The four Southern states of India, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are collectively called South India.

If India is shining today, the credit goes mostly to India's southern states. These states have played a major role in making India a global player and a force to reckon with.

According to a Confederation of Indian Industry study on 'Key factors making India a major global player: The Southern Stake,' cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai have emerged as growth poles, creating centres of excellence in information technology, biotech and pharmaceuticals.

The study says that South India forms the backbone of India's comparative advantage in the services sector.The study points out that southern states have also leveraged their traditional strengths in textiles, marine products, gems and jewellery and engineering. The states have led the way in producing 'knowledge workers' by creating centres of academic excellence, according to the CII study.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air conditioning Engineers(ASHRAE) is the world's foremost technical society in the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.

ASHRAE founded in 1894, is an international organization of more than 55000 persons, representing 163 chapters spread over 126 nations. Its members are individuals who share ideas, identify the need for and support research, and write the industry's standards for testing and practice .

ASHRAE ‘s works rest on a foundation built by thousands of volunteers assisted by a professional staff. Through its publications and educational programs, Ashrae promotes the appropriate use of new technologies.

ASHRAE serves industry's most authoritative voice on technical issues, nationally and internationally in the public and private sectors.