Cream Centre Wins Best Vegetarian Casual Dining at Times Food Awards 2025
Mumbai, 17th April 2025 – Cream Centre, the iconic vegetarian dining destination, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Best Vegetarian Casual Dining – South Bombay’ award at The Times Food and Nightlife Awards 2025. This accolade reaffirms Cream Centre’s legacy of serving delectable vegetarian cuisine and delivering an unparalleled dining experience.
For decades, Cream Centre has been a beloved name in the city’s culinary landscape, delighting patrons with its innovative and comforting vegetarian offerings. Known for its signature dishes like the Original Channa Bhatura, World’s Best Nachos, and Sizzling Brownie, the restaurant continues to redefine vegetarian dining with a perfect blend of tradition and modern flavors.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Rishi Chona, Director of Cream Centre, stated, “We are deeply honored to receive this award from The Times Food and Nightlife Awards 2025. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to serving high-quality, delicious vegetarian food and creating memorable dining experiences for our guests. We dedicate this achievement to our loyal patrons and our hardworking team, whose passion and dedication make Cream Centre a cherished culinary destination.”
The Times Food and Nightlife Awards are regarded as a benchmark of excellence in the F&B industry, celebrating the finest dining and nightlife experiences across India. Winning this award solidifies Cream Centre’s position as a trailblazer in the vegetarian dining segment and an integral part of Mumbai’s vibrant food culture.
As Cream Centre continues to innovate and expand, food lovers can look forward to more delightful flavors, warm hospitality, and an ever-evolving menu that honors the rich heritage of vegetarian cuisine.
Kalyan Jewellers Celebrates Poila Boishakh with Ritabhari Chakraborty
Kolkata, April 17, 2025: As Bengal ushers in the Bengali New Year with vibrant traditions and heartfelt celebrations; Kalyan Jewellers invites customers to mark the occasion with timeless jewellery, meaningful gifting, and festive savings. Inspired by the festive spirit of Poila Boishakh, the brand brings focus to a thoughtfully curated selection of handcrafted gold jewellery pieces that celebrate Bengal’s timeless artistry while resonating with the tastes of the modern-day wearer.
Perfectly suited for the festivities, the collection features intricately designed pieces that echo Bengal’s rich artistic legacy. From the bold elegance of the bala and the ornate komor bandhani to layered lahara haars embedded with guineas and the jui bangles, each design reflects cultural depth and festive spirit. Styled with the quintessential red-and-white garod saree these 22KT gold pieces are ideal for festive rituals, family gatherings, and heartfelt gifting — bringing to life the essence of tradition and celebration with a distinctly Bengali soul.
To make the celebrations even more rewarding, Kalyan Jewellers is offering a flat 50% off on making charges* across a wide range of jewellery. This limited-time offer brings customers the opportunity to invest in heirloom-worthy pieces while enjoying unmatched value. With every purchase, customers also benefit from Kalyan Jewellers’ signature 4-Level Assurance Certificate, which guarantees purity certification, lifetime maintenance, transparent product details, and assured buy-back and exchange options — reinforcing the brand’s commitment to trust, quality, and long-term relationships.
Adding to the festive cheer, Kalyan Jewellers has launched a soulful digital film featuring brand ambassador Ritabhari Chakraborty, capturing the essence of Poila Boishakh through the age-old art of Kabi Gaan — a poetic exchange between a couple. Set against a culturally rich backdrop, the film portrays a heartfelt bond that culminates in the husband gifting his wife a timeless piece of jewellery — a symbol of love, appreciation, and celebration. Blending nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, the film beautifully reflects the brand’s ethos of celebrating life’s meaningful moments through jewellery.
This Poila Boishakh, celebrate tradition, connection, and craftsmanship with Kalyan Jewellers — where every piece tells a story of elegance and enduring emotion.
Kettle Studio Launches Guilt-Free Air-Fried Chips with Bold Flavours
Mumbai, 17th April 2025 – Kettle Studio, the premium artisanal chips brand known for its gourmet kettle-cooked offerings since 2016, is set to revolutionize snacking once again with the launch of its Air-Fried Chips. The brand, rooted in quality craftsmanship, brings a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative that caters to the growing demand for healthier snacking without compromising on taste.
Driven by consumer demand for guilt-free indulgence, Kettle Studio’s new Air-Fried Range delivers the same bold crunch and delicious taste as their traditional kettle-cooked chips, with 50% less oil* than regular potato chips. Using innovative air-frying technology, these chips are carefully crafted to maintain the signature crunch and mouthwatering flavours that fans love, offering a better-for-you option that doesn’t compromise on indulgence. The new range includes Lime & Chilli, Spicy Dill Pickle, Sweet & Smoky BBQ Air-Fried Potato Chips, each curated to bring a unique and bold taste experience.
Adding to the excitement, Kettle Studio also launches the Tabasco® Sauce Flavour Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, a fiery collaboration that blends the iconic tangy-spicy notes of the iconic Tabasco® sauce with their signature chips. Made with real Tabasco® sauce, this flavour strikes the perfect balance of spice and tang, delivering a dynamic snacking experience for those who crave bold tastes.
Speaking on the launch, Tushar Parekh, Kettle Studio, said, “We’re excited to introduce our Air-Fried Chips, a game-changing innovation that allows our consumers to indulge without compromise. With 50% less oil and the same delicious taste, this range aligns perfectly with the evolving preferences of health-conscious snack lovers. The Tabasco® Sauce flavour is another step in our journey to bring bold, globally inspired flavours to Indian consumers.”
Kettle Studio’s Air-Fried Chips are priced at ₹99 for 80g, while the Tabasco® Sauce Flavour Chips are priced at ₹99 for 113g. Both products are now available across leading e-commerce platforms like Blinkit, Instamart, Amazon, and Zepto, as well as premium retail stores Nature’s Basket, Reliance Retail, 711, Wellness, and thousands of local gourmet shops in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad.
Ben Böhmer to Showcase ‘Bloom’ in Mumbai
India, 17th April 2025 – Ben Böhmer, the award winning Berlin-based DJ and producer celebrated for his emotive soundscapes, is set to deliver a bespoke performance at Mumbai’s Dome SVP Stadium on May 8, 2025. This one-night-only immersive event, a collaboration between Sound Simplify, Team Innovation Spacebound, and Dome, marks Böhmer’s sophomore return to Mumbai since his ‘Breathing’ Tour. After his multi-sensory ‘Bloom’ Tour performances in Kolkata, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Goa last year, fans can anticipate a deeply resonant experience.
Ben Böhmer has garnered international acclaim for his ability to seamlessly blend deep house, progressive elements and poignant melodies, creating a sonic tapestry that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. A composer and producer dedicated to bringing fresh ideas to life, Bohmer has spent over a decade perfecting his craft, channelling profound emotions through his music. His groundbreaking debut album, ‘Breathing’, delved into themes of grief, while its 2021 follow-up, ‘Begin Again’, explored the pain of separation. With nearly a billion streams and over 200 performances in 2022, Bohmer achieved remarkable success, yet found himself disconnected from his artistic vision. His latest critically lauded third album, ‘Bloom’, signifies a bold reset—a confident return to his improvisational roots and true creative aspirations. ‘Bloom’ captures Ben’s artistic evolution, embodying his joyful embrace of innovation and relentless passion for creation.
Touring in support of ‘Bloom’, which was heralded as a demonstration of all the depth, lushness and absolute feeling the German producer is a master of, the tour will feature an upgrade to Ben’s show, which now includes his instrument of choice, the piano, returning Ben to his improvisational roots as an artist and composer. The setlist will include tracks such as ‘Martin’, ‘Rust’, ‘Beyond Beliefs’, ‘Breathing’, ‘Wall Of Strings’, ‘Evermore’, ‘The Space In Between’, ‘Rain’, ‘Father Ocean (Ben Bohmer Remix)’, ‘Best Life’ and ‘Faithless’.
Ben Böhmer states, “My previous experiences performing in India have been truly special. The energy and passion of the crowds is incredible, and I’m thrilled to be returning to Mumbai after two years to share my latest sounds and create another memorable night together.”
Mohit Agarwal, Founder, Sound Simplify states, “We’re incredibly excited to bring Ben Böhmer back to India. His music transcends genres, offering fans an immersive experience that resonates on a deeply emotional level. This bespoke performance will be an unforgettable night.”
Mohit Bijlani, Co- Founder, Team Innovation states, “Ben Böhmer’s artistry represents a sophisticated and deeply emotive corner of electronic music that has widely resonated with the Indian audiences during his previous visits. We are delighted to welcome him back to Mumbai, further solidifying his connection with his fans here.”
Karan Singh, CEO, Spacebound states, “Ben Böhmer’s ‘Bloom’ tour represents a new chapter in his artistic journey, and we’re thrilled to be a part of bringing that vision to Mumbai. His dedication to innovation and creating meaningful sonic landscapes aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional experiences to Indian fans.”
Mazhar Nadiadwala, CEO, Dome states, “The SVP Stadium is excited to host Ben Böhmer, an artist known for his emotive soundscapes and immersive performances. We are ready to welcome fans for a night of unforgettable music, showcasing the venue’s capability to create memorable experiences. “
Attendees can anticipate a meticulously crafted set that showcases Böhmer’s signature blend of introspective melodies and driving rhythms, all within the state-of-the-art acoustics and ambiance of the performance venue. Building on the success of his prior appearances, this event is poised to be a highlight of Mumbai’s spring cultural calendar, offering a sanctuary of sound for those seeking a more nuanced and emotionally engaging electronic music experience.
ManipalCigna Launches ‘Samman’ to Empower 10,000 Financial Advisors
Kolkata, April 17, 2025 – ManipalCigna Health Insurance, one of India’s leading health insurance companies has launched ‘Samman’, an initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of financial advisors who have been instrumental in guiding individuals and families toward financial security. This initiative aims to honor the relentless dedication of personal finance advisors who have played a pivotal role in promoting health insurance and financial protection across the country.
The ‘Samman’ initiative, has successfully reached over 2,000 participants across states including West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the Northeast. The initiative covered key cities such as Kolkata, Asansol, Kharagpur, Bolpur, Bardhaman, Guwahati, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, and Chakradharpur. As a result, 1,200 new advisors have joined ManipalCigna, strengthening the company’s distribution network and enhancing its ability to meet the evolving financial protection needs of customers.
Speaking on the initiative, Sapna Desai, Chief Marketing Officer, ManipalCigna Health Insurance, said, “Insurance advisors play a crucial role in helping individuals and families secure their financial future. Through ‘Samman,’ we recognize their dedication and reinforce our commitment to their growth and success. With this initiative, we wanted to show our appreciation towards our advisors and also strengthen our advisor network to better serve our customers’ financial protection needs.”
Rohit Mittal, Vice President & Zonal Business Head – East, ManipalCigna Health Insurance, added, “The ‘Samman’ initiative reflects our mission to empower advisors who guide customers toward informed health insurance choices. We plan to reach out to 10,000 advisors by the end of this year with this initiative, equipping them with the tools and support they need to drive greater awareness and adoption of financial protection solutions.”
The ‘Samman’ initiative is a testament to ManipalCigna’s dedication to empowering financial advisors and reaffirming its commitment to protecting the health and financial well-being of the country. With a goal to grow its total advisor strength in the Eastern Zone to 15,000 by the end of 2025, the company is fostering collaboration and excellence within its advisor community.
Through these efforts, ManipalCigna continues to build a healthier and more financially secure future for individuals and families across India.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India launches 2025 Dio 125 in India
Mumbai, 17 April 2025: Continuing its legacy of customer-centric offerings, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today introduced the new OBD2B compliant Dio 125. Packed with bold aesthetics and advanced features, the prices of the new 2025 Honda Dio 125 start at Rs. 96,749 (ex-showroom Pune).
Introducing the OBD2B Dio 125, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “For over 21 years, the Dio has been an iconic name in the Indian market, standing as a symbol of style, performance, and trust. It has consistently been the first choice for customers looking for a trendy and reliable moto-scooter. With the launch of the new OBD2B Dio 125, we are excited to take forward its iconic legacy, keeping the core concept of moto-scooter intact, with added value and excitement for our customers.”
Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are ecstatic to introduce the new OBD2B version of Dio 125 – a scooter that has resonated with young India for years. With its refreshed graphics, advanced TFT display, and enhanced connectivity features, the new Dio 125 is designed to meet the evolving aspirations of today’s customers. True to its tagline, ‘Dio Wanna Have Fun?’, this moto scooter has always been a popular choice among India’s younger generation, and this update will further strengthen its position in the segment.”
New Dio 125: Advanced Features and New Colours
The Dio 125 now comes with vibrant, refreshed graphics and striking colour schemes that amplify its funky and youthful appeal. It boasts a host of new advancements designed to elevate the riding experience of customers. At the heart of this upgrade is a 123.92cc, single-cylinder PGM-Fi engine that is now OBD2B compliant. It develops 6.11 kW of power and 10.5 Nm of torque. This moto-scooter is also equipped with an advanced Idling stop system which enhances fuel efficiency, aligning with Honda’s sustainable philosophy.
In terms of features, the Dio 125 sports a new 4.2-inch TFT display with mileage indicators, trip meter, Eco indicator, and range (distance to empty). It is compatible with Honda RoadSync app, enabling functions like navigation and call/message alerts, allowing riders to stay connected while on the move. The Dio 125 also comes equipped with a Smart key and a USB Type-C charging port, ensuring convenience for riders to charge their devices on the go.
Standing true to the trust reposed by millions of customers over the years in brand Dio, the Dio 125 retains its iconic silhouette, enhancing its visual appeal. It will be offered in two variants, DLX and H-Smart, with five colour options on sale. They are – Mat Marvel Blue Metallic, Pearl Deep Ground Gray, Pearl Sports Yellow, Pearl Igneous Black, and Imperial Red.
Bengaluru Hospital Saves 40-Year-Old Haryana Man with Heart Transplant
Bengaluru, 17th April 2025: A 40-year-old resident of Haryana, who had end stage heart failure, was given a new lease on life through a complicated heart transplant surgery performed at Apollo Hospital, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru.
The patient, who is a father of two and the sole breadwinner for his family, was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) with severe bi-ventricular dysfunction, a condition where both the left and right pumping chambers of the heart fail to function properly. His condition required frequent hospital admissions for recurrent heart failure, causing a rapid decline in his quality of life. After extensive treatments and worsening symptoms, he flew down to Bengaluru with the support of a specialized medical team to get the heart transplant done by Dr. Kumud Dhital, Program & Surgical Director for Heart & Lung at Apollo Seshadripuram.
Commenting on the patient’s condition while presented at the hospital, Dr. Kumud Dhital said, “Upon arrival at Apollo Hospitals, he showed severe symptoms of advanced heart failure. He required immediate intervention, including the insertion of an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) to stabilize his condition. Aggressive fluid management was performed to remove over 20 litres of excess fluid before he was deemed fit for a transplant.”
After a month-long wait, a suitable organ became available, and he underwent the heart transplant procedure, performed by Dr. Kumud Dhital with support from Senior Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeons Dr. Anand Subramaniyam Dr. Manoj Kumar & Dr. Prakash Ludhani, and anesthetists Dr. Pradeep Kumar and Dr. Srinivas Dhulipala. Owing to the concerted efforts of the multidisciplinary team, both the surgical procedure and post-operative recovery progressed smoothly. The patient was subsequently discharged within few weeks and returned to Sonipat, Haryana, to reunite with his family.
The patient’s brother expressed his gratitude, “It’s been an emotional journey, but seeing my brother healthy again is beyond words. We are deeply grateful to the donor family for giving my brother a second chance at life.”
While talking about the importance of organ donation, Dr. Kumud Dhital said, “this story highlights the transformative impact of organ donation on patients with end-stage organ failure. This patient’s survival was made possible by the selfless decision of a donor’s family and the coordinated efforts of donor coordination, organ registry, transplant teams, and other healthcare professionals. It also underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and participation in organ donation programs.”
Head of Apollo Hospitals Seshadripuram Mr. Uday Davda said “We Thank Jeevasarthakathe for their exceptional coordination in making organ donation a streamlined process in Karnataka. This is what had lead the state to be awarded the second-best state for organ donations in 2023 by the central government. We can restore many lives and families if the public at large come out to donate organs.”
Mr. Om Birla: PHDCCI’s Journey Key to Achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047
Celebrating 120 years of its legacy, PHDCCI today hosted a special evening graced by Shri Om Birla, Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha. The Hon’ble Speaker appreciated PHDCCI’s contributions towards shaping the roadmap of Viksit Bharat and commended Mr. Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI for his leadership.
He added, in this 120 year journey PHDCCI has made a significant contribution for a long time in how the sectors of industry and trade can move forward for the country’s development. Even after such a long journey, PHDCCI continues its efforts and is working towards making Indian industries self-reliant, updating them about the latest developing technologies, and serving as a strong bridge.
We all need to reflect that the era now is of AI, data analysis, green and clean energy, and if we want to make our industries competitive we must use better technologies, he added
In the technology sector, out of all the companies in developed countries, 25% are led by Indians, and our youth are leading them. We can further improve this with the help of PHDCCI and through these dialogues, added Hon’ble Speaker
The event also featured a message by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. An excerpt from his message says: “As the nation marches ahead confidently to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat, the PHDCCI’s contribution will continue to be important for the future of innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships.
Shri Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI, informed that PHDCCI has been blessed with legendary industry captains at its helm, presidents who were not just business leaders but nation builders. Their foresight, courage, and commitment to India’s growth have been the bedrock of PHDCCI’s success. We have the honour of having around 18 Former Presidents in attendance today. These leaders did not just represent business interests — they represented national interest.
As we stand at the cusp of India’s Amrit Kaal, the next 25 years present an unprecedented opportunity to transform India into a $30 trillion economy, a global manufacturing and innovation hub, and a developed nation by 2047, added Mr Jain
Shri Rajeev Juneja, Sr. Vice President, PHDCCI appreciated the Hon’ble speaker for his work and informed that around 220 bills are passed in his present tenure. These bills, such as women’s reservation and digital data protection, will have a strong impact on our lives. This shows that Parliament is working with 95% efficiency, he added.
He further informed that PHDCCI’s 120 year journey reflects its unwavering commitment to India’s growth story of bridging policy with progress, and tradition with innovation.
The event also witnessed felicitations of the Former Presidents of PHDCCI by the Hon’ble Speaker.
While presenting the formal vote of thanks Mr. Anil Gupta, Vice President, PHDCCI, appreciated the presence and unwavering support of the government for the Indian industry.
Fabric Business Cards: A Stitch of Identity, Dignity, and Action
Bengaluru, 17 April 2025: As part of its ongoing #Invaluables initiative, BBC Media Action today unveiled a unique business card that serves as a reminder to recycle responsibly. A business card is usually for networking, but this is the one that reminds you to take action, while for the first time, enabling them with a title that truly reflects their contributions in the waste value chain and circular economy.
When it comes to recycling, #InvaluableRecyclers have the expertise, skills and knowledge to prepare a piece of cloth to be recycle-ready. The business card is part of the newly launched campaign ‘Got Old Clothes?’ which urges Bengalureans to responsibly discard their old clothes by sending the post-consumer textile waste to the #InvaluableRecyclers – aka the waste pickers of Bengaluru.
Spotlighting the vital role of the wastepickers in addressing the mounting textile waste that often ends up in landfills, the campaign builds on the critical role of waste pickers in diverting a massive 38,32,50,000 kilograms (Namma Bengaluru’s Happy Number) of waste from going to landfills every year. According to a report by Enviu[1], India generates 7.2 million tonnes of textile waste annually, of which 3.94 million tonnes is post-consumer textile waste discarded by households. This poses severe environmental challenges, causing air, water and soil pollution and contributing to climate change through carbon emissions.
The cards have been created using discarded clothes collected from Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCCs) and fabricated by waste picker families at Sambhav Foundation-run skill development centres fostering micro-entrepreneurship. Sambhav Foundation is also part of the Saamuhika Shakti initiative.
Speaking of the card and the campaign, , Soma Katiyar, Executive Creator Director, BBC Media Action, India, said, “With this phase of the #Invaluables, we wanted to move from awareness to action, and reframe them as professionals. There is an urgent need to recognise these professionals who are the backbone of our waste value chain and circular economy. At the heart of the ‘Got Old Clothes?’ is this fabric business card, which is more than just a symbol. The card represents a shift in how we see and value waste pickers. By calling them #InvaluableReyclers, we’re not giving them a title, we’re simply telling the story of their contributions. When design, storytelling, and community action come together, we can create powerful narratives that not only inform but transform.”
The cards will not only create awareness but also provide a call to action for Bengalureans. A centralised WhatsApp number will facilitate the collection drive:
- For old clothes quantities exceeding 50 kilograms, doorstep pickups can be arranged by Hasiru Dala; for quantities lower than 50 kilograms, residents are guided to the nearest DWCC for drop off
The decentralised system of daily collection of post-consumer textile waste from the 16 wards through the DWCCs and the aggregation centre, Textile Recovery Facility, to recycle textile waste has been operationalised by Saamuhika Shakti partner Circular Apparel Innovation Factory in tandem with Hasiru Dala.
The #Invaluables campaign by BBC Media Action is part of Saamuhika Shakti, a collective impact initiative, the first of its kind in India, where 12 partners have joined forces to enable waste pickers to have greater agency to lead secure and dignified lives.
The press event was joined by city-based Actor and Creative Impresario Danish Sait, who has played an important role in this new campaign, along with representatives of organisations working with Saamuhika Shakti and BBC Media Action.
Talking about his involvement in the campaign, Danish Sait said, “Talking about his involvement in the campaign Danish Sait said, “As a storyteller connected to Bengaluru, who also believes in the power of influencing for good, I’m excited to collaborate and contribute to the ‘Got Old Clothes?’ campaign. The opportunity to share this story and highlight the crucial role our #InvaluableRecyclers play in protecting Namma Bengaluru’s environment especially when it comes to textile waste is very important to me. I sincerely hope this campaign inspires all of us to dispose of old garments responsibly and support our #InvaluableRecyclers in preventing waste from ending up in landfills.”
Highlighting the support received from Saamuhika Shakti partners, Varinder Kaur Gambhir, Country Director, BBC Media Action, India, said, “The journey of #Invaluables from being invisible to an individual recognised and respected by Bengalureans wouldn’t have been possible without the support and collaboration of our partners from Saamuhika Shakti. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners for their unwavering trust, deep commitment, and collaborative spirit.”
Recently, the Indian Prime Minister, in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, voiced concern over the country’s escalating textile waste problem. The address highlighted the critical role of waste pickers in the waste value chain and their first right to claim, access, sort, and sell recyclable materials, ensuring their welfare and fair renumeration.
Bengaluru itself generates a significant volume of textile waste. Research by Hasiru Dala estimates that ~60% of discarded textiles received at DWCCs in Bengaluru have recycling potential if collected separately and uncontaminated. Estimates also suggest that approximately 22,500 people are engaged in waste picking, significantly contributing to the city’s waste management system.
BBC Media Action’s new campaign builds on the success of its earlier campaigns, which includes ‘Happy Number’ and ‘Wash the Dabba’. Research findings post ‘Wash the Dabba’, which exhorted people to empty, rinse and dispose plastic food containers responsibly, revealed:
- 93% of Bengaluru residents recalled the campaign
- 60% reported having begun washing plastic food containers before disposal, a small act with major impact on recyclability and safety of waste pickers
SOCOMEC India and IFCCI continue their CSR initiative with the launch of Project EMPOWERPATH
New Delhi, 16th Apr 2025: Socomec India in collaboration with Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) has launched a game-changing CSR initiative – Project EMPOWERPATH – to uplift unserved communities. This innovative project will focus on Digital Literacy Training, Technical Skills Development, Health & Management Awareness for High-Risk Groups (FSW/HRG) and After-School Academic Support for Children of HRG & Female Sex Workers (FSW).
As part of the three-year collaboration with IFCCI, Socomec has pledged to refurbish and renovate school buildings in Noida and Gurugram. These efforts created physical infrastructures that foster a positive and conducive learning atmosphere.
On its latest CSR initiative, Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director of Socomec Greater India, said, “We are happy to collaborate with IFCCI for project EMPOWERPATH – an initiative that aligns with our mission of manufacturing of UPS and energy management solutions while ensuring that our skill development programs create a workforce that meets industry demands. By providing access to these initiatives, we are not just creating job opportunities—we are transforming lives and empowering individuals to take charge of their future. Together with IFCCI, we are helping marginalized communities unlock their potential and thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.”
This project will empower 120 individuals with essential digital skills and 120 others with industry relevant technical skills to enhance employability and financial independence. EMPOWERPATH will promote well-being through behaviour change sessions, counselling, hygiene education and mental health support to 500 individuals belonging to High-Risk Groups. After school academic support will be given to 80 children of High-Risk Groups and Female Sex Workers, strengthening their educational foundations.
“At Socomec, we are deeply committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities,” said Nida Khanam, Head of Human Resources at Socomec Greater India. “Through our partnership with IFCCI, the EMPOWERPATH initiative focuses on equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive—whether it’s through digital literacy, technical skill development, or academic support for children from high-risk groups. We’re also prioritizing the health and well-being of High-Risk Groups by addressing mental health, hygiene, and behavior change. With over 800 individuals set to be impacted in Dwarka and Najafgarh, this is a meaningful step towards sustainable, community-led progress—and we look forward to expanding this initiative to other regions in the near future.”
Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), said:
“We are delighted to partner with Socomec on the EMPOWERPATH project, supporting education for children of High-Risk Groups, promoting health awareness, and fostering youth skill development with our NGO partner, Indian Society for Applied Research & Development (ISARD). Aligned with key UN SDGs, this initiative empowers underserved communities, creating opportunities for a brighter future.”
Together, Socomec and IFCCI are equipping individuals with essential skills, health awareness, and educational support, bridging critical gaps and preparing them for sustainable careers in an evolving job market.