Stree Shakti by Women Leaders Conclave 2025 Inspires Change
The Women’s Leaders Conclave (WLC) 2025—a landmark three-day gathering celebrating transformative women across governance, business, literature, education, health, and the arts—was held from April 7th to 9th, 2025 at multiple venues across Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, including SKICC, IIM Nowgam, and Royal Springs Golf Course.
Organized by Stree Shakti – The Parallel Force and She Leads, the event was spearheaded by Rekha Mody (Founder, Stree Shakti) and Dr. Nirja Mattoo (Co-Lead), with Farzana Mumtaz serving as Co-Coordinator. The conclave was supported by eminent leaders including Dr. Farooq Abdullah, MP and President of the J&K National Conference; Sakina Masood Itoo, Cabinet Minister, Government of J&K; Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & MD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; Aruna Oswal, Chairperson, PHDCCI Committee on Women, Child Development & Entrepreneurship; Supriya Badve, CEO, Belrise Pvt Ltd; and many others.
WLC 2025 marked a milestone moment for Jammu & Kashmir becoming a powerful platform to advocate gender equity, amplify women’s voices, and shape a vision for inclusive national progress. With participation from academics, political figures, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders from across India and beyond, the conclave resonated with the shared message: empowered women empower nations.
The opening session at Royal Springs Golf Course set a powerful tone of reflection, resilience, and forward-looking vision. Dr. Jyotsna Suri, sharing her journey as one of the foremost women in Indian hospitality, emphasized how perseverance and bold leadership can redefine industries. She applauded the Stree Shakti team for creating a platform in Kashmir that encourages women to dream bigger and support each other.
Nuzhat Gull, Sports Secretary of J&K, spoke with conviction about how Kashmiri women are breaking barriers and achieving excellence in sports, once considered off-limits. “Their stories are no less than those of national heroes,” she said, pointing to the state’s growing infrastructure and support systems for female athletes.
Eminent author Alka Sarogi, discussing her novel Gandhi and Sarla Devi, reflected on the often-overlooked contributions of women in India’s freedom struggle. “The legacy of women like Sarla Devi reminds us that India’s path to independence wasn’t walked by men alone,” she said.
“Women are empowered when they interact with and meet other empowered women,” said Rekha Mody in her opening remarks. She elaborated that these interactions aren’t just inspiring—they are transformative. “It is in the exchange of real experiences and the collective strength of women across diverse backgrounds that we find solutions, solidarity, and a renewed spirit to create lasting change,” she affirmed.
On Day 2, IIM Nowgam became a vibrant hub of exchange on topics ranging from entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, holistic health, well-being, education, sports, to gender equity. Leaders from across sectors offered diverse perspectives. Whether it was addressing the need for financial literacy among rural women or rethinking education models for young girls, the sessions were rich in insight and impact.
Rekha Mody noted during these discussions that “Kashmir has always been an epicenter of positive energy, spirituality, and silent strength. We’re not just here to speak of women’s empowerment—we’re here to send a message of peace, resilience, and inclusive progress to the world.” She further shared that several demands raised earlier by Stree Shakti and She Leads—like free transport for women and reservation reforms—have already seen movement, and the conclave will pave the way for more actionable recommendations.
The final day at SKICC Srinagar brought with it a historic promise. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, while lauding the commitment of women leaders and the vision of Stree Shakti, pledged to allocate suitable land for establishing a permanent Women’s Center in Jammu & Kashmir under the leadership of Rekha Mody and her team.
“Women must work hard to rise and make use of reservation opportunities without being controlled by men,” Dr. Abdullah stated emphatically. He stressed the importance of women owning their ambition and participating fully in leadership roles. He further declared: “I will personally ensure that Stree Shakti has the land it needs to build a center that uplifts women across health, education, and economic dimensions.”
Aruna Oswal, prominent philanthropist and chairperson at PHDCCI, urged women to shed hesitations and step into their full potential. “Let us create a viksat Bharat for every woman of the country where she acts boldly and thinks freely,” she said. Her words resonated across the room, drawing applause from women who are already rewriting what leadership looks like.
The conclave honored excellence with two prestigious awards. The Dayawati Modi Stree Shakti Award was conferred upon Farzana Mumtaz, Editor-in-Chief of Weekly News Kashmir, for her trailblazing role in media and her unflinching advocacy for women’s voices in the public domain. Her work has opened doors for women journalists and created space for nuanced, woman-centric storytelling in the region.
The Vidushi Viddyottama Award went to Prof. Kashinath Nyupane, an acclaimed Sanskrit scholar from Nepal, for his scholarly contribution to preserving and disseminating Indian classical knowledge. His work was recognized as vital to India’s intellectual and cultural legacy.
India’s first all-women mission rock band, Meri Zindagi, brought the conclave to life with an electrifying performance that celebrated courage, resistance, and joy true to the spirit of the three-day event.
The Stree Shakti Women Leaders Conclave 2025 didn’t just conclude but it sparked a movement. It bridged geographies, united minds, and amplified the voices of women who are shaping the future of India from the grassroots to the top. As the echoes of dialogue and song faded into the hills of Kashmir, what remained was a promise that this was only the beginning.
DHL GoHelp Trains Disaster Response Teams in Bangalore
New Delhi, 14th April 2025 – DHL Group has conducted its second GoHelp Disaster Response Team (DRT) training in Bangalore, India, strengthening resilience and preparedness against disasters in the South Asia region.
This is the second DRT training in India, with the first training conducted back in 2013. The 2-day training was held from April 5-6, 2025, at a DHL facility in Bangalore. More than 30 employees from Blue Dart, DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Supply Chain attended the training. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), a specialized force in India formed to respond to natural and man-made disasters, attended the training as an observer.
The 2-day training consisted of two sessions: a theoretical session on safety and stakeholder management, and a practical session. During the theoretical session, participants learned how to work with NGOs, the military, government organizations, and the media. For the practical session, it included a disaster simulation, where participants were coached on relief cargo management during a crisis, warehousing and forklift driving.
“DHL has always provided support when needed in India, such as our deployment in 2018 for the flood in Kerala, and again in 2022 for the flood in Assam. Therefore, it is timely for us to return to India and train a new batch of volunteers. Our employees have existing logistics expertise, but the situation during a deployment can be different from what they do day-to-day. The DRT training is crucial in providing them with the necessary knowledge to prepare for such situations.
Since our last training in 2013, the focus has shifted from reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness. We now train them beyond airport logistics to include warehousing so that they manage relief cargo effectively and provide critical aid across multiple touchpoints during emergencies,” said Carl Schelfhaut, Head of the GoHelp program, Asia Pacific, DHL Group.
According to UNICEF, India is one of the most disaster-prone countries with 27 of its 29 states and seven union territories exposed to recurrent natural hazards such as cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, floods and droughts. With climate change, the Indian subcontinent is likely to experience an increasing number of extreme weather events in the future.
The Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the deadliest tsunami in recorded history, devastated communities along the surrounding coasts of the Indian Ocean in December 2004, killing an estimated 228,000 people in 14 countries, including Sri Lanka.
“At DHL, our purpose is Connecting People, Improving Lives, and the GoHelp program is one that is very close to our heart. Our employees go through these trainings to ensure that they can make active change in the communities they are in. More than 30 employees who went through the DRT training will enhance our preparedness should a disaster strike, and we need to lend a helping hand.” – R.S. Subramanian, Senior Vice President, South Asia, DHL Express.
“Our employees commitment to the GoHelp program is truly inspiring, and they play a vital role in disaster preparedness and response efforts. These training initiatives ensure that DHL is always ready to act whenever the communities need us most. Our GoHelp program and the humanitarian efforts under this initiative have a significant impact, and their importance will only continue to grow..” – Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart.
“Our employees participation in such training is crucial, as we prepare ourselves to responding effectively in emergencies and disasters. The GoHelp program is vital in our commitment to provide exceptional support during crises. Their skills in managing relief cargo across multiple touchpoints will be much needed as natural disasters occur more often these days.” – Edwin Pinto, Managing Director, India, DHL Global Forwarding.
“Natural disasters & shocks are getting more frequent and severe but logistics bottlenecks for relief aid don’t have to be. It’s been over 20 years now since our Disaster Response Team (DRT) was setup and has been collaboratively working with United Nations to support affected countries globally. Our employees undergo these training, so that they can reduce the negative impact of a natural disaster and helping communities recover faster.” – Vikas Anand, Managing Director, India, DHL Supply Chain.
Since 2005, DHL Group has volunteered its logistics expertise and global network in partnership with the United Nations to help provide global relief efforts in disaster areas via their GoHelp program. In times of disaster, the DRTs are deployed to landside or airside facilities in need of assistance when called upon by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, to better manage incoming relief goods.
Infinix Note 50s 5G+ Redefines Photography with 64MP
India, 14th April, 2025 – Infinix, a new-age smartphone brand, is set to revolutionize the segment with Infinix Note 50s 5G+ in smartphone photography and videography with its comprehensive suite of cutting-edge camera. The device boasts a powerful 64MP Sony IMX682 camera complemented by a 13MP front-facing selfie camera. This configuration delivers exceptional image clarity and detail in every shot allowing users to capture high-quality photos providing enhanced photography capabilities, ensuring that users can enjoy detailed and sharp images. The Sony sensor lends improved clarity and portrait photos, while the Dual LED flash provides balanced illumination when needed.
Content creators will appreciate the Note 50s 5G+’s impressive 4K video recording at a smooth 30 frames per second, allowing for professional-quality footage directly from your smartphone. The 10X Digital Zoom feature brings distant subjects closer without sacrificing quality, while the AI Halo Timer ensures perfectly timed group shots and selfies. With over 12 photography modes, the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ adapts to any shooting scenario. The Dual Video mode allows users to capture videos from their front and rear cameras simultaneously, while the dedicated Vlog Mode streamlines content creation for social media. Additional specialized modes cater to various creative needs, ensuring users have the right tools for every situation.
Artificial intelligence is at the core of the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ camera system. The AI Eraser removes distractions or unwanted elements from your photos and AI Cutout creates real-time stickers directly from your photos. The innovative AIGC Portrait feature creates stunning portrait effects with professional-looking background blur that rivals dedicated cameras. Additionally, the AI Gallery organizes and enhances your photos automatically, making image management effortless and helping you rediscover memorable moments with intelligent categorization and enhancement capabilities.
The Infinix Note 50s 5G+ represents the perfect fusion of hardware excellence and software innovation, delivering a premium camera experience that empowers users to capture life’s moments with extraordinary quality and creativity.
The NOTE 50s 5G+ will launch in India on April 18 on Flipkart and will be available in three premium colors: Marine Drift Blue (Vegan Leather, Scent-Tech), Titanium Grey (Metallic Finish), Ruby Red (Metallic Finish).
Mapic India Shopping Centre Summit 2025 Overview
New Delhi, April 14, 2025: As India’s retail market is expected to reach USD 2 trillion by 2035 (Source: Kearney Global Retail Development Index), Mapic India Shopping Centre Summit – Maha Kumbh of Retail will unite the leaders in retail, real estate, and technology on April 15, 2025, at the JW Marriott Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi. The event will encapsulate the theme “Next-Gen Retail: Navigating Disruption, Seizing Opportunities,” leveraging the advantage of an exclusive value proposition, intertwining human experience, advanced technology, and customer confidence to garner interest in today’s fast-moving world of immediate satisfaction. A friendly T20 cricket match between India’s top Retailers and Developers will kick off the event on April 16th.
With a booming consumption economy, the problem is not demand but differentiation in the midst of a deluge of new brands, malls and store formats that are fast fragmenting the marketplace. The pie needs to focus on the most recent strategies for innovation, digital transformation and sustainable growth, with insightful inputs to steer through the fast-changing Indian retail environment. With the shopping habits shifting rapidly, technology and ease of use are now the prime drivers. AI and new-age technologies are revolutionizing experiences, while the “real Bharat”—Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—proves to be a goldmine of opportunity, where there lies massive, untapped potential for growth.
Key Speakers who will be sharing their insights in the event include Pushpa Bector, Senior Executive Director and Business Head, DLF Retail; Bijit Nair, Senior Director – Direct to Consumer (DTC), Adidas; Arjun Singh Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group; Shibu Philips, Director, Shopping Malls LULU Group; Pramod Arora, CEO, PVR INOX Limited; Harsh Bansal, Co-Founder, Unity Group and Vegas Mall; Dr Ananta Singh Raghuvanshi, Founder & Chairperson, NAREDCO Mahi (Under the aegis of Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs); Samim Sekh, Deputy Chief Architect, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC); Abbas Jabalpurwala, CEO, Timezone India; Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director, Pacific Malls and more.
As the retail industry is being transformed at a breakneck pace by new technologies, changing consumer tastes, and sustainability needs, Mapic India Shopping Centre Event will seek to address the urgent forces remaking the industry’s future. This year’s agenda will delve into the redefinition of retail environments, with a focus on blended environments that enrich customer experiences through next-gen malls, omnichannel retailing models, and customer engagement enabled by AI. Particular focus will be placed on the increasing importance of sustainability in retail real estate, with debate on how green building techniques, energy efficiency, and sustainable development are becoming the focal point of the industry’s transformation.
Mr. Umang Gupta, RX India Country General Manager, stated, “With the fast-changing dynamics of Indian Retail & Real estate sectors, the only way to flourish and capture the mind of the Indian consumer is to grasp the ‘New Retail Code’ .
Mapic India Shopping Centre Event 2025 is the industry’s forum to address key opportunities, trends and transformations offering solutions to exponentially grow your business investments. With increased international participation from prominent global retail and technology brands, this year’s event is focused on Indian startups and D2C innovators. ‘Differentiation’ in a highly competitive market like India is the only survival code.
Mapic India Shopping Centre Event 2025 continues to be the flagship forum and the ‘Mahakumbh’ or melting pot of Retail industry players, with the opportunity to build networks, forge business ideas & innovations that will shape the future of retail and build global retail brands coming from India.”
Speaking about the event, Ashna Gemini Sharan, Portfolio Director, RX India said “In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, characterized by the rise of e-commerce, shifting consumer behaviours and technological advancements, there exists an unprecedented opportunity for retailers in the coming decade. Anyone looking to tap into India’s immense retail potential and contribute to a future driven by innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth should consider attending this event. The Mapic India Shopping Centre Summit and Awards will serve as a platform for participants to explore the critical strategies and innovative approaches required to unlock this immense potential and thrive in the dynamic retail environment of the future.”
BITSoM’s 4th Cohort Achieves 100% Placement Rate
Mumbai, 14th April 2025: BITS School of Management (BITSoM), announced 100% Summer Internship Placement for its fourth cohort (MBA Class of 2024-26). The students bagged internship opportunities from leading companies, across various industries and domains, at an average stipend of Rs 1.72 lakhs.
The placement cycle attracted prominent consulting companies like McKinsey & Co, Accenture, EY, KPMG and PwC. Leading banking and financial services companies that made offers include JP Morgan Chase & Co, Bank of America, IDFC First Bank, Ambit Finvest, ICICI Bank, MetLife, NSE, SBI, Shri Ram Asset Management Company, Union Mutual Fund, Somerset Indus Capital Partners, Nirmal Bang and B2K Analytics. Students also bagged offers from conglomerates and FMCG/FMCD organisations including Tata Sons, Aditya Birla Group, Bluestar, Britannia, Cipla, Colgate Palmolive, Galderma, L’oreal, More Retail, Pidilite, Pernod Ricard, Signify, Tata Consumer among many more. E-commerce, IT and Telecom companies such as FlipKart, Big Basket, Cygnius Consulting, IBM, Tata Communications, Vodafone Idea, Flex, Merilytics, and Arka Energy, from the sustainable energy sector made offers. Cipher Oncology and Aditya Birla Group Data & Analytics Cell picked up students for specific niche roles.
All 133 students who participated in the summer internship placement process were placed. The average stipend is Rs 1.72 lakhs, aggregated for two months, a marginal decline of 1.7% from Rs 1.75 lakhs the previous year. A total of 54 organisations made offers. While the majority of students were placed through the campus process, 24 students proactively found their own internships.
The top 10% percent of the class has an average stipend of Rs 3.62 lakhs (up from Rs 3.42 lakhs last year) and the top 30% are at Rs 3.10 Lakhs (Rs 3.06 lakhs last year). The top half of the class has an average stipend of Rs 2.68 lakhs (Rs 2.70 lakhs last year). Despite prevailing macroeconomic headwinds and sectoral uncertainties, the School has demonstrated strong performance in its summer placements. The process included 20 first-time recruiters—a testament to the School’s growing brand equity and its ability to attract a diverse mix of employers that aligns with BITSoM’s strategic approach of broad-basing its recruiter portfolio to mitigate risks from sector-specific slowdowns.
Commenting on the placement process, Dr Saravanan Kesavan, Dean and Professor of Operations, BITSoM said, “I am proud of the Class of 2026 for navigating a challenging economic landscape with resilience and purpose. The summer placement outcomes reflect not only the caliber of our students, but also the sustained efforts of our Industry Partnership and Career Services team. I am particularly happy that several of our students are working on cutting edge AI related projects. As we broaden our recruiter base and deepen employer relationships, we remain committed to being among the very best B-schools in the country.”
Beating Cancer with Precision: A New Era in Care
By-Dr Nikhil Suresh Ghadyalpatil,Director – Medical Oncology
In today’s world, cancer is no longer treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. With medical science advancing rapidly, cancer treatment has become more focused, less harmful, and far more effective—thanks to a new approach called Precision Oncology.
At the forefront of this transformation is Apollo Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, where each cancer patient receives a treatment plan tailored to the exact nature of their disease.
“Not all cancers behave the same, even if they’re of the same type,” says Dr. Nikhil Suresh Ghadyalpatil, Director and Consultant Medical Oncologist at Apollo Cancer Centre. “Through advanced testing, we can now understand the specific genetic makeup of a tumour, allowing us to choose the treatment that works best for that individual.”
Why Precision Matters in Cancer Treatment
Cancer is complex. Two people with the same diagnosis may respond very differently to the same treatment. Precision Oncology uses genomic testing and biomarkers to identify what’s driving a patient’s tumour — and targets it directly.
This approach improves treatment outcomes and reduces side effects, making life easier for the patient during and after therapy.
World-Class Team, Personalised Care
A key pillar of Apollo Cancer Centre’s success is its Multidisciplinary Tumour Board. This group includes not just oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists — but also organ-specific cancer experts, such as uro-oncologists, gynae-oncologists, breast cancer specialists, bone tumour surgeons, GI cancer experts, and head & neck cancer surgeons.
Together, they review each patient’s case and design a customised treatment plan, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Advanced Treatments Available at Apollo Cancer Centre
Apollo Cancer Centre offers some of the most cutting-edge technologies and therapies, including:
• Immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy
• Antibody-drug conjugates and PRRT
• Robotic surgeries for better precision and recovery
• Organ-preserving surgeries, such as breast conservation, limb salvage, and sphincter-sparing techniques
These options not only increase survival rates but also help patients return to normal life faster and with fewer long-term side effects.
Leading the Way in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh With a strong focus on personalised care, world-class infrastructure, and the expertise of Dr. Nikhil Ghadyalpatil, Apollo Cancer Centre, Hyderabad is leading the way in making cancer treatment more precise, effective, and compassionate.
The future of cancer treatment is already here—and it’s saving lives every day.
New Initiative Uses Behavioural Science in Public Transport
Bengaluru, April 14, 2025: The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), and the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA), in collaboration with Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and WRI India today launched the “STAMP: Nudging Commuter Behaviour” — a pioneering initiative that leverages behavioural science and technology to encourage commuters to shift from personal vehicles to public transport.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
With the Namma Metro Yellow Line set to launch later in 2025, Electronic City — one of Bengaluru’s largest employment hubs — will be better connected to the city. This expansion will bring over one lakh jobs closer to the metro network, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to private transport. Recently introduced BMTC feeder buses, launched in collaboration with ELCIA and the Electronics City Industrial Township Authority (ELCITA), are providing first- and last-mile connectivity in the area.
The Station Access and Mobility Program (STAMP), led by TMF and WRI India, has been working to bridge the connectivity gap to taking public transport in Indian cities, by combining research with innovative pilots, from electric autorickshaws to a carpooling app. Launched in Bengaluru in 2017, STAMP has since expanded to six cities: Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Delhi, enabling over 50,000 last-mile metro trips and saving 240,000 passenger minutes. Using a four-step model, it identifies gaps and customizes solutions based on each city’s metro system.
A 2023 working paper by Toyota Mobility Foundation and WRI India titled, “Improving metro access in India: Evidence from three cities” shows that commuters tend to avoid the metro due to last-mile costs and wait times. They also show that high-income commuters (earning over ₹60,000/month) rarely use metro services, preferring personal vehicles due to expensive last-mile options. Compared to cities like Nagpur and Delhi, Bengaluru commuters face higher last-mile costs, making metro accessibility a challenge. Behavioural science is emerging as a critical tool in urban mobility, enabling data-driven interventions that shift commuter habits and make public transport the preferred choice.
STAMP: Nudging Commuter Behaviour imbibes the learnings and successes of previous STAMP editions in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Mumbai, by focusing on a distinct segment of commuters: high-income individuals who are choice users of public transport. Previous versions of STAMP have revealed that the cost of last-mile connectivity for affluent commuters is higher in Bengaluru compared to cities like Nagpur and Delhi.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
This program aims to address the barriers of last-mile accessibility and higher costs of travel by combining behavioral science principles with technology-driven solutions, to ensure a more efficient and sustainable urban transport system for all. The project strives to lower emissions, reduce congestion and increase the shift to sustainable transport for the commuters.
STAMP INNOVATION CHALLENGE
As part of this initiative, the Station Access and Mobility Program (STAMP) launched an innovation challenge, inviting startups, technology firms, and industry partners to develop scalable mobility solutions that encourage metro usage in Electronic City. Innovators from around the world are welcome to apply; however, they must collaborate with an Indian partner.
The overall theme of STAMP’s innovation challenge is to leverage behavioural science to enhance public transport for commuters in Electronic City.
The potential solutions should incorporate:
- Gamification: Incentives for eco-friendly transport choices
- Real-time Nudges: Prompts during peak transit times to encourage shared mobility and reduce congestion.
- Inclusive Access: Behaviour-driven solutions enhancing last-mile access, affordability, safety, and convenience for diverse commuter needs.
Challenge period: April – June 2025
Selected teams will receive funding from a total implementation grant of USD 100,000 to further develop and pilot their solutions. The Challenge will also include a bootcamp with Ashoka University’s Centre for Social and Behaviour Change, offering behavioural science insights.
Finalists will receive support in the following three areas:
- Enterprise: Business development and strategy, pilot design, government engagement tools and other technical support.
- Exposure: Access to a wide network of domain experts, government and local authority representatives for feedback and advice.
- Financial support: Shortlisted enterprises will be awarded with prize money for further development and piloting the innovation technology idea, product or services.
Clearing the Mental Clutter for Creative Minds
Gurugram, 14th April 2025: In an inspiring case that highlights the growing impact of thought pollution on young professionals, Manasthali, a trusted name in mental health and emotional wellness, recently supported a 25-year-old advertising executive in his journey to overcome anxiety and mental fatigue caused by the constant overload of negativity from news cycles, social media, and high-pressure work environments. With the right therapeutic intervention and personalized care, Manasthali, a leading mental health and wellness platform, helped him break free from the grip of toxic thinking patterns and regain clarity, focus, and emotional balance.
The patient Rahul (name changed) had been managing anxiety successfully after an initial round of therapy and lifestyle changes. For nearly a year, he remained stable and productive. However, a few months ago, his anxiety resurfaced, prompting him to seek help again at the Manasthali. Upon evaluation, mental health expert discovered that Rahul had been increasingly overwhelmed by the toxic information around him—endless doom-scrolling on social media, disturbing news reports, and constant comparisons on professional networking sites. Combined with interactions with a few pessimistic colleagues, his mental environment had become severely polluted.
To help Rahul regain control over his mental well-being, Manasthali implemented a structured and compassionate three-pronged approach. Central to the process was Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), through which Rahul was guided to recognize and challenge his negative thought patterns. By identifying irrational fears and self-critical beliefs, he gradually learned to replace them with healthier, more constructive ways of thinking—empowering him to respond more calmly and rationally to everyday stressors.
Alongside CBT, Rahul was introduced to a Digital Hygiene and Mindfulness routine that focused on reducing his exposure to the constant stream of negativity from social media and news platforms. He followed a personalized digital detox plan and adopted mindfulness meditation and breathing techniques to manage daily anxiety. To reinforce a positive outlook, he also maintained a gratitude journal, recording moments of appreciation and personal growth.
“Just like polluted air can clog our lungs, this mental overload had begun to cloud Rahul’s thoughts—leading to self-doubt, chronic worry, and sleepless nights. His anxiety symptoms—racing thoughts, restlessness, and shortness of breath—had returned, affecting both his personal life and work performance. This combination of gratitude and cognitive restructuring helped rewire his mind, allowed him to focus on progress, resilience, and self-compassion even during challenging times,” said Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and senior psychiatrist, Manasthali Wellness.
Within eight weeks, Rahul reported significant improvement. He felt lighter, calmer, and more focused. With continued therapy and support from Manasthali, Rahul not only managed his anxiety but also became more self-aware and emotionally resilient. He now consciously filters his mental intake, just as one would protect themselves from environmental pollution.
Zouk Partners with Unicommerce for Growth Opportunities
New Delhi, 14th April 2025: Zouk, India’s leading 100% vegan, handcrafted, and proudly Indian lifestyle brand, offering bags, luggage, and accessories, has partnered with Unicommerce and Shipway to strengthen and streamline its growing e-commerce operations. This collaboration focuses on improving the brand’s online inventory management, logistics efficiency, and delivery capabilities across India.
Founded in 2016, Zouk is a digital-first, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand based in Mumbai. It operates in the USD 17 billion online fashion and lifestyle market, reaching customers through its website, app, and leading marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Tata Cliq, and Nykaa, as well as quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart. Today, Zouk fulfills nearly 40,000 online orders each month across these diverse digital channels.
While Zouk sees strong demand from major metro cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, the brand also caters to a growing customer base across the country. To support this widespread reach, Zouk leverages Unicommerce’s warehouse and inventory management solution to streamline order processing, optimise inventory allocation and tracking, and manage returns efficiently.
To further enhance its delivery capabilities, Zouk has also deployed Unicommerce-owned Shipway for automated courier selection. This helps choose courier partners best suited for each order based on delivery time and cost considerations. Shipway also provides reverse logistics and tracking tools. Through its courier aggregation and automation tools, Shipway ensures delivery coverage across over 29,000 pin codes in India, simplifying shipping processes and supporting efficient order fulfilment.
Zouk’s rapidly expanding offline presence, spanning exclusive stores in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Lucknow, along with multiple multi-brand outlets, adds another layer of complexity that Unicommerce helps simplify through its unified order management platform.
Kapil Makhija, MD and CEO of Unicommerce commented, “Unicommerce is a one-stop shop for all e-commerce enablement technology needs. We are delighted to partner with Zouk to power their e-commerce operations and help them leverage technology to scale and optimize their online presence.“
Pradeep Krishnakumar, Co-Founder of Zouk, stated, “At Zouk, delivering a seamless and consistent consumer experience is at the heart of everything we do. Partnering with Unicommerce and Shipway has enabled us to strengthen our operations so that every order, whether from a metro or a remote town, is fulfilled smoothly and efficiently.”
Uniware and Shipway solutions by Unicommerce are scalable and designed to accommodate the growing volumes as Zouk expands its business.
Introducing The First Edition Of Foodka Culinary Honours
Kolkata, 14th April, 2025: The culinary landscape of Kolkata is set to witness a landmark celebration of taste, tradition, and innovation as the first edition of the Foodka Culinary Honours prepares to take center stage. Conceptualized and curated by two of the most passionate culinary minds — Foodpreneur Shiladitya Chaudhury and Food Historian & Culinary Content Creator Indrajit Lahiri — this highly prudent awards platform aims to being hailed as one of the most coveted recognitions in the world of food. Today the official press conference was attended by Mr Manoj Jangid, General Manager, Fairfield by Marriott, & Mr Sudesh Poddar, President, HRAEI where the categories were announced.
With Doctor’s Choice as the Title Sponsor, and presented in proud association with IHM (Institute of Hotel Management, Taratala) as the audit partner and HRAEI (Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India), the Foodka Culinary Honours 2025 will honour culinary brilliance across a wide spectrum of categories, celebrating both heritage and innovation.
The awards will be conferred across the following 11 distinctive segments featuring Indian (Bengali / Biryani & Kebabs / Bhaja Bhuji (Snacks)), Chinese, Pan Asian, Continental, Global, Bakery and Patisserie, Sweets, Café, Lounge & Bar, Vegetarian & QSR (Quick Service Restaurants). There will be a special category called ‘Hall of Fame’ to be conferred to an individual or concern for their soulful contribution towards the industry.
The first edition promises to set a new benchmark in recognizing talent, consistency, and innovation in the food and beverage industry. From timeless flavours of local traditions to the bold explorations of global cuisine, the Foodka Culinary Honours aims to spotlight the individuals and institutions shaping the future of food.
Fairfield by Marriott, Kolkata proudly joins this prestigious initiative as the Hospitality Partner, where the grand celebration will unfold in the form of a glittering gala evening.
The winners across all categories will be announced and felicitated at the awards night in July 2025, in Kolkata — an evening that will bring together the who’s who of the culinary world, restaurateurs, chefs, food connoisseurs, and industry insiders.
“Foodka Culinary Honours is our humble tribute to the culinary custodians of Bengal who have been shaping the state’s food narrative with passion, innovation, and authenticity. Through this platform, we aim to celebrate not just food, but the stories, the heritage, and the relentless spirit behind it. This is just the beginning of a journey to honour excellence across kitchens — from iconic eateries to unsung heroes”, said Shiladitya Chaudhury & Indrajit Lahiri, Founders, Foodka Culinary Honours.
The journey to felicitating the best of gastronomic masterpieces is about to begin in form of Fooka Culinary Honours celebrating excellence, honouring legacy, and inspiring the next wave of culinary creativity.