Star player Harmanpreet Singh who led the Indian men’s hockey team to a medal in 2024 at the Paris Olympics was often referred to by his team mates as ‘Sarpanch Sahab‘ owing to his poised and calm demeanour in stressful situations. The title signified not just the respect he has earned but the quality of leadership he has demonstrated. As for the origin of the term, it has its roots in the Panchayati Raj. This system in particular plays a crucial role in shaping leaders who can steer grassroots governance and improve healthcare, education, and community welfare. Much like a captain, a Sarpanch leads from the front to improve lives in underserved regions. As the country prepares to observe National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24, meet ‘Sarpanch Sahibas’ who are shaping their communities through active local leadership and smashing gender barriers as well.

1. Geetanjali Tirki – Mukhiya, Hesapoda Panchayat, Gola Block, Ramgarh, Jharkhand

Geetanjali Tirki, the 28-year-old from Koramba village in Hesapoda Panchayat, emerged as a grassroots leader through active involvement in SHGs and community meetings during her husband’s tenure as Mukhiya. Her exposure to local issues, which include poor healthcare, lack of sanitation, limited education, and job scarcity, shaped her decision to contest elections. As Mukhiya, she strengthened healthcare by activating Ayushman Arogya Mandir, improved sanitation with school toilets, and installed Jalminars for drinking water. She focused on road connectivity and expanded Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) work to reduce migration. With support from Transform Rural India (TRI), a development design organization working on transforming India’s bottom 100,000 languishing localities into flourishing communities, she implemented participatory planning tools and held special Gram Sabhas to build transparency. Her vision for Hesapoda includes quality education, empowered women and dignified living conditions for all households.

2. Pratima Kujur – Mukhiya, Garyajor Panchayat, Kurdeg Block, Simdega, Jharkhand

At 47, Pratima Kujur leads the Garyajor Panchayat in Kurdeg Block with a grounded approach shaped by years of committed work. Formerly a bookkeeper for ten Self-Help Groups (SHGs), she helped families secure pensions, ration cards and essential services. Encouraged by the Village Organization, she contested and won the Mukhiya post. She addressed teacher shortages by urging local authorities to act, which improved schooling. In a remote hamlet lacking roads and water, she organised community labour to build access roads and set up water systems. To support hill farmers without market links, she formed a Market Committee and launched a weekly haat. With support from TRI, she coordinated training on health, education, and livelihoods. Her vision focuses on accessible services, local employment, and reducing migration through practical, community-led action.

3. Vimla Nag – Sarpanch, Gumma Village, Talnar Panchayat, Chhindgarh Block, Chhattisgarh

Vimla Nag, 38, Sarpanch of Gumma village in Chhindgarh Block, has brought women’s participation to the forefront of village governance. Driven by the need to address education, health, sanitation and livelihoods, she began her term by implementing toilet construction schemes, improving hygiene and dignity for women. She established an Anganwadi Centre for Maternal and Child Health and led awareness drives to promote SHG participation. Backed by TRI, she underwent leadership training and played a key role in building a collaborative framework that brought together Panchayati Raj Institutions, local officials, and community groups. This approach increased public engagement, especially among women, in Gram Sabhas and development planning. For the first time, local women contributed directly to governance. Vimla envisions a village where every woman earns, every child has access to education, and migration is no longer a compulsion, but a choice.

4. Prabala Kerketta – Mukhiya, Dighia Panchayat, Bero Block, Ranchi District, Jharkhand

Prabala Kerketta, a 31-year-old trained nurse from Tengariya village, became a trusted figure in Dighia Panchayat through her efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. She arranged food, helped the sick access hospitals, and supported vulnerable families during emergencies. Known for her regular participation in Village and Cluster Level Federation meetings, she was later elected as Mukhiya. Prabala addressed migration and unemployment by linking people to plantation schemes like Birsa Harit Gram Yojana, agriculture programmes and welfare schemes such as MNREGA, pensions, Didi Badi nutrition and housing support for widows. She improved infrastructure by constructing roads, and drainage systems, and ensuring water access in schools. In education, she helped girls overcome financial and bureaucratic hurdles to enter Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas.

In a unified celebration of World Earth Day, three leading organizations—DLF Mall of India, AIPL and Ambience Mall—hosted independent yet complementary initiatives across the National Capital Region. While each programme operated separately, together they amplified the shared goals of environmental stewardship, community well-being, and sustainable action, inspiring citizens to embrace a greener, healthier future.

DLF Mall of India celebrates its 9th Anniversary with a Community Run championing fitness, environment, and road safety

DLF Mall of India commemorated its anniversary by hosting the “9th Anniversary Run.” The event brought hundreds of participants from all age groups, including women and children, who ran for fitness, environmental conservation, and road safety. Aligned with World Earth Day, the event was organised under the ‘Active Noida’ initiative in collaboration with the Noida Traffic Police. The initiative also highlighted the mall’s commitment to fostering community well-being and sustainability.

The event featured three categories—10 km, 5 km, and 3 km runs and was flagged off from DLF Mall of India in Sector 18, and also concluded there. Participants received medals, trophies, e-certificates, and saplings to reinforce environmental stewardship. Fitness First energised the crowd with Zumba sessions and interactive fitness challenges.

Shibli Khan, VP and Cluster Head, DLF Mall of India, Noida, remarked, “Celebrating our 9th anniversary alongside World Earth Day reflects our dual commitment to community health and planetary care. This run is more than a fitness endeavour—it’s a platform to drive awareness about road safety and the urgent need to protect our environment. We’re thrilled to see such spirited participation.”

AIPL and Green India Society Join Hands to Drive Sustainability and Protect the Planet

AIPL, in collaboration with the Green India Society, successfully hosted an engaging and educational event at the Ground Floor, AIPL Business Club. The event aimed to celebrate sustainability and nurture the planet, encouraging conscious living and collective responsibility through immersive and meaningful experiences. The vibrant gathering reflected a growing interest in environmental responsibility.

The event brought together individuals of all age groups to promote sustainability and environmental awareness through a series of interactive and engaging activities centered around the theme “Play. Learn. Pledge.” Corporate executives from leading firms such as Deloitte, British Airways, Lummus, and Kuehne + Nagel housed within the AIPL Business Club actively participated in activities like Seed Ball Making, a Water Conservation Quiz, and a life-sized Snake & Ladder Game with an eco-conscious twist. An Environment Crossword Challenge further sparked curiosity and tested attendees’ knowledge of green practices.

Additionally, the event featured the Bin Ball Game, which raised awareness about waste segregation, and a Pledge Wall where individuals committed to adopting sustainable practices. To enhance the experience, sustainable product displays, selfie cutouts, and a creatively designed atmosphere blended joyful learning with a deeper environmental message.

Ishaan Singh, Director AIPL said, “At AIPL, we believe that real change begins with awareness and action at the community level. This initiative aimed to engage, educate, and empower individuals to adopt sustainable habits in fun and meaningful ways. The enthusiasm we witnessed today reaffirms our commitment to building not just green infrastructure but a greener mindset for tomorrow.”

Ambience Mall Collaborates with Adidas to Drive Sustainability and Protect the Environment

On the occasion of Earth Day, Ambience Mall, in association with Adidas, is hosting a Plantation Drive at Ambience Island (outside Ambience Mall, Gurgaon). The initiative, taking place on April 22, aims to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness by encouraging individuals to take small yet impactful steps toward a greener future.

As a symbol of collective commitment to a greener future, numerous saplings will be planted in the open. As part of the initiative, saplings will be planted in the open green space. This drive represents a shared vision between the two brands to create long-lasting environmental impact and inspire individuals to take small, conscious steps for a better future.

Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group – At Ambience Mall, we believe that sustainability begins with awareness and action. Our collaboration with Adidas for this Earth Day Plantation Drive is a step towards inspiring the community to reconnect with nature and take responsibility for the environment. Through such initiatives, we aim to create meaningful experiences that not only raise awareness but also foster a lasting impact.

Separate Efforts, Shared Vision

Though organized independently, these initiatives collectively highlighted the multifaceted approach needed to address environmental and social challenges. DLF Mall of India linked fitness to eco-awareness, AIPL made sustainability engaging, and Ambience Mall emphasized tangible action. Together, they demonstrated how diverse strategies—from runs to games to tree planting—can inspire communities to prioritize the planet.

New Delhi, 23^rd April, 2025:  Star Estate, one of India’s most trusted real estate consultation firms, has crossed an important landmark—clocking approximately ₹7,000 crore in sales during the financial year 2024–25. This achievement solidifies the company’s status as among the fastest-growing real estate consulting companies in India.

Star Estate has diversified footprint in top-tier-I and tier-II cities over the last twelve months in areas such as Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad and widened presence in crucial micro-markets in northern as well as southern India. Behind this growth story of Star Estate there is a robust team, a customer-first approach and a leadership that believes in pushing boundaries.

Mr. Vijay Jain, Managing Director, Star Estate said, “We take pride in crossing the ₹7,000 crore sales mark, but it’s not the end—it’s a steppingstone. Success doesn’t come by chance, it’s a result of our deep expertise in market awareness, data-informed strategy, and our commitment to deliver smooth, efficient property purchasing experience. Now, we look forward to achieving the ₹10,000 crore mark, and we are ready for the climb. Every milestone we achieve is a testament to our commitment to investing in people and staying dedicated to our valued customers.”

Star Estate’s platform puts together top developers, selected properties, and technology-enabled consultation in order to deliver a seamless home-buying experience. Star Estate serves both end-users and investors and closely collaborates with developers in planning the right marketing, inventory and launch strategies.

During FY 2024–25, the company opened new offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru, further strengthening its organizational capabilities by bringing in experienced professionals across marketing, sales, and analytics. With a portfolio of projects from the top developers and over 1 lakh happy customers, Star Estate’s value proposition lies not just in numbers, but in the trust it has built.

The organization is now gearing up for the next leap—achieving ₹10,000 crore+ gross sales in FY 2025–26. The plan involves expansion into new emerging markets, technology-driven delivery of smart real estate solutions, and increased association with builders to accelerate absorption within luxury, mid-segment, and affordable housing segments as well.

As India’s real estate business keeps on accelerating, Star Estate keeps on maintaining its firm footing on the business pulse. Led by bold visions, core values, and with an increasing reach, the firm is setting standards in the brokerage of real estates and customer satisfaction. Thus, from ₹5,000 Cr to ₹7,000 Cr, and next looking even up—Star Estate is just started.

Air pollution continues to be a significant public health challenge in India, impacting both rural and urban communities. A recent report by Climate Trends highlights widespread elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), one of the most harmful types of air pollution, across the country. This data highlights that air pollution is not limited to urban areas but is, instead, a nationwide concern.

An average Indian spent 59 minutes to travel 20 kms one way to work last year in key metro cities, compared with 51 minutes to cover 17 kms before the pandemic, said the report, ‘2023 On Wheels: How India Moved In Sync’, by office commute platform MoveInSync. In response to this growing challenge, automotive manufacturers have started integrating sophisticated air purification technologies into their latest models. Here are list of popular models with integrated air purifiers.

MG Hector – The MG Hector stands out with its striking design and cutting-edge features, led by an advanced in-built PM 2.5 Air Purifier and Ionizer system for a consistently fresh cabin environment. The SUV boasts a 35.56 cm (14-inch) HD Portrait infotainment screen, complemented by innovative features like a Digital Bluetooth key with sharing function, wireless charging, and ventilated front seats. Safety and intelligence merge with Traffic Jam Assist among 11 ADAS features, while the i-SMART technology offers over 75 connected car features. Adding to its premium appeal, the Hector delivers exceptional value as the best-priced SUV with a panoramic sunroof in India.

Hyundai Venue – The Hyundai Venue, a compact SUV renowned for its feature-rich variants, offers three fuel-efficient engines and five gearbox options. It has the signature Hyundai quality, attractive design, and space to comfortably seat four occupants. It is equipped with HEPA filter technology; this urban SUV effectively cleanses the cabin air of harmful particles. The new Hyundai VENUE is designed to keep you connected to both your car, and the world around you. Between the Alexa and the 60+ feature-loaded Bluelink, you’ve got everything you need to make your drives exciting.

Kia Sonet – The new Kia Sonet along with a bold design comes equipped with pure air purifiers with virus and bacteria protection that sharpens the sense of comfort. It has a digital cluster of 10.25 inches (26.03 cm) along with a 360 degree camera with blind view monitor in cluster. Additionally, the new sonet is built with 15 safety features including ADAS Level 1 with 10 autonomous features.

Nissan Magnite – The Nissan Magnite offers an elegant Design with two engine options: a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 72 horsepower, which feels slow, and a more powerful and smooth 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 100 horsepower. Nissan offers the Magnite sub-compact SUV with an automatic PM 2.5 air purifier as a part of the optional Tech Pack which is reserved for the top-end XV Premium. Moreover, the new Nissan Magnite is packed with 55+ Active and Passive Safety Features (40+Standard) to ensure the highest standards of safety for you and your loved ones.

MG Gloster – The MG Gloster redefines premium SUV standards with its advanced dual-zone air purification system, featuring PM 2.5 filtration that ensures pristine air quality throughout its spacious cabin. This seven-seater marvel combines cutting-edge technology with luxury, offering seven driving modes, advanced driver assistance, and over 75 connected car features through i-SMART integration. The Gloster delivers premium amenities including a 20.32 cm Multi-Information System, leather seating, 64-color ambient lighting, and over 30 safety features. Every detail, from its best-in-class interior space to the sophisticated air management system, reinforces its position as a comprehensive luxury SUV package.

These vehicles represent a significant step forward in automotive technology, where the focus has expanded beyond traditional parameters like performance and comfort to include passenger health and wellness. As air quality concerns continue to grow in urban areas, these built-in air purification systems offer a valuable feature for health-conscious consumers, making the daily commute not just a journey from point A to B, but a breath of fresh air in an increasingly polluted world.

Bangalore, April 23, 2025: This World Book Day, Amazon India is advancing its “Make India Read More“ mission – a comprehensive effort to nurture India‘s reading culture through democratized access, innovative discovery and community engagement. This commitment builds on Amazon‘s ongoing work in expanding book accessibility to readers across the country.

Recent trends for Amazon India have demonstrated a growing appetite for books nationwide, with double-digit growth in both new customers and category sales. Tier 2 cities are notably driving this expansion, bringing new book customers at twice the growth rate seen in metros. To support this demand, the company has significantly expanded its same-day delivery capabilities, now reaching twice as many customers in top 20 cities compared to last year.

“Books are at the heart of Amazon’s identity, and our commitment to India‘s readers is deeper than ever,” said Rajarshi Guin, Director, Books & Toys, Amazon India. “From curating literature that reflects India‘s cultural and educational diversity, to investing in fast delivery and discovery, our focus is to make reading more rewarding, and more accessible. Whether it’s a young reader in a metro or a student in a Tier-3 town, we want to bring the right book to every doorstep.”

With a catalog of over 20 million titles across 14+ Indian languages, Amazon delivers books to 100% of India‘s serviceable pin codes. The category is witnessing strong double-digit growth in genres such as literary fiction, self-help, business, and children’s books, while regional language books in Malayalam and Tamil have doubled in demand year-over-year. Educational content remains strong with government exam preparation materials growing by over 30%, and specialized materials for engineering and law seeing growth of over 50% compared to last year.

To enhance discovery and customer experience, Amazon‘s monthly Book Bazaar is set to complete its 5th anniversary this year with 60 editions offering 300+ curated reading lists and deals on 30,000+ books across genres and languages. The company blends personalized algorithmic recommendations with trusted editorial curation through flagship initiatives like the Author of the Month, Amazon Book Talk series, and specialized destinations such as the Matrabhasha store for regional language titles. These efforts are further strengthened by Amazon’s partnership with over 30 national and international bestselling authors including Khaled Hosseini, Jeffrey Archer, Robin Sharma, Sudha Murthy, and Chetan Bhagat to provide authors a platform to connect with their readers.

In support of this mission, Amazon has launched a nationwide book donation drive in partnership with the National Book Trust (NBT) and NCERT. Over the next 12 weeks, thousands of books will be distributed to Anganwadis, government schools, and grassroots organizations

“National Book Trust is delighted to collaborate with Amazon India on the ‘Make India Read More‘ initiative,” Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said. “This partnership reflects our shared vision of making books accessible to all. By combining NBT’s grassroots presence with Amazon‘s digital outreach, we aim to bring the transformative power of reading to every corner of the country.”

“NCERT is proud to support the Book Donation Drive with Amazon,” Aman Sharma, Secretary, NCERT said. “Through this initiative, 25,000 NCERT textbooks will be donated to underprivileged communities, promoting literacy and celebrating the joy of reading, aligning with the vision of the National Education Policy.”