KLADIO Promises to Transform India’s Education Landscape with Ambitious Initiatives and Visionar

New Delhi, February 27, 2025: With a firm commitment to fostering experiential learning and bridging the industry-academia gap, KLADIO today marked its foray into India’s education landscape.

The official launch took place in the national capital amid the presence of esteemed dignitaries including prominent educators, lawmakers, and influencers, all of whom converged to support KLADIO’s vision for India’s education sector.

”Backed by a highly proficient and experienced leadership team, KLADIO aims to redefine the learning experience of students, empowering them to become global citizens and industry leaders. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative pedagogy, we will strive to nurture a dynamic educational environment that facilitates critical thinking, hands-on exposure, and collaboration,” said Mr. Tannay Jit Singh, Founder of KLADIO and an accomplished Third Generation Edupreneur.

KLADIO’s mission focuses on promoting experiential learning and practical training. It provides global learning opportunities in India that are comparable to the best programs in Dubai, London, Brazil, France, and the USA.

Featuring an inspiring keynote speech and an insightful panel discussion, KLADIO’s launch served as a strategic platform for diverse stakeholders to delve into the future of education in India. Additionally, a fireside chat by Mr. Harneet Singh, Founder, and Chief AI Officer of Rabbitt AI, underlined the potential of integrating disruptive technologies to enhance learning outcomes.

”The launch of KLADIO marks the dawn of a new age in education. With a firm determination to make learning engaging, accessible, and industry-relevant, we aspire to unlock the true potential of India’s students and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat,” said Mr. Harneet Singh.

A key highlight of the event was a book launch that showcased the evolution of educational literature. Furthermore, a prestigious award ceremony celebrated excellence in the field, honoring outstanding educators and experts.

KLADIO has raised the bar in the education space with its distinctive ”Family Business Management” program that instills essential skills and knowledge required to successfully manage and enhance family-owned businesses by tapping into new opportunities.

A taste of Spring – Vasant Ritu Khasa at Royal Vega, ITC Royal Bengal

Vasant Ritu Khasa

Indulge in the Vasant Ritu Khasa this season at Royal Vega, ITC Royal Bengal. The Vasant Ritu Khasa celebrates spring produce from across the country, showcasing seasonal vegetarian flavors.

Royal Vega, nestled within the iconic ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata, is the first restaurant in the state to be awarded the Sattvik Certification by the Sattvik Council of India. The restaurant continues to abide by principles of purity and sustainability in its offerings. The Sattvik Verification Label certifies that Royal Vega’s vegetarian cuisine is crafted with 100% vegetarian ingredients and has been prepared by the highest food safety regulations, allowing guests to indulge in a healthy and delicious full-course vegetarian meal without concern.

Drawing inspiration from the royal kitchens of India, Royal Vega offers a thoughtfully curated menu rooted in the principles of Ayurveda—the ancient science of life and holistic well-being. The restaurant’s offerings are aligned with Ayurvedic philosophy and a holistic approach to health, focusing on fresh and seasonal produce that promotes balance and harmony with nature. As a key influence on Indian culinary traditions, the Ayurvedic approach guides the restaurant’s menu, which is tailored to nourish the body by nature’s rhythms. This philosophy is reflected in the seasonal offerings at Royal Vega, where the menu is carefully designed to complement the six seasons (Ritu) of the Indian calendar, each lasting two months.

Vasant Ritu Khasa offers an array of mindfully selected vegetarian dishes that highlight the flavors of the season, including Mewa Paneer (stuffed rolled paneer and premium dry fruits slow-cooked in a gravy of poppy seeds, cashew nuts, and khoya), Kadali Badam Kofta (green bananas and almond marbles simmered in onion and curd gravy, finished with Timur), Shatawari Maarmik (crisp green asparagus tips seasoned with nuts and raisins), and Shahi Phal Sandesh (layered Sandesh), to name a few.

RTX’s Pratt & Whitney GTF Advantage™ Engine Achieves U.S. FAA Certification

RTX’s

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (February 27, 2025) – Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, announced that the GTF Advantage engine has achieved the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification for the Airbus A320neo family. The Advantage is the latest engine from the GTF family to be certified.

“GTF engines already offer the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for single-aisle aircraft,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “The GTF Advantage engine extends that lead and enhances aircraft capability, providing more thrust and even more value to operators of A320neo family aircraft, especially on longer-range aircraft like the A321XLR, all with a more durable configuration. With this certification and engine deliveries on track for later this year, it’s fitting we mark these milestones in 2025, as Pratt & Whitney celebrates a century of powering the future.”

The GTF Advantage will deliver 4-8% more takeoff thrust, enabling higher payload and longer range, unlocking new destinations for airlines. It offers better fuel efficiency with lower carbon emissions. Pratt & Whitney is working to ensure that the GTF Advantage will be compatible with future specifications for 100% sustainable aviation fuel. Fully intermixable and interchangeable with today’s GTF engine model, GTF Advantage will become the production standard.

The GTF Advantage includes fully redesigned life-limited parts and technology enhancements throughout the gas path. It is fundamentally more durable, with increased airflow in the core to lower operating temperatures and a state-of-the-art hot section to increase time on wing. In the high-pressure turbine (HPT), the enhancements include an advanced airfoil design with improved coatings. The HPT and combustor also feature optimized cooling hole size, shape, and location, with improved hole drilling techniques to reduce oxidation.

“India was an early adopter of the GTF engine and operators have benefited from its best-in-class fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. With technological enhancements that deliver increased thrust, fuel efficiency and durability in severe operating environments, we expect the GTF Advantage to be attractive to Indian operators,” said Ashmita Sethi, president & country head, Pratt & Whitney, India.

The GTF Advantage test program incorporated extensive endurance testing to advance product maturity at entry into service. The GTF Advantage accomplished more than twice the amount of testing compared to the current GTF engine. It also benefits from over 100,000 hours of engine and rig testing across all GTF programs, along with 38 million flight hours of in-service operation. Certain elements of the GTF Advantage configuration can be incorporated into today’s GTF engine to support increased time on wing.

To date, more than 2,200 GTF-powered aircraft have been delivered to over 80 customers worldwide. GTF engines enable up to 20% better fuel efficiency and since entering service, have helped airlines save more than 2 billion gallons of fuel, equivalent to avoiding 20 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, compared to those aircraft having been powered by prior generation engines. Demand for the GTF engine remains strong, with 11,000 engine orders and commitments in total across all platforms.

IAGT Brings Sisterhood to Mumbai Comic Con 2025

IAGT x Comic Con

India-wide release, 27 February 2025: It’s A Girl Thing (IAGT), a pioneering forum for amplifying the voices of young women, is back with a unique synergy. For its latest edition, IAGT will join forces with Mumbai Comic Con 2025 on April 12th and 13th, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. IAGT is expanding its horizon, bringing its IAGT Salon concept into the vibrant and diverse world of Comic Con, with an estimated footfall of 50,000 attendees.

Following the success stories in Singapore and the Philippines, IAGT debuted in India during the pandemic. Far from a traditional festival, it has evolved into a dynamic platform to celebrate all things female—artists, musicians, poets, businesses, influencers, fashionistas, and the everyday young women seeking to live their best lives. The platform serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment to future generations of girls and women.

This collaboration with the global comic fandom is a thrilling opportunity for IAGT to tap into the creative energy that thrives on personal expression. IAGT Salon will bring together women from the fields of music, arts, business, health, media, and literature for panels, chats, meet & greets, and other creative and fun activities. The compere for the weekend will be the beloved digital creator, actor, and anchor Priyam Saha, who will also appear with her Waack Girls sisterhood – Rytasha Rathore, Ruby Sah, Mekhola Bose, Chrisann Pereira, Anasua Chowdhury and award-winning screenwriter Sooni Taraporevala. They join guests like foodie Vidhi Doshi @ramenhairedgirl, nutritionist Neha Ranglani, artist Maalavika Manoj, aka Mali, and others to grace the platform to share stories and insights from their extraordinary journeys.

Whilst IAGT is a platform with the purpose of inspiration, empowerment, and celebration for young women, its vibe is inclusive and inviting for everyone to join the community. The Comic Con Mumbai co-location intertwines two vibrant communities by creating a space for dialogue in shaping the country’s cultural and social landscape from the point of view of young women.

Talking about the IAGT salon at Comic Con Mumbai, Emma Louise Fung, COO & Executive Producer of It’s A Girl Thing, said, “It’s A Girl Thing started as an idea to give a community voice to the diverse experiences of young women. It is a safe place to air what’s on the minds of the young women of today and celebrate the talent, passions, interests, and voices that are shaping our shared future. With this unique partnership, our Indian chapter of IAGT will reach a wider audience and share its values and creativity with Comic Con’s passionate community.

Jatin Varma, Founder of Comic Con India, added, “Comic-Con has always been a celebration of pop culture in all its forms and welcomes diversity with open arms. We’re thrilled to have IAGT join us at Comic Con Mumbai, bringing an experience and meaningful conversations that resonate deeply with all young women attending the convention. These conversations are just as integral to pop culture as any other.”

ANAROCK Survey: 31percent Women Buy Homes for Investment, 69percent as End-Users

Mumbai, 27 February 2025: While women have always been the key decision-makers in the home-buying process in India, they now increasingly make independent, individual property purchases, according to the latest ANAROCK Consumer Sentiment Survey from H2 2024. A significant majority of them are end-users, though investors are not far behind.

AI-generated content may be incorrect.” With growing independence and higher disposable incomes, women are increasingly coming to the housing market as convinced investors,” says Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group. “Our H2 2024 survey finds the end-use-to-investment ratio for women homebuyers at 69:31 against 79:21 in the H2 2022 edition. Even more remarkable is their firm preference for housing over the other popular investment asset classes Indians gravitate to.”

For at least 70% of women survey respondents, real estate is the most preferred investment asset class, against 65% in the H2 2022 edition and 57% in the pre-Covid (H2 2019) survey. Women’s preference for stock market investment has declined to just 2% in H2 2024, from over 20% in H2 2022.

“Considering the significant decline seen in the stock market in recent months in contrast to the bull run in 2022, women have unerringly picked the winning ticket in housing,” says Puri. “The only other asset class that has seen a notable uptick on their wish list is gold, whose popularity among polled women investors has risen from 8% in the H2 2022 survey to slightly over 12% in the H2 2024 edition.”

The survey also tracks women homebuyers’ budget preferences – in the H2 2024 survey. At least 52% of women respondents preferred premium or luxury homes priced >INR 90 lakhs. In the H2 2022 survey, about 47% of women respondents picked this budget category. 33% of aspiring women homebuyers look for properties priced between INR 90 lakh and INR 1.5 Cr, while 11% prefer homes priced between INR 1.5 Cr and INR 2.5 Cr. Interestingly, at least 8% prefer to buy homes priced >INR 2.5 Cr – a strong testament to the growth of India’s women HNI contingent

Demand for newly launched properties is on the rise – over 18% of the survey’s women respondents now prefer under-construction homes, against 10% in the H2 2022 survey. Their preference for the instant gratification of ready-to-move-in homes had declined to 29% in the H2 2024 survey, from 48% in H2 2022. This is a clear indicator of a strengthening investment approach among India’s women property buyers. It also highlights that the fact that most new launches are by large and listed developers gives them the confidence to back cheaper under-construction properties with an eye on future profits.

TIQ Delegation at BioAsia 2025 : India Poised to Lead Global Innovation, with Hyderabad Emerging

TIQ_Queensland

Hyderabad, 27th January 2025: Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), the Queensland Government’s dedicated business agency presented a 20 member high profile delegation, in the gracious presence of Her Excellency, Honourable Governor of Queensland Dr. Jeanette Young, along with The Honourable Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment, and Training in Queensland, Ros Bates at BioAsia 2025. Named as the Global Sponsor for BioAsia 2025, TIQ anchored several engagements at Asia’s premier life sciences and biotechnology forum, organized annually by the Government of Telangana, India. This strategic partnership reinforces both regions’ commitment to driving innovation, fostering high-impact research, and accelerating advancements in global healthcare.

With a strong focus on fostering synergies between Telangana and Queensland, the TIQ delegation highlighted India’s pivotal role in global innovation, with Hyderabad positioned at the forefront of IT, research, and healthcare. Professor Alan Rowan, Director and Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland (UQ), underscored India’s unique potential to become a frontier leader in scientific research, backed by its massive IT prowess and research advancements.

Addressing the media, Alan said, “Hyderabad is rapidly evolving into a world-class center for healthcare infrastructure and cutting-edge research. The city is now seamlessly connected with global innovation hubs like Boston, Singapore, and Queensland, accelerating its position as a powerhouse in biotechnology, medical research, and engineering.”

He was joined by leading experts from Queensland’s research and healthcare ecosystem, including:

  • Prof. Trent Munro, Director, Biotechnology Innovation, UQ
  • Dr. Romain Tropée, Head of Science and Technology, Southern RNA (SRNA)
  • Prof. Evelin Tiralongo, Director, Clinical Trial Unit, Griffith University
  • Chris Peck, Chief Executive Officer, SRNA
  • Dr. Teck Jack TAN, Chief Medical Officer, TeleMedC Pty Ltd
  • Professor Prasad Yarlagadda, Dean, Engineering, University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)
  • Shannon Willoughby, Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships Office, UQ
  • Sarah Costanzo, Associate Director, Advanced Manufacturing and Deep Technologies, UQ
  • Saravanan Nagarathinam, Manager Strategy and Partnerships, UQ
  • Dr. Harpreet Johal-Meredith, Business Development Director, Resolian Bioanalytics Brisbane
  • Thomas Lake, Senior Vice President, Vaccine Alliances & Commercialization, Vaxxas
  • Michael Power, Global Director – Sales, HealthCare Logic
  • Dr Christopher Ogg, Founder, HealthCare Logic
  • Chris Reid, Platform Sales Professional, HealthCare Logic
  • Brett Sellars, Hospital Engagement Lead, HealthCare Logic
  • Priyanka Risikesan, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, HealthCare Logic
  • Prof Rajiv Khanna, Co-Director, Queensland Immunology Research Centre, QIMR
  • Dr Rajiv Tyagi, Head of Strategic Commercial Alliances, QIMR
  • Anand Gautam, Founder, G2Ome Consulting Pty Ltd,

The discussions highlighted the scope for joint research, clinical trials, and technology-driven solutions between India and Queensland. The collaboration is expected to drive new investments and foster deeper scientific cooperation. Adding to the conversation, Abhinav Bhatia, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Trade and Investment Queensland, said that “BioAsia 2025 to deepen Queensland’s engagement with India’s thriving life sciences and technology ecosystem. With India being the world’s pharmacy and Queensland being a research powerhouse, this dynamic collaboration enables breakthroughs that contribute to the advancement of global healthcare.”

This strategic engagement between Telangana and Queensland reaffirms Hyderabad’s position as a global leader in science, healthcare, and innovation, paving the way for transformative advancements in the sector.

Cricket Meets Clean Energy: Vikram Solar and KKR Team Up to Inspire a Sustainable Tomorrow

Vikram Solar and KKR Team

Kolkata, February 27, 2025: Vikram Solar, one of India’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers, is proud to announce its partnership with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the upcoming season of the Indian T20 Premier League. As the official Clean Energy Advocate of KKR, Vikram Solar aims to harness the sport’s unparalleled influence to drive awareness and action towards a sustainable future.

As part of this collaboration, the Vikram Solar logo will be featured on the KKR team jersey, signifying a commitment to cleaner energy solutions. With cricket acting as a catalyst for widespread public engagement, Vikram Solar aims to amplify climate consciousness, making solar energy adoption a mainstream conversation. By leveraging KKR’s fan base, the partnership will bridge the gap between advocacy and action, inspiring individuals and businesses to embrace renewable energy solutions.

This collaboration also aligns with India’s long-term sustainability goals, reinforcing Vikram Solar’s dedication to accelerating the clean energy transition. The initiative underscores the company’s role in shaping a future where business, sports, and environmental responsibility converge to create meaningful impact.

As Vikram Solar steps into the twentieth year of pioneering solar innovation, this partnership with KKR represents a bold step towards mobilizing communities, fostering a culture of sustainability, and making renewable energy an integral part of India’s growth story.

Mr Gyanesh Chaudhary CMD Vikram Solar

Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman & Managing Director, Vikram Solar shared, “As Vikram Solar steps into the twentieth year of pioneering innovation in the renewable energy sector, we are proud to partner with Kolkata Knight Riders—a team that embodies passion, resilience, and excellence, values that resonate deeply with us. As a homegrown brand with strong roots in Kolkata, this collaboration presents a powerful opportunity to drive greater awareness and accelerate the adoption of solar energy across India. Through this association, we aim to inspire a shift toward solar adoption, empowering individuals and businesses to be part of a greener, more sustainable future.”

Mr. Venky Mysore, CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders, said, “At Kolkata Knight Riders, we believe in the power of sports to drive meaningful change, and our partnership with Vikram Solar for the upcoming season is a step in that direction. Cricket has an unparalleled ability to connect with millions, and through this collaboration, we aim to inspire greater awareness about sustainable energy solutions and practices. This partnership is not just about the game—it’s about leveraging our collective influence to encourage positive environmental impact and champion a more sustainable tomorrow.”

The three-time Indian T20 Premier League Champions Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their 2025 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on March 22nd at 7:30 PM IST. The stadium will host nine matches this season, including Qualifier 2 and the Final.

Vedanta Sets a New Benchmark in Sustainability with the Launch of VEDAS in Partnership with AXA Climate

Vedanta Group,

New Delhi/Mumbai, February 27, 2025 – Taking a bold step towards redefining corporate sustainability, Vedanta Group, a global leader in natural resources, today announced the launch of VEDAS (Vedanta Academy for Sustainability) in collaboration with AXA Climate, a pioneer in climate risk and resilience services. This visionary initiative is set to equip over 100,000 employees and business partners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to drive Vedanta’s ambitious net-zero journey and ESG commitments.

Through VEDAS, Vedanta is integrating sustainability into the DNA of its operations, ensuring that every business decision and action contributes meaningfully to climate leadership, community transformation, and responsible resource management. The program is an industry-first effort to build a sustainability-first workforce, making Vedanta not just a participant but a leader in shaping the future of responsible business.

Built on Vedanta’s three-pillar sustainability framework—Transforming Communities, Transforming the Planet, and Transforming the Workplace—VEDAS will deliver high-impact learning through targeted e-learning modules, hands-on workshops, and leadership-driven engagements. This structured approach will embed ESG excellence at every level of the organization, creating a new generation of sustainability champions.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd, emphasizing Vedanta’s commitment, said “The launch of VEDAS marks a new chapter in Vedanta’s sustainability journey. This is more than a learning initiative—it’s a movement to empower, educate, and embed sustainability into everything we do. Through VEDAS, we are building a future-ready workforce that will drive real impact, ensuring that every function, every decision, and every action takes us closer to our net-zero goals. Sustainability isn’t just an agenda for Vedanta—it’s our way forward.”

Antoine Poincare, Vice President, AXA Climate, added, “Sustainable transition is the bedrock upon which resilient and prosperous futures must be built. Through VEDAS, we are proud to partner with Vedanta to provide the knowledge, tools, and expertise needed to advance climate and community resilience. Our joint efforts will not only enhance awareness, upskilling and innovation within the group, but also foster lasting changes in the industries pivotal to the global sustainability agenda.”

VEDAS will offer cutting-edge training modules focused on building a Future-Ready Workforce:

  •  Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation – Enabling employees to drive Vedanta’s net-zero transition, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, scaling renewable energy adoption (targeting 2.5 GW of Round-The-Clock Renewable Energy by 2030), and integrating climate risk management strategies.
  •  Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy – Advancing responsible resource management through net water positivity by 2030, waste reduction, biodiversity protection, and circular economy principles to minimize environmental impact while maximizing value creation.
  •  Community Development & Stakeholder Engagement – Strengthening Vedanta’s social impact by embedding responsible community engagement, skill development, women and child empowerment, and inclusive growth into business practices.
  •  ESG Governance & Best Practices – Raising the bar for corporate governance, diversity, workplace safety, and ethical business practices, ensuring that sustainability becomes a core driver of business excellence.

Vedanta: A Sustainability Trailblazer

Vedanta’s sustainability roadmap is one of the most ambitious in the industry, with a focus on driving measurable impact across the planet, communities, and the workplace:

  •  Ranked 4th among global Metal & Mining peers in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024
  •  Net Water Positive by 2030, with five businesses already achieving this milestone
  •  2.5 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, with 1.8 GW of Power Delivery Agreements (PDAs) secured
  •  80+ start-ups engaged under ‘Sthe park’ initiative to drive sustainable business transformation
  •  Recognized as a ‘Kincentric Best Employer’ for two consecutive years
  •  40% leadership diversity target by 2030

The launch of VEDAS is a milestone in Vedanta’s sustainability journey, reinforcing its position as a global ESG leader committed to building a greener, more responsible future.

Antarctica Equipment Showcases Cutting-Edge Display & Gelato Solutions at AAHAR 2025

AE_Aahar 2025

New Delhi, 27th February 2025 – Antarctica Equipment is set to make noise at AAHAR 2025, taking yet another step in bringing the world’s finest food display solutions to the industry. This year’s showcase promises groundbreaking innovations from IFI (Italy), FPG New Zealand, and Valmar Global, alongside customized refrigeration solutions from Antarctica Equipment tailored for diverse business needs.

Revolutionizing Gelato Displays with IFI

Antarctica Equipment proudly presents the latest gelato display solutions from IFI, Italy. The spotlight will be on:

  • The all-new Tonda – Now features advanced touch sensor controls for seamless operation.
  •  Esedra – A revolutionary new entrant redefining gelato presentation.
  •  Sam80 & Milia – Elegance meets performance in these high-quality displays.

FPG: Performance & Business Continuity

FPG is known for display solutions that last a lifetime and can be relied on for performance and business continuity with their Inline Series &Visair Range.

For businesses prioritizing uninterrupted performance, Antarctica Equipment brings its proven Inline Series and the Visair Range—designed to ensure business continuity with guaranteed performance. This year, a brand-new addition to this category will be unveiled—an industry first and a must-see at AAHAR 2025.

A Treat for Gelato Chefs – Valmar’s Game-Changing Solutions

Redefining artisan gelato-making, Antarctica Equipment introduces Valmar’s Multipurpose Combined Machines engineered for precision and versatility:

  •  Valmix 20 – A high-performance emulsifier designed to blend, mix, and emulsify gelato, ice cream, sorbet, toppings, sauces, and high-viscosity preparations. It finely disperses and stably binds dry ingredients, flavoring pastes, fresh and frozen fruit, nuts, and more.
  •  Dosy3 – Ensuring perfect portioning and consistency for high-quality gelato.

Customized Solutions from Antarctica Equipment

Off-the-shelf solutions not quite your cup of tea? Well, Antarctica Equipment offers customized world-class refrigeration solutions that align to your unique business requirements, ensuring optimal performance, aesthetics, and efficiency.

Matix Fertilisers Sponsors National Conference on Women’s Empowerment

Matix

New Delhi, 27th February 2025: Visva-Bharati University recently hosted a national seminar titled ‘Challenges for Women in India’s Informal Sector’ on February 11-12, 2025, bringing together leading academics and industry experts to address barriers to economic inclusion, gender wage disparity, and the need for stronger policy interventions.

A key focus was the role of traditional handicrafts—particularly Kantha embroidery in West Bengal—in empowering rural women. A seminar paper, ‘Kantha Work: A Pathway to Women’s Empowerment in Rural Bengal’, highlighted how skill-based training in artisanal crafts fosters financial independence and sustainable livelihoods. Experts emphasized the need for structured support, market linkages, and policy-driven initiatives to uplift women in the informal workforce.

Matix Fertilisers, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, champions women’s empowerment through its flagship program, ‘Project Shakti’. This initiative has trained rural women near its Panagarh plant in crafts such as applique and Kantha stitching, enabling them to become micro-entrepreneurs. By fostering financial independence and self-reliance, Project Shakti has transformed lives and strengthened local communities.

The seminar also explored broader issues, including informal labor rights, entrepreneurial opportunities for women artisans, and policy measures to enhance financial inclusion. The insights generated will contribute to ongoing efforts to create a more equitable economic landscape for women in India.

Speaking about the partnership, Nishant Kanodia, Chairman of Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited, shared, “At Matix, empowerment means more than opportunity—it’s about confidence and expanding possibilities. Our collaboration with Visva Bharati University reaffirms our commitment to grassroots impact. As Principal Partner, we are proud to support a platform that amplifies the voices of Kantha stitch artisans and addresses broader challenges faced by women in the informal sector. Project Shakti reflects our core values, and witnessing its impact has been truly humbling. This seminar was a powerful testament to collective action in driving meaningful change.”

Dr. Paramita Roy, Head – Department of Social Work, Visva-Bharati states, “Women in India’s informal sector face persistent challenges, from wage disparity to limited market access. The seminar served as an essential platform to address these critical issues and explore sustainable solutions. Matix Fertilisers’ unwavering support has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and action. Their commitment through ‘Project Shakti’ is a testament to how corporate initiatives can empower rural women, particularly Kantha artisans, by providing skill development and economic opportunities. We deeply appreciate Matix’s partnership in driving meaningful change and strengthening the bridge between academia and industry for social impact.”