the balancing act between the big screen and OTT. His OTT projects like ‘Dhamaka’ on Netflix and ‘Freddy’ on Hotstar have proved that the actor is capable of enthralling fans on any given platform.

Even seasoned actors are on OTT these days. Manoj Bajpayee has seen his career blow up like never before ever since he started doing work on OTT with series like ‘The Family Man’, which has catapulted his fame to another level. Ajay Devgn starred in Hotstar's web series, ‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’. Kareena Kapoor Khan is set to make her OTT debut with a film directed by Sujoy Ghosh who is best known for his thriller film ‘Kahaani’. Kajol made her OTT debut with ‘Tribhanga’ in Netflix, while Vidya Balan featured in Amazon Prime Video's ‘Jalsa’. Then you have Abhishek Bachchan in ‘Breathe’ on Amazon Prime Video, Anil Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor in ‘The Night Manager’, who are making sure that their stardom is keeping their fans glued to their shows on OTT.

The reach of OTT has also breathed new life into the careers of some actors who were pretty much gone from the acting scene. Madhuri Dixit delivered a solid comeback performance in ‘The Fame Game’ (Netflix), Raveena Tandon starred in intense thriller ‘Aranyak’ (Netflix) and Pooja Bhatt in ‘Bombay Begums’ (Netflix). Sushmita made a phenomenal comeback to entertainment with her debut in the OTT space, after a hiatus of 10 years, with Ram Madhvani’s series – ‘Aarya’ (Hotstar). Ayesha Jhulka made her on-screen comeback with Amazon Prime Video's original web series titled ‘Hush Hush’, which starred another actor who has been away from screen, Juhi Chawla. In the Amazon MiniTV’s action-thriller series ‘Hunter’, Suniel Shetty is seen alongside Esha Deol. Even Bobby Deol’s career also got a major push when he starred in MX Player web series, ‘Aashram’.

Satyavratsinh Jadeja & Balvinder Singh

Imagine you are watching a talk show on TV - and over the entire runtime, you see only the face of the presenter or guest and nothing else. Of course, you would be bored in a minute and change the channel. Well, to ensure that the audience is always kept engaged and enthralled, we have Live Editors, also known as Vision Mixers or Switchers.

No discussion of TV production would be complete without looking at what goes on behind the scenes, from shooting to releasing the final product to the viewers. Many of us are aware of how a video is shot and made. The whole process involves pre-production, production, and post-production.

The pre-production stage involves the planning of the video, right from briefing, conceptualization, scripting, storyboarding, and location planning to shot division.

While the production process involves actual on-location shooting, the post-production process is where the raw stone is carved into a gem. The process involves editing, dubbing, subtitling, narration, or voice over, sound effects, music composition, sound mixing, graphic effects, animation, colour correction and colour grading, conversion, streaming and/or broadcasting. In some cases, post-production is relatively straightforward, consisting of choosing and arranging footage in the correct sequence. In most cases, however, post-production is a time-consuming job taking longer than the actual production phase. All of this can be done when ample time is available to prepare the content and context.

However, shooting a video and broadcasting or transmitting it via various platforms and channels in real time is a different beast altogether. In video and broadcasting terminology, these kinds of videos are referred to as LIVE productions.

BTS - LIVE Production

A large camera unit with a multi-cam set up is used for a live video shoot. Multiple cameras at multiple spots, each capturing a different angle, a different background, and a different type of shot and frame are set up first. In productions where there is an audience, camera angles focusing on the audience's reaction are also taken and inserted when the audience reacts to something. A few cameras are dedicated to taking close-up shots while a master camera records the entire set, at a wide or extreme wide angle.

A live production is a complex process flow. Typically, it involves a large team of trained people, several machines, high-tech software, and lots of wiring, buttons and switches. You may not have noticed it because the live edit is usually happening from a back room that not many people have access to.

The Art of LIVE Editing

The person who is in control of the production is the editor – who, in this case, is known as the switcher or vision mixer. Interestingly, the machine on which live editing is done is also known as the Vision Mixer. The term ‘switcher’ comes from the fact that the person must keep ‘switching’ camera angles to make sure the show looks lively and not mundane or boring. The switcher possesses an immaculate understanding of his craft and has a quick reaction time to instruct cameramen to instantaneously give him the required shot or angle. The switcher, till the end of the show, makes sure that every visual element that matters – be it applause, reactions, expressions or movement, whether on stage or in the audience – is captured and put together in the live edit output.

The switcher is the one who selects what the viewers see on their screens while the actual shoot is going on. Sitting in the production studio, in front of an array of monitors, they cut between the different shots and angles available in real time from different cameras placed at different positions. It can be seen as a technical job, but far more important is the ability to know which shots will cut well together, and to judge the precise moment when to take a shot. The very best vision mixers are storytellers, capable of capturing the programme or event as it unfolds in front of them, with an almost supernatural instinct for when to cut.

LIVE @ Adani

The capability to capture events LIVE is a critical communications advantage for large organisations like Adani. This capability permits limitless reach, not only for the company's external messaging but also for important internal communications. Additionally, it also allows a corporate to establish the right narrative before others do.

Showtime!

So, the next time you watch a talk show or the news on TV, remember there is a whole team on their feet, doing everything they can to ensure that you get to see a polished, interesting programme and also that there is never a dull moment.

The Process

Before the programme starts, the entire crew is ready with their machines and the cameramen are ready at their designated positions, with angles fixed and frames set. The cameramen and lightmen wear headsets, known as ‘talk-backs’, which allow them to listen to the instructions given to them by the switcher. On command, the cameramen give the desired shot to the switcher. Thanks to technology, the switcher can include captions and minimal graphics from his own console, saving the time and effort of a graphic designer. The final video is then converted to the desired size and format and circulated, broadcast, or streamed.

Types of LIVE Videos

• Talk Shows & Interviews
• Chat Shows & Panel Discussions
• News & Current Affairs
• Sports & Sporting Leagues
• Several Types of Racing Events

While non-live videos go through the post-production process of editing, live videos are shot, edited, and streamed and/or broadcast in real time on a variety of platforms.

The Equipment

Vision Mixer: The machine used to mix the live video and generate the final output. Also referred to as a video switcher, it is a machine that is used to take different sources of video and create a single output. Vision mixers work on multi-camera TV programmes.

Graphics Interface Machine: A live graphics edit machine allowing the vision mixer to include graphics in the live production.

Cameras: To capture the event in real time from different angles.

Talk-Back: A headset worn by each cameraperson, the DoP and the Switcher to communicate during the live programme and to receive real time commands from the Switcher.

Wireless Camera Receiver: To make sure every camera is wirelessly connected to the input devices linked to the vision mixer.

Lights: To enhance the overall ambience and to make the picture appear bright and soothing to the eye.

Edit machines: To add various effects and elements to the live edit and convert the video format to the desired format in real time.

CCU: Control systems that allow changes to be made to remote equipment settings to make the output consistent and also better.

The Crew for a LIVE Production

• Camerapersons
• Lighting Crew
• Switcher / Vision Mixer
• Director of Photography
• Producer / Director
• Broadcast Specialist
• Audio Engineer
• Graphic Designer
• Streaming Engineer

The 5S methodology is a proven approach aimed at reducing waste, improving productivity, and achieving consistent operational results by maintaining an organized workplace and using visual cues. The term "5S" refers to five fundamental steps: sort, set in order, shine, standardise, and sustain.

Karan Adani, the CEO of APSEZ (Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone), launched a book titled '5S Management System – A business excellence initiative by APSEZ,' which delves into Adani Ports' vision to transform the organisation into a paragon of efficiency, productivity, and excellence. This initiative not only showcases APSEZ's dedication to operational excellence but also serves as an inspiration to other organizations striving for similar transformations.

Adani Total Gas (ATGL) has demonstrated growth in recent years marking a remarkable journey and overall growth in terms of volume, area expansion, financials along with taking the first step towards future proofing of business through roll out of EV and Biomass business. To recognise and celebrate this journey and the hard work of employees, a performance celebration was organised.

The event was graced by Pranav Adani, MD (Agro, Oil & Gas), TotalEnergies Country Head Ahlem Friga Noy and ATGL ED & CEO Suresh P Manglani.

A walk down memory lane was done through a captivating video showcasing the journey along with recognising the efforts of employees and sharing the vision for ATGL going forward.

ATGL team participated in a power-packed gamified team-building activity full of energy and fun led by a renowned motivational speaker and trainer.

The celebration event concluded with an enchanting musical night followed by a delightful dinner.

A new initiative called “WeCare”, focusing on employee wellness and wellbeing was launched at ATGL. Highlights of the programs launched under WeCare are:

Self-Care Policy for Women Employees:

• Under this, all female staff members at ATGL are eligible to work from home for one day each month, considering their well-being and comfort.
• Special Benefits Allowance: Employees working in remote or challenging locations will receive a special monthly allowance, towards comparative lack of facilities/amenities in a particular location vis-a-vis other location of ATGL.
• T.A.B - Take a Break: We have developed recreational area “T.A.B” for employees to engage in various fun activities like carrom, chess, karaoke and more fostering an engaging and energizing work environment.
• CEO Outreach Program: ED & CEO Suresh P Manglani regularly visits the homes of our team’s family to thank them for their support that fuels our success.

Six Sigma is a comprehensive set of methodologies and tools that organizations utilize to enhance their business processes. By reducing defects and errors, minimizing variation, and increasing overall quality and efficiency, Six Sigma aims to achieve consistent and predictable results.

Recently, Dahej Port accomplished a significant milestone by receiving the Green Belt certification in Six Sigma Methodology. This certification is a testament to their successful implementation of Six Sigma processes across various projects, resulting in notable outcomes.

Garima Malvanker

Located in the southern part of this western region of Gujarat, Mundra’s strategic geographical position makes it a winner.

With its proximity to major cities like Bhuj and Gandhidham, it takes less than an hour to reach Mundra by road. The town is well connected by rail and is also close to Kandla and Bhuj airports.

However, what truly distinguishes this place is its sea connectivity and port, as it is India’s first and largest private port.

A trip to the cultural potpourri of Kutch is incomplete without experiencing the fulcrum of the Indian economy — Mundra.

Despite its focus on development and transformation, Mundra has not compromised its scenic diversity and historic legacy. A visit to Mundra will leave you with a treasure trove of memories, pictures, possibilities, pride, encounters with locals, surprises, stories of historic valour, and the flavours of Kutchi cuisine like Kadak, Daabeli, Khari Bhaat, and Pakwaan. Begin your journey in Mundra by seeking blessings at the Shree Shantinath Mahadev Temple in Shantivan Colony.

Then, make your way to the unmissable jewels of Mundra.

Bhadreshwar Jain Temple

This Jain temple is an architectural, historical, and mythological gem, designed in the style of the Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu. Dating back to the 8^th century, this temple, also known as the Vasai Jain Temple, has faced natural calamities and undergone destruction and renovation several times. As you step into the premises, the intricate carvings please your eyes and a sense of peace envelops you, inviting you to take a divine dip.

Mandvi Beach

A 30-minute drive from Mundra will take you to the serene Mandvi Beach. The beach comes alive during sunset, attracting throngs of people who come here to enjoy lip-smacking street delicacies and water activities. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a honeymooner, a foodie, or simply looking to relax, Mandvi Beach offers something for everyone. From camel rides and horseback riding to boating, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained.

Vijay Vilas Palace

Built as a summer resort for the royal family, this palace was named after Yuvraj Shri Vijayrajaji. The palace is a blend of Indian and European architectural styles, set in a sprawling 450-acre estate that exudes grandeur. A picture-perfect location, it’s a dream destination for history and photography enthusiasts. Whether you are taking selfies, capturing panoramic shots of the city, or aiming for postcard-worthy pictures, Vijay Vilas Palace is a treat for shutterbugs.

Bhujiyo Fort

Situated in the city of Bhuj, this fort derives its name from the temple of the snake god Bhujanga, located atop the hill. Best visited during sunrise and sunset hours, this place offers breathtaking views of the entire city. You can either take a golf cart or climb up 200 steps to behold the beauty of this 300-year-old fort.

Smritivan Memorial

Nestled amid the heartfelt memories of the bereaved families affected by the devastating 2001 earthquake, Smritivan stands tall as the largest museum in India. This architectural masterpiece serves as a poignant reminder of the earth’s evolution and the profound impact of the tragic earthquake. Located just 53 kilometres from Mundra, this exceptional destination is a must-visit for anyone exploring the vibrant region of Kutch. Smritivan is not only home to seven captivating galleries that delve into the earthquake’s aftermath but also boasts the world’s largest Miyawaki Forest, while sharing its boundary with the historic Bhujiyo Fort.

Step into Smritivan, and you embark on a mesmerizing journey through time. The museum’s seven galleries artfully depict the entire cycle of the earth’s evolution, leading up to the fateful earthquake and its far-reaching consequences. Each gallery serves as a testament to human resilience and showcases the indomitable spirit of the local community. From immersive exhibits to insightful displays, Smritivan seamlessly combines architectural brilliance with technological innovation, offering visitors a truly enriching experience.

The Magnificence Of Mundra

As you conclude your visit to Smritivan, make sure to venture further into Mundra, a city renowned for its transformation and remarkable growth. Witness firsthand the immense magnitude of this port city, which plays a pivotal role in driving the Indian economy and global trade. A trip to Mundra Port offers a captivating glimpse into the dynamic nature of this thriving hub. Additionally, explore the cultural heritage of the region by visiting the revered Bukhari Pir Dargah and indulge in the sight of majestic migratory birds at Luni.