JustDeliveries Raises INR 5.5 Crore to Boost IntraCity Logistics

12 May’2024, New Delhi: JustDeliveries, a new-age cold chain logistics startup redefining mid-mile logistics for India’s food and beverage sector, has raised ₹5.5 crore funding in a round co- led by VC Grid and NABVentures. Investors included LetsVenture, Anay Ventures, FAAD Network and others.

The capital infusion elevates JustDeliveries’ total funding to $2 million (approximately ₹15.9 crore), further enabling its mission to bring structure and reliability to India’s $200 billion logistics landscape, where 90% of operations remain unorganized and prone to inefficiencies. The funds will be used to enhance its technology capabilities and expansion into three new cities including Lucknow and Chennai. Currently it has its operations in Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune.

Since its inception, JustDeliveries has emerged as a critical partner for over 100 F&B brands, including industry leaders like ITC, Swiggy, Blue Tokai, Biggies Burger, and Naturals Ice Cream. The company’s asset-light, plug-and-play third-party logistics (3PL) model addresses the acute challenges of transporting perishable goods across India’s vast and complex supply chains. Showing remarkable traction, JustDeliveries achieved a 2.4x year-over-year revenue growth in FY25, sustained by a 10.6% average monthly growth rate. The startup reached a pivotal milestone in December 2024 by attaining city-level profitability across all operational hubs – Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad – while maintaining negligible bad debts and industry-leading receivables turnaround times.

JustDeliveries has a strong leadership team and has recently elevated Pradeep Murugesan and COO and co- founder.

NABVENTURES is a venture growth equity fund that invests in agriculture, food, rural businesses and agri/rural financial services at early to mid-stage.NABVENTURES is excited to continue supporting JustDeliveries as they scale their innovative cold chain logistics solutions. Their impressive growth, focus on profitability, and strong client base underscore our confidence in their ability to transform the F&B supply chain landscape by driving efficiency and reducing wastage. NABVENTURES is pleased to be a part of their journey in building a more resilient food supply chain.” – Ashish Km Choudhury, CIO, NABVENTURES Ltd

VC Grid is a leading return-driven fund backed by Venture Catalysts, India’s leading integrated incubator and accelerator platform. Commenting on the investment, Vansh Oberoi from VC Grid, said, “JustDeliveries represents a rare convergence of operational discipline, scalable innovation, and market timing. In a sector traditionally burdened by high capital expenditure and fragmented service providers, Mansi and her team have engineered an asset-light platform that delivers consistent cold chain integrity while achieving early profitability, a feat that eludes most logistics startups. Their ability to maintain an impressive month-on-month growth in a competitive sector reflects both operational maturity and strategic foresight. We believe JustDeliveries is poised to become the backbone of India’s F&B logistics ecosystem. This investment aligns with our mission to back category-defining companies solving systemic challenges.”

Mansi Mahansaria, Founder of JustDeliveries, said, “When we launched JustDeliveries, we recognized that solving the gaps for the F&B industry required more than just infrastructure-it demanded a fundamental rethinking of logistics partnerships. By integrating technology with a flexible asset network, we have built a platform that scales with our clients’ needs while ensuring cost efficiency and reliability. We’re fortunate to have a set of investors who believe in building a valuable company on a strong foundation. This funding enables us to deepen our tech stack, become net profitable, and take our services to three new cities by FY26.”

With India’s cold chain logistics market projected to grow at a 23.5% CAGR through 2030, driven by rising demand for perishable foods and pharmaceuticals, JustDeliveries’ tech-enabled model addresses a critical infrastructure gap. The startup’s expansion into three additional cities will extend its geographic footprint to eight major hubs, aligning with client demands for pan-India distribution. 

 

Mother’s Day: KLAY’s Campaign Reminds Moms : “You’re Not Alone”

12th May, Bengaluru– Just in time for Mother’s DayKLAY Preschools and Daycare, one of India’s most trusted early education and childcare providers, has launched a digital campaign that gently challenges a long-standing cultural ideal: the notion of the doit-all” mom. Titled You dont need to do it alone,” the campaign is a tender, emotionally resonant tribute to the support systems that surround and uplift mothers, many of whom go unnoticed.

Conceptualized and produced in-house, the campaign film tells the story of a modern working mother, beginning with a rare moment of quiet as she sits on her yoga mat at dawn, grounding herself before a busy day. As she makes her way to work, viewers are invited into a stream of memory-like flashbacks of those who help carry her daily load. A partner gently rocking their child back to sleep. A cook carefully preparing a familiar meal. Grandparents singing rhymes over a video call. And a KLAY teacher, ready with open arms and a knowing smile at drop-off. 

Each frame is designed with subtlety and care, evoking the emotional complexity of motherhood: the quiet sacrifices, the unspoken help, and the small acts of love that hold a family together. The film closes on a powerful note as the mother arrives at work steady, confident, and composed not because she’s superhuman, but because she is seen, heard, and held by her village.

The campaign culminates with the line: You dont need to do it alone and the hashtag #ItTakesAVillage, inviting viewers to recognize and celebrate the broader ecosystem that makes parenting possible.

With its evocative storytelling and emotionally intelligent framing, the campaign speaks directly to millennial parents especially working mothers who are increasingly seeking balance, shared responsibility, and emotional support. By highlighting these everyday interactions, the film not only deepens KLAY’s connection with its core audience but also reflects a larger cultural shift toward inclusive, community-led parenting.

Speaking about the campaignShireen Sultana, Senior Vice PresidentMarketing, KLAY Pre-School and Daycare, said, “This campaign is a gentle reminder to every mother carrying the weight of doing it all, you were never meant to do it alone. At KLAY, we see the quiet strength it takes to show up every day, and we also see the village that makes it possible. This Mother’s Day, we honour not just the moms, but the love, care, and quiet support that holds them up.”

For a brand that already plays an integral role in supporting working parents offering high-quality early learning, flexible daycare options, and trusted caregivers the campaign is more than a marketing initiative; it’s a reflection of lived values. It underlines KLAY’s identity not just as a service provider, but as a partner in a parent’s journey.

SGREF, an Alternative Investment Fund for Real Estate worth Rs. 2,000 Cr.

New Delhi/ Gautam Buddh Nagar: SGRE Fund, an Alternative Investment Fund worth Rs. 2,000 Cr. has been launched by promoters of Nirala World and Sea Fund. SGRE Fund will provide finance to real estate companies in form of investment and loans through debenture and equity participation which are struggling to get funds for revival of the projects and their completion. The fund plans to invest in all types of Residential and Commercial real estate projects across Delhi-NCR region. 
 
SGRE Fund is Scheme based fund and it is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under Category II. Two payouts from the fund‘s first program, which has a total value of Rs. 125 Cr., have already been paid to companies. As mentioned by the SGRE Fund, another round of disbursement is expected soon because they are at the various stages of due diligence, economic viability and technical feasibility which includes land title, dues, legal formalities, etc. For this, they have applied for approval worth Rs. 500 Cr. To expand its portfolio, SGRE Fund has also applied for 2nd scheme through equity participation having worth Rs. 500 Cr
 
Suresh Garg lead promoters of SGRE Fund says that, “we are excited to announce the launch of this fund dedicated to the real estate sector. Any project which has a requirement of the fund the company can apply for the fund. Our legal and technical team checks the feasibility and after the standard process of examination, they recommend a proposal to the standing committee for final go ahead. If the project is economically viable, land title is clear and there is no legal issue with the project then such projects will be eligible for funding. However the last decision will be of the investment committee.” 
 
SGRE Fund has also currently invested in projects which are stuck due to lack of funds and is ready to fund projects which are struggling to get funds from banks, financial institutions and from other Alternative Funds. We are also ready to fund promoters who require to infuse initial funding for the eligibility of SWAMIH Fund. The vision is to become ‘Real Partners of Real Estate’, says Suresh Garg, the promoter of SGRE Fund and CMD of Nirala World. 
 
The SGRE Fund will secure its return through equity share and debenture participation. Mr. Garg further added that we have a background of finance and real estate both, hence, we have a deep knowledge of the sector in terms of demand and supply, sentiments, sales, construction, revenue generation and critical issues pertaining to the completion of the projects. The benefits of overall experience will be passed on to the promoters who are in real need. 
 
The Fund will be raised from third-party capital from sophisticated institutional and individual investors in accordance with SEBI guidelines. This includes family offices, high net-worth individuals, insurance companies, pension funds, banks, financial institutions, sovereign funds, multilateral institutions, and other sophisticated and institutional investors.
 
The Fund is promoted by Mr. Suresh Garg– of Nirala World and Mr. Sanjay Gupta- Director, Sea Fund jointly. Both belong to finance backgrounds. Apart from a seasoned Chartered Accountant, Mr. Suresh Garg, as CMD of Nirala World, has delivered more than 10 million sq. ft. in residential category including Nirala Eden Park, Nirala Estate and Nirala Trio, under-construction project, and all set to launch two new commercial project in the Greater Noida West.

Happy Mother’s Day! Tune into Stories That Celebrate Moms and the Magic of Motherhood

Mother’s Day is a reminder of the quiet strength, unconditional love, and everyday magic that mothers bring into our lives. Whether you’re spending the day with your children or other mom friends, a heartfelt audiobook, podcast, film or show can become a beautiful, shared moment. From feel-good listens to soul-stirring cinema, we’ve handpicked a thoughtful mix of titles perfect for reliving memories with your mother, bonding with fellow moms, or simply unwinding with your child on a summer afternoon.

TO LISTEN

 The Life List

Service: Audible

It is an uplifting, no-nonsense guide written and narrated by Kate Christie—perfect for mums looking to rediscover themselves this Mother’s Day. After losing her partner and watching her kids fly the nest, Kate decided it was time to stop waiting and start living, creating a bold “life list” filled with everything she still wanted to do. With humour and hard-earned wisdom, she invites every woman to dream bigger, live louder, and embrace the endless possibilities still ahead. If your mum’s ready for her next chapter, this audiobook might just be the nudge she needs.

 Room

Service: Audible

This is a deeply moving story that captures the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. Narrated by a full cast and brought to life on screen by Oscar-winner Brie Larson in a critically acclaimed film, this tale is equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful. Told through the eyes of five-year-old Jack, who has only ever known the small space he calls Room, the story unravels as he and his mother dare to imagine life beyond its walls. It’s a beautifully told celebration of resilience, love, and a mother’s courage in the face of unimaginable odds.

 The Mom Hour

Service: Audible

If you’re looking for something warm, wise, and wonderfully real this Mother’s DayThe Mom Hour is the one. Co-hosts Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers (moms of eight kids between them) bring deeply relatable conversations to the mic every week. The two dive into how parenting evolves as kids grow, and how letting go can be just as powerful as holding on. It’s the kind of inspiring, feel-good listen that’ll leave you smiling, nodding, and maybe even texting your mom!

Parallel Mothers

Service: Amazon Prime Video

It is a stirring watch for Mother’s Day, especially if you’re looking for something layered with emotional depth. Starring the brilliant Penélope Cruz, this drama tells the story of two single women (one a confident photographer in her 40s, the other a scared teenage girl) who bond after giving birth on the same day. What begins as a chance meeting in a maternity ward evolves into an unexpectedly powerful connection with the unspoken ties of motherhood. This film is a beautiful ode to how women lift each other through life’s most profound moments.

Ginny & Georgia

Service: Netflix

Ginny & Georgia is the kind of show that makes you tear up, and call your mom right after. It follows 15-year-old Ginny (Antonia Gentry), who often feels like she’s parenting her free-spirited, glamorous 30-year-old mother, Georgia (Brianne Howey). On the surface, it’s a story about starting fresh in a quaint New England town, but underneath, it’s packed with secrets, drama, and love. With its mix of sass and suspense, this series is a top-tier pick for Mother’s Day, celebrating the beautifully complicated bond between mothers and daughters. 

Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway

Service: Netflix

It is a powerful and heart-wrenching drama starring Rani Mukerji in one of her most stirring performances yet. Inspired by real events, the film follows an Indian mother’s fierce, emotional battle against the Norwegian child welfare system after her children are taken away over cultural misunderstandings. What unfolds is a harrowing legal and personal struggle, with Debika’s strength and resilience at the core. A top-notch pick for Mother’s Day, it is a reminder of just how far a mother will go when her children are on the line.

 

BML Munjal University Pays Tribute To Mothers With Self-Shot Film Called ‘She Taught Me First’

Gurugram, 11th May 2025: BML Munjal University (BMU), a Hero Group initiative, released a selfshot film titled She Taught Me First to mark this year’s Mother’s Day. The film celebrates mothers as the first mentors, role models, and educators in every student’s journey, shaping their values and guiding principles long before formal education begins.

The heartfelt video features students, faculty, and staff from across the university capturing unscripted moments, sharing stories, and expressing gratitude to their mothers. From teaching life’s earliest lessons to instilling confidence and compassion, the film reflects the deeply personal and universal impact of maternal influence.

Sharing her thoughts on the SelfShot FilmShadan Raza Ahmed, Head People and Culture, BML Munjal University, said, “At BMU, we truly believe that education goes beyond classrooms. Mothers are every child’s first teachers, and this film is a tribute to their timeless wisdom, resilience, and unconditional love. It’s a reminder that the foundation of every great learner is laid at home.”

Conceptualised and executed in-house by the BMU student community, the film captures the spirit of authenticity and gratitude, aligning with the university’s values of empathy, experiential learning, and holistic development.

MP Naveen Jindal Committed to Farmers’ Welfare: Tejinder Singh Goldy

Jindal

Kurukshetra, May 11, 2025: The Farmers’ Fair organized under the joint initiative of the Naveen Jindal Foundation and IRMA ISEED concluded today with great enthusiasm at the Kurukshetra University campus.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Tejinder Singh Goldy described MP Naveen Jindal as a dedicated and service-minded individual. He mentioned that Mr. Jindal draws inspiration from his late father, Shri O.P. Jindal, and continues to remain actively involved in public service. He emphasized that the MP is consistently working toward the welfare of farmers.

Kailash Saini, representative of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s office, praised MP Jindal’s initiative to promote natural farming, calling it a commendable step that will prove to be a milestone in the future.

MP Jindal’s Efforts Will Show Results in Coming Days: Kailash Saini

The event saw participation from experts, members of the Naveen Jindal team, progressive farmers, innovative startup representatives, women from self-help groups, volunteers, and many distinguished guests. During the closing ceremony, progressive farmers, self-help groups, and startup entrepreneurs were honored with certificates of appreciation.

On this occasion, Dr. Raj Kumar, Media Advisor to MP Naveen Jindal, shared the fair’s achievements and upcoming plans. He highlighted that MP Jindal is actively working on several initiatives related to natural farming and that this fair marks an important first step in that direction.

Also present were Haryana Pond Authority member Tejinder Bidlan, Deputy Director of Agriculture Dr. Karamchand, representatives of the Naveen Jindal Foundation—Dharmveer Singh, Colonel Arun Chandel, Dr. Manish Mishra, Sudeep Dwivedi, Amit Rangta, Krishman Singh, Dr. Abid Ali, Bhushan Pal Mangla, Rahul Dhingra, Rajesh Singhmar, Akash Rana, and Pihowa area in-charge Jeet Ram—along with many other notable personalities.

MapmyIndia Mappls declares Q4 and FY25 Result

New Delhi, India, 10th May 2025: C.E. Info Systems Ltd. (“MapmyIndia”), India’s leading advanced digital maps and deep-tech products and platforms company, announced today its financial results for Full Year and Fourth Quarter of FY2025 ended March 31st 2025.

 Key Consolidated Financial Highlights for Full Year and Q4 of FY2025:

 

Particulars (Rs Cr)

Q4 FY25

Q4 FY24

Q4 YoY Growth

FY25

FY24

FY YoY Growth

Revenue from Operations

143.5

106.9

34%

463.3

379.4

22%

Total Income

166.7

119.3

40%

515.7

417.6

23%

EBITDA

58

39.5

47%

179.9

156.2

15%

EBITDA Margin

40%

37%

 

39%

41%

 

PAT

49.0

38.2

28%

147.6

134.4

10%

PAT Margin

29%

32%

 

29%

32%

 

RoCE ex-cash

 

 

 

95%

105%

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents including financial investments

 

 

 

659.9

557.3

18%

Open Order Book at End of Full Year

 

 

 

1500

1,372

10%

Rakesh Verma, Chairman & Managing Director, MapmyIndiacommenting on the Full Year and Fourth Quarter of FY25 results, said We are happy to report the strong growth in Q4FY25 and a good fiscal year overall. The Board was pleased to express our gratitude to all shareholders by declaring Final Dividend of Rs. 3.50/-  per Equity share of Rs. 2/- each at the rate of 175% for the FY25. In Q4FY25, revenue increased by 34% YoY to Rs. 143.5 crore and EBITDA rose by 47% to Rs. 58 crore and PAT grew by 28% to Rs. 49 crore. EBITDA margin in Q4 was 40%For FY25, revenue rose 22% to Rs. 463.3  crore. EBITDA rose 15% to Rs 179.9 crore and PAT rose 10% to Rs 148 crore, EBITDA margin for full year FY 25 was 39%. We’re happy that momentum picked up in Q3 and Q4 of FY25.

Our Map-led business EBITDA margins remain healthy at 47% and our IoT-led business EBITDA margins expanded from 12% in FY24 to 14% in FY25, as product mix improved and SaaS income increased. Our Open Order Book grew to Rs 1,500 Cr at the end of FY25. Our Order Book achievements give us further confidence that we are on track to our stated milestone of crossing Rs 1000 Cr revenue by FY28.

Our Consumer Tech & Enterprise Digital Transformation (C&E) revenue grew by 30% YoY to Rs 252.5 Cr, and Automotive & Mobility Tech (A&M) revenue grew by 13% to Rs 210.8 Cr. Our Map-led revenue grew by 29% to Rs 345.6 Cr. and IoT led revenue grew by 5% to Rs. 117.7  Cr. Our new licenses in automotive increased to 3+ million in new vehicles (4-wheelers, 2-wheelers and CVs, across ICE and EV segments), as against 2.5 million during FY24. Further, the number of new IoT devices installed (rented and sold additionally) during the year were 2.1+ Lakhs as against 2.9+ Lakhs in FY24, due to strategic shift in focus towards SaaS revenue over hardware sales.

We acquired new B2B and B2B2C customers – including many businesses and enterprises across industry verticals. Customer diversification, de-concentration and retention continued to trend healthily. We have also started to build revenue from the South East Asian market in alignment with our JV company TerraLink Technologies. We were happy with the results of our prudent marketing efforts which led to our crossing the milestone of 30 Million user downloads of the Mappls App and see this as a foundation for future potential consumer business. B2C expenses for consumer business were controlled in this quarter while, we of course continue to relentlessly innovate and invest in enhancing our existing products and technologies, and working on future vision.

Our strategic focus is on enhancing technological capabilities, improving customer engagements and driving operational excellence. To sharpen this focus, our government business, where we see a large opportunity ahead, will be handled by our wholly owned subsidiary, Vidteq, now renamed “Mappls DT”, for accelerating our initiatives in Digital Transformation, Digital Twin, and Defence Technologies to the government. The IoT and logistics SaaS will continue with our 76% owned subsidiary Gtropy. To ramp up these high growth opportunities, Rohan Verma has been appointed as Managing Director of both these subsidiaries w.e.f 1st April, 2025. The parent company will focus on Automotive and Corporate Business. Mappls Brand and App will continue within the parent company.”

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Love, Flavour, and Festive Vibes at Malaka Spice!

This Mother’s DayMalaka Spice invites you to honour the most special woman in your life with a celebration full of warmth, flavour, and vibrant experiences. On Sunday, May 11, from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM, guests can soak in the festive vibes at the Malaka Bazaar, a thoughtfully curated lifestyle market featuring artisanal products, fashion, home décor, and more.

To complement the celebration, guests can indulge in delicious mains like Moringa Prawns, Moringa Chicken and the unique Chikoo Cheesecake. Along with that Malaka Spice has also launched a limited-edition ice cream menu with Asian tropical ingredients and seasonal produce from Cherish Farms. The menu includes some unique flavours of ice creams such as Mango Sorbet, Pho Gelato, Milk Chocolate Gelato, Watermelon & Strawberry Sorbet, Kaya jam and vanilla gelato and Cherish Farms Chikoo

Whether you’re treating Mom to a leisurely brunch, a fun day of shopping or a relaxed dinner Malaka Spice promises a heartfelt celebration she’ll always remember.

What: Mother’s Day celebration
When: Sunday, May 11, 11:30 AM onwards
Where: Malaka Spice Koregaon Park

Indian Pickleball Association Convenes Special Meeting in Delhi to Mark National Sports Federation Status

New Delhi: The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) on Thursday convened a meeting in New Delhi to commemorate its official recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Government of India. This milestone achievement signifies a pivotal moment for the sport in India, positioning pickleball on par with other major sports and to unlock new avenues for structured development, funding, and nationwide promotion.

The event, with an objective to outline IPA’s strategic roadmap for the development and promotion of pickleball across India, brought together board members, key stakeholders, and representatives from multiple states and union territories, with Presidents and General Secretaries from 25+ states.

IPA announced plans to hold 100+ events this year in different states across all age groups in Men’s and Women’s, alongside launching the Indian Pickleball Ranking structure. Along with its state bodies, the IPA plans to revolutionize the sport in India by establishing a structured, inclusive, and professionally managed ecosystem, aiming to ensure nationwide participation and grassroots growth.

One of the key announcements included the launch of India’s first official Pickleball Nationals under MYAS, expected to draw over 1,000 players from across 25 states in both individual and team formats. Additionally, IPA will be collaborating with the Times Group to launch a flagship league featuring Indian and international athletes, along with a year-end Masters tournament, crowning the top-ranked players.

Mr. Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President, IPA said, “The official recognition as a National Sports Federation is a historic milestone, but it is also a call to action. We all are committed to establishing a world-class sporting structure for pickleball in India, focusing on talent identification, equitable access, professional training, and global competitiveness. Our mission is to win medals for India at the junior and pro levels on the international stage. With the expertise of our leadership and the passion of our community, we aim to make pickleball a household name and position India as a global powerhouse in the sport.”

The IPA also plans to engage with global organizations to position India as a significant player on the international stage, including efforts to host the first Official Asia Cup and pursue Olympic recognition through the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). Through academy accreditation, technical training for coaches and referees, and institutional integration via Khelo India and school networks, the IPA is committed to creating a robust and sustainable pickleball ecosystem in India. IPA is aligned with the international vision for Olympic inclusion and is actively working to prepare Indian athletes for elite global competition. In addition to its immediate plans, IPA is also working on several long-term initiatives, including infrastructure development projects in collaboration with local governments, the launch of coaching certification programs, and the establishment of pickleball academies in major cities. A structured league system is also in the works to foster competitive play and provide a pathway for players to transition from amateur to professional ranks.

Highlighting the vision for Pickleball in India, Aalap Sharma, Treasurer, IPA said, “The landmark decision by MYAS to recognize IPA as National Sports Federation is the beginning of a revolution in Pickleball. Our goal is to make India a Pickleball hub of the world. By fostering partnerships and encouraging inclusive participation, we will elevate pickleball to new heights, making it accessible, competitive, and thriving for generations to come.”

 

goSTOPS Turns a New Page with goREADS, an Innovative Literary IP for readers and travellers

May 8, National: goSTOPS, India’s leading youth travel hostel brand, is all set to add an exciting chapter to its travel story. With the launch of its brand-new literary IP, goREADS, the experiential hostel chain is giving young travellers and avid bookworms a fresh way to connect – through books, conversations, and shared experiences. It is designed to bring together readers, writers, and wanderers under one roof (or, well, hostel!).
Kicking off with events in Bengaluru and Goa on May 10, goREADS will feature interactive bookish hangouts where authors across genres, languages, and lived experiences vibe with readers over book talks, creative sessions, workshops, Q&As, and more, all in the social, design-first spaces – goSTOPS is renowned for. Whether you’re a city-dweller looking to meet your literary idol or a traveller craving a plot twist in your itinerary, goREADS promises an experience that’s meaningful, memorable, and creatively inspiring.

The first leg of goREADS brings two powerful voices to the fore. At its tech-powered hostel in HSR , Bengaluru, goSTOPS will host Shinie Antony, prolific author and founder of the Bangalore Literature Festival, for a freewheeling discussion about her books — including Can’t, Eden Abandoned and Hell Hath No Fury — and her experience curating one of the country’s most respected literary events. This scintillating and insightful session will be moderated by esteemed journalist and literature enthusiast, Monika Monalisa.

Meanwhile, in Goa, writer Michelle Mendonça Bambawale will take over goSTOPS Vagator with a discussion on her book Becoming Goan, with renowned journalist Sneha Vakharia. This will be followed by a candid Q&A session. Her talk will delve into the deeply personal journey of moving to Goa during the COVID-19 pandemic, rediscovering her ancestry, and finding her place in a city that often plays muse to many.

Sharing her thoughts on the launch of this new literary IP, Pallavi Agarwal, Founder & CEO at goSTOPS, said, “At goSTOPS, we’ve always believed that travel is much more than just ticking off destinations. It’s about discovery, connection, and stories you carry home with you. With goREADS, we’re doubling down on our mission to make travel meaningful. We are creating spaces where backpackers and bibliophiles come together, and where ideas, like memories, are shared long after checkout. This is the kind of community-driven experience that we believe the young traveller is hungry for — something real and refreshingly different.”

Shinie Antony, author and founder, Bangalore Literature Festival, noted, “Stories are a form of travel, taking our soul from point A to point B. The journey may be emotional, intellectual or physical, but ultimately all travel is spiritual.”

Michelle Mendonça Bambawale, author, added, “Travel is a transformative experience, and for me, moving to Goa amidst the pandemic was one such event. Through the inaugural goREADS event, I hope to inspire young travellers to read more, write, and document their journeys as they explore new destinations, since good storytelling can only happen when there’s a personal touch to stories.”

goREADS is designed to evolve as a series of year-round literary events that champion diverse voices and encourage authentic expression, be it through spontaneous readings, creative workshops, or literary collabs. By tapping into the storytelling power of literature, goSTOPS is building yet another touchpoint for travellers and communities to engage beyond the usual. It’s what the brand has always done best — turn hostels into hubs for community spirit, creativity, and discovery.