CSR Partnership for Upskilling Youth between BD India and Hope Foundation

Under this initiative, BD India team in collaboration with the HOPE Foundation, celebrated the successful completion of the 8th year program by felicitating 264 youth on their graduation in the 2 skill-based courses - Nursing Assistant and Tally. Students were awarded certificates and trophies in acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication.

Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India and KS. Wungchipem (Apem), Director, Hope Foundation

BD and HOPE Foundation have committed to continue with this partnership for the 9th year with the intent to train 320 youth across Nursing Assistant, Tally, and a new Advanced Excel + SQL course, thereby expanding pathways to employability. 

Commenting on the initiative, Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia said, “We are extremely proud of our partnership with the HOPE Foundation where we are working with a like-minded partner to upskill the youth and enable them to earn sustainable livelihoods.  At the graduation ceremony, it was inspiring to witness the journeys of the students and hear first-hand the positive impact this program has had on enhancing their employability and confidence. As a global corporate social citizen, we are immensely proud of creating a better tomorrow for the youth of today, aligned with our objective of advancing together.”

KS. Wungchipem (Apem), Director Skill Development North & East India, HOPE Foundation said, “The partnership with BD has been instrumental in empowering youth by providing skill-based training in Nursing Assistant and Tally. This collaboration not only enhanced employability but also opened avenues for sustainable livelihoods. Through BD’s support, young individuals gained practical skills, industry exposure, and confidence to secure meaningful jobs. The initiative stands as a strong example of how partnerships can drive youth empowerment and long-term impact. Over the last 8 years of the partnership, more than 2200 youth have been trained and more than 1750 have secured jobs”

The two courses offered by Project HOPE - Nursing Assistant (NA) and Tally training are run in parallel for three months each. The criteria to offer the free courses to students is one, a 10^th class pass certificate and two, a demonstrable economic need. All the students are also trained in basic English-speaking skills, life skills and there is a provision for hands-on practical sessions for both courses. The NA students undergo additional on-the-job Training for six months in reputed public or private hospitals.

Initiated in 2018, this project has trained over 2200 students from low socioeconomic backgrounds and enabled employment for over 80% of beneficiaries, largely women.

About BD-India

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety, and expand access to health care. 

Lakshya Scholar Puja Tomar; Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, with Lakshya Scholar Tenzin Dolma

Long before medals are won and records are broken, these athletes battle circumstances, shoulder responsibilities and continue to pursue excellence with unwavering resolve. 

Recognising the extraordinary potential hidden within India's grassroots, M3M Foundation launched Lakshya to ensure that talent is supported, aspirations are nurtured and deserving athletes receive the opportunity to represent the nation with pride. 

One such champion is Tenzin Dolma, an ultra-runner from the remote Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh and a beneficiary of M3M Foundation's Lakshya Programme. 

Recently, Tenzin brought pride to the nation at the IAU Asian-Oceania 24 Hours Championship in Japan, where she broke both India's 12-hour and 24-hour National Records and helped the Indian Women's Team secure the Bronze Medal. For a woman who lost her parents at a young age, became a mother in her teens and supported her family through a modest tea stall, the achievement represents far more than a sporting milestone - it is a story of resilience, perseverance and hope. 

Tenzin's journey reflects the larger vision of Lakshya, M3M Foundation's flagship sports initiative envisioned under the leadership of Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, who herself is an International Kettlebell Champion. Having experienced the demands of competitive sport firsthand, Dr. Kanodia believes that talent should never be limited by geography or financial circumstances. 

Today, Lakshya supports more than 100 scholars across 11 states, including Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. 

The programme's impact extends across 36 sporting disciplines, from Athletics and Boxing to Golf, Gymnastics, Para Sports and Kettlebell Lifting, creating opportunities for talented athletes who otherwise may never have received access to structured support. 

Among them is Puja Tomar, one of India's leading mixed martial artists and another Lakshya Scholar. Hailing from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Puja overcame personal and financial hardships to pursue combat sports and went on to script history by becoming the first Indian woman to register a victory in the UFC. Her journey, much like Tenzin's, demonstrates the extraordinary potential that exists within India's grassroots communities. 

The achievements of Lakshya scholars are increasingly being reflected on podiums across the world. Collectively, athletes supported by the programme have secured 390 medals, including 77 international medals, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to strengthening India's sporting ecosystem from the grassroots upwards. 

Speaking about the Foundation's vision, Dr. Payal Kanodia said, "As an athlete myself, I understand the sacrifices, discipline and perseverance that excellence demands. Through Lakshya, our endeavour is to ensure that deserving sportspersons receive the opportunities and support they need to realise their full potential. Athletes like Tenzin Dolma and Puja Tomar remind us that some of India's greatest champions emerge from the most challenging circumstances." 

For M3M Foundation, Lakshya is not merely about supporting athletes. It is about believing in dreams before the world recognises them and ensuring that talent from every corner of India gets an opportunity to make the nation proud. 

About M3M Foundation 
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation building. 

Coffee Table Book Launch

The event was graced by Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), and Shri K. P. Malik, Hon'ble Minister of State, Forest, Environment and Zoological Parks Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, V. Hekali Zhimomi, IAS Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Anuradha Vemuri, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Government of Uttar Pradesh, senior policymakers, forest officials, members of the Tharu tribal community and conservation experts were also present to address challenges faced by communities residing in forest fringe areas where a host of reasons increase the vulnerability to human–wildlife encounters.

Letter of Intent

Signify Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative updates shared during the event:

• Terai region impact: Successfully impacted over 400 forest fringe villages, since 2019

• Wider Footprint: Installed over 9000 LED streetlights across 400 villages in Uttar Pradesh (in and around Pilibhit, Dudhwa, Amangarh Tiger Reserves, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagina, Chitrakoot, and Bahraich)

• Future Expansion: Signify presented a Letter of Intent (LoI) for the installation of 1500 additional LED streetlights across 67 villages with high rate of human-wildlife conflict in the Katarniaghat landscape.

• Coffee Table book launch: focused on the impact of the recent project in Dudhwa National Park through real stories, illustrating how access to light has helped create safer public spaces and enhance community resilience.  

Addressing the gathering, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, highlighted the growing challenge of human–wildlife conflict in forest landscapes and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts involving government departments, experts, civil society organizations, CSR initiatives and local communities to develop practical and sustainable solutions. He commended Signify for its contribution to community safety and rural development through Signify Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative and congratulated the organization for expanding its support to forest fringe communities across Uttar Pradesh.

Through Har Gaon Roshan, Signify continues to support rural communities through innovative lighting solutions that improve safety, strengthen community resilience, and contribute to sustainable development outcomes, working in partnership with BharatCares.

About Signify  

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. We proudly bring to market the world’s best lighting brands, from Signify, Philips, Philips Hue, Signify Interact, Philips Dynalite, Color Kinetics and many more. Our advanced products, connected systems and services unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. In 2025, we had sales of EUR 5.8 billion, approximately 27,000 employees, and a presence in over 70 markets. We are in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and hold the EcoVadis Platinum rating.  News and updates from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page

Wings of Change - a unique art installation by Bisleri & Bhamla Foundation created from 2,000 PET bottles at Carter Road, Bandra

Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “World Environment Day is a reminder that sustainability is a continuous journey that requires collective action. Plastic, when disposed of responsibly, can become a valuable resource that can be recycled into useful items. Through our Bottles for Change initiative, we continue to work with communities, institutions, and civic bodies to build awareness around responsible plastic disposal and strengthen recycling systems. ‘Wings of Change’, created from 2,000 used Bisleri PET bottles in partnership with the Bhamla Foundation, is a powerful reminder about how small actions, when taken together, can create meaningful impact.”

Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra, felicitates Dr. Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International

Asif Bhamla, Founder, Bhamla Foundation, said, "Art has the power to move people in ways words alone cannot. With Wings of Change, we invite every person who sees this installation to reflect on their own role in the plastic journey. Formalizing our collaboration with Bisleri into a year-long partnership is something we are truly excited about. Together, we hope to reach more communities, spark more conversations, and prove that environmental responsibility is an opportunity to build something beautiful."

On-ground activations at the event reflected Bisleri's holistic approach to sustainability. Benches crafted from recycled Bisleri bottle caps were placed across the venue, while attendees and dignitaries were gifted plant pots made from recycled plastic. Together with Wings of Change, they symbolizes that single piece of plastic can lead many lives when managed responsibly. As part of the Bottles for Change initiative, collection bins were placed across the venue to divert plastic waste from landfills and channel it for recycling. Trained volunteers engaged attendees on waste segregation practices, the inherent value of plastic waste, and how to upcycle it into useful, meaningful products.

Wings of Change is part of Bisleri’ s flagship Bottles for Change programme, which is active across 52 municipal corporations and has reached over 10.09 million citizens in last eight years. Complementing awareness efforts, Bisleri's six Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) create efficient channels for collecting and processing dry waste, ensuring plastic is given not just another life, but a purposeful one.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe, and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating a greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Bisleri International marked World Environment Day 2026 with a series of community-led initiatives across Maharashtra. Under its Bottles for Change programme for plastic waste management, Bisleri engaged citizens, educational institutions, corporates, local communities, and civil society organisations through awareness sessions, clean-up drives, collection initiatives, and public installations.

Experiential visit to Bisleri’s Resource Recovery and Sustainability Inspiration Centre, Mira Road, for students

On World Environment Day 2026, Bisleri installed 'Wings of Change' - an artwork created using 2,000 used PET bottles at Carter Road, Mumbai, in collaboration with the Bhamla Foundation. The installation highlighted the importance of recycling and circularity in addressing the plastic waste challenge.

Bisleri conducted clean-up drives in Uttan Beach

Commenting on the occasion, Mr K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, "World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful environmental progress is only possible through collective action. Through Bottles for Change, we are continuously working with citizens, institutions, and communities to foster long-term behavioural change. From the 'Wings of Change' installation in Mumbai to awareness campaigns, collection drives, and experiential visits to our Material Recovery Facility, these initiatives reflect our commitment to creating impact at the grassroots and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy for plastic.”

Extensive door-to-door awareness sessions conducted across Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mira Road reached over 35,000 residents with messages on plastic segregation and recycling. To promote cleaner public spaces, awareness stalls at prominent spots on the Mira Road were set up. Awareness sessions were conducted at AB Goregaon School. Bisleri also facilitated guided experiential visits to the Resource Recovery and Sustainability Inspiration Centre at Mira Road, providing students with first-hand exposure to the journey of plastic waste from collection to recycling.

In Pune, Bisleri organised multiple awareness and collection initiatives in collaboration with corporates, educational institutions and local communities. Awareness stalls were set up at IIC Devi IT Park, Aai Garden in Dapodi, and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Football Ground, engaging over 4,500 participants. Additionally, plastic collection drives conducted with State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and other stakeholders resulted in collection of over 750 kilograms of plastic waste.

In Nagpur, community-focused awareness activities were conducted through door-to-door outreach programmes, encouraging citizens to adopt responsible plastic waste management practices. Additionally, a Bottles for Change stall at Walkers Street was set up to raise awareness about plastic segregation, recycling, and sustainable waste disposal. The activities collectively engaged over 1,500 citizens.

In Goa, two clean-up drives were organized in Panaji and Harvalem, engaging over 200 students and citizens.

These efforts are part of Bisleri's ongoing Bottles for Change programme, which has reached over 10 million people across the country and continues to drive awareness on plastic segregation, collection, and recycling through sustained community engagement initiatives.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe, and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating a greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Bisleri organised plantation & cleanup drives at Sabarmati Riverfront

In Delhi, an awareness session and a painting competition were held at EDM Mall in Kaushambi. Rose Udaan Home for Girls, an NGO managed by Salam Balak Trust, also hosted a painting competition in Dilshad Garden. The activities collectively engaged over 320 participants.

Bisleri conducted awareness session at Indroda Nature Park with GEER Foundation

In Ludhiana, Punjab, a large-scale plogging drive convened in collaboration with the DC Office and more than 30 government and institutional partners, drew over 1,500 citizens onto the streets to collect and segregate plastic waste. In Chandigarh, a two-day plastic collection drive with the Market Welfare Association of Sector 19D brought together 100 residents. Additionally, an awareness-led painting competition with Yuva Stambh at Babu Dham Colony engaged 50 young participants in a creative exploration of plastic waste and its impact.

Best Out of Waste Plant Pot-Making Competition organized by Bisleri & Gram Bharti Samiti

In Lucknow, Bisleri set up an exhibition stall at the State-Level Workshop on Environment, organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh, at Indira Gandhi Pratisthan. Bisleri’s stall showcased the importance of recycling through a display of products made from different categories of recycled plastics. The team also distributed comic books and resource kits to raise awareness. To reiterate the importance of waste segregation, they conducted an interactive segregation-based game for visitors. The event was attended by around 800 officials and policymakers. Underscoring Bisleri's commitment to protecting the region's natural water bodies and green spaces, a cleanup drive was conducted at the ecologically sensitive Ekana Wetland in partnership with the Gomti Task Force, and a dedicated awareness session was held at Kudiya Ghat in collaboration with Lion Securities.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, "World Environment Day is a powerful moment to initiate action, and this year we set out to make our presence felt in every corner of the communities we serve. From plogging drives in Ludhiana to plantation campaigns in Gujarat and awareness sessions at the Ekana wetland, each initiative under Bottles for Change reflects our belief that lasting change is built at the grassroots. We are grateful to the state government bodies, institutions, NGOs, and citizen who stood with us to preserve the environment."

Plantation drives, cleanup campaigns, and awareness sessions were conducted in Gujarat across five locations including Indroda Nature Park with GEER Foundation, the Sabarmati Riverfront with SRDCL, Pansar Village with Kiran Fitness Centre, RAF Camp Cantonment, and HNGU Patan. Together, these events collectively engaged over 525 participants, bringing together students, defence personnel, and local communities in a shared commitment to tackling plastic pollution. A Letter of Association was also signed with HNGU, deepening Bisleri's institutional partnerships in the state.

In Rajasthan, Gram Bharti Samiti partnered with Bottles for Change for a Best Out of Waste plant pot-making competition on June 4, followed by a Run for a Change programme on June 5 in Jaipur. Together, both events mobilized 140 participants.

These efforts are part of Bisleri's ongoing Bottles for Change program, which has reached over 10 million people nationwide and raised awareness on plastic segregation and recycling.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe, and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating a greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Bisleri International marked World Environment Day 2026 through a series of on-ground activities with citizens and communities across South & Central India. Under its Bottles for Change programme for plastic waste management, Bisleri mobilised communities, government departments, defence establishments, educational institutions, and civil society organisations across Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Chhattisgarh. Collectively, the campaign recovered over 18 metric tonnes of plastic waste, turning responsibility into shared action.

Bisleri conducted plantation and plastic collection drives across South and Central India on World Environment Day 2026

Mr K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, "Managing plastic waste demands grassroots solutions. Through Bottles for Change, we have always sought to raise awareness and create pathways for communities to adopt responsible plastic use and disposal. From cleanup drives in Pondicherry to awareness campaigns in Kerala, we remain committed to scaling this mission and are grateful to every partner who continues to make it possible."

150 saplings were planted under tree-plantation drives by Bisleri

In Pondicherry, Bisleri partnered with Sri Venkateshwaraa College of Engineering and Technology for a rally advocating a plastic-free society. Alongside this, a collection drive was conducted at Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental College during which 520 kg of plastic waste was collected. Both activities together engaged 250 participants.

Bisleri conducted clean-up drives in the national wildlife parks

The campaign’s geographic reach was the widest in Tamil Nadu. A total of 150 saplings were planted around local ponds as part of a tree plantation campaign conducted in partnership with the Tiruvallur Urban local Bodies and clean-up drives were initiated at Pulicat Bird Sanctuary in partnership with Forest Department and Pollution Control Board, Tiruvallur. Cleanup drives in Ooty from Kallar check post to Barliyar Brigde and Vellingiri Hills recovered over 850 kg of plastic waste.

In Coimbatore, a Climate Corridor event at AIC-Rise, in partnership with the Rathinam Group of Institutions, drew 200 participants. In Trichy, Bisleri partnered with the City Corporation and YI-CII to install waste collection bins. A similar initiative was carried out in Dindigul in collaboration with the Pollution Control Board and the District Administration to promote responsible plastic waste management.

In Karnataka, A large-scale cleanup drive in partnership with CII and Mysore Corporation mobilised 2,000 citizens and recovered 15,000 kg of plastic waste. A collection drive at the Karnataka Police Academy engaged 300 personnel. Cleanup and plantation drives at Hoodi Lake and Nexus Mall resulted in the collection of 600 Kg of plastic waste and planting of 100 saplings, respectively.

In Chhattisgarh, in collaboration with the Chhattisgarsh Forest Department set up a Bottles for Change exhibition stall at Nandanvan Jungle Safari in Raipur, attracting around 2,000 visitors. At the same venue, a cleanup and plantation drive engaged 100 participants, who collectively planted 100 saplings.

Hyderabad and Vizag anchored the campaign across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. A door-to-door awareness campaign in partnership with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad reached 5,000 households, while a Bottles for Change exhibition stall at Aparna RWA engaged 500 residents. A collection drive conducted with Samprabhav Foundation and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University recovered an impressive 2,000 kg of plastic waste.

In Calicut, Kerala, the campaign concluded with a seminar and rally on plastic waste management. Organised in partnership with Farook College and NSS, the event saw the participation of 250 students and community members.

The World Environment Day activities by Bisleri are a part of Bisleri's ongoing Bottles for Change programme reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future. Thus far, Bottles for Change has reached over 10 million people nationwide and raised awareness about plastic waste segregation and recycling in a bid to promote effective plastic waste management.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe, and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating a greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

(L-R) Sudarshan Suchi, Reliance Foundation; Poonam Muttreja, PFI; Rajesh Tandon, PRIA; Subodh Mishra, Cohesion Foundation Trust; Sivakumar Surampudi, ITC

Distinguished voices contributing to the day’s discussions included Dr. Rajesh Tandon (PRIA), who spoke on the state of government-civil society collaboration; Prof. Bina Agarwal (University of Manchester), on women’s land rights as the foundation for economic agency and intergenerational change; Mr. Gagan Sethi, on the lessons of 25 years of community-centred practice and what the next chapter demands; Mr. Sudarshan Suchi (Reliance Foundation), on how philanthropic capital can be aligned with public systems to reach the last mile; Ms. Saranya Pradhan (McCain Foods India), on how private sector engagement with women and youth in agriculture builds both livelihoods and supply chain resilience; Mr. Biraj Patnaik (National Foundation for India), on resourcing the civil society ecosystem and sustaining organisations that hold the long view; and Mr. Sivakumar Surampudi (ITC Limited), on market-linked models that connect rural women and youth to economic opportunity.

The Outcome Report 2020–25 captures a period of significant growth and impact for the organisation. Over the last 5 years, Cohesion supported more than 15,000 women farmers, reached 67,409 children through education and early childhood development programmes, linked over 43,000 individuals to government welfare schemes, strengthened more than 150 community-based organisations, and enabled community-led water management initiatives that created 259,188 kilolitres of additional water storage across 78 villages.

Speaking at the event, Rajesh Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, Cohesion Foundation Trust, said, “25 years ago, we began with a belief that communities themselves hold the knowledge, resilience and leadership needed to drive lasting change. Our journey has reinforced that belief time and again. Whether it is women farmers strengthening livelihoods, families accessing essential entitlements, or communities managing natural resources, meaningful development happens when people are empowered to lead it. As we look ahead, our ambition is to help transform a million lives by 2030 through community-owned development.”

The Outcome Report also sets out Cohesion's strategy for the next 5 years, the organisation's stated goal is to transform 1 million lives by 2030 through community-owned development. Building on its ‘Model, Replicate and Scale’ approach, the strategy will focus on climate-resilient livelihoods, women’s leadership, youth empowerment, stronger community institutions and evidence-driven engagement with public systems and development partners.

About Cohesion Foundation Trust

Cohesion Foundation Trust was set up in 1996 by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. The team equipped with the experience of different facets of development, started as a support body, providing professional services to other organizations. The support included services like community organization; project finance & management services including planning, monitoring & evaluation; designing & maintenance of Impact assessment and Management Information Systems; research, capacity building, democratization of development process & empowerment; advocacy works etc. As a strategic move in the year 2000-01, Cohesion initiated its implementation units, with a view to enrich the exchange of learning through support activities.

SOCOMEC and IFCCI Launch Multi-Faceted CSR Initiatives Promoting Education, Clean & Green Energy, and Zero Plastic Waste Management

Reflecting SOCOMEC’s strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Project Edu-Sustain has effectively integrated education, renewable energy, and environmental conservation to deliver long-term and scalable impact.

Key Focus Areas:

• Clean & Green Energy: Installation of solar panel systems in seven government schools – 2 In Chennai, Tamil Nadu and 5 in Noida and Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh across Chennai and Delhi-NCR, generating approximately 35,000–50,000 kWh of renewable energy annually. This intervention has significantly reduced carbon emissions while enabling energy-efficient learning environments.

• Education for Underserved Communities: Ongoing educational centres established in 2024, and successful continue operations supporting over 80 primary-level children from high-risk and underserved communities. These centres have provided structured after-school academic support, mentoring, and creative learning spaces, contributing to improved learning outcomes and reduced dropout rates which aims to ensure that the children complete their schooling successfully.

• Zero Plastic Waste Management: Adoption of Prabhadevi and Dadar beaches in Mumbai under a comprehensive Zero Plastic Waste Management initiative, resulting in the collection and recycling of over 15,000 kg of marine plastic waste annually. The initiative has also supported upcycling efforts, creating livelihood opportunities for local waste pickers.

• Awareness & Employee Engagement: As part of the project launch, over 35+ employees from SOCOMEC Group and IFCCI actively participated in engagement activities at the educational centres in Dwarka, Delhi, and at Prabhadevi Beach in Mumbai. These initiatives, along with continued community outreach and sustainability awareness programs, have fostered environmental consciousness among students, employees, and local communities.

Leadership Speak-

Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, “At Socomec, sustainability is not just a commitment, it is a responsibility we actively live by. Through Project Edu-Sustain, we are proud to create meaningful impact by integrating clean energy, education, and environmental stewardship in the communities we serve. What truly makes this initiative special is the enthusiastic participation of our Socomec team volunteers, whose passion and dedication have brought these efforts to life on the ground. We remain committed to building a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive future for generations to come.”

Ms. Nida Khanam, Head of Human Resources, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, “Recent volunteering drive by our colleagues for Beach Clean-up drive and visit to education center at Mumbai and New Delhi showed personal commitment towards CSR. Through our meaningful partnership with IFCCI, we were able to bring our corporate values to life. From removing waste on the shoreline to engaging with minds at the education center, this proves that sustainable change starts with collective vision and passion people bring together as team.”

Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), added, “Education and sustainability are key drivers of long-term social transformation. Through Project Edu-Sustain, alongwith Socomec Group, we are working towards creating meaningful impact by integrating quality education, environmental responsibility, and clean energy solutions within communities. These initiatives are empowering communities while building a more sustainable future.”

About SOCOMEC

Established in 1922, Socomec is a globally renowned specialist in Low Voltage (LV) Power Switching, Monitoring, and Power Conversion products, dedicated to managing power and safeguarding people, equipment, and installations. Offering 24/7 Expert Services, Socomec ensures the reliability and optimization of end-users' equipment.

With a workforce of 4400 employees, 12 production sites, and over 30 subsidiaries spanning five continents, Socomec Group is a key player in the industry. In India, we have a strong presence with 12 branch offices and operate a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Gurugram, Haryana, designed with a flexible structure and advanced technology to support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Leveraging over a century of expertise, the Group is committed to constant innovation, enhancing energy performance in Data Centres, Healthcare, Infrastructure, as well as industrial and commercial sites. As a recognized expert, Socomec delivers state-of-the-art solutions, ensuring the highest availability of electrical power supply to critical and non-critical facilities. Tailored to customer needs and fully compliant with international standards, the company consistently upholds excellence in power management.

About IFCCI

Established in 1977, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of the most active bilateral chambers in India. IFCCI represents a dynamic business platform of over 800 members companies, and 17 Sector & Function led Committees offering an extensive range of business services and giving access to people and information.

The Chamber belongs to a global network of 126 French Chambers spread across 95 countries with over 37,000 companies with the mission:

• To facilitate business and networking opportunities between Indian and French companies

• To develop trade relations between our members and the Indo-French business community

• To encourage economic, commercial and investment relations between France and India

CSMT lights up red as Ujaas drives conversations on menstrual dignity, awareness and period equity on World Menstrual Hygiene day 2026

Through “Trash Out the Myths,” participants were encouraged to identify and challenge common misconceptions surrounding menstruation and menstrual hygiene. “Period Pulse” created an interactive platform for commuters and passersby to exchange perspectives and assess awareness around menstrual hygiene management, helping spark more informed and open conversations on the subject. Meanwhile, the “Period Rights Map” invited individuals to express support for dignity, awareness, accessibility and inclusivity in menstrual hygiene across schools, workplaces, public spaces and communities. By bringing these conversations into one of the country’s busiest public spaces, the initiative aimed to normalise discussions around menstruation and foster more informed, supportive and stigma-free attitudes towards menstrual hygiene in everyday life.

The initiative comes at a time when menstrual health and hygiene management is increasingly being recognised as an issue of dignity, equality, education, and public health. This momentum was further reinforced by the Supreme Court’s recognition of menstrual health and hygiene as intrinsically linked to the fundamental rights to dignity, equality, education, and health under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution.

While India has made progress in menstrual hygiene awareness, significant gaps continue to persist. National data indicates that nearly one in four young women in India still does not have access to hygienic menstrual products and practices. Studies have also shown that many adolescent girls remain unaware of menstruation before experiencing their first period, while menstruation-related stigma, misinformation, and lack of supportive environments continue to impact confidence, mobility, and school attendance and participation in everyday life.

The disparities are often more visible within underserved communities and urban informal settlements, where girls continue to navigate challenges around privacy, access to menstrual hygiene products, awareness, and social stigma despite living within large metropolitan cities. Research across urban settlements has also highlighted that school absenteeism during menstruation can reach close to 38%, reinforcing the need for sustained awareness and community engagement around menstrual health and hygiene management

By bringing the conversation to one of India’s busiest public landmarks and transport hubs accessed by millions every day, Ujaas and Central Railway sought to encourage more visible, mainstream conversations around menstrual hygiene management and challenge the silence that continues to surround the subject.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Advaitesha Birla, Founder, Ujaas an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, said, “For many girls and women, menstruation still impacts confidence, mobility and everyday participation due to the silence and misinformation surrounding it. Real change requires more than awareness alone — it calls for supportive ecosystems and open conversations across schools, communities, families and public institutions. We thank Central Railway for partnering with us to amplify awareness around menstrual health. Through this initiative, we hope to bring the conversation into public spaces and encourage greater openness, dignity and normalisation around menstrual health.”

Adding further, Dr  Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Central Railway said, “As one of the country’s largest public service networks, carrying millions of people every day, Indian Railways believes that public institutions and public spaces can play an important role in driving social awareness and inclusion. Through this collaboration with Ujaas, we hope to encourage more open conversations around menstrual health and hygiene, and contribute towards building a more informed and supportive environment for women and girls, for better realisation of their potential”.

To date, Ujaas has impacted over 1.2 million beneficiaries and distributed more than 4.8 million menstrual hygiene products across India. Programme assessments indicate measurable behavioural change, including a 48 percentage-point increase in rejection of menstrual myths among girls, a 38 percentage-point improvement in menstrual health awareness, and a 44 percentage-point increase in puberty awareness among boys — reinforcing the importance of inclusive, community-led menstrual health education that engages both girls and boys in building supportive attitudes around menstruation.

As conversations around menstrual equity continue to evolve nationally, the initiative highlights the importance of sustained awareness, education, and collaborative action in ensuring menstruation is addressed not through silence or stigma, but through dignity, confidence, and equal opportunity.

About Ujaas

Ujaas, a transformative initiative under the stewardship of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, is committed to fostering positive change and empowerment in the space of menstrual health and hygiene management. With an unwavering focus on driving awareness, breaking stereotypes and myths and contributing to social development in the space of menstrual health and hygiene, Ujaas epitomizes the Aditya Birla Education Trust ethos of contributing meaningfully to society.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Ujaas leverages the values, resources, and expertise of the Aditya Birla Education Trust to create lasting impact. By implementing awareness workshops distribution of free pads, Ujaas serves as a beacon of progress and inclusivity.

Guided by the visionary principles of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, Ujaas embodies the belief that sustainable change begins at the grassroots level. Through collaborative efforts, strategic partnerships, and a deep-rooted commitment to uplift communities, Ujaas aspires to make a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged girls and society at large.

Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria championing the values of integrity, respect and inclusion through the global Fair Play movement, reinforcing the spirit of ethical and value-driven sport

The initiative also sought to advance Fair Play education across schools and universities with recommendations for integrating Fair Play into the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Experts also discussed fostering international cooperation and encourage the integration of values such as respect, solidarity and ethical conduct into youth development and community programmes. Further, establishment of a National Fair Play Committee of India to coordinate Fair Play programmes, research, education, and policy advocacy was a key discussion.

The initiative was conceptualised with the support of Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria, Managing Trustee, Cosmo Foundation, who has been actively associated with international Fair Play initiatives. This was then organised in collaboration with the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Sports Foundation and endorsed by the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP). The symposium marked one of the first large-scale World Fair Play Day celebrations in India and aimed to deepen India’s engagement with the global Fair Play movement while encouraging stronger collaboration among educational, sporting and social institutions.

In her special address, Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria, Managing Trustee Cosmo Foundation and Whole-time Director (Corporate Strategy, ESG and CSR), Cosmo First said, “Fair play is a universal language. Fair play is more than a game; it is a way of life. It is not about how you win, but how you play. By promoting values such as dignity, justice, respect and togetherness, we can create a better world not only through sport, but also in everyday life.”

In his keynote speech, Mr Sunil Sabharwal, President of CIFP, acknowledged the contribution of Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria and the invaluable support by Cosmo Foundation towards advancing the Fair Play movement in India and globally. He further emphasised the global responsibility to uphold ethics, integrity and respect in sport, while highlighting the importance of international cooperation in strengthening values-driven sports ecosystems. 

The symposium featured panel discussions on ethics in sports governance, the role of education in fostering sportsmanship, and the cultural significance of Fair Play in building peaceful and inclusive societies. Discussions focused on ethical leadership, transparency and accountability in sport, anti-doping frameworks, value-based education for youth, and the role of traditional sports in promoting community bonding, cultural preservation and social harmony. The event also included a Fair Play Pledge Ceremony and participation from national and international institutions associated with sports, education and Olympic values.

As the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First, Cosmo Foundation works across education, environment and empowerment initiatives, with programmes spanning multiple states and communities across India. Through its support for World Fair Play Day, the Foundation helped strengthen India’s leadership in the global Fair Play movement and reinforced international cooperation for ethical and value-driven sport. The symposium also helped catalyse conversations around expanding Fair Play education and building stronger collaborations among Indian and global institutions working in sports, education and social development.

About Cosmo Foundation
Cosmo Foundation was established in 2008 as the community outreach initiative of the Cosmo First Ltd, the largest manufacturers of BOPP worldwide. The Foundation works closely with less developed communities around its manufacturing units at the Karjan in the Vadodara District and Gangapur in the Chatrapati Sambhajinagar District as well as in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and tribal district Chhindwara of Madhya Pradesh. The organization works on several development programs aimed at Computer operation and digital skill building, Foundational Literacy, Numeracy, Life skills and English Communication, health and hygiene, Environment and Empowerment of women.

About Cosmo First Limited
Established in 1981 by Mr Ashok Jaipuria, Cosmo First Limited is an over four-decade-old global conglomerate. Its consumer vertical comprises Cosmo Consumer, which is into Window Films, Paint Protection Films & Ceramic Coatings for automobiles, and Zigly Pet Care, which provides a digital-first omni channel pet care ecosystem. Its industrial vertical includes Cosmo Films for specialty films for packaging, labels, lamination, and industrial applications; Cosmo Speciality Chemicals for coatings, adhesives and masterbatches, and Cosmo Plastech for rigid packaging. With sustainable innovation, development, and research embedded in its core values, Cosmo First serves customers in 100+ countries.

Thane Institute Inauguration

Established as part of Group Legrand India’s social commitment towards skill development and youth empowerment, the institute aims to strengthen industry-ready technical talent and enhance employability across the electrical and allied technology sectors.

Developed in collaboration with SkillSonics, an NSDC-accredited implementation and knowledge partner, the 8,000 sq. ft. world-class standalone facility has been designed to provide industry-oriented technical training for ITI students, diploma and engineering students, technicians, and electricians. The institute will offer completely free-of-cost training programs with a strong emphasis on practical learning, industry exposure, and employability enhancement aligned to evolving technological and market requirements.

The initiative is expected to train and upskill more than 1,000 students and electricians annually, creating a stronger pipeline of skilled talent for India’s growing infrastructure, energy, and electrical ecosystem. The initiative further strengthens Group Legrand India’s broader CSR framework, which is built on five key pillars: education, healthcare, environment, skill development, and disaster relief; through impactful interventions across communities nationwide.

Speaking on the occasion, Tony Berland, CEO & Managing Director, Group Legrand India, said, “The inauguration of our training centre in Thane marks a significant milestone in Legrand’s journey of empowering youth through skill development and enhancing employability. Through this initiative, we aim to provide accessible, high quality technical education that equips students and electricians with future ready capabilities while contributing meaningfully to India’s skilled workforce development.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra said, “Maharashtra has been actively focusing on strengthening skill development and creating employment opportunities for youth through industry partnerships and practical learning initiatives. The Legrand Institute for Training & Education aligns well with the State’s vision of building a future-ready skilled workforce and will contribute meaningfully towards Maharashtra’s larger skill development mission and industrial growth.”

Abida Aneez, VP – CSR & Sustainability, Group Legrand India, shared, “The Legrand Institute for Training & Education has been developed as a first-of-its-kind advanced technical training facility with modern labs and the latest technologies in electrical and UPS systems. The customised curriculum, designed jointly by Legrand’s subject matter experts and SkillSonics’ technical specialists, aims to equip students and electricians with practical skills and industry-ready capabilities aligned to current and future technological needs.”

The inauguration of the training centre marks another important step in advancing Group Legrand India’s long-term vision of inclusive growth through accessible skilling and community development.

About Group Legrand India

Legrand is a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures, dedicated to supporting technological, societal, and environmental change around the globe. Legrand’s core purpose is to improve lives by transforming the spaces where people live, work and meet, with electrical and digital infrastructures and connected solutions that are simple, innovative and sustainable.

For over two decades, Group Legrand India has maintained its leadership position in power protection business, utilizing its global expertise to tailor the offering to local market needs. The Group has strategic acquisitions which further solidified its commitment to delivering complete solutions, making it the preferred partner across diverse market segments.

 Group Legrand India has several brands under its umbrella who are leaders in their respective product domain, namely IndoAsian, Numeric, Valrack, Adlec and NetRack. With a diverse workforce of 5000+ employees across India, Group Legrand India has 7 state of the art manufacturing facilities, 3 R&D centres and a wide distribution network with over 870 distribution partners and 19000+ retailers.

Legrand's purpose guides its responsible commitments to a more sustainable world for all. Legrand's CSR commitments actively contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the UN for a better and more sustainable future.

Legrand has laid out its CSR /Sustainability commitments in 4 main areas of actions to improve lives:

• Promote diversity and inclusion

• Reduce its carbon footprint

• Develop a circular economy

• Be a responsible business

Legrand has set the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 throughout the Group’s value chain.

NEEV Foundation launches ‘Iss Garmi, Farq Nazar Aayega’ summer relief campaign across six states

NEEV Foundation is deploying 60 relief vans to distribute clean, cold drinking water at high-footfall public areas and directly to those working long hours in the open, including traffic police personnel, delivery executives, construction workers, street vendors and autorickshaw drivers. Alongside water, the vans will distribute ORS pouches and protective caps to counter heat exposure and help replenish minerals lost to excessive perspiration.

Acknowledging that the crisis extends beyond human welfare, the Foundation has installed water tanks for stray animals and placed bird feeders and water trays across multiple locations. The campaign is anchored in a simple idea of access and empathy. As the foundation describes it: “The thirsty always come to the well. This summer, we decided to take the well to the thirsty.”

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Vivek Patni, Director – Wonder Cement and Founder of Neev Foundation said, “India’s summers are becoming increasingly harsh for people who spend most of their day outdoors. Through this campaign, we wanted to create immediate, accessible relief for those who keep our cities functioning despite extreme weather conditions. Sometimes the most meaningful interventions are also the simplest, whether it is offering a glass of water, a moment of shade or basic support during difficult conditions.”

He added, “NEEV was founded on the belief that social responsibility begins with showing up for people when they need support the most. We hope this campaign also encourages citizens to participate in small acts of care, from keeping water outside homes for birds and stray animals to supporting delivery personnel and outdoor workers during peak summer hours. Collective action often begins with individual awareness. Sometimes, a small beginning brings a big change and starts a revolution.”

The campaign carries a deliberate public mobilisation intent, seeking to deepen community participation in heat relief at a time when rising temperatures are emerging as a sustained challenge across urban and rural India.

The seasonal effort is part of a broader development mandate. NEEV Foundation’s Rural Development Centre in Nimbahera anchors its long-term work, which spans skill development for women under the Hunar programme, community infrastructure through Sanrachna, educational support under Udaan, healthcare outreach through Arogyam and sustainability initiatives under Eco Green.

With temperatures breaching 45°C across large parts of India, NEEV Foundation has mounted a large-scale summer relief campaign, “Iss Garmi, Farq Nazar Aayega,” targeting outdoor workers, the general public, stray animals and birds bearing the brunt of this season’s extreme heat. The initiative is being rolled out across six states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra.

NEEV Foundation is deploying 60 relief vans to distribute clean, cold drinking water at high-footfall public areas and directly to those working long hours in the open, including traffic police personnel, delivery executives, construction workers, street vendors and autorickshaw drivers. Alongside water, the vans will distribute ORS pouches and protective caps to counter heat exposure and help replenish minerals lost to excessive perspiration.

Acknowledging that the crisis extends beyond human welfare, the Foundation has installed water tanks for stray animals and placed bird feeders and water trays across multiple locations. The campaign is anchored in a simple idea of access and empathy. As the foundation describes it: “The thirsty always come to the well. This summer, we decided to take the well to the thirsty.”

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Vivek Patni, Director – Wonder Cement and Founder of Neev Foundation said, “India’s summers are becoming increasingly harsh for people who spend most of their day outdoors. Through this campaign, we wanted to create immediate, accessible relief for those who keep our cities functioning despite extreme weather conditions. Sometimes the most meaningful interventions are also the simplest, whether it is offering a glass of water, a moment of shade or basic support during difficult conditions.”

He added, “NEEV was founded on the belief that social responsibility begins with showing up for people when they need support the most. We hope this campaign also encourages citizens to participate in small acts of care, from keeping water outside homes for birds and stray animals to supporting delivery personnel and outdoor workers during peak summer hours. Collective action often begins with individual awareness. Sometimes, a small beginning brings a big change and starts a revolution.”

The campaign carries a deliberate public mobilisation intent, seeking to deepen community participation in heat relief at a time when rising temperatures are emerging as a sustained challenge across urban and rural India.

The seasonal effort is part of a broader development mandate. NEEV Foundation’s Rural Development Centre in Nimbahera anchors its long-term work, which spans skill development for women under the Hunar programme, community infrastructure through Sanrachna, educational support under Udaan, healthcare outreach through Arogyam and sustainability initiatives under Eco Green.

With “Iss Garmi, Farq Nazar Aayega,” the Foundation seeks to demonstrate a point that is straightforward but easy to overlook during a crisis. Compassion can bring about tangible relief for those, most exposed to India’s harshest summer.

About NEEV Foundation
NEEV Foundation is a socially driven initiative committed to building stronger, kinder and more resilient communities through sustainable and meaningful social interventions. Guided by the philosophy of creating a strong foundation for a better tomorrow, NEEV Foundation, under the leadership of Mr. Vivek Patni, works across healthcare, education, women empowerment, infrastructure development and environmental sustainability to create lasting positive impact.

Hands in the soil, hearts with the planet

Implemented by The Art of Living through Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI), with CSR support from Dynapac Company, the tree plantation initiative brought together corporate employees, volunteers, and local communities in a collective act of environmental responsibility. More than a plantation drive, the project was designed as a long-term ecological intervention - one that combines environmental restoration with community participation and sustainable rural development.

Planting for Resilience, Not Just Green Cover
As climate change, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation continue to impact rural landscapes across India, increasing green cover has become both an ecological necessity and a community priority.

The plantation project focused on species that could deliver long-term environmental, social, and livelihood benefits. A total of 12 native and ecologically significant species were planted, including Neem, Arjuna, Bamboo, Tamarind, Mahua, Jackfruit, Karanja, Amla, Banyan, Audumbar (Indian Fig), and Jamun varieties.

These species were carefully selected not only for their ecological resilience, but also for their ability to support soil conservation, groundwater retention, biodiversity, nutrition, and rural livelihoods.

For example:

• Karanja improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation

• Arjuna supports soil and water conservation

• Neem contributes to natural pest control and air purification

• Bamboo helps bind soil while offering livelihood potential

• Mahua, Jamun, Tamarind, and Jackfruit provide nutritional and economic value to rural communities

Together, the plantation creates a more resilient ecological landscape capable of withstanding heat stress and changing climate conditions.

A Community-Led Green Initiative
The plantation activity was carried out in Hanumanthapura village, Karnataka, after assessing soil suitability, water availability, and local community participation.

Employees of Dynapac Company actively participated in the plantation drive alongside VVKI volunteers and local residents, turning the initiative into a collaborative environmental effort rather than a one-day event.

The implementation followed a structured process:

• Site preparation and pit digging

• Soil enrichment using organic inputs

• Plantation using appropriate spacing techniques

• Watering and protection measures

• Ongoing monitoring and maintenance

Local volunteers and community members also participated in awareness activities focused on environmental protection and long-term stewardship of the saplings.

Environmental Impact

• Increased green cover

• Improved biodiversity

• Better soil moisture retention

• Reduced soil erosion

• Enhanced climate resilience

Social Impact

• Greater awareness around environmental conservation

• Increased youth and volunteer participation

• Stronger community ownership of ecological initiatives

Long-Term Economic Benefits
Several of the planted species are fruit-bearing or economically useful, creating future livelihood opportunities for local communities. Species such as Bamboo and Mahua can also contribute to supplementary rural income over time.

Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability
A key focus of the initiative has been post-plantation care and community ownership.

Regular watering schedules, periodic monitoring, organic fertilisation, and local protection mechanisms have been put in place to improve sapling survival rates and healthy growth. Community participation has also helped prevent grazing-related damage and strengthened accountability at the local level.

The project demonstrates how relatively small-scale interventions, when thoughtfully designed and collectively implemented, can contribute meaningfully to environmental restoration.

By planting 1,360 trees across three acres, the initiative has laid the foundation for long-term ecological benefits while reinforcing the importance of collaboration between NGOs, corporates, volunteers, and local communities in addressing climate and environmental challenges.

About the Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living’s holistic approach to environmental conservation is transforming crisis into opportunity. Through large-scale afforestation, the restoration of degraded and polluted waterways, and the promotion of natural farming to enhance soil health, its initiatives sustainably revitalise ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and influence community practices and policy. 

To learn more about these initiatives or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India

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Access Life, a joint initiative of MAHE & Chellaram Foundation, was inaugurated on May 23, 2026, at Manipal, Karnataka
 

The center was inaugurated on 23rd May 2026 at the MAHE Campus, Manipal. The inauguration was presided over by Dr. H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, with Dr. Ashok Gavande, Philanthropy India Lead, Chellaram Foundation, Mumbai, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, as the Guest of Honor. The event also saw the presence of; Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal; Dr. Anil K Bhat, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal; Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Manipal Foundation and, Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor & Head, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, MAHE, Manipal; Mr Girish Nair Founder & Chairman and Mr Ankeet Dave, Co-founders & Executive Director of Access Life Assistance Foundation were present on the occasion.
 

The newly launched 10-unit facility has been specially designed for children undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant procedures, where maintaining a safe, hygienic, and controlled environment is critical due to severely compromised immunity levels during treatment and recovery.
 

This marks Access Life’s second centre in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), further strengthening the shared commitment towards holistic paediatric cancer care and family support services beyond hospital infrastructure.
 

The initiative is also supported by Chellaram Foundation, a global not-for-profit organisation focused on long-term, impact-driven philanthropy across healthcare, education, humanitarian aid, and child welfare initiatives.
 

Sharing thoughts on the collaboration Chellaram Foundation said, “Access Life Foundation stands out for its deeply compassionate and highly organized approach toward supporting children and families battling cancer. Their commitment goes far beyond providing accommodation—it creates dignity, stability, and hope during some of the most difficult moments in a family’s life. At Chellaram Foundation, we value institutions where compassion is matched by accountability, and Access Life exemplifies both. We are confident that every contribution made toward their mission translates into meaningful and lasting impact.”
 

Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, said, “At MAHE, we have always believed that healthcare goes beyond medical treatment. Supporting children and families during difficult times is deeply aligned with the values and vision of our founder, Dr. TMA Pai, who believed that compassionate and accessible healthcare should reach every section of society. We are happy that MAHE could support this meaningful initiative by providing the space for the center, which will help create a safe and caring environment for children undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant treatment. This collaboration reflects MAHE’s larger commitment towards holistic and humane healthcare, where medical excellence is complemented by emotional, social, and family support systems. Facilities like these significantly reduce the burden on families while helping children continue their treatment and recovery with dignity. We appreciate the efforts of Access Life and Chellaram Foundation in strengthening paediatric cancer care support services in Manipal.”
 

Speaking about the initiative, Girish Nair, Founder & Chairman, Access Life Assistance Foundation, said, “This second centre at Manipal Academy of Higher Education marks another important milestone in our journey of ensuring that no child is forced to discontinue cancer treatment because of non-medical challenges such as accommodation, nutrition, or distance from the treating hospital.
 

We are deeply grateful to MAHE for once again extending their support by providing the space free of rental, reflecting a strong institutional commitment toward paediatric cancer care beyond hospital walls. We are equally thankful to Chellaram Foundation for supporting this initiative and believing in our vision of holistic childhood cancer care.
 

Since the inauguration of our first 12-unit centre in Manipal in April 2022, we have supported nearly 350 beneficiaries. With this second centre, we hope to extend this support to many more underprivileged families, helping children not only complete their treatment with dignity, but also recover in a safe, caring, and family-friendly environment.”
 

Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor & Head, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, MAHE, Manipal mentioned that, “The new centre further reinforced the departments mission of reducing treatment abandonment and refusal among children with cancer and other serious blood related disorders by addressing the social and logistical barriers that often impact continuity of care thus providing complete holistic care.”

About Access Life

Access Life is a non-profit organisation incorporated under Indian law, established in 2014 to support children from underprivileged backgrounds undergoing cancer treatment. It provides free accommodation, nutrition, transportation, counselling and non-formal education to children and their caregivers who travel from across India to major cities for treatment.
 

With 14 centres across 10 cities, Access Life supports up to 228 families simultaneously, offering a safe, nurturing environment focused on healing and stability. The organisation is registered under 80G, 12A, CSR-1 and FCRA, and has to date supported more than 10,500 beneficiaries across India.
 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3^rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

Rajeev Baid, Managing Director at Aman Tea Group, highlighting the importance of sustainability, safe farming practices, and supporting tea growing communities
 

The initiative focused on honouring small growers and tea workers who play a critical role in sustaining the tea ecosystem, while also encouraging conversations around safe farming practices, quality awareness, and the long-term future of the industry.
 

As part of its ongoing commitment towards responsible tea cultivation, Aman Tea Group has been consistently engaging with growers and farming communities across tea producing regions, particularly in West Bengal, to create greater awareness around sustainable farming practices and the importance of safe tea production at the source.

The programmes organised on International Tea Day reflected this year’s global focus on strengthening livelihoods and advancing sustainability across the tea sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Baid said, “Tea has always been deeply connected to people and communities. Behind every cup are thousands of growers, workers, and families whose contribution often goes unseen. International Tea Day is an important reminder to recognise and appreciate their role in shaping the industry. At Aman Tea Group, we believe sustainability is not just a conversation for the future, but a responsibility that begins today at the ground level. Supporting safe farming practices, building awareness among growers, and strengthening the ecosystem around tea are essential for ensuring the long-term future of the industry.”

Over the years, Aman Tea Group has continued to focus on building stronger engagement with growers and tea communities while encouraging practices that support both quality and sustainability.

The company reiterated that the future of tea will increasingly depend not only on production and market demand, but also on how responsibly the industry approaches cultivation, community development, and environmental stewardship.

About Aman Tea Group
Aman Tea Group is a diversified tea enterprise engaged across tea production, sourcing, manufacturing, and brand building. Through its associated brands and tea estates, the group continues to focus on quality, sustainability, and creating differentiated tea experiences while remaining deeply connected to the roots of the industry.

M3M Foundation, in Collaboration with Jaipuri Banno, Unveils “Ada-E-Hind” at Times Lifestyle Week 2026

Presented under the thematic concept Threads of India: Woven Stories, Shared Soul, the showcase celebrated India’s timeless textile traditions while creating a national platform for grassroots artisans and emerging designers from rural communities.

Following the success of Dream Weavers 1.0 at Times Lifestyle Week 2024, M3M Foundation once again returned to the runway to amplify hidden talent and bring India’s craft heritage to the forefront. Last year’s initiative introduced six young rural designers to the world of fashion. This year, the Foundation deepened that vision by taking students directly to the source of India’s most iconic crafts.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation enabled four students from its iMpower Academy for Skills — Aanchal, Geeta, Nishu and Nancy — to embark on an immersive journey across India.

Over the course of three months, the young creators travelled through narrow streets, artisan homes and modest workshops across the country, often in economically vulnerable communities where craftsmanship remains the backbone of household livelihoods. They learned directly from weavers, embroiderers, printers and dyers, understanding not only the techniques but also the stories, struggles and traditions woven into every thread.

The journey began in Lucknow, where the students explored delicate Chikankari and Zardozi embroidery. In Varanasi, they witnessed the intricate process of Banarasi silk weaving. In Patiala, they learned the vibrant art of Phulkari embroidery. In Kanchipuram and Chennai, they experienced the richness of Kanjivaram silk and Kalamkari. In Bhuj and surrounding artisan villages such as Ajrakhpur and Bhujodi, they discovered Ajrakh printing, Bandhani and handloom traditions. In Rajkot, they observed the highly complex Patola weaving technique, and in Rajasthan, they immersed themselves in the timeless craft of hand block printing.

Mentored by Neetu Mahajan, Director of Jaipuri Banno and designer of the collection, the students transformed their learnings into a contemporary fashion narrative rooted in heritage and purpose.

The result was a stunning collection of 33 ensembles, each thoughtfully designed to carry the spirit of the regions and communities from which they emerged. Each garment represented countless hours of artisan labour and embodied the cultural memory of communities that have preserved these traditions for generations.

The collection was brought to life on the runway by acclaimed actor Neetu Chandra as the lead showstopper, joined by digital creator Garima Chaurasia and Nisha Yadav in a special showstopper appearance. They were accompanied by Neetu Mahajan and the four young creators from iMpower Academy, and Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee and President, M3M Foundation, receiving an enthusiastic response and standing ovation from the audience.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Payal Kanodia said, “At M3M Foundation, we believe that true empowerment begins when hidden talent is given visibility, dignity and opportunity. Ada-E-Hind is not merely a fashion showcase; it is a tribute to India’s artisans, whose hands preserve our cultural soul, and to the young creators who prove that dreams from the smallest villages can reach the grandest stages.”

Through its iMpower Academy for Skills implemented by the National Institute of Education and Development (NIED), M3M Foundation continues to equip young people from underserved communities with vocational training, mentorship and exposure. Ada-E-Hind extends this mission by connecting education with heritage, creativity and dignified livelihoods.

With Threads of India and the unveiling of Ada-E-Hind, M3M Foundation and Jaipuri Banno have once again demonstrated that when purpose meets creativity, fashion becomes a powerful medium for recognition, preservation and social transformation.

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

M3M Foundation’s Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan Conferred with CSR Person of the Year 2026 at India CSR Leadership Summit
 

The recognition celebrates Dr. Mahajan’s leadership in advancing corporate social responsibility as a powerful instrument for inclusive development and sustainable change. Under his guidance, M3M Foundation has implemented impactful initiatives across education, healthcare, women empowerment, skill development, livelihood generation, and environmental sustainability, placing communities at the centre of every intervention.
 

Held under the theme “CSR, Sustainability and ESG for Viksit Bharat 2047,” the summit brought together prominent voices from industry, academia, governance, and the development sector to deliberate on the future of responsible business and its role in shaping a developed and sustainable India.
 

As part of the summit, Dr. Mahajan also participated in a panel discussion on measuring social impact through CSR alongside Dr. Sarita Subramaniam and Kumod Kumar. Sharing insights from M3M Foundation’s on- ground experience, he highlighted the importance of community-led approaches in strengthening climate resilience, advancing sustainability, and contributing to India’s long-term net-zero aspirations.
 

The summit offered a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. Phoolbasan Bai Yadav inspired participants with her extraordinary journey of grassroots transformation, while Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, Chairman of the National Sustainability Reporting and Disclosure Standards Committee, BIS, shared his perspectives on CSR 2.0 and accountable development models for Viksit Bharat 2047.
 

Industry leaders Sunil Ramdas, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Vivek Agrawal discussed industrial sustainability and ESG integration in the steel and power sectors. Additional insights on the evolution of CSR from philanthropy to strategic nation-building were shared by Dr. Neepa S, Rishikesh Sharma, Nrusingh Prasad Mohapatra, Meherram Gadekar, Anubhav Saxena, and Mayank Tomer.
 

The award marks a significant milestone in M3M Foundation’s journey and reinforces its commitment to building resilient communities and creating sustainable impact through partnerships, innovation, and people- centric development.
 

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation- building.

Galgotias University’s initiative strengthens rural healthcare services and improves access to rehabilitation support

The initiative has been undertaken in coordination with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Community Health Centre Dadha. As part of the collaboration, the University is supporting the strengthening of the physiotherapy and rehabilitation unit at the Centre through the provision of modern therapy and rehabilitation equipment, trained physiotherapy support, and operational assistance aimed at improving patient care delivery.

The support includes equipment and rehabilitation infrastructure such as cervical traction systems, gait training support equipment, therapeutic exercise systems, shortwave diathermy, TENS and IFT systems, walkers, shoulder wheels, pulleys, and related physiotherapy support infrastructure. The University will also support trained manpower and associated operational requirements for the functioning of the rehabilitation unit.

The collaboration is also expected to contribute towards broader healthcare systems strengthening at the Centre, including support for healthcare outreach, preventive health engagement, patient support services, quality assurance processes, and community-centred healthcare activities. The initiative aims to improve access to rehabilitation and physiotherapy care closer to people’s homes, reducing the burden on patients who otherwise need to travel significant distances for treatment and follow-up care.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Access to healthcare remains one of the most important social challenges across many communities, particularly where rehabilitation and preventive care infrastructure is limited. Universities today have a larger responsibility beyond classrooms and campuses. Institutions with academic expertise, healthcare capability, and social commitment must actively contribute towards strengthening public systems that directly impact people’s lives. Our support towards Community Health Centre Dadha is an effort in that direction, where institutional resources and expertise can help strengthen healthcare access, rehabilitation support, and community health delivery for people who need it the most.”

The initiative is in sync with Galgotias University’s continued engagement with efforts focused on societal impact, public systems strengthening, and community-centred development across healthcare, education, innovation, and social outreach.

BPCL Strengthens Critical Care Access in Kedarnath with Advanced Hospital
 

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has supported the development of a 50-bedded advanced high-altitude hospital at Shri Kedarnath Dham, in partnership with the Swami Vivekanand Health Mission Society (SVHMS), strengthening critical care access at one of India’s most challenging pilgrimage destinations.

Commenting on this Shri Sanjay Khanna, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, with additional charge of Director (Refineries), said, “At BPCL, our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility goes beyond the creation of infrastructure, it is about creating meaningful and lasting impact in people’s lives. Improving access to quality, inclusive, and timely healthcare continues to be a key focus area for us. The Kedarnath region, revered as one of the holiest pilgrim destinations in the country and set amidst some of its most challenging terrains, holds deep spiritual significance for millions. It is in this sacred and demanding landscape that this project takes shape, reflecting our resolve to strengthen healthcare access where it is needed the most. Equipped with modern medical facilities, the hospital will play a critical role in addressing health emergencies and ensuring that both pilgrims and local communities have access to dependable, quality healthcare services, delivered with compassion, care, and timeliness.”

Situated at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet, the hospital marks a significant upgrade from the existing temporary 8-bed facility, which has long struggled to meet the surge in medical needs during peak yatra seasons. The new facility is designed to handle a wide spectrum of health emergencies—ranging from respiratory and cardiac distress to trauma and neurological conditions—common in high-altitude environments.
 

Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand, inaugurated the BPCL Hospital
 

With round-the-clock services, the hospital is equipped with ICU support, ventilators, diagnostic laboratories, and trained medical professionals experienced in high-altitude medicine, backed by a referral linkage with AIIMS Rishikesh for critical care. Each year, lakhs of pilgrims undertaking the Kedarnath yatra face health risks due to extreme weather, low oxygen levels, and pre-existing conditions. The facility is expected to serve over one lakh patients annually, including nearly 30,000 emergency cases, strengthening timely medical response in a high-risk environment.
 

Implemented in partnership with the Swami Vivekanand Health Mission Society (SVHMS), which has been working in Uttarakhand’s remote regions since 2012, the initiative builds on proven on-ground healthcare delivery in high-altitude circuits. The project underscores the importance of accessible medical infrastructure in underserved geographies, where preparedness and rapid response are critical to improving patient outcomes during peak pilgrimage seasons.
 

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL)

Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 25,300+ Fuel Stations, over 1000+ CNG stations, over 6,250+ LPG distributorships, 440+ Lubes distributorships, 81 POL storage locations, 56 LPG Bottling Plants, 81 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 6 cross-country pipelines.
 

Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has Electric vehicle charging stations at 6800+ Fuel Stations. With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.
 

About Swami Vivekanand Health Mission Society (SVHMS)

Established in 2012, Swami Vivekanand Health Mission Society (SVHMS) provides charitable, high-quality healthcare to underserved communities and pilgrims in remote regions. The organisation operates 12 hospitals across Uttarakhand, including key high-altitude facilities at Shri Badri Dham, Shri Kedarnath Dham and Gangotri Dham, equipped with critical care infrastructure. Its sustained efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality among pilgrims, alongside community outreach through medical camps in remote areas.

Future-ready in progress

The Gap We All Acknowledge, but Rarely Address Well
India produces millions of graduates each year. Yet employers keep pointing to the same issue: A degree doesn’t necessarily translate into workplace readiness.

Students often struggle with:

• Communication

• Financial awareness

• Workplace expectations

• Work stress and pressure

This programme didn’t sidestep the problem - it went straight at it.

Not just training. Preparation for real life.
What set the programme apart was its emphasis on application over theory. It did not treat employability as a checklist; it approached it as a mindset, preparing students not just to secure jobs, but to handle them effectively. 

Less lecturing. More doing - role plays, discussions, real-world scenarios.

Students engaged in:

• Stress management through breathing, meditation, and mindfulness

• Professional communication and interpersonal skills

• Workplace discipline and productivity

• Basics of banking, insurance, and financial planning

• Sales, negotiation, and relationship management

Small Programme. Real Reach.
The target was 400 students. The outcome: 370 trained in Tamil Nadu, and 31 in Karnataka. One striking detail: 67% of participants were women, reflecting strong female participation in skill-building initiatives.

Students came from diverse academic backgrounds - BBA, B.Com, BA, and BSc - but shared a common need: clarity and confidence about stepping into the workforce.

What Actually Changed
The numbers matter. The shifts matter more.

Students reported:

• Greater confidence in speaking and presenting

• A clearer understanding of money and financial planning

• Enhanced resilience (stress management) through simple, proven breathing techniques 

• Increased self-awareness and discipline

• A realistic view of workplace expectations

• For someone stepping into their first job, that’s transformative.

• Working within constraints

Looking Ahead
As India continues to grapple with the employability gap, scalable, focused interventions like this offer a way forward. Because bridging the gap between education and employment doesn’t always require reinventing the system. Sometimes, it just means preparing people better for the world they’re about to enter.

About The Art of Living Social Projects 
Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects operates across India in collaboration with the Government of India, leading corporates, and local communities. The organisation undertakes large-scale initiatives in water conservation, natural farming, afforestation, environmental protection, free education, women’s empowerment, and rural development, among other focus areas. 

To learn more about these initiatives or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India

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Chief Guest Veditha Reddy (IAS, Edu.& Sports, Delhi); Aditi Haldar, Vimlendu Jha, Justice Michael Wilson, Shashank Shah, Ripu D. Bevli, Namrta Bangia; BSG Chairperson Vishesh Gupta

As nature’s limits become starkly evident, just last year in 2025, India faced extreme weather on 99% of days, claiming 4,419 lives (up 45% in 4 years), damaging 17.4 million hectares of crops (up 9x), destroying 181,459 homes, and killing 77,189 animals – underscoring that urgent action is needed.

The conclave, held at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium in New Delhi, brought together thought leaders, experts, and sustainability enthusiasts to explore the challenges and opportunities for creating a sustainable future.

In his inaugural address, BSG Chairperson Mr. Vishesh Gupta said, “Sustainability has to be more than a survival manual; it has to be a celebration of our shared life, our shared struggles, and our shared resilience. We don’t need a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly. We do need millions of people who may not be doing it perfectly, but are committed to doing it together”.

Ms. Veditha Reddy, IAS – Director, Education & Sports, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, was the Chief Guest & Keynote Speaker at the conclave. In her keynote address, she said “sustainability is often taken in a negative connotation and associated with sacrifice. But sustainability is a mindset. Small daily actions come together to make a difference in our lives. It is also true that we need to have right policies and each and every stakeholder needs to rise to the occasion whether it is the policy maker, implementers, the public or students. Every action really matters.”

The conclave included a panel discussion by renowned speakers such as Justice Michael D. Wilson (Adjunct Faculty – Jindal Global Law School); Dr. Shashank Shah (Senior Public Policy Specialist, Author); Mr. Vimlendu Jha (Environmentalist, Founder – Swechha); Mr. Ripudaman Singh Bevli (Plogman of India); and Dr. Aditi Haldar (Director, South Asia – Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)). The panel discussion was moderated by Ms. Namrta Bangia (Senior Director – Global Mass Transit).

“The climate emergency upends the historically gradual evolution of the rule of law to address injustice.  Faced with the climate emergency, Judges have little time—perhaps seven years—to apply the rule of law to protect the rights of citizens to a life sustaining climate.  Absent unprecedented judicial independence, climate injustice will persist, and the rule of law will erode as cascading environmental catastrophe ensues.”, said Justice Michael D Wilson, who believes in the power of the rule of law to advance climate justice.  

Mr. Vimlendu Jha said, “Climate change is no longer a theory—it’s a lived reality affecting our lives and ecosystems every day. The crisis demands urgent, responsible leadership, especially from young people. This is not a distant threat—it’s here and now. There is no Planet B.”

“Happy to be part of the Conclave, contributing to conversations on building a more resilient future. We often discuss climate resilience at policy tables. But on the ground, communities can’t afford to wait. My work focuses on enabling climate resilience through community-led governance where young people step up to solve challenges of their places instead of waiting for government action. Because resilience isn’t built in frameworks alone. It’s built on ground.” said Mr. Ripudaman Singh Bevli. 

Dr. Aditi Haldar said, “Economic growth and environmental responsibility are no longer opposing goals. If a billion citizens make mindful choices every day, India’s path to a $1 trillion economy becomes not just achievable, but sustainable”.

Ms. Namrta Bangia added, “Climate resilience begins with people—the same people who design our systems, shape our policies, build industries, and imagine the future. When individuals, communities, and institutions move together, even small actions can create a transformative impact”.

As a testament to the power of small actions, two young changemakers from Mothers’ Mount Global School shared how their BSG-supported SDG Club reduced paper use by 30–40%, cut waste, and conserved energy, extending these practices into homes and communities. Another individual spoke of her inner transformation, which led her to start a skills training centre in Bihar, enabling 20 women to build livelihoods and uplift their communities.

In conjunction with the conclave, BSG arranged a sustainability exhibition titled ‘Seeds of Hope & Action: Making the SDGs a Reality’, to bring home the message about the ’Power of One’ to create a more sustainable world, and about adopting ‘Sustainable Human Behaviour’ as a way of life. With this conclave, BSG is determined to advance towards achieving the SDGs by 2030 without leaving even a single person behind.

About Bharat Soka Gakkai

Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) is an organization dedicated to promoting the values of happiness and peace for all, under the umbrella of peace, culture, education, and sustainability. BSG has more than 290,000 members who are spread across 600 towns and cities of India and belong to all age groups. To build a sustainable age by 2030, BSG launched the ‘BSG for SDG’ initiative in 2021, with the motto: ‘Towards 2030: Achieving SDGs through Sustainable Human Behaviour.’

For further information please visit www.bharatsokagakkai.org

BSG for SDG www.bsgforsdg.org/about-bsg-for-sdg

M3M Foundation's Dance for Dignity Grand Finale Winners with Kamlesh Patel and Aishwarya Mahajan, President and Trustee,  M3M Foundation

Participants traveled from across the country — from the cultural lanes of Kolkata, the temple town of Mathura, the energetic streets of Chandigarh, and many other regions — bringing with them years of silent practice, unspoken dreams, and unwavering belief. For many, this was their first time performing on a national stage; for others, it was a moment they had waited for their entire lives.

One of the most unforgettable moments came when Jyoti Gupta, a 58-year-old participant in the Super Mom category, stepped onto the stage with determination in her eyes. Her performance was not just about rhythm — it was about reclaiming confidence, proving that age is never a limitation to passion. When she was announced as the winner of the Super Mom category, the applause carried a deeper meaning — it celebrated courage, persistence, and dignity.

Another powerful story emerged from a group of dancers from Chandigarh, who once practiced on open streets and local grounds with limited resources. Standing under national lights, performing before an audience that recognized their effort, their journey symbolized the true purpose of Dance for Dignity — creating opportunities where none existed before.

Across two vibrant days, over 100 participants performed in categories including Solo Junior, Classical, Solo Senior, Duet, Group, and Super Mom, presenting a breathtaking range of dance forms — from graceful classical expressions to high-energy freestyle and synchronized group acts. Young children discovering their confidence shared the stage with adults rediscovering their dreams, proving that dance connects generations and strengthens belief.

At the heart of this celebration stood Kamlesh Patel, whose journey embodies the spirit of resilience that defines Dance for Dignity. Known for his association with iconic platforms such as Dance India Dance and Boogie Woogie, and honored with prestigious recognitions including the President’s Award, his presence reminded participants that determination can transform limitations into strength and dreams into reality. 

Guiding the competition was an accomplished panel of judges including Kamlesh Patel, Arjun Chouhan, Deepika Soni, Kaushal Pradhan, Vaibhav Ghuge, and Piyush Chauhan, whose mentorship encouraged performers to push boundaries and believe in their creative potential.

Adding to the spirit of celebration were spectacular showcase performances that energized the audience. A breathtaking gymnastics performance by Lakshay Scholars, known for their appearance on America’s Got Talent, showcased discipline and precision, while an electrifying performance by internationally acclaimed Zumba instructor Ms. Ana filled the auditorium with energy and enthusiasm.

The championship also celebrated excellence across categories, with inspiring winners emerging as symbols of perseverance and dedication. Among them were Poppim Smiley in the Solo Junior category, Manvi Sharma in the Classical category, Gautam Pathak in the Solo Senior category, White Collar Crew in the Group category, and Jyoti Gupta, whose victory in the Super Mom category stood as a moment of inspiration for audiences and participants alike.

Beyond the stage, Dance for Dignity reflected the deeper social vision of M3M Foundation — to empower individuals, nurture confidence, and provide platforms that transform hidden talent into recognized potential. By creating opportunities for performers from diverse backgrounds, the Foundation continues to champion inclusion and ensure that talent is celebrated with dignity, regardless of age, geography, or circumstance.

Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, "Dance for Dignity is about believing in people and giving them the confidence to step forward. Every performance we witnessed carried a journey of courage and determination. At M3M Foundation, our commitment goes beyond the stage — we continue to support these talented individuals and create opportunities that help them grow with dignity and self-belief."

As the final applause echoed through the auditorium, one truth stood clear — Dance for Dignity is not just an event; it is a movement of hope, confidence, and transformation. Because sometimes, a single stage does more than showcase talent — it restores belief, builds confidence, and gives dreams the dignity they deserve.

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

India’s First Mobile Music Classroom & Recording Studio – The Musical Bus

Following the successful pilot of the Learning Through Music project in Patna, this next phase under the Delhi Project strengthens Casio India’s role in expanding access to music education. The Musical Bus is a pioneering, on‑the‑move platform that connects children and young musicians with opportunities to learn, create, and perform, regardless of geographical or socio‑economic barriers.

As an all-in-one mobile solution, the Musical Bus is equipped with a professional-level music classroom, a fully functional recording studio, and a performance setup on wheels. The initiative is designed to foster creativity, build confidence, and provide hands-on exposure to the fundamentals of music production and performance. This bus aims to cover various schools, colleges and other community spaces, thereby bringing the musical experience and access to learning closer to the ground.

Through this association, Casio India and Manzil Mystics aim to empower underserved communities by enabling access to structured music education. The program builds a natural synergy by amalgamating Casio electronic keyboards into curriculum-based instrumental learning modules to facilitate practical skill development, while also creating pathways for livelihood opportunities in the music and creative industries. Currently, the Delhi Project is supporting 50 young musicians through structured upskilling, with plans to expand its reach in the near future.

Under this collaboration, the program will focus on providing structured musical training both vocal and instrumental including Casio electronic keyboards, alongside curriculum-based modules designed to develop practical skills that can translate into future music education. The initiative will particularly target underprivileged students studying in government schools and young musicians from low-income backgrounds, enabling them to access high-quality music education and professional development opportunities.

Casio India was honoured to welcome Mr Vijay Goel, former Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and currently the Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, as the Chief Guest at the event. His presence underscored the importance of inclusive cultural initiatives and reinforced the role of music as a catalyst for education and social empowerment.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Akira Watanabe, Director, Casio India, “At Casio, we have always believed in the transformative power of music as a universal language that inspires creativity and builds confidence. By supporting the Musical Bus, we are reaffirming our commitment to making music education accessible to all. This initiative allows us to nurture talent and enable young musicians to explore sustainable opportunities in the creative ecosystem.”

The launch event at Gandhi Smriti brought together representatives from Casio India and Manzil Mystics, along with young musicians and community members. The event showcased the potential of the Musical Bus as a dynamic learning and performance space, reinforcing the role of music as a powerful medium for education, expression, and social change.

Through its continued partnership with Manzil Mystics, Casio India remains committed to building an inclusive ecosystem that promotes music education, supports aspiring artists, and enables individuals from underserved communities to pursue creative and sustainable career pathways.

About Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd. (CIC) is the Indian subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Casio India has established a dynamic presence in the Indian market since 1996, emerging as a leading and cherished consumer goods manufacturer. Casio India's range of products include sales and marketing of Timepieces, Electronic Musical Instruments, Desktop Calculators and Scientific Calculators.

Setting the benchmark for excellence, Casio India is dedicated to embodying the spirit of innovation and quality that defines the Casio legacy. With a strong commitment to its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution," Casio has consistently translated this ethos into the creation of innovative products making a positive impact on society.

For more information, visit www.casio.com/in

Mars Impact Fund, the philanthropic arm of Mars, Inc., visited Humane World for Animals India’s Animal Birth Control centre in Lucknow
 

In India, millions of street dogs live in close proximity to people, which can present a complex urban challenge. The program model emerging from Lucknow demonstrates that when science-led strategic solutions are combined with compassion and community ownership, there is a replicable pathway for cities seeking effective, lasting and humane solutions to human-dog conflict.
 

What sets this approach apart is its emphasis on communities and street dog caregivers as active participants in the solution, not just beneficiaries. Community volunteers, residents, Resident Welfare Associations and community dog caretakers play a central role, from monitoring street dogs to managing designated feeding zones and collaborating with field teams to identify unsterilized dogs. Today, more than 475 Abhay Sankalp societies—local resident groups formed to support humane street dog management and coexistence— are active across the city, bringing together over 15,000 community members.
 

This Humane World for Animals program is supported by the Mars Impact Fund, which is helping strengthen community-led approaches to companion animal welfare in urban India. Since its inception, the program has sterilized and vaccinated over one lakh street dogs, achieving more than 80% sterilization coverage in the city. Notably, 25% of these efforts have been enabled through community participation, reflecting a growing shift towards shared responsibility in humanely and sustainably managing street dog populations.
 

During their visit, members of the Mars team also interacted with community members and volunteers directly involved in the program, gaining insight into how local participation is shaping outcomes. The visit included a dog behavior awareness workshop with children, offering a glimpse into how early education helps to explain dog behaviour, reduce fear-driven responses, prevent conflict, and foster empathy and safer interactions between people and animals.
 

"Witnessing the Lucknow program firsthand is a powerful reminder of what's possible when science, compassion, and community come together. This is exactly the kind of sustainable, scalable impact we aim to support through the Mars Impact Fund. Humane World for Animals India has created a replicable model that not only improves the welfare of street dogs but also strengthens the bond between people and pets. At Mars, we believe in creating a better world for pets, and this program is a perfect example of how we can achieve that by empowering local partners to drive meaningful change from the ground up," said Michelle Grogg, Executive Director, Mars Impact Fund.
 

Keren Nazareth, senior director, Companion Animals and Engagement, Humane World for Animals India, said, “Lasting change for street dogs is as much about people as it is about dogs. While interventions like sterilization and vaccination remain critical, when community residents are informed, involved and supported, they become the strongest drivers and agents of coexistence. The Mars Impact Fund‘s support allows us to deepen that engagement on the ground and build solutions that are humane and sustainable.”
 

Facts:

• Humane World for Animals India, in collaboration with the Lucknow Nagar Nigam in Uttar Pradesh, started the ABC program in Lucknow in 2019.

• More than one lakh dogs have been sterilized so far. Chitti, the 100,000th community dog sterilized under the program, was found by a resident volunteer injured on the street and brought to the Lucknow facility.

• Each week, 250-300 dogs are sterilized, vaccinated and released back to their original locations. The initiative is supported by a team of over 30 trained staff members, six vehicles and a strong network of community volunteers.

• A monitoring survey in December 2024 found that 84.3% of Lucknow’s street dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated.

• Over 31,000 public concerns related to street dogs were effectively addressed through humane interventions such as sterilization, vaccination and community awareness.

• The Mars Impact Fund was launched in 2026 as an $85 million global fund dedicated to complement the company’s existing sustainability and philanthropic efforts with long-term, strategic investments that strengthen communities, advance scientific opportunity and improve companion animal wellbeing. The fund builds upon Mars long-standing global partnership with Humane World for Animals, and its support for the organization's programs in India began in 2020.
  ​

Humane World for Animals (formerly known as Humane Society International) works in India and across the globe to improve the welfare of street, community and companion dogs and cats. We promote humane, sustainable approaches to reduce street animal populations and support peaceful coexistence with people, offering solutions in place of lethal or inhumane methods. Since 2013, more than 400,000 street dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated in India through Humane World for Animals’ programs. The charity’s street dog programs, in addition to its work to increase access to care for companion animals in underserved communities, help people care for their animals and prevent cruelty and abandonment, is advanced in North America, South Africa, Mexico, India, Chile, Costa Rica, Romania and Bolivia.
 

About Humane World for Animals

Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly called Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.

For more information, please visit humaneworld.org.
 

About Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $65bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services supports pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, Pringles®, Cheez-It®, and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our more than 170,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.
 

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, with the awardees at CASCA'26

Held under the theme “LiFE in Action: Powering India’s Sustainable Future & Net Zero Goals,” CASCA’26 brought together 250+ participants, 40+ speakers, and sustainability leaders from 18 states, creating a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and recognition of impactful climate solutions.

The conference featured distinguished speakers including eminent environmentalist Peepal Baba, the Waterman of India Rajendra Singh, Dr. Vivek Kumar, Head, CRTD, IIT Delhi, along with policymakers, sector experts, and grassroots changemakers, who shared insights on advancing India’s climate agenda through innovation and community-led action.

In her keynote address, Dr. Payal Kanodia stated, “Climate action must be rooted in ownership, not obligation. At M3M Foundation, we are building ecosystems where sustainability is led by communities themselves—especially women—who are not just participants but decision-makers. When climate solutions are localised, inclusive, and scalable, they create lasting impact far beyond policy frameworks.”

CASCA’26 also recognised excellence in sustainability leadership. The conference received 56 nominations across diverse categories, out of which 18 organisations were honoured for their impactful contributions.

Among the awardees, PAHAD Trust was conferred with the Editorial Choice Award, while Earthrakshak Foundation was recognised in the Waste Management and Circular Economy category.

The conference hosted engaging panel discussions on climate-resilient agriculture, water security and conservation, circular economy and waste management, climate technology and innovation, renewable energy transitions, and pathways to achieving net-zero goals, fostering actionable dialogue across sectors.

Adding to the platform’s collaborative strength, Ashish Jha, Founder, TheCSRUniverse, highlighted the importance of creating credible ecosystems that recognise and scale impactful sustainability initiatives, further strengthening CASCA as a national platform for climate leadership.

Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee & President, M3M Foundation emphasised that climate change today intersects deeply with livelihoods, health, and economic resilience, highlighting the urgent need to take sustainable solutions to the last mile—into villages, farms, and communities.

Demonstrating its on-ground impact, M3M Foundation continues to drive large-scale sustainability initiatives, impacting over 5 million lives across 22 states, 90+ districts, and 1,300+ villages. Its focused climate interventions are being implemented across 6 states Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka—covering 170+ villages across 8 districts and engaging 3,500+ farmers.

With a strong emphasis on women-led climate leadership, the Foundation has enabled 2,200+ women farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, while 450+ women have emerged as landowners, transforming rural decision-making and economic participation.

Further strengthening sustainable agriculture, the Foundation has established 850+ Sankalp Vatikas and Sarvodaya Vatikas, promoting 100% chemical-free farming, improving health outcomes, and generating additional income for rural households.

M3M Foundation’s environmental efforts also span water conservation, biodiversity protection, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy models, including the creation of 30 million litres of water storage capacity, plantation of 52,000+ saplings, and impacting over 3.1 million individuals annually through environmental programmes.

As India accelerates towards its net-zero ambitions, CASCA’26 reinforced the importance of partnerships, innovation, and community-driven solutions. The conference stands as a testament to M3M Foundation’s continued efforts to translate sustainability into measurable, grassroots impact—building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), today unveiled recycled plastic benches and plastic collection bins at a ceremony held at the PCMC premises. The initiative, part of Bisleri's flagship Bottles for Change programme, underscores the company's commitment to plastic waste management via collection and recycling.

As part of the Greener Promise campaign, Bisleri has installed benches made from recycled plastic and plastic collection bins at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Ravi Babasaheb Landge, Mayor of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation as the Chief Guest, alongside Dr Pradip Thengal, Deputy Municipal Commissioner & Head of Health Department, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation along with senior officials from PCMC's Solid Waste Management (SWM) Department and CSR Cell. Bisleri was represented by Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs.

Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, "Through sensitisation about waste segregation at source, awareness drives and engaging with institutions, Bisleri and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation have demonstrated a successful, practical avenue for waste management. Bisleri is committed to forging meaningful collaborations with various institutions to ensure that proper waste management becomes a norm rather than an exception in India.”

Shri Ravi Babasaheb Landge, Mayor, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) spoke about Bisleri’s continued partnership with the PCMC Municipal Corporation, “Our partnership with Bisleri is a testament to what corporations and governance bodies can achieve when they work together. The company’s initiatives in the city will deflect a significant amount of waste from landfills, raise citizens’ awareness about waste management, and build a foundation for a circular economy.”

Dr Pradip Thengal, Deputy Municipal Commissioner & Head of Health Department, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation added, “Our focus has been on building robust systems for efficient waste management at scale. Bisleri’s ‘Bottles for Change’ initiative is accelerating our progress towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient urban ecosystem.”

The Mayor accompanied by the Deputy Municipal Commissioner – Health, presented certificates of recognition to 8 educational institutions across Pimpri-Chinchwad in acknowledgement of their sustained commitment to collecting plastic waste on their campuses throughout the year.

A highlight of the event was a presentation of the impact of Bottles for Change programme in FY 2025–26. Through Bisleri’s partnerships with municipalities, institutions, and citizens across India, 30,309 metric tonnes of plastic waste has been collected and sent for recycling.

The partnership with PCMC represents Bisleri's continued expansion of its municipal collaborations that engage and enable communities to adopt good waste management practices. These initiatives are a part of the company’s Greener Promise campaign that include driving plastic circularity, enabling community-led recycling practices, supporting water conservation, and building sustainable waste management ecosystems.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. 

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com. 

MS Dhoni joins Cars24’s Crashfree India to drive a nationwide shift towards safer roads

Dhoni’s decision to join Crashfree India gives the initiative something more valuable than visibility. It gives it conviction. For years, he has stood for a rare kind of leadership in public life: measured, disciplined and deeply trusted. He is not associated with noise or impulse. He is associated with judgment. That makes his presence in Crashfree India especially significant, because road safety is, at its core, a question of judgment: when to slow down, when to hold back, when to stay alert and how to remember that every decision on the road carries consequences far beyond the driver.

India continues to face a profound challenge regarding road safety, currently recording the highest number of traffic fatalities globally. In 2024 alone, 1,80,000 people lost their lives on Indian roads, one every three minutes, every day of the year. India has roughly 1% of the world’s vehicles, yet accounts for 11% of global road fatalities. This data suggests that these losses are not inevitable accidents of fate but rather a call to action for improved safety frameworks and increased public awareness to prevent further loss of life.

The burden falls hardest on the young. In 2024, 66% of those killed in road accidents were between 18 and 34 years old, the country’s most productive generation. Nearly 10,000 school students were among the dead. Seven in ten fatalities were linked to overspeeding. These are not abstract statistics. They describe a national failure of behavior, enforcement, design, and urgency. They also describe why Crashfree India cannot be a campaign in the usual sense. It has to become a movement with staying power.

What makes Dhoni’s involvement especially powerful is that he had already said the uncomfortable part out loud before any formal role was announced. In his conversation with Cars24, he did not dilute the truth.

“I have spent a big part of my life around cars, bikes, and roads. When you love driving and riding, you also learn to respect them. You understand that control matters, judgment matters, and patience matters. A vehicle gives you freedom, but it also gives you responsibility. On our roads, too many people still see safety as a rule to follow only when someone is watching. That mindset has cost us far too much. We already know what is going wrong. We know how many lives are being lost. We know the habits that put people in danger every day. What we need now is not more excuses. We need more responsibility, more discipline, and more respect for life," Dhoni said.

That is precisely why his joining matters. Dhoni is not lending his name to an issue he barely understands. He is stepping into a mission he already believes in. His diagnosis is clear-eyed. His language is unambiguous. And his credibility makes the message harder to dismiss. In a country where dangerous driving is too often mistaken for confidence, his voice brings back a more serious idea: that control is strength, discipline is intelligence and safety is not caution for the timid, it is responsibility for the grown-up.

On his decision to take on this role, he added: “Roads may be beautiful, but they come with real risks. As much as we love them, they can be dangerous. We have the data. We know what the problem is. We know what needs to change. The only thing missing is the will to make it a priority. This isn’t something I was asked to do. This is something I decided to do.”

For Cars24, Crashfree India reflects a deeper sense of responsibility that comes with being at the centre of millions of car decisions in India. The company has spent years making car ownership more accessible, transparent and convenient. But access without safety is incomplete progress. Through Crashfree India, Cars24 aims to make road safety a more visible and more influential part of the mobility conversation, not just in moments of tragedy, but in the everyday decisions that shape how people drive, what they value in a vehicle and what they teach the next generation to normalise on the road.

“Some missions need encouragement. This one needs scrutiny. Crashfree India cannot be built by people who only know how to say the right things. It needs someone who sets a harder standard: someone strict, deeply observant, unwilling to indulge comfortable language and clear enough to call out the truth without softening it. Dhoni is exactly that. He does not mince words and that is one of the most valuable things about him. His understanding of Indian roads is grounded in lived experience rather than theory alone. Years of navigating them have given him insights into driver behavior, road conditions, and the split-second decisions that matter most.Every meeting with him has been inspiring, not in a superficial way, but in a way that leaves you sharper, more serious and less satisfied with easy answers. Dhoni holds us to a higher standard and his involvement challenges us to push this mission further.. That changes the seriousness of the work. And that is exactly what this mission needs,” added Vikram Chopra, Founder and CEO, Cars24.

Dhoni joining Crashfree India is therefore bigger than a brand association. It is a public alignment with an issue that has been neglected for too long despite its scale and consequence. It signals that road safety deserves stronger champions, sharper public attention and a much higher place in the national conversation. It also signals that this mission is not about token concern. It is about shifting culture, from carelessness to accountability, from reaction to prevention and from accepting road deaths as routine to treating them as the urgent national failure they are.

With Dhoni on board, Crashfree India enters a more consequential chapter. Not louder, but stronger. Not symbolic, but serious. Because when someone of his stature chooses to stand behind a mission like this, it does more than attract attention. It raises the standard of the conversation itself.

Road safety in India has been tolerated as an unfortunate cost of movement for far too long. Crashfree India exists to challenge that acceptance. And with Dhoni joining the mission, that challenge now has one of the country’s most trusted voices behind it.

About Crashfree India

Crashfree India is a Gurugram-based, technology and research-driven non-profit committed to achieving zero road fatalities in India by 2040. Working at the intersection of behavioural science, systems thinking, and civic collaboration, it advances a Safe System approach through data-led interventions, community programmes, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, building a national movement for safer mobility.

About Cars24

Since its inception in 2015, Cars24 has been on a mission to simplify car ownership for everyone. Offering services such as buying, selling, loans, insurance, servicing and more, Cars24 is building an integrated automotive platform for Indian consumers. Through Cars24 Financial Services, the company also provides vehicle lending solutions.

As part of the Greener Promise campaign, Bisleri has installed benches made from recycled plastic at the Dwarkadhish Temple
 

The recycled plastic benches demonstrate how post-consumer plastic can be transformed into functional infrastructure rather than discarded as waste. Each bench has been crafted using approximately 40,000 recycled plastic bottle caps, showcasing the potential of sustainable innovation in everyday environments. Adding a meaningful social dimension to the initiative, the backdrop of the benches is painted by The Mouth & Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). Their perspectives give the benches an aesthetic appeal and reflect creativity, inclusion and empowerment.
 

Mr Himanshu Chauhan, Administrator (Mamlatdar), Dwarkadhish Temple, said, “The recycled plastic benches at the Dwarkadhish Temple not only provide functional infrastructure for devotees but also encourage people to adopt sustainable practices and contribute towards a cleaner and greener future. We appreciate Bisleri’s efforts in promoting sustainability and bringing their efforts closer to communities.”
 

Mr K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainability stating, “Bottles for Change continues to serve as a key pillar of Bisleri’s sustainability efforts. The installation at Dwarkadhish Temple aims to encourage thousands of devotees visiting the temple to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and become active participants in recycling efforts. By placing sustainable infrastructure in high-footfall public spaces, Bisleri continues to drive behavioral changes and strengthen community participation in environmental conservation.”
 

Through these meaningful initiatives, Bisleri International continues to lead in sustainability and champion the circular economy, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.
 

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Bisleri International Supports Expansion of The Live Love Laugh Foundation’s Rural Mental Health Programme in Madhya Pradesh

Launched in January 2023 in the Sausar block of Chhindwara, the programme began with outreach across 60 villages and has since expanded to cover 134 villages, reaching 1,595 beneficiaries. This year, the initiative has expanded into the Bichua block, extending its reach to 42 additional villages supporting 200 people living with mental illness (PwMI). With the support of Bisleri International, the programme will strengthen its outreach across Chhindwara district, while building systems that enable communities to sustain these efforts independently over time.

Dr. Shyam Bhat, Chairperson, The Live Love Laugh Foundation and Deepika Padukone, meet beneficiaries of LLL’s Community Mental Health Program

Speaking about the CSR partnership, Ms Jayanti Chauhan, Vice Chairperson, Bisleri International, said, "At Bisleri, we believe that enduring change is rooted in empowering communities with the awareness and resources to shape their own futures. Mental health, though integral to overall well-being, continues to remain under-recognised, particularly in rural India. We are proud to support The Live Love Laugh Foundation’s work in Chhindwara, and hope this initiative fosters greater understanding, accessibility, and a more compassionate ecosystem of care within the community."

Deepika Padukone, Founder of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, said, "Since its inception, The Live Love Laugh Foundation has been committed to creating awareness about the importance of mental health as well as improving accessibility and affordability of mental healthcare across the country. Our rural programme is an important part of that effort. We are pleased to have Bisleri International join us in strengthening our work in Chhindwara. Their support enables us to scale the programme and move closer to our goal of building a sustainable, community-led mental health system." 

The collaboration underscores Bisleri International’s enduring commitment to initiatives that foster meaningful community participation and create lasting social impact. Across India, the company has championed a diverse range of community-led efforts that inspire responsible practices, advance sustainability, and encourage active citizen engagement- shaping a more conscious and collective future.

The Live Love Laugh Foundation’s rural community mental health programme currently operates across several districts in Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The programme supports Persons with Mental Illness (PwMI) and their caregivers through an integrated model that combines awareness, early identification, access to treatment, caregiver empowerment, and strong community participation. Through structured support systems, including village-level caregiver groups, block-level federations, and trained community volunteers, the programme equips communities with the knowledge and tools to sustain mental health support systems independently. Over time, this approach enables the programme to evolve into a self-sustaining model driven by community ownership.

About The Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLL)
Since inception in 2015, The Live Love Laugh Foundation has built pathways of care through its flagship Rural Community Mental Health Program for more than 30,000 Persons with Mental Illness (PwMI) and their caregivers, in 19 districts in eight states. LLL has also led pioneering nationwide public awareness campaigns, such as "Dobara Poocho" and "#NotAshamed". LLL recently launched a corporate mental health and well-being program that equips organizations with data-driven knowledge and a roadmap to enable mentally resilient workplaces. 

For more information, visit: www.thelivelovelaughfoundation.org.

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In a remarkable display of grit, discipline, and sporting excellence, athletes supported by M3M Foundation under its flagship Lakshya Sports Program delivered an outstanding performance at the Kettlebell Sport Haryana State Championship 2026, held at The Shriram Millennium School, Gurgaon.

M3M Foundation Trustee and Chairperson, Dr Payal Kanodia with athletes at Kettlebell Sports Haryana State Championship 2026

Organised by the Kettlebell Sport Haryana Association under the aegis of Kettlebell Sport India Association, the championship witnessed participation across Sub-Junior, Junior, Senior, and Veteran categories, bringing together top kettlebell athletes from across the state.

20 athletes represented M3M Foundation’s iMpower Club, collectively secured an exceptional tally of 30 medals, including 18 Gold, 9 Silver, and 3 Bronze, reaffirming the transformative impact of structured sports training and opportunity on underserved youth.

The championship also marked a historic moment with the participation of Haryana’s first Para Kettlebell Athlete from iMpower Club, reflecting M3M Foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that sporting platforms remain accessible to talent across all abilities.

Young athletes such as Rohit, Rajnish, Sajid, Resham, and others delivered extraordinary performances, with several participants completing over 105 kettlebell lifts in a single go—a feat that demonstrated not just physical strength, but immense determination, stamina, and mental resilience. Coming from families of migrant workers and economically vulnerable communities, these children exemplified how talent, when nurtured with the right support, can transcend barriers and expectations.

Further elevating the spirit of the championship, Dr. Payal Kanodia, two time Gold Medallist at the world kettlebell championships, an accomplished international kettlebell sportsperson, joined the event alongside her sons, Master Kian Kanodia and Master Krishiv Kanodia, in an inspiring demonstration of encouragement and solidarity with the young athletes. Their participation reflected a powerful message of family-led inspiration and support for grassroots sports.

Adding to the prestige of the event, distinguished IUKL (International Union of Kettlebell Lifting) judges also participated in ceremonial kettlebell lifts during the championship, lending international sporting recognition to the event and inspiring athletes through their presence and engagement.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their strength and pursue excellence, regardless of their background. Witnessing our iMpower athletes—especially children from migrant worker families and our para athlete—compete with such confidence and determination is truly inspiring. Their achievements reinforce our belief that when young talent is nurtured with the right platform, mentorship, and encouragement, they can achieve extraordinary milestones. At M3M Foundation, we remain committed to building champions both on and off the field.”

The championship performance stands as yet another milestone in M3M Foundation’s ongoing mission to democratize access to quality sports training and competitive exposure for underserved communities. Through its Lakshya Program, the Foundation continues to nurture grassroots talent, empower young athletes, and create pathways for inclusive sporting excellence. 

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Signify Khel Jyoti Initiative for International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

As part of its commitment to supporting sports development in India, Signify has successfully illuminated four Kabaddi and Kho-Kho centers in rural Haryana, with industry leading energy-efficient LED sports lighting. This intervention is aimed at strengthening the sports ecosystems, enabling inclusive participation, and creating safer, more accessible spaces for athletes to train and compete after sunset.

Signify Khel Jyoti Initiative for International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

Well-illuminated sports grounds significantly extend usable hours, allowing athletes to practice beyond sunset and during early mornings. Enhanced lighting improves visibility, safety, and performance conditions, while encouraging greater participation from youth, women, and local communities. By creating safer and more inclusive spaces for sports, Signify continues to champion accessibility, talent development, and community well-being through the power of light.

Signify Khel Jyoti Initiative for International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

Speaking on the initiative, Nikhil Gupta, Head of Strategy & Marketing, Signify, Greater India said, “Sport has the power to bring communities together and create opportunities for young talent, especially in underserved regions. At Signify, we believe in bringing the best of innovations across India, through Signify Khel Jyoti, we are enabling access to safe and inclusive sporting spaces by improving infrastructure at the grassroots level. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to driving long-term social impact through innovation and sustainability for brighter lives and a better world.”

Divyanshu Singh, CEO, JSW Sports and Haryana Steelers added, “Through Signify Khel Jyoti, we are seeing how an intervention like lighting can unlock significant potential at the grassroots level. In a state like Haryana, where Kabaddi is part of everyday life, extending training hours and improving safety can directly influence participation and performance. At JSW Sports and Haryana Steelers, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that create real, measurable impact and strengthen the future of Indian sport from the ground up.”

The initiative has created meaningful impacts at the community level. With the availability of light extending, playing hours have led to increased participation across age groups, with a notable rise in girls’ participation and overall enrollment. These centers have historically produced athletes who have gone on to represent India and compete at the highest levels, including the Pro Kabaddi League, underlining the importance of strengthening grassroots infrastructure in regions like Haryana.

The centers were identified through a structured selection process with input from JSW Sports and Haryana Steelers team focusing on active training ecosystems, presence of coaching support, and potential for long-term impact. The project was executed by Pro Sport Development, ensuring effective on-ground execution and alignment with local community needs.

Signify Khel Jyoti CSR initiative has illuminated over 200 grassroots sports centers across India, reinforcing its commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable sports ecosystem.

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. We proudly bring to market the world’s best lighting brands, from Signify, Philips, Philips Hue, Signify Interact, Philips Dynalite, Color Kinetics and many more. Our advanced products, connected systems and services unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. In 2025, we had sales of EUR 5.8 billion, approximately 27,000 employees, and a presence in over 70 markets. We are in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and hold the EcoVadis Platinum rating.

News and updates from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

Teams from Spiti, Nubra Valley, and Sarvoday supported by M3M Foundation showcase their products at Kisan Kumbh 2026, IIT Delhi

The M3M Foundation’s stalls featured enterprises from regions including Laddakh, Spiti, and other rural geographies, with active participation from teams from Spiti and Nubra Valley, along with Sarvoday products, enabling beneficiaries to showcase, market, and sell their products like cold pressed mustard oil, hand grind spices, Sea buckthorn juice, pulp, berries, roasted barley, products made from yak wool. These products were widely appreciated by visitors for their quality and authenticity. The stalls attracted over 2,500 visitors, providing significant exposure and direct market access to grassroots producers.

The participation resulted in strengthened market linkages, increased visibility for rural enterprises, and direct customer engagement, reinforcing the importance of such platforms in bridging the gap between producers and consumers.

In a proud moment, M3M Foundation was appreciated on stage by Shri Shyam Singh Rana, Hon’ble Agriculture Minister of Haryana, in the presence of General V. K. Singh, Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram. The event was also graced by Shri Nitin Gadkari ji, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.

Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee and President, M3M Foundation, said, “M3M Foundation is currently working across 8 states with over 10,000 farmers, including in remote regions such as Laddakh and Spiti. In areas like Nubra Valley, we have enabled food processing systems, ensuring that farmers are not only engaged in cultivation but also in value addition. More than 5,000 women farmers are actively involved in both farming and processing, strengthening rural livelihoods.”

The Foundation’s initiatives continue to focus on enabling market access, promoting value addition, and strengthening women-led agricultural enterprises across diverse geographies.

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, added, “At M3M Foundation, our approach is to work closely with farmers, especially women, and strengthen their role as decision-makers in agriculture. We are not only supporting them in cultivation but also enabling value addition, market access, and sustainable practices, so that farming becomes more resilient and profitable. Platforms like Kisan Kumbh help amplify their efforts by connecting them directly with larger markets and opportunities.”

M3M Foundation’s participation at Kisan Kumbh 2026 reflects its continued commitment to strengthening grassroots enterprises and creating meaningful, market-driven opportunities for farmers across India.

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, successfully concluded its ‘Pillion Rider to Rider’ program at the K.L.E. Society's Jagadguru Gangadhar College of Commerce, Hubballi. In a partnership with Aatm Nirbhar, a social enterprise and women's mobility training organisation, LTF empowered over 100 women to achieve true independence and mobility.

L&T Finance's ‘Pillion Rider to Rider’ program's felicitation ceremony at the K.L.E. Society's JG College of Commerce, Hubballi

The initiative serves as a strategic touchpoint for LTF, reinforcing its commitment as a trusted enabler for the next generation. By facilitating the shift from public transit to personal two-wheeler mobility, the program instilled lasting independence and self-reliance among young commuters.

The program saw its women participants transform into confident and independent riders. Beyond the mechanical skill of riding, LTF assisted every participant in securing their official learner’s licenses.

To ensure a safe, sustainable, and modern learning experience, the program utilised popular, beginner-friendly models for hands-on training. Beyond physical riding skills, the curriculum prioritised responsible citizenship; the felicitation ceremony was preceded by an intensive Road Safety & Driving module. This session educated women on traffic regulations and the ethics of the road, ensuring they are not just mobile but also safety-conscious. Upon completion, participation certificates were presented to the learners. 

Mr. Jinesh Shah, Chief Executive – Urban Secured Assets & Third-Party Products at LTF, shared, “At LTF, our role extends far beyond traditional lending; we are the architects of enablement. The 'Pillion Rider to Rider' initiative serves as a powerful testament to our commitment to driving mobility and empowering the next generation to take control of their own journeys. By training over 100 women for two-wheelers, we are ensuring they hit the road as disciplined, safety-conscious drivers."

"This commitment to responsible mobility is mirrored in our business excellence. Our Two-Wheeler Finance business is one of our top three fulcrum products, and as a leading financier in this segment, we take pride in maintaining a prime-dominant portfolio with a superior zero DPD (Days Past Due) record compared with the industry. We extend this same level of empowerment to all our customers through our broader Two-Wheeler Finance offerings, featuring instant approvals, maximum loan eligibility, and competitive EMIs starting at Rs. 2,199 per lakh. This industry-leading underwriting speed is driven by ‘Project Cyclops,’ our proprietary Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning three-dimensional credit risk assessment engine that evaluates creditworthiness in real-time.”

In the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26), LTF’s Two-Wheeler Finance business achieved an all-time high quarterly disbursements of Rs. 3,217 Crore, representing a significant 33% Year-on-Year (YoY) growth. Consequently, the total book size reached Rs. 13,913 Crore, marking a 10% YoY increase.

K.L.E. Society’s Jagadguru Gangadhar College of Commerce, Hubballi is a premier, NAAC A++ accredited institution established in 1947. Affiliated with Karnataka University, the college offers B.Com. and M.Com. programs, with a focus on comprehensive education in commerce, including specialised training in taxation and computer applications. The college is known for a strong, experienced faculty and active placement support for students.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)
L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies.  In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook.  It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women's empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

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#A2ZOfMedicalAesthetics is a consumer education initiative by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company to empower them make informed choices in their aesthetic treatment journey

With growing interest in medical aesthetic treatments across India, many consumers actively seek information online. While a lot of information available can be complex and difficult to navigate, Allergan Aesthetics has proactively addressed this by introducing the A–Z of Medical Aesthetics, providing consumers with a reliable and easily understood source of guidance.

The initiative addresses common consumer concerns and treatment options within medical aesthetics, presenting information in an accessible and straightforward way. By enhancing consumer understanding, the program seeks to foster more meaningful and productive discussions between consumers and aesthetic healthcare professionals.

As medical aesthetics becomes an integral part of many consumers self-care and confidence journeys, being well-informed is more important than ever. Empowered consumers who understand their options can approach treatments with confidence and clarity, enabling aesthetic physicians to focus on delivering personalized care and meaningful guidance.

Commenting on the initiative, Kalyan Sattaru, Country Manager Allergan Aesthetics India, said, “As medical aesthetics continues to evolve in India, access to credible, science-backed information becomes critical. With A–Z of Medical Aesthetics, we are setting a benchmark for responsible consumer education by helping address misinformation and improve awareness. Our intent is to empower consumers to make informed choices and enable more meaningful, transparent consultations between patients and aesthetic physicians—ultimately elevating the standard of aesthetic care in the country.” 

Siddharth Hundoo, Head – Marketing, Allergan Aesthetics India, said, “There is a growing need for genuine, easy-to-understand information in medical aesthetics. A–Z of Medical Aesthetics is our effort to support consumers with reliable knowledge so they can have more informed and confident discussions with their doctors. When patients come prepared and aware, it helps doctors too, making consultations more effective and transparent.”

With the launch of A–Z of Medical Aesthetics, Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company continues its commitment to responsible education and consumer empowerment, ensuring that consumers have access to authentic information especially when misinformation is significant.

Consumers can access and download A–Z of Medical Aesthetics to begin their learning journey and take a more informed approach to aesthetic consultations by visiting this link here: allerganaesthetics.co.in/az.

About Allergan Aesthetics*
At Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, we develop, manufacture, and market a portfolio of leading aesthetics brands and products. Our aesthetics portfolio includes facial injectables, body contouring, plastics, skin care, and more. Our goal is to consistently provide our customers with innovation, education, exceptional service, and a commitment to excellence, all with a personal touch.

For more information, visit allerganaesthetics.co.in.

About AbbVie*
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics* portfolio. 

TaskUs Marks International Women’s Day with Diversity Hiring Drive and Women Focused Initiatives Across India

A key highlight of the celebrations was a large-scale International Women’s Day recruitment drive designed to expand opportunities for women professionals and accelerate gender diversity within the organisation. The initiative brought together aspiring professionals and hiring leaders for a day focused on talent discovery, mentorship and meaningful career conversations. The event combined structured interviews with interactive engagement formats including strategy and focus based challenges, a storytelling led “Women Talk” session and speed mentoring interactions with hiring managers. Participants also showcased their creative talents during a vibrant talent segment reinforcing the diverse strengths women bring to the workplace.

The drive saw 351 candidates participate with interviews conducted throughout the day resulting in 63 immediate joiners and offers extended to 43 additional professionals. The initiative also strengthened TaskUs’ future hiring pipeline with 84 high potential candidates identified for upcoming roles. Participation from individuals across diverse communities including candidates from PWD and LGBTQ+ groups further reinforced the organisation’s commitment to inclusive hiring.
Across its India sites including Mohali, Navi Mumbai and Gurugram, TaskUs teams also came together to celebrate International Women’s Day through employee engagement gatherings and interactive sessions that recognised the contributions of women employees while encouraging conversations around wellbeing, leadership and growth.

A key highlight of the Gurugram celebrations was the launch of MystiqHER, a dedicated initiative aimed at strengthening support systems and development opportunities for women employees at the Mystiqa site. The program introduced a range of initiatives including wellness sessions, self-care workshops, mentorship opportunities, financial literacy sessions and women’s health awareness programs. TaskUs also outlined plans to introduce structured career pathing programs to further support women as they grow within the organisation. As part of the celebrations, employees also participated in a wellness session titled “Beyond Superwoman: Redefining Resilience for the Modern Woman”, which explored themes of stress management, wellbeing and identity beyond professional roles. Interactive activities encouraged participants to reflect on personal wellbeing priorities and build practical tools for resilience.

Commenting on the initiatives, Sapna Bhambani, SVP of Operations and Country Leader, TaskUs India, said, “At TaskUs, we believe that building a truly inclusive workplace requires sustained commitment and meaningful action. Our International Women’s Day initiatives reflect our focus on expanding opportunities for women while strengthening access to mentorship, wellbeing support and career development. We remain committed to creating an environment where women are empowered to grow, lead and thrive at every stage of their professional journey.”

Through initiatives such as inclusive hiring programs, leadership engagement and the launch of MystiqHER, TaskUs continues to strengthen its commitment to building a workplace where women have equal access to opportunity, support and long-term career growth. India is the second largest operations base for TaskUs with more than 15,000 teammates across 6 cities. TaskUs India was recently certified as Great Place to Work(R) for 2025 and was named one of the Top 10 Inspiring Workplaces in Asia for 2025 by Inspiring Workplaces Group.

About TaskUs
TaskUs is a leading provider of outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience to the world’s most innovative companies, helping its clients represent, protect and grow their brands. Leveraging a cloud-based infrastructure, TaskUs serves clients in the fast-growing sectors, including social media, e-commerce, AI, gaming, streaming media, food delivery and ride-sharing, technology, financial services and healthcare. As of June 30, 2025, TaskUs had a worldwide headcount of approximately 61,400 people across 30 locations in 13 countries, including the United States, India and Philippines.

PwC India Foundation strengthens climate resilient livelihoods for more than 400 farming households through flood recovery initiatives

In Moga, the initiative begins at the household level. PwCIF is supporting more than 90 beneficiary households, with kitchen gardens and backyard poultry, to move towards natural farming, boosting household income and improving nutritional outcomes. Each garden, of about 600 sq. ft., provides year-round access to safe, chemical free vegetables and enables families to save an estimated INR 1,500–2,000 per month on vegetable purchases.

At the same time, the project is building proof points for scale. Ten multi-crop model farms are demonstrating how natural farming, intercropping and soil friendly practices can improve farm economics, with model farmers targeted to increase their incomes by 40%. As these practices gain traction, neighbouring farmers are beginning to replicate them, creating a growing circle of indirect beneficiaries.

To further strengthen farm-based livelihoods, the initiative includes a community-based jaggery processing unit that supports value addition to locally grown sugarcane and better price realisation for farmers. Shared fossil fuel‑free multi-seeding drills are also being used as village-level tool banks to enhance farm efficiency and encourage climate-smart cultivation practices.

As part of the ongoing efforts, the PwC India leadership team visited Moga to engage with farmers and community groups, assess the progress of natural farming and livelihood diversification projects, and reaffirm the organisation's long-term dedication to disaster resilience and livelihood restoration programs.

"PwC India Foundation's role in Punjab is centred around helping farming communities transition from crisis to resilience," said Jaivir Singh, Vice Chairman, PwC India Foundation. "By merging natural farming, diversified livelihoods, and robust village institutions, we aim to support farmers in Moga and Tarn Taran to rebuild with dignity with these initiatives in turn creating replicable models that can be curated to different local contexts across more districts in the country."

The successful implementation in Moga laid the foundation for an extension of the initiative to Tarn Taran. In this flood-affected border district, PwCIF is collaborating with more than 325 households to restore agricultural land, integrate natural farming, and strengthen village disaster response and resilience committees.

Beyond Moga and Tarn Taran, PwCIF’s broader engagement across India focuses on restoring livelihoods, strengthening critical local infrastructure and building community-led disaster preparedness across districts affected by floods. The Foundation aims to create integrated, scalable models that can support farming communities in navigating future climate and livelihood risks, while contributing to India’s long-term sustainable development.

Deepika T C, captain of India’s Women’s Blind Cricket Team, receives a warm hometown welcome after leading India to the historic T20 World Cup victory

A former student at Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled in Mysuru, Deepika led Team India to an unbeaten run throughout the tournament, demonstrating exceptional leadership, talent and determination at a global level. Her interaction highlighted the importance of perseverance and access to inclusive educational spaces.

Deepika has always stood out as a bright student with a strong passion for sports. Her school years not only nurtured her academic excellence but also instilled in her the confidence to lead life independently. While her choice to pursue cricket may surprise some, her teachers recognized early on her determination and talent, making this step a natural progression in her journey.

At a special event organised following Deepika’s return at her home town, she spoke in detail about her journey starting from her early years at RMSD to leading the national side at a historic global tournament. She reflected on the challenges she overcame, the discipline and unity that defined the team’s campaign, and the pride of representing India in women’s cricket. Her address offered powerful insights into resilience, perseverance and the role of inclusive education in shaping her path.

Deepika T.C., Captain, Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team, said, “This victory belongs to every girl who has ever been told that her limitations define her. It is proof that with the right support, opportunity and belief in themselves, any girl  can dream without boundaries and excel in their career path. The education and values I received from Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled have shaped me not just into a cricketer, but into a better human being. This win is for my country, and I will continue to give my best to make it proud.”

Mr. R Guru, Chairman, NR Foundation added, “Deepika’s achievement reflects the power of inclusive education and sustained mentorship. When students are given the right environment and encouragement, they are able to discover their strengths and pursue their aspirations with confidence. We are very proud to host Deepika in her hometown who we know will inspire million girls like her.”

Supported by the NR Foundation, RMSD has for over three decades empowered visually challenged girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through free residential education and vocational training. Deepika’s success is a moment of immense pride for the institution and reinforces RMSD’s commitment to enabling visually impaired girls to excel in all spheres, including sport at the highest international level.

Nippon Paint India Partners with Humble Bee

The collaboration brings together high-performance, eco-conscious coatings expertise and precision-engineered hive manufacturing to strengthen India’s apiculture infrastructure from the ground up. The initiative focuses on enhancing the durability, safety, and longevity of wooden beehives, thereby supporting healthier bee colonies and improved rural incomes.

Mr. Mark Titus, President-Decorative Coatings Business, Nippon Paint India, said, “The beehive represents productivity, interdependence, and resilience. By extending our expertise in durable and environmentally responsible coatings to this ecosystem, we are contributing beyond product performance, supporting livelihoods, strengthening biodiversity, and enabling long-term rural sustainability.”

As a GreenPro-certified brand, Nippon Paint India adheres to stringent environmental benchmarks, ensuring its coatings are free from harmful VOCs and safe for surrounding ecosystems. The low-VOC formulations provide structural protection while maintaining a bee-safe environment within the hive.

Humble Bee’s beehives, manufactured at its Varanasi facility, India’s first precision-engineered beehive manufacturing unit, are crafted using sustainably sourced Southern Yellow Pine. These hives are coated with Nippon Paint’s low-VOC, weather-resistant formulations designed to withstand India’s diverse climatic conditions.

Ms. Monika Shukla, CEO and Co-founder of Humble Bee added, “Every color on these hives tells a story, of a woman reclaiming her agency, of crops that flourish, and of biodiversity that revives.”

Across tribal and rural regions, particularly among first-generation women farmers, these painted hives are being introduced to improve productivity, resilience, and livelihood stability. India continues to face a significant gap in pollination capacity, even as global honey markets increasingly demand traceable and ethically produced products. This partnership seeks to address both challenges by strengthening the foundation of sustainable apiculture at the hive level.

Field trials will be conducted over the coming months to assess bee compatibility, coating durability, and performance under varying environmental conditions, after which the initiative is expected to scale across key regions in India. As part of the collaboration, Nippon Paint and Humble Bee have also co-developed a distinctive ‘Blobby’ hive design, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and community impact.

Bisleri International Partners with Observer Research Foundation to Launch Report on Water Governance at Raisina Dialogue 2026

Authored by noted experts Nilanjan Ghosh and Ambar Kumar Ghosh, the report presents a forward-looking framework for India’s water governance as the country works toward its vision of a developed nation by 2047. As India advances toward its Viksit Bharat vision for 2047, the report calls for stronger collaboration between governments, institutions, and industry to build resilient water governance systems that can support economic growth while safeguarding natural resources.

Speaking on the significance of the book, Mr Angelo George, Chief Executive Officer, Bisleri International, stated, “The Sustainable Development Goals created a powerful shared global ambition. The next phase must focus on delivering local relevance and measurable impact. For this to happen, industry needs to move from being a participant to becoming a co-designer of solutions. Sustainable development ultimately depends on financing, execution, and measurement - areas where industry brings scale and capability. Through this collaboration on the report, we hope to foster a change in how industries manage their water footprint and contribute towards building a water-resilient future.”

Building on last year’s launch of the book on Water Credits Valuation with the Observer Research Foundation at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, this new publication represents the next chapter in Bisleri International’s ongoing efforts to strengthen water governance and contribute towards a greener, water-positive future.

“In pursuit of the nation’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, water governance will be central to ensuring the attainment of economic growth, ecological sustainability, social equity and distributive justice. The challenge before India is not simply managing water as a resource but governing a complex socio-ecological system that spans river basins, sectors, and institutions. This report underscores the need to rethink water governance through integrated basin management, stronger institutional frameworks, and innovative market-based instruments that can align economic incentives with environmental protection and resource-use efficiency,” said Dr. Nilanjan Ghosh, Vice President, Development Studies, Observer Research Foundation, and co-author of A Vision of Water Governance for Viksit Bharat@2047.

The launch was followed by a high-level discussion on the theme ‘Development by Design: Scripting the Next Global Growth Story.’ The panel featured global leaders and policy experts, including D. N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan; Ngwaru Jumanne Maghembe, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanzania; Anna-Katharina Hornidge, Director of the German Institute of Development and Sustainability; and Archna Vyas, Country Director, Gates Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Chandrika Bahadur, CEO, The Antara Foundation.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. 

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com. 

As nonprofits across India work with lean teams to serve large and often geographically dispersed communities, many are looking for new ways to scale their impact amid rising demand, talent constraints, and operational complexity. AI agents present a powerful opportunity to extend their reach by autonomously handling routine tasks like program management, volunteer management, donor communications, and tailored fundraising support. This allows teams to focus on what matters most: direct beneficiary engagement and program delivery across India's vast and diverse landscape. The challenge lies in accessing the technology and expertise needed to make this vision a reality.

The Salesforce Accelerator — Agents for Impact addresses this need by providing nonprofits with technology, grants, and pro bono expertise to build and deploy AI-powered agent solutions. Through a customized six-month program, selected organizations receive comprehensive support including one-on-one and group coaching from Salesforce experts and flexible grants of up to INR 6.8 crores, distributed across a cohort of four nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the selected nonprofits will receive free access to Salesforce technology for up to 18 months, and technical consulting from employee volunteers.

India Cohort Pioneering AI Solutions

The inaugural India cohort brings together four pioneering organizations developing innovative AI agent solutions to address critical social challenges:

• Antarang Foundation is developing a Career Facilitator Agent that generates personalized career counseling sessions with specific next steps based on each student's profile data, enabling scalable, customized career guidance.

• Foundation For Excellence is creating a Scholarship Agent that supports review  and processing of student applications for scholarships, helping more students get access to critical funding.

• Latika is building a Legal Navigator Agent (Asli Intelligence) that generates clear, step-by-step roadmaps for individuals to acquire disability certificates, pensions, scholarships, and tax relief—making complex legal processes accessible to all.

• Teach for India is implementing a Teaching Assistant agent that will be trained on resources from its teacher training platform, Firki. It will serve as a personal assistant to answer queries and guide teachers to relevant courses through intuitive chats and clicks.

Comments on the news:

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO, Salesforce, South Asia, said, “We believe organizations closest to India's most pressing challenges shouldn't be furthest from the tools that multiply their impact. Nonprofits are drowning in admin work when they should be focused on transformation. AI agents represent a fundamental shift: technology that doesn't just optimize workflows but reclaims human capacity for what matters most.

At Salesforce, we’ve long believed that business is the greatest platform for change.  That belief guides how we build and deploy AI as a force for good that strengthens communities. Through the Salesforce Accelerator — Agents for Impact, we're proving a new equation: when intelligent systems handle complexity, people multiply impact. Not by working harder, but by working on what only humans can do — building trust, making judgment calls, and showing up with empathy where it counts. The future of impact isn't choosing between humanity and scale. It's architecting them together."

*Salesforce, the #1 CRM, powered by AI technology and capabilities.

About Salesforce

Salesforce helps organizations of any size become agentic enterprises - integrating humans, agents, apps, and data on a trusted, unified platform to unlock unprecedented growth and innovation.

Visit www.salesforce.com/in for more information.

CA Grameen has cemented its position as a frontrunner in the NBFC space by raising funds from global markets in a bid to diversify its liability franchise. With this transaction, the Company has secured over USD 300 million in commitments from global banks, development financial institutions and impact investors in FY 2025-26, strengthening trust and leadership in the microfinance sector. The Company has met over 15% of its borrowing requirements in FY 2025-26 through foreign sources. 

The proceeds from the facility will be deployed under CA Grameen’s Social Loan Framework, aligned with the Social Loan Principles 2023, ensuring transparency in the use of funds, clearly defined social development goals, and strong governance standards. Sustainalytics provided a second-party opinion, validating the credibility and impact of the Framework. The facility will support eligible social projects, advancing CA Grameen’s mission of inclusive and resilient development across communities.

Speaking about the fundraise, Mr. Nilesh Dalvi, Chief Financial Officer, CreditAccess Grameen, said, “We are pleased to partner with HSBC, having successfully secured offshore financing that further strengthens our global funding reach. The foreign currency borrowings with a tenure of 3–5 years, significantly enhance our asset-liability management (ALM) profile and liquidity position. Our sustained efforts to build strong relationships with leading global lending institutions have enabled us to increase the share of foreign borrowings from 9% to 24% over the past five years, while consistently reducing our incremental cost of funds. This disciplined approach allows us to extend affordable financing solutions to our microfinance customers and deepen our commitment to financial inclusion.”

Sharing their views, Ms. Lalitha A Lodaya, Regional Director – International Mid-Market, South India, HSBC said “We are delighted to have successfully closed this syndicated financing for CreditAccess Grameen Limited, one of India’s leading NBFC-MFIs. Strong participation from diverse group of lenders underscores market’s confidence in sector’s resilience and company’s robust asset quality and growth strategy. This transaction reflects HSBC’s leadership position in Indian NBFC space, as well as our strong structuring & distribution capabilities.” 

About CreditAccess Grameen Limited
CreditAccess Grameen Limited is a leading Indian microfinance institution headquartered in Bengaluru, focused on providing micro-loans and retail lending solutions to women customers predominantly in rural areas across India. The Company is now operating across 450 districts in 16 states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal) and one union territory (Puducherry) through 2,222 branches. The Company’s Promoter is CreditAccess India B.V., a multinational company specializing in micro and small enterprise financing. It is backed by institutional investors and has a micro-lending experience in India of more than a decade.

Rotary Club of Chennai Legends and Rotary District 3234 Donate 225 Sewing Machines to Women

Prior to the distribution of the sewing machines, the Rotary Club of Chennai Legends conducted a two-month vocational training programme for the beneficiaries in stitching kids’, men’s and women’s garments at its Rotary Skill Development Centre located at Dr. MGR Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women.

AKS Rtn. Er. Muruganandam M, RI Director (2025–27) and RI Vice President (2026–27), attended the event as the Chief Guest, while AKS Rtn. Vinod Saraogi, District Governor (2025–26), was the Guest of Honour. The event was also graced by Rtn. Ravi Sundaresan, District Governor Nominee (2028–29); PDG Rtn. Sridhar J, RRFC (2026–27); Rtn. NS Saravanan, Immediate Past District Governor; Rtn. Dr. Kumar Rajendran, Project Chair, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends; and Rtn. Dr. M. Durga Mohan, Chair – CSR, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends.

The Rotary Club of Chennai Legends had donated 200 sewing machines under the Rotosew initiative last year and plans to make the programme an annual feature. The club is also seeking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from corporate houses to expand the reach and impact of the initiative.

In her comments, Rtn Dr. Durga Mohan said, “Rotosew is not just about donating sewing machines; it is about enabling women to build sustainable livelihoods with dignity. Through our two-month vocational training programme, the beneficiaries are trained in stitching kids’, men’s and women’s garments, equipping them with practical skills that are immediately marketable. With the growing demand for tailoring and customised apparel, this skill offers strong opportunities for self-employment and income generation. Beyond training and equipment, we are also working to create market linkages by connecting these women with corporate customers and bulk orders, helping them establish steady income streams.”

Recently, the Rotary Club of Chennai Legends in association with Rotary Dist 3234 had organised Gift of Mobility, an initiative under which 225 bicycles along with helmets were distributed to school-going girls to support continuity in education and ensure their safety while commuting. As part of the initiative, the club also conducted a hands-on road safety programme to equip the students with the knowledge and confidence to ride safely.

For more details: cl@ri3234.org

On the occasion of Women’s Day, L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, is proud to announce the launch of Spoorthi, a specialised program designed to empower women entrepreneurs by facilitating finance for the purchase of house property or providing Loan Against Property (LAP) for business expansion and working capital.

 L&T Finance accelerating the rise of emerging women-led businesses

This initiative recognises the critical role women play in the economy and aims to support those who are solely or jointly running a business or profession. Under the Spoorthi program, LTF offers a range of specific relaxations and benefits, including extended loan tenors of up to 25 years for Home Loans and LAP for specific profiles. Furthermore, Industrial LAP tenors are offered for up to 12 years, and the program introduces enhanced eligibility norms such as higher debt-to-income ratios to provide greater financial flexibility.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, LTF, said, “Our Company is deeply committed to supporting women borrowers because they consistently demonstrate a disciplined and strong repayment history, which makes them ideal borrowers. By launching Spoorthi, the firm aims to harness this reliability while providing women with the necessary capital to scale their enterprises and secure their personal assets, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and robust financial ecosystem.”

The program is initially rolling out in major metropolitan hubs, including Mumbai MMR, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. To be eligible, the woman borrower must be a key person managing the business with at least a 50% stake in non-individual entities, and her income must constitute at least 50% of the total appraised income when clubbing with other borrowers. Additionally, the business must show an annual cash profit of at least Rs. 5 Lakhs as per the latest Income Tax Return (ITR) and must not have incurred a net loss in the last two years.

Mr. Jinesh Shah, Chief Executive – Urban Secured Assets & Third-Party Products, LTF, said, “Spoorthi is built upon a foundation of relaxed eligibility criteria and better pricing specifically tailored for women. The program offers lower interest rates to ensure that financial barriers are minimised. By reducing the business vintage (i.e., age of a company) requirement to just two years for loans up to Rs. 75 Lakhs, LTF is making it easier for emerging women-led businesses to access the high-value credit they need to thrive.”

In the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26), LTF's Home Loan and LAP segment recorded disbursements of Rs. 2,879 Crore, reflecting a 16% Year-on-Year and 6% Quarter-on-Quarter increase. The total book size grew to Rs. 28,682 Crore, a rise of 22% Year-on-Year and 5% Quarter-on-Quarter, driven by robust distribution networks and new partnerships.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies.  In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook.  It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women's empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

X: x.com/LnTFinance

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Seeds of change were sown as 700 farmers gathered at The Art of Living Ashram, Vasad for a Natural Farming Awareness Seminar

In Anand district, agriculture is not merely an occupation; it is inheritance, memory and survival. Farming here is largely passed down through generations - land transferred within families, seasons remembered instinctively, soil understood by touch. Farmers can sense when the earth begins to lose vitality. They recognise subtle shifts in rainfall patterns. They feel the strain when fertiliser bills rise faster than crop returns.

The Anand initiative was designed to address these realities from the ground up.

From Conversations to Change
The programme began quietly with door-to-door engagement. Trained Local Resource Persons (LRPs), supported by The Art of Living Social Projects trainers, visited villages and spoke directly with farmers. They discussed cropping patterns, input expenditure, pest pressures and debt cycles. They assessed how many were already experimenting with natural methods and how many were open to transition. 

Villages have so far been systematically covered through surveys and awareness sessions. Training combined conceptual clarity with practical application. Farmers were introduced to: *Indigenous seed preservation *Cow-based formulations using desi breeds *Preparation of Beejamrut, Jeevamrut and Ghanjeevamrut *Natural pest management techniques *Soil regeneration methods *Post-harvest handling and improved market linkages.

Economic viability remained central. By preparing biological inputs from locally available resources, farmers reduce dependency on purchased chemicals. Lower input costs mean reduced financial risk and greater stability. Intercropping and diversification were encouraged not as trends, but as proven strategies to strengthen soil ecology and stabilise income streams.

Restoring Scientific Confidence
One of the most practical interventions was the distribution of five portable soil-testing devices to two FPOs.

Previously, soil samples were sent to distant laboratories, with results taking several days. Now, farmers receive detailed reports within 30 minutes. Nutrient deficiencies and imbalances become visible immediately. This shift is significant. When decisions are informed by real-time soil data, natural farming becomes evidence-based rather than perception-driven. It allows farmers to calibrate inputs and manage land scientifically.

Collaboration with Anand Agriculture University further strengthened this approach. Technical sessions on nematode control using natural formulations such as Neemastra and Agniastra reinforced that traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation can complement one another.

Building District-Level Momentum
Awareness extended beyond formal training. Village meetings were supplemented by street theatre (nukkad nataks), educational film screenings and distribution of structured Gujarati manuals. At a major district-level natural farming conference held at the Art of Living Ashram in Vasad, 700 farmers gathered to engage in detailed discussions, more than 500 manuals were distributed, providing participants with structured guidance to support implementation at the field level.

Youth engagement added further depth. Members of the Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP) supported mobilisation efforts, while school-level initiatives such as “Chote Kisan - Nurturing Nature” introduced environmental responsibility at an early age through plantation drives and seed-ball preparation.

Institutional Alignment
The project team met Honourable Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar. He expressed strong support for the initiative and emphasised the urgency of reducing chemical dependency in agriculture. Subsequent review meetings under his leadership have ensured alignment with state-level priorities and strengthened institutional backing for the campaign.

Such support has reinforced both credibility and continuity.

Evidence of Impact
The outcomes are measurable:

• 1,500+ farmers trained

• More than 70% actively practising natural farming methods

• 45+ farmers recognised with the ‘Krushi Ratna Award’

• Model farms emerging across the district

• Value-addition equipment provided to FPOs

Farmers report reduced cultivation costs, improved soil fertility, enhanced moisture retention and greater resilience.

During the excessive rainfall experienced across Gujarat in 2024, natural farming practitioners were better able to protect and salvage crops compared to neighbouring conventional fields. While no agricultural system is immune to extreme weather, healthier soil biology and diversified cropping provided tangible advantages.

Perhaps most telling is the shift in perception. Natural farming is increasingly assessed on performance, cost-efficiency and soil response - not dismissed as experimental. Conversations about chemical-free produce are taking place within households and village gatherings, indicating a broader cultural shift.

A Structural Transition
“Agriculture is the backbone of human existence. For any civilisation to prosper, agriculture has to be healthy and sustainable. We need to get our focus back on agriculture which is the primary industry,” shares Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

In Anand, this perspective is steadily translating into practice.

The Natural Farming Awareness Campaign in Anand is not positioned as a short-term scheme or a simple replacement for chemical fertilisers. It addresses three interconnected challenges: ecological degradation, rising cultivation costs and declining farmer confidence. By integrating grassroots engagement, scientific tools, institutional collaboration and youth participation, the initiative offers a structured model for transition rooted in field realities.

For Anand district, the process is ongoing. But the direction is unmistakable. When farmers regain control over inputs, understand their soil scientifically and work collectively, agriculture moves beyond survival.

It becomes viable and sustainable - by design.

About The Art of Living Social Projects
The Art of Living Social Projects, inspired by the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing peace, well-being, and humanitarian service. 

By advancing sustainable practices, fostering conservation efforts, and nurturing a deeper connection with nature, The Art of Living Social Projects works towards a healthier planet and a sustainable future for generations to come.

To learn more about the initiative or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India,
 

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Dr payal Kanodia sharing a vibrant moment with Irular Tribe Womern

The Irular tribes, a Dravidian indigenous community officially recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Government of India, have long been celebrated for their ancestral prowess in snake catching-a skill honed over generations in the arid terrains near Chennai. However, modernization and socio-economic shifts have eroded these traditions, leaving many families grappling with poverty, limited education, and health vulnerabilities. Dr. Kanodia's visit was no mere oversight; it was a hands-on pledge to uplift these resilient women under the Foundation's guiding principle: "Empowering each and every woman."

Through intimate conversations amid dusty village lanes and modest homes, Dr. Kanodia gained profound insights into their daily realities-from foraging for survival to balancing childcare with meager incomes. Her presence reinforced M3M Foundation's ongoing partnership with Makkal Villipunarvu Kalvi Sangam (MVKS), which is delivering transformative programs in 20 villages. Over 150 Irular women have been trained in high-demand skills including jute bag making, Aari embroidery, eco-friendly candle production, and tailoring-crafts that blend tradition with market viability.

Complementing these efforts, evening tuition centers offer after-school support to dozens of Irular children, bridging educational gaps and nurturing the next generation's potential. Dr. Kanodia didn't just observe; she celebrated milestones by personally handing over certificates to 100 women who excelled in skill training modules on Aari embroidery, jute bag making, basket weaving, and tailoring. These certificates symbolize not just completion, but pathways to sustainable livelihoods, enabling women to sell handmade products locally and online.

Reflecting on the trip, Dr. Kanodia shared, "Traveling this far to hear their stories firsthand was humbling. These women are natural innovators—their hands that once caught snakes now weave futures for their families. Our commitment is ironclad: skills, education, and dignity for every Irular woman."

This initiative aligns with M3M Foundation's broader mission in social development, including rural livelihoods, environmental conservation, and special needs empowerment. Under Dr. Kanodia's visionary leadership, the Foundation is scripting success stories that resonate from Tamil Nadu's tribal hamlets to national platforms, proving that true empowerment begins with showing up.

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta ( Center ), Tourism minister Kapil Mishra (Left) Mr Dheeraj Hinduja Chairman of Ashok Leyland (Right) in the presence of his wife Shalini Hinduja (Extreme Right)

The curated full-day route begins at Dilli Haat - INA at 9:00 a.m., guiding passengers on a thoughtfully planned journey through the heart of New Delhi. The tour begins at Vijay Chowk, with a photography stop at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by visits to the National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art, and the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya. It concludes with an evening at the National War Memorial and India Gate, before returning to Dilli Haat - INA for shopping and dinner at 6:00 p.m.

Powering this experience is the SWITCH EiV 22 - India’s first electric double-decker AC bus - designed, developed, and manufactured in India, showcasing the deep engineering expertise and manufacturing legacy of Ashok Leyland. The bus is equipped with a 231 kWh NMC battery pack, offering a range of up to 250 kms, optimized seating for 65 passengers, and a lightweight aluminium body that delivers best-in-class comfort. The SWITCH EiV 22 stands as the world’s first standard-floor, air-conditioned, electric double-decker, featuring a wider rear door and staircase - a true testament to Indian engineering meeting global standards.

Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland said, “The double decker bus has always held a special place in India’s public transport story - it is an icon of belonging, of shared journeys, and of city life. Through this CSR initiative, we are proud to breathe new life into that legacy, right in the heart of our national capital. The ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’ experience is our way of giving back to the communities we serve - offering people a beautiful, emission-free way to rediscover Delhi’s magnificent heritage. At SWITCH Mobility, backed by Ashok Leyland’s strong mobility foundation, we are committed to advancing green mobility not just as a business proposition, but as a responsibility to society and the environment.”

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ganesh Mani CEO - SWITCH Mobility and COO - Ashok Leyland, said, “The Hinduja Group has always believed that progress must be purposeful - that growth and giving back must go hand in hand. We are not just offering a ride; we are offering a renewed connection to our history, our culture, and our shared pride as Indians - all while treading lightly on our planet. We are proud to see the SWITCH EiV 22 carry not just passengers, but the spirit of a greener, more purposeful India - one landmark, one journey at a time. SWITCH Mobility's electric-first vision, backed by the scale and strength of Ashok Leyland, makes moments like these possible - where innovation is not just future-ready, but people-ready.”

The SWITCH EiV 22 features a 650V architecture, dual-gun charging capability, and liquid-cooled battery technology, positioning it as a robust and future-ready solution for urban India. With bus components manufactured domestically to achieve FAME II compliance, the SWITCH EiV 22 is a testament to the ‘Make in India’ ethos applied to the future of clean mobility.

With 100 tourist hop-on hop-off buses electric double-deckers already serving cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, and Chennai, Vizag, Hyderabad, Kochi across India, SWITCH Mobility continues to drive the nation’s electric public transport revolution - one iconic journey at a time.

The programme prioritises science-led dog population management, institutional strengthening, and sustainable workforce development in high-need regions.

The programme integrates sterilisation and rabies vaccination efforts with mobile veterinary clinics, hands-on training for professionals, and meaningful partnerships with communities. Through these efforts, the project aims to deliver large-scale preventive care, public health interventions, and sustained community action helping animals across targeted geographies.

“Delivering impact starts with listening to communities and partnering with organisations that understand local needs,” said Michelle Grogg, Executive Director, Mars Impact Fund. “Our partnership with Humane World for Animals reflects this approach by helping expand access to veterinary care and training in communities where it is needed most.”

India is home to one of the world’s largest free-roaming dog populations. While the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, provide a clear legal and scientific framework for humane management, implementation across municipalities remains uneven due to funding constraints, limited veterinary infrastructure, and inconsistent operational capacity. Rapid urbanisation has intensified human–animal conflict in several cities, reinforcing the need for sustained, structured, and science-led solutions. Mars’ State of Pet Homelessness Report highlights that millions of dogs globally lack secure homes and underscores that sustained sterilisation coverage, often benchmarked at 70 per cent or higher, is essential to stabilise and humanely reduce street dog populations over time. In many Indian cities, achieving this threshold stays a structural challenge. This initiative seeks to close that gap through coordinated, systems-based intervention rather than episodic response.

In India, the partnership will work in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to deliver high-quality spay-neuter services and professional training for veterinary professionals, while fostering strong partnerships with communities and local governments. Humane World for Animals will facilitate the launch of the country’s first dedicated National Animal Birth Control Training Center in Lucknow and a Mobile Training and Capacity-Building Program for animal welfare NGOs across the country.

In Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, Humane World for Animals will launch a pet welfare initiative to improve access to vaccinations and encourage formal registration of owned dogs. This program will deliver a large-scale, city-supported pet welfare and rabies vaccination campaign, complemented by a targeted communications effort designed to raise awareness, increase registration, and promote long-term owner commitment.

Manish Syag, Managing Director, Mars Pet Nutrition India, said, “India is at a defining moment in how it manages human–animal coexistence. According to Mars’ State of Pet Homelessness Report 2023, nearly 69 million dogs and cats in India are without secure homes. These figures reinforce that free-roaming dog populations cannot be addressed through fragmented or short-term measures. Through this initiative, we aim to advance sterilisation coverage, vaccination access, and professional capacity building in alignment with the widely recognised 70 per cent sterilisation benchmark necessary for long-term population stability. This initiative is more than a grant; it represents a long-term blueprint for building safer, healthier, and more resilient cities for both people and animals.”

“What better partners than Mars to work together to address one of the biggest challenges surrounding street dogs - human - dog conflict. We are delighted to be partnering with them! By promoting science-led Animal Birth Control programs and strengthening human-dog interactions through community engagement, we are working towards long-term solutions. Through high-volume sterilisation, vaccination, and community engagement initiatives in states like Uttarakhand and cities like Lucknow, we are demonstrating how these programs effectively reduce conflict, dog bite incidents and rabies risks,” said Alokparna Sengupta, Managing Director, Humane World for Animals India. “Our expansion of mobile animal clinics in underserved regions is further supporting community-driven solutions that make our neighbourhoods safer and healthier and addresses street animal welfare.”

As a family-owned, principle-driven company, Mars has long believed that business should be a force for good. Building on this legacy, the Mars Impact Fund is designed to complement existing sustainability efforts and foundation activities with strategic, long-term investments. The Mars Impact Fund will contribute $85 million between 2025 and 2027. From 2028 onward, the company expects to distribute $50 million annually in philanthropic capital.

About Mars, Incorporated www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Humane World for Animals - Global Animal Welfare Org | Humane World for Animals.

Kosala, the social enterprise of Hindalco Industries Limited, has opened its flagship retail store in Greater Kailash (N Block), New Delhi, marking a key expansion milestone in its Kosa silk value-chain initiative in Chhattisgarh.

L–R: Satish Pai, MD, Hindalco Industries Ltd; actor Yami Gautam Dhar; Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives & Rural Development;  Saurabh Khedekar, CEO Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Ltd & Director, Kosala Foundation, and  Neeta Shah - CEO Kosala at inauguration of Kosala Boutique in Delhi

Kosala was launched in 2021 to restore and expand the indigenous Kosa silk craft of the Dewangan community. Today, Kosala reached a key milestone with the launch of its first flagship store. The boutique was inaugurated by Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, in the presence of Mr. Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries Limited, Mr. Saurabh Khedekar, CEO, Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Limited and Director, Kosala Foundation with actor Ms. Yami Gautam Dhar marking the occasion.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Rajashree Birla- Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development said, “Kosala reflects our deep commitment to trusteeship, nurturing communities while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. By revitalising the art of Kosa silk, we are empowering artisan families, especially women, with sustainable livelihoods and renewed pride in their craft. This store serves as a bridge between rural skill and global appreciation.”

Kosala’s impact at the grassroots level has been measurable and transformative. In FY25, 31 weaver families secured full-time engagement, while 130 artisans were employed across pre-loom and post-loom processes, strengthening integration across the value chain. Full-time weavers now benefit from assured year-round engagement, resulting in a 63% increase in income, significantly enriching their livelihoods. During the year, 379 artisans were engaged and 100 were newly skilled, reinforcing household stability and enabling the Dewangan community to move forward with renewed confidence and dignity. Since its inception, Kosala has empowered over 700 artisans, strengthening sustainable livelihoods while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk.

Mr. Saurabh Khedekar, CEO, Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Limited and Director, Kosala Foundation, said, “Kosala is anchored in two core beliefs, reviving the indigenous legacy of Kosa silk and restoring economic dignity, recognition, and continuous skill advancement to its original custodians, the Dewangan community. This store is not merely a retail milestone; it reaffirms our long-term commitment to strengthening the artisan ecosystem and enabling weaver families to thrive with pride and purpose.

We continue to prioritise the well-being of artisans and their families by extending individual life insurance coverage, expanding structured training to bring more weavers into the fold, and reimagining Kosa through a thoughtful blend of time-honoured techniques and consciously designed collections for the modern consumer.”

Capacity-building initiatives include training 25 rural youth in professional natural colour dyeing; providing sewing and embroidery skills to 100 women in partnership with the International Labour Organization and the Foundation for MSME Clusters; certifying 50 Dewangan women in Kosa reeling; and offering advanced weaving training to 25 artisans through the Weavers’ Service Centre, Raigarh. In 2024, Kosala introduced the Kosala Artisan Shilp Unnati Yojana, instituting annual recognition and incentive structures for master weavers.

Kosala was instituted as part of Hindalco’s sustainable mining initiatives in Chhattisgarh. Over the years we have built a scalable rural enterprise model that integrates market access, skill development and infrastructure investment positioning heritage textiles within a sustainable luxury framework while delivering measurable economic outcomes at the grassroots level.

About Hindalco Industries Limited

Hindalco Industries Limited is the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group. A $28 billion metals powerhouse, Hindalco is the world’s largest aluminium company by revenues, and the world’s second largest Copper rods manufacturer (outside China). Hindalco operates across the value chain, from bauxite mining, alumina refining, coal mining, captive power plants and aluminium smelting to downstream rolling, extrusions, and foils. Along with its subsidiary Novelis, Hindalco is the global leader in flat rolled products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminium.

Hindalco is India’s largest copper producer, serving more than half the country’s copper requirements. Its copper facility in Gujarat, India, comprises a world-class copper smelter and refinery complex, downstream facilities, and a captive jetty. Hindalco’s global footprint spans 48 manufacturing units across 10 countries. Hindalco has been ranked the world’s most sustainable aluminium company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for six consecutive years– 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

About Kosala

Kosala is a social enterprise initiative by Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, launched to revive and advance the ancient Kosa silk craft of the Dewangan community in Chhattisgarh. Conceptualised in association with Xynteo Vikaasa, a multi-stakeholder coalition working to build sustainable growth models, Kosala blends heritage with innovation to preserve a 5,000-year-old art form while strengthening the economic resilience of artisan communities. Kosala, which supports craftsmen in weaving, reeling, and dyeing, prioritizes the development of sustainable livelihoods, women's empowerment, skill enhancement, and access to international markets. Since its inception, Kosala has empowered over 700 artisans across Chhattisgarh, strengthening sustainable livelihoods while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk.

An MoU between The Art of Living Social Projects & Autocracy Machinery signals the launch of a nationwide mission to revive India’s water bodies
 

Responding to a Growing Need

The Art of Living Social Projects has received an overwhelming number of requests for lake and pond rejuvenation from across the country. In many inhabited areas - from expanding cities to small towns and villages - untreated sewage continues to flow into local water bodies. The consequences are stark: water turns dark and foul-smelling, oxygen levels plummet, fish perish, algal blooms spread unchecked, and once-thriving ecosystems slide into slow, suffocating decline.
 

The new partnership ensures that The Art of Living Social Projects can undertake scientifically designed restoration projects anywhere in India, supported by appropriate funding and technical capacity.
 

Autocracy Machinery in Action: Innovation on Water, Under Water and On Land

Autocracy Machinery, an emerging Indian start-up, brings specialised equipment designed to operate on water, under water and on land - enabling thorough, end-to-end restoration. From removing invasive weeds and decades of silt to clearing sludge and stabilising lake beds, the machinery tackles the visible damage head-on.
 

Mechanical cleaning is the critical first step. Years of pollutants and sediment must be cleared before a water body can recover.
 

Nature-Based Healing: Bio-remediation and Phyto-remediation

Following the physical cleaning process, The Art of Living Social Projects will introduce ecological restoration measures to ensure long-term sustainability.
 

Bio-remediation involves using beneficial microorganisms to naturally break down sewage, organic waste and harmful pollutants present in the water.
 

Phyto-remediation uses carefully selected aquatic plants to absorb toxins, heavy metals and excess nutrients, thereby restoring water quality in a natural and environmentally friendly manner.
 

Advanced Oxygenation through Nano Bubbles

To strengthen natural restoration methods, The Art of Living Social Projects will introduce nano bubble technology - an advanced system for water oxygenation and purification.
 

These ultra-fine oxygen bubbles, less than 200 nanometres in size, remain suspended in water instead of rising to the surface. Containing over 95% oxygen, they disperse evenly and release oxygen gradually, boosting dissolved oxygen levels, supporting beneficial microbes and accelerating the breakdown of pollutants.
 

The result is clearer water, healthier aquatic life and stronger ecosystem recovery.
 

By combining mechanical, biological and technological solutions, this approach shifts restoration from a one-time clean-up into lasting ecological renewal.
 

Reviving Communities Through Water

India’s lakes and ponds are not idle waters; they are living ecosystems, climate buffers and anchors of community life. When a water body comes back to life, the impact reaches far beyond its banks - groundwater recharge improves, biodiversity returns, health risks decline and livelihoods strengthen, as communities reclaim spaces that once shaped their identity. Their restoration is not just an environmental priority, but a social and ecological necessity.
 

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is deeply committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through large-scale water conservation initiatives, the organisation works to alleviate water scarcity, restore ecosystems and enhance the quality of life for communities across the country.
 

To learn more about the initiative or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India
 

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