March 13,2025:Government-led infrastructure initiatives are also playing a crucial role in reshaping residential preferences. With ongoing developments in suburban and peripheral urban areas, plotted developments are set to redefine housing in India. This trend is paving the way for a new era in real estate, where developers cater to the rising demand for open, customizable spaces while fostering sustainable, community-centric urban planning. Given the current market momentum, the future of residential real estate in India looks increasingly promising.

A JLL study indicates that between January 2022 and October 2023, real estate developers acquired approximately 3,294 acres of land. Furthermore, Anarock reports that around 2,252 acres of land deals in FY-24 are earmarked for residential, plotted, and township projects. The India Plot Market report by Magicbricks highlights Mumbai as the city with the highest demand, followed closely by Pune. This data underscores a notable transformation—plotted developments are no longer just an alternative but are fast becoming the preferred choice for middle-class buyers seeking independence and spacious living.

Developers are also rethinking conventional models to create residential spaces that reflect contemporary aspirations. With a strong emphasis on quality and community-oriented planning, they are crafting environments where residents can enjoy open spaces without sacrificing urban convenience. The trend is also a strategic response to evolving market demands and a step toward future-proofing residential projects.

Mohit Malhotra, Founder & CEO of Neoliv, emphasized this point, stating, “We recognize that homebuyers today seek more than just a place to live—they want spaces that reflect their aspirations, lifestyles, and need for community. As a fund-led developer, we are moving beyond conventional models to create plotted developments that offer the perfect balance of Unique Urban Forest Living, large recreational spaces, and wide access roads. With projects in key locations driven by government infrastructure push, including Kundli-Sonipat, we are committed to prioritizing quality, thoughtful product design, and sustainable growth. By doing so, we are building vibrant, future-ready communities. This shift is more than a trend; it’s a strategic evolution in residential real estate, ensuring that homes are always delivered on time and with a high-quality lifestyle for future generations.”

Neoliv has already made its entry into North India through a development agreement with Royal Green Realty. Its 20-acre Kundli-Sonipat project, situated near Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming plant, includes premium villas, custom-designed plots, and a clubhouse, with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of over Rs. 600 crore. The company aims to create a world-class, sustainable living community in the NCR region.

The demand for plotted developments in India is surging as homebuyers seek greater flexibility and personalized living spaces. Unlike high-rise apartments, these projects provide the freedom to design homes according to individual preferences while benefiting from the security and amenities of gated communities. Additionally, their competitive pricing and adaptability make them an attractive choice for a diverse range of buyers.

Commenting on this shift, Rajat Khandelwal, Group CEO, Tribeca Developers, shared, “Plotted developments are redefining modern homeownership by offering unparalleled flexibility to design bespoke homes while benefiting from thoughtfully curated community amenities. This surge in demand reflects a broader shift in buyer preferences – where personalisation, asset appreciation, and a deeper sense of ownership take precedence. As land values continue to appreciate and infrastructure development accelerates, plotted developments present a compelling investment opportunity, not just in metropolitan hubs but also in emerging tier-II and III cities. At Tribeca, we recognize the potential of this segment and are closely evaluating opportunities to bring our design-driven approach and commitment to quality to the plotted development space.”

The growing inclination toward plotted developments is fueled by rising lifestyle aspirations, increasing disposable incomes, and a preference for green, sustainable living. Developers are capitalizing on this demand by integrating nature-centric elements into their projects. Stonecraft Group, a Hyderabad-based real estate firm, recently launched Woods Indresham, a plotted development spread across 32 acres in Hyderabad. It comprises 305 premium plots ranging from 267 to 587 sq yards and features unique elements such as a one-acre mango grove, a two-acre Miyawaki forest, and seven acres of open spaces to foster a vibrant community.

Kirthi Chilukuri, Founder & Managing Director of Stonecraft Group, noted, “Plotted developments have emerged as a preferred choice for homebuyers seeking flexibility, long-term value, and a deeper connection with nature. Unlike conventional apartment living, these projects offer the freedom to build and customize homes while enjoying open spaces, greenery, and a well-planned community ecosystem. With increasing demand for sustainable and nature-centric living, plotted developments are shaping the future of residential real estate.”

March 13,2025:Indulge in Ranjit Khasa, the royal feast at ITC Royal Bengal’s signature luxury vegetarian cuisine restaurant, Royal Vega. Guided by the precepts of Ayurveda, this feast is based on the concept of eating fresh and seasonal produce in complete harmony with nature.

Drawing inspiration from the magnificent royal kitchens of India, Royal Vega offers a thoughtfully curated menu rooted in the principles of Ayurveda – the ancient science of life and well-being. The restaurant’s offerings are aligned with Ayurvedic philosophy and holistic approaches to health, focusing on fresh and seasonal produce that promotes balance and harmony with nature.

Ranjit Khasa, drawing inspiration from a royal banquet laid out by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, is curated to mark the onset of the New Year and the arrival of spring. It offers a mindfully prepared spread of exquisite dishes, deeply rooted in the traditions of India’s royal heritage. The menu features an array of carefully selected vegetarian dishes, including Madhura Tikkiya (crispy fried patties of dove-smoked beetroot stuffed with spiced hung curd, sprinkled with homemade pudina masala), Paneer Khasa (artisan handcrafted tomato-flavored paneer simmered in fresh tomato gravy, delicately spiced with fenugreek seeds), Khoya Mewa Kofteh (crisp khoya marbles stuffed with nuts, simmered in cashew and poppy seed gravy, flavored with star anise and embellished with silver leaf), Maanh (whole black urad slow-cooked overnight to perfection, lightly spiced with black cardamom, pepper, cumin, and asafoetida, served with saffron butter), and Atta Gond Halwa (a warm halwa of whole wheat and plant gum, cardamom, and garnished with silver leaf and pistachio) – to name a few.

The Ranjit Khasa menu is available at INR 1,975 plus taxes per person. À la carte portions are available upon request. From carefully balanced tastes to vibrant seasonal ingredients, Ranjit Khasa promises to take you back to a majestic regal feast, offering a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Mumbai, 13^th March, 2025: Coromandel International Limited (BSE: 506395, NSE: COROMANDEL), one of India’s leading agri-solutions provider, today announced the signing of definitive agreements to acquire majority stake in NACL Industries Limited (NACL). NACL is an India based Crop Protection player having strong branded formulation business in domestic markets, exports Technicals in key global geographies and has presence in contract manufacturing operations with global multinational agrochemical companies. Coromandel is set to acquire 53% shareholding in NACL industries, for consideration of Rs 820 Crores at Rs 76.7/- price per share from the current promoter KLR Products Limited. Coromandel also proposes to make an open offer to the public to acquire upto 26% of the equity share capital of the company as per the SEBI Takeover Regulations. The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is likely to be consummated over next few months.

The proposed acquisition will position Coromandel as one of the leading players in the Indian Crop Protection industry with a wide range of technicals and pan India presence in domestic formulation business. This will also help in expanding Coromandel’s scale, accelerating its entry into contract manufacturing business, fast-tracking new product commercialization and expanding its product portfolio.

NACL Industries operates Technical and Formulation plants in Andhra Pradesh, besides having centralized R&D facility near Hyderabad. NACL’s subsidiary has also recently invested in Technical grade facility at Dahej, capable of manufacturing Active Ingredients. It has established formidable partnerships with key global players, offering contract manufacturing services for over two decades. The company has strong brand presence in domestic formulations segment with pan India footprint.

Reflecting on the transaction, Coromandel’s Executive Chairman Mr. Arun Alagappan stated,

“This is a defining moment for Coromandel International’s Crop Protection business. Coromandel’s long-term strategy has always been centered on driving sustainable growth and market leadership. The decision to acquire NACL Industries is a natural extension of company’s growth vision. By combining our extensive distribution network and deep industry expertise with NACL’s manufacturing capabilities, diversified product portfolio and large formulations presence, we are setting the stage for a significant increase in operational scale. The acquisition not only expands our scale but also enables us to tap into critical customer segments and secure strategic CDMO relationships.”

Coromandel’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sankarasubramanian added,

“This acquisition will strengthen Coromandel’s presence in Crop protection business both in domestic and export markets. Coromandel will leverage its management expertise, credit access, sourcing capabilities, and diversified presence in international markets to strengthen  NACL’s operations in a short period and create value for the shareholders. With the combined synergies in R&D and manufacturing, we can accelerate our Go to market strategy for new products and intermediates, thereby increasing our product offerings in domestic and global markets.”

Mumbai 13 March 2025:  On the occasion of Women’s Day, Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre in association with the Rotary Club of Mumbai Western Elite took a remarkable step toward women’s health by organizing a special free medical camp dedicated to their well-being. The camp, conducted on the theme “Of the Women, By the Women, For the Women,” provided free health check-ups.  The aim was to spread awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare and empower women to take charge of their health.

Present at the event were esteemed doctors from various departments including General Physician, Cardiology, Dental, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Dermatology, Orthopedics, Chest Medicine, ENT, and Opthalmology,  free medicines were given to patients as prescribed by the doctors and ambulance service onsite. The camp provided free consultations, and diagnostic tests (full body check-ups, breast scanning, blood pressure, blood sugar test, ECG, lung function test (PFT), Pap smear tests, bone density, audiology and anaemia check-ups) to over 1000 women who attended the camp from underprivileged communities.

Women’s health often takes a backseat due to various social and familial responsibilities. Conditions such as anaemia, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and lung problems, and hormonal disorders are prevalent among women. However, these diseases and conditions remain undiagnosed in women due to a lack of routine health check-ups. Preventive screenings and early detection can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improving the quality of life. This medical camp ensured that women receive the attention and care they deserve, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being.

Vinay Khetawat, Club President, Rotary Club Of Mumbai Western Elite said, “The Mega Medical Camp, ‘Of the Women, By the Women, For the Woman’ dedicated exclusively to those who care for us without first caring for themselves was a testament of Rotary’s vision and goals to provide the best of health care service to the underprivileged community at large. This camp was our way of Celebrating Life by CELEBRATING the WOMEN in our lives.”

 Mr Prashant Mehta, Permanent Trustee at Lilavati Hospital, said “At Lilavati Hospital, we believe in taking proactive steps to address the healthcare needs of the community, and women’s health remains a top priority for us. This initiative underscores our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality medical care to women, ensuring they receive timely screenings and expert consultations. Through this Women’s Day special medical camp, we aim to empower women with the knowledge and resources they need to take charge of their health. It is especially crucial to extend healthcare support to underprivileged women, who often lack access to regular medical check-ups and essential treatments. By offering free consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicines, we hope to bridge the healthcare gap and make a meaningful impact on their well-being.”

“Through this initiative, we aim to provide accessible, quality healthcare while raising awareness about the importance of preventive screenings and early diagnosis. A case of myocardial infarction (MI) was identified, and primary treatment was administered by Dr Rohit Deshpande, Internal Medicine from Lilavati Hospital. The patient was then transported via the hospital’s ambulance on-site to the nearest medical facility for further care,” Concluded Dr Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital.

Kolkata, 13th March 2025: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) successfully hosted its 7th Social Impact Summit & Awards on Wednesday at ITC Sonar, honouring organisations that have made significant contributions to social impact through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Centred around the theme “Innovate for Impact: Shaping a Sustainable Future,” the event recognised transformative initiatives driving positive change. The summit was graced by distinguished personalities, including Ms Agnimitra Paul, Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly; Mr. Anshu Gupta, Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner & Founder, Goonj; Mr. Sekhar Mehta, Former Global President, Rotary International; Mr. Saikat Basu, CEO, Consultivo; Dr. Krishna Nirmalya Sen, Chairman – ICC OHS Committee & Head (EHS), L&T M&M SBG; and Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC. With a focus on fostering innovation in the social sector, the summit featured insightful discussions on key topics such as The Role of Ecosystem in Social Impact; Innovations in the Social Sector; Sustainability in CSR Programs; Emerging Trends and Its Implications for Social Development; and Collaborative Innovation for Social Good: Scaling Impact through Partnerships.

Speaking on the Women Empowerment: A Pillar of Progress, Ms Agnimitra Paul, Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, said “Women in Bharat have always been empowered with history filled with strong, courageous women like Sita, Savitri, Draupadi, Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, Rani Padmini, Matangini Hazra and Pritilata Waddedar. We do not need to seek empowerment—we already possess it; the challenge is to create an environment where every woman can realise her full potential without barriers. I stand here as proof of that empowerment. Coming from a small town, Asansol, with no godfather in the industry, I still dreamt big. From aspiring to be a doctor, to becoming a fashion designer, to finally stepping into politics, my journey has been unconventional. In 2014, I joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, inspired by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of a strong, progressive India. People laughed when I dreamt of working under his leadership. As an MLA, I have the privilege of voicing the concerns of Bengal’s people. Since 2014, we have seen a remarkable rise in women’s participation across all fields—PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu and Hima Das in sports; women fighter pilots, Kalpana Chawla and ISRO’s Dr. Ritu Karidhal in defense and aerospace; Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and countless women entrepreneurs redefining business and science. And it all started with one leader having the courage to speak about real issues—our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. His first speech from Red Fort addressed sanitary napkins and toilets—topics that were taboo for years—because they affect the dignity and health of millions of women. Since 2014, the government has launched transformative initiatives—Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao improved the child sex ratio from 918 (2015) to 931 (2023); Ujjwala Yojana provided 5.5 crore LPG connections, reducing health hazards from traditional chulhas; Matru Vandana Yojana ensured ₹5,000 assistance for pregnant & lactating mothers; Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana secured girls’ education; Mudra Yojana & StandUp India empowered women entrepreneurs—70% of beneficiaries are women; and the 33% Reservation for Women in Parliament is a historic step towards true representation. To achieve true empowerment, we need four key pillars—Dedication for committed policies with measurable impact, Determination to break traditional barriers, Discipline to ensure transparency in welfare schemes and Dignity to create a society where women feel safe, respected, and independent. Instead of short-term financial handouts, we must focus on long-term solutions—skill development, entrepreneurship, stronger implementation of education schemes and better safety and law enforcement. Swami Vivekananda once said, ‘A nation that does not respect women can never achieve greatness.’ It is time we bridge the gaps, implement real change and create a Bharat where every woman, from villages to metros, has the opportunity to thrive. I urge all of you—policymakers, business leaders and social influencers—to take concrete steps towards real, sustainable empowerment. Because when women rise, India rises.”

Mr. Anshu Gupta, Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner & Founder of Goonj, said, “We fail to recognise that disasters lead to forced migration, which disrupts all development work—whether in education, health or sanitation. Without addressing survival first, sustainability is impossible. We need to meet more often—not just at conferences but in the field. The social development sector is highly collaborative and partnerships drive impact. Let’s also shift our focus from symptoms to root causes—kill mosquitoes instead of just treating malaria. If we want better education outcomes, building schools isn’t enough. Solve water scarcity in villages, stop forced migration and children will naturally attend school. We are powerful, we have resources, and above all, we have intent. Now, we must go beyond surface level solutions and tackle problems at their core.”

Dr. Krishna Nirmalya Sen, Chairman – ICC OHS Committee & Head (EHS), L&T M&M SBG, said, “Over the past decade, India’s CSR landscape has undergone a paradigm shift since the enactment of the Companies Act 2013, which mandated CSR contributions for eligible companies. In FY 2022-23 alone, 24,392 Indian companies invested ₹29,986.92 crores in CSR initiatives, significantly impacting key sectors and reflecting India Inc.’s growing commitment to nation-building. The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlights a remarkable 53% increase in CSR spending between 2017-18 and 2022-23, driving tangible progress in education, healthcare, rural development, environmental sustainability and livelihood enhancement. With over ₹10,085 crore allocated towards education, millions of children have benefited from CSR-driven programs, while ₹6,830 crores have improved access to quality healthcare. Environmental sustainability efforts have seen ₹1,959 crore invested, resulting in afforestation and significant reductions in carbon emissions. Additionally, ₹396 crores have been dedicated to women empowerment initiatives, providing financial literacy and livelihood opportunities to millions of women. The Government of India continues to play a proactive role in enabling and motivating CSR activities through key policies and frameworks, including the National CSR Awards recognizing outstanding projects and the 2021 amendments strengthening compliance and impact assessment. The PM CARES Fund received over ₹10,000 crores in corporate contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, further showcasing the private sector’s unwavering commitment to national welfare. Moreover, aligning CSR initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscores India’s dedication to achieving the 2030 Agenda. While significant progress has been made, the journey ahead demands even greater collaboration and innovation—strengthening public-private partnerships to maximise social impact, leveraging technology and digital solutions to scale interventions, encouraging employee-driven volunteer programs for grassroots engagement and reinforcing impact assessment mechanisms to ensure measurable, lasting change.”

Mr. Saikat Basu, CEO, Consultivo, said, “This year, we received 57 impactful projects—36 from corporates and 21 from NGOs, with a total of 45 participating organizations. NGO projects were categorised into Large (₹10 Cr+), Medium (₹2-10 Cr) and Small (₹50L-2 Cr) across 10 major thematic areas.”

Mr. Sekhar Mehta, Former Global President, Rotary International, said, “This forum showcases how collaboration between civil society, corporates, and government drives real change. As a Rotarian for 40 years, I’ve seen the power of volunteerism. Rotary’s polio eradication effort, launched in 1988, reduced cases from 1,000 per day to near zero, with India declared polio-free in 2014. This proves that commitment and partnerships create impact. Now, let’s tackle illiteracy, water scarcity, and skill development. A national mission, backed by top corporates, can make India fully literate. If each of our 25 crore students educates just one adult, we close the gap in a few years.”

Mumbai/Ziro, March 13, 2025: The Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Skill Development, an initiative by Medhavi Skills University (MSU) in collaboration with Helping Hands NGO, successfully hosted its convocation ceremony to honour the first batch of graduating students from its Plumbing and Electrical programs. The event, held at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre (MGC) in Hong Village, Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, marked a significant milestone in empowering the youth of the north-east region with skill-based education.

The convocation ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Director General of Police (DGP) Mr. Robin Hibu (IPS), Delhi Police and Founder, Helping Hands and Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Founder & Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University.

The event celebrated the achievements of students who successfully completed their certificate programs in Electrical and Plumbing, equipping them with industry-relevant skills. Along with certificates, the learners also received electrical and plumbing tool kits that would help them in their line of work in the future. Besides earning a monthly stipend, the students have started getting job opportunities which were earlier offered to talent from outside the region. It has aided in timely resolution of plumbing and electrical issues of the localities.

As a highlight of the ceremony, the Award of Excellence was presented to three top-performing students in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their respective courses. Hibu Komo from the Electrical (1st Batch), Narang Pullo from the Electrical (2nd Batch), and Tasu Abo from the Plumbing (1st Batch) were honoured for their hard work.

In an ongoing effort to expand vocational training, the Mahatma Gandhi Centre has announced the launch of a Certificate Program in Hair Styling, set to begin in April 2025. Aimed at empowering school dropouts, the centre offers a hands-on learning experience through well-equipped practical labs and structured theoretical modules to students in the thriving beauty and wellness sector.

Speaking at the event, Shri Robin Hibu, a strong advocate for industry-integrated skill-based education, emphasized the impact of such initiatives: “Providing skill-based education to the youth of the North-East is a vital step towards ensuring their socio-economic upliftment. Our collaboration with Medhavi Skills University is a testament to our commitment to this cause. By equipping students with practical skills, we are creating pathways for sustainable employment and financial independence.”

 Mr. Dudani stated that “Our aim is to make skill-based education inclusive and accessible to all, equipping the people of the north-east with industry-relevant training that empowers them to build successful careers. Through initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, we are fostering holistic development and creating opportunities for a brighter, self-reliant future.”

During the ceremony, Grace Rehabilitation Centre (run by Apatani Baptist Association, Ziro) and Mother’s Home (run by Achukuru Welfare Society, Ziro) were recognized with certificates for their outstanding contributions to community welfare.

The event also featured cultural Apatani dance performances by traditional local artists, musical presentations, and discussions on social impact and empowerment. Students shared their transformative journey with MSU and Helping Hands. They recounted their dedication, traveling three hours to reach the learning center in Ziro. Upon completing their course, they successfully secured jobs and were able to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, embracing self-employment opportunities.

MSU continues to expand its reach by introducing new courses and skill-building programs, providing students in remote areas like Ziro with enhanced employment opportunities. Through its initiatives, the university remains committed to bridging the skill gap in India and empowering youth with education that translates into meaningful careers.

Hyderabad 13^th March 2025: NephroPlus, Asia’s largest dialysis care network, has achieved a monumental milestone by setting a Guinness World Record for the ‘Most Number of Sign-ups for a Health Screening Test in One Week’ with 10,500 sign-ups within the period – 6^th – 11^th March 2025 and securing a place in the India Book of Records for the ‘Maximum People Screened for Serum Creatinine Test Held at Multiple Venues.’ Over 4500 screenings were conducted from March 6th to 8th, 2025, across 26+ cities as part of its campaign for World Kidney Day 2025, with additional screenings to be carried out in the following days. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to promote awareness about the early detection and prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and educate communities on essential kidney health practices through accessible screenings and personalized risk assessments.

The free kidney screening camps, organized under the slogan ‘Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early and Protect Kidney Health,’ received an overwhelming response from thousands of participants. The initiative specifically targeted high-risk individuals, including those with diabetes and hypertension, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection in preventing kidney disease. Major cities covered in the campaign included Bengaluru, Delhi, Jaipur, Pune, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Ranchi among others.

On this occasion, NephroPlus also launched a groundbreaking study on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). With the extensive offline data collected through these screenings, the company plans to publish a white paper and a manuscript in a reputed academic journal—most likely the first-ever global white paper on CKD prevention. This marks a significant milestone in the global fight against CKD and reinforces NephroPlus’s leadership in kidney health innovation.

Vikram Vuppala, Group CEO and Founder of NephroPlus said: “This remarkable accomplishment highlights our unwavering commitment to raising awareness about kidney health in a country where CKD prevalence ranges from 12% to 21% across different regions. Many cases remain undiagnosed until the advanced stages, which underscores the need for large-scale, preventive health interventions. Setting two world records simultaneously reflects the unprecedented scale of our initiative and our determination to bring life-saving early detection to communities with limited access to specialized healthcare.” He further added: “The launch of our CKD prevention study is a game-changer. Governments worldwide need to recognize that CKD prevention is not just a health initiative—it’s a strategic economic investment. The insights from this study will drive advocacy for increased government funding and policy changes focused on early detection and intervention. We believe this could have a lasting impact on global healthcare frameworks.”

The CKD white paper will emphasize why governments should prioritize CKD prevention, not only as a public health measure but also as a long-term economic strategy. Early intervention can reduce healthcare costs, prevent productivity loss, and improve the overall quality of life for millions. This pioneering research sets NephroPlus apart as the global leader in CKD prevention and treatment innovation.

Building on this achievement, NephroPlus plans to further its kidney health awareness efforts in the upcoming years. The insights gathered from this campaign will contribute to further research and advocacy efforts, ensuring greater access to early diagnosis and preventive care for millions across India.

Chandigarh, 13 March 2025: This Holi, Godrej Vikhroli Cucina, the owned media platform of Godrej Industries Group (GIG), brings festive flavours to life with celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi. In a special Instagram video, Chef Harpal showcases how to make naturally colourful Thandai using Godrej Jersey Milk, proving that Holi celebrations can be just as vibrant—without artificial food dyes.

Over the years, synthetic colours and artificial flavours have sneaked into festive treats, promising instant brightness but often at the cost of authentic taste. But why settle for artificial when nature offers all the colours needed for a Holi-worthy spread? Chef Harpal takes up a flavourful challenge to recreate the classic Thandai in four dazzling shades—without a drop of artificial colouring. From saffron’s golden glow to the deep pink of rose petals, the rich green of pistachios, and even the striking blue of blueberries—nature has all the colours needed for Holi! And what’s the perfect base for this creamy delight? Enter Godrej Jersey Milk—pure, rich, and just what’s needed to tie all the flavours together while keeping the festive spirit alive.

With his signature charm, Chef Harpal exclaims, “Holi hai, doston! Rang barse, par sirf natural waale!” As he blends, stirs, and pours, the Thandai variations come alive—each one a delicious tribute to India’s rich culinary traditions.

Shantanu Raj, Head – of Marketing, Godrej Jersey shared, “For years, Godrej Jersey has been a trusted dairy brand, loved for its purity and rich taste. Thandai, an iconic Holi drink, truly comes to life when made with high-quality milk, and Godrej Jersey Milk is a perfect companion. It enhances the richness of the drink while keeping its authenticity intact. Through this collaboration, we want to inspire people to rediscover the joy of festive foods made with real ingredients, real colours, and real flavours”

Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi added, “Holi ke rang jitne natural, utne hi khoobsurat! Our kitchens are filled with ingredients that add stunning colors to our food, naturally. This Holi, I wanted to show how we can celebrate with food that’s not only festive but also full of real flavors and goodness. Thandai toh sirf ek shuruaat hai—imagine the possibilities when we look to our traditional roots for inspiration!”

Chandigarh, 13^th March 2025: The appliance business of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has reinforced its commitment to consumer-driven innovation with the introduction of its Food and Microbiology Lab. This dedicated facility allows Godrej to scientifically study food behavior, preservation techniques, and hygiene factors, ensuring that its appliances are designed to truly serve the needs of Indian consumers.

Equipped to assess a wide range of scientific parameters like pH levels, ripening stages, humidity control, and microbial activity to hedonic factors like taste, texture, and appearance, the lab plays a vital role in enhancing product capabilities.

Trusted by millions of Indians, Godrej is committed to insight-driven innovation. This facility stands as a testament to that legacy, seamlessly blending scientific research with real-world consumer needs to develop appliances that cater to modern lifestyles, evolving dietary habits, and health-conscious choices. Managed by a team of food scientist and microbiologist, and overseen by the Head of Innovation for the Appliances Business, the lab is dedicated to pioneering solutions that enhance everyday living.

The Food & Microbiology Lab supports categories like Refrigerators and Microwave Ovens with extension plans to support microbiology based research across categories – from cooling led domains like Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration to Cleaning categories like Washing Machines.

Mr. Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Executive Vice President at Appliances Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, said “Our new Food and Microbiology Lab is a testament to our consumer-centric approach, driving innovations that solve real problems, and unlock value for consumers. By prioritizing tangible benefits like food preservation, indoor air quality, and more, we design appliances that thoughtfully make a difference in our consumers’ daily lives.”

Mr. Burzin Wadia, Head of Research & Development at Appliances Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “We launched our Food and Microbiology Lab to analyze how food, air, and fabric interact with our appliances. From monitoring food freshness parameters to air and cloth quality, this facility will allow us to engineer appliances that deliver tangible benefits to our consumers. Our focus remains on creating solutions that seamlessly integrate into our consumer’s lives.”

The Food and Microbiology Lab is housed within the Appliances business of Godrej Enterprises Group’s expansive R&D facility in Pirangut, Pune—a close to ₹100 crore facility with NABL-accredited in-house labs and cutting-edge infrastructure. This advanced setup empowers the brand to accelerate product development timelines and bring innovative, consumer-centric appliances to market