Tag: Northeast India

Finance

HDFC Bank Inaugurates Tech & Digital Factory in Guwahati to Boost AI and Cybersecurity Talent

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

India, 2026: HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has inaugurated its new Tech & Digital Factory in Guwahati, marking its first such facility in Assam and the fourth nationwide. The bank already operates similar Tech & Digital Factories in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Gurugram.
The new centre will serve as a hub for advanced technology development, innovation and talent incubation in Assam. It aims to strengthen talent pools in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital technologies and Cybersecurity, while building capabilities in Cloud, Data and core engineering tracks. The initiative is also expected to enhance digital product creation capabilities in the state.
The facility was inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of Mr. Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director – HDFC Bank, Mr. Ramesh Lakshminarayan, Chief Information Officer – HDFC Bank, dignitaries from the Government of Assam, members from participating educational institutions, and officers of the bank.


The Tech & Digital Factory will generate career opportunities for skilled professionals in Assam, enabling them to contribute directly to next-generation technology development while remaining in their home state.
The initiative is part of Advantage Assam 2.0, under which HDFC Bank partnered with the Government of Assam. The collaboration focuses on enhancing academic knowledge with industry expertise through a structured skill-building curriculum tailored to the BFSI and fintech sectors.
Centred on campus-to-corporate competency, the programme aligns with job requirements in banking and fintech industries. The curriculum includes essential banking knowledge along with new-age IT domains.
The programme commenced in September 2025, and over 150 students are currently being trained under the cohort. Participants will receive industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on experience from senior HDFC Bank executives.
Students enrolled in the programme will also undergo internships with HDFC Bank for a duration of 2 to 4 months. This will allow them to apply academic and technological concepts in real-world corporate scenarios. Importantly, the course is offered at no additional cost to students.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Bank, said that the Bank had signed an MoU with the Assam Government at Advantage Assam 2.0 in February 2025 and was pleased to establish the facility within a year, supported strongly by the state government. He added that the new centre would enable the rollout of innovative digital products and services while attracting engineering talent from Assam to contribute to next-generation banking technology.
HDFC Bank’s Tech & Digital Factory model continues to function as the nucleus of digital execution, with dedicated units focused on experience design, mobile and cloud engineering, APIs and orchestration, data and GenAI, and secure-by-design architecture.
HDFC Bank began its journey in Assam in 2004 with the launch of its first branch in Guwahati. Since then, the Bank has expanded to 138 branches and 248 ATMs across the state as of December 31, 2025. According to the State Level Banker’s Committee (SLBC) report, the Bank’s Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio in Assam stood at 85.78% as of the same date.

Films

Boong Makes History: Indian Film Wins Big at 79th BAFTA Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

Indian cinema has reached yet another remarkable milestone on the global stage, as Boong, a Manipuri-language feature film, clinched the prestigious Best Children’s & Family Film award at the British Academy Film Awards. The ceremony, held at the Royal Festival Hall in London, witnessed the film rise above strong international contenders, marking a proud moment for the country—especially for filmmakers from Northeast India.

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong is backed by a powerful production team including Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Suitable Pictures. Renowned filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar, along with Ritesh Sidhwani and Alan McAlex, played a key role in bringing the project to life.

Set against the backdrop of Manipur during a period of social and political unrest, Boong tells a deeply emotional story through the eyes of a five-year-old boy. The word “Boong” itself translates to “little boy” in the Manipuri language. The narrative follows the young protagonist, played by Gugun Kipgen, who embarks on a heartfelt journey to reunite his family by finding his estranged father. Accompanied by his friend Raju, portrayed by Angom Sanamatum, the journey takes them to the Moreh border and even across into Myanmar.

What begins as an innocent quest gradually evolves into a poignant exploration of family, loss, and the harsh realities of the world. The film beautifully captures the purity of childhood while presenting an emotionally layered narrative that resonates universally.

Before its BAFTA triumph, Boong had already made waves across the international film festival circuit. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 and was showcased at prestigious platforms such as the Warsaw International Film Festival, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, the International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Following its successful festival run, the film was released theatrically in September 2025.

Speaking about his association with the project, Farhan Akhtar shared that his long-standing connection with director Lakshmipriya Devi and the emotional depth of the story inspired him to support the film. He emphasized the importance of bringing stories from underrepresented regions of India to a global audience, calling Boong a soulful and meaningful narrative.

The film’s victory at the BAFTAs is more than just an award—it represents a breakthrough moment for Northeast Indian cinema. It highlights the richness of regional storytelling and signals a growing global appreciation for diverse voices from India.

As Boong continues to receive international recognition, it stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the limitless potential of Indian cinema on the world stage.

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Mawsynram to Host World’s First Rain Museum in Meghalaya

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Nestled deep within the lush hills of Meghalaya, the tiny village of Mawsynram—renowned as the wettest place on Earth—is poised to become a global tourism marvel with the announcement of the world’s first Rain Museum.

The museum, with an allocated budget of ₹35 crore, will blend science, culture, and sensory experience to redefine how travelers engage with nature. Announced by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, tenders are now open, and construction is expected to begin after the monsoon season subsides.

A Museum Like No Other

The Rain Museum will feature:

  • Immersive rain simulation zones that mimic the sound, feel, and rhythm of monsoon rainfall
  • Interactive exhibits on meteorology and local folklore
  • Traditional Khasi culture displays, showcasing the heritage of the region
  • State-of-the-art weather research facilities, with collaborations expected from ISRO and the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

This initiative aims to reimagine tourism in the Northeast, offering not just sightseeing, but a deep sensory and educational dive into one of nature’s most enchanting phenomena—rain.

More Than a Museum

Beyond the museum walls, Mawsynram offers:

  • Limestone caves waiting to be explored
  • Rain-fed waterfalls that cascade with wild grace
  • Trekking routes through mystical green hills
  • Khasi culinary and cultural experiences that highlight the warm hospitality of the region

Tourism Minister Lyngdoh emphasized the need to transform Meghalaya’s natural abundance into immersive experiences that attract responsible global tourists. “This museum will be a symbol of how nature, tradition, and technology can come together,” he said.

What’s Next?

Construction is slated to begin post-monsoon 2025, with the aim of opening doors by late 2026. As the world looks for sustainable, experiential travel, Mawsynram’s Rain Museum is set to become a bucket-list destination for nature lovers, culture seekers, and curious minds alike.

TechPulse

Meghalaya Becomes India’s First State to Use Drones for Medicine Delivery to Remote Areas

allycaralgoa

Shillong, Meghalaya – July 2025: In a landmark move blending technology with public health, Meghalaya has emerged as the first Indian state to operationalize drone-based medicine delivery to remote and hard-to-reach healthcare centres across its hilly terrain.

Launched under a state-supported initiative in collaboration with private drone operators and public health authorities, the project is set to drastically reduce delivery times from several hours to mere minutes, ensuring faster access to critical supplies in rural and tribal areas.

“This is not just a technology upgrade—this is about saving lives,” said Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, speaking at the launch ceremony. “Villages once separated by hours of trekking or unreliable roads will now have life-saving medicines and vaccines delivered with unmatched speed.”

The drones are programmed to carry essential drugs, vaccines, diagnostic samples, and emergency supplies from district hospitals to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) nestled in the state’s forested hills and valleys.

Why it matters:

  • Some PHCs in Meghalaya required 6–8 hours of transport time by road or foot.
  • Now, drones complete the same trip in under 30 minutes.
  • This cuts delays in vaccination, maternal care, and emergency treatment.

Backed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and guided by the i-Drone initiative of the Indian government, the program is expected to expand to cover more regions within the state and inspire similar models across the country.

Experts in both the tech and public health sectors have hailed the move as a game-changer for India’s rural healthcare delivery system—especially in geographies like the Northeast, where natural barriers often hinder supply chains.

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Mizoram Declared Fully Literate State: A Historic Milestone in India’s Educational Journey

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Aizawl, Mizoram – In a monumental achievement for the state, Mizoram has officially been declared a fully literate state, marking a significant milestone in India’s educational landscape. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Lalduhoma during a special ceremony at Mizoram University, Aizawl, a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of the state’s history.

This accomplishment has not only brought pride to Mizoram but also serves as a testament to the relentless efforts of the state’s government and citizens towards educational progress. Mizoram’s literacy rate now stands at an impressive 100%, making it the first state in the northeastern region of India and one of the few in the country to achieve such a remarkable feat.

At the event, Chief Minister Lalduhoma acknowledged the collective efforts of teachers, education officials, and local communities who have worked tirelessly to ensure that every Mizo, regardless of age or background, has access to quality education. He emphasized that this achievement is not just about statistics but about creating an environment that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and builds a brighter future for generations to come.

The journey towards Mizoram’s full literacy began long before this announcement, with concerted efforts spanning decades. Mizoram’s success story is a culmination of various state-driven initiatives, educational reforms, and a cultural emphasis on the value of learning.

Programs like adult education, teacher training, and the establishment of literacy camps in rural and remote areas have been pivotal in raising awareness and improving literacy rates. In addition, the state government’s focus on free and accessible education for all, particularly in rural areas, has been crucial in eliminating barriers to learning.

Over the years, Mizoram’s literacy efforts have been further bolstered by the active involvement of civil society organizations, NGOs, and local communities who have shared the vision of an educated, self-reliant society. In this context, Mizoram’s literacy programs have been tailored to meet the diverse needs of its people, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge.

Mizoram’s declaration as a fully literate state is not only a moment of pride but also a model for other states in India, particularly in the northeastern region. This achievement has a ripple effect across the country, reinforcing the importance of education in shaping the future of India’s youth.

By achieving such a high literacy rate, Mizoram now has the potential to unlock greater economic opportunities, enhance social equity, and improve the overall quality of life for its residents. Education is the bedrock of any prosperous society, and Mizoram’s achievement is expected to pave the way for future innovation, development, and progress in various sectors.

Mizoram University played a pivotal role in the state’s educational development, serving as a beacon of higher learning and research. The university has been instrumental in providing quality education to thousands of students from Mizoram and beyond. As the epicenter of intellectual growth, Mizoram University has fostered an environment that encourages academic excellence, cultural exchange, and holistic development.

At the event, university representatives also highlighted the increasing demand for higher education, vocational training, and skill development in the state, all of which are expected to contribute significantly to the state’s social and economic growth in the coming years.

While Mizoram has achieved a historic milestone, Chief Minister Lalduhoma emphasized that this is just the beginning. The next step involves not only maintaining the current literacy rate but also focusing on quality education, digital literacy, and preparing the state’s youth for future challenges in an increasingly globalized world.

The state’s educational policies are set to evolve further to include greater emphasis on digital skills, vocational training, and higher education, ensuring that every citizen is equipped to contribute to the global economy while preserving Mizoram’s rich cultural heritage.

Mizoram’s achievement of becoming a fully literate state is a shining example of what can be accomplished when governments, communities, and individuals come together with a shared goal of educational empowerment. This milestone not only highlights Mizoram’s educational success but also reinforces the country’s commitment to achieving universal literacy across all regions.

As Mizoram celebrates this historic achievement, the rest of India can look to this success as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with determination, innovation, and collective action, anything is possible in the pursuit of education.