Global Delegates Unite to Elevate Startup Mahakumbh Worldwide
India, March 8, 2025 – With a focus on fostering collaboration amongst stakeholders across the globe, delegates from 30+ countries joined in for an evening of innovation and startups at Vanijya Bhawan, on Thursday. The organizing committee members of Startup Mahakumbh supported The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), showcased the expanse of the landmark event at a glittering event, which was aimed at igniting a new era of global innovation.
With international collaboration at the heart of the Indian startup ecosystem’s growth, key delegates from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ambassadors to the Argentinian and Azerbaijan’s Embassy, Head of the Economic and Innovation Department of Italy, Head of International Cooperation from Mexico, among many other attended the event.
The event, spearheaded by India’s foremost Startup Ecosystem Leaders and led by FICCI in collaboration with ASSOCHAM, IVCA, nasscom, Bootstrap Foundation, and other key industry stakeholders, with support from the National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC), DPIIT, Startup India. With a sector-focused approach, across 11 pavillions – AI, Deeptech & Cybersecurity, HealthTech & BioTech, AgriTech, Climate Tech, Incubators & Accelerators, D2C, FinTech, Gaming & Sports, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, Defence & Space Tech and Mobility – the event will create immersive spaces for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and real business opportunities.
Speaking on the sidelines of the convivial evening, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “The Indian startup ecosystem has positioned itself as a formidable force across industries worldwide, and with Startup Mahakumbh – the largest congregation of startups globally – will help in bridging the gap to foster connections with stakeholders transcending borders.”
Smt. Arti Bhatnagar, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, DPIIT, Startup India said, “This evening marks a significant milestone in India’s startup journey, where global collaboration takes center stage as thought leaders, investors, and innovators from over 30 countries joined hands to foster deeper connections and exchange knowledge. As we move towards building a self-reliant and innovative Viksit Bharat by 2047, such engagements will play a crucial role in driving India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to new heights on the global stage.”
Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, said, “By bringing together key global stakeholders, we are not just showcasing the immense innovation happening in India but also forging meaningful collaborations that will drive the future of entrepreneurship for the whole world.”
Expressing his views, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman, Info Edge signed off as he said, “Startup Mahakumbh embodies India’s dynamic spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, helping Indian startups scale internationally. By inviting global innovators to explore the limitless opportunities in Bharat, is a powerful signal of the shared vision we hold for a truly interconnected startup landscape.
Forever Living India Secures Success with 3rd Women’s Leadership Conclave, Celebrating Empowerment
Delhi, March 8, 2025 – Forever Living, a global leader in health, beauty, and wellness solutions powered by Aloe Vera, successfully hosted the 3rd edition of its prestigious Women’s Leadership Conclave at Shri Satya Sai Auditorium, Lodhi Road, Delhi. This exclusive event brought together Female Forever Business owners, offering them an empowering space to recognize achievements, share best practices, and inspire greater success in both business and personal growth.
The conclave fostered a dynamic exchange of knowledge and motivation through engaging discussions and interactive networking sessions. This year’s focus was on equipping Forever Women Business Leaders with the tools and strategies to excel in their professional journeys. Through powerful storytelling, best practice exchanges, and mentorship opportunities, women entrepreneurs shared how they transformed challenges into opportunities.
Held in collaboration with FLP India, the Women’s Forum reinforced the importance of economic independence, work-life balance, and self-care, equipping women with the resources to thrive in entrepreneurship while maintaining personal well-being. Forever Living India remains committed to fostering a supportive business ecosystem, empowering women with the necessary tools to lead independent, prosperous lives.
Speaking about the conclave’s impact, Harish Singla, CSM of Forever Living India, shared:
“The Women’s Leadership Conclave is not just an event—it is a powerful movement dedicated to recognizing women’s contributions and inspiring leadership. Created by women, for women, this exclusive gathering was an enriching experience filled with recognition, learning, and inspiration. Witnessing the transformation journeys of our remarkable women entrepreneurs was truly inspiring.”
He further added, “As India moves through an exciting phase of economic and social growth, women entrepreneurs are playing an integral role in shaping this progress. Forever Living India remains committed to providing them with opportunities to lead independent, prosperous lives, contributing to a more empowered and inclusive society.”
The conclave received an overwhelming response, with Female Forever Business owners actively participating in the sessions. Through this initiative, Forever Living India reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a strong, supportive community where women are encouraged to excel professionally, personally, and socially.
With yet another impactful edition, Forever Living continues to champion women’s empowerment, reinforcing its mission to drive growth, wellness, and success through inclusive opportunities and community-driven initiatives.
ONDC Launches DekhBehen to Empower Women and Redefine Narratives
New Delhi | March 8th, 2025 – ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) is celebrating Women’s Day 2025 with the launch of #DekhBehen, an unconventional campaign designed to shift the narrative around women’s voices. From March 7 to March 13, this grassroots initiative challenges the traditional approach to Women’s Day campaigns by empowering women to speak for themselves rather than being spoken for. With no extravagant ad spends, #DekhBehen is a movement that emphasizes organic engagement, where real stories, humor, and shared experiences take center stage. It’s an invitation for women everywhere to take ownership of their narratives, unfiltered and unapologetic. The campaign leverages social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to drive participation and create buzz through relatable content.
Instead of the usual polished corporate messaging, #DekhBehen puts women front-and-center as the storytellers. Using the colloquial phrase “Dekh Behen” (meaning “Look, sister”), the campaign invites women to share their stories, challenges, and triumphs—whether humorous, poignant, or empowering. The focus is on breaking conventional norms and addressing taboo topics with candid dialogue.
ONDC’s approach to #DekhBehen is rooted in the idea that real stories from real people carry far more weight than scripted slogans. The campaign uses humor as an equalizer, inviting everyone to laugh at the shared absurdities and challenges women face every day. This approach not only makes the campaign more relatable but also ensures that the tone remains positive and uplifting.
With no paid advertisements, the social media strategy focuses on organic virality. At the heart of the campaign is the #DekhBehen hashtag challenge, where participants are encouraged to share their own “Dekh Behen” moments, tag friends, and keep the conversation going. This simple but effective mechanism allows the campaign to spread naturally, fueled by user-generated content (UGC). In addition, ONDC’s employees, participants or partners act as the first wave of influencers, sharing their personal #DekhBehen stories and helping to ignite the movement within their networks.
ONDC’s community of women entrepreneurs, sellers, and startups will also play a key role in amplifying the message. The campaign’s real-time social media engagement ensures its relevance throughout the Women’s Day week. ONDC’s team is actively listening to trending topics and conversations, incorporating #DekhBehen into timely cultural moments and memes.
While #DekhBehen is playful in tone, it’s deeply aligned with ONDC’s broader mission and values. ONDC was founded to create an inclusive ecosystem in digital commerce, breaking monopolies and giving equal opportunities to small players. Inclusivity and democratization are in ONDC’s DNA, and #DekhBehen extends those principles to the social sphere. By democratizing the conversation around women’s experiences – empowering any woman to voice her story – ONDC is walking the talk on inclusion. Every voice carries weight, just as every seller gets a fair chance on the open network.
#DekhBehen is an innovative marketing experiment that challenges the notion that big impact requires big spending. It puts faith in community and content, echoing ONDC’s belief in the power of network effects. Just as the open network thrives by participants organically interacting and transacting, this campaign thrives by participants organically conversing and amplifying. It’s a full-circle moment: the medium is the message, and the method (open, organic, inclusive) is the story itself.
TECNO Holi Rangotsav Celebrating Colors and Big Wins
New Delhi, March 8th 2025: Holi isn’t just about colors—it’s about celebrations, togetherness, and surprises! And this year, TECNO, the brand known for innovation and the best signal connectivity, is taking the festival of colors to the next level with the much-awaited TECNO Rangotsav—a vibrant celebration packed with excitement, joy, and some jaw-dropping rewards!
To make this festival even more special, TECNO is giving customers a golden chance to win exciting prizes, just by purchasing a smartphone. Consumers who purchase any TECNO smartphone from the nearest retail store, from March 7 to March 31, 2025, can enter the lucky draw by simply scanning a QR code and submitting their details. And here’s the exciting part— twenty-four lucky winners will get a chance to win a brand-new scooter, gold vouchers, and the latest TECNO smartphones! The lucky draw results will be announced on April 4, 2025, so make sure to stay tuned.
Holi celebrations aren’t just for customers! TECNO values the contribution of its retail partners and is bringing the festive spirit to them as well. As a token of appreciation for their trust and support in TECNO’s growth, the brand has organized a lucky draw for the retail partners, where they will be rewarded with exclusive gifts through this festive initiative. After all, great partnerships deserve great rewards!
TECNO has always acknowledged the importance of its retail network and continuously works to strengthen the relationships through such initiatives rooted in Indian culture. These initiatives allow TECNO to celebrate its partners while deepening its connection with both customers and retailers alike, ensuring that the entire ecosystem grows.
And the fun doesn’t stop here! TECNO is keeping the Holi vibes alive across all its social media platforms, bringing more surprises, contests, and updates about the ongoing celebrations. So, keep an eye out and don’t miss the chance to win!
Let the colors of Holi bring happiness, rewards, and loads of fun—because TECNO Rangotsav is here to make it even more special!
Bharat’s Future The Importance of Value-Based Quality Education
Damayanti Bhattacharya
Principal, Jasudben ML School
Our country’s future draws a lot from what it has been like in the past. India’s rich cultural heritage, deep-rooted values and immense knowledge base has survived generations and remains among us. We had a rampant gurukul system and even well-established universities that attracted worldwide scholars. At that time, we had meagre means for communication and spread of knowledge and wisdom. That has transformed.
Knowledge is now transferred in the blink of an eye and is available at our fingertips. But what about wisdom? The challenge is how to guide young minds to use this knowledge responsibly. It has become imperative to instil core values and nurture emotional intelligence in children from an early age.
A school, often considered a second home for children, therefore plays a vital role in training young minds to harness the power of technology in positive and ethical ways.
What will the world look like in 15 years? What kind of jobs will be available to today’s five-year-olds? Can we equip our children with the required knowledge? Not really. What we can do is use the power of India’s rich value system that has withstood the test of centuries.
Value-based Education and The Shift in Curriculum
The National Education Policy (NEP-2020) has taken this into consideration and incorporates value-based education right from the outset. It makes the goal of every school to nurture well-rounded individuals who will grow up to actively contribute in shaping India’s future. It redefines education as a meaningful service to society, rather than as a means to achieve professional achievement or financial gain. It promotes an education system that equips youngsters with necessary skills and mindset required to navigate through and thrive in a modern world.
As the State, CBSE, CISCE, and NCERT curricula undergo revisions, it’s more important to inculcate values into the educational framework to ensure that students engage with ethical thinking and moral reasoning from an early age. In the Early Childhood stage, where foundational values are best cultivated, ethics should be embedded into every subject, integrated into the learning process rather than an isolated topic. Value-driven experiential moves away from rote memorisation and towards a more immersive educational experience. It allows learners to internalise values organically through everyday interactions and educational experiences. They actively participate in tackling real-world challenges and reflecting on how their actions impact society. This integration can be further enriched by creating dedicated spaces for student growth, such as an Art Den, a Music and Dance Den, and a Language Den, among others.
Teachers as Role Models
The role of teachers has transformed as well. They are not only educators. They are mentors, role models, facilitators and influencers. Their emphasis from the early years should be on the promotion of experiential learning through discovery and self-directed activities. They need to upskill and be constantly updated on the world around them and stay relevant with each generation and their interests.
A flexible pedagogy that nurtures self-awareness, physical growth, relationships, communication, and conservation can create a holistic learning experience. This culture helps develop students who are well-equipped to contribute positively to society as well as carry these values into their personal and professional lives.
The Broader Impact on Society
Emphasizing value-based education has profound societal implications. In today’s interconnected world, it helps bridge social divides and strengthens national unity. As students enter the workforce and take on leadership roles, they bring a strong moral and ethical foundation that this education system has given them. It helps them throughout their professional or personal lives and also contributes to a nation deep-rooted in values and principles such as justice, equality, and fairness. In a diverse country like ours, it helps to promote social cohesion and supports the holistic development of children— emotionally, socially, cognitively, aesthetically, and physically—allowing them to excel academically while also advancing their socio-emotional growth.
As India continues to evolve, it is crucial to embrace an educational vision that honours our core traditional values while also adopting a contemporary and forward-looking academic approach. This vision lays the groundwork for a more compassionate, just, and prosperous society.
Canon India Launches She CANwithCanon for Women’s Empowerment
India, 8th March 2025: This International Women’s Day, Canon India is not just celebrating women, it is spotlighting the importance of taking action to accelerate change, through its ‘She #CANwithCanon’ campaign. Aligned with the international Women’s Day theme of ‘Accelerate Action’, the campaign aims to highlight that women empowerment shouldn’t be a momentary commitment but instead focused on creating systematic, sustainable opportunities that enable women to thrive personally and professionally.
The campaign features a powerful video showcasing the challenges women face every day and reinforces Canon India’s commitment to taking concrete steps that ensure gender equality and inclusive progress. It celebrates women as inspiring ambassadors and key pillars of success, emphasizing that inclusivity is not just a policy, but a practice. With a long-standing commitment to fueling growth, the campaign spotlights progressive initiatives such as Leadership & Mentorship programs that pair women leaders with newcomers to foster their professional development. The De-Light initiative ensures office lights are turned off at 5:30PM to promote work-life balance, while dedicated cab services enable safe commutes for women employees.
With hybrid working options and flexible working hours implemented since 2002, and a ‘Health 1st’ philosophy, Canon India has created an environment where women can grow professionally without compromising personal responsibilities and wellbeing. A two-month walkathon has been introduced to inspire a lifetime of wellbeing among employees, partners, and the community at large, while symbolizing the collective steps taken towards long-lasting change.
Speaking on the campaign, Mr. C. Sukumaran, Senior Director, Product & Communication, Canon India said, “At Canon, empowering women goes beyond celebrating achievements – it’s about fostering an environment where our workforce can succeed, both personally and professionally. Through ‘She #CANwithCanon,’ we are stressing on the importance of real change, ensuring that equality is not an aspiration but a lived reality. By mentoring, supporting, and investing in women, every single day, we pave the way for stronger, more diverse leadership and success.”
Building upon the momentum of the ‘I#CANwithCanon’ campaign, which showcased how Canon’s solutions have empowered individuals and businesses, ‘She #CANwithCanon’ reaffirms the organization’s dedication to fostering a culture where women are empowered to thrive. By continuing to champion positive attitudes and equal opportunities, we aim to inspire a future where every woman can confidently say, “I CAN.”
Casagrand Signs Hrithik Roshan as Brand Ambassador for Casagrand Mercury
Chennai, 8th March 2025: Casagrand, one of South India’s leading real estate developers, has unveiled a captivating new television commercial (TVC) featuring Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan. The company has roped in Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan for this exclusive campaign, titled “Taking Luxury to New Heights,” which showcases Casagrand Mercury’s unparalleled luxury and redefines opulent living through an engaging cinematic experience. Casagrand plans to further scale this campaign with a 360-degree, integrated approach by featuring the TV commercial across prints, advertisements, and digital integrations.
The Casagrand Mercury TVC is a visual spectacle that brings to life the grandeur and scale of one of Chennai’s most iconic residential developments. Designed to appeal to urban homebuyers seeking an exclusive lifestyle, the campaign masterfully showcases Casagrand Mercury’s towering 42-storey architecture, a sprawling 10-storey clubhouse, 130 indulgent amenities, and 17 acres of lush green spaces. Every frame captures the project’s luxurious offerings from the state-of-the-art gym to the elegantly designed living spaces with walk-in closets setting a new benchmark in premium living.
At the heart of the campaign is Hrithik Roshan, an icon of sophistication, excellence, and aspiration. His presence seamlessly aligns with the brand’s vision, reinforcing the essence of Casagrand Mercury that is breathtaking, and larger than life. The TVC blends compelling storytelling with high-end aesthetics, creating an emotionally resonant narrative that positions the project as the ultimate symbol of luxury and exclusivity. With Hrithik Roshan fore fronting the campaign, the TVC not only highlights Casagrand Mercury’s architectural brilliance but also inspires homebuyers to envision a lifestyle that transcends the ordinary.
Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Vimesh P, Senior Vice-President of Marketing, Casagrand, said, “Luxury isn’t just about ownership. It’s about vision, ambition, and the way you experience life. Casagrand Mercury isn’t another high-rise; it’s a landmark that reshapes Chennai’s skyline with scale, sophistication, and world-class living. Hrithik Roshan is the perfect embodiment of this ethos – pushing boundaries, setting new standards, and redefining excellence. This isn’t just a residence; it’s a statement. And with this partnership, we’re not just building homes, we’re shaping the future of urban living.”
Located in Perambur, Casagrand Mercury is Chennai’s first-of-its-kind high-rise residential marvel. Spread across 20 acres, the project boasts 1678 international-standard condominiums, including 2, 3, and 4 BHK high-rise apartments and 4 BHK floor villas. At its heart stands a 42-storey Dubai-styled skyscraper, alongside Chennai’s largest ten-storey clubhouse, Club Celest, spanning 88,790 sq. ft. With 130+ world-class amenities, 17 acres of open green spaces, an infinity walkway, a forest trail, multiple swimming pools, a grand gym, a sky cinema, and more, Casagrand Mercury is the epitome of indulgence.
Aptus Value Housing Wins Deloitte’s Enterprise Growth Award 2025
Chennai, March 8, 2025: Aptus Value Housing Finance India Limited, a leading Housing Finance Company, is proud to announce that it has won the inaugural Enterprise Growth Awards 2025, presented by Deloitte. This recognition highlights the remarkable growth journey and substantial contributions to India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Enterprise Growth Awards celebrate outstanding businesses that demonstrate innovation, leadership, and a commitment to driving economic progress. Aptus Value Housing Finance has consistently demonstrated resilience and remarkable growth while staying focused on its mission to make homeownership accessible to underserved segments. The company’s customer-centric approach and strategic expansion initiatives have enabled it to emerge as a trusted player in the affordable housing finance sector.
Mr. P. Balaji, Managing Director of Aptus Value Housing Finance India Ltd, said, “We are deeply honoured to receive the Enterprise Growth Awards 2025. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the trust placed in us by our customers and stakeholders. We remain committed to empowering low and middle-income families through accessible and affordable housing finance solutions.”
Aptus Value Housing Finance India Ltd has built a strong presence in semi-urban and rural markets, addressing the financial needs of distinct needs of individuals from low and middle-income segments residing in rural and semi-urban areas.
ASDC Celebrates Project Sakhi’s Success in Empowering Women EV Drivers with BluSmart
New Delhi, March 8, 2025 – The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) successfully hosted the convocation ceremony for Project Sakhi, an initiative undertaken in partnership with BluSmart, South Asia’s largest all-electric ride-hailing service and EV charging infrastructure network, and supported by the SIDBI Swavalamban Foundation to empower women as skilled electric vehicle (EV) drivers. Held at the Driver Training Institute, Burari, Delhi, the event marked a significant milestone in fostering gender inclusivity in India’s mobility sector.
As part of this program, ASDC today awarded certificates to nearly 50 women from underprivileged backgrounds who have now been placed with BluSmart, across Delhi-NCR, while another batch of 50 women continue their three-month training. This program includes comprehensive driver skills training to equip women with the skills and knowledge required for safe and efficient driving. BluSmart further provides these driver partners with knowledge sessions on the unique features and benefits of EVs. This thus empowers the driver partners with not just hardcore skills of driving but in building their holistic understanding of the space that they operate in. Together, they are breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry and paving the way for a more diverse and equitable workforce in the mobility sector.
Project ‘Sakhi’, supported by the SIDBI Swavalamban Foundation (SSF), not only promotes financial independence but also contributes to the broader goal of gender inclusivity in the mobility sector. By offering industry-aligned training and hands-on experience, programs like Project Sakhi and Nayi Raah bridge gender disparities and make way for a future-ready workforce.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Vice-President, ASDC, emphasized the impact of skill development in transforming lives. He stated, “Project Sakhi is more than just a training program—it is a transformative step towards women’s empowerment and self-reliance. By equipping women with essential skills, we are not only enabling them to secure sustainable employment but also fostering their confidence to excel in non-traditional roles. When women become financially independent, they uplift their families and communities, driving broader economic and social progress. ASDC remains dedicated to expanding such initiatives, ensuring that more women break barriers and build thriving careers in the EV and automotive sectors.”
Commenting on the initiative, Anirudh Arun, CEO – BluSmart Fleet, emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusive mobility. He said, “At BluSmart, we believe that true progress comes from empowering women and providing them with opportunities to thrive in industries where they have been underrepresented. Project Sakhi is a testament to the potential of skill development in creating not just employment for our 150+ women driver partners but lasting change. We thank ASDC for their partnership in driving the industry forward, fostering meaningful change, and expanding employment opportunities in electric mobility.
The convocation ceremony brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and training partners, reaffirming their collective commitment to closing the gender gap in the automotive workforce. The initiative aligns with Delhi’s vision for sustainable urban mobility and the national agenda for green transport solutions, equipping women with the expertise to contribute to India’s growing electric mobility ecosystem.
With continued industry collaborations and policy support, ASDC aims to scale similar programs, enabling more women to enter skilled roles within the automotive and transportation sectors.