Experience the vibrant festival of Holi like never before with ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar’s exclusive Holi Collection from Nutmeg, available from March 7th to 16th. Celebrate the season of color, love, and joy with our specially curated menu that showcases a delightful array of traditional mithai and savory snacks, perfect for enhancing your festive gatherings. At the heart of our offerings are the beloved batches of Gujiya, expertly crafted to encapsulate the essence of Holi, these classic confections are filled with a rich blend of cashew and khoya, promising a delightful taste explosion in every bite. Complementing the Gujiya is our Lavang Latika Box, also priced at ₹899+ taxes, featuring rose-infused reduced milk dumplings with exquisite hints of cardamom, elevating your sweet experience to new heights. Don’t miss out on our delectable Peda Box, These dried fig and nut-stuffed ghee-fried wheat parcels, studded with cloves, are perfect for anyone who loves a touch of indulgence during the festivities. For those who wish to explore a wider selection, our Holi Goodies Box is a splendid option., it includes a mix of 32 pieces: 8 Gujiya, 8 Lavang Latika, and 8 Peda, making it an ideal treat to share with family and friends. Elevate your celebration with our Holi Hamper This lavish compilation includes everything from the Gujiya and Lavang Latika to a generous 16 Peda, plus enticing additions like Mint n’ Chili Roasted Nuts, Kaju Ajwain Nimki, and Saunf Gud Paare. Each of these components is designed to enchant your taste buds and create an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of Holi. Join us in welcoming this festive season with open arms and colorful plates. Make your Holi celebrations truly special with ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar’s Holi Collection—where every bite is a celebration!

A celebration of color, flavor, and legacy—brought to life with exquisite meals and handcrafted sweets

New Delhi, 4th March 2025: Festivals are woven with heritage, and cherished moments, and at the heart of it all is the joy of sharing something indulgent. As Holi brings a riot of colors and festivity to March, The Claridges New Delhi invites you to a celebration of togetherness, best enjoyed with vibrant feasts and handcrafted sweets that make every moment more special. This year, the festivities come alive with a specially curated selection of festive meals and artisanal confections, blending the richness of age-old recipes with The Claridges New Delhi’s signature refinement.

From 10th to 16th March 2025, experience a spread curated by Ye Old Bakery, Dhaba, and Tiffin by Claridges, each offering a unique take on Holi indulgence. Whether it’s a lavish meal shared with loved ones or sweets gifted as a token of joy, The Claridges ensures that Holi is celebrated with the perfect balance of flavor, warmth, and festivity.

This Holi, you can order a special festive meal at Dhaba from Tiffin by Claridges, bringing the essence of Holi straight to your home. Known for its rich, homestyle Indian flavors, Dhaba at The Claridges curates a meal that captures the festive spirit with hearty, authentic dishes prepared using time-honored techniques. From comforting curries and fragrant rice to handcrafted breads and signature appetizers, each element of the meal is a nod to India’s vibrant culinary heritage.

Holi Special Menu Highlights:

● Thandai – A refreshing, spiced milk-based drink, synonymous with Holi celebrations.
● Bhatti Ka Murg – A succulent, slow-roasted chicken dish infused with smoky flavors.
● Murg Makhani – The iconic, velvety butter chicken, rich in flavors and tradition.
● Bhangiri Ke Pakore – Crisp, spiced fritters, a perfect festive snack.
● Subz Tawa Jalfrezi – A vibrant medley of stir-fried seasonal vegetables with bold spices.
● Dal Dhaba – A signature, slow-cooked lentil preparation, rich and comforting.
● Mathura Ke Pede & Gujiya – Traditional sweets that add a touch of nostalgia to the celebrations

Whether you’re hosting a Holi gathering or enjoying an intimate celebration with your loved ones, the Holi special meal is available for delivery and takeaway, ensuring you can savor a lavish spread without leaving the comfort of your home.

Chef Ankur Gulati, Executive Chef at The Claridges New Delhi, comments on the special menu, “Sweets are at the heart of every celebration, symbolizing good luck, blessings, and the joy of togetherness. No festivity is truly complete without something sweet to share. This Holi, we are bringing time-honored traditions to life with handcrafted Gujiyas, delicate Baklavas, and festive indulgences, each made with the finest ingredients and a touch of nostalgia.”

Renowned for its handcrafted pastries and timeless desserts, Ye Old Bakery presents a luxurious take on Holi’s favorite sweet—the Gujiya—along with the layered goodness of Baklava. Meanwhile, Tiffin by Claridges, the hotel’s round-the-clock gourmet delivery service, ensures that your favorite treats reach you fresh, wherever you are.

This Holi, indulge in a refined twist on festive classics:

Gujiyas – The Heart of Holi 

● Saffron Mawa Gujiya – A regal take on the beloved classic
● Chocolate Badam Gujiya – A rich blend of cocoa and almonds
● Rose Coconut Gujiya – Delicate, fragrant, and indulgent
● Pistachio Raspberry Gujiya – A nutty-sweet burst of festive flavors

Baklava – A Timeless Indulgence

● Cashew Baklava – Buttery layers with a delicate crunch
● Pistachio Baklava – A rich, nutty delight
● Almond Baklava – Caramelised perfection
● Kunafa Baklava – A Middle Eastern classic with a crisp, syrupy finish

Holi is a time for indulgence, togetherness, and celebration. Whether you’re gifting a loved one, sharing with family, or treating yourself, these handcrafted delicacies bring a luxurious twist to tradition. Relish the comforting warmth of Saffron Mawa Gujiya, reminiscent of festive gatherings, or let the flaky perfection of Pistachio Baklava transport you to grand Middle Eastern feasts.

This Holi, make every moment of Holi a little sweeter, a little more indulgent, and truly unforgettable—with the finest festive delights from The Claridges New Delhi that capture the essence of tradition and the luxury of fine craftsmanship. Because some festive delights deserve to be relished in style!

New tech hub will harness India’s deep talent pool for global digital transformation

Bengaluru, India, 6th March 2025 – Version 1, a leader in digital transformation, has officially opened its state-of-the-art India Delivery Center (IDC) in Bengaluru. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s international growth strategy, reinforcing its commitment to delivering value for its customers and harnessing India’s rich talent pool to drive next-generation AI, cloud, and digital transformation solutions for global enterprises.

With a strong presence in India since 2019, Version 1 has rapidly scaled its operations, growing from IT development to delivering end-to-end digital solutions that address complex challenges faced by global customers. The company now employs over 500 professionals across key locations in India, including Pune and Ahmedabad, with more than 100 open roles available to further accelerate innovation and technology development.

The launch event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President at nasscom, Mr. Ross Curran, Director, India & South Asia, Enterprise Ireland, and Mr. Ganesh Kalyanaraman, Managing Director of the IDC and North American Operations, Version 1. The event was attended by Version 1 employees, key industry leaders, and technology partners, highlighting the company’s deep-rooted commitment to India’s thriving tech ecosystem.

Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President at Nasscom commented on the significance of Version 1’s expansion, stating, “We are proud to champion India’s wealth of talent and innovative spirit, which are deeply embedded at the heart of global technology solutions. Version 1’s expansion into the region in Bengaluru strengthens our ecosystem, serving as a catalyst for local talent while advancing our vision to position this very ecosystem, as the world’s most trusted innovation partner.”

Designed as a key technology hub for Version 1, the IDC will integrate global expertise with local insights, enabling seamless, high-quality service delivery. Key functons will operate from the site including the organisation’s AI Labs and engineering teams that drive transformation, foster innovation and carry out pioneering work to address the unique needs of each customer.

Ganesh Kalyanaraman, Managing Director of the IDC and North America, Version 1, emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence, stating, “Today marks a significant milestone as we expand our presence in India, reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers. Built on a strong foundation of reliability and clarity in solving complex challenges, we continue to harness new technologies with deep-rooted expertise. Our purpose-designed facilities will enable us to tap into India’s outstanding technology talent, allowing us to scale our capabilities and drive innovation for customers across sectors and geographies.”

Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government organization dedicated to supporting the global expansion of Irish enterprises, has played a key role in facilitating Version 1’s entry into India. Ross Curran, Director, India & South Asia, Enterprise Ireland, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “It is exciting to see Version 1 establish a major technology hub in India, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. Version 1’s presence in India not only strengthens its global footprint but also contributes to the local ecosystem by nurturing high-quality talent and delivering exceptional value to customers worldwide.”

Mr. Curran further added, “Enterprise Ireland remains committed to supporting Irish companies like Version 1 as they scale internationally, and this ceremony today reflects the strong collaboration between Ireland and India.”

Version 1 remains at the forefront of AI and cloud innovation, with its AI Labs actively advancing generative AI, analytics, and automation technologies. The company has an embedded and robust sustainability agenda, being on track for net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, with its near-term targets validated by the Science-Based Targets Initiative and aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

Consistently recognized for excellence, Version 1 has earned accolades such as AWS Collaboration Partner of the Year 2024, Global Microsoft Application Modernisation Partner of the Year 2023, and Oracle Innovation Partner of the Year 2023. Its expansion in India reinforces its position as a global digital transformation leader while creating high-value employment opportunities and empowering enterprises to navigate digital complexities with confidence

Tuesday, March 04, 2025 – Sundaram Finance Ltd, one of India’s most trusted NBFCs, has introduced a Digital Deposit facility, making savings simpler, safer and more accessible than ever. For over 70 years, Sundaram Finance has been a name synonymous with trust and financial security. With a strong base of over one lakh depositors, Sundaram Finance Deposits have been AAA-rated by ICRA and CRISIL for well over three decades, ensuring the highest level of safety and reliability. Opening a Deposit with Sundaram Finance is just a click away! Customers can conveniently invest and manage their deposits digitally through a seamless and secure process, enjoying peace of mind and attractive returns.

Digital Deposits from Sundaram Finance allow investors to make their money work from the comfort of their homes with the option to open, manage and monitor their deposits at their convenience. Sundaram Finance has made the opening of Digital Fixed Deposits an easy process by downloading the KYC details from CERSAI. This online transaction can be initiated through the company portal and the SF Next app.

“Sundaram Finance has been a trusted partner in financial security for generations. With the launch of our Digital Deposit facility, we are making the investment process simpler and more seamless, so customers can now complete their deposit in just five easy steps and receive an E-TDR instantly. We also encourage individual depositors to add a nominee to ensure financial security. Also, depositors can opt for Auto-maturity payment. Backed by a AAA rating and decades of trust, Our endeavour is always to ensure consistent service standards to facilitate absolute peace of mind” said, Dhandayuthapani S, Head – Deposits

Start your journey towards secure savings today!

Visit www.sundaramfinance.in to open Deposit online.

As the craze for destination weddings is growing, so is the desire amongst couples to experience an exquisite, unique wedding that will be remembered for a lifetime. As a wedding consultant, we understand the emotions of the couple and the family. Thus, we curate beautiful weddings at picturesque locations. From royal weddings in palaces of Rajasthan to adventure filled ones inthe  Himalayas to beach weddings in Goa and Kerala, there is something for everybody. Here are the top trends that will trend in 2025, and give goal-worthy photos and videos for Instagram.

Royal weddings

Palaces and castles are designed for couples seeking royal treatment at historic cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur. One can also consider visiting Europe’s castles for an unforgettable experience. Planners are being asked to create grand wedding ceremonies in regal locations. The majesty of the past is flawlessly combined with modern luxury here. The royal experience includes extravagant lavishness, gorgeous surroundings, horse-drawn carriages, grand entrances, chandeliers, and gilded draperies. The wedding feast banners complement it. The event includes both local and international cuisine options, as well as live entertainment by folk artists. Weddings are typically multi-day affairs that include pre-wedding functions and post-wedding celebrations, allowing couples to fully immerse themselves in the royal experience.

Beach weddings

Beaches, which offer casual elegance by the sea, are always a popular choice. Today’s couples choose a more immersive experience that combines natural beauty and a well-crafted event, rather than a traditional sunset ceremony. Decorations such as macrame or floral arrangements can enhance the atmosphere. Cozy decor is in high demand due to its romantic appeal. Wedding planners are now focussing on individuality. For nature enthusiasts, we offer handcrafted floral walks, reception under the stars, seaside dining with live music, and bonfire sessions. These aspects reflect the relaxed and easy-going nature of beach weddings, making each event distinctive.

Cultural fusion

Destination weddings allow couples to incorporate many cultures and customs into their wedding celebrations. Couples are increasingly embracing cultural fusion. They customise their wedding by incorporating local customs from their destination. These weddings beautifully portray a culture across borders. The wedding planners expertly blend cultures and traditions to create a harmonious occasion. A couple may have a typical wedding and then exchange vows in the local language.
This style incorporates imaginative event structures into weddings. Wedding feasts celebrate varied cuisines, styles, and cultures.

Adventure infused weddings
Destination weddings are becoming more about the overall experience, not just the ceremony or reception. Wedding planners create schedules that allow couples to enjoy a destination as part of their wedding. Pre-wedding activities could include yacht cruising, mountain climbs, or a mini-vacation atmosphere. Making weddings a shared adventure is a popular idea among couples. Some couples are planning adventurous weddings, such as saying their vows while ziplining through the jungle. Wedding planners are cooperating with activity guides to ensure a safe experience.

Sustainable celebration

Eco-friendly weddings are popular this season and will be for a while. Nowadays, many couples are concerned about the environment and want to contribute. Wedding planners are implementing sustainable strategies to create environmentally friendly weddings. These weddings are both fashionable and environmentally sustainable, with local organic food and minimal usage of single-use plastic. Current trends include repurposing dried flowers, using eco-friendly vintage furniture, and using biodegradable confetti. There is a greater emphasis on lowering carbon footprint. Couples are selecting destinations that prioritise sustainability. Eco-friendly resorts are in high demand, and wedding planners are cooperating with vendors who share similar goals. Couples are exploring many eco-friendly options, including sustainable bridal apparel.

Bengaluru, 21 February 2025: In a significant step towards sustainable water management in Bengaluru, Ms. Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, unveiled an innovative ‘Rainwater Percolation Wells’ model at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park (IGMF) in Bengaluru. The initiative, led by United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) under its flagship program ‘One Billion Drops’ aims to enhance public awareness about sustainable rainwater conservation and inspire community participation in recharging the city’s natural aquifers.

At IGMF Park, 12 wells have been established, each capable of conserving 1,28,100 liters of water annually. These wells are built underground, and the newly installed physical model at the park visually demonstrates how they function. This model helps communities understand the process, encouraging them to adopt similar rainwater harvesting solutions in their private spaces to conserve water and recharge borewells.

United Way Bengaluru has been a leader in urban water conservation, constructing nearly 8,000 percolation wells since 2020 across public parks, government institutions, and campuses in Bengaluru, with an additional 2,000 wells in the pipeline. These 8,000 wells have the potential to significantly contribute to the city’s water sustainability efforts, conserving 10.24 million liters of water annually. A similar first-of-its-kind prototype was installed at Lalbagh in 2022, which has since drawn thousands of visitors, generating widespread public awareness about rainwater percolation wells. The success of that initiative paved the way for more such models to be introduced across the city, with the latest one at IGMF Park reinforcing the importance of rainwater conservation.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. M. Jagadesh, Joint Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), Lalbagh said “The Horticulture Department, Karnataka has been working with United Way Bengaluru for several years on various environmental initiatives, from water conservation to greening urban spaces. This rainwater percolation well prototype is a great step toward public awareness and sustainable water management. We look forward to continuing this partnership to drive many more environmental initiatives in the future.

“Water conservation is a critical challenge not just for Bengaluru, but for cities worldwide facing the impacts of climate change and rapid urbanization. United Way believes in local solutions with global impact, and Bengaluru’s ‘One Billion Drops’ initiative exemplifies how Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can drive meaningful change. By bringing together the government, corporates, and communities to adopt sustainable water conservation practices like rainwater percolation wells, we are not only addressing immediate water challenges but also building a resilient future for generations to come. United Way Bengaluru’s leadership in fostering these collaborations is truly commendable, and I hope to see similar initiatives replicated in other cities worldwide.” said Angela F. Williams, President and CEO, of United Way Worldwide.

“Rooted in a community-focused approach, the ‘One Billion Drops‘ campaign is not just a solution; it’s a movement. A scalable, replicable model that brings together communities and stakeholders for rainwater conservation and sustainability. I am grateful to Angela for joining us to unveil the prototype

The Pantry- (Healthy Keto Pizza)

For a guilt-free indulgence, The Pantry serves up healthy yet delicious alternatives. Their healthy creations are as delicious as they are wholesome. The Flower Power Pizza boasts a gluten-free cauliflower crust topped with mushrooms and roasted garlic; The Vegan Delight features creamy homemade cashew cheese and mashed avocados; The Arabian Rooster offers a unique flavour profile with za’atar-spiced grilled chicken, La ferme lofabu, homemade ricotta, pickled red cabbage, and microgreens.

Mad Doh:

Mad Doh Sourdough Pizzeria is slinging wood-fired sourdough pies with toppings so good, you won’t even miss the meat. Spice things up with the Spicy Cipolla, a fiery mix of Pomodoro, onions, chillies, and jalapeños, or savour the Indian-inspired Pizza Indiana with tandoori paneer. Mushroom lovers will rejoice over the Ai Fungi. Cheese aficionados can indulge in the Pizza Classic Bianco or the Quattro Formaggi. For a taste of fresh vegetables, the Pizza Ortolana showcases zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and black pepper.

Blabber delivers bold, flavor-packed combinations with pizzas like the Funghi, loaded with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, and the Pollo di Piccante, where roasted chicken, capers, and pickled jalapeños create an explosion of taste. The Diavola, stacked high with chicken salami, pepperoni, and bacon, is a must-try for meat lovers.

For those who love a cozy vibe with great food, The Bluebop Cafe offers pizzas that fit every occasion. Their Amore Loves Veggie is a plant-based delight, while the Fiesta Chicken packs a punch of bold flavors. The Pepperoni Passion is a crowd favorite, and the Three Meat Pizza is perfect for those who love a protein-loaded bite. The Smoked Chicken & Pesto pizza is another must-try, combining herby goodness with smoky richness.

From artisanal sourdoughs to experimental flavour fusions, Mumbai’s pizza scene is bursting with creativity. Whether you’re craving a simple, elegant slice or an all-out topping-loaded masterpiece, these pizzerias guarantee a bite of perfection.

James Williams & Max Mcrae To Lead MRF Challenge

Chennai, February 17, 2025: MRF, India’s No 1 Tyre Manufacturer, today announced their participation in the prestigious and highly competitive British Rally Championship 2025 and inclusion as official tyre suppliers for the 2025 season. Having dominated the European Rally Championships, Team MRF Tyres now seeks to extend their superiority in the UK. Leading the MRF challenge will be drivers James Williams and Max Mcrae.

The decision to participate in the BRC 2025 underscores MRF’s commitment to showcasing the capabilities of Indian engineering and manufacturing on the international stage. With a rich heritage in the Motorsport Tyres and a reputation for producing high-performance tyres, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the world of rallying.

“We are excited to take on this new challenge and represent India on the global motorsports platform,” said Arun Mammen Vice Chairman & Managing Director of MRF. “The British Rally Championship is a prestigious event that attracts the best drivers and teams from around the world. Our participation in this event will not only demonstrate the quality of our products but also inspire Indian motorsports enthusiasts and foster a sense of national pride. We are confident that our tyres will perform exceptionally well in the BRC 2025. Our engineers have been working closely with rally experts to develop the right products that can withstand the rigors of the sport and provide our drivers with the necessary grip and stability to compete at the highest level.”

The two professional drivers will leverage the company’s extensive research and development capabilities to develop tyres that are specifically tailored for the demanding conditions in the nine round event throughout the year in 2025. The first round of the 2025 season gets underway in Beverley- East Yorkshire UK ,at the East Riding Stages Rally on 23 February

TEAM MRF Tyres are winners in the FIA European Rally Championship in 2022 and 2023. Dominating the Italian Gravel Rally Championship for 4 years in a row, MRF tyres has also succeeded in Norway and Latvia IN January 2025 with the Snow Tyres. Brand MRF is already a tyre of choice in Hi performance rallies in Australia , New Zealand and South America. The company’s commitment to developing high-performance tyres has been evident through its participation and successes in various national and international championships.

Profile – James Williams, is a Professional Rally Driver. In 2015 he was adjudged as the UK young driver of the year. And from then on he has had good success in various championships. He was the winner of the Rally Isle of Man in 2024 and the Goodwood Festival of Speed winner in the same year. Apart from Rally driving, he is also a brand ambassador and public speaker.

Profile – Max Mcrae UK based Max McRae is excited by his first full British Rally Championship campaign. The 20-year-old Scot tackled four BRC rounds last season, but will step-up to the full six-event calendar in 2025. He closed out last year on the highest possible note, with fastest time on the final stage of the season-closing Cambrian Rallly. Max comes from a family with a rich history in rallying. With eight British titles to the McRae name already (five for Jimmy, two for Uncle Colin and one for father Alister), Max is well aware of the weight of expectation. Much as Max is keen to continue in that same vein, he’s realistic about his experience of – and the competition in – the premier British series. Of the four events he started in a Ford Fiesta Rally2 last season, he finished three of them comfortably in the top-10, including a fine fourth on the Cambrian.

Social Beat, one of India’s leading digital marketing agencies, successfully executed a comprehensive digital campaign for Fortune Foods to celebrate the brand’s 25-year milestone. Titled ‘Swaad Ka Safaar,’ the campaign aimed to bring alive the values and legacy of Fortune Foods through the love of Ghar Ka Khana, engaging audiences across generations through nostalgic and relatable storytelling.

The campaign’s creative approach resulted in a series of AI-generated videos and a brand-new 25-year logo launch film, encapsulating Fortune’s journey from then to now. The use of AI-driven creative assets brought a modern touch to the brand’s legacy content, ensuring relevance for both existing and new customers.

Commenting on the campaign’s success, Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder, Social Beat, said: “Fortune Foods has been a trusted name in Indian households for 25 years, representing a rich culinary heritage. Our objective was to create a campaign that not only celebrates this milestone but also resonates with people of all ages. The success of this campaign demonstrates the power of digital storytelling in building emotional connections with consumers.”

Jignesh Shah, Head of Digital, Fortune Foods, added, “Completing 25 years is a monumental achievement for Fortune Foods, and it was important for us to celebrate this milestone with our customers who have been part of our journey. Social Beat’s innovative approach to digital storytelling through Ai generated videos helped us convey the brand’s legacy and emotional connect in a way that truly resonated with our audience. The results speak for themselves, and we look forward to more collaborations with Social Beat in the future.”

The campaign was executed in three phases: pre-launch, launch, and sustenance, with key highlights including the unveiling of Fortune’s commemorative logo and a heartwarming 25-year journey video made by Social Beat that struck an emotional chord with audiences. The campaign across key cities including Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Pune, garnered massive digital traction with over 36 million impressions and a reach of 11.7 million users.

The campaign has set a new benchmark for digital-first brand celebrations in India. Social Beat continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, delivering impactful campaigns that drive brand growth.

Sri City, February 11, 2025 – IFMR and Krea University hosted Synergy 2025, an annual flagship event designed to bring together leading academics, policymakers, and industry leaders to shape data-driven solutions for pressing developmental challenges. Through interdisciplinary dialogue, the event catalyzed action to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthen governance mechanisms in India.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Krea University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nirmala Rao, noted that “Synergy is a unique platform for the academic community to engage, debate, and critically analyze some of the most pressing issues in development, focusing on solutions and action.”

A key highlight of the event was the inaugural N Vaghul Memorial Lecture, honouring the legacy of the late Shri Narayanan Vaghul. Delivering the inaugural lecture, Mr. S. Krishnan, Secretary, of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, highlighted the transformative impact of AI and the tectonic shifts in this space. He emphasized the role of foundational research and evidence in developing inclusive AI solutions rooted in the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

In line with the event’s focus on data-driven development, Synergy 2025 also marked a key milestone in strengthening government-academia collaboration. The Government of Meghalaya and IFMR signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance data systems, foster innovation, and drive efficient policy implementation. The agreement, signed by Dr Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Government of Meghalaya and Mr Kapil Viswanathan, President, IFMR, builds on Meghalaya’s pioneering initiatives in data-driven governance and underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking.

The event also featured a keynote lecture by Dr Karthik Muralidharan, Tata Chancellor’s Professor of Economics, UC San Diego and a panel discussion on enhancing state capacity including dignitaries: Dr Sampath Kumar, Government of Meghalaya; Ms Arti Ahuja, Former Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment; Dr Veena Srinivasan, Executive Director, WELL Labs, Dr. Karthik Muralidharan, and Ms Deepthi Reddy, Chief – Women Empowerment, Reliance Foundation.

Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Founder & Former President, of IIT Madras Research Park, delivered a special address that emphasized research and industry collaborations. Stressing the inherent risks involved in research, he underscored the need for mechanisms that encourage risk-taking, enabling breakthroughs that can redefine industries and improve lives.

A Unique Research Ecosystem Driving Change

The IFMR and Krea ecosystem is a hub for innovative thinking and action with a portfolio of eight interdisciplinary research centres: WELL Labs, LEAD at Krea University, JPAL South Asia, Centre for Digital Financial Inclusion (CDFI), Catalyst Atal Incubation Centre, Inclusion Economics India Centre, IWWAGE, and Sapien Labs Centre for the Human Brain and Mind, including partnerships with institutions such as Yale University, MIT, and policy entities such as NITI Aayog, Ministry of Rural Development, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, IFMR Graduate School of Business and the School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences.

The event featured an Ecosystem Showcase, where the research centres presented cutting-edge work across diverse themes, including financial inclusion, climate action, digital access, education, and public health. Faculty and students engaged with policymakers and thought leaders to explore solutions that can address India’s most pressing developmental challenges. The discussions set the stage for future collaborations, reinforcing the need for data-driven solutions and interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex challenges.