Tech Entrepreneurs Nikhil and Nishant Rathi’s Major Exit

Mumbai, 08 April 2025: Web Werks India Pvt Ltd, a leading data center provider in India, founded by Nikhil & Nishant Rathi, has been fully acquired by Iron Mountain (NYSE: IRM) in one of the largest transactions in India’s data center industry. The founders of Web Werks secured an investment of $150 million during the joint venture’s formation in 2021, followed by an additional $170 million in 2023. With their successful exit, the Rathi brothers have demonstrated their expertise in building and delivering exceptional value to India’s digital and data center ecosystem.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for the company, solidifying its legacy as a key enabler of India’s digital economy. As part of the transition, Web Werks will now operate under a new brand identity while continuing to serve its enterprise clients without disruption.

“Nishant and I have been working around the clock for 25+ years to build Web Werks data center. I am incredibly proud of what the entire team has achieved – making it one of the biggest acquisitions in Indian Data Center history. What started with just 40 people and three data centers at 1MW capacity has grown into a team of over 200 with 162 MW of capacity. Since then, we have blitzscaled to a capability of 162+ MW, a total of 6 live data centers in major cities and a family of 200+ people. I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey as I look ahead to the next chapter,” said Nikhil Rathi, Co-Founder, Web Werks and NeoSOFT.

Speaking about the sale, Nishant Rathi, Co-Founder of Web Werks and NeoSOFT, added, “While this marks an exciting new chapter for Web Werks, our commitment to fostering growth in the technology sector remains strong. Nikhil and I will continue to lead NeoSOFT and build NeoSOFT & NeoNXT platforms – driving initiatives that will propel businesses to leverage the best of digital & AI. We also look forward to lending our expertise and partnering with investors, entrepreneurs & VCs, and committed to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and growing the data center industry both in India and globally. The India story is alive and well and we are just one of the few examples of what dedication, customer centricity and a belief can do.”

Founded in 1996 by Nikhil and Nishant Rathi in a bedroom, Web Werks has grown into a powerhouse in India’s digital infrastructure space. Over nearly three decades, the company has established itself as a highly trusted provider of high-density, hyperscale, and AI-powered data centers, with best-in-class reliability and efficiency. At the time of sale, Web Werks operated six Tier-3, carrier-neutral data centers in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with construction on another in Chennai already underway.

The journey of Web Werks is a testament to the vision, resilience, and adaptability of its founders. What began as a small web hosting company evolved into a leader, keeping pace with India’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem. Founded by Nikhil and Nishant Rathi when they were only teenagers, the company navigated the early days of dial-up internet, working tirelessly to scale from serving small businesses to enterprise-level solutions. Through industry shifts—from the dot-com boom to the cloud and AI revolutions—Web Werks has consistently stayed ahead of the curve, cementing its role in shaping India’s digital future.

As they look ahead, the Rathi brothers are eager to reinvest their time and expertise into India’s tech landscape. Their unwavering belief in the country’s potential fuels their commitment to helping shape the next phase of India’s digital evolution. “No story is complete without India,” said Nikhil. “We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved, but the best is yet to come. We’re excited about what lies ahead, and we’ll continue to be part of India’s story for years to come.”

NSDC to Skill Over 1.5 Lakh Families for Home Building

Mumbai, April 8, 2025 – The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), in collaboration with the Nashik Zilla Parishad and Quality Council of India (QCI), has launched the “Sampanna Ghar Abhiyan” — a unique rural housing initiative designed to help over 1.5 lakh families build their own homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin.

This community-driven effort brings together 18 professional associations and grassroots institutions with a shared vision: to blend housing access with skill empowerment. Families won’t just receive support in building homes — they’ll also be trained to construct them with their own hands, creating a powerful link between livelihood and self-reliance.

NSDC will play a central role by standardising training modules and supporting the mobilisation of certified trainers across villages. On-ground skill delivery will be led by Shri Ramkrishna Arogya Sansthan, ensuring beneficiaries are equipped with practical construction skills that are safe, efficient and cost-effective. For NSDC, this collaboration is a reflection of its larger mission—to empower individuals with skills that not only enhance livelihoods, but transform communities.

The project is led by Mrs Ashima Mittal, CEO of Nashik Zilla Parishad.

Mr. Kunal Patil (President, CREDAI Nashik Metro) and Mr. Sachin Gulve (Vice President, Nashik Citizen Forum) are coordinating across technical and community bodies, while local architects are contributing to functional and user-friendly home design layouts suited for rural needs.

A wide network of associations—including experts in construction, solar energy, plumbing, sanitation, and building materials—has joined hands to support the campaign. This includes initiatives to provide building materials at factory prices, promote solar-powered solutions with support from the Maharashtra Solar Manufacturers Association, and design low-cost sanitation systems in partnership with the Indian Plumbing Association.

Local education institutions such as Maratha Education Trust, Maratha Vidya Prasarak Samaj and K.K. Wagh will also be involved, with students and faculty offering implementation support alongside rural housing engineers and Block Development Officers from Nashik Zilla Parishad. Together, they will help guide the families through construction while also assisting with availing benefits under government schemes.

A detailed project roadmap is being finalised this week, with implementation set to begin within the next fortnight. With its integrated, community-led and skill-based model, the Sampanna Ghar Abhiyan has the potential to become a national blueprint for rural housing interventions.

Jitendra Thakker, Convenor of Quality City Nashik, expressed gratitude to Mrs Ashima Mittal for her vision and leadership, adding that the initiative’s success lies in its ability to build dignity and confidence—brick by brick, skill by skill.

Gyanendra Tripathi Reflects on His Easy Partnership with Aakash Sinha in Loot Kaand

Mumbai, India- April 8 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming platform, is making waves with its latest series Loot Kaand, an electrifying new thriller that dives deep into a heist gone wildly off script. Helmed by director Ruchir Arun and produced by the creators of Drishyam, the high-stakes story revolves around siblings Palash and Latika whose calculated plan spirals into unforeseen turmoil. At the core of this chaotic world is Gyanendra Tripathi’s Pinaki, a clever schemer caught between hilarity and havoc. Alongside him, the series boasts a stellar cast, featuring Sahil Mehta, Tanya Maniktala, Saad Bilgrami, Ronjini Chakraborty, Nitin Goel, and Amit Sarkar in pivotal roles.

Gyanendra

Revealing which character, besides Pinaki, he’d love to play in the series, Gyanendra shared, “If I had the chance, I would love to step into the role played by Aakash Sinha. He brings such a wonderful blend of goofiness, innocence, and unwavering loyalty to the character, and when the situation demands it, he shows immense bravery, too. Working with him was an absolute delight. He did a phenomenal job, and I truly enjoyed watching him bring the role to life. If given the opportunity, I’d love to be Binaghi’s friend.”

Sharing his experience working with the cast, he added, “The entire team was incredible. I had seen Tanya and Sahil’s work before, but we hadn’t met in person. However, the moment we started talking, the connection felt effortless. Mutual respect among co-stars is essential, especially when you’re shooting intense scenes together. Since most of my scenes were with Aakash, it was an exciting experience working together. He’s an old friend, someone I know inside out, and since we come from the same institute and have been mentored by the same teachers, we had a natural rhythm. It was a joy to bounce ideas off of each other and bring our characters to life.”

Free Uber Shuttle Rides for Mumbai Indians’ Fans Today

April 8, 2025 – Mumbai: Mumbai Indians made a winning return to Wankhede, with the MI Paltan showing up in full force. As fans gear up for the second home game on April 7, Uber Shuttle — the official mobility partner — is making match day travel even easier.

After an overwhelming response to the first game, Uber has expanded its free, air-conditioned Shuttle service for Mumbai Indians’ fans. Fans across Mumbai can now ride in comfort — and cheer louder — with seat-reserved Shuttles to and from Wankhede stadium.

On every home match day, fans can skip traffic, parking woes, and last-minute ride searches and ride in style with Uber Shuttle. Snehashish Nag, Head of Strategy, Uber Shuttle, said, “The response from MI Paltan has been phenomenal. With expanded routes, Uber Shuttle is making it easier than ever for the fans to get to Wankhede — comfortably, reliably, and for free.”

To further encourage fans to leave their private vehicles behind, Uber has also rolled out exclusive, limited number match-day promo codes for discounted ‘Uber Premier’ rides to and from the stadium. While booking the ride with Wankhede as the end or start point, fans can use the promo code ‘MIPALTAN’ and get a discount of 18% up to INR 100 per ride.

Just like the stadium dons the team’s blue and gold on every match day, the Uber app will support the Mumbai Indians team too – the vehicle icons will go blue and have the team logo alongside, as a celebration of the most successful team franchise and its loyal legion of fans.

Uber Shuttle is running operations in Delhi and Kolkata and is currently being piloted in Mumbai as a daily commute option connecting residential neighborhoods to commercial districts.

How to book your free Uber Shuttle ride to Wankhede:

  • Open the Uber app and choose Wankhede as your pick-up or drop-off location
  • Tap the Shuttle icon
  • Choose your preferred route & time slot, and tap ‘Confirm’ Uber Shuttle
  • Reserve your seat in advance – no standing, always air-conditioned, always on time

Note: Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to book early and ride like champions.

Free Online Quiz on Ambedkar by Udaan Youth Club – April 7-14, Open for All

Udaan Youth Club (UYC) is organizing a National-Level Awareness Quiz titled “Know Ambedkar” 2025 from April 7 to April 14, 2025, in online mode. This quiz is being held in observance of Dr. Bheemrao Ambedkar Jayanti and aims to raise awareness about his life, ideas, and the constitutional values he championed.


Udaan Youth Club (UYC) is a self-organized group of young individuals committed to driving social change through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Established in 2016 in Village Tyodhi, Baghpat, by Indian Social Worker SR Aman Kumar, UYC engages rural youth in nation-building and participatory development activities. The organization promotes values such as kindness, eco-consciousness, innovation, peace, and quality education through its initiatives on key national and international days.

The “Know Ambedkar” Quiz is a national initiative to educate and inspire individuals by highlighting the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to Indian democracy and social reform. It encourages citizens, especially youth, to understand the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Participants will attempt 10 multiple-choice questions based on Dr. Ambedkar’s life, thoughts, and constitutional work. Only those who answer all questions correctly will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Participation.

Eligibility: Open to all individuals irrespective of age, gender, region, or educational background.

Benefits

  1. Certificate of Participation for those who score 100/100
  2. Recognition of top scorers through #ResponsibleCitizens Special Photo Collage
  3. Opportunity to deepen knowledge about Dr. Ambedkar and Indian constitutional values
  4. Digital Volunteer Recognition for individuals with highest number of verified referrals
  5. Impact Partner Recognition for top three institutions with the highest number of participants

Instructions

  • The quiz consists of 10 questions, each carrying 10 marks
  • All questions are multiple-choice with 4 options each
  • The quiz is available in both Hindi and English
  • Participants must score 100/100 to receive a certificate
  • The last date to submit responses is April 14, 2025, by 5:00 PM

How to Participate
Interested individuals can register and participate in the quiz by filling out the official quiz form available at the following link: https://forms.gle/w5YYvYPk11e36AZWA

Sulwhasoo Taps LIM YOONA as Global Ambassador to Strengthen Legacy

Mumbai, April 8, 2025- Global luxury beauty brand Sulwhasoo proudly announces the appointment of LIM YOONA as its new global brand ambassador. Renowned for her versatility and elegance, YOONA embodies the timeless beauty and sophistication that define Sulwhasoo’s philosophy.

As a celebrated actress with a remarkable presence in both domestic and international markets, LIM YOONA has captivated audiences through her compelling performances in film and television. With her graceful charm and enduring influence, she is set to strengthen Sulwhasoo’s identity as a leading Korean beauty brand and further establish it as a globally coveted name in luxury skincare.

A Perfect Synergy: LIM YOONA & Sulwhasoo’s Vision of Holistic Beauty

Sulwhasoo’s pursuit of “Holistic Beauty” extends beyond the present moment, offering a timeless, refined approach to skincare. LIM YOONA’s career, marked by her continuous artistic evolution and profound on-screen presence, beautifully aligns with Sulwhasoo’s commitment to heritage, innovation, and elegance. Her classy and luminous image harmonizes with the brand’s aesthetic values, allowing her to communicate Sulwhasoo’s essence in a deeply resonant way. As Sulwhasoo’s global ambassador, LIM YOONA will take center stage in worldwide campaigns, bringing the brand’s heritage and vision closer to skincare lovers across the globe.

Debuting in the Global Campaign for First Care Activating Serum

This March, LIM YOONA will make her debut in Sulwhasoo’s highly anticipated global campaign for First Care Activating Serum the brand’s best-selling first-step anti-aging solution. Crafted with the wisdom of Korean herbal medicine, this iconic serum sets the foundation for radiant, youthful skin.

Meet YOONA & Sulwhasoo at online and offline stores worldwide, and experience the artistry of luxury skincare redefined.

Startup MahaRathi Challenge Honoured India’s Innovators

New Delhi, April 8: Startup MahaRathi Challenge 2025 was launched to recognize and support India’s most promising DPIIT-recognized startups solving real-world problems through innovation. Organized under the broader Startup Mahakumbh platform, the challenge created a structured national initiative to identify high-potential founders across ten high-impact sectors and empower them with capital, exposure, and investor access.

The challenge attracted over 2,000+ applications from all over the country. A rigorous multi-phase evaluation process, including data sufficiency screening, expert shortlisting, and virtual jury pitches, led to the final recognition of over 240 startups. Sectoral jury rounds were hosted by investment and institutional partners who brought domain depth and market insight to the process.

The challenge includes 11 problem statements spanning critical domains such as satellite imagery, maritime domain awareness, cryptography, cybersecurity, signal analysis, and large language model applications on sensitive data. With a total outlay of over INR 20 crores, the initiative offers structured prize money, grant support across three stages, and robust non-monetary incentives such as technical mentorship, business support, cloud computing access, and opportunities for post-challenge procurement.

Grant support was awarded to top startups in each track to accelerate their journey. In every sector, startups have been awarded grants of ten lakh, five lakh and one lakh. The program was not limited to financial recognition. To deepen the opportunity, all recognized startups were invited to participate in curated Speed Dating sessions with investors. More than 500+ one-on-one investor meetings were facilitated over two days, with participation from over 250+ venture capital firms, angel networks, and family offices. These interactions were structured to match startups and investors based on sector alignment and funding interest.

Nearly 40% of the total applications came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. 80+ startups recognized were led by women founders or co-founders. Ten startups from India’s emerging states, including Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Jammu & Kashmir, were identified for recognition. These numbers underline how India’s innovation ecosystem is rapidly expanding beyond urban hubs and into the grassroots.

Top Startup Stories Across Sectors

  1. ONIBER Software is redefining cybersecurity and forensic intelligence with AI-powered solutions used by law enforcement agencies. Their advanced platform detects deepfakes, extracts intelligence from unstructured data, and improves response time for national security stakeholders. Their deployment across multiple states marks India’s leadership in AI-led digital forensics.
  2. Aegion Aerospace is building high-performance materials designed for extreme conditions. Their work supports space, nuclear, and defense innovations with advanced composites that are lighter, stronger, and thermally resilient, making them globally competitive in strategic materials.
  3. Raana Semiconductors is supplying mission-critical photonics and laser crystal components to national research centers including BARC and DRDO. Their in-house R&D in laser rods and sapphire substrates has placed them at the forefront of India’s ambitions in self-reliant semiconductors.
  4. Orange Koi specializes in high-precision component manufacturing using metal injection molding and additive technologies. Their products are being deployed in defense, aerospace, and automotive sectors where reliability and scale are equally critical.
  5. Akashalabdhi Aerospace and Defence is leading indigenous innovation in UAVs and tactical systems. They are developing critical technologies in missile guidance and aerial surveillance, enabling India’s push for sovereign capabilities in aerospace and defense.
  6. ODL Network is building the foundational infrastructure for logistics providers through a unified, digital protocol. Their technology helps integrate India’s fragmented micro-transport ecosystem with enterprise-grade tools, transforming how logistics works across the country.
  7. NAYAN India has developed a globally patented AI-powered traffic vision system for real-time road and safety monitoring. Already deployed in public infrastructure projects, their platform collects and processes visual data to support decision-making in urban safety.
  8. Quintinno Labs from Assam is solving range anxiety in electric vehicles with a portable, trunk-fitted energy backup unit. The system doubles up as an eco-friendly alternative to diesel generators and is receiving traction from institutional and enterprise buyers.
  9. TestAIng is helping large enterprises comply with responsible AI regulations through its AiEnsured platform. By testing algorithms for fairness, transparency, and robustness, the platform supports trust in AI in sectors such as banking, insurance, and healthcare.
  10. Saboori Smart Energies is creating solar-powered EV charging stations backed by IoT and remote diagnostics. Their network is live across 150+ locations and helps reduce India’s dependency on fossil fuels by offering cleaner last-mile charging infrastructure.

Women-led Innovation with Scalable Impact: Women entrepreneurs from across the country brought bold ideas to life, addressing deep-rooted challenges in finance, health, and technology with smart, scalable solutions.

  1. Lxme is India’s first financial platform dedicated to empowering women with investment tools and financial literacy. With curated mutual fund portfolios, personal loans, savings challenges, and digital gold options, the platform is making wealth creation more inclusive and accessible.
  2. MeraBills, led by Piya Bahadur, is helping rural and micro women entrepreneurs manage their businesses digitally. The app functions offline, supports multiple languages, and offers integrated tools for bookkeeping, credit access, and inventory management. It is unlocking new possibilities for first-time women entrepreneurs across the country.
  3. Collearn, founded by Srishty Jain, is a sports education platform that has trained and placed aspiring professionals in sports analytics, event management, and commentary. The startup is building a skilled sports workforce for India’s Olympic ambitions while increasing gender diversity in the sector.
  4. Misya Beauty Tech is revolutionizing home-based skincare with AI-powered dermatology tools. With more than 13,000 clients served and a growing network of certified therapists, the platform is making high-quality skincare accessible while generating employment across 18 cities.
  5. Flixbox Solutions, co-founded by Ankita Saikia, is helping small creators and institutions launch video streaming platforms through a plug-and-play SaaS product. Their solution supports end-to-end customization, hosting, analytics, and monetization for India’s growing creator economy

Startups from India’s Emerging States

Startups from regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Assam, and Sikkim proved that great innovation is not bound by geography.

  1. Nibiaa Devices from Manipur has built an IoT and satellite-integrated platform that powers asset tracking and secure communication for use in defense, transportation, and remote industrial operations. Their high-tech hardware and software stack solves real-time coordination challenges in low-connectivity zones.
  2. GR8 Sports India, based in Jammu & Kashmir, produces high-performance cricket bats made from premium Kashmiri willow. Their ICC-approved equipment has been used in international matches and exported to over a dozen countries, putting Indian sports craftsmanship on the global stage.
  3. Ngurie Organic from Nagaland is transforming soil health through eco-friendly bio-enhancers. Their products reduce water use and eliminate chemical fertilizer dependency for floriculture farmers, while promoting sustainable agriculture across Northeast India.
  4. Dream Hives from Assam is building India’s first regional mead brand by fermenting indigenous honey and GI-tagged lemons. They work directly with local beekeepers and farmers, creating a value chain that combines craft beverages with rural livelihoods.
  5. Topview Infolabs from Sikkim operates the OurGuest platform, which aggregates over 600 homestays and 40+ guided travel experiences across the Northeast. Their technology supports tourism development while empowering local communities through sustainable hospitality.

With the conclusion of its first edition, the Challenge has laid the foundation for a scalable model to identify and support high-potential startups from across the country.

Ahikoza Collaborates with Brahm Group to Bring Premium Artisanal Luxury to India

Mumbai, 8th April 2025 – Ahikoza, the globally renowned artisanal handbag brand known for its geometric aesthetic and architectural designs, is entering a new era with ‘Brham’ By Brahm, an esteemed LifeStyle platform. Founded and creatively led by Namrata Karad, Ahikoza has made its mark on red carpets worldwide, adorning the arms of style icons such as Camila Cabello, Kate Hudson, and Doja Cat. Indian actors like Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan have also embraced the brand.  The brand has been showcased at prestigious events like The Oscars, The Golden Globes, The Grammys and Festival De Cannes.

Brahm Group has acquired a majority stake in Ahikoza, marking one of the latest deals in the B2C luxury accessories market, with a vision to drive innovation and global expansion. The brand is targeting a 15% year-on-year growth, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving luxury landscape.

The global luxury handbag market, valued at USD 22.8 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to USD 41.1 billion by 2032, driven by a 6.77% CAGR. This surge is fuelled by evolving consumer behaviour, social media influence, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce, shaping new buying patterns. Ahikoza has already garnered a distinguished following across international markets, including the USA and Europe and India. Catering to fashion-forward women with its coveted luxury statement pieces. The association with Brahm Group, will propel the brand to scale up operations, expand its reach, and enhance its offerings in the market. This strategic growth will allow more consumers to experience the exclusivity and craftsmanship that define Ahikoza.

As part of this collaboration, Ahikoza by Brham aims to redefine luxury with a focus on craftsmanship, slow luxury, and innovative design. The brand’s signature handbags are meticulously crafted to transcend seasonal trends, making them a wardrobe essential for the discerning consumer.

“I have always loved accessories, in particular handbags. In the world of luxury. I found a gap in the market. Women were mostly adorning the same established brands. This inspired and began the long journey of building my own label. I believe that like the power brands that inspired me, Ahikoza will offer something unique and of value” said Namrata Karad, Founder, Ahikoza.

Namrata Karad, an NRI entrepreneur, is making a remarkable return to India, bringing global expertise and innovative business acumen to the country. With a keen eye for design and a passion for craftsmanship, she continues to expand Ahikoza’s presence, shaping it into a globally coveted luxury accessories brand.

With this partnership, Brham, a branded LifeStyle ecosystem curating premium experiences across products, services & real estate offerings, welcomes Ahikoza into its fold. Brahm Group places a strong emphasis on sustainability and conscious luxury. Ahikoza aligns with this philosophy by embracing slow luxury, ensuring that each piece is created using the finest raw materials and expert craftsmanship, designed to last.

Ahikoza prioritizes and remains committed to minimizing all forms of waste consumption, primarily by exploring sustainable methods and maintaining an eco-conscious approach at the forefront, rooted in its production methods.

“At Brham, we believe in fostering brands that resonate with contemporary luxury while staying true to craftsmanship and legacy. Ahikoza’s philosophy aligns seamlessly with our vision, and we are excited to bring their exquisite designs to a discerning audience,” said Bhavook Tripathi, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Brahm Well-Being & LifeStyle LLC, USA.

With a growing global presence and a steadfast commitment to quality and artistry, Ahikoza by Brham is poised to make a lasting impact, offering consumers a rare blend of artistic elegance and modern sophistication

Puja Shree: Reviving Vedic Wisdom for Harmony

New Delhi, India – APRIL 2025 – Faith is the soul of civilization, passed down through sacred mantras and rituals. In a world rushing forward, traditions risk fading. Puja Shree stands as a guardian of the past, a bridge to the future, and a guiding light for the present—reviving Sanatan Dharma with Duty, Devotion, and Discipline.

More than a brand, Puja Shree is a movement. It calls for a return to authenticity, devotion with purity, and a reconnection with timeless wisdom. With meticulously crafted puja samagri, divine yantras, and ritual essentials, Puja Shree empowers spiritual seekers worldwide.

“Spirituality is not just about rituals; it is about intention, precision, and authenticity. At Puja Shree, we are committed to reviving the sacred wisdom of our ancestors, ensuring that every offering—whether at home or in a temple—embodies true devotion. In a fast-moving world, we remind people to pause, connect, and embrace faith in its purest form.”
– Rajiv Tiwari, CEO & Founder, Puja Shree

DUTY. DEVOTION. DISCIPLINE. THE PILLARS OF PUJA SHREE.

Duty (कर्तव्य): The Sacred Responsibility
A lamp must always be lit in the temple of tradition. Ensuring that every product aligns with the highest Vedic standards is a duty, but so is educating future generations and preserving the spiritual richness of our culture.

Devotion (भक्ति): The Essence of Spiritual Fulfillment
Bhakti (devotion) is not just in performing rituals but in feeling their power. Whether through a whispered mantra, an offering of incense, or disciplined anushthan (spiritual observances), Puja Shree fosters spiritual fulfillment in its purest form.

Discipline (अनुशासन): The Path to Purity
Without discipline, there is no purity. Even the most learned can falter, as seen in the story of Ravana—who, despite his mastery of scriptures, succumbed to his own indiscipline. At Puja Shree, every product and practice upholds this fundamental truth: authenticity and reverence lead to spiritual elevation.

“We are witnessing a spiritual renaissance where people are yearning for deeper meaning and profound faith connections. Puja Shree is more than a puja product brand—it is a movement to reinstate devotion’s lost essence, guiding individuals toward purity and ensuring future generations inherit the wisdom of our traditions.”
– Shashank Arya, Co-founder, Puja Shree

WHERE TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY
Puja Shree harmonizes faith and convenience. By integrating ancient Vedic wisdom with modern accessibility, it makes sacred, Shastra-compliant offerings available to seekers worldwide—because devotion should never be compromised.

“The world of devotion and e-commerce are converging in remarkable ways. At Puja Shree, we leverage technology to make authentic, Shastra-compliant puja offerings accessible globally. Faith should never be compromised by convenience—we bring the two together seamlessly.”
– Ravi Gupta, Co-founder & CMO, Puja Shree

Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Advanced Features Redefine Mobility Experience

Bangalore, 08 April 2025:  Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced that it has introduced feature upgrades in the Urban Cruiser Hyryder that redefine safety, comfort, and convenience. The latest enhancements underscores Toyota’s commitment to customer-centric innovation, seamlessly incorporating valuable feedback and evolving market trends to elevate the driving experience.

Widely celebrated and embraced as India’s first Self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric SUV, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder has already crossed the milestone of 1 lakh sales. It continues to win hearts with its innovative technology, exceptional fuel economy, dynamic performance, and premium driving experience.

The key change points of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder include:

Safety:

  • Structural enhancements have been introduced across all variants for improved safety.
  • 6 Airbags are now standard across all variants, ensuring enhanced passenger safety.
  • The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) has been added to automatic transmission across certain variants for added convenience and safety.

Performance:

  • The new 6-speed Automatic Transmission (6AT) replaces the previous 5-speed manual gearbox in AWD variant.

Comfort and Convenience:

  • The 8-way Adjustable Power Driver Seat is now available in higher variants for a personalized driving position.
  • A Rear Door Sunshade has been introduced in higher variants for improved passenger comfort.
  • The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been introduced in more variants for better real-time tyre pressure monitoring.
  • Ambient lighting has been introduced in higher variants to enhance the premium cabin experience.
  • Driver and Co-Driver Ventilated Seats have been added to higher variants for improved comfort.
  • Type-C USB fast-charging ports (15W) have been introduced for improved device connectivity.
  • LED Spot and Reading Lamps are now standard across all variants, enhancing cabin illumination.
  • The Air Quality Index Display has been added to select variants, ensuring better air quality monitoring inside the cabin.
  • An updated Speedometer with improved readability and clearer information display is now available across all variants.
  • Dual-tone exterior colour options have been introduced in select variants to enhance styling choices.

Speaking on the introduction of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Mr. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, said, “As the SUV segment evolves, we continue to refresh and elevate our lineup to stay ahead of the curve. The latest Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a testament to our commitment for best-in-segment technology, advanced safety, and superior comfort. Crafted for modern SUV buyers, it seamlessly blends Toyota’s legendary quality, sustainability, and driving pleasure.

With these latest upgrades, we are confident that the Hyryder will appeal to an even broader audience, further solidifying its position as one of India’s bestselling SUVs. More than just enhanced performance and efficiency, this refined SUV sets new benchmarks in hybrid technology, safety, and connected mobility, delivering a future-ready driving experience tailored to the dynamic needs of today’s customers.”

Launched in 2021, The Urban Cruiser Hyryder blends Toyota’s global SUV heritage with bold styling, advanced technology, and sustainability. Designed for efficiency and performance, it offers a highly efficient Self-Charging Strong Hybrid Electric powertrain, along with a 1.5L K-series engine with Neo Drive (ISG), 5-speed Manual, and 6-speed Automatic Transmission with 2WD & 4WD options.

Its sleek exterior features LED Project Headlamps, Twin LED DRLs, a Sporty Skid Plate, Crystal Acrylic Grille, and 17-inch Alloy Wheels, available in seven monotone and four dual-tone colours. Inside, the premium cabin includes a 9-inch infotainment system, wireless charging, ventilated leather seats, a 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, cruise control, head-up display, and Google & Siri voice assistants. Rear passengers benefit from reclining seats, rear AC vents, USB charging, and a 60:40 split seat.

Toyota enhances ownership with 66 exclusive accessories, a 3-year/100,000 km warranty (extendable to 5 years/220,000 km), and an 8-year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty, ensuring a premium and hassle-free driving experience.