Kotak Mutual Fund Launches ‘Choti SIP’ to Help Plan Your Dreams
Bengaluru, March 21, 2025: Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd (“KMAMC” / “Kotak Mutual Fund”) today announced the launch of the “Choti SIP” facility. Choti SIP will be available for all eligible schemes of Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund*. SEBI and AMFI recently introduced the Choti SIP (Small Ticket SIP), offering an excellent opportunity to bring more Indians into the wealth creation journey.
Nilesh Shah, Managing Director, KMAMC, said, “Only about 5.4 crore unique investors of India’s population are mutual fund investors—leaving a massive, untapped opportunity for penetration and bringing the Indian saver closer to financial freedom. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have been an excellent way to bring new investors and kick-start their mutual fund journey. With the launch of Choti SIP, a new investor can begin their wealth creation journey with a minimum amount of Rs. 250. We can call it ‘Choti Rakam – Bada Kadam’.”
This initiative enables new investors to invest via SIP with a minimum amount of Rs. 250. The rationale behind “Choti SIP” (small Systematic Investment Plan) is to make mutual fund investments more accessible to a wider audience, particularly first-time investors, by lowering the entry barrier. The investor must not have previously invested in mutual funds (SIP or Lumpsum) at the industry level. The investor must invest in the Growth Option and commit to a minimum of 60 instalments on a monthly basis. The payment of instalments should be made through NACH or UPI auto-pay only.
Investors should consult their financial experts and tax advisors if in doubt about whether the plan is suitable for them. Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited (KMAMC) does not guarantee or promise any returns/futuristic returns.
Gov. Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose Inaugurates AIU East Zone Meet at JIS University
Kolkata, 19th March 2025: The AIU East Zone Vice Chancellors Meet 2024-2025 commenced with JIS University as the host university, bringing together distinguished academic leaders and vice chancellors across Eastern India. The prestigious event was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, in the esteemed presence of Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, President, AIU; Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice President, AIU; Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, AIU; Prof. Partha Pratim Chakrabarti, Former Director, IIT Kharagpur; Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group; Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group; and Dr. Bhabes Bhattacharya, Vice Chancellor, JIS University. The two-day conference has convened Vice Chancellors from over 100 universities to deliberate on the evolving landscape of higher education under the theme “Equity, Diversity & Sustainability.”
The inaugural day set the stage for insightful discussions, beginning with the inauguration of Posters on Best Practices, EduTech and a Book Exhibition by the Chief Guest. This was followed by a session on Innovation, Skilling, Ranking and Assessment, which delved into transformative approaches shaping contemporary education. The day also featured thought-provoking technical sessions, including “Incorporating IKS in Curriculum and Pedagogy” and “Catering to Equity and Diversity on Campuses,” addressing the pressing need for holistic and inclusive academic frameworks. Additionally, an engaging session on INIHE & EdTech Companies explored the growing influence of educational technology in redefining learning methodologies.
On this special occasion, it was announced that the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal has decided to confer the Governor’s Award of Excellence on the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). This award is being presented to AIU in recognition of its outstanding contributions to higher education, academic leadership and institutional excellence. The Governor’s Award of Excellence will be presented at a future event and will include a citation, a trophy symbolising the highest standards of academic achievement and innovation, along with a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakhs. This award reflects our commitment to strengthening higher education and honouring those who play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, research and academic collaboration.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural day, the second day of the conference will feature crucial deliberations, including the Technical Session on “Creating Green and Sustainable Campuses,” the AIU Business Session, and the much-anticipated Valedictory Session. These discussions will further underscore the importance of sustainable campus development and strategic institutional governance in the future of higher education.
With its dynamic sessions and the presence of distinguished academicians, the AIU East Zone Vice Chancellors Meet 2024-2025 at JIS University continues to serve as an essential platform for garnering academic excellence and institutional growth.
H.E. Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, said, “Nelson Mandela once called education ‘the most powerful weapon’ for changing the world. In India, where classrooms shape the nation’s destiny, the challenge isn’t just excellence—it’s relevance. A vice chancellor’s constitutional duty is to push for higher achievement. The new generation is ready. India is strong. Give them the order and they’ll scale the fortress of knowledge. The world runs on knowledge, and Indian universities are producing the talent that fuels it. Yet, education without impact is an exercise in futility. ‘If the student hasn’t learned, the teacher hasn’t taught,’ goes the old adage. India’s youth are thriving in AI and IT, proving their teachers have delivered. Three cheers to the educators shaping India’s ascent. Education is what remains after classroom lessons are forgotten. India’s first education reform report, led by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, warned that the system was ‘thrice removed from reality.’ Decades later, the disconnect between education and employment remains stark. Enlightenment without economic utility is just theory. India’s latest education policy aims to fix that, shifting from a Eurocentric framework to one rooted in indigenous knowledge. This isn’t about replacing science with superstition—it’s about practical skills over outdated rote learning. The real test is whether education fosters leadership, sharpens decision-making and trains individuals to distinguish perception from reality. Education should equip individuals to discern between perception and reality. India’s education reforms are a step toward bridging this gap.”
Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, President, AIU, said, “This conference on Equity, Diversity and Sustainability is vital but India has long upheld these values in its Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads. Rather than importing Western models, we must revive our indigenous approaches. India competes globally in education with NEP, young talent, and ample resources fueling transformation. However, South Asia is progressing rapidly—China contributes 28% of global production, while India lags at 1.5%. Our universities must shift from projects to products and paper-based research to transnational, product-driven innovation—a goal achievable through hard work and strategic innovation.”
Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice President, AIU, said, “West Bengal has long been a hub of higher education, from establishing India’s first public university to the rise of private institutions like JIS, the host of this prestigious conference. Education extends beyond knowledge—it enhances life and societal progress. The National Education Policy (NEP) advocates transforming STEM into STEAM by integrating Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences into technical education, shift Indian universities are well-positioned to lead. Vice Chancellors play a pivotal role in driving innovation, unrestrained by regulations that serve as guidelines for progress. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the NEP and the upcoming Deregulation Commission will further liberalize and strengthen higher education. With India witnessing a reverse brain drain, universities must capitalize on this by recruiting top talent from premier institutions like IITs and IISERs, fostering a world-class academic ecosystem.”
Speaking on this occasion, Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group, said, “The AIU East Zone Vice Chancellors Meet is more than just a conference; it is a call to action for academic leaders to reimagine higher education. As we navigate the challenges of equity, diversity, and sustainability, our commitment must be to create institutions that empower every learner while developing responsible innovation and global academic collaboration.”
Cargill Honored for Excellence in Food Safety at CII Awards 2024
National, March 18, 2025: Cargill, a global leader in food and agriculture, has been recognized for Outstanding Performance and Strong Commitment in Food Safety at the 15th edition of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Food Safety Awards 2024. The awards, presented at a ceremony in New Delhi highlights Cargill’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest food safety standards across its operations.
The company received these recognitions in the ‘Large Manufacturing Food Businesses – Fats & Oils’ category, ‘Outstanding Performance in Food Safety’ for Kurkumbh plant in Maharashtra and ‘Strong Commitment in Food Safety’ for Kandla plant in Gujarat. This honor underscores Cargill’s dedication to stringent food safety protocols, superior quality control, and cutting-edge manufacturing practices. The award was presented by Hashmat Ali Yatoo, IAS, Commissioner of Food Safety and Drugs Administration in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Minhaj Alam, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Dr Alka Rao, Advisor – Science, Standards & Regulations Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and Ms. Kavery Ganguly, Principal Lead, CII Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (FACE).
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Simon George, Managing Director, Cargill Food South Asia, said, “This recognition is a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to food safety and quality. At Cargill, we prioritize world-class practices to ensure that our products not only meet but exceed global food safety standards. The Kurkumbh and Kandla plants are a prime example of our efforts in automation, testing, and training, which work together to provide safe, high-quality food to our consumers. We remain dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in food safety.”
Mr. Sunil Nair, B2B Go-to-Market and R&D and Technical Services & Application Leader added, “We are proud to be recognized for our dedication to food safety excellence. The ‘Outstanding Performance in Food Safety’ Award not only highlights our rigorous standards—exemplified by the success of our Kurkumbh and Kandla plants—but also reinforces our role as a trusted partner in delivering safe, high-quality food solutions to our customers across India.”
The CII Food Safety Awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in food safety across various sectors of the food industry, including Beverages, Dairy, Bakery, Edible Oils, Ready-to-Eat Snacks, and more. The awards evaluate companies based on their adherence to rigorous food safety standards, leadership in implementing food safety measures, and compliance with regulatory and statutory guidelines. The assessment process includes detailed onsite evaluations by a team of experts, ensuring that only the best practices in food safety are recognized.
Cargill’s Commitment to Food Safety
For over 35 years, Cargill has implemented robust food safety mechanisms in India, ensuring compliance through advanced infrastructure, trained personnel, and stringent quality control processes. The Kurkumbh plant, which was the recipient of this year’s award, is a prime example of Cargill’s dedication to food safety. It features state-of-the-art infrastructure, in-house testing facilities, and automated packaging lines that minimize manual intervention, ensuring product safety at every stage.
Cargill’s Product Safety, Quality, and Regulatory Policy adheres to Indian food safety and international standards, ensuring product safety, quality, authenticity, and regulatory compliance. In addition, the company has a Continuous Improvement Production Excellence (CIPE) team that is dedicated to enhancing quality management programs and processes across all products and services. Cargill’s continuous focus on food safety has earned it multiple accolades at the CII Food Safety Awards.
In 2023, the company received two awards for ‘Significant Achievement in Food Safety’ for its Kurkumbh and Davangere plants. This year’s recognition for the Kurkumbh and Kandla plants further validates Cargill’s leadership in food safety and its continued commitment to excellence.
The CII Food Safety Award, with its emphasis on Food Safety Maturity Assessment, serves as a symbol of credibility and pride in the industry. It recognizes and celebrates the capacity-building efforts of organizations and promotes the adoption of internationally benchmarked food safety practices.
Times Music Acquires Symphony Recording Co. and Arc MusicQ
Mumbai (March 18, 2025): Times Music announces today their acquisition of two leading Indian regional Record Labels – Symphony Recording Co. and ARC Musicq. These two deals are the company’s first acquisitions since partnering with Primary Wave Music, the world’s leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music, in 2023. That partnership saw the publishing giant invest significant capital to help accelerate the company’s growth in the global markets. Both Symphony Recording Co. and ARC Musicq are exciting additions to the Times Music empire as both labels have established universal appeal in the growing Indian music markets.
Growing from a retail music store in 1983 to South India’s top devotional music label, Symphony Recording Co. maintains a position as the undisputed leader of Tamil spiritual and devotional music. Housing the largest catalogue in the genre, with over 350 audio and 100 video albums, Symphony’s collection of music is deeply embedded in Tamilian culture worldwide. With collaborations from legendary artists in the Indian music space like Dr. Balamurali Krishna, Dr. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, and Chitra, the company has set industry benchmarks in music and video production. The label’s devotional songs contribute to a majority of its YouTube revenue, which has doubled in the past 4 years, and the label’s six channels have a viewership of nearly 2 billion. As Symphony continues to dominate the devotional and folk music space, this acquisition will now strengthen Times Music in the Tamil market as a Spiritual market leader.
ARC Musicq, a time-tested label whose music has been distributed by Times Music since 2017, also upholds a place as a leading Kannada music label. As a pioneer in the entertainment industry since its initial inception in 1985, the label has played a key role in the expansion of Indian folk music and film soundtracks, contributing to over 75% of A-grade movie OSTs. The company is home to a diverse collection of film, devotional, and folk music within the Kannada music market, which has also taken a major foothold across YouTube. The label’s four channels have seen significant growth, and much like Symphony Recording Co., has a viewership of over 2 billion views, with YouTube revenue having quadrupled in the past three years.
Spiritual and Devotional music finds itself having a strong and stable listenership across India as it transcends the country’s religion and caste system. With the rise of digital streaming platform investments surging in the past two years – over 230% according to Spotify’s Culture Next Report – these acquisitions situate Times Music as a major player in the spiritual and devotional genre and aim to strengthen the company’s presence in the Kannada music market.
“These acquisitions by Times Music represent a major milestone in the company’s growth journey and the Times Group’s ongoing expansion in the broader entertainment space,” Vineet Jain, Managing Director, Times Group shares.
Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music also notes, “Times Music has an array of exciting premium partnerships coming up and we are proud to work with Symphony Music & ARC Musicq catalogues to further their global appeal.”
Primary Wave Music’s David Loiterton adds, “Primary Wave partnered with Times Music because growth in our business will come from emerging markets like India, and there are libraries of legendary music that live in the hearts of local consumers.” He goes on, “These are the first of what we hope will be many more investments in legendary Indian music.”
JIS University to Host AIU Vice Chancellors Conference 2024-25
Kolkata, March 18, 2025: The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), a cornerstone of higher education in India since its establishment in 1925, has announced the upcoming East Zone Vice Chancellors Meet 2024-2025. This year, the prestigious event will be hosted by JIS University on March 18th and 19th, 2025, in Kolkata and inaugurated by H.E. Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal on 18 March 2025. The curtain-raiser press conference offered a glimpse into what promises to be a significant gathering of academic leaders from across Eastern India.
The theme of this year’s East Zone Vice Chancellors Meet, “Equity, Diversity & Sustainability,” reflects the growing emphasis on creating an inclusive and accessible educational ecosystem while addressing the need for environmental sustainability in India’s higher education sector. This theme aligns with AIU’s vision to promote academic collaboration. The two-day meet will bring together Vice Chancellors from over 100 universities across Eastern India.
The press conference was addressed by prominent leaders in the education sector, including Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of AIU; Sardar Taranjit Singh, MD of JIS Group; Dr. Bhabes Bhattacharya, Vice Chancellor of JIS University; Dr. Neeraj Saxena, Pro-Chancellor of JIS Group; and Shri Bidyut Majumder, Deputy Director of Business Development, JIS Group. This event will provide a crucial forum for leaders to discuss innovative strategies and initiatives that can help advance the mission of inclusivity and sustainability in higher education.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group, said, “The East Zone Vice Chancellors Meet is a unique platform where academic leaders come together to shape the future of higher education. By focusing on equity, diversity, and sustainability, we are ensuring that the educational landscape evolves to meet the needs of every student, regardless of background, while encouraging responsible growth and development. The two-day long event will feature a series of important sessions aimed at exploring the role of educational institutions in promoting diversity and inclusiveness while simultaneously addressing the urgent need for sustainability in curriculum, campus development, and societal outreach.
Apollo Women’s Hospital Marks 10 Years of Excellence in Obstetrics and Care
Chennai, 14 March 2025: In yet another accomplishment by an iconic healthcare brand, Apollo Women’s Hospital celebrated 10 years of excellence, dedication and innovation in women’s healthcare today. The Hospital – that was founded with a vision to create a center that provides world-class care to mothers and newborns – has been ensuring safe deliveries, leading high-risk interventions and guiding treatment towards best possible outcomes. That vision has transformed today into a legacy of hope, healing and medical excellence.
This milestone is a testament not just to the Hospital’s growth but to the countless lives the brand has touched over the past decade. This is exemplified by the fact that the Obstetrics team has successfully completed over 7500 deliveries while the Gynaecological team has performed over 33,000 surgeries with excellence.
Ms. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “We celebrate this 10-year milestone with a deep sense of pride and responsibility. This is not just a celebration of the past but a commitment to the future. We will continue to push the boundaries of medical excellence, embrace innovation, and provide the highest quality care to every mother and newborn who walks through our doors. I commend our incredible team of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals and thank them for their unwavering dedication, expertise, and compassion. We have truly transformed countless lives through our patient-centric model of care.”
The Hospital has guided many medical miracles since its inception in 2015. It has successfully delivered quadruplets, implanted pacemakers in newborns and navigated other critical conditions. The Hospital has also expanded its IVF services, bringing hope to families and helping them fulfill their dreams of parenthood.
The Hospital soon plans to launch a Cosmetic Gynaecology Clinic to revitalize women’s intimate well-being and address the unique concerns women patients may have. It also promises more advanced training in the Ob-Gyn discipline and neonatal care in the years to come. The Hospital currently runs multiple academic programmes with a 100% pass rate.
Rangsons Aerospace Raises INR 300 Crore to Fuel Growth
Bengaluru, March 13, 2025 – Rangsons Aerospace, a leading product technology firm for aerospace, defense and homeland security has announced today that it has secured an investment of ₹300 crore (USD 36.5 Million) towards expanding its operational capacity to address the increasing demand for its Products and Solutions for the commercial and military aviation markets globally, and drive growth into new business areas through strategic acquisitions. This funding round was led by ValueQuest Investment Advisors and had Anand Rathi Advisors as the financial advisor for the transaction.
This investment in Rangsons Aerospace marks the first addition to the portfolio construction for ValueQuest Tristar Fund, a Category II AIF (Alternate Investment Fund) focused on thematic sector investments. With deep niche expertise in these industries, ValueQuest believes the tailwinds in these sectors will drive long-term, decadal growth, making it an opportune time to launch this thematic fund.
Mr. Pavan Ranga, Managing Director, Rangsons Aerospace said, “We are excited about this fund raise from ValueQuest. It will help accelerate our expansion plans and enhance our ability to serve the growing demands of the aerospace and defense sectors”. He further added, “This investment fuels our vision of expanding into global markets and advancing aerospace innovation. One of our goals is to capture a significant share of the ₹20,000 crore fluid-conveyance system market while continuing to develop world-class solutions for India’s Ministry of Defence and international partners.”
Mr. Aniket Dharamshi, Fund Manager, VQ Tristar, added, “The team at Rangsons has built a promising business and we are confident in their ability to continue scaling. We are excited to partner with them on their growth journey and support their vision of becoming a leader in aerospace and defense solutions.” Additionally, Mr. Ravi Dharamshi, Founder & CIO, ValueQuest, stated “Tristar is specifically designed to capitalize on the long-term growth potential in sectors like defense, aerospace, and precision engineering. With our deep sector specific expertise, we are well-positioned to identify and partner with breakthrough entrepreneurs like Pavan and his team at Rangsons to create long-term value.”
Mr. Sachin Mehta, Director, Anand Rathi Investment Banking, added: “We are honoured to partner with Rangsons Aerospace, part of the prestigious NR Group, and grateful to Pavan for this opportunity. This marks our fourth transaction in the burgeoning Indian aerospace sector and our second with ValueQuest. We look forward to supporting the sector’s growth with our expertise and deep industry knowledge.”
Mr. Samir Bahl, CEO, Anand Rathi Investment Banking, commented:
“Rangsons Aerospace has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner for global aerospace and defence majors, backed by large orders, strong execution capabilities, and visionary leadership. This transaction highlights the increasing investor confidence in India’s aerospace sector, and we are proud to have facilitated this partnership between Rangsons Aerospace and ValueQuest.”
TEC Plans INR 180 Crore Investment for Nationwide Expansion
India, 12th March 2025: TEC (The Executive Centre), Asia’s largest premium flexible workspace provider with presence in 16 markets across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, plans to expand its footprint further in India. As part of their strategic expansion plan, TEC will invest over INR 180 crore in the first quarter of 2025 to establish new centres in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru. This investment will expand TEC India’s portfolio by over 2.38 lakh square feet of office space.
In Mumbai, the company is investing over INR 124 crore to establish a new centre spanning 1.3 lakh square feet within the esteemed Prestige 101 complex in BKC. Concurrently, TEC is demonstrating its commitment to growth in Pune with an investment exceeding INR 26 crore to establish a new centre occupying 51,975 square feet at Mapletree in Kharadi. Furthermore, in Bengaluru, TEC is investing over INR 30 crore to secure 55,844 square feet of space at Helios Business Park on Outer Ring Road.
Speaking about the expansion, Manish Khedia, Managing Director, West India, South India & Sri Lanka, The Executive Centre said, “India remains one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for TEC. Our substantial investment in new centres across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune reflects our strong confidence in the Indian market and our commitment to offering flexible, premium workspace solutions. With an investment of over INR 180 crore, we will be adding close to a quarter million square feet of space across these three cities. This expansion is driven by robust office leasing growth, fueled by both domestic and international demand. According to a Knight Frank report, office space leasing in 2024 has seen a 21% year-on-year increase, reaching a total absorption of over 70 million square feet. The rising demand for flexible and agile workspaces, particularly in the IT and ITES sectors, continues to shape this trend. With 30 years of global expertise, TEC is well-positioned to provide modern, high-quality workspaces that enable businesses to scale and adapt efficiently, shaping the future of work in India.”
Built to global standards, the centres provide a diverse array of facilities promoting both productivity and work-life balance. These include private fitness centres, wellness rooms, nursing rooms, business lounges, barista bars, a library, private phone booths, video gaming zones, and collaborative areas.
Over the past three decades, TEC has firmly established itself as a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes, delivering world-class facilities, unparalleled service, innovation, and quality. TEC has seen 30 years of sustainable expansion, consecutive profitability, and excellence.
TEC currently operates in 16 markets and 36 cities, serving a global community of over 51,000 members. In October 2024, TEC announced an investment of INR 125 crore to establish eight additional centres across Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, and New Delhi. The additional INR 180 crore investment underscores the company’s confidence in the Indian market.
Vascon Engineers Launches INR 300 Crore Redevelopment Project in Mumbai
Mumbai, 11 March 2025: Vascon Engineers Ltd. (VASCONEQ), one of the leading EPC and Realty players with a legacy spanning nearly four decades, marks its entry into the Mumbai market with the launch of ‘Vascon Orchids’, a luxury residential project through a redevelopment initiative on Linking Road in Santacruz West. With a 39-year legacy, Vascon has successfully delivered 225+ projects across 30+ cities and 45+ million sq.ft. real estate projects.
The project has a total expected Gross Development Value (GDV) of INR 300 crore of our sell units. Strategically located in the heart of vibrant Linking Road, Santacruz West, this acquisition aligns with the company’s growth and diversification goals of expanding its presence in Mumbai.
Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Siddharth Vasudevan Moorthy, Managing Director, Vascon Engineers Ltd., said, “Mumbai’s redevelopment landscape presents an extraordinary opportunity, driven by the urgent need to modernize aging infrastructure and revitalize its housing stock. With an estimated market valued at over Rs 30,000 crore, the redevelopment market offers immense potential for transformative growth. Mumbai aligns seamlessly with our vision of delivering premium, high-quality living spaces tailored for modern urban lifestyles. Backed by our expertise in both EPC and real estate development, a customer-first approach, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we are poised to redefine luxury living. Vascon Orchids is set to be a landmark project, not only marking our strong entry into Mumbai but also contributing meaningfully to its ever-evolving skyline.”
Vascon chose Linking Road not just for its reputation but for its untapped potential. Despite being Mumbai’s premier high street, Santacruz West lacked a luxury residence that truly reflected its prestige. Vascon Orchids fills that gap, offering an unparalleled living experience for those who seek the extraordinary. With a relatively larger land parcel—a rarity in this location—this development introduces an upgraded lifestyle, setting a new benchmark in luxury living. More than just a residential offering, Vascon Orchids represents the arrival of a landmark that redefines upscale living on Linking Road.
Located in prime location of Shastri Nagar, Santacruz West and centred around the theme ‘high-street living’ Vascon Orchids will comprise three wings featuring 2 & 3 BHK homes offering a 62 sell units. The project delivers a blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience in one of Mumbai’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Moreover, residents will have access to a meticulously curated selection of rooftop and ground-level amenities, including Bocce Ball, Cornhole, a fully equipped gymnasium, and much more—ensuring that everything they desire is already within reach.
Ensuring seamless connectivity, the project is positioned near the upcoming metro station on SV Road and the Coastal Road Connector, set to land less than 500 meters away—enhancing accessibility to key business hubs and lifestyle destinations across Mumbai.
Santacruz West is an upscale neighbourhood in western Mumbai. Its proximity to the international airport and key business districts makes it a hub of activity and growth. The area boasts excellent connectivity via SV Road, the Western Line, the Western Express Highway, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, ensuring seamless access to the rest of Mumbai. Additionally, Santacruz West is home to some of India’s top educational institutions, vibrant shopping centers, and a wide range of dining and entertainment options, making it one of the most desirable residential destinations in the city.
Istituto Marangoni Marks 90 Years with New Campuses & Metaverse School
Milan, March, 2025:
On the occasion of its 90th anniversary, Istituto Marangoni consolidates its role as a leading institution in higher education for fashion, art, design, and beauty with three major developments: the relocation of its Milan campus to the historic Palazzo Turati in September 2025, the opening of a new campus in Paris’ prestigious 16th arrondissement, and the expansion into Saudi Arabia with the launch of a new campus in Riyadh in August 2025. Completing this evolution is the launch of the Immersive Virtual School, marking the culmination of four years of investment in innovation and pioneering new digital learning formats.
To celebrate Istituto Marangoni’s 90 years, a series of international events will take place, showcasing the institution’s rich heritage. Through archival materials and testimonials from faculty, alumni, and staff, these events will highlight the pivotal role of the “Marangoni Method” in shaping the global fashion system from the 1930s to the present day. A journey through past and future, emphasizing the latest innovations designed to bridge tradition and avant-garde.
Milan: A new home in the heart of the city
Starting from the 2025/26 academic year, Istituto Marangoni Milan will relocate to Palazzo Turati, one of the most stunning neo-Renaissance buildings in Milan’s city centre. Located just steps from the Duomo and the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, the palace provides an exclusive study environment where history and innovation come together. Students will have access to extraordinary spaces, including frescoed halls, refined sculptural details, inlaid wooden floors, and a majestic courtyard with granite columns. The new 9,000-square-meter campus will also feature a spectacular panoramic terrace, ideal for events, fashion presentations, and photoshoots.
Paris: A new campus in the heart of Fashion and Luxury
Istituto Marangoni Paris officially inaugurates its new campus at 15 rue Boissière, in the prestigious 16th arrondissement. This larger, more modern space reflects the school’s commitment to providing an inspiring learning environment in direct dialogue with the most influential French and international fashion brands. Situated in a district rich in culture—with the Musée Galliera, Musée Guimet, Musée d’Art Moderne, and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent—and surrounded by luxury houses such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, and Dior, the new campus offers students an immersive educational experience perfectly connected to the industry’s evolving needs.
Global Expansion: arriving in Saudi Arabia
In August, Istituto Marangoni will open its first campus in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first international higher education group with a focus on luxury to establish itself in Riyadh. This initiative is part of the Group’s expansion strategy into key fashion and luxury markets, supporting local talent development and women’s empowerment in a rapidly transforming country. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and in collaboration with the Fashion Commission, Istituto Marangoni aims to train a new generation of professionals equipped to meet the needs of both international and local brands. The new campus, accredited by TVTC (Technical and Vocational Training Corporation), will offer three-year Advanced Diploma programs in Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Product, Fashion Styling, and Creative Direction, as well as specialized courses in Fragrances & Cosmetics and Interior Design. Students will have the option of an academic path with a six-month internship or the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree at one of Istituto Marangoni’s international campuses. Additionally, professional development courses in Fashion Business, Digital Marketing, and Product Management will be available, responding to the growing demand for training in new technologies and digital fashion.
Digital Innovation: The 12th School in the Metaverse
Alongside its physical expansion, Istituto Marangoni is pioneering a revolution in education with the launch of the Immersive Virtual School, its 12th campus. This innovative digital campus redefines the boundaries of learning, combining cutting-edge technology with a collaborative, experiential approach. Designed as an interactive, multiplayer space, the Immersive Virtual School enables students to connect, create, and learn in a dynamic digital environment that reflects the educational excellence of the international network while offering unique experiences only possible in the virtual world. The first immersive Foundation course has already begun, with students attending exclusively online.
These global initiatives provide valuable opportunities for Istituto Marangoni Mumbai students. Through the school’s progression curriculum, undergraduates can complete their second or third year at European campuses, gaining essential international exposure to advance their careers.
Since its inception in 2017, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai has delivered comprehensive fashion and design education in India. Originally offering full-time undergraduate programs in Fashion Design, Fashion Styling, and Fashion Business, the campus has since expanded to include a diverse range of short courses and postgraduate programs in fashion.
“Celebrating Istituto Marangoni’s 90 years means honouring a legacy of excellence in education while looking to the future with vision and innovation. With the new campuses in Milan and Paris, the opening of the Riyadh school, and the launch of the Immersive Virtual School, we are reinforcing our commitment to shaping the next generation of creative talents, equipping them with the most advanced digital skills. Moreover, through our archival exhibition, we open a treasure trove of research and inspiration to the public, paying tribute to our heritage while embracing the challenges of tomorrow.” – Stefania Valenti, Managing Director