Indian Tech Firms Champion Sustainability Through Innovation, Data, and Community Action on World Environment Day
Qlik – Julie Kae, VP Sustainability and Impact, Executive Director of Qlik.org
“At Qlik, we see plastic pollution not just as an environmental issue, but as a solvable data challenge. Across our global offices, we’ve eliminated single-use plastics and adopted eco-friendly practices across events, sourcing, and operations. But our greater impact lies in helping others act. Through partnerships with C40 Cities, UNFCCC, and Van Oord, we support real-world, data-driven solutions – from tracking plastic use to identifying smarter ways to reduce waste and build climate resilience. We’re proud to work with nonprofits and public sector organizations that turn data into impact, whether it’s supporting climate dashboards, open-access tools, or smarter recycling systems. These are more than pilot projects – they demonstrate what’s possible when insight drives action.
As we continue this journey, our commitment to achieving net zero by 2030 remains central to how we innovate, operate, and empower others.”
Automation Anywhere – Neeti Mehta Shukla, Co-founder and Chief Social Impact Officer
“At Automation Anywhere, we believe technology must be a force for good – not only in transforming how work gets done, but in protecting the planet we all share.
Over the past year, in collaboration with WWF-India, we have been leveraging automation to enhance marine litter monitoring and accelerate environmental impact. Our solutions have enabled the identification of over 4,400 plastic pollution hotspots along Odisha’s coastline, empowering conservation teams to collect, analyze, and act on data more efficiently than ever. We plan to expand these efforts in the coming months to further amplify impact and scalability. This work builds on our broader commitment to purpose-driven innovation, as reflected in our 2025 Impact Report, which highlights thousands of volunteer hours and growing employee participation in global sustainability initiatives.
Every organization has a role to play. By embedding sustainability into the heart of innovation, we can solve some of our planet’s most urgent challenges.”
UST – Vishnu Rajasekharan Nair, Director, Sustainability and Culture
Over the years at UST, sustainability has shifted from being just a strategic focus to something that quietly influences how we work, how we build teams, and how we make decisions. What has moved it forward is the steady effort of many people choosing to act together in ways that make sense for their teams, their roles, and the communities around them.
We’ve seen this take shape through everyday actions like the zero-waste hackathons, afforestation drives, and paperless workstreams. Not because they were mandated, they happened because people cared and felt trusted to take the lead.
One example is our Colors platform. Built on behavioral science, it gives our associates the space to lead projects around sustainability, wellbeing, and community. Over the past year, that’s meant transforming unused spaces into herb gardens, switching to reusables in cafeterias, and helping local women to launch sustainable micro-businesses. Taken together, these grassroots efforts, alongside broader systemic changes, contributed to a 20% reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, while our facilities reached 50% renewable electricity usage by the end of 2024.
Across the organization, we also saw more than 16,300 volunteering hours logged through over 170 community-based projects, with initiatives that impacted 127,000 lives globally, a reflection of what happens when sustainability becomes part of the culture, not just the strategy.
This World Environment Day is a moment to pause and notice the quiet efforts happening all around us. It’s in the way people choose to act sometimes in small, simple ways that add up to something meaningful over time. That’s how a culture shifts. Not all at once, but together.
Mphasis – Deepa Nagraj, Head of ESG and CSR
At Mphasis, we firmly believe that long-term progress must be ethical, inclusive and sustainable. Environmental considerations are an essential part of how we grow as a business and engage with the communities around us. Organisations today have a responsibility to move beyond short-term metrics and invest in building long-term ecological and social value.
Our collaboration with United Way of Bengaluru reflects this commitment. Since 2022, we have constructed over 1,300 percolation wells across Bengaluru. Each well conserves more than 1.28 lakh litres of rainwater annually, contributing to over 171 million litres of groundwater recharge every year. This initiative is helping restore the city’s water resilience while strengthening urban sustainability.
Equally significant is our ‘Mangrove Matters’ initiative in Pulicat, where we are restoring 70 acres of mangrove forest while creating sustainable livelihoods for the Irular tribe through their involvement in sapling care and ecosystem maintenance. The project not only improves biodiversity and climate resilience but also supports community upliftment through nature-positive action. These efforts reflect our belief that sustainability must be rooted in both environmental responsibility and inclusive development.
KPIT – Manasi Patil, Lead for Sustainability Initiatives
At KPIT, sustainability is deeply embedded in our vision to Reimagine mobility with you, for the creation of a cleaner, smarter, safer world. The mobility ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with software and electronics redefining vehicle architecture, and in this shift, sustainability must be foundational — not reactive. As we enable global OEMs to develop software-defined, electric, and intelligent vehicles, we also believe our responsibility lies in ensuring that the way we work, grow, and contribute mirrors the future we’re helping to build.
Our social responsibility is driven by Education, Environment, and Energy, with Employee Engagement as the core of all focus areas. This organisation-wide commitment is backed by measurable action. Under our sustainability roadmap EcoVoyage 2030, we are progressing toward net-zero emissions, and our campuses are steadily transitioning to renewable energy sources. At our Pune campus alone, over 2,800 indigenous trees have been planted across the green belt and hill slopes, supporting soil retention and ecological balance—leading to an increase in biodiversity, including renewed migratory birds.
We want to make sure we all leave a positive legacy through our work and have some wonderful stories of impact to share with our families. In FY25, KPITians collectively undertook more than 15,000 actions, including planting trees, carpooling, eating less meat, and more. This number being higher than our headcount, it averages at least one action per person. Moreover, when tracked at an individual level, 40% of employees reported undertaking at least one sustainability initiative last year, with this percentage rising further when factoring in all our CSR activities.
Our environmental initiatives also extend into communities. Through afforestation and water conservation work in rural areas, over 61,000 trees have been planted with a survival rate exceeding 95%, and nearly 44 million liters of water have been conserved, directly benefitting more than 46,000 individuals.
Errol Musk Wraps Up India Visit, Applauds Green Tech and Culture
Errol Musk Concludes Transformative 6-Day India Visit, Praising India’s Green Tech Leap and Cultural Depth
NEW DELHI, INDIA – June 7, 2025: After a highly productive and culturally enriching 6-day trip, Errol Musk, Global Advisor to Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., concluded his visit to India today. Accompanied by his daughter, Alexandra Musk, the visit, which began on June 1st, significantly underscored India’s pivotal role in the global green technology and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure revolution.
Hosted by Servotech Renewable, Musk’s itinerary was packed with high-profile engagements designed to accelerate India’s sustainable development. His journey included headlining the India–Global Green Tech Vision Forum in New Delhi, where he shared his global insights on green technology. He also toured Servotech’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, gaining firsthand insight into India’s indigenous capabilities in EV chargers and solar solutions.
A unique aspect of his visit involved profound spiritual and cultural immersion. Musk engaged in sacred visits to the Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi Temple in Ayodhya and ISKCON Delhi. At ISKCON, he actively participated in a Tulsi plantation drive, performed arti, and reverently partook of the ‘Chappan Bhog’ prasad, highlighting the deep connection between sustainability and Indian traditions. During his spiritual interactions, he openly praised the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Reflecting on his journey, Errol Musk stated, “This trip has been truly eye-opening, witnessing India’s dynamic progress in green tech and its rich cultural depth. I leave incredibly optimistic about India’s future and its role on the global stage, and I look forward to returning soon to explore more of India’s beautiful places.”
Raman Bhatia, Managing Director, Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., expressed, “Hosting Errol Musk has been an immense privilege and a pivotal moment for Servotech and India’s green energy sector. His strategic insights and personal embrace of India’s cultural values have been incredibly validating, further solidifying our commitment to accelerating India’s journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and self-reliant future.”
Musk’s departure marks the culmination of a visit that has not only strengthened Servotech’s global partnerships but also vividly amplified India’s narrative as a burgeoning leader in both sustainable innovation and spiritual harmony.
NSE Sustainability Ratings and Analytics Ltd Launches ESG Ratings for Listed Companies
6th June 2025: NSE Sustainability Ratings and Analytics Ltd announces the launch of its ESG ratings for listed companies, marking a significant milestone in advancing sustainable business practices in India. NSE Sustainability focuses on assessing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, providing stakeholders with vital information to make informed decisions.
NSE Sustainability received its certificate of registration from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to operate as a Category I ESG Rating Provider (ERP). As a wholly owned subsidiary of NSE Indices Limited which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), NSE Sustainability embodies the principles of transparency and actionable insights.
Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO, NSE, said “NSE Sustainability’s mission is to provide stakeholders including investors, businesses, regulators and the public with accurate, comprehensive and unbiased evaluations of corporate sustainability practices.”
The ESG ratings are derived from a thorough evaluation of company practices, policies, and disclosures across relevant sectors and industries. NSE Sustainability employs a transparent, data-driven, and materiality-based ESG ratings methodology aligned with both national and international standards and best practices. By integrating a wide array of parameters, NSE Sustainability ensures its ESG ratings reflect a balanced and objective perspective, free from biases related to size, scale, or industry.
Shri Aniruddha Chatterjee, CEO, NSE Indices, said “The launch of ESG ratings by NSE Sustainability Ratings and Analytics Ltd underscores our commitment to innovation in sustainable finance and we believe that our ESG ratings, data and analytics will set a benchmark in advancing ESG practices across industries.”
ASUS joins hands with Eze Perfumes for a first-of-its-kind partnership, debuting the Fragrance Mouse
New Delhi, 6th June 2025: ASUS, a Taiwanese tech giant, today announced the launch of the Fragrance Mouse MD101—a first–of–its–kind sensory innovation, alongside the stylish, compact, and the upgraded Marshmallow Keyboard KW100 in two new exciting colours i.e. Rose Clay and Iridescent White. Designed to appeal to the senses and enhance the environment, the MD101 offers a unique and immersive user experience. Boasting a contemporary and ergonomic design the latest addition by ASUS is available in two distinct colours and featuring a refillable fragrance vial, PTFE mouse feet, adjustable DPI, and dual-mode connectivity.
The ASUS Fragrance Mouse MD101 stands out with an integrated fragrance compartment, releasing a subtle and pleasing aroma while you work or create. To deliver an ergonomic and multisensory experience, ASUS has partnered with Eze Perfume, an esteemed Indian fragrance brand that has been at the forefront of innovation and artistry for over 70 years. As part of this collaboration, Eze has curated a premium fragrance blend, exclusively for the MD101, offering users a soothing, lasting aroma while they work. The fragrance opens with peach, wormwood, and freesia, blooms into rose, sandalwood, and iris, and lingers with warm musk, vanilla, and amber—for a soothing, layered sensory experience.
Customers purchasing the MD101 will receive two vials of this exclusive ASUS x Eze fragrance, optimized for seamless use with the refillable scent chamber inside the mouse. Adding to its appeal, the MD101 also features dual-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz) for versatile performance. This is complemented by the lightweight Marshmallow Keyboard KW100, available in two refreshing colours. Both the new keyboard and mouse feature multi-device Bluetooth pairing for up to three devices, making it ideal for seamless multitasking across work and study. With this launch, ASUS continues to redefine how everyday tech can engage the senses, elevate mood, and adapt to modern lifestyles.
Arnold Su, Vice President – PC & Gaming Business, ASUS India, said, “At our workstations, we strive for a premium experience and the right accessories are the perfect companions to support that goal. At ASUS, we believe technology should cater not just to productivity but also to enhance the overall work environment and with the new Fragrance Mouse MD101, we are introducing a unique form of interaction that incorporates scent as a subtle sensory layer. Paired with the Marshmallow Keyboard, designed to complement modern aesthetics while ensuring everyday usability, these products underline our commitment to making thoughtful and purpose-led innovation.”
ASUS Fragrance Mouse MD101: Where Technology Meets the Senses
The ASUS Fragrance Mouse MD101 is more than just a productivity tool—it’s a sensorial experience. Engineered with an internal refillable vial, this compact, ergonomic mouse lets users personalize their work environment with soothing scents. Simply slide open the base of the MD101 mouse to access the fragrance chamber. To change the scent, simply remove the vial for cleaning and refill it with a different essential oil. The fragrance compartment is removable and can be cleaned, allowing users to easily switch scents and customize their experience.
ASUS Fragrance Mouse MD101 specifications:
Colour |
Iridescent White Rose Clay |
Tracking |
Optical |
Resolution |
1200 (default), 1600, 2400 |
Button |
3 |
Support OS |
Windows 10 or Above, ChromeOS, macOS |
Dimensions (mm) |
Mouse: 103.6 x 62.4mm x 40.2mm Dongle: 18.9 x 12.0 x 4.5mm |
Weight |
Mouse: approx. 66g (without battery and essence oil) Dongle: 1.6g |
Battery Type |
AA x1 |
Connectivity technology |
Bluetooth® 5.3 / RF 2.4 GHz |
Power Rating |
Mouse |
Starting Price |
INR 1999 |
Availability |
ASUS Exclusive Stores, Amazon, Flipkart, ASUS E-shop |
ASUS Marshmallow Keyboard KW100: Slim, Stylish, and Silent
The ASUS Marshmallow Keyboard KW100 continues to impress with its slim, youthful design, available in two new refreshing colourways— Rose Clay and Iridescent White. Built for comfortable and quiet typing, the KW100 features optimal scissor switches with 1.6 mm travel and a built-in silent foam layer that keeps keypresses under 50 dB. The 2-level adjustable kickstand allows users to fine-tune the typing angle for ergonomic comfort, making it ideal for long hours of work or study. Beneath its sleek design, the MD101 packs serious performance—dual-mode wireless (Bluetooth 5.0 + 2.4GHz), adjustable DPI, and low-friction PTFE feet for smooth gliding. Silent clicks under 20 dB are rated for 10 million presses, and a single AA battery offers up to 12 months of use, thanks to ASUS’s power-saving tech. The keyboard also comes with a dedicated Copilot key as well.
ASUS Marshmallow Keyboard KW100
Color |
Oat Milk / Green Tea Latte/ Rose Clay/ Iridescent White |
|
Interface |
Bluetooth 5.0 |
|
Key Switch Type |
Scissor-switch |
|
Layout |
75% layout (compact design with 84 keys) |
|
Hotkeys |
12 Function hotkeys (F1-F12), including volume, play/pause, etc. |
|
Power Supply |
2 x AAA Batteries |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 1 year (based on 2-hour usage per day) |
|
OS Support |
Windows 10/11, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, ChromeOS |
|
Dimensions |
286.5 x 127.5 x 16.8 mm (L x W x H) |
|
Weight |
1.06 lbs / 480g (without batteries) |
|
Package Contents |
Keyboard, 2 x AAA Batteries, User Manual, Warranty Card |
|
Special Features |
Silent typing, Ultra-slim, Dual-angle kickstand, Spill-resistant |
EDAG Smart Industry Summit 2025 Concludes in New Delhi
EDAG Smart Industry Summit 2025 Concludes in New Delhi: Engineering the Digital Future of Manufacturing
New Delhi, June 6, 2025 – EDAG India proudly concluded its Smart Industry Summit 2025 in co-operation with Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) & IMA, held on 4th and 5th June at Roseate House, Aerocity, New Delhi. The two-day summit brought together industry leaders, technology innovators, and policymakers to explore the future of smart manufacturing, digital engineering, and sustainable industrial ecosystems.
The summit highlighted EDAG’s position as a system integrator for industrial transformation, combining its expertise in cross-domain engineering, production system development, and automation technologies. With a focus on enabling end-to-end digitalization across the factory lifecycle, EDAG showcased how its solutions -spanning from digital planning and virtual validation to scalable and sustainable production – are shaping the future of smart manufacturing.
Summit Highlights:
Smart Product: Demonstrated how embedded software, electrification, and connected systems are reshaping modern engineering – leveraging EDAG’s competencies in electronics development, digital integration, and product lifecycle support.
Smart Factory: Showcased the evolution from automated to adaptive production environments, enabled through digital twins, process simulation, and intelligent automation technologies.
Smart People: Focused on human-machine interaction, digital enablement, and building a future-ready workforce equipped for Industry 5.0 and beyond.
Smart Ecosystem: Emphasized how integrated, data-driven ecosystems can increase flexibility, transparency, and resilience across the entire value chain – connecting products, systems, partners, and platforms through seamless digital threads.
Industrial Metaverse Experience: The EDAG Metaverse live demonstrations enabled visitors to engage with virtual representations of production systems, simulating real-time environments to accelerate decision-making, reduce risks, and improve cost efficiency.
Collaborative Tech Showcases: EDAG’s technology partners – NVIDIA, Siemens, Phoenix Contact, SAP, and EKS and EY – demonstrated solutions in AI-driven simulation, industrial connectivity, and cloud-integrated operations.
Speaking at the summit, Mr. Rainer Wittich, CEO of EDAG Production Solutions GmbH & Co. KG, said:
“India plays a key role in EDAG’s global innovation roadmap. The Smart Industry Summit reflects our commitment to co-engineering solutions with local partners, fostering a future-ready, resilient manufacturing landscape – aligned with the Make in India vision.”
MPS topper Govind Ranuka was felicitated by Delhi CM for scoring 99.4% in 12th
6th June 2025: Modern Public School (MPS), Shalimar Bagh, proudly announces the stellar achievement of their school topper, Govind Ranuka, who has scored a remarkable 99.4% in the CBSE Class XII Board Examinations and was fortunate to get blessed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, at her office in the Delhi Secretariat.
Appreciating the hard work and dedication of Govind towards studies, the Chief Minister wished him success in all future endeavours and declared him “a beacon of hard work, discipline, and inspiration for the youth of the country.”
Ms. Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, accompanied Govind during the visit and presented a memento as a token of appreciation, in recognition of her efforts to continue to encourage academic excellence in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Alka Kapur said, “Govind’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for the entire Modern Public School family. His unswerving determination and dedication mirror the values we nurture in our students. We are profoundly grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta for the kind words and blessings she bestowed upon this celebration of merit,” said Ms. Kapur on the occasion.
Modern Public School continues to set the framework for academic brilliance and overall growth, empowering students to aim high and also become worthy contributors to society.
PepsiCo India and The Social Lab Scale Sustainable Waste Solutions Across Four Cities with ‘Tidy Trails’
National, June 6, 2025: PepsiCo India, in collaboration with The Social Lab (TSL), has announced the expansion of its flagship plastic circularity initiative, Tidy Trails—a community-driven program focused on responsible plastic waste management through collection, segregation, and recycling to drive long-term environmental impact.
The initiative has now been launched in New Delhi’s Chandni Chowk and Pune’s FC College Road, with further expansion in Agra and Guwahati, building on the success of earlier editions in these cities. This strategic rollout reinforces PepsiCo India’s commitment to fostering cleaner, more sustainable urban environments.
Guided by its Partnership of Progress philosophy, Tidy Trails brings together local administrations, market associations, shopkeepers, and consumers to drive meaningful behaviour change around plastic waste segregation and recycling—creating a collaborative model for circularity at the community level.
As part of the initiative, a special mobile van will be deployed to collect post-consumer plastic waste from local establishments. The effort aims to encourage citizens to maintain cleaner surroundings and foster a culture of tidiness—setting positive examples and inspiring other communities to adopt responsible waste practices.
At the heart of the Tidy Trails initiative is a powerful idea: transforming plastic waste into purpose. Collected plastic is repurposed into functional items such as benches and chairs, which are installed in public spaces like parks, community centres, and marketplaces. These installations not only enhance the utility and aesthetics of these areas but also serve as daily reminders of the value of sustainable living.
Through on-ground campaigns, informative signage, and interactive community engagement, Tidy Trails is driving visible and lasting behavioral change—ensuring that plastic waste is not discarded, but reimagined into something meaningful for the community.
Speaking on the expansion, Ms. Yashika Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Sustainability Head, PepsiCo India and South Asia, said, “On World Environment Day, the launch of Tidy Trails in Delhi and Pune, along with its expansion in Agra and Guwahati, underscores our commitment to scaling sustainable, community-led solutions for post-consumer plastic waste management. Guided by our Partnership of Progress philosophy, we believe meaningful change is only possible through collective action. The success of Tidy Trails in Agra and Guwahati—driven by strong community engagement and support from local administrations—has laid a solid foundation for this next phase. We’re proud to collaborate with partners like The Social Lab and local municipalities to deliver real, on-ground impact.”
Mr. Sahil Arora, Chief Executive Officer, The Social Lab (TSL), said, “We are proud to partner with PepsiCo India for this noble initiative. At TSL, we are committed to protecting the environment and supporting circular economy efforts through programs like Tidy Trails. Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges today, but when reused and recycled, it can offer valuable solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to bring together communities, businesses, and policymakers to encourage the responsible use, recycling, and reuse of plastic.”
Since its inception, the Tidy Trails initiative has collected over 68,000 kg of plastic waste, driven by active participation from local shopkeepers and communities. The program currently facilitates the daily collection of approximately 274 kg in Agra and 386 kg in Guwahati—demonstrating consistent, grassroots-level impact.
With a reach of over 1.9 lakh people, the initiative continues to drive behavioral change around responsible plastic waste management through sustained community engagement and awareness efforts.
As Tidy Trails expands its footprint, it stands as a compelling example of how collective action—across local communities, municipal bodies, and socially responsible businesses—can accelerate the transition toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
RBI Rate Cuts to Boost Auto Sector and Consumer Demand
By – Mr. Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India
“The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to reduce the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5%, marking a cumulative 100 bps cut in recent months (25bps cut in Feb 2025, followed by 25bps in April 2025 and 50 bps in June ), is a welcome and timely move.
Combined with a significant 100 bps reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), which releases ₹2.5 lakh crore into the banking system, this policy is expected to strengthen liquidity and accelerate the transmission of lower interest rates to consumers, which will spur demand in the economy. For the automotive sector, this translates directly into improved access to affordable vehicle financing, especially in the entry and mid-level segments.
The reduction in CPI inflation forecast to 3.7% for FY26 will likely increase real disposable income, supporting consumer sentiment. With private consumption already on a healthy trajectory and the festive season on the horizon, we expect this policy environment to drive demand further. Moreover, robust gross FDI despite global headwinds reaffirms India’s attractiveness as a long-term investment destination.
The RBI’s proactive measures are poised to spur automotive retail, enhance customer affordability, and strengthen the economic cycle. We are optimistic that FY2025-26 will see an upward growth trajectory for the auto industry, powered by favorable macroeconomic indicators, strong fundamentals, and evolving consumer confidence.”
Back by Demand: Aadyam Theatre’s Mumbai Star Adds Another Show to Its Mumbai Comeback.
India-wide Release, 6th June 2025: Aadyam Theatre, a storytelling initiative by the Aditya Birla Group, brings its most ambitious and sonically rich production, The Dragon Rose Project’s Mumbai Star — a vibrant dance musical — to its namesake city. After the blockbuster Mumbai run, the show will be coming back to the city of dreams due to a massive response. Apart from its regular runs on July 12th and July 13th, 2025, at NCPA’s iconic auditoriums, Jamshed Bhabha Theatre and Tata Theatre, this new run comes bearing a bonanza for the theatre enthusiasts. An additional show on July 11th, 2025, has been added due to the increasing demand for the visual spectacle of the season.
Originally written by Devika Shahani, the production is directed by Nadir Khan and choreographed by Avantika Bahl with contributions from guest choreographers, including Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Vidushi Uma Dogra, Krutika Mehta, and Vivaran Dhasman. What binds this sprawling Dance Musical together is the razor-sharp choreography, fantastic performances, beautiful staging, and the transcendent power of music to narrate a tale of dreams, determination, and destiny.
At the heart of this story is Dev, a spirited dancer from a quaint coastal town in Maharashtra, who arrives in Mumbai with a little more than his mother’s dream and a burning passion to make it big. He auditions for Mumbai Star, a dance competition that could change the trajectory of his life. Life in the spotlight nudges him into a web of blinding lights, fame, and heartbreak. But at this fateful intersection, he forges a powerful bond with his mentor, who acts as his moral compass.
The musical maverick behind the 19-track original score for the album is Dhruv Ghanekar, with Ishitta Arun penning the lyrics. The album is an eclectic mix of genres of songs that play an important role at every juncture of the story. From orchestral overtures and folk percussion to hip hop and soaring ballads, the studio version of the album features celebrated artists like Sunidhi Chauhan, Kunal Ganjawala, Nakash Aziz, Stony Psyko, and Ravi Chary. Their music enlivens the stage with the dynamic dance sequences executed by a powerhouse ensemble of performers, who embody each track with stunning precision, expression, and theatrical flair.
The cast features a stellar line-up of artists, including Avenav Mukherjee, Abhishek Choksi, Arushi Nigam, and Jayesh Sarange, with associate choreographer Surabhi Andrade and others, with Rajit Kapur and Srishti Srivastava lending a powerful theatrical frame as narrators who guide the story as it unfolds.
Speaking about Mumbai Star, the producer and original writer Devika Shahani said, “It’s been an exhilarating opening for ‘Mumbai Star’ with Aadyam Theatre this season! The show – originally commissioned by Min-On founded by my mentor Daisaku Ikeda – was born out of the desire to tell the story of mentor and disciple through dance and music. This exceptional team of people has brought this story to life in a way I could never have imagined! I’m excited to continue this journey with Mumbai Star backed by Aadyam Theatre as we return to Mumbai which is the place where we built the show originally.”
Nadir Khan, Director of Mumbai Star and Co-Programming Consultant for the seventh season of Aadyam Theatre added, “The recognition and inclusion of Dance as a vital member of the Performing Arts is a wonderful addition to the Aadyam Theatre umbrella. We are very hopeful that with this small step, the Dance industry will have one more avenue that will allow it to continue to innovate, grow and contribute to the rich and diverse landscape of the Performing Arts we love so much. We’re extremely happy that the response Mumbai Star received over the opening weekend was so strong that Aadyam Theatre has seen fit to add an extra show for our return to Mumbai in July at the NCPA. The show is high-quality, accessible, unpretentious, joyous and exhilarating. It respects and cherishes the traditional but is also loudly and proudly announcing that Modern India has a strong and clear identity of its own. It’s a simple story, told with soul and energy, all while rooting itself in a compelling theatrical narrative that weaves different styles of storytelling together – music, dance, movement and theatre. It’s a great evening out for anyone – children included!”
Originally produced as a project by the Min-On Concert Association, Tokyo, Japan, with The Dragon Rose Project staging the show, Mumbai Star is a musical ode to the nurturing power that the city of Mumbai holds. A city of chaos, contrasts, and beauty, a magnet attracting thousands of dreamers.
Aadyam Theatre has always championed bold and original Indian voices. With its seventh season, it is pushing the envelope of creativity through curated theatrical experiences that are immersive, indelible, and rooted in the ethos of contemporary culture. With its second Mumbai run, Mumbai Star will yet again display the spectacle that oozes rhythm, roar, and a reverence for one of its main characters, the city.
Marriott India strengthens the Green Commitment on World Environment Day 2025
6th June 2025, Thursday: Marriott India proudly achieved its ambitious goal for World Environment Day 2025, a commitment to plant 100,000 trees across its extensive portfolio of over 150 hotels nationwide. This significant undertaking marked a powerful escalation of Marriott India’s dedication to sustainability and ecological restoration, building upon the success of its previous environmental initiatives.
This landmark endeavor was built upon the successful foundation of last year’s “Two Trees per Room” initiative, launched on World Environment Day 2024. That program, a cornerstone of Marriott India’s environmental stewardship, saw over 32,600 trees planted by more than 4,900 volunteers. This year, Marriott India exponentially scaled its impact, with over 15,000 volunteers planting 100,000 trees. This monumental achievement reinforced its commitment to tangible environmental action and a healthier planet.
To achieve this ambitious goal, each Marriott India property actively participated in localized tree-planting initiatives. This collective effort, in collaboration with reputable reforestation organizations, was designed to dramatically expand our collective green footprint. Trees were strategically planted in areas optimized for ecosystem restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and climate change mitigation, while also providing vital support to local communities.
“Marriott India is incredibly proud to have successfully achieved our goal of planting 100,000 trees, a testament to our profound dedication to environmental responsibility,” said Sanjay Gupta – Chairman of the Marriott India Business Council. “This ambitious goal truly underscores our belief that sustainability is not just a passing trend, but a fundamental pillar of responsible hospitality. We are committed to making a lasting, positive impact on our environment for generations to come.”
JW Marriott Kolkata participated enthusiastically in this initiative, planting 25 saplings on World Environment Day in the presence of Arun Kumar – Market Vice President, North India, Bhutan & Nepal, along with the hotel’s leadership and volunteers. As part of their year-long pledge, the hotel will plant a total of 1,124 trees, aligning with the commitment of four trees per room. This ongoing effort highlights the property’s long-term vision of nurturing green spaces and leading by example in the heart of the city.
Marriott India’s dedication extends beyond this signature initiative. We continue to implement a wide array of innovative practices aimed at minimizing our ecological impact, including energy-efficient operations, robust waste reduction programs, and responsible sourcing. By leading through example, Marriott India is committed to setting new benchmarks for sustainable hospitality within the industry.