Vellore Institute of Technology and Autodesk Partner Innovations
Vellore, April 8, 2025 – Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), today, has announced the launch of a state-of-the-art Design and Make Studio, developed in partnership with Autodesk. This new initiative aims to provide students with direct access to industry-leading design and make technology, fostering creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills essential for the modern workforce.
The VIT-Autodesk Design and Make Studio will serve as a dynamic learning space where students can engage in real-world design and make challenges using Autodesk’s advanced software suite, including Fusion. The cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool, integrated with generative design (GD) technology, will allow students to develop sustainable and efficient design and manufacturing solutions, preparing them for the evolving demands of the industry.
“Our goal is to create an environment where students can immerse themselves in cutting-edge design technology practices,” said Dr. G. Viswanathan, Chancellor, VIT University. “By launching this Design and Make Studio in partnership with Autodesk, we are equipping our students with future- ready skills and hands-on experience that will give them a competitive edge in careers spanning engineering, architecture, and product design.”
The new Design and Make Studio will act as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together students from various engineering and design backgrounds to work on projects that address real-world challenges. With this launch, VIT reinforces its position as a leader in experiential learning, driving innovation, and setting new benchmarks for technical education in India.
“At Autodesk, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation of engineers and designers with the right tools and knowledge,” said Parminder Singh, Design and Manufacturing, Autodesk, India & SAARC. “Through the Autodesk design and make studio, the students will get access to the latest design technology solutions especially with future technologies such as AI that will further nurture innovation and creativity, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the future of design and make industry.”
Autodesk is committed to empowering students and educators with the required tools and training needed and make them industry ready. In India, more than five million students across 14,000 secondary and post-secondary institutions are gaining hands-on experience with our technology. By expanding access to latest technology and fostering industry-relevant learning, Autodesk is enabling the workforce of the future.
ICICI Bank Inaugurates a Branch in Jammu Location
Jammu: ICICI Bank has set up a new branch at Preet Nagar in Jammu. This branch, the Bank’s fourteenth in the city, is equipped with an ATM.
Shri Vikram Randhawa, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Jammu & Kashmir inaugurated the branch. Ms. Devyani Rana, Vice-President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Jammu & Kashmir, graced the occasion.
The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts and deposits including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits and loans like home loan, personal loan, auto loan, business loan and education loan along with remittance and card services. It also provides locker facility at its premises. It operates from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Monday to Friday and on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.
The branch also offers Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include opening of accounts and Fixed Deposit (FD), raising cheque book request, generation of e statements and change of address, among others.
ICICI Bank has more than 70 branches, and over 80 ATMs and cash recycling machines (CRMs) in Jammu & Kashmir.
ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centres, internet banking and mobile banking.
Ring in Tamil New Year at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel
Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar and is a time for new beginnings and joyous celebrations. Rooted in tradition, the festival is observed with special prayers, vibrant decorations and an elaborate feast that reflects the essence of Tamil heritage. Southern Spice, the iconic South Indian specialty restaurant at Taj Coromandel, invites guests to a grand celebration with a specially curated meal experience, offering an exquisite selection of authentic flavours. Guests can indulge in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings, each crafted with time-honoured recipes that bring out the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu.
The quintessential South Indian experience at Southern Spice begins with Manga Pachadi, a signature dish of Tamil New Year that beautifully balances sweet, sour and spicy flavours, made with raw mango, jaggery, red chilies, asafoetida, mustard seeds and ghee. The vegetarian offering is a feast of authentic flavours, featuring Tulasi Rasam, a flavourful broth of tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and spices; Murungai Keerai Adai, made with moong dal, drumstick leaves, spices and herbs; Mochai Vendakkai Mandi, a tangy butter bean and okra curry cooked in tamarind sauce; Kutti Urulai Vathakkal, potatoes tempered with aromatic spices; and Kaikari Vellai Kurma, a rich coconut and cashew based vegetable curry. The offerings also include Arai Keerai Kadayal, a blend of amaranth leaves, moong dal, mustard and curry leaves; the hearty Kathirikai Kara Kuzhambu, a brinjal and tamarind-based curry; and Beans Paruppu Usili, a delicious combination of beans and steamed lentils. Guests can also indulge in Kaikari Brinji, a fragrant spiced vegetable pilaf; Nool Parotta, a flaky South Indian bread; and the special Arachuvitta Sambar, a lentil preparation made with freshly ground spices.
For those who prefer non-vegetarian specialities, savour delights like Nattu Kozhi Milagu Chaaru, a hearty country chicken soup infused with black pepper; Eral Porichathu, crispy fried bay prawn tail; Kozhi Uppu Kari, slow-roasted chicken in a medley of spices; and Vaigai Kari Sukka, a Madurai-style dish of succulent lamb shoulder, cooked gently with spices. Guests can also indulge in Meen Manga Kozhambu, a rich and tangy kingfish curry infused with green mango and coconut; Karaikudi Chicken Curry, a preparation of chicken morsels tossed with shallots, spices and black pepper; and the comforting Attukal Paya, lamb trotters cooked gently with spices. No Tamil New Year celebration is complete without biryani, and the Kongunadu Kozhi Biryani, a flavourful chicken pilaf from the Kongu region, adds the perfect finishing touch.
A grand festive meal deserves a sweet finale like the Javvarisi Semiya Payasam, a sago and vermicelli delicacy; Kavuni Rice Halwa, a rich and indulgent black rice and jaggery confection; and the signature Seethapazham Ice Cream, a creamy custard apple-flavoured homemade ice cream.
For a truly memorable celebration this Tamil New Year, savour the culinary artistry at Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel, featured among India’s Top 50 Restaurants by Condé Nast Traveller India, and awarded 4 Stars by Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings
Paytm Launches MahaKumbh Soundbox for Payment Alerts
Kolkata, 8th April, 2025: Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox technology, has launched the Made-in-India Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox to empower merchant partners with instant payment alerts on a digital screen and real-time transaction tracking. The latest addition to Paytm’s expanding Soundbox range, this 4G-enabled device helps businesses track payments effortlessly, improve transaction visibility, and enhance operational efficiency.
The MahaKumbh Soundbox represents the power of Indian unification—just as the rare pilgrim festival brings millions together, this device seamlessly integrates multiple features into one, enabling effortless transactions for merchants.
Equipped with diverse capabilities, the new Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox comes with a built-in digital screen that provides a clear view of payments, including real-time transaction updates, total collections, and device status. Merchants can now see transactions instantly while also receiving audio alerts, ensuring quick verification even during peak hours when multiple payments are being made. It features Paytm pioneered QR code, allowing customers to scan and pay via all UPI apps and RuPay Credit Card payments through UPI. With a powerful 3-watt speaker, the device delivers clear voice confirmations, enabling merchants to instantly verify payments and reduce errors. Supporting 11 languages, it ensures merchants receive updates in their preferred language. Additionally, its long-lasting 10-day battery and durable, splash-resistant, and temperature-resistant design make it a reliable solution for businesses across retail stores, restaurants, and local markets.
Shri Sanjiv Singh ji, Joint Secretary, DPIIT said, “Startup Mahakumbh has been a landmark event celebrating India’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, bringing together visionaries, innovators, and policymakers to drive India’s digital and financial inclusion forward. In this spirit of innovation, Paytm continues to lead the way in transforming digital payments for millions of businesses across the country. The launch of the Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox is another testament to India’s leadership in fintech innovation—empowering merchants with real-time transaction tracking, seamless payment acceptance, and operational efficiency. I commend Vijay Shekhar Sharma and the Paytm team for their relentless commitment to developing cutting-edge, Made-in-India solutions that strengthen our digital economy and support small businesses nationwide.”
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – Paytm said, “We are proud to have made mobile payments accessible to everyone. As pioneers of Soundbox technology, we introduced instant payment confirmations, bringing trust and ease to merchants. With our new Made-in-India Display Soundbox, we are taking it a step further to help our merchant partners track transactions effortlessly and manage their business with confidence.”
This launch follows Paytm’s recent green innovation of India’s First Paytm Solar Soundbox, aimed at providing sustainable energy solutions to merchants and businesses. By integrating solar-powered infrastructure, the company continues to drive innovation that enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs for its partners. Additionally, Paytm is enhancing digital transactions with its NFC-enabled payment solutions, allowing merchants to accept tap-and-pay transactions effortlessly. This ensures faster, more secure payments and an improved customer experience.
Paytm innovates based on customer needs, introducing features like UPI statement downloads (PDF & Excel), UPI Trading Blocks for direct stock trade payments without pre-funding, and the ‘Receive Money QR Widget’ for instant payments without opening the app. It also enables users to check UPI-linked bank account balances on the Paytm app and supports UPI, UPI Lite for small payments, RuPay Credit Card linking on Paytm UPI, cards, and net banking for seamless transactions. Expanding globally, it now facilitates UPI payments in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Telecom Sector Skill Council Signs MoU for Training Programs
New Delhi, April 8, 2025: The Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) has joined hands with KARAM Safety, a leader in safety solutions and training, to introduce specialized courses aimed at enhancing safety standards and skill development in height and rescue operations. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing this collaboration was signed on May 9, 2024. This partnership seeks to address critical skill gaps in the telecom sector, equipping professionals with the necessary expertise to work safely in high-risk environments. The training programs extend beyond the telecom industry and cater to various sectors requiring specialized skills in height safety and rescue operations.
Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Hemant Sapra, President, Global Sales and Marketing, KARAM Safety, stated, “Our partnership with the Telecom Sector Skill Council marks a significant step towards strengthening safety practices in the telecom industry. KARAM Safety has been at the forefront of providing world-class fall protection systems, personal protective equipment (PPE), and fixed-line products, ensuring that professionals working at heights have access to the best safety solutions. By integrating our expertise with TSSC’s industry knowledge, we aim to build a strong foundation for safety training that enhances workforce preparedness and reduces risks.”
Under this initiative, the Height & Rescue Training (HART) course will provide participants with enhanced safety knowledge, practical fall risk management skills, expertise in handling and maintaining personal protective equipment, and emergency preparedness. This two-day course consists of 15 hours of training, followed by a three-hour practical and written assessment. Participants who complete the course will earn an NCVET-approved certificate with 0.5 educational credit points through Skill India.
The Rope Operations, Tactics, and Rescue (ROTAR) course is designed to develop expertise in rope techniques, hazard identification, and confined space rescues. It focuses on team coordination and communication, safe working practices at heights and confined spaces, and mastery of rope maneuvers such as rigging and ascents/descents. The course spans eight days, including seven days of training and one day for practical and written assessments. Successful participants will receive an NCVET-approved certificate with 2.0 educational credit points issued through Skill India.
Britannia Announces WiseBite Initiative for Snacking
New Delhi, 08 April 2025: On World Health Day, Britannia announces the launch of WiseBite, an initiative focused on empowering consumers toward wiser, more balanced snacking habits. Snacking is a part of daily life, providing energy and enjoyment throughout the day. With evolving food choices and increased awareness about balanced eating, WiseBite brings attention to cravings, informed choices, and sustainable habits, thereby encouraging a mindful snacking approach.
Dr. Balaji Jaganmohan, Consultant Physician & Diabetologist, Apollo Sugar Clinics Bangalore, speaks about the need for mindful snacking, “In today’s fast-paced lives, snacking often becomes an unconscious habit rather than a considered choice. Paying closer attention to what we eat between meals and understanding the how and why behind those choices can bring more intention and balance to our daily routines. Awareness around cravings, portion sizes, and nutritional balance plays a key role in shaping habits that support long-term well-being. Choices between healthy and unhealthy options might predispose an individual to the risk of developing chronic metabolic diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension and obesity.”
Built on three core principles—knowing your cravings, picking right, and building lasting habits—WiseBite offers individuals varied options to approach snacking mindfully. The initiative encourages individuals to take small, intentional steps to bring more awareness to everyday snacking. This includes pausing before reaching for a snack to check in with actual hunger cues, choosing options that are both satisfying and balanced, being fully present while eating—using portion control and avoiding distractions. These simple, sustainable shifts can help make snacking a more conscious, enjoyable, and fulfilling part of the day.
Speaking about the program, Siddharth Gupta, General Manager – Marketing, Britannia said, “The way we snack is evolving, creating an opportunity to encourage mindful choices. With WiseBite, the goal is to equip consumers with simple, relatable information that empowers them to make informed decisions. It’s about simplifying the journey toward mindful snacking in a way that feels relevant and doable in today’s fast-paced lifestyles”
WiseBite is Britannia’s commitment to encouraging mindful snacking habits. By providing consumers with accessible information backed by scientific research, the initiative seeks to demystify everyday snacking choices and equip individuals with practical suggestions to make informed decisions
WiseBite is designed to make snacking a more intentional and enriching part of everyday life. By fostering awareness and good decision-making, it encourages individuals to develop habits that align with their personal needs and lifestyle, ensuring that every bite is both satisfying and purposeful.
World Health Day 2025: Impact of Food Trends on Health
Mumbai, 8th April 2025: As we mark World Health Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how consumer awareness around food, health, and hygiene has evolved over the past year. The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 had predicted a significant shift in consumer choices, with a growing focus on clean eating, ethical sourcing, and mindful consumption. Looking back, these predictions have not only come true but have also shaped the way India eats today.
With health and well-being at the centre of food decisions, consumers have become more discerning, choosing ingredients that nourish, sustain, and align with their values. The modern Indian family is now more personalized in its food habits than ever before, reflecting a strong commitment to health-conscious and sustainable choices.
Key Trends That Defined Consumer Choices Over the Past Year
1. Cutting Back on Ultra-Processed Foods (94.2%) – A Shift That Stuck
A year ago, 94.2% of experts had predicted that consumers would actively reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods, recognizing their health risks. Today, that shift is evident in the way Indian households are choosing fresher, minimally processed alternatives. From home-cooked meals to clean-label products, the focus on whole foods over convenience-driven, processed options has been a defining trend.
2. Supporting Local Farmers & Producers (90.4%) – A Conscious Choice That Grew Stronger
The emphasis on local, sustainable, and ethically sourced food was another key forecast in 2024, with 90.4% of experts predicting that Indian consumers would move towards supporting local farmers and producers. Over the past year, this movement has only strengthened, with more consumers making conscious efforts to buy fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. Farmers’ markets, farm-to-table initiatives, and hyperlocal sourcing have gained prominence, reflecting this growing commitment to sustainability and community-driven food systems.
3. The Rise of Clean & Safe Food Choices (78.8%) – A Hygiene-Driven Evolution
As projected by 78.8% of experts, food safety and hygiene have taken centre stage in consumer decisions. Shoppers have become more vigilant about ingredient sourcing, contamination risks, and the quality of packaged foods. The past year has seen a notable increase in demand for clean-label products, with brands responding by offering more transparency about their sourcing, ingredients, and safety measures.
4. The Climatarian Movement Gains Momentum (75.0%) – Eating for the Planet
With sustainability influencing food habits, 75% of experts had forecasted that consumers would adopt a climatarian approach—focusing on foods with a lower carbon footprint. This prediction has played out strongly, with more plant-based eating, reduced food waste, and an emphasis on seasonal, local produce shaping meal choices. From alternative protein sources to sustainable packaging, the food industry has evolved to cater to this eco-conscious shift.
Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Convenience
Beyond these major shifts in food habits, the past year has also seen a resurgence of traditional dietary wisdom. As predicted, consumers have rediscovered local and ancestral food practices, blending them with modern convenience. From gut-friendly fermented foods to Ayurveda-inspired diets, the shift towards holistic well-being is now more than just a niche trend—it’s a lifestyle.
Expert Take: The Future of Food & Well-Being
“As we look back at the predictions from the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024, it is evident that these shifts in food habits were not just passing trends but conscious lifestyle choices that are here to stay. Consumers today are more mindful of what they eat, where it comes from, and how it impacts their health and the planet. From reducing ultra-processed food to supporting local sourcing and embracing sustainable diets, the food landscape is evolving towards a healthier and more responsible future,” says Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Managing Director of a Perfect Bite Consulting and Editor of the annual Godrej Food Trends Report.
As World Health Day reinforces the importance of well-being through better food choices, the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 serves as a testament to how far we have come in our journey towards healthier, more sustainable eating habits.
Goafest 2025 Welcomes Industry’s Talent Innovations
April 8th, 2025; Mumbai, India: With a promise to be bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than ever, Goafest 2025 will bring together the brightest creative minds in the advertising, marketing and media industry for an unforgettable showdown of music talent with Advertising Rocks Season 3. Open to solo and duet performers, Advertising Rocks shortlisted participants will have the opportunity to advance through multiple rounds, culminating in a live finale at Goafest 2025. Shortlists will also get an opportunity to be a part of Goafest 2025 at no cost.
While the solo winners stand a chance to win INR 50,000 and INR 25,000 in first and second place respectively, duet winners can win INR 1,00,000 and INR 50,000 for first and second place respectively.
Speaking on the third edition of Advertising Rocks, Jaideep Gandhi, Chairman of the Goafest 2025 Organising Committee and Founder of Another Idea said, “Advertising Rocks has evolved into a platform that celebrates the creative spirit of our industry beyond work! After two successful seasons, this year’s event is set to raise the bar, delivering a spectacle that blends creativity with entertainment in a way only the advertising industry can. Season 3 is surely going to be the most thrilling yet!”
Adding to this, Subhash Kamath, Former CEO of BBH and curator of ‘Advertising Rocks’ stated, “This is the 3rd year of advertising rocks and we’ve seen some terrific performances in the past. We want to make it bigger this year, so we’ve introduced ‘duets’ as a category this time. I’m looking forward to seeing more and more people showcasing their musical talents and I urge every agency to encourage their youngsters to come forward and participate!”
Participants will have to submit their audition video by April 30, 2025, in order to qualify to the semi-finals where they will perform live before a jury panel at Goafest. The finalists comprising 4 finalists from each category will perform at the finals where winners will be determined through a combination of jury scores and audience voting at the festival.
Registrations for Advertising Rocks Season 3 are now open, and participants can sign up to showcase their musical prowess and performance skills. Whether you’re an agency executive, a marketing maven, or a media professional, this is your chance to rock the stage!
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.