• Robot-assisted surgery will be offered across oncology, gastrointestinal, urology, thoracic, gynaecology and complex general surgery specialties

• The hospital will use the advanced SSi Mantra system, featuring modular robotic arms and high-definition 3D imaging for enhanced surgical precision

Billroth Hospitals, one of the city’s leading multispeciality centres and a pioneer in advanced laparoscopic and laser procedures, has launched its Institute of Robotic Surgery, marking a major expansion of its minimally invasive surgical capabilities. The facility will use the SSi Mantra 3, an India-made next-generation surgical robot designed by SS Innovations, to perform a wide range of procedures with greater precision and improved patient outcomes.

Billroth Hospitals Launches Institute of Robotic Surgery to Deliver High-Precision, Cost-Effective Care

The robotic platform will be deployed across oncology, gastrointestinal surgery, urology, thoracic surgery, gynaecology and complex general surgery. The SSi Mantra 3 will also support intricate operations involving the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, biliary system, intestines, rectum, anal canal and urological organs such as the kidney, ureter, bladder and prostate. It will further aid minimally invasive interventions for reproductive tract conditions, retroperitoneal tumours and tumours of the chest.

The hospital said that the system will enhance its capabilities in performing complex hernia repairs, bile duct exploration, diaphragmatic repair, hiatus hernia fundoplication, metabolic and bariatric surgery, hysterectomy and tubal reimplantation. High-end procedures such as liver transplantation and cardiac bypass are also expected to benefit from the dexterity and stability offered by the robotic arms.

The SSi Mantra 3 features 3 to 5 fully modular robotic arms and supports more than 40 robotic endo-surgical instruments, enabling surgeons to tailor the setup to each operation. Its open-face console includes a 32-inch 3D 4K display, ergonomic controls and head-tracking safety, offering enhanced visual clarity and steadier control during long or complex surgeries.

In his comments, Dr. Rajesh Jeganathan, Chairman, Billroth Hospitals said, “We are pleased to launch a centre of excellence for robot-assisted surgery. Our goal is to democratise minimally invasive care by making it accessible and affordable for our patients. Those who require laparoscopic procedures should consider robotic surgery, as both follow the same minimally invasive principles. With a robot-assisted approach, even complex operations can be performed more safely, with faster recovery and shorter hospital stays – ultimately reducing overall treatment costs. This is especially beneficial for cancer patients who need intricate resections or long surgical hours. The minimally invasive technique also enables patients to get out of bed the very next day, significantly supporting quicker recovery.”

He further added that robotic technology significantly enhances surgical precision. Unlike conventional open surgery, robotic systems provide a highly magnified, 10x enlarged 4K 3D view that offers exceptional clarity while preserving the depth perception of open procedures. The stable robotic platform minimises unintended hand movements, enabling greater accuracy and reducing blood loss. With a range of motion that exceeds natural human limits, the robotic arms can bend and rotate to access difficult-to-reach areas with ease. Importantly, surgeons operate from an ergonomically designed console, which reduces fatigue and allows for steadier control during long or complex surgeries.

For more details, please visit: www.billrothhospitals.com.

About Billroth Hospital

Billroth Hospital was founded by the late Dr. V. Jeganathan on November 30, 1990, beginning as a modest 30-bed facility. Within six years, it expanded with an additional 70 beds, eventually growing into a 650-bed multi-specialty hospital. Guided by Dr. Jeganathan’s vision, the hospital remains committed to delivering quality, affordable healthcare to people from all walks of life. This mission is upheld by a dedicated team of skilled doctors, advanced medical technology and well-trained paramedical staff, all working together to ensure comprehensive care and support for every patient.

Digital travel platform Agoda has published its 2026 Travel Outlook Report, spotlighting five key trends and insights that will define the next year of travel across Asia. Agoda’s findings reveal that Asian travelers are increasingly drawn to local adventures and hidden gems at home, while food is rapidly emerging as a major motivator for travel across Asia.
 

Agoda’s 2026 Travel Trends Reveal India’s New Era of ‘Inward Wanderlust’
 

Derived from a survey of Asian travelers as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, the data also reveals that travelers are keen on maximizing value, ensuring every travel dollar is well spent. Travel habits are shifting towards shorter, frequent trips with family, alongside the rise of new trends like micro travel. Against this backdrop, AI has also emerged as a new digital travel companion to help with inspiration and planning.
 

In India, Agoda’s report spotlights a powerful shift toward “inward wanderlust,” as more Indian travelers turn their attention to hidden gems, cultural richness, and meaningful experiences within their own borders.
 

“While frictionless travel continues to fuel outbound ambitions, it’s clear that domestic exploration remains firmly on the minds of Indian travelers. Every corner of the country has something novel and exciting to offer, and this renewed curiosity is shaping a more meaningful and more intentional era of travel. This shift is supported by the rise of AI tools that make planning easier and more personalized than ever. India’s travelers are not just exploring more but they are exploring with deeper intention,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda.
 

Agoda’s top five trends defining travel in India in 2026

1. Home is where the adventure begins – Domestic exploration accelerates

If 2026 has a travel anthem for India, it is the renewed call to explore the cultural richness within one’s own country. The popularity of domestic travel continues to rise, with more than a third of Indian travelers (35%) planning to explore more within the country than internationally, an increase from 25% last year.
 

While Indians still enjoy balancing both domestic and international adventures, with 51% planning to do so equally, the growing allure of India’s lesser-known destinations is unmistakable. Unique cultural experiences, lower costs, and fewer crowds rank as the top three reasons Indians prefer secondary destinations over traditional hotspots.
 

2. Indian travelers follow their passions – Relaxation, Adventure, and Culture lead the way

Indians are embracing bolder, more meaningful ways to travel. Their top three motivations for taking a trip in 2026 are relaxation (67%), outdoor adventure and activities (28%), and cultural exploration (26%). Notably, Indian travelers are also the most likely across Asia to embark on spiritual or religious journeys, highlighting a growing desire for reflection, connection, and purpose-driven travel experiences.
 

3. Smart spending and planning shapes travel choices

Value remains a key priority for Indian travelers in 2026. Nearly half (47%) plan to spend INR 5000 or less per night on accommodation, underscoring a strong preference for budget-smart stays. Additionally, if visa restrictions were not a factor when planning travel, Indians’ global ambitions would rise even further, with 84% saying they would travel more often and 91% saying they would be open to exploring new destinations, the highest among their Asian peers.
 

4. Shorter, meaningful getaways with loved ones

For most Indian travelers, 2026 will bring trips that balance convenience with connection. The average trip is expected to last between 4-7 days, ideally spent with family (40%) or with a spouse or partner (34%). These shorter breaks allow travelers to enjoy fulfilling experiences without lengthy time away from work or routine responsibilities, reinforcing the trend toward frequent but compact getaways.
 

5. AI emerges as India’s trusted travel co-pilot

Indians are among Asia’s most enthusiastic adopters of AI in travel. 68% say they are likely to use AI to plan their next trip. 53% say they trust AI-generated information, compared to just 12% who express distrust. Indian travelers are looking to AI for help at every stage of their journey from crafting personalized itineraries to discovering local attractions and enabling seamless translations, cementing AI’s role as a dependable digital travel companion.
 

Those making travel plans for 2026 can enjoy Agoda’s offerings of over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all easily combined in a single booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and visit Agoda.com for more information.
 

About the Data

Agoda surveyed 3,353 respondents from nine markets in Asia (India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam). The survey was conducted in October 2025.

About Agoda

Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of 6 million hotels and holiday properties worldwide, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 7,000 staff in 27 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even easier.

For more information, visit www.agoda.com.

Galgotias University commences ‘Galgotias University Model United Nations’ (TGUMUN), marking a significant milestone in its mission to nurture globally aware, articulate, and solution-oriented youth leaders. The two-day conference brought together more than 200 delegates from schools, colleges, and departments across India, transforming the campus into a hub of debate, negotiation, and collaborative policy simulation.
 

Delegates and dignitaries at the inaugural ceremony of TGUMUN, marking the start of a two-day platform for youth diplomacy and global policy discussions
 

The event opened with a ceremonious welcome for the Chief Guest, Maj Gen Dr. Rajan Kochhar, who was received by the NCC Guard of Honour, setting an inspiring tone of discipline and pride. Ms. Geeta Karunakaran, Head of MUN at Galgotias University, addressed the delegates, sharing the vision behind TGUMUN and underscoring the importance of experiential learning platforms that challenge students to think critically and engage with real-world issues.

Maj Gen Dr. Kochhar said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Galgotias University and the organising committee for hosting an event of such academic and leadership value. MUN conferences play a vital role in shaping responsible youth by encouraging them to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy. TGUMUN reflects the University’s dedication to offering experiential learning that truly prepares students for global citizenship.”

The Secretary-General, Ms. Kashish Wadhawan, formally declared the conference open, paving the way for intense rounds of debate and stimulating discussions across multiple committees.

TGUMUN featured committees including UNGA, UNHRC, UNEP, UNODC, UNCSW, AIPPM, and International Press, where delegates engaged with real-world geopolitical, environmental, gender, and national policy challenges. Deliberations ranged from human rights issues and interstate security concerns to gender equality reforms and social media regulation. The International Press captured the conference through detailed reports, photographs, and creative illustrations, reflecting the energy and vibrancy of the sessions.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, congratulated the delegates and emphasized the importance of such platforms in shaping future leaders. “Initiatives like TGUMUN encourage students to embrace diplomacy, critical thinking, and global citizenship. It is inspiring to see young minds engage so meaningfully in dialogue and decision-making processes that mirror real-world governance. Their passion and clarity of thought reaffirm our commitment to nurturing talent that stands out on national and global stages,” he said.

By the conclusion of Day 1, delegates wrapped up their initial rounds debate, setting the stage for deeper negotiations for Day 2. Committees will reconvene tomorrow to continue discussions and work towards draft resolutions.

Galgotias University continues to reinforce its position as one of India’s leading institutions for quality and future-ready education. The University’s emphasis on experiential learning, through initiatives like TGUMUN, innovation labs, global collaborations, and interdisciplinary projects, ensures holistic student development. Galgotias University remains committed to nurturing capable, confident, and socially responsible leaders equipped to excel in a rapidly evolving world.

About Galgotias University 

Galgotias University Among the World’s Leading Universities in QS and THE Rankings.

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities – public and private combined – this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education.

Anant National University announces the launch of Mooo Fest, an international moving image festival designed exclusively for students and creative academics. The five-day academic event marks a significant milestone in Anant’s commitment to expanding students’ creative horizons and equipping them with a global, future-oriented understanding of cinema and moving image practices.

Anant National University Launches Mooo Fest, a Global Platform Shaping the Future of Film Education and Creative Exchange

Through live-action filmmaking, animation, sound design, text-based storytelling and emerging media technologies, Mooo Fest 1.0 offers an immersive and transformative learning experience for students, encouraging them to view cinema as an evolving language that blends creative expression with technology.

Sharing the university’s vision for the festival, Prof Sekhar Mukherjee, Professor and Programme Lead, Moving Image, School of Design, Anant National University, said, “Mooo Fest is a celebration of creativity, curiosity and collaboration. It deepens our students’ understanding of moving image and prepares them for the rapidly evolving cinematic and media industries. By bringing global perspectives to our campus, the festival enriches our students’ worldviews while keeping their practice rooted in context.”

The inaugural edition welcomes leading artists, educators, animators and practitioners from India and around the world, including Gailė Cijūnaitytė, an interdisciplinary artist from VilAA, Lithuania; Prof Gintarė Valevičiūtė Brazauskienė, artist and Associate Professor at Vilnius Academy of the Arts, Lithuania; Prof Isabel Herguera, animation director and educator, KHM, Germany; Prof Hans Koch, Sound Design, KHM, Germany; Silas Hickey, Founder of Custom Nuts Studio, Tokyo, Japan; award-winning animator Vaibhav Kumaresh; visual artist and educator Francoise Chalet from HSLU, Switzerland; Prateek Sethi, Board of Studies Member and Founder Director of Trip Creative Service in Mumbai and master students from KHM Germany, among others. Their participation transforms Mooo Fest into a vibrant global exchange of ideas, methods and artistic approaches, enriching both dialogue and practice.

Strengthening Anant’s existing relationships with its international academic partners, the festival becomes a platform for deepening collaboration and reimagining how filmmaking is taught and learnt. Through workshops conducted by global practitioners, panel discussions on contemporary and emerging practices, screenings of films from around the world and informal interactions between students, faculty, filmmakers and media artists, Mooo creates a continuous loop of observation, engagement, critique and creation.

Mooo also brings an intellectual depth to its programming. It acknowledges that visuals and sound have shaped human experience since the earliest civilisations. In today’s digital era, arguably the most recorded and documented period in human history, the moving image plays a profound role in shaping communication, culture and collective memory. By placing student learning within this broader historical and societal context, the festival positions moving image as both an artistic expression and a vital contemporary language.

The fest reflects Anant’s commitment to creating a holistic learning environment that is grounded in the local context while remaining globally relevant. True to Anant’s mission of preparing solutionaries equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the future, the festival brings together industry leaders, academicians, researchers, students and the wider Anant community on a single platform to celebrate the moving image, share knowledge and advance creative inquiry.

With this inaugural edition, Anant reaffirms its role as a forward-looking, innovation-driven university, one that nurtures creativity, encourages experimentation and empowers students to engage meaningfully with the rapidly evolving cinematic and media landscapes.

About Anant National University

Anant National University, India’s premier design university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. Anant follows the DesignX pedagogy, where ‘X’ is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions.

Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries — revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset.

Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious ‘5-Star Rating’ in the category of Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence.

India’s digital marketing environment is undergoing rapid change. Algorithmic shifts, rising media costs, and evolving audience behaviour are prompting brands to reconsider traditional approaches. In a landscape where authentic, straightforward communication often performs better than heavily produced content, adaptability has become essential.

Vipluv Rana and Neha Rana Co-founders 28 DigiTech

Operating within this shift is 28 DigiTech, a young agency established six months ago by Neha Rana and Vipluv Rana, professionals with nearly 15 years of experience in digital strategy and communication. The agency was formed with the intention of responding to the changing expectations of digital audiences and the increasing need for agile content and campaign design.

In a short period, 28 DigiTech has worked with a number of institutions in India’s higher education sector, a category that places significant emphasis on credibility and targeted communication. Its growing client list includes:

KIIT University, IIT Bombay Educational Outreach, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Krea University, SPJIMR, ISBR, Jindal Global University, Panipat Institute of Engineering & Technology (PIET), Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Maxme, Q&I Today (from the promoters of India Today Group) to name a few.

The agency has also crossed a turnover of ₹1 crore within six months, reflecting steady demand for strategic digital solutions rooted in audience understanding.

Commenting on today’s digital environment, Co-founder Neha Rana states, “The old digital formula doesn’t work anymore. You can’t outspend your way to attention. You have to out-think it. The audience is smarter, faster, and more instinctive than ever so our content has to be, too.”

Adding to this, Co-founder Vipluv Rana explains, “We come from the same world our audience lives in. We know what makes them scroll, skip, and stop because we’re part of that tribe. Our goal is to make an impact and deliver measurable results to our clients.”

The founders further state the approach that defines 28 DigiTech:

Raw Over Refined:
 A focus on communication that prioritises authenticity and real-world relevance.

Agile, Not Aged:
A structure designed for rapid decision-making, enabling campaigns to adapt quickly to changing platform and audience dynamics.

Data-Led Creativity:
 Creative development grounded in insights, performance tracking, and measurable results

Education at the Core:
 A strong and growing presence in the higher education sector, driving measurable outcomes.

Results, Not Rhetoric:
 Campaigns built around effectiveness, relevance, and sustained impact delivering desired reach and ROI

As India’s digital ecosystem expands, organisations are increasingly looking for partners who combine strategic clarity with an understanding of evolving user behaviour. Agencies that can respond quickly to shifts in the digital environment are becoming more relevant to brands seeking sustained visibility and engagement.

Through its early work, 28 DigiTech echoes the industry’s gradual shift toward more adaptive, insight-driven digital communication.The agency’s trajectory highlights the growing importance of responsiveness and audience understanding in shaping contemporary marketing outcomes.

The Shikshagraha movement, a nationwide people-powered effort to improve all one million public schools in India, took a significant stride today as the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) formally joined the movement at Shiksha Samvaad, a convening hosted at the Bangalore International Centre.

Dr. Krithi K. Karanth, Sahil Pimpale, Shruti Shibulal and Neeraj Doddamane unveil the Wild Shaale Educator’s Guidebook at Shiksha Samvaad in Bengaluru

With this, CWS becomes a lead contributor to advancing environmental consciousness as an essential dimension of education quality, climate readiness and children’s well-being. The move signals growing recognition that preparing India’s young citizens for the future requires strengthening their relationship with nature, wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on.

Highlights from Shiksha Samvaad

The event brought together educators, conservationists, policymakers and school system leaders to reflect on how environmental consciousness can become a defining component of education quality in India. The Samvaad marked the launch of several movement-wide assets:

• Centre for Wildlife Studies officially joins the Shikshagraha movement, advancing shared efforts to embed environmental consciousness in education.

• Educator Guidebook (Vol.I) released for implementation within Karnataka’s curriculum. The Wild Shaale Educator’s Guidebook is a simple, activity-based resource that helps teachers bring environmental learning into everyday classroom practice. Built through years of field experience, it offers easy, hands-on activities that encourage children to explore nature, ask questions, and connect with local wildlife. Designed for educators of all backgrounds, it supports small yet meaningful actions that build environmental awareness as a natural part of school culture.

• The Education Toolkit includes detailed Standard Operating Procedures for the Modular Asset and Solution Design frameworks, offering clear guidance to teachers and facilitators using the Educator Guidebook for effective implementation.

“These resources will strengthen not only classrooms but also the communities that surround them. Environmental consciousness isn’t just about conservation, it’s about building sustainable livelihoods, responsible citizenship, and a deeper connection between young people and the ecosystems they depend on. When we invest in environmental education, we’re investing in the resilience and well-being of entire communities,” said Shruti Shibulal, Permanent Trustee, The Shibulal Family Philanthropy Initiatives (a co-builder of the Shikshagraha Movement) and Executive Vice Chair, Tamara Leisure Experiences.

A movement for environment-first schooling

Shikshagraha’s core belief is that no single actor can drive systemic change alone. The movement brings together communities, civil society organisations, educators, governments and social innovators to collectively improve public schools.

By joining Shikshagraha, CWS will contribute its decades of conservation science, community engagement and environmental education expertise to strengthen the movement’s work across districts, states and partner networks.

Over the coming year, CWS will support the movement by:

• Co-creating environmental education and sustainability resources with the Shikshagraha Centre of Excellence (CoE) team, ensuring contextual relevance for diverse geographies.

• Leading the Environment Sub-Collective, embedding wildlife awareness, sustainability, and climate action across the movement’s partners’ work.

• Building capacity of grassroots organisations to integrate environmental principles into their programmes.

• Supporting small changes in Mysuru district as part of the Exemplary Shikshagraha Intervention, a ground-level demonstration of how the vision and values of the Shikshagraha movement translate into tangible impact.

“After nearly a decade in the wildlife conservation space, one thing has become very clear to me: protecting our natural world cannot rest on the shoulders of a few people working full-time in this sector. Conservation is a shared responsibility, something each of us must carry in our daily choices and actions. Through our collaboration with Shikshagraha, we now have an incredible opportunity to take this message to thousands of children and schools across the country. By nurturing environmental awareness early on, we’re helping build a generation that not only understands India’s rich biodiversity but also feels responsible for safeguarding it,” said Sahil Pimpale Program Manager, Wild Shaale.

A shared narrative for the next generation

As part of the movement, CWS will contribute insights from its Wild Shaale programme, best practices in conservation education, proof points demonstrating the impact of environmental consciousness on children’s learning and agency and stories from the field.

In turn, Shikshagraha’s movement-wide platforms — from micro-improvement pilots to solutions repository and public communications — will amplify the collective work, ensuring that environmental learning becomes visible, actionable and scalable.

About Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS)

The Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) is an internationally recognized centre-of-excellence in the areas of wildlife research, conservation, policy, and education. Our mission is to safeguard and conserve India’s rich and diverse wildlife heritage through cutting-edge research, effective conservation strategies, and community engagement. For forty years, we have been committed to advancing scientific knowledge, promoting sustainable practices, and inspiring a collective sense of stewardship to ensure the survival of India’s wildlife and their habitats for future generations. Our vision is of a society that values and protects its natural heritage, fostering a sustainable environment where wildlife thrives and human well-being is interconnected with the health of the natural world. Through our research, conservation efforts, and community empowerment, we aspire to create a future where wildlife and humans can coexist, ensuring the perpetuity of India’s extraordinary natural wildlife heritage. In 2025, Dr. Krithi K. Karanth & CWS were recipients of the John P. McNulty Prize, the first wildlife organization to ever receive this honor.

About Shikshagraha

Shikshagraha is a people-powered movement to improve all 1 million public schools in India — so that every child experiences enriching learning and is ready for the future.

Real change begins with the child at the centre — their learning, confidence, well-being, and aspirations, and with those closest to the child. The movement enables parents, women and youth to demand and support quality education, and equips teachers, school leaders, officials with tools for micro-improvements towards systemic change.

Currently, 35+ civil society, industry and philanthropic partners in the Shikshagraha network are collectively strengthening 1,17,000+ schools across 33 districts across 14 states & UTs. This includes enabling education leaders to lead need-based school improvements and amplifying women, youth and community participation in the public education system.

Shikshagraha works towards improving schools where the need is greatest, supports leadership on the ground, and shifts the norms that hold education back. Through visible practice change and collective action by communities, governments, civil society, and markets, it reimagines what public schools can and must deliver.

Visit shikshagraha.org for more details.

ICICI Lombard, one of India’s leading private general insurer, has concluded the 2025 edition of its flagship business case-study competition, IL IGNITING MINDS – season 3, in collaboration with IIT Bombay (E-cell) – One of India’s premier Engineering Institute. Designed to give young innovators a real-world platform to solve meaningful industry challenges, the initiative has received 4000+ student registrations from 500+ unique premier institutes, making it the largest edition of the competition so far.

IL Igniting Minds Winner – IIT Delhi

The theme for this year’s challenge, “Unlocking SME Insurance Growth in India”, focuses on one of the most critical and underserved segments of the economy. India is home to over 6.3 crore SMEs, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. However, insurance penetration in this sector remains low due to lack of awareness, limited product relevance and accessibility barriers. Through this competition, ICICI Lombard invites students to reimagine; product design, digital enablement, distribution and outreach strategies that can make insurance adoption seamless, impactful and affordable for small and medium businesses.

IL Igniting Minds 1st Runner – IIM Ranchi

Building on past editions conducted with institutes such as IIM Calcutta & IIM Lucknow and NMIMS – which together engaged over 4,500 students from more than 700 campuses -the IIT Bombay (E-Cell) edition marks a significant step in expanding the competition’s campus footprint.

Ms. Sheena Kapoor – Head Marketing, Corporate Communications & CSR, ICICI Lombard, said, “The 3rd season of IL Igniting Minds has been truly inspiring. What began as a simple idea has now connected us with 4000+ students across 500+ campuses—young minds filled with curiosity, enthusiasm and a strong drive to solve real-life problems. This year’s outstanding competition and quality of thinking stood out. The finalist teams presented real-life case studies, challenges and problems to our senior management with clarity, depth and intelligence. Moments like these reaffirm our belief that the future of India rests in brilliant and responsible hands.”

IL Igniting Minds business case-study competition, season 3 was conducted at the ICICI Lombard Office in Mumbai where the students had an opportunity to showcase ideas to the senior management of the company. The winning team was from IIT-Delhi and the first runner-up was from IIM Ranchi; they were felicitated by ICICI Lombard senior management.

About ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited

ICICI Lombard is the leading private general insurance company in the country. The Company offers a comprehensive and well-diversified range of products through multiple distribution channels, including motor, health, crop, fire, personal accident, marine, engineering, and liability insurance. With a legacy of over 2 decades, ICICI Lombard is committed to customer centricity with its brand philosophy of ‘Nibhaye Vaade’. The company has issued over 37.6 million policies, over 3.2 million claims processed and has a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs.  282.58 billion for the year ended March 31, 2025. ICICI Lombard has 328 branches and 15,123 employees, as on March 31, 2025.

ICICI Lombard has been a pioneer in the industry, being the first large-scale insurance company in India to migrate its entire core systems to the cloud.  With a strong focus on being digitally-led and agile, the company has introduced multiple AI-powered insurance solutions. The company’s flagship insurance and wellness app, IL TakeCare, which has received over 18.4 million downloads, also offers the industry’s first Face Scan feature. The company has won several prestigious awards- including the Insurance Asia, ICC Emerging Asia Insurance, ET BFSI Exceller, ET Corporate Excellence, Golden Peacock, FICCI Insurance, Assocham, Stevie Asia Pacific, and National CSR in recognition of its various initiatives.

For more details log on to www.icicilombard.com.

RISE Infraventures began in 2021 as a young idea with big conviction, but it has quickly grown into something far more significant than a real estate advisory firm. Today, it stands as a leadership-driven institution that is actively reshaping Gurugram’s realty ecosystem. In a market long dominated by traditional brokerage practices, RISE has brought in professionalism, structure, and a values-first mindset that feels refreshingly different.

The leadership duo behind RISE Infraventures

Two Minds with One Vision

At the heart of this transformation are the two minds who envisioned a better way forward: Sachin Gawri and Shantanu Gambhir. Sachin Gawri, the Founder & CEO, brings the instinct of a strategist sharpened by years in sales, marketing, and frontline dealmaking, along with an unwavering commitment to good governance in real estate.

Shantanu Gambhir, the Managing Director and Co-founder, complements him with decades of experience as a wealth manager and a financial strategist who understands risk, returns, and long-term value like few others do. With expertise in sales, negotiations, and financial strategy, Shantanu leads from the front, ensuring that RISE remains agile and future-focused. Together, their combined expertise spans investments, advisory consulting, market intelligence, and relationship-building. But what truly defines their partnership is a shared belief in doing things the right way—anchored in transparency, innovation, and a deeply customer-first approach. It is this alignment of vision and values that has set the tone for RISE’s culture and its remarkable journey so far.

The Shared Vision: Redefining India’s Advisory Landscape

What unites Sachin and Shantanu is a clear and uncompromising vision: to redefine real estate advisory in India by making it ethical, data-driven, and deeply relationship-oriented. They believe the sector deserves far more than transactional interactions—it deserves clarity, consistency, and advisors who genuinely understand long-term value. Guided by this conviction, they set out to build a 360-degree advisory that seamlessly serves residential buyers, commercial occupiers, and serious investors. For them, RISE was never meant to be just a sales engine; it was envisioned as a platform that simplifies decision-making, brings credibility to every touchpoint, and introduces a structured, transparent approach in a market that has often struggled with opacity.

RISE’s Reputation

Today, RISE works alongside the country’s most respected names: DLF, Emaar, Central Park, Godrej, Adani, Sobha, Tata, Lodha, M3M and many more, reflecting the credibility it has built in a short span. Its expanding network of over 3,000 channel partners further amplifies its reach and reliability, creating an ecosystem where information flows transparently and opportunities scale seamlessly.

The Leadership Synergy

At the centre of RISE’s journey is a mission that guides every conversation and every recommendation: building an advisory model where trust is the true currency. Sachin and Shantanu have hardwired transparency into the organisation—whether it’s pricing clarity, honest inventory insights, responsible project selection, or continued handholding long after a sale is closed. Their belief has always been that real estate decisions shape lives, and therefore advisors must prioritise long-term relationships over short-term wins. This philosophy influences everything at RISE, from the way teams are hired and trained to the partners they choose to associate with.

Building a Culture of Excellence

At its core is a high-energy environment powered by young, driven teams who thrive in a fast-paced ecosystem that rewards performance, fresh ideas, and ownership. This dynamism is supported by a 360-degree leadership ecosystem, with seasoned professionals like COO Bhupindra Singh, CSO Ajay Malik, CBO Sonakshi Wadhawan, and Retail Head Manish Srivastava, whose expertise strengthens execution, strategy, leasing, and the company’s nationwide expansion roadmap. Complementing this is a formidable sales leadership bench with VPs Mohit Gawri, Sumit Choudhary, and Kapil Chugh, who serve as the organisation’s backbone. Their ability to close complex, high-value transactions while sustaining long-term relationships has been instrumental in RISE’s consistent momentum.

Besides, across the company, a strong culture of learning and discipline ensures that advisors are constantly leveling up through training, market intelligence deep-dives, and financial literacy sessions, all reinforced by direct mentorship from senior leadership. And binding everything together is a simple non-negotiable: ethics first. Every recommendation, every detail shared, every deal closed is grounded in integrity, accurate information, and transparent communication, ensuring that trust remains the organisation’s most defining asset.

Why Developers Trust RISE Infraventures

For developers, RISE has become a partner they can count on. Its teams consistently deliver qualified, conversion-ready leads backed by sharp insights into pricing strategy, product positioning, and evolving investor sentiment. The firm’s track record of closing high-ticket transactions with speed and precision has further strengthened its credibility among top developers. Just as importantly, RISE’s ethical communication and accuracy of information significantly reduce developer-side risks, ensuring that every campaign, sales mandate, or leasing engagement is handled with professionalism and clarity. This combination of performance and integrity is why developers increasingly view RISE as a strategic ally.

Why Homebuyers Choose RISE Infraventures

For homebuyers, RISE represents as a trusted guide in one of life’s most significant decisions. Every advisor is trained to put the customer first, prioritising long-term security and value over short-term sales targets. RISE has built a reputation for responsible recommendations, promoting only projects that meet standards of stability, credibility, and clarity. From the first discovery and site visit to documentation, handholding, and even resale guidance, the firm offers end-to-end support, making the homebuying journey seamless, reliable, and stress-free.

The Road Ahead

RISE Infraventures is entering a new phase of growth that extends far beyond Delhi-NCR. With plans for nationwide expansion across commercial, residential, and investment verticals, the firm is sharpening its focus on corporate leasing, GCC clients, and high-street retail advisory, creating a truly comprehensive service ecosystem. Guided by the ambition to achieve a billion-dollar valuation, the strategy remains rooted in structured advisory excellence rather than rapid scale alone. At its core, RISE envisions becoming India’s most respected ethics-led real estate advisory, setting a benchmark for professionalism, integrity, and long-term value creation across the industry.