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Signature Global Inks Rs. 380-Crore Pact with Indo-Italian Firm CECO Hirun to Deploy Advanced Earthquake-Resistant Technology in Collaboration with HySAFE

Signature Global (BSE: 543990 | NSE: SIGNATURE), one of the leading real estate development companies in India with a well-established brand in Delhi- NCR, today signed a Rs. 380-crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indo Italian Firm CECO Hirun Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with HySAFE, to implement advanced earthquake resistance technology across its projects over the next 15 years.
 

Signature Global Inks Rs. 380-Crore Pact with Indo-Italian Firm CECO Hirun to Deploy Advanced Earthquake-Resistant Technology in Collaboration with HySAFE
 

​This advanced earthquake-resistance technology – Hysteretic Tuned Mass Dampers (HTMDs) – is a specialised system designed by CECO HIRUN in technical collaboration with HySAFE to reduce vibrations in high-rise buildings caused by wind and earthquakes. By controlling building movement, it enhances stability and occupant comfort. Unlike conventional systems, HTMDs remain effective even under varying wind and seismic conditions, making them ideal for high-rise structures.
 

​As part of this collaboration, Signature Global has onboarded Indo-Italian firm CECO Hirun Pvt. Ltd. to design HTMD systems tailored for its high-rise projects. The programme will be executed in India through a comprehensive process encompassing design evaluation, industrial manufacturing, and on-site deployment.
 

​High-rise buildings in India’s rapidly growing cities face dynamic forces such as strong winds, temperature variations, and seismic activity, which can impact structural performance and occupant comfort. In seismic-prone regions like Delhi-NCR (Seismic Zone IV), integrating advanced vibration control solutions at the design stage is crucial for long-term safety and stability.
 

​By integrating advanced HTMD technology, Signature Global enhances structural performance by significantly reducing wind-induced sway and seismic forces, improving overall earthquake resilience, and safeguarding interior components – including walls, partitions, and elevator systems – from damage caused by tremors and vibrations.
 

​Commenting on the MoU, Mr. Lalit Aggarwal, Co-founder & Vice Chairman of Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, “Today marks an important milestone for Signature Global as we introduce advanced earthquake-resistance and vibration-control technology across our high-rise projects. As India’s cities grow taller, the responsibility to ensure safety, comfort, and long-term value for residents becomes even more critical. Our collaboration with CECO Hirun Pvt. Ltd. combines global expertise with deep understanding of local construction practices, enabling technically robust systems that integrate seamlessly into our building designs. ​At Signature Global, we believe high-rise living should never compromise safety, comfort, or resilience. This initiative reflects our vision of creating future-ready homes that residents can trust, setting new benchmarks in innovation and quality for India’s urban landscape.”
 

​Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Agostino Marioni, Chairman, CECO Hirun India Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to partner with Signature Global to deploy advanced vibration-control technology across their high-rise developments. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to engineering excellence and innovation, setting new benchmarks for resilient, future-ready infrastructure in India. We are confident that this collaboration will not only enhance building performance but also redefine high-rise living in urban India by prioritizing safety, comfort, and long-term value for residents.”
 

​By adopting HTMD technology across its high-rise developments, Signature Global is taking a proactive approach to building design, prioritizing resident safety, comfort, and long-term performance from the very outset. This initiative sets a new benchmark for resilient, future-ready high-rise living in India.
 

About Signature Global (India) Ltd.

Signature Global, India’s leading real estate development company, is reshaping the housing market in northern India. While it initially made its mark in the affordable housing segment, the company now focuses on the mid and premium housing categories. This strategic evolution is driven by a strong emphasis on quality execution, value creation, reliability, and adherence to global standards. Backed by marquee institutional investors such as Nomura, HDFC, and IFC (lending arm of World Bank), Signature Global upholds high standards of corporate governance. The company follows a disciplined and efficient land acquisition strategy, typically launching projects within 18 months of acquisition – enabling faster go-to-market timelines and enhanced project viability. Signature Global holds a market share of 13% in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 20% share in Gurugram within the price range of INR 20 million to INR 50 million. This reflects the company’s dominant position in its target micro markets.
 

​As of H1FY26, the company has successfully delivered 16 million sq. ft. of real estate. Its project pipeline remains robust, comprising 17.1 million sq. ft. of recently launched projects, 24.3 million sq. ft. of forthcoming developments, and 8.9 million sq. ft. of ongoing construction, all slated for execution over the next 2–3 years. In FY25, Signature Global reported sales bookings of INR 102.9 billion, driven by sustained demand and efficient execution. The company has achieved an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 58% in sales between FY22 to FY25, demonstrating its consistent performance and growth momentum.
 

About CECO Hirun Ltd.
CECO Hirun Pvt. Ltd. is an engineering company formed through a strategic joint venture between CECO Infratech Pvt. Ltd. and international partners, bringing together decades of experience in advanced structural devices and anti-seismic technology. In technical partnership with HySAFE, the company specialises in the design, engineering and execution of high-performance structural solutions, including anti-seismic systems, vibration-control devices, bearings and expansion joints, for critical infrastructure and building projects. With global expertise and a focus on quality and innovation, CECO Hirun supports enhanced structural safety and resilience in complex engineering applications.

Mohit Kamboj Strengthens Leadership Across Multi Sector Enterprises with Focus on Long Term Growth

In India’s fast-evolving business landscape, Mohit Kamboj is strengthening leadership across multiple sectors while maintaining a focus on long-term growth. A millennial by age but seasoned by experience, Kamboj represents a generation of entrepreneurs who have built success through consistency, discipline, and a measured outlook. His professional journey spans over two decades, marked by steady growth across finance, trade, investments, and diversified enterprises.

 

Currently serving as the Group CEO of Aspect Global Ventures, one of India’s fastest-growing conglomerates, Kamboj oversees a wide portfolio that includes bullion, real estate, sports, hospitality, infrastructure, energy, entertainment, and social impact initiatives. His role involves aligning varied business verticals under a unified operating approach, focused on efficiency, scale, and responsible expansion.

 

Unlike many high-growth stories driven by rapid disruption, Kamboj’s entrepreneurial style is rooted in building strong fundamentals. He is known for prioritising operational depth, governance, and team capability before scaling businesses. This approach has helped Aspect Global Ventures expand its footprint steadily, both within India and internationally, with growing presence across Dubai, Singapore, the US, and the UK.

 

Colleagues describe him as deeply involved in execution, with a clear understanding of ground realities across sectors. Whether working with leadership teams or evaluating new opportunities, Kamboj is known for combining commercial prudence with an ability to spot long-term potential. His experience across diverse industries has enabled him to navigate complex market cycles while maintaining stability and focus.


Beyond business, Mohit Kamboj, through his philanthropic efforts under the MKB Foundation, has consistently dedicated his time and resources to causes rooted in human dignity. The Foundation works in areas that often receive limited attention, including transgender inclusion, supporting initiatives that restore dignity, improve access to basic rights, and promote social acceptance. Its work also includes temple restoration and initiatives that ensure dignified last rites for unclaimed bodies, reflecting a strong commitment to compassion, cultural values, and social responsibility.

 

A strong spiritual believer, Kamboj attributes much of his resilience and clarity to inner discipline and faith. This grounding influences his leadership style, measured, calm, and forward-looking, especially in high-pressure environments. He believes that balance is essential for sustained performance, both at an individual and organisational level.

 

An avid traveller, Kamboj draws inspiration from global cultures and business environments. Exposure to international markets has shaped his understanding of cross-border opportunities and helped him build a global perspective on entrepreneurship, leadership, and collaboration.

 

As Indian enterprises increasingly look outward while strengthening domestic foundations, leaders like Mohit Kamboj reflect a quieter, more deliberate path to success. His journey highlights the value of patience, preparation, and purpose, principles that continue to guide his work across businesses and beyond.

Chitkara University Startups Win Global Attention and Orders at Junicorns 2026

Chitkara University strengthened its global footprint at the Junicorns 2026 Global Innovation Summit – International Finals in Dubai, with five university-incubated startups representing India on the international stage. Their selection reflects the scale, seriousness, and global readiness of Chitkara University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, grounded in market relevance, execution strength, and long-term value creation.

 

Chitkara University Startups shine at Junicorns 2026 Global Finals in Dubai

 

At the international finals, the startups presented their ventures before a global audience of investors, industry leaders, ecosystem enablers, and institutional stakeholders. The engagement moved beyond pitching into focused discussions on scalability, cross-border expansion, and sustainable growth, resulting in valuable global market insights, mentorship, and early commercial and collaboration interest.

 

Among the participating ventures, Klakoach, a Chitkara University-incubated startup, received special recognition at the summit for its strong problem clarity, market understanding, and execution-driven approach. In another significant outcome, Archlab Techfab Pvt. Ltd. secured multiple commercial orders from the Group Chairman of a Dubai-based multinational corporation, underlining tangible market validation at a global platform.

 

The journey from the National Finals in Hyderabad to the International Finals in Dubai demonstrates the preparedness of Chitkara University startups to compete and perform in international markets. The ecosystem emphasises building strong fundamentals that enable startups to engage confidently with global stakeholders.

 

The university delegation was led by Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University. The delegation participated in focused dialogues with global leaders and ecosystem enablers on institution-led innovation, international partnerships, and the role of universities in supporting scalable enterprises.

 

During the summit, Dr. Madhu Chitkara was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the President of the International Startup Foundation, recognising her sustained contribution to education, entrepreneurship, and nation-building on a global platform.

 

Global platforms like Junicorns test the depth of a startup, not just its pitch. Our teams demonstrated clarity, execution capability, and readiness to engage with international markets,” said Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University.

 

Chitkara University’s participation at Junicorns 2026 highlights its continued focus on building startups that are prepared to compete, collaborate, and scale across global markets.

 

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a distinguished private institution known for its commitment to fostering academic excellence, research, and innovation across various disciplines. With a focus on creating leaders of tomorrow, the university offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.

 

For more information visit: www.chitkara.edu.in.

Duville Estates Acknowledged for Vision, Quality, and Design Leadership at The Economic Times Business Awards

Duville Estates Private Limited, a distinguished real estate brand and the name behind the landmark 31-acre Riverdale micro-township in Kharadi, Pune, has been recognised with three prestigious honours at The Economic Times Business Awards. The recognition highlights the company’s sustained focus on future-ready planning, disciplined execution, and design-led development across residential and commercial segments.

 

Mr. Tushad B. Dubash, Director, Duville Estates


Duville Estates was honoured in the categories of Visionary Real Estate Development in Micro-Township, Excellence in Quality Processes & Delivery (Residential & Commercial), and Excellence in Design-Thinking Application (Residential & Commercial). Together, these accolades reflect the company’s integrated approach to building large-scale urban environments that balance long-term planning, operational rigour, and thoughtful design.


The recognition for visionary development acknowledges the foresight with which Duville Estates and the Dubash family identified a rare 31-acre riverfront land parcel in Kharadi when this micro market was yet a green field. Conceived as a comprehensive micro-township, the 31-acre development was master planned to cater to the demands of differently sized homes that would straddle wide range of income and value. The hallmark of the master planning at Riverdale are the expansive riverfront and open city views available in the increasing dense urban corridor. Designed to function as a self-sustained ecosystem while remaining closely connected to Kharadi’s business district, the development has steadily evolved into one of East Pune’s most desirable riverfront addresses.


This vision is reinforced through robust quality processes embedded across every stage of development. From the engagement of experienced structural consultants and the deployment of specialised in-house construction and quality supervision teams to stringent material evaluations, safety systems, and sustainability practices, Duville Engineering has institutionalised a disciplined approach to execution. Underpinning this is the company’s belief that design thinking shapes every decision guiding master planning, building orientation, elevation, circulation, spatial efficiency, and community movement. This philosophy is reflected in east–west aligned towers planned along the sun path, efficient zero-wastage layouts, all-corner residences, enhanced ventilation, and carefully planned balconies and shared spaces, resulting in developments that are efficient, sustainable, and designed for long-term liveability.


Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Tushad B. Dubash, Director, Duville Estates, said, “Our approach goes beyond constructing buildings; it is about shaping environments that function seamlessly for the people who inhabit them. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to responsible planning, strong processes, and design-led development that stand the test of times. As we continue to evolve, our focus remains on building with purpose, consistency, and a long-term perspective.”


The evolving Riverdale micro-township remains central to this philosophy. Riverdale Heights offers contemporary high-rise living supported by thoughtfully curated amenities, while Riverdale Residences emphasises spacious planning and comfort-driven layouts. Riverdale Suites addresses compact and efficient living formats, and Riverdale Grove introduces a mix of residential typologies that cater to diverse lifestyle needs within a green, neighbourhood-oriented setting.


Anchoring the township’s premium offering, Riverdale Grand represents Duville Estates most refined residential living within Riverdale. Envisioned as an exclusive 3BHK gated community, it is designed with an emphasis on sustainability, architectural detailing, and elevated living experiences. Riverdale Grand combines expansive layouts, enhanced privacy, and carefully considered materials to deliver residences that align with discerning urban lifestyles.


Complementing the residential ecosystem, Duville Melava Avenue, and Duville Melava High-street, form one of the most impressive retail high-street establishments in all of east Pune. Designed to enhance accessibility and everyday convenience, Melava supports both community interaction and economic activity, reinforcing the township’s integrated character.


With its continued emphasis on thoughtful planning, robust processes, and design-driven development, Duville Estates is strengthening Riverdale as a cohesive micro-township that brings together living, working, and community engagement within a well-considered urban environment.


About Duville Estates
Duville Estates is a renowned real estate developer operating in Mumbai and Pune. Recognized for delivering high-quality residential and commercial properties, the company is committed to redefining urban living through exceptional building design, modern amenities, and a customer-first approach. The company has been responsible for transforming the urban landscape through the creation and delivery of benchmarks in the markets it operates in. 


Its ‘Design-Thinking’ processes and application reflect its commitment and planning that goes into the building elevation design, the master plan and the residential community design that deliver exceedingly well-planned residential developments. The ‘Design-Thinking’ process also reflects the research and customer need by delivering zero-wastage apartments and the lifestyle amenities that are substantive of its customer-first approach.


Driven by the core values of ethics, trust, and transparency, Duville Estates focuses on exceeding customer expectations. Its flagship 31-acre micro-township, Riverdale, exemplifies this vision with the delivery of completed projects such as Riverdale Heights, Riverdale Residences, and Riverdale Suites, as well as upcoming projects like Riverdale Grove and Riverdale Grand.


Duville Estates adopts a methodical approach towards Sustainability with the 1st phase of Riverdale having achieved an IGBC Gold Certification and the 2nd phase being awarded a Platinum Certification by ASSOCHAM – GEM (Green Energy Management), the highest green building certification, making it one of the very few Five-Star Pre-Certified residential projects in Pune.

Chemco Group Commissions Rs. 125 Crore rPET Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling Facility in Gujarat

Chemco Group, one of India’s leading plastic packaging manufacturers, has commissioned a state-of-the-art food-grade rPET recycling facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition towards a circular plastics economy. The project represents a capital investment of approximately Rs. 125 crore and positions Chemco among a select group of Indian companies offering true end-to-end bottle-to-bottle recycling at industrial scale.

 

Starlinger recycling line at Chemco Group’s food-grade rPET facility in Sanand, Gujarat

 

The facility is designed to recycle over 1 billion post-consumer PET bottles annually, converting them back into high-quality, food-grade recycled PET (rPET) suitable for direct food and beverage packaging applications. With this commissioning, Chemco significantly strengthens India’s domestic capability to replace virgin plastic with certified recycled material while maintaining stringent quality and safety standards.

 

Located in the industrial hub of Sanand, the plant has been developed to meet global regulatory expectations. The recycled PET produced at the facility is US FDA and EFSA approved, and fully compliant with FSSAI requirements for food-contact applications in India. In addition, the operations adhere to all applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) governing plastic recycling and recycled PET materials, reinforcing Chemco’s commitment to regulatory excellence and product integrity.

 

This facility represents a strategic shift in how Chemco approaches sustainability,” said Mr. Vaibhav Saraogi, Managing Director, Chemco Group. “Rather than treating recycling as an external dependency, we have built a fully integrated bottle-to-bottle ecosystem that gives our customers confidence in supply security, traceability, and compliance. This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in the future of responsible packaging.”

 

The commissioning of this plant comes at a time when global brands and regulators are intensifying their focus on recycled content, carbon reduction, and circularity. By establishing in-house recycling capabilities, Chemco enables its brand partners to meet recycled-content mandates, extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations, and sustainability commitments without compromising on performance or food safety.

 

The Sanand facility has been developed as a closed-loop operation, ensuring complete control across the recycling value chain. This integrated approach enhances traceability, reduces dependency on external suppliers, and lowers the environmental impact associated with long logistics routes. The scale of operations also allows Chemco to deliver consistent quality and volumes required by large beverage, FMCG, and food brands.

 

Beyond environmental impact, the project delivers meaningful industrial and regional benefits. The facility generates skilled employment, strengthens Gujarat’s position as a manufacturing and sustainability hub, and contributes to India’s broader objectives of waste reduction, resource efficiency, and circular manufacturing.

 

Chemco Group brings over three decades of experience in PET packaging to this initiative, supplying rigid and flexible packaging solutions to leading domestic and international brands. The addition of large-scale rPET recycling further consolidates Chemco’s position as a long-term partner for companies seeking credible, compliant, and scalable sustainable packaging solutions.

 

As demand for food-grade recycled materials continues to rise across global markets, Chemco plans to leverage this platform to support higher recycled-content applications and future capacity expansions. The company’s approach remains firmly focused on combining industrial scale with regulatory discipline and environmental responsibility.

 

With the commissioning of its Sanand rPET facility, Chemco Group takes a decisive step forward in closing the loop on PET packaging, transforming waste into a valuable resource and reinforcing its role as a leader in India’s circular plastics ecosystem.

 

For more information about Chemco Group, please visit www.chemcogroup.com

 

About Chemco Group

Chemco Group is an international manufacturing group with over four decades of operating history across plastics and polymer-based products. The Group operates manufacturing facilities across India and the Gulf region, serving leading domestic and global brands. Chemco’s diversified portfolio includes rigid and flexible packaging, technical textiles, medical devices, and baby care products. With strong capabilities in PET packaging and sustainable solutions, including food-grade recycled PET, the Group is focused on regulatory compliance, quality manufacturing, circularity, and long-term value creation.

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Dhirubhai Ambani University Confers 649 Degrees at its 20th Convocation Ceremony

Dhirubhai Ambani University (DAU), formerly DA-IICT, held its 20th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday at its Gandhinagar campus, awarding degrees to 649 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Professor Emeritus, Department of Electrical Engineering, and former Director of IIT Madras, was the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address.

 

Dhirubhai Ambani University Confers 649 Degrees at its 20th Convocation Ceremony

 

The ceremony was presided over by Ambassador T. S. Tirumurti, Member of the Board of Governors. The event was also attended by the university’s senior leadership, including Prof. (Dr.) Tathagata Bandyopadhyay, Director General; Dr. G. Venkatesh, Director, School of Technology; Prof. (Dr.) Avinash Dadhich, Director, School of Law; and Shri Siddharth Swaminarayan, Executive Registrar, along with other eminent dignitaries, faculty members, and staff.

 

The graduating cohort included 348 students from B.Tech (ICT) B.Tech (Mathematics & Computing), B.Tech (Honours) in ICT with minor in Computational Science and B.Tech (EVD).

 

A total of 295 postgraduate degrees were awarded across M.Tech (ICT), M.Tech (EC), M.Sc (IT), M.Sc (Data Science), M.Sc (Agriculture Analytics), and M.Des (Communication Design) programmes. Additionally, 6 scholars received Ph.D. degrees.

 

The celebrations commenced on January 16 with a Pre-Convocation Award Ceremony, which recognised academic and professional distinction. The event featured the presentation of the Faculty Appreciation Award 2025 and the Student Research Excellence Award 2025, alongside the felicitation of students for their outstanding achievements in co-curricular activities.

 

A special message from the President of Dhirubhai Ambani University, Tina Anil Ambani, was shared with the graduating class. In her message, she emphasised that while you continue to push the envelope in terms of technology-driven innovation, let human-centred design be your differentiator. She further added that while chasing your goals, never lose sight of your greatest asset: your health. Physical and mental health underpin every endeavour you embark upon and shore you up in times of stress and struggle. So, be proactive; nurture your bodies and nourish your minds.

 

Marking its 25-year journey, the University has instituted the Distinguished Alumni Award to recognise alumni who have demonstrated exemplary professional excellence and meaningful societal contribution. The inaugural award has been conferred upon Mr. Pavitar Singh, a 2005 B.Tech (ICT) graduate, in recognition of his notable achievements and long-standing association with DAU. The formal presentation of the award will take place at a dedicated felicitation ceremony to be held separately.

 

The convocation highlighted DAU’s evolution into a multidisciplinary institution and its role in shaping talent across engineering, data science, agriculture analytics, design, and research domains.

 

For more information, please visit:

YouTube Live Link: www.youtube.com/live/svnspfjC-84

Website Page: www.daiict.ac.in/20th-convocation-dhirubhai-ambani-university

Coimbatore's Carnatic Musician Meena Subramanian Receives "Kovai Subri Muruga Gana Award" from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for her Lifetime Contribution to Carnatic Music

Eminent Carnatic Musician Smt. Meena Subramanian, senior disciple of Sangeetha Kalanidhi MLV Vasanthakumari has been conferred the “Kovai Subri Muruga Gana Award” by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra on Monday 12th January, 2026. 

 

Shri. N.V.Nagasubramaniam, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra is presenting awards to Smt. Meena Subramanian (3rd from left) & Dr. Soumya (4th from left)

 

Srimathi Meena Subramanian was honoured and recognised for her exceptional contribution to Carnatic music along with Dr.Soumya at the inauguration of “29th Pongal Music Festival” in Coimbatore. The award recognizes her outstanding contribution to Carnatic music through her mellifluous renditions, imparting Carnatic music to a large student community to preserve Carnatic music for the future, producing special features like Tirupavai, Tiruvambavai, music workshops, lecture-demonstrations, scholarly work, and collaborations with legendary musicians. Meena Subramanian was renowned in Coimbatore and Kongunadu as one of the senior disciples of her Guru Sangeetha Kalanidhi M L Vasanthakumari and bringing the ‘MLV bani’ to Coimbatore. 

 

Smt. Meena Subramanian


The award was presented by Sri. N. V. Nagasubramaniam, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra. He said in the past 50 years Smt. Meena Subramanian’s contribution to Carnatic music has been phenomenal. Her unique and incredible voice and her clear diction, knowledge of Tamil and Sanskrit are her assets and she has carved a niche for herself from a very young age. He emphasised this award and also recognised her effort in perpetuating Carnatic music in Kongunadu through her music and building a strong student community to preserve Carnatic music for the future.


She has several awards to her credit.

Music Academy 1989

Most promising artist

Krishna Gana Sabha 1989

GN Balasubramanian Award

Government of Tamil Nadu 2001

ISAI Madhumani Award

 

Navarathna Award

 

About Meena Subramanian:
Smt. Meena Subramanian is a highly regarded Carnatic Musician from Coimbatore. With an initial training in vocal music from Sri Ramakrishnan, and later with the popular Kannan brothers of Coimbatore, she honed her expertise further under the tutelage of Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. M.L.Vasanthakumari, and remained her senior disciple, performing several concerts across the globe with her Guru as well as on her own.


She is an ‘A’- grade artiste of the All India Radio. Her melodious voice, imaginative alapanas, and exemplary command over laya helped her carve a special place in the field of Carnatic music. She has performed in all major sabhas like the Music Academy, Madras, Krishna Ganga Sabha, Mylapore fine Arts, Shanmugananda Sabha, all over the world including in USA, Europe, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Australia. She has accompanied Dr.MLV in her concerts in London at the Royal Albert Hall.


Meena Subramanian graduated from Queen Mary’s College, Chennai, and holds a postgraduate degree in Carnatic Music from Mother Teresa University. She served as a staff artiste of the All India Radio, Coimbatore, from 1985 to 2001. She is a recipient of several awards and honours. She is a well-known Guru who has stewarded many budding musicians.

Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled Celebrates 37 Years of Empowerment and Excellence

Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled (RMSD), a free residential school for visually impaired girls, proudly hosted its 37th Annual Day Celebrations today at the Sita Auditorium on the school premises.

 

Students of Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled perform a classical dance during the 37th Annual Day celebrations in Mysuru

 

The event was inaugurated by Sri Nataraj S., Joint Director, Directorate for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, who also presided over the prize distribution ceremony. He was joined by Sri Raghavendra K.S., DDWO, Department of Empowerment of Differently Abled & Senior Citizens, Mysuru, and Sri R. Guru, Chairman, RMSD.

 

Dr. Ashoka D.R, K.A.S, Director, Directorate for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Bangalore, connected online to address the students and parents, as he was unable to attend in person due to work commitments.

 

Speaking at the Annual Day Celebration Sri Nataraj S., Joint Director, Directorate for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens said, “Ranga Rao Memorial School stands as a model of compassionate education. The students here are not just learning they are leading us toward a society that values dignity, accessibility, and equal opportunity.  I deeply appreciate RMSD’s commitment to nurturing independence and dignity among visually impaired girls. The school continues to be a beacon of hope, offering holistic education, vocational training, and emotional support to its students.”

 

On the occasion Mr. R. Guru, Chairman, NR Foundation said, “Each Annual Day reminds us why this school exists to empower, to uplift, and to celebrate the limitless potential of our girls. Their courage and creativity inspire us to build a more inclusive tomorrow, where every child is seen, heard, and celebrated.”

 

The evening featured a spirited cultural programme by the students, showcasing their talent and confidence through classical dance, folk performances, martial arts demonstrations, skits, and multilingual medleys. Among these, the technology-enabled skit performed by differently abled students emerged as the main attraction, drawing admiration for its innovative use of assistive tools and creative storytelling. The theme of the evening celebrated resilience, inclusion, and the transformative power of education.

 

The Annual Day reaffirmed RMSD’s legacy of empowerment, drawing heartfelt applause from attendees and reinforcing the importance of inclusive education in building a compassionate society.

Chandigarh University Launches 'CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship' for Family Members of Defense Personnel

As a part of the 78th Army Day celebrations, Chandigarh University (CU) launched ‘CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship’ for extending financial support to the children of Indian Defence and Paramilitary personnel pursuing world class online higher education by enrolling for any of the 12 internationally-recognized undergraduate and postgraduate online degree  programs being offered by ‘CU Online’.

 

Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps during the launch of ‘CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship’ at Chandigarh University

 

The dignitaries who graced the launch of the ‘CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship’ included Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps, Brigadier (Dr) Gagan Deep Singh Baath, Executive Director (Student Affairs & Administration) and Professor of Management, Chandigarh University and Dr Gurpreet Singh, Director, Chandigarh University.

 

Sharing details of CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship scheme, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, “Family members of serving, retired, and martyred soldiers will be eligible for benefits of this scholarship scheme which will cover Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) including CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB, Assam Rifles, NSG, SPG and other paramilitary units.

 

This scholarship is applicable for all 12 online degree programs being offered by CU Online including BBA, BCA, MBA (General), MBA (Business Analytics), MCA, BA JMC, BBA BA, MSc Data Science, MA English, MA Economics, MSc Maths, and MA JMC. For availing the benefit pf ‘CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship’, eligible applicants will need to visit web portal of the CU Online (www.onlinecu.in), select an online degree program, upload proof of parent’s service and select ‘Defense Service – Jai Jawan’ under the scholarship section.   This initiative by Chandigarh University is a step towards empowering military families by providing access to world-class online education. It will not only promote digital education but also ensure that no child of a soldier is deprived of education due to financial reasons. Our National Cadet Corps unit has 373 cadets belonging to all three wings of the NCC – Army Wing, Navy Wing, and Air Force Wing – of which 40 % are girls. As many as 43 cadets trained at NCC wing of CU has been commissioned as officers in all three wings of Indian Armed Forces,” he added.

 

 On the occasion,  in his keynote address on “War, Will and Wisdom: India’s Evolving Military Thought in an Age of Strategic Uncertainty”,  the Chief Guest Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps, said India have a befitting reply to Pakistan for the Pahalgam  terror attack with Operation Sindoor and achieved the desired success by making it clear that  terrorism will no longer be tolerated and anyone who helps terrorists will pay a heavy price for it.

 

With Operation Sindoor, we have made it clear that if terror attacks like Pahalgam don’t stop, ghar mein ghus ke marenge (we will strike even inside their homes).  But everyone is asking why did we stop (Operation Sindoor) on 10th May (2025) ? Why didn’t we completely destroy Pakistan? The whole western world was up against India after operation Sindoor.  America thought it was the monitor of the world but we didn’t seek their permission to start the operation or took them on board for Operation Sindoor. We decided and we acted. After acting, we told them (US). So, they were very antagonised. They thought how can you (India) do it? We stopped Operation Sindoor at a particular point because it has achieved its objective as the biggest and most successful operation in Indian history against terrorism and it suited us to stop this Operation,”.

 

In response to Uri attack, we crossed the LoC and conducted a surgical strike across the border. After Pulwama attack, we sent the Air Force and targeted terrorist infrastructure in Balakot. After Pahalgam attack, we attacked nine targets 300-400 kilometers inside Pakistan. All this was done in ‘proportion’. Why did we stop (Operation Sindoor) on May 10th? There were profound reasons behind this. The financial year begins in April, and the crops were standing in the fields. A war at that time could have set our economy back by 20 years. To become a developed nation by 2047, we need sustained economic growth.  We acted of our own volition and stopped Operation Sindoor according to our strategic needs,” he added.

 

On this occasion, an Indian Army Infantry Small Arms Exhibition at Chandigarh University provided students first-hand exposure to the professionalism, technology, and operational ethos of the Indian Army. This exhibition by Indian Army showcased modern and upgraded weapons used by the army, including BFSR TI camera, 81 mm mortar, ATGM unified launcher and 7.52 mm MAG 58 machine gun. The exhibition also featured lethal weapons such as the Automatic Grenade Launcher-17, 7.62 Dragunov sniper rifle, .338 SAKO TRG 42 sniper rifle, 7.62 mm Negev LMG, 7.62 mm SIG rifle, 7.62 mm AK-203 rifle, and 5.56 mm INSAS rifle.

 

 About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

 

Website address:  www.cuchd.in.

Avik Agrawal from Mumbai bags the 'Spell Master of India' Title at SBI Life Spell Bee Season 15

SBI Life Spell Bee, one of India’s long-running spelling competitions, concluded its Grand Finale, marking the successful culmination of the 15th edition of the initiative in association with Mirchi. Eleven-year-old, Master Avik Agrawal, from Bombay Scottish School, Powai, Mumbai, emerged as the winner, through a gruelling competition that witnessed participation from over 1.25 lakh students across 300 schools nationwide, earning him the prestigious ‘Spell Master of India’ national title.

 

Amit Jhingran – MD & CEO, SBI Life, Nupur Jhingran, Avik Agrawal, Mandira Bedi, Sumonto Chattopadhyay, Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communications and CSR, SBI Life

 

The Grand Finale, hosted by Indian actor, fashion designer and television presenter Ms. Mandira Bedi, witnessed an engaging face-off among the country’s top young spellers, who advanced through multiple competitive rounds testing spelling accuracy, vocabulary, and presence of mind. Kushagra Pandey, age 13 years from The Millennium School, Lucknow, was declared the First Runner-Up, while Jasmine Jonwal, age 13 years from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Pratap Nagar, Jaipur, secured the Second Runner-Up position. All the finalists demonstrated strong language skills and consistency throughout the competition.

 

As the National winner, Avik Agrawal was awarded a cash prize of INR 1,00,000, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to Disneyland, Hong Kong, as a recognition for his performance and progression through the competition.

 

This year’s edition was anchored around the theme ‘Bee Spellionaire’, which positions knowledge and language skills as a form of long-term value for young learners. The concept underscores the role of spelling and vocabulary in building confidence, clarity of expression, and critical thinking among students. Through this initiative, SBI Life continues to provide structured platforms that encourages learning beyond classrooms and supports the holistic development of our future leaders.

 

Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communications and CSR at SBI Life Insurance, said, “The theme of SBI Life Spell Bee, ‘Bee Spellionaire’, reflects our endeavour to create intellectual wealth for our future leaders by enriching their vocabulary and introducing them to new words that expand knowledge and sharpen articulation. This growing richness of language fosters confidence and clarity, empowering young Spellionaires to express their thoughts and vision, to carve a better future for themselves and the nation. At SBI Life, we describe this spirit of progress as ‘Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye’.

 

He further added, “Platforms such as the SBI Life Spell Bee engage young learners by nurturing curiosity, competence and confidence – qualities that are fundamental to building a confident nation. We are humbled by the enthusiastic nationwide participation in the 15th edition of SBI Life Spell Bee, the promising performances offer a glimpse into the potential of our enterprising future leaders.”

 

Avik Agrawal, ‘Spell Master of India’ -SBI Life Spell Bee Season 15, said, “It was enriching to meet so many children from across the country, and I have learnt a lot from this experience. I am grateful to the organizers for giving me this opportunity and platform”.

 

Commenting on the Grand Finale, Mr. Yatish Mehrishi, CEO, Entertainment Network (India) Limited, said, “Season 15 of Spell Bee showcased some of the country’s finest young spellers. The new gamified format and engaging finale experiences helped us connect more deeply with students. It is encouraging to see the continued support of schools, parents, teachers and students in making Spell Bee India’s largest spelling competition. Mirchi remains committed to enriching the lives of students through experiential properties like Spell Bee.”

 

SBI Life Spell Bee witnessed participation from students across multiple cities and schools, with the competition conducted through several stages including school-level, city-level, regional, and national rounds. The National Grand Finale was aired on Jiostar and simulcast on Nickelodeon, Nick HD+ and Sonic, extending the reach of the initiative to audiences across the country.

 

About SBI Life Insurance

SBI Life Insurance (‘SBI Life’ / ‘The Company’), one of the most trusted life insurance companies in India, was incorporated in October 2000 and is registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001.

 

Serving millions of families across India, SBI Life’s diverse range of products caters to individuals as well as group customers through Protection, Pension, Savings and Health solutions.

 

Driven by ‘Customer-First’ approach, SBI Life places great emphasis on maintaining world-class operating efficiency and providing hassle-free claim settlement experience to its customers by following high ethical standards of service. Additionally, SBI Life is committed to enhance digital experiences for its customers, distributors and employees alike.

 

SBI Life strives to make insurance accessible to all, with its extensive presence across the country through its 1,154 offices, 28,534 employees, a large and productive network of about 268,792 agents, 73 corporate agents and 9 bancassurance partners with more than 40,000 partner branches, 149 brokers and other insurance marketing firms.

 

In addition to doing what’s right for the customers, the company is also committed to provide a healthy and flexible work environment for its employees to excel personally and professionally.

 

SBI Life strongly encourages a culture of giving back to the society and has made substantial contribution in the areas of child education, healthcare, disaster relief and environmental upgrade. In 2024-25, the Company touched over 53,000 direct beneficiaries through various CSR interventions.

 

Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (‘BSE’) and the National Stock Exchange (‘NSE’), the company has an authorized capital of Rs. 20.0 billion and a paid-up capital of Rs. 10.0 billion. The AuM is Rs. 4,814.6 billion.

 

For more information, please visit our website-www.sbilife.co.in and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

(Numbers & data mentioned above are for the period ended September 30, 2025)