JB Nagar Emerges as Andheri East’s New Luxury Residential Hotspot
Andheri East, one of Mumbai’s most dynamic real estate markets, has been experiencing steady growth in property prices and infrastructure development. According to data from 99acres.com, property prices in Andheri East have witnessed consistent appreciation, driven by its commercial significance and expanding infrastructure. Over the past year, property values in the area have increased by 3.3%, while in the last decade, they have surged by 16.4%.
Within this prime property market, JB Nagar has emerged as one of the most sought-after addresses for luxury residential properties. JB Nagar’s transformation into a desirable residential location reflects the growing trend of urban development and the shifting preferences of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who now seek premium living options in proximity to business districts.
As a micro market, JB Nagar benefits from its proximity to business hubs along with the domestic & international airports. The proximity of JB Nagar to key commercial hubs such as SEEPZ, MIDC, and the Andheri-Kurla Road, has made it an attractive option for professionals and entrepreneurs working in the vicinity. Additionally, its strategic location along the Western Express Highway, close to the airport, and well-connected to the Andheri Railway Station, makes it an ideal base for those who want both convenience and exclusivity.
Over the last few years, several top-tier developers have seen potential in the area, focusing on high-end residential projects aimed at affluent buyers.
According to a spokesperson from Chandak Group, “JB Nagar’s transformation into a premium residential area is a clear reflection of the evolving real estate dynamics in Mumbai. As professionals look for residences that offer a perfect balance between convenience and luxury, JB Nagar provides exactly what they need; proximity to workspaces, excellent connectivity, and an elevated lifestyle. We see a tremendous opportunity in this locality, and we are excited about the prospects.”
As per Housing.com, property prices in JB Nagar range between ₹23,529 and ₹25,174 per sq. ft., with the average price standing at ₹24,567 per sq. ft.
The demand for luxurious homes has surged due to the increasing number of professionals and business leaders who want to live closer to work but in an upscale, serene environment. Unlike other parts of Mumbai, where space comes at a premium, JB Nagar offers a rare combination of centrality and expansive plots, making it an attractive option for luxury living.
The trend has also been fueled by the significant development in infrastructure, including the Metro Line 7, which has further enhanced connectivity between JB Nagar and other key parts of the city.
One of the key factors behind JB Nagar’s emergence as a hotspot for luxury living is the availability of premium amenities such as sprawling parks, world-class schools, shopping malls, fine dining establishments, and spas. These features offer an unmatched lifestyle, making the area even more attractive to potential homeowners who value comfort and exclusivity.
As more developments take shape, JB Nagar is steadily becoming a cornerstone of luxury living in Andheri East. With its evolving infrastructure, prime location, and high-end offerings, it’s no surprise that this micro market is now attracting the attention of affluent buyers looking for a comfortable yet connected lifestyle in one of Mumbai’s busiest areas. Supported by solid financial data and a growing demand for premium real estate, JB Nagar is well on its way to establishing itself as one of Mumbai’s most desirable luxury residential neighborhoods.
GoFloaters and MyBranch Release a Report on the Growth of Coworking Spaces and Commercial
India, 28 Feb 2025: Together, GoFloaters and MyBranch have published extensive research that details the remarkable expansion of coworking spaces and commercial real estate in Tamil Nadu. According to the research, the state contributes 8.8% of India’s GDP and has over 45,000 manufacturing facilities in industries including electronics, automotive, IT, and textiles. Tamil Nadu has been a popular destination for foreign investors and multinational corporations due to the state’s robust infrastructure, which includes Chennai’s sizable port and international airport.
The research also emphasizes how coworking spaces have grown rapidly throughout the region as a result of freelancers, startups, and established businesses seeking flexible office solutions. According to GoFloaters’ Co-Founder – Mr Shyam Sundar Nagarajan, “Customized workspace solutions are driving business expansion in Tamil Nadu, marking a vibrant change in conventional work patterns.” Prominent business districts such as Anna Salai, Mount Road, and Chennai’s Central Business District have become hubs for leading financial institutions and multinational enterprises. Since the IT sector occupies more than 60% of Chennai’s commercial real estate, the existence of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and IT parks, such as TIDEL Park and Ramanujan IT City, satisfies the demands of multinational IT corporations.
Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor and Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor strategic plans have enhanced trade, industrialization, and urbanization by benefitting industries like IT, electronics, and the automobile sector. The startup ecosystem in the state has also gained momentum, having over 8,500 startups registered in 2024 and growing at the rate of 22% annually. Facilities like StartupTN and the support of more than 120 incubators have honed Tamil Nadu’s prominence as a startup ecosystem. Focused on strategic infrastructure development, technological advancement, and business-friendly policies, Tamil Nadu is on its way to formalizing its economy into a $1 trillion economy by the year 2030. The collaborative report from GoFloaters and MyBranch gives an in-depth run of the commercial real estate dynamics within the state, a growing coworking sector that presents great opportunities for both businesses and investors.
GoFloaters:
Founded in 2017, GoFloaters is a Chennai-based platform offering on-demand coworking spaces, meeting rooms, coworking/managed offices, and virtual offices across India. With a network spanning over 2,000 locations in 45 cities, we provide flexible, pay-per-use solutions tailored to startups and enterprises. Our services include hourly meeting room bookings, short-term offices, managed/coworking offices for SMEs, and virtual office addresses for company registration. Committed to fostering productivity and collaboration, GoFloaters enables businesses to operate seamlessly without long-term commitments.
MyBranch:
Established in 2016 by Mr. Narayan Bhargava, MyBranch is a leading provider of flexible office space solutions across India. With a presence in over 70 cities and 80+ locations, including all northeastern states, we offer managed and shared office spaces, virtual offices, and meeting rooms. Our mission is to empower businesses of all sizes to expand seamlessly by providing fully compliant, tech-enabled, and sustainable workspaces tailored to their unique needs. As a one-stop solution, we handle everything from location scouting to daily administration, ensuring operational efficiency and fostering community-driven growth.
Britannia Good Day’s Journey at Mahakumbh Where Smiles Meet Stories
India, 28 February 2025: In the heart of India, where spirituality converges with humanity, Mahakumbh 2025, held once in 144 years, unfolded as a spectacle of devotion, tradition, and shared experiences. Amidst this vast congregation, Britannia Good Day and Schbang embarked on an unprecedented journey, to preserve and document.
Amidst the vastness lies millions of small yet powerful moments – gestures of kindness, quiet reflections, and stories of perseverance which make one smile fondly is within these fleeting yet meaningful interactions that Britannia Good Day found its inspiration, launching the ‘Make It A Good Day’ platform, with ‘Good Day at Maha Kumbh’ as its inaugural initiative.Through #AGoodDayAtMahaKumbh, the brand stepped into the role of a storyteller, capturing 144 real-life stories that reveal the simple yet profound moments of joy, resilience, and connection.
As Mahakumbh draws to a close, Britannia Good Day invites everyone to reminisce and relive these cherished moments through the launch of Make It A Good Day’ platform, preserving the smiles and stories for everyday inspiration.
The journey began with 12+ creators including photojournalists and photographers weaving through the sprawling festival, not looking for the spectacle but the subtleties, the stolen glances, the moments of kindness, the resilience behind every smile. Over weeks, their cameras bore witness to 144 intimate stories, each a testament to the human spirit, each a reflection of joy, perseverance, and connections.
Mahakumbh through the lens of Good Day: A Repertoire of Human Emotions
A Young Girl’s Resilience and a Cup of Tea
At a small tea stall amidst the bustling ghats, Good Day captured Shraddha’s smile, a 17-year-old from Madhya Pradesh who, after losing her father, took on the responsibility of helping her mother and sister run their family’s tea business. Between brewing chai and preparing for her 12th board exams, Shraddha finds solace in the Maha Kumbh’s sacred chants, taking holy dips whenever she can. But what truly lights up her face are the kind words of customers who appreciate the warmth she serves in every cup.
A Police Officer’s Smile Amidst Reunions
For Anamika, a police officer in the Lost & Found department, every day at Mahakumbh is a mission to reunite families. Her most unforgettable moment? Helping a panicked mother from West Bengal find her son, Phool Chand, in the vast sea of pilgrims. Overwhelmed with relief, the woman didn’t recognize him at first. “It’s my duty, but it never feels like just that,” Anamika shares, her smile reflecting the quiet fulfillment of bringing people back to their loved ones.
Love That Travels
Anurag Sharma and his wife arrived at Mahakumbh with a promise to collect memories, not just destinations. Wearing a traditional lungi at his wife’s playful insistence, Anurag chuckles as they pose for a picture, their smiles reflecting a shared dream of traveling the world together after retirement. In the chaos of the festival, their love remains constant, their laughter echoing through the sacred grounds.
Two Souls, One Journey
For Luca and Ana, Mahakumbh was more than just a pilgrimage; it was a journey of faith and understanding. Luca had long been drawn to Hinduism, returning to India time and again. Ana, initially an observer, slowly found herself immersed in its depth. Now, standing side by side at the festival, they smile—not just as travelers, but as two souls bound by something greater than themselves.
A Living Archive of Humanity
But the journey does not end here. To ensure these stories live beyond Mahakumbh, Britannia Good Day has launched a dedicated microsite, where visitors can immerse themselves in the full collection of photographs, behind-the-scenes footage, and attendee contributions. It is an evolving archive one that invites people to not just witness these moments but to become part of the larger narrative of joy and optimism.
Through this initiative, Britannia Good Day is capturing the present and creating a lasting archive of human connection. By preserving these moments, the campaign ensures that the smiles and shared experiences of Mahakumbh continue to inspire long after the event concludes. The initiative also encourages active participation, inviting people to become storytellers of their own experiences, making Mahakumbh a living, breathing celebration of togetherness.
Archana Balaraman, General Manager – Marketing, Britannia, expressed “Britannia Good Day is built with the belief that the happiness which lies in the little things—those small moments of joy, make every day a good day. At Mahakumbh, we sought to illuminate hundreds of such moments, brought to life through the human spirit, reflected in smiles, stories, and shared experiences. Together, they inspire us to rediscover joy in the simplicity of everyday moments.
Umma Saini, Chief Creative Officer, Schbang says “While there is the usual coverage of the Maha Kkumbh, we sought out to find the human stories panning out at a cultural gathering of this scale. To find the small and significant within the incorrigibly large is an exercise embodying life itself, as also the joyful spirit of Britannia Good Day. By sharing and archiving these stories, Good Day facilitates representing the positive spirit of this generation in the large tapestry of time, making the brand’s impact everlasting.”
To share and archive document this monumental Maha Kumbh’s positive spirit for a generation, in an engaging, impactful way,was a bold exercise. Grateful to the Britannia team’s creativity, partnership and faith.”
Schbang, the creative and execution partner behind the campaign, has brought this vision to life, ensuring the storytelling remains authentic, immersive, and deeply human.
Shark Tank’s Earthful Raises INR 5 Cr to Expand Plant-Based Product Range
Hyderabad, 28th February 2025 – Earthful, a leading plant-based nutrition brand, has raised INR 5 Cr led by a seasoned entrepreneur Srinivasan Namala, who has built Porus Labs and exited to Bain Capital for over ₹2,400 crores. Ritesh Agarwal (Founder, OYO Rooms) will also be participating following his investment commitment on Shark Tank India Season 4. The Company has raised over $1 million till date in funding including the current investment.
Founded in 2020 by IIT Kharagpur alumnae and sisters Veda Gogineni and Sai Sudha G., Earthful is a clean, plant-based nutrition brand dedicated to offering 100% natural supplements, free from chemicals and additives. With a strong focus on science-backed formulations, Earthful provides multivitamins designed to fill daily nutrition gaps across different age groups, along with targeted solutions for Skin, Hair, Sleep, and PCOS. It is also among the first in India to create a clean, 100% natural multivitamin specifically for menopausal women. The product range includes plant-based proteins and a junk free, natural Kids’ chocolaty milk mix powder.
Veda Gogineni, Co-founder, Earthful says, “This funding will help us bring Earthful’s clean, effective nutrition to more households across India. We believe wellness should be simple, transparent, and never compromise on purity or taste. The loyalty of our repeat customers speaks volumes about their trust in our brand and products.”
The funds will be deployed for research and development of new products and strengthening brand presence. The company is also focused on building a strong leadership team across marketing and operations to accelerate its next growth phase.
In the last 12 months, Earthful has witnessed an impressive 3x growth, reaching over 1 lakh customers with a strong 40-50% repeat purchase rate. The company is currently at a ₹15 Cr annual revenue run rate, with 70-75% of sales coming directly from its website, demonstrating deep consumer trust and loyalty.
Srinivasan Namala, Founder, Porus, Labs, says, “I believe that over the next 5-7 years, the nutraceutical market in India will experience significant growth, driven by a rising number of health-conscious Indians. Earthful, with its strong brand values and commitment to clean, plant-based nutrition, is well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.”
Earthful is ramping up production and expanding warehouse operations to support its rapid business growth. With a strong focus on innovation, the company is set to launch 3-4 new products every quarter, backed by significant investment in research and development.
Staying focused on its mission of making clean, plant-based nutrition both accessible and delicious, Earthful recently launched Japanese Matcha, Coffee Mocha protein flavors, all completely natural and free from additives and preservatives. The company has also introduced a Kids’ Milk Mix powder, a nutritious blend of millets, plant-based protein, calcium, and Vitamin D3 made with real cocoa.
Earthful products are currently available on leading e-comm and quick commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Instamart, and the company’s website. The brand is gearing up for 5x growth over the next 12 – 18 months, driven by new category expansion and upcoming strategic branding collaborations. The company is also set to expand into offline retail, making its products more accessible to consumers across India. Over the next three years, Earthful aims to build a ₹500 Cr brand, establishing itself as a leader in the plant-based nutrition segment.
Ambuja Cements Boosts Farakka Farmers with Irrigation and Crop Innovation
West Bengal, 28 February 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is transforming the agricultural landscape in Farakka, Murshidabad district through innovative CSR initiatives. By addressing irrigation challenges and introducing high-value crops such as strawberry, the company has empowered local farmers to improve productivity and achieve sustainable growth.
To help tackle water scarcity, Ambuja Cements’ CSR arm introduced the River Lift Irrigation (RLI) system, enabling farmers to draw water from nearby rivers. This initiative has allowed farmers to grow multiple crops throughout the year, reducing their dependency on erratic monsoon rains. The availability of consistent water supply has opened avenues for cultivating high-value crops, boosting the region’s agricultural output.
Farmers have been trained to cultivate Winter Dawn strawberries, a high-value crop with immense market potential. With support from Ambuja Cements, farmers like Tetra Roy, who previously grew paddy and potatoes, earned Rs. 42,000 from just 0.03 acres of strawberries, tripling his income in a year. Women farmers, such as Srimati Mandal, have also achieved significant income growth and are now planning future investments. Today, over 40 farmers in Farakka are part of this initiative, earning up to Rs. 1.5 lakh from just 0.33 acres of land.
Ambuja Cements continues to support these farmers with training, sapling production, and plans to establish local nurseries to reduce costs and wastage. By empowering the farming community in Farakka, the company reaffirms its commitment to driving agricultural innovation and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Ultraviolette to Unveil Two-Wheeler Roadmap on 5th March 2025
Bengaluru, February 28 , 2025 – Ultraviolette, makers of the ‘The Fastest Indian’ is set to expand its presence across multiple two-wheeler segments. With its uncompromised focus on design, performance and future-ready technology, the company plans to roll out a diverse portfolio that caters to a wide range of consumer preferences and riding needs.
The company aims to leverage its extensive Research and Development prowess which brought the F77 MACH 2 and F77 SuperStreet to life, to build a robust future product pipeline. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for Ultraviolette as it ventures into new product segments, reinforcing its commitment to Innovation, Sustainability, and Customer Centricity.
This multi-segment approach aims to make cutting-edge EV technology more accessible while maintaining the brand’s hallmark of futuristic design and advanced engineering.
Speaking on the development, Narayan Subramaniam, CEO s Co-Founder, Ultraviolette said, “Our journey with the F77 was just the beginning. Over the past seven years, our unwavering focus on research and development has been instrumental in developing the technology for vertical integration across core systems such as Battery technology, Powertrain, and Safety systems. This approach has laid a strong foundation, enabling us to expand across multiple two-wheeler segments at a much faster pace. As we expand into new segments, our goal is to set new industry benchmarks and accelerate the adoption of electric mobility across diverse customer segments.”
Ultraviolette’s expansion into new segments aligns with the company’s mission to redefine personal mobility. The new products are expected to debut in phases, with more details to be revealed soon.
Your Data Their Gold The Silent Battle for Digital Freedom
By: Neelesh Kripalani, Chief Technology Officer, Clover Infotech
In today’s digital age, personal data is more valuable than ever—not just to individuals but also to corporations, governments, and cybercriminals. Every click, scroll, and search contributes to a vast data economy, where information is the new gold. Yet, as the world becomes more interconnected, a silent battle is being waged: the fight to maintain digital freedom while protecting privacy.
The Rise of Data Privacy Concerns
Cybercrimes in India have surged, with over 1.2 million cases reported in the first nine months of 2024, averaging 7,000 per day. Experts predict a further rise in 2025, driven by AI-powered malware and IoT-based attacks. The Data Security Council warns of increasing threats to critical infrastructure and personal data, along with the growing sophistication of social engineering tactics.
The recent Star Health Insurance data leak exemplifies these risks, where hackers exploited Telegram chatbots to leak sensitive customer information, including medical records and personal identification details. While legal action was taken to mitigate the damage, such incidents highlight the vulnerabilities in data security and the urgent need for stronger regulatory measures and corporate accountability.
Data privacy has now become a pressing issue. How much should companies be allowed to know about us? Who owns the data that we create? Can we, as individuals, maintain control over our personal information, or are we at the mercy of data-driven corporations? On the other end of the spectrum lies digital freedom—the ability to move, share, and interact in the digital world without unnecessary restrictions. Hence, the dilemma arises: Is true freedom worth sacrificing privacy?
The Silent Battle: Data Privacy vs. Digital Freedom
Here lies the crux of the dilemma: How do we strike the right balance between protecting individual privacy and enabling the freedom that defines the digital age?
- Surveillance vs. Autonomy: While companies and governments argue that surveillance is necessary to improve services, enhance security, and ensure a safe digital experience, excessive surveillance can erode personal autonomy and lead to the loss of privacy.
- Freedom of Expression vs. Data Exploitation: Social media platforms encourage open expression, idea-sharing, and community building. However, every post and interaction generate valuable data that can be monetized.
- Convenience vs. Control: We all love the convenience of personalized recommendations and tailored content. But in exchange, we give up control over the data used to generate those experiences. The more personalized the service, the more data is being tracked—often without full transparency.
- Security vs. Privacy: The more secure a system, the more data it may require for authentication, tracking, and fraud prevention.
Is federated architecture the solution?
As we move forward, the solution lies in finding a balance—one where data privacy is respected while still allowing individuals the freedom to explore, create, and communicate without fear of surveillance. One approach that addresses both privacy and security concerns is a federated architecture—a decentralized model that ensures data is not stored in a single repository but distributed across multiple independent entities.
- Minimizing Data Breach Risks: Instead of a centralized database vulnerable to mass breaches, federated systems store data in separate nodes (e.g., banks, healthcare providers, and digital identity systems). A breach in one entity does not compromise the entire ecosystem.
- Privacy by Design: Users share only the minimum required data through secure APIs and encryption techniques like zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), ensuring sensitive information remains private.
- User Control Over Data: Federated identity management allows individuals to authenticate across multiple services without repeatedly sharing passwords, reducing exposure to data misuse.
Real-World Example – India Stack & UPI: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) operates on a federated model, where multiple banks process transactions without a single entity controlling all user data, thereby reducing privacy risks while operating at a massive scale. To put this into perspective, in January 2025, UPI processed approximately 16.996 billion transactions, amounting to ₹23.48 lakh crore.
By adopting federated models and robust encryption techniques, digital ecosystems can uphold privacy without sacrificing digital freedom. This ensures that individuals remain in control of their data while mitigating large-scale cyber threats
New Office Supply Hits Record 515 Lakh Sq Ft in 2024 Vestian
New Delhi, 28th Feb 2025: Vestian’s office market report stated that 2024 has been challenging for the Indian office market due to global macroeconomic uncertainty, escalating geopolitical frictions, and sticky inflation. Despite these challenges, India’s office market reported the highest-ever supply in any year.
A surge in demand for grade-A office spaces kept developers active throughout the year. Construction activities increased by 7% compared to the previous year, reaching 515 lakh square feet, marking the highest supply ever recorded. Among the top seven cities, the maximum fresh supply was seen in Hyderabad followed by Bengaluru.
With robust absorption and supply in 2024, vacancy rates improved slightly, decreasing from 13.98% in 2023 to 13.91% in 2024. Additionally, rental prices increased by 3.8% to 8.2% across the top seven cities.
Since the pandemic, office space absorption has gradually increased each year, despite global headwinds. In 2024, the absorption reached an all-time high of 707 lakh square feet, reflecting a 16% annual increase. All cities except the National Capital Region (NCR) and Kolkata reported their highest-ever absorption levels during 2024. Absorption in Kolkata and NCR saw annual declines of 36% and 14%, respectively.
Office Market Summary: 2024
| City | Absorption (Lakh sq ft) | Share
(%) |
Y-o-Y Change (%) | New Completions (Lakh sq ft) | Share
(%) |
Y-o-Y Change (%) |
| Bengaluru | 177 | 25% | 15% | 140 | 27% | 4% |
| Chennai | 92 | 13% | 30% | 29 | 6% | -57% |
| Hyderabad | 131 | 19% | 11% | 145 | 28% | 7% |
| Mumbai | 126 | 18% | 50% | 73 | 14% | 170% |
| Kolkata | 06 | 1% | -36% | 00 | 0% | -100% |
| Pune | 86 | 12% | 23% | 59 | 11% | 11% |
| NCR | 89 | 13% | -14% | 69 | 13% | 30% |
| Total | 707 | 100% | 16% | 515 | 100% | 7% |
Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian said, “IT-ITeS sector continued to dominate leasing activities during 2024 with 36% share. The share has increased from 24% a year earlier. While IT industry is expected to lead in 2025 on the back of strong demand from GCCs, other segments such as BFSI and Flex Spaces are also anticipated to garner traction.”
Rao further added, “Emphasis on sustainability has grown among occupiers as several multinational companies with offices in India have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions, leading to a rise in demand for green-certified office spaces in India. Anticipating this shift, leading developers are prioritizing the construction of sustainable office buildings.”
City-wise Analysis
- Bengaluru dominated the absorption with 177 lakh sq ft in 2024, registering an increase of 15% over the previous year. However, the share remained stable at 25% compared to last year.
- The share of Mumbai in pan-India absorption increased from 14% in 2023 to 18% in 2024 whereas the share of NCR declined from 17% to 13% during the same period. The share remained largely stable for the rest of the cities.
- Southern cities (Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad) accounted for 57% of the pan-India absorption in 2024. The share marginally increased from 56% in 2023.
- Hyderabad reported the highest new completions of 145 lakh sq ft in 2024, closely followed by Bengaluru with 140 lakh sq ft. Interestingly, Kolkata witnessed no new completions during 2024 as compared to over 10 lakh sq ft of supply in the previous year.
- New completions increased by 170% in Mumbai, the highest amongst the top seven cities. Conversely, new completions were reduced by 57% in Chennai during 2024.
Neerja Birla Champions Mental Health at Mpowering Minds Summit 2025
Mumbai, February 28, 2025: “The Mpowering Minds Summit 2025, an initiative by Mpower under the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), convened leading experts from Harvard Medical School, World Economic Forum, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia and distinguished psychiatrists, psychologists, educators, policymakers, to address the escalating youth mental health crisis. The summit underscored the urgent need for cross-sector intervention to combat what has now become a public health emergency in India—a country whose economic future is intrinsically linked to the well-being of its youth.”
A major highlight of the summit was the unveiling of the: Unveiling the Silent Struggle: Mpower Research report – to address youth mental health & well-being, correlating Loneliness, Insomnia, and stress in college students across India by Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder & Chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust, alongside Dr Vijay Bhaviskar, Director of Mental Health Services, Government of Maharashtra. The Mpower report highlights rising mental health challenges among youth, with 50% of conditions emerging by age 14 and insufficient early intervention. Key findings include: 38% of students face academic anxiety, 50% report declining performance, 41% experience social isolation, and 47% struggle with sleep issues, disproportionately affecting female students. Alarmingly, 9% face severe sleep difficulties, 8.7% have contemplated suicide due to academic pressure, and only 2% seek professional help. The study also reveals a strong link between loneliness and sleep disturbances (35% correlation) and stress (47% correlation), emphasizing the urgent need for systemic mental health reforms.
Taking a monumental step forward, Mrs. Neerja Birla announced the establishment of the Global Mental Health Consortium, a collaborative initiative with a vision to drive systemic change in the mental health landscape in India. Focusing on policy transformation, early intervention models, and cross-sector capacity building, the initiative aims to ensure that mental health is prioritized as an essential pillar of public health and societal development.
Speaking on the urgent need for action, Mrs. Neerja Birla stated: “Our vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 is to cultivate a resilient, productive, and happy youth who will drive India’s progress. The Mpowering Minds Summit 2025 is a crucial step in transforming this vision into action by uniting experts to address youth mental health and create lasting impact—fostering Acceptance, Action, and Advocacy to shape policies, increase funding, strengthen capacity building, and establish a sustainable mental health framework in India. As a catalyst for change, Unveiling the Silent Struggle is our research report highlights the urgent need to address youth mental health challenges, driving to reduce suicide rates as a collective responsibility. Establishing the Global Mental Health Consortium further reinforces this commitment, ensuring long-term impact in the mental health space.”
Expert Insights: A Call for Immediate Intervention
Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, Former Professor, NIMHANS
“I thank Mrs. Neerja Birla for creating this platform to unite experts and drive action in youth mental health. Today’s youth face challenges that require early intervention from educators, parents, and policymakers. Strengthening response systems and fostering collaboration can prevent severe crises and ensure every young person receives support.”
Dr. Blaise Aguirre, Founding Medical Director, 3East McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School
“Globally, adolescent mental health is in a state of crisis. Here in India solutions to the worsening mental health of her vast youth population, are hindered by stigma and systemic gaps. The Mpowering Minds Summit, led by Mrs. Neerja Birla, is a critical and welcome first step toward ensuring timely support to minimize tragic outcomes. The time for action is now.”Dr. Shyam Bishen, Head, Centre for Health & Healthcare, World Economic Forum
“Mental health transcends healthcare—it is a basic human right and a cornerstone of social and economic wellbeing. At The World Economic Forum, we foster a transformational vision: seeding mental wellness into public health and economic policy through global multi-stakeholder partnerships. From grooming children and youth, to spearheading wellbeing at workplaces, mental health must be the foundation at every level of society.”
The Mental Health Summit unites academic leaders, clinical professionals, wellness experts, public health officials, and social impact advocates to address youth mental health. This diverse mix fosters collaboration across education, policy, clinical practice, advocacy, and lived experiences, creating a platform for meaningful solutions and cross-functional learning.
Twinkle Khanna’s Literary Soiree An Evening of Inspiration at Raffles Udaipur
February 2025, National – Raffles Udaipur, perched on a private island in the tranquil Udai Sagar lake, hosted an unforgettable evening on February 17th, 2025, as Indian Author and Columnist Twinkle Khanna illuminated the iconic Writers Bar for
a captivating book reading session. The event was a celebration of literature, life, and the wisdom that comes with it.
As the guests arrived at The Great Hall, they were warmly escorted to the Writers Bar, an intimate space brimming with sophistication and charm. The venue, bathed in soft ambient lighting and colonial-inspired design, set the stage for a truly magical evening.
Guests were immediately captivated by the serene atmosphere as live acoustic music and a talented violinist filled the air, creating the perfect backdrop for the literary gathering.
The evening began with an engaging conversation between Twinkle Khanna and Shraddha Murdia, the evening’s moderator who guided the discussion on life, books, and the challenges of parenting in today’s world. “Parenting, just like writing, is a journey. It’s about learning, evolving, and adapting,” said Twinkle Khanna, sharing her reflections on her book and the modern challenges faced by parents.
Following their thought-provoking conversation, Twinkle Khanna took the stage to read excerpts from her book, Welcome to Paradise. As her words flowed, the audience was transported into the vibrant world of her writing. After the reading, the guests had the rare opportunity to engage with Twinkle in a lively Q&A session, diving deeper into the inspiration behind her stories.
“Being here with such an engaged audience feels like a beautiful exchange of ideas,” Twinkle Khanna shared, expressing her joy in connecting with readers.
The evening also featured an exclusive book signing session, where guests received signed copies of Welcome to Paradise, making the occasion even more memorable.
“It’s truly a privilege to host an evening like this, and I feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such inspiring voices. Tonight’s conversation about parenting in modern times is a reminder of how much we can learn from one another, and I’m honored to be moderating this discussion with Twinkle Khanna at the Writer’s Bar in Raffles Udaipur,” said Shraddha Murdia.
As the evening unfolded, guests savored a delightful hi-tea spread, fostering meaningful conversations and connections among fellow literature lovers. The Writers Bar, with its intimate library and over 3,000 books lining its shelves, provided the perfect backdrop for the event, blending old-world charm with contemporary literary brilliance.
“At Raffles Udaipur, we take great pride in curating experiences that celebrate culture, creativity, and meaningful conversations. Hosting Twinkle Khanna for this literary soiree was truly special, as her insights and storytelling added to the enchanting spirit of the Writers Bar. Evenings like these reaffirm our commitment to providing a space where literature and refined hospitality come together in perfect harmony,” said Mr. Rajesh Namby, General Manager of Raffles Udaipur.
An enchanting evening that resonated with warmth, insight, and literary joy, An Evening of Grace with Twinkle Khanna was an event to remember. The night left guests reflecting on the stories shared, eager to return for the next chapter in Raffles Udaipur’slegacy of literary excellence.