VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Launches Gopichand Hinduja’s Book I Am
Mumbai: At an elegant function at the Vice President Enclave attended by an eminent group of leaders from the political and business classes along with members of the diplomatic community, Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the book compiled by the noted business tycoon and Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Mr. Gopichand P. Hinduja’s “I Am?”
Addressing the August gathering, the Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar stated, “This is indeed a profoundly unique moment. The release of ‘I Am?’, a thoughtful and thought-provoking assimilation by Shri Gopichand P. Hinduja. This launch taking place in Bharat, the land of Sanatan, the cradle of one of the oldest civilizations and global spiritual center, carries deep significance. This book underscores the universal relevance of Bharatiyata, virtuosity that is discernible in all faiths. We can respect and appreciate others’ truth without alluring conversions. Unity means no uniformity. Bharatiya is a perfect example. It exemplifies unity in diversity.
Let me buttress my comment, King Charles III of the United Kingdom had accreditations for these treatises. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, minister of faith and tolerance and will, has glorified it.”
Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, of Hinduja Group of Companies (India) in his inaugural address said, “Navigating different cultures across several geographies while maintaining its Sanaatan Traditions has always been a way of life for our family. Our businesses have flourished because promoting multicultural understanding has been an article of faith for us. GP often wondered, if religion is a stepping stone to discover one’s spirituality then how ‘that which is supposed to unite’ create division?
Inspired by the conversations with different spiritual masters, intellectuals, and world leaders on this subject, GP felt compelled to compile this book for the younger generation to help them positively and influence them to navigate the globalized and interconnected world”
President of Parmarth Niketan Trust, Swami Chiddanand Saraswati said, “Gopichand P. Hinduja’s book talks about inclusivity… It’s about the journey from ‘I’ to ‘We’ because only then can humanity move from illness to wellness. This embodies the message of the Rig Veda — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — that the world is one family.”
Notable attendees at the event included Mr. Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor; Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, eminent jurist, and Rajya Sabha MP; British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron; Vipul Rungta, MD CEO HDFC Capital; Navin Jindal, Chairman, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd and Member Lok Sabha.
Valentine’s Day Celebrations – Sheraton Grand Palace Indore
Love is in the air, and at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, romance takes center stage this Valentine’s Day. Araana and S Café transform into havens, offering dining experiences designed to ignite romance and create unforgettable moments.
Experience an exquisite spread curated by Chef Karam Dogra and his team. The evening will unfold with vibrant appetizers like Caramelized Fig with Stewed Berry Compote and Beetroot Carpaccio with Feta followed by indulgent mains, including Aloo Banarasi Ka Pyaar, Guldastan Dil Korma, and Dal-e-Mumtaz, perfectly paired with refreshing beverages like the Rose & Basil Cooler and Pomegranate Sparkler.
For those looking to elevate their celebration, an exclusive poolside candlelight dinner setup awaits, offering a breathtaking ambiance under the starlit sky.
To conclude on a sweet note, savor a trio of exquisite desserts—the delicate Heart Strawberry Entremets, the charming “Love You” Fresh Fruit Gateaux, and the luscious Cherry Valentine Entremets—each thoughtfully crafted to make your celebration truly special.
What: Valentine’s Day Celebrations
Where: Sheraton Grand Palace Indore
When: 14th February 2025
Time: 7 pm – 11 pm
Garuda Aerospace Unveils the MV 1000 AMARAN at Aero India 2025
Bengaluru, India – February 10, 2025 – Garuda Aerospace, a leading force in India’s drone technology sector, proudly presented its latest innovation, the MV 1000 AMARAN, at Aero India 2025, unveiled by former DRDO Chairman & Advisor to Defence Minister Dr.Satheesh Reddy and Mr. Sampathkumaran S T, Executive President (Defence Business), HFCL Limited, . This advanced rocket launcher drone is poised to significantly bolster the nation’s defense capabilities and shape the future of security and humanitarian efforts. The AMARAN is a tribute to the memory of Major Mukul Varadharajan, a hero whose life story was immortalized in the film ‘Amaran’, starring Sivakarthikeyan.
“The MV 1000 AMARAN is a testament to our dedication to innovation and excellence in drone technology,” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, of Garuda Aerospace “We believe this drone will play a crucial role in strengthening our nation’s defense infrastructure. We are honored to dedicate this achievement to the memory of Mukul Varadharajan, a true inspiration for our country,” he concluded
Mahindra Percussion Festival Honors Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Legacy
Indiawide Release, 10th February 2025: Mahindra Group has been at the forefront of the movement to preserve ancient traditions of Indian musical heritage through their cultural initiative, the Mahindra Percussion Festival. After the resounding success of its first two editions, the festival is back for its third edition. This year, the festival will be a homage to the enduring legacy of Padma Vibhushan, the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, through a myriad group of celebrated homegrown talents on March 1st and 2nd, 2025, at the Prestige Centre of Performing Arts, Bengaluru.
Ustad Zakir Hussain was the tour de force behind evoking the transcendental nature of music, which is not merely limited to geographical boundaries and gharanas. Through his innovative and mesmerising musical endeavours, he helped Indian classical music gain global status, and the third edition will celebrate this novel outlook of his towards music as a universal entity.
The Mahindra Percussion Festival, for the last two editions, witnessed some of the most celebrated artists from the country, as well as the globe, perform a musical symphony, uniting diverse sounds and rhythms in an amphitheatre. The latest edition will combine the spirit of traditional as well as modern sensibilities of percussion through renowned ensembles and soloists.
On the first day, the audience will revel in the magic of globally renowned virtuoso percussionist Trilok Gurtu. Known as a ‘serial collaborator’ in the world of music, Trilok Gurtu is a disciple of the nontraditional principle of classical music tradition: freedom just within a discipline. Having collaborated with legends like L. Shankar, John McLaughlin, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and others, the artist will bring a world-class set of different rhythms from around the world.
Another remarkable set of the evening will be Aruna Sairam’s Thrillana Project. Aruna Sairam is an important name in the Carnatic world, and during the third edition, she, along with a bunch of diverse talents, will weave an aural tapestry. The project includes artists like Sangeet Haldipur, BC Manjunath, Jyotsana Srikanth, Arun Kumar, Giridhar Udupa, and Shalini Mohan. The artists will bring a chapter from mythology to life through sonic storytelling.
Son of noted tabla player late Pt. Prabhakar Chary and tutelage of maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, Ravi Chary will also enthral the attendees with his solo project ‘Crossing.’ The album was launched by Zakir Hussain himself and featured some of the previous performers at the festival, like Ranjit Barot, Taufiq Qureshi, and others.
The second day will present the new sound of Indian percussion, with composer Ranjit Barot and theatre director Roysten Abel staging their musical production, BeatRoute. This musical ode bridges the past and present, the masculine and feminine, and the everyday with the divine, amalgamating folk rhythms with modern electronic music and Barot’s drumming.
SNAX, a musical duo from Chennai, will fuse the energy of rock, metal, and jazz by Ramkumar Kanakarajan to the soothing aura of mridangam by Sumesh Narayanan, at the culmination of ancient and contemporary music.
Jay Shah, Vice President -Cultural Outreach at Mahindra Group, said, “The Mahindra Percussion Festival aims to put Percussion on centre-stage. It explores the multitude of percussive instruments and styles – some are known but many of which remain relatively unknown. In line with all of our Cultural Outreach programs, this festival, too, discovers, inspires and celebrates artists and artforms”
VG Jairam, Founder of Hyperlink Brand Solutions, said, “Mahindra Percussion is more than a festival; it’s a journey into the soul of rhythm. Through masterful curation with stalwarts such as Trilok Gurtu, Aruna Sairam, Ranjit Barrot, Ravi Chary, Sumesh Narayan, and Roystel Abel, we bridge tradition and innovation, inviting fans to discover the universal language of beats, where every pulse tells a story and every rhythm sparks a connection.”
Mahindra Percussion Festival strives to curate a set of artists who bring a unique energy, rooted in the diverse culture of music and percussion. Through collaborations, bringing together the new and old, the festival contributes uniquely to the world of music, creating new harmonies. The coming together of varied sensibilities is the perfect tribute to the legacy of Ustad Zakir Hussain who envisioned a world that creates a dialogue through music, transcending the geographical boundaries. The two-day musical gala will unite the symphonies from the heartland and the West, giving an immersive aural experience to fans and aficionados alike.
GoMechanic to Invest INR 100 Crore in Two Wheeler Servicing Launch
(New Delhi) 10th February, 2025— GoMechanic, an India-based technology-driven automotive service and repair company recently acquired by Servizzy, is redefining the two-wheeler servicing landscape with a game-changing ₹100 crore investment in the next two years. With two-wheelers comprising over 75% of India’s total vehicle sales, this strategic expansion aims to bring affordable, high-quality, and standardized servicing to millions of riders nationwide.
GoMechanic’s two-wheeler service rollout will be executed in two phases, already executed with metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, followed by expansion into Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, and other cities. By leveraging its established expertise in automotive servicing, GoMechanic aims to address long-standing industry challenges—fragmentation, inconsistent service quality, and lack of transparency—through a tech-driven, scalable service ecosystem.
“Two-wheelers are the backbone of Indian mobility, yet servicing remains unorganized. With 2Wheels by GoMechanic, we bring structure, efficiency, and trust to the market. Our goal is to make bike servicing as seamless as booking a cab—affordable, reliable, and just a few clicks away. This is a game-changer for millions of riders, and we are thrilled to lead this transformation,” said
Himanshu Arora – CEO and Co Founder of GoMechanic.
GoMechanic’s two-wheeler servicing will include a full spectrum of maintenance and repair solutions, ensuring superior care for every rider. From routine servicing, oil changes, and brake pad replacements to advanced diagnostics, engine overhauls, and performance tuning, the company offers a one-stop solution for all two-wheeler needs. With exceptional service, genuine spare parts, and highly trained technicians, GoMechanic guarantees quality, convenience, and affordability, redefining the way India maintains its two-wheelers.
The two-wheeler servicing industry in India has long struggled with inconsistent service quality, a fragmented service network, and affordability concerns. The majority of servicing is handled by local garages with varying skill levels, unverified spare parts, and non-standardized pricing, making it difficult for riders to find reliable, cost-effective solutions. Organized service centers are limited, often expensive, and primarily cater to high-end models, leaving a major gap in the market for everyday commuters.
GoMechanic is tackling these challenges by introducing structured, tech-driven solutions that standardize servicing across the board. By leveraging trained professionals, genuine spare parts, AI-driven diagnostics, and a digital-first approach, GoMechanic ensures high-quality, transparent, and affordable maintenance for all two-wheeler owners. The company offers cost-effective service packages, doorstep convenience, and an expansive network of workshops, creating a scalable model that modernizes and transforms India’s two-wheeler servicing industry.
With this expansion, GoMechanic aims to onboard millions of two-wheeler owners in the first year while expanding to over 100 cities. By prioritizing quality, convenience, and affordability, the company is set to redefine two-wheeler servicing in India. “At GoMechanic, we have always been at the forefront of automotive service innovation. With “2Wheels” expanding into the two-wheeler market is a natural step in our mission to provide standardized, high-quality, and affordable servicing to every Indian rider. With our ₹100 crore investment in two years, we are setting new benchmarks, ensuring that two-wheeler owners receive the same reliability and transparency that car owners have come to expect from us,” said Muskan Kakkar, COO & Co-Founder, GoMechanic.
M&M Ltd: Consolidated PAT for Q3F25 Rs 3,181 cr., up 20%; YTD RoE 18.4%
Mumbai, February 10th, 2025: The Board of Directors of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited today approved the financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2024.
Key financials:
| Rs cr. | Q3 F25 | Q3 F24 | Growth% YoY |
| Consolidated Results | |||
| Revenue | 41,470 | 35,299 | 17% |
| PAT | 3,181 | 2,658 | 20% |
PAT is PAT after Non-Controlling Interest. For summary of standalone financials, refer Annexure 1
Mahindra & Mahindra reported strong operating performance across businesses in Q3 of F25 with consolidated PAT of Rs 3,181 cr., up 20%. Auto and Farm continue to deliver on growth and margins with profits up 16%. Financial services AUM grew at 19%. TechM achieved good traction in deal wins and saw EBIT improvement of 480 bps.
Auto
- Quarterly volumes at 245k, up 16%; UV volumes at 142k
- Standalone PBIT Rs 2,167 cr., up 37%; PBIT margin 9.7%, up 120 bps
- Consolidated Revenue Rs 23,391 cr., up 21%
- Consolidated PAT Rs 1,438 cr., up 20%
Farm
- Highest ever Q3 market share at 44.2%; volumes at 121k, up 20%
- Standalone PBIT Rs 1,479 cr., up 42% and PBIT margin 18.1%, up 260 bps
- Consolidated Revenue Rs 9,537 cr., up 11%
- Consolidated PAT Rs 996 cr., up 11%
Services
- MMFSL AUM up 19%, GS3 at 3.9%, standalone PAT up 63%
- Tech Mahindra EBIT margin improved by 480 bps, PAT up 93%
- Mahindra Lifespaces residential pre-sales of Rs 334 cr., down 25%
- Club Mahindra total income Rs 391 cr., up 5%
- Mahindra Logistics revenue Rs 1,594 cr., up 14%
- Consolidated Revenue Rs 9,607 cr., up 14%
- Consolidated PAT Rs 747 cr., up 34%
Commenting on Q3 FY25 performance
Dr. Anish Shah, Managing Director & CEO, M&M Ltd. said, “Our businesses continue to demonstrate strength in execution. Auto and Farm delivered solid performance on market share and margins, on the back of focused execution. The transformation at TechM is gathering momentum. MMFSL continues to balance asset quality and growth priorities, with GS under 4% on the back of strong AUM growth. Our Growth Gems are demonstrating steady progress towards their long-term objectives.”
Mr. Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO (Auto and Farm Sector), M&M Ltd. said, “The launch of our flagship Electric Origin SUVs, the BE 6 and XEV 9e set a new benchmark in global innovation. Thar ROXX won the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) as well as Autocar car of the year. In Q3 F25, we were No. 1 in SUV revenue market share with 200 bps YoY increase. LCV < 3.5T volume market share is at 51.9%, a gain of 230 bps. The Auto segment PBIT is up by 120 bps YoY. We achieved highest ever Q3 tractor market share at 44.2%, gain of 240 bps YoY, and farm PBIT is up by 260 bps YoY.”
Mr. Amarjyoti Barua, Group Chief Financial Officer, M&M Ltd. said, “Our Q3 consolidated results reflect strong performance across multiple businesses despite global headwinds. Our operating businesses remain laser focused on execution and we remain committed to disciplined capital allocation to drive long term shareholder value creation”
Shoaib Akhtar It Would Be Great to See Sharjah Warriorz Claim the Title
Chandigarh, 10th February 2024: The DP World ILT20 Season 3, streaming exclusively on Zee Network, has captivated cricket fans worldwide with its exhilarating action. As the tournament reaches its penultimate stage, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Desert Vipers and Sharjah Warriorz are set to battle it out for a coveted spot in the final against Dubai Capitals. With world-class cricketers showcasing their exceptional talent and legendary players offering unparalleled insights, ILT20 Season 3 has been nothing short of a cricketing spectacle. Fans have been treated to unforgettable moments, edge-of-the-seat drama, and masterclass performances from some of the game’s biggest stars.
Legendary former cricketer and the ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ Shoaib Akhtar, shared his thoughts on the tournament’s impact and the rising talent making waves this season. As an ILT20 league ambassador for the second season, Shoaib Akhtar shared his thoughts on the tournament’s progress, saying, “ILT20 is getting bigger and better every year. The numbers speak for themselves – from TRP to reach, the tournament is making a huge impact. The quality of players performing is immense. But more importantly, the league was created to promote local UAE talent, and it’s successfully doing that. This season, we have seen players like Muhammad Waseem and Khuzaima Tanveer rising through the ranks, which is heartening to witness.”
When discussing emerging fast-bowling talent, Akhtar was particularly impressed by a young pacer, “Farhan Khan has impressed me. I wanted to see him bowl with the new ball early in the tournament because he’s very skilled with it. He’s just 18, learning fast, and has a bright future ahead. There’s a bit of a challenge when he bowls to left-handers, but at his age, the key is learning. Ayaan Khan is also exceptional in spin, and Khuzaima Tanveer is proving to be a real talent – he can bat and bowl, making him one to watch.”
On picking a potential winner for ILT20 Season 3, Akhtar revealed his preference, “All four teams in the playoffs deserve to win, but my heart goes out to Sharjah Warriorz. They started slow but gained momentum at the right time. If they go all the way and lift the title, it would be great to see.”
AICC Launches Supplier Diversity Program to Boost MSMEs and Global Trade
February 10th 2025: The Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce (AICC) today launched the India Supplier Diversity Program (ISDP) at the India International Center, New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished policymakers, industry leaders, and global business representatives. This initiative is a major step toward fostering inclusive economic growth by integrating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—especially women-owned businesses and enterprises from disadvantaged communities—into the global supply chain ecosystem.
The launch event was graced by Chief Guest Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development, along with Rajkumar Sangwan (MP, Skill Development) and Mithilesh Kumar (MP, Uttar Pradesh), who emphasized the vital role MSMEs play in shaping India’s economy and their potential to contribute to global trade networks.
The India Supplier Diversity Program (ISDP) aims to address the “missing middle”—a segment of small and medium enterprises that struggle with scalability, certification, and access to international markets. Through ISDP, Indian MSMEs will be equipped with the necessary tools and certifications to meet global compliance standards and gain visibility among large multinational corporations.
The initiative is backed by leading global corporations, including Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson, Micron, Regeneron, Citibank, Radian, and others, all of whom recognize the need for a diverse and inclusive supply chain.
The program is led by Komal Dangi, President of AICC, and Rajeev Krishna, President of ISDP, both committed to expanding opportunities for small businesses and fostering a more inclusive economy. Rakhi Agarwal, VP, Global Head of Supplier Diversity and Procurement Risk at Sanofi, has also been instrumental in driving this initiative forward.
Key Features of ISDP
- Certified Supplier Database – MSMEs will be integrated into a global database to enhance their accessibility for corporate procurement teams.
- Mentorship & Technical Assistance – Structured programs to help businesses improve operational efficiency and meet international quality standards.
- B2B Matchmaking & Trade Delegations – Direct engagement opportunities between Indian MSMEs, multinational corporations, government procurement agencies, and global trade organizations.
- Adoption of International Best Practices – Aligning with global supplier diversity frameworks such as the Billion Dollar Roundtable (BDR) to ensure that Indian suppliers meet global procurement benchmarks.
Rajeev Krishna, President of ISDP: “A strong supplier diversity program benefits not just small businesses but the entire economy. ISDP is a significant step toward greater inclusion and innovation.”
Komal Dangi, President of AICC: “Supplier diversity creates new pathways for growth. ISDP will help Indian small businesses gain access to global supply chains and scale their impact.”
Rakhi Agarwal, VP, Global Head of Supplier Diversity and Procurement Risk at Sanofi: “This initiative is about unlocking opportunities for diverse businesses and ensuring they have a fair chance to compete in the global market.”
The launch event saw the participation of government officials, corporate leaders, industry associations, financial institutions, and chamber representatives, all united in their commitment to strengthening India’s SME sector.
By bridging the gap between MSMEs and global corporations, ISDP is set to create new economic opportunities and drive sustainable growth. As India positions itself as a global economic powerhouse, initiatives like ISDP will play a pivotal role in fostering a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven supply chain.
ISDP is now open for supplier registrations and corporate partnerships.
IDA Deccan Branch Wins 8 National Awards at 75th Indian Dental Conference
Hyderabad, 10th February 2025: Indian Dental Association, Head Office considers the Local Branches as its lifeline. The wider network of branches across the country supplement and support the efforts of the IDA Head Office in implementing the various projects and programmes, besides carrying out their own programmes in a true spirit and commitment towards optimal oral health for all in the country. By highlighting the best traits in a variety of methods, the awards seek to inspire branches and individual members to reach their full potential. It is now time to honour performance and contributions to the process of IDA’s visibility and to the community’s easier access to oral healthcare services.
The awards distributed at the Award Ceremony, which is scheduled after the Annual General Meeting of the 75th Indian Dental Conference (IDC), Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai, today. Dr M Raveendranath, President IDA HO; Dr Ashok Dhoble, Secretary, IDA HO; presented the 8 national awards to Dr S Niranjan Reddy, President – IDA Deccan; Dr Aditya Sandeep, Ex-President, IDA Deccan; and Dr S Anuraga, Best Young Member Awardee – IDA Deccan.
On this occasion Dr A Srikanth, Secretary, IDA, Deccan Branch; said, I would like to congratulate everyone securing the national awards.
IDA Deccan Branch won 8 National Awards:
Dr. V.M.Veerabahu Runners Up Trophy – All Round Activity Local Branch: Deccan Branch;
IDA Runners Up Trophy – Best Local Branch President: Dr.K V Ramana Reddy, Deccan Branch;
IDA Runners Up Trophy – Best Local Branch Secretary: Dr.Ala Srikanth, Deccan Branch;
Dr. Keki Mistry Trophy – Scientific Activity: Deccan Branch;
IDA Runners Up Trophy – Best Council of Dental Health Activity: Deccan Branch;
Dr. Ramakanth Venson Award – Student Activity: Deccan Branch;
Dr. Achyut Deodhar Trophy – School Dental Health: Deccan Branch;
Dr. Ratan H. Doctor Award – 3rd Best Young Member: Dr. S Anuraga, Deccan Branch
Gillco International School Conducts Nursery Admission Draw for 2025-26
February 10th 2025: Gillco International School,Mohali conducted a Draw of Lots Ceremony for grade nursery on Saturday, 8 February 2025.GIS is one of the leading educational institutions in Mohali, Punjab conducted a draw of lots ceremony today to determine the order of admission seats for the upcoming session 2025-26.
The ceremony, which was attended by parents, teachers, and students, was held at the school premises. The draw of lots was conducted in a fair and transparent manner, with the Chairman,Mr Ranjeet Singh Gill, Trustee, Mrs Gill, Senior Management,Ms Jai Sandhu Gill presiding over the ceremony.
“We are thrilled to host this event ,” said the Principal, Dr Kritika Kaushal.The draw of lots ceremony marks an important milestone in the lead-up to the event, and we are excited to venture into the new academic year. GIS is a leading educational institution committed to providing a world-class education to its students. With a strong focus on academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and character development, it aims to empower its students to become responsible and successful citizens.