Rs 500 Cr AI Push Fuels IIM Sambalpur’s Digital Learning Partnership

IIM SAMBALPUR

National, India, 4th February 2025-Following the announcement of investing 500 Crore in AI Centers of excellence; in a ground-breaking initiative set to change the face of management education in India, IIM Sambalpur has joined hands with Breakout Learning Inc. on AI-driven digital case study solutions. The objective of this collaboration is to pursue India as a hub for a technology-driven and globally competitive management learning system.This trailblazing collaboration will see IIM Sambalpur use Breakout Learning’s cutting-edge AI-enabled case platform in its MBA; Executive MBA; and Ph.D. programs, which will be the new benchmark for digital learning in India. Premium case studies from the world’s best institutions like “Ivey and Harvard” will be accessible to students and faculty members exclusively, thereby bringing international academic excellence with high legal and financial standards.This partnership will also allow students to extend beyond adoption, fostering innovation.

Additionally, it will provide an opportunity for faculty and students at IIM Sambalpur to co-create cutting-edge management cases, hosted on Breakout Learning’s platform, positioning India as a leader in AI-driven business education. Intellectual property rights for these AI-generated cases will be jointly owned, empowering faculty with discounted access for teaching and research purposes.

Highlighting the significance of this alliance, Prof MahadeoJaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur said, “Following the announcement of 500 Crores investment in AI centres of excellence in Union budget, this momentous collaboration with Breakout Learning is a game-changer for Indian management education, addressing long-standing challenges in traditional teaching methodologies. By integrating AI-driven case-based learning, we are preparing future leaders with unparalleled decision-making and analytical skills, propelling India into the global forefront of business education. As we look at global rankings, Indian B-schools are still not placed in the top 200. In terms of innovation and research, faculty members are often occupied with teaching responsibilities and don’t have enough time for research. However, with the integration of AI, teachers will receive support, allowing them more time for research, innovation, and case writing. This shift will contribute to enhancing their academic output and, ultimately, help improve global rankings.”
He further added, “With this strategic alliance, IIM Sambalpur further forges its front-runner position as an innovation-led education provider while aligning itself with India’s vision of emerging as a knowledge powerhouse and shaping the next set of management professionals ready to compete with the Harvard University in terms of Case Projects.”

Ramit Varma, CEO and Co-Founder, Breakout Learning, USA, said, “Our project involves classroom discussion, we learned that this is the optimal size for small groups. We realized this format is fundamental to our experience as humans. Learning is one of our deepest desires and needs. However, if you look at the way our classrooms are set up, they aren’t engaging. They almost feel like factories, where students are workers, and the system is a factory mindset. At Breakout Learning, we break students into small groups, focus on areas with no answers at all, and then allow students to discuss among themselves creating a pool of ideas. This helps students to learn, communicate and engage. IIM Sambalpur is the first institute in India to bring transformative change and is ready to compete with Harvard University.”

He further added, “At Harvard University, the case project involves PDFs and immerses students in realistic business scenarios. However, their traditional approach, which relies on physical interactions, can be time-consuming and hectic. Additionally, students often come unprepared, while instructors are well prepared. In contrast, the integration of AI in our approach forces students to think critically, communicate, discuss, evaluate, create, implement, and innovate. This not only better prepares students for the real world but also surpasses Harvard’s traditional method in terms of engagement and effectiveness.”

Breakout Learning will ensure the smooth integration of its AI-driven platform into IIM Sambalpur’s curriculum, which will be supported by dedicated technical support. Financial agreements, including access fees and case development royalties, will be structured under a separate agreement to ensure mutual benefit and long-term sustainability.

Veefin Group Expands its Global Reach by Acquiring UAE’s TradeAssets

Mumbai, 4th February 2025 – Veefin Group (through their subsidiary Estorifi Solutions), a global leader in working capital technologies, has announced the acquisition of TradeAssets, a Dubai-based company specializing in the digital trading of trade finance assets. This strategic move marks a significant step in the Group’s mission to become a one-stop shop for the financial needs of banks and financial institutions, enhancing their ability to manage liquidity, distribute risk, and access global markets. This also marks Veefin’s fifth acquisition in the past eight months, making the Veefin Group a total of ten companies.

TradeAssets, based out of UAE, co-founded by senior ex-bankers Lakshmanan Sankaran and Sumit K Roy, creates efficiency and transparency between financial institutions, development banks, and commodity traders in the buying and selling of trade finance assets. TradeAssets revolutionizes banking operations with a powerful platform that facilitates the trading of trade finance assets like Letters of Credit, Guarantees, Open Account payables and receivables including Islamic products. In just three years, the platform has handled over USD 4 billion in deals, connecting more than 120+ banks across over 35 countries. This pivotal service empowers banks constrained by Basel regulations to swiftly liquidate assets, liberating capital for new lending opportunities and boosting financial agility.

The acquisition is a natural fit within Veefin Group’s overarching strategy to streamline and strengthen financial operations for institutions worldwide. With the integration of TradeAssets, the Group elevates its portfolio and cements its position as a key ally for banks, ushering in a new era of collaborative financial solutions.

Strategic Benefits of the Acquisition:

  • Integrated Offerings: Veefin Group’s current suite includes solutions for supply chain finance, trade finance, and cash management. Adding TradeAssets will allow banks to originate, distribute, and manage trade finance assets seamlessly under one unified ecosystem.
  • Enhanced Collaboration with Banks: The inclusion of TradeAssets in Veefin’s portfolio solidifies its role as a collaborator, aiding banks in unlocking more value from their trade finance operations and navigating regulatory landscapes more effectively.
  • Cross-Selling Opportunities: This acquisition opens new avenues for Veefin Group to deepen relationships with existing customers and extend its comprehensive range of solutions—including trade finance, cash management, and automated receivables—to TradeAssets’ clientele.

Raja Debnath, Chairperson, Co-Founder & CEO, Veefin Group said, “Today’s announcement is a milestone not just for Veefin Group but for the entire financial technology sector. Integrating TradeAssets into our ecosystem allows us to offer even more comprehensive solutions to global financial institutions. This move aligns with our goal to provide an integrated platform that covers all aspects of trade finance, from origination to distribution and beyond. We will continue to acquire companies to add to the Veefin Group’s ecosystem to better serve our banking and corporate clients”.

Lakshmanan Sankaran, Co-Founder & Chairman, TradeAssets, “The TradeAssets platform operates in a large market base consisting of over 10,000+ banks, with estimated secondary asset sales of USD 1tn and primary asset origination of USD 2tn. The trade finance industry is at a critical juncture, with banks seeking smarter ways to manage liquidity, distribute risk, and access global opportunities. By joining the Veefin Group, we bring our expertise in trade asset distribution to a comprehensive platform that empowers banks to seamlessly originate, syndicate, and manage trade finance portfolios. Together, we would endeavour to redefine how financial institutions maximize value from their trade finance operations”.

ISB’s 9th Asian Invitational Conference on Family Business evokes a resounding response

[February 4, 2025]: As part of its multi-pronged approach, ISB’s Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise brought together thought leaders and experts to share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in family business at the 9th Asian Invitational Conference on Family Business.

Themed – ‘Revitalising the entrepreneurial spirit of business families’ – the two-day conference organised at the Hyderabad campus of the Indian School of Business (ISB) examined topics such as stewardship, innovations, women and Gen Next leadership, emerging geopolitics, entrepreneurship ecosystem, conflict resolution, AI, digital transformation, among others. At the conference, over 30 family business leaders and thought leaders shared their rich and varied experiences and insights with nearly 250 delegates. The conference offered an excellent platform to learn, share, and build capabilities in family businesses.

The Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise engages closely with leading family businesses in India and Asia through collaborations, conferences, roundtables, workshops, and forums. These engagements have helped the Centre contribute significantly to the growing body of research on various aspects of family business and emerge as the face of family business scholarship in India.

Duracell Licenses Satya Intl for Batteries & Auto Accessories in Asia & Africa

Duracell

New Delhi, February 04, 2025: Satya Intl, a leading global conglomerate in automotive and consumer products, is delighted to announce that it has entered into a licensing agreement with DURACELL, a globally recognized brand for batteries & power products. Satya Intl’s focus is to deliver an extensive range of lead acid, tubular, inverter, and ups batteries to consumers under the Duracell Brand. Alongside the battery range, Satya Intl will launch a series of automotive power accessories such as battery chargers/maintainers and jump starters, offering consumers a complete solution for maintaining and enhancing their vehicles.

“At Satya Intl, we are dedicated to providing innovative and high-quality products that meet the diverse needs of our global customers,” said Rakesh Sharma – Managing Director at Satya Intl. “Our licensing agreement with Duracell Inc., of USA marks a significant milestone in our journey to enhance the automotive & tubular batteries and automotive accessories market in Asia and Africa. We aim to bring unparalleled value, performance, and convenience to our customers. Notably, we have a strong presence in India, where the demand for high-quality automotive products and power accessories is rapidly growing.”

Satya Intl has been granted the authority to manufacture, market, and distribute the products under the Duracell brand in various Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and New Zealand along with African countries such as Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Iberia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Palestine, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The new range of products will be officially launched in mid-February 2025 and available to customers through Satya Intl’s distribution channels starting April 2025. Satya Intl is confident that they will set a new standard in the industry, delivering outstanding value and satisfaction to their customers.

New Partnership Between Alldigi Tech and LuLu Financial Holdings Set to Revolutionize Payroll & HRMS for SMEs in MEA

Mumbai, 4th Feb 2025: Quess Corp’s subsidiary, Alldigi Tech Limited (formerly Allsec Technologies Limited), a leading provider of Payroll and HRMS solutions processing over 1.5 million payslips monthly, has entered into a strategic collaboration with LuLu Financial Holdings, a UAE-based global financial services conglomerate. This partnership aims to redefine payroll and HRMS services in the MEA region by delivering integrated, technology-driven solutions tailored to the diverse needs of LuLuFin’s extensive customer base.

This collaboration will enable LuLuFin to elevate payroll and HR management for its clients through the integration of Alldigi Tech’s advanced payroll platform and HRMS capabilities. By simplifying salary calculations, generating accurate disbursement reports, and integrating seamlessly with LuLuFin’s offerings, the solution provides businesses with a comprehensive and hassle-free experience. By reducing manual effort, minimizing errors, ensuring compliance with local payroll regulations and streamlining HR processes, it not only saves time but also allows businesses to focus on growth and delivering value to their employees.

Mr. Richard Wason, CEO of LuLu Financial Holdings, commented, “Our mission has always been to provide innovative and accessible financial solutions that meet the diverse needs of community. Partnering with Alldigi Tech will enable us to offer a simple, cost-effective solution for payroll management, helping SMEs reduce administrative burden and focus on growth.”

Mr. Naozer Dalal, CEO of Alldigi Tech, added, “We are excited about this partnership as it combines our payroll expertise with LuLuFin’s deep understanding of the SME sector. Together, we are creating a solution that not only addresses the growing demand for payroll automation but also helps businesses run more efficiently and enhance employee satisfaction.”

LuLu Financial Holdings and Alldigi Tech have partnered to offer SMEs a simplified payroll processing solution featuring strong customer support and query resolution. By combining LuLuFin’s local expertise with Alldigi Tech’s robust system, SMEs can immediately streamline payroll operations, freeing up resources to focus on growth and core business activities.

Cosplay Experts Host Workshop Ahead of Kolkata Comic Con 2025

Kolkata, India, 4 February 2025 – The Annual Cosplay Workshop ahead of Maruti Suzuki Arena Kolkata Comic Con 2025, powered by Crunchyroll, was an unforgettable gathering of creativity, passion, and craftsmanship! Held on February 1, 2025, at Musafir, Kaikhali, the event brought together cosplayers and enthusiasts from all walks of life.

The event was hosted by Saurabh Singh Rawat, Indian Cosplay Champion 2024 and founder of a renowned cosplay studio; Souvik Mitra, a Kolkata-based IT professional known for his tech-driven, interactive cosplay; and Pracheta Banerjee, an internationally acclaimed artist and cosplayer celebrated for her award-winning work in comics, animation, and cosplay.

The trio led an interactive session that inspired aspiring cosplayers in attendance. During the hands-on demonstration, they showed the audience how to create intricate costumes using simple materials such as foam, fabric, glue, and scissors. They aimed to prove that cosplay is accessible to everyone, even with basic supplies. Attendees were not only wowed by the simplicity of their hacks but were also thrilled by the encouragement and practical advice shared by our talented cosplayers.

The energy in the room was palpable as participants walked away with newfound confidence, ready to take their cosplay game to the next level at the upcoming first-ever Kolkata Comic Con!

Hyundai Motor India Foundation Touches 2 Million Lives in 2024 Through Its Initiatives

Gurugram | February 04, 2025: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), made a transformative impact in 2024 by uplifting over 2 million lives through holistic, inclusive and sustainable social initiatives. With a substantial investment of INR 400 Crore since 2020 through multi-year mid-to-long term social projects, HMIF has strengthened its commitment to Hyundai’s global vision of “Progress for Humanity,” bringing progress to communities across 26 states and 1,250 villages in India.

Touching upon HMIF’s efforts towards responsible corporate citizenship, Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director – Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “2024 has been a defining year for the Hyundai Motor India Foundation, as we have strengthened our commitment towards driving transformative change at the grassroots across Bharat. Addressing critical challenges in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, we are not only driving tangible impact, but also laying the foundation for a brighter, more resilient, and inclusive future. Guided by Hyundai Motor Company’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ we strive to empower individuals and communities to thrive with self-reliance and a deeper sense of purpose. As we step into 2025, we remain committed towards building a better world, for what we sow today, will our future generations reap tomorrow.”

Through various CSR initiatives under the core pillars of Earth, Mobility, and Hope, HMIF has championed change for good. Promoting community-driven economic initiatives, HMIF helped generate income benefits worth over INR 40 Crore, empowering local communities to achieve self-reliance. The Foundation also made significant strides in environmental stewardship by reducing 21,811 tons of CO2 emissions by planting over 21,000 trees to enhance green cover, and recycling 7,52,250 kg waste to promote sustainable and circular economy practices.

HMIF also awarded scholarships worth INR 3.38 Crore, enabling young talent across India to pursue their academic aspirations, extended support to 481 specially-abled people through focused projects, and nurtured creativity and cultural diversity by providing grants totalling INR 1.65 Crore to 150 multidisciplinary artists since 2021.

With a vision to continue its transformative journey, HMIF reaffirms its promise to spread hope, and build a better and more inclusive tomorrow.

Wardwizard Enters Fleet Ops, Deploys 100 Joy e-bikes in Hyderabad

Supporting

Mumbai, 4th February 2025: Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles under the brands ‘Joy e-bike’ and ‘Joy e-rik’, has announced its entry into fleet operations and last-mile delivery mobility under its flagship brand, Joy e-bike. In collaboration with SpeedforcEV under the banner of Optimotion, the company deployed its first batch of 100 electric two-wheelers in Hyderabad today. This strategic move marks a significant step toward providing sustainable, technology-driven solutions for delivery partners and fleet operators.

Unlike traditional fleet operations that focus solely on vehicle deployment, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited is introducing a first-of-its-kind holistic approach in India to ensure seamless operations for delivery partners. The initiative encompasses vehicle supply, 24/7 maintenance, spare parts availability, charging infrastructure, financing solutions, and insurance support—all provided through strategic partnerships. This integrated approach ensures zero downtime for fleet operators, maximizing vehicle uptime and optimizing revenue potential. Cashless Insurance services will be managed by Bluebells, financing by Mangalam Industrial Finance Limited, charging stations by Ampvolts Limited, and spare parts and maintenance by SpeedforcEV.

With an initial deployment for Zomato, Swiggy, Flipkart, Amazon, and BigBasket, the company plans to expand rapidly across major metropolitan cities beyond Hyderabad, including Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore and Surat.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Yatin Gupte, Chairman & Managing Director of Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited, said: “This is a landmark moment for the Indian EV industry, as we are building endeavoring a complete end-to-end ecosystem to support fleet operations. Our partnership with SpeedforcEV for fleet operations, Mangalam Industrial Finance Limited, Mufin Green Finance, Bluebells Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd., Ampvolts Limited, and other key industry players ensures a hassle-free experience for businesses, maximizing uptime and revenue potential. We are targeting the deployment of 8,000 vehicles by March 2025, and scaling up to 50,000 vehicles by March 2026, reinforcing our commitment to driving EV adoption in the country. We are dedicated to revolutionizing last-mile mobility and fleet operations with innovative and sustainable solutions.”

This initiative represents a first-of-its-kind fully integrated smart mobility solution for fleet and logistics operations. Looking ahead, Wardwizard plans to extend its partnerships to B2B, B2C, and retail players, further strengthening its presence in the rapidly growing electric mobility sector.

CARS24 & IRSC Join Forces to Drive Road Safety in India

CARS24

Gurugram, 04 February 2025 – Everyone deserves to get back home safely. Yet, India’s roads witness over 1,50,000 fatalities annually, making road safety an urgent national priority. CARS24, India’s leading autotech company, has partnered with the Indian Road Safety Campaign (IRSC) to take meaningful action—improving infrastructure, integrating technology, and driving policy-level change to reduce road accidents and save lives.

This initiative aligns with CARS24’s vision of ‘Better Drives, Better Lives’, reinforcing that safety isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a movement that requires awareness, action, and collaboration.

Pothole Reporting & Resolution
One of the latest initiatives under this collaboration is pothole reporting through the CARS24 app. Users can now report potholes in real time, helping create a centralized database of road hazards. Upon verification, IRSC will take action to fix selected potholes, while the remaining data will be shared with local authorities to push for broader road repairs. Additionally, all reported potholes will be geotagged, allowing other motorists to navigate safely and avoid high-risk areas. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between citizen reporting and government action, ensuring quicker resolution of hazardous road conditions.

Beyond Potholes: A Comprehensive Road Safety Approach
CARS24 is expanding its road safety efforts with new features in its app, making crucial information more accessible to drivers:

  •  Location-based helpline numbers for quick access to emergency assistance.
  •  Simple road safety guidelines to promote responsible driving behavior.
  •  A user-friendly guide to traffic laws to keep motorists informed.
  •  A daily road safety quiz to reinforce awareness and encourage engagement.

The feature is currently live on IOS and will be coming soon on Android.

Empowering People: First Responder Training
CARS24 is also preparing to train all Autonauts (its employees) as first responders. The initiative has already begun, with 150 employees—including all co-founders—trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency response techniques. This program will be expanded to equip more people with life-saving skills, ensuring they are prepared to step in when it matters most.

Advocating for a Safer Tomorrow
CARS24 and IRSC are working to address road safety challenges at a broader level by:

  •  Identifying and addressing accident-prone zones using data-driven insights.
  •  Advocating for stricter road safety enforcement to reduce fatalities.
  •  Engaging with policymakers and urban planners to improve road infrastructure for long-term impact.

“We’ve all seen it, a crash that changed a life forever. India has just 1% of the world’s vehicles but 11% of global road deaths. That’s not bad luck—it’s a failure of infrastructure, enforcement, and awareness. Over 60% of these deaths are preventable, yet road accidents remain an everyday tragedy. It’s time to change that. CARS24 is stepping up, not just to talk about road safety, but to take action.

Because no mother should have to fear every time her child steps out. No father should have to worry if their child will make it home. No family should receive a call that changes everything. Fixing potholes, improving accessibility, and empowering people with knowledge and tools, is our first step towards this mission.Having said that, road safety isn’t just one company’s effort; it’s something we all need to take responsibility for. Because a safe journey home shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be something we build together.” said Gajendra Jangid, Co Founder, CARS24

Adding to it, Vikram Chopra, CEO Co Founder, CARS24 said “India loses 3% of its GDP annually due to road crashes. That’s more than what we spend on healthcare and education combined. Beyond the personal tragedy, road accidents impact the entire economy. If fixing roads, enforcing laws, and driving responsibly can save lives and boost our nation’s progress, then we have no excuse not to act.”

As per Amar Srivastava, Founder and President, Indian Road Safety Campaign “We started IRSC more than a decade back due to loss of close seniors to a road-crash at IIT Delhi. However India still loses more than 1 lakh+ youth to road-crashes and solving such a multi-sectoral problem would need the private, government and citizens to come together to solve this while using technology as the backbone for sustainable impact. With our collaboration with CARS24, we aim to save a million lives across the next decade by leveraging technological innovations to change behaviour and nudging citizens at scale to drive responsibly and help reduce crashes by active participation”

As per Deepanshu Gupta, Co-Founder and Vice President, Indian Road Safety Campaign, “While a lot of people believe road-crashes are accidents, they are not. Each and every accident is preventable by systemic interventions and with our collaboration with CARS24 we would work across the 4Es of road-safety [engineering, education, emergency care, enforcement] at 10x scale and speed. Road-crashes are today the leading cause of youth deaths. While this is a global menace, India leads the pack and am hopeful that if we all collaborate to act, we would also be the leaders in showing how to solve this sustainably. Time to act is now ”

Better Drives, Better Lives
CARS24 and IRSC are committed to making road safety a fundamental part of mobility. Every initiative, partnership, and innovation is aimed at reducing accidents, enhancing road conditions, and ensuring safer journeys for all.

Actors Discuss Their Obsession with Fashion and Wardrobe Collections

Fashion is not just about clothing; it is an expression of personality, culture, and cherished memories. For many, certain pieces in their wardrobe hold a special place, telling unique stories that represent not only style but also sentiment. &TV actors Smita Sable (Dhaniya from Bheema), Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) talk about their special collection that beautifully reflect their love for both traditional and contemporary fashion. Smita Sable, aka Dhaniya from Bheema, shares, “My love for kurtis began during my college days, and it has only grown since then. I have a variety of kurtis in my wardrobe, catering to every occasion and mood. From chic, contemporary prints that exude modern elegance to those adorned with intricate hand embroidery highlighting India’s rich heritage, my collection is incredibly diverse. I particularly enjoy wearing flowy Anarkali kurtis during festive seasons, as they make me feel regal and festive. For casual outings or day-to-day wear, nothing beats the comfort of soft cotton kurtis in vibrant hues. Then, there are my boho-style kurtis with tassels and mirrors, which are perfect for adding a touch of playfulness to my look. Each piece in my collection reflects my personality and allows me to experiment with style while staying true to my love for tradition and comfort.”

Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, says, “I am absolutely in love with jhumkas, and they are an integral part of my jewellery collection. There is something so enchanting about how a jhumka dangles and sways, adding charm to even the simplest outfit. My collection is like a treasure filled with jhumkas of all styles and sizes. I have traditional jhumkas, perfect for festive occasions and weddings; meenakari jhumkas in vibrant colours that brighten up even plain outfits; and oxidized silver jhumkas that lend a contemporary, bohemian vibe. I also adore pearl-studded jhumkas for their sheer elegance, as they can elevate any look instantly. Every piece in my collection feels special, reflecting India’s rich culture and artistry. Wearing them not only makes me feel beautiful but also deeply connected to our traditions.” Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, adds, “Sarees are not just garments for me; they are an emotion and a connection to my roots. Ever since I was a little girl, I admired the way my mother draped her sarees with such elegance and grace. Today, my collection includes a variety of sarees, each with its own story. I cherish my Kanjeevaram sarees with intricate zari work, representing the rich culture of South India, and my Banarasi silk sarees, which are symbols of timeless grandeur and opulence. For casual outings, I adore my soft, flowy chiffon sarees. Among all my sarees, one holds an incredibly special place in my heart—a royal blue Kanjeevaram saree gifted by my mother 15 years ago. It is more than just an outfit; it is a bundle of emotions and memories that make me feel her warmth and love every time I wear it. Draping a saree makes me feel powerful, graceful, and deeply connected to our Indian traditions. It is a timeless attire that will always be my favourite. Recently, I have been fortunate to showcase my love for sarees in some of my photoshoots, where I got to experiment with a variety of drapes and styles. Whether it is a traditional look or a modern twist to saree draping, the shoot allowed me to express my deep admiration for this beautiful attire.”