A book chronicling the inspiring life and philosophy of Shri N. Tarachand Dugar, Founder of the Chennai-based Dugar Group of Companies, was released in Chennai on the auspicious occasion of the 46th birthday of Pujya P.P. Shri Shrut Muniji and the 34th day of fasting by P.P. Shri Akshar Muniji.
 

The book was formally released by Shri R. Thyagarajan, Founder Chairman of the Rs. 3 Lakh Crore Shriram Group of Companies, in the presence of family members, friends, associates and well-wishers of Shri Tarachand Dugar.
 

L-R: Smt. Pushpa T Dugar; Sri Dhaman Prakash Rathod; Sri Janakiraman; Sri Tarachand Dugar; Sri Thyagarajan, Chairman, Shriram Group; Sri M Kishore Menon; and Sri Subhashchand Ranka
 

The book presents the inspiring journey of Tarachand Dugar, a self-made businessman from Tamil Nadu who learned to turn challenges and obstacles into opportunities. Through his experiences, observations and philosophy of life, he shares lessons on resilience, leadership, relationships, decision-making and maintaining balance in life.
 

Known for his wit, clarity of thought and ability to distil complex experiences into memorable one-liners, Dugar uses his personal journey to offer practical wisdom to the younger generation.
 

The book is a compilation of conversations and narrations shared by Dugar with his friends, family members and associates over the years. It covers his early life, the challenges and adversities he encountered, and the mindset that enabled him to convert many of those challenges into opportunities.
 

Rather than being simply a business biography, the book reflects Dugar’s broader philosophy of life. It contains several insights on facing difficulties, solving problems, building relationships and remaining positive through different stages of life. Many of these lessons are particularly relevant to young people beginning their personal and professional journeys.
 

Among the memorable observations in his book are:

“In golf, as in life, the hardest person to be honest with is yourself.”

and

“Life is a relay race, and you cannot do this sprint alone. Invest early in relationships, both personal and professional.”
 

The book has been made available on Amazon. With the objective of reaching and inspiring the next generation, complimentary copies are also being offered to school and college libraries.
 

Schools and colleges interested in receiving a complimentary copy for their library can contact dugarlife@gmail.com.

About Shri N. Tarachand Dugar

Shri N. Tarachand Dugar is the Founder of the Dugar Group of Companies and has been associated with business, finance, real estate, Rotary, Medical College, various forums and charities, and the global vegetarian movement. His life and work have been shaped by a philosophy of converting challenges into opportunities and combining business success with personal values, relationships and social responsibility.

MediaTek, the world’s leading fabless semiconductor company powering nearly 2 billion connected devices each year, has collaborated with ThinkStartup to launch ‘Future Minds: Powering the Disruptors of Tomorrow’. Unveiled at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, this flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative will deliver a year-long digital entrepreneurship education program to 6,000 students from underprivileged backgrounds across 30 states.

MediaTek collaborates with ThinkStartup to launch ‘Future Minds’ CSR initiative

Powered by ThinkStartup and the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC), the initiative is designed for students in Classes 8 to 12. It will be rolled out across government and foundation-supported communities including Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and PM Shri Schools. 

The comprehensive program provides school students with a structured curriculum covering ideation, business fundamentals and finance. Alongside the core coursework, participants will benefit from live masterclasses hosted by IIT alumni founders, a guided TS Idea Lab, and monthly pitch days to refine their concepts. The initiative will culminate in May 2027 with a national showcase of student-led entrepreneurial ventures, coinciding with MediaTek’s 30th anniversary globally. 

“MediaTek’s business is built on enabling ideas to become technology that reaches a billion devices,” said Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India. “Future Minds extends that same belief to 6,000 young minds from underprivileged and government schools across 30 states, giving them the tools to turn their own ideas into ventures. Nurturing young builders is what MediaTek has always stood for, and initiatives like this naturally support India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat.”

Mr. Sanjeeva Shivesh, Co-founder, ThinkStartup, added, “At ThinkStartup, we have always believed entrepreneurship is an essential life skill. MediaTek wanted an intervention that could be rolled out at a national scale, reaching youth from underprivileged backgrounds, and our eSchool platform fit perfectly with that vision. Over the next year, we will provide teenagers in Class 8 to 12 the chance to learn, build and pitch real ideas with real mentorship. We are grateful to MediaTek for backing this program, and we are hoping our youngsters will inspire the world with a slew of innovative solutions that take India forward.” 

As the initiative begins its phased rollout across the country, it marks a significant step in democratizing entrepreneurship education. The MediaTek Future Minds program reinforces the company’s broader commitment to digital inclusion and youth empowerment in India. 

Kolkata welcomed Maa Durga with a spectacular celebration at Eden Gardens on October 10, where a 3,000 grand Durga Puja drone show became one of the evening’s defining moments. Witnessed by a crowd of approximately 40,000 people, the Durga Puja Drone Show transformed the night sky into a canvas of Bengali culture, devotion and storytelling, bringing together technology and tradition at the heart of the city’s Mahalaya celebrations. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated this Durga Puja 2026 festivities on Mahalaya and witnessed the drone show celebration and later posted about it on his social media.
 

BotLab Dynamics’ Durga Puja Drone Show captivated 40,000 people at Eden Gardens Stadium; Highlights from Kolkata’s Grand Mahalaya Celebration
 

The wider programme featured traditional music, folk dances and performances by popular artists, while thousands of dhakis filled the venue with the rhythms that signal the approach of Durga Pujo. A light-and-sound presentation traced the festival’s journey, from the familiar Mahalaya radio broadcast to Sindoor Khela on Dashami. Against this rich cultural backdrop, the Durga Puja Drone Show emerged as one of the evening’s defining moments, with people praising BotLab Dynamics, the drone show company that performed these shows.
 

Here is their Durga Puja Drone Show footage from the Grand Mahalaya celebration:
www.instagram.com/reel/DeU2CP_zE8T/
 

With an estimated visibility radius of nearly 10 kilometres, the Kolkata Drone Show reached far beyond the immediate event venue, drawing attention across the surrounding cityscape. As audiences looked up to watch the formations unfold, videos and reactions began circulating online, extending the experience beyond Eden Gardens and adding to the festive excitement building across Kolkata ahead of Durga Puja.
 

A story of Agomoni, Shakti and the arrival of Maa Durga

Designed as an audio-led tribute to Bengal’s Mahalaya traditions, the Durga Puja Drone Show drew inspiration from the familiar sounds and imagery associated with Agomoni, the homecoming of Uma, returning to her family as the festive season begins. The narrative blended the gentleness of this homecoming with the power of the Mahishasura Mardini story.
 

The Kolkata Mahalaya Drone Show opened with the delicate imagery of Kaash Phool, evoking the arrival of autumn and the first signs of Pujo. Subsequent formations depicted the Mangal Ghot and alta-adorned hands holding a lotus, before the story moved towards the looming presence of Mahishasura and Uma’s transformation into the ten-armed Goddess Durga.
 

As the narrative gathered momentum, the sky filled with symbols of Shakti, including the lotus, mandala and trishul, followed by the Goddess atop her divine mount and the climactic battle against Mahishasura. The sequence concluded with Chokkhudhaan, the ceremonial opening of the Goddess’s eyes, recreated through sweeping brushstroke-inspired formations.
 

The soundtrack brought another layer of familiarity to the experience, incorporating the evocative Chandipath recitation by Birendra Krishna Bhadra alongside “Bajlo Tomar Aalor Benu,” “Aigiri Nandini” and music accompanying the Chokkhudhaan sequence. Together, the imagery and audio created a Mega Mahalaya Drone Show that drew on Bengal’s cultural memory rather than relying on spectacle alone.
 

“Experiential storytelling works best when it begins with an audience’s existing connection to a place, a tradition or an emotion. For us, the opportunity lies in building on that connection and creating something people can share in real time. A Kolkata Drone Show during Mahalaya needed to feel unmistakably Bengali, not just visually impressive, but meaningful to the people watching it,” said Aayush Bector, Head of Business, BotLab Dynamics.

Rising Popularity of Drone Shows in Kolkata

The Mahalaya showcase builds on BotLab Dynamics’ work across Kolkata, including its 2025 Amazon Durga Puja campaign at Uddipani Park Circus and its International Yoga Day Kolkata Drone Show at Prinsep Ghat in June 2026, which drew widespread online attention.
 

An IIT Delhi-incubated deep-tech company, BotLab Dynamics develops its drone-show hardware and software in-house. With a fleet of 10,000+ drones, 700+ shows and seven Guinness World Records, its portfolio spans major celebrations such as Mahakumbh, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav and Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Following its record-setting aerial display at Mysuru Dasara in 2025, the company is gearing up for more festive activities in Kolkata and Mysuru.
 

“The most memorable live experience moments are not created simply by what people see, but by what they feel. Mahalaya carries generations of memories for Bengalis, from the sound of Chandipath to the anticipation of Maa Durga’s arrival. Our intention was to honour that emotional connection and translate it into a visual story that people could experience together. When a crowd responds with folded hands, smiles and a sense of wonder, we know our drone show has connected with the souls of people, and that’s what we try to build with our festive drone shows,” said Dr Sarita Ahlawat, Founder & MD of BotLab Dynamics.

From Mahalaya in Kolkata to Maha Panchami in Digha

The celebrations continue on October 15, when BotLab Dynamics will bring its next drone show in Kolkata to Digha for Maha Panchami. While the Eden Gardens presentation centred on Mahalaya, Agomoni and the emotional anticipation of Maa Durga’s arrival, the upcoming show will explore another aspect of the Goddess and the festive narrative.
 

The upcoming Durga Puja Drone Show in Digha will offer audiences another opportunity to see the city’s festive spirit translated into the night sky.
 

As Kolkata moves closer to the heart of Durga Pujo, the Eden Gardens showcase has set the tone for a festive season in which tradition and contemporary experiences continue to meet. For BotLab Dynamics, the ambition remains to create more than a spectacle: to build moments that bring people together, celebrate cultural identity and stay with audiences long after the lights fade.
 

More festive drone show experiences are on the horizon as BotLab Dynamics continues its journey across India.

BPTP Limited has recorded sales of approximately Rs 750 crore at SkyNest, its ultra-luxury residential development in Sector 80, Greater Faridabad, with 150 apartments sold. With an average ticket size of approximately Rs 5 crore per home, the sales milestone underscores the growing appetite for luxury residential offerings in Greater Faridabad and the increasing willingness of homebuyers to invest in high-end, design-led homes in emerging NCR corridors.

SkyNest by BPTP

SkyNest comprises approximately 150-metre-high twin residential towers offering spacious 3 BHK and 4 BHK residences ranging from approximately 3,185 sq. ft. to 3,856 sq. ft. The project combines high-rise living with biophilic design, expansive layouts, wraparound balconies and a range of wellness, leisure and community amenities.

The project has also received industry recognition, with BPTP SkyNest being named ‘Premium High-Rise Development of the Year’ at the Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave 2026 and ‘Landmark High-Rise Development of the Year’ at the ET Now Realty Awards and Conclave 2026. These awards recognise the project’s design approach and positioning within the luxury residential segment.

A Distinctive Twin-Tower Development

Rising approximately 150 metres, SkyNest is designed as a twin-tower residential development that introduces a distinctive high-rise format to Greater Faridabad. A defining feature of the project is its 20 Sky Nests, landscaped sky-level spaces integrated into the architecture to bring greenery and outdoor experiences into vertical living.

Each tower has been planned with only four residences per floor, and is served by nine high-speed lifts for each tower. The residences feature expansive wraparound balconies, with the design focused on privacy, natural light, openness and views.

The development offers more than 82,000 sq. ft. of amenities and landscaped spaces, including pools, wellness and fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor sports, dining and social spaces, business lounges and other lifestyle amenities. These spaces are designed to cater to diverse lifestyles and age groups, supporting recreation, social interaction, family time and everyday well-being.

Biophilic Living for a Multi-Generational Community

SkyNest incorporates a biophilic living concept that brings natural elements into the high-rise residential experience. Landscaped sky-level spaces, greenery, open areas and expansive balconies create a closer connection with the outdoors while complementing the development’s architectural design. The concept is further supported by a mix of private and shared spaces designed to foster a holistic, multi-generational living ecosystem, enabling families across generations to come together while also allowing for individual privacy and personal pursuits.

International Design Expertise

SkyNest has been designed by WOW Consultants, Singapore, which is leading the architecture, landscape and interior design for the development. The project brings together a multidisciplinary team of international and national consultants, including Matrix for vertical transportation, Optimal for structural engineering, Nulty+ for lighting design, Currie & Brown as quantity surveyor and GreenGineer for green building advisory.

Commenting on the sales milestone, Saurabh Paliwal, Sr. Vice President, Sales, BPTP Limited, said, “The response to SkyNest reflects the evolving aspirations of homebuyers and the growing confidence in Greater Faridabad as a residential destination. The 750 crore sales achieved so far are significant milestones for the project and demonstrate the demand for well-designed, quality residential offerings at the premium end of the market. Our focus with SkyNest has been to bring together thoughtful design, quality, sustainability and long-term value, while creating a distinctive residential experience for contemporary families.”

Greater Faridabad’s Premium Housing Market Gains Momentum

Located in Sector 80, SkyNest is a part of Greater Faridabad, which has seen continued development of residential, social and transport infrastructure. The project is connected to the Faridabad Bypass Road (DND–Faridabad–KMP Expressway) and NH-44, with connectivity towards Noida and Ghaziabad through the FNG corridor.

Greater Faridabad is entering a new phase of residential growth, supported by expanding infrastructure and a wider range of housing options across segments. BPTP has an established presence in the region, with a significant residential and commercial footprint across Greater Faridabad.

SkyNest is registered with HRERA under registration number HRERA-PKL-FBD-881-2026.

About BPTP

BPTP is one of NCR’s leading real estate developers with over two decades of experience in creating landmark residential and commercial developments. With a portfolio of more than 50 projects and over 25,000 homes delivered, the company has consistently transformed the urban landscape through thoughtfully planned communities, premium design, sustainable development and customer-centric innovation. Recognised among the Top 3 Developers in the ET Now Real Estate North Survey 2026, BPTP continues to redefine modern living by creating destinations that combine quality, innovation, trust and long-term value.

A tight parking space can turn a routine trip into a surprisingly careful exercise in basic car control, but models such as the VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 come with parking technology designed to make these situations a little easier.

All VinFast vehicles in India – the VF 6, VF 7, and the VF MPV 7 – get rear parking sensors

A tight parking space can turn a routine trip into a surprisingly intense test of just how well you know your own car.

In busy Indian cities, finding a spot is only half the battle. Getting into it without kissing a pillar, clipping a kerb, or leaving the car at an angle that makes you question your life choices is where things get interesting. Narrow basement parking, crowded shopping-mall car parks, and cars parked close to the lines leave very little room for error.

The good news is that parking does not have to be a one-shot performance. Slow things down, make small adjustments, and let your car’s technology lend a hand when the space starts feeling a little too snug.

Here are five things to keep in mind the next time a parking spot looks like it was designed for a car half your size.

1. Make sure you have enough space

First, make sure the space is workable before you commit.

Look around the spot and check the cars beside you, as well as pillars, walls, kerbs and other obstacles. It also helps to get your starting position right before you begin reversing, since approaching from the wrong angle can make an otherwise manageable space much harder to enter.

There is no need to rush this part. A few seconds spent checking your surroundings can save you from having to make several awkward corrections later.

2. Reverse slowly and adjust gradually

Look around.

Once you start reversing, keep things slow and make your steering adjustments gradually. If the car is not lining up the way you want, stop and correct it rather than trying to force the manoeuvre.

If your car comes with Hill Start Assist, like the VinFast VF 6 and VF 7, it can be useful when manoeuvring around sloped parking areas. The system helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an incline.

3. Use parking sensors to judge distance

Parking sensors are especially useful when judging the final few centimetres.

They give you another indication of how close the vehicle is getting to an obstacle, which can be particularly helpful when reversing into a narrow space. You can use that information together with your mirrors and what you can see around the vehicle.

All VinFast vehicles in India – the VF 6, VF 7, and the VF MPV 7 – get rear parking sensors. On the latter, they work alongside a rear parking camera to provide additional guidance when parking and reversing.

Of course, sensors are only an aid. They can tell you that something is getting close, but you still need to pay attention to what is happening around the car, which leads us to the next point.

4. Use the 360-degree camera when things get tight

A 360-degree camera can give you a much better view of what is happening around the car. Both the VinFast VF 6 and the VF 7 are equipped with a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, which gives the driver a broader view when positioning the vehicle in a confined space.

It can be particularly useful when you are trying to judge the car’s position relative to parking lines, kerbs or nearby vehicles. Instead of relying entirely on what you can see from the driver’s seat, you have another view to help guide the manoeuvre.

Still, don’t treat the screen as your only source of information. Keep checking the mirrors and your surroundings as you move.

5. Correct your position if you need to

There is nothing wrong with taking another go if the first manoeuvre does not leave the car where you want it.

If you end up too close to one side or at an awkward angle, pull forward, straighten the car and reverse again. It may take an extra movement, but that is much better than trying to squeeze through a poor angle.

The same applies when leaving the parking space. On higher VinFast variants, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert can provide additional information when reversing out, particularly when another vehicle is approaching from somewhere that is difficult to see directly.

Parking aids can make a tight space less intimidating, but they are still there to assist the driver. The basics remain the same: check the space, take it slowly, and do not be afraid to make another move when you need to.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

SPR City, Perambur, unveiled its spectacular 47.8-foot-tall Golu as part of SPR City Navaratri Utsavam 2026, marking the beginning of a ten-day celebration of tradition, devotion and culture. Featuring over 4,500 dolls, the installation is the centrepiece of the festivities, welcoming visitors from across Chennai until October 20.

Navaratri Utsavam – Witness the World’s Tallest Golu!

The installation marks a world record attempt for the height of a Golu installation, in association with the World Book of Records, London, UK. The attempt is based on height alone. A 36.4-foot Golu created in Chennai in 2012 was previously documented by the India Book of Records. Any new record recognition remains subject to official verification.

The choice of 47.8 feet draws inspiration from SPR City’s 47-floor residential tower, recognised as Chennai’s tallest residential tower. By connecting this architectural landmark with one of Tamil Nadu’s most cherished festive traditions, SPR City has taken the celebration of Golu to a new height.

The display of over 4,500 Golu dolls celebrates the diversity of Indian culture through traditional figurines, stories and representations of humanity. The ten-day Utsavam features daily poojas, cultural programmes, music and family-oriented activities, bringing people together to celebrate the spirit of Navaratri.

The inauguration was attended by Mr. Hitesh Kawad, Managing Director, SPR Group; Mr. Navin Ranka, Director, SPR India; Mr. Prakash Mohanasundaram, Vice President – Revenue; and Mr. Balakumar Chandrasekaran, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hitesh Kawad, Managing Director, SPR Group, said, “Navaratri celebrates motherhood, tradition, devotion and togetherness. The 4,500-plus Golu dolls represent different facets of humanity and the richness of Indian culture. Inspired by our 47-floor Tower H at SPR City, the 47.8-foot Golu is our attempt to take tradition and prosperity to new heights. We look forward to welcoming people from across Chennai to celebrate this unique expression of our cultural heritage.”

Mr. Navin Ranka, Director, SPR India, said, “In Namma Chennai, every citizen is an HNI – a Highly Noble Individual. Tall towers are often associated with luxury and wealth, but our Golu celebrates a different kind of wealth: human values. For us, HNI stands for Harmony, Nobility and Inner Peace. Through this initiative, we are celebrating the richness of our traditions and the values that bring our community together.”

About SPR City

SPR City is a 63-acre integrated township by SPR India in Perambur, Chennai, home to over 1,000 families. It features Chennai’s tallest residential tower at 47 floors. The project brings together residential, commercial and educational facilities, including Market of India, District 12 office spaces and The Shri Ram Universal School, alongside upcoming shopping, entertainment and healthcare infrastructure.

Strategically located, SPR City is approximately 500 metres from Perambur Bus Terminus, 1 km from Perambur Railway Station and 800 metres from the proposed Perambur Metro station. It also offers convenient access to Chennai Central Railway Station, the High Court and the Secretariat. Its integrated commercial spaces cater to businesses, traders and investors.

About Market of India

Market of India – Envisioning a New Era of Organized Trade and Commerce. Market of India (MOI), a flagship commercial development within SPR City, is envisioned as a landmark destination for organized retail trade, bringing together diverse business communities within a modern, integrated commercial ecosystem.

Conceptualized to redefine the traditional trading landscape, Market of India aims to provide a structured and professionally planned environment for traders, retailers, entrepreneurs and businesses, while strengthening commercial connectivity across Chennai, Tamil Nadu and beyond. As outlined in the project’s published master plan, Market of India envisages over 5,000 shops, with approximately 54 lakh sq. ft. of planned built-up area. The development is designed to incorporate essential commercial infrastructure, including a central plaza over 1.5 Acre indoor air-conditioned atmosphere brings strong experiences to the mall. With its emphasis on scale, accessibility, infrastructure and business integration, Market of India aspires to establish a new benchmark for organized trade infrastructure and position Chennai as a prominent hub for regional and national retailers.

About SPR India

SPR India is a Chennai-based real estate developer with a history dating back to 1972. Over more than five decades, the company has worked across residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. Its projects include SPR City, Osian Heights and Osian Chlorophyll.

SPR India’s flagship SPR City development reflects its integrated township approach, bringing residential living, commercial activity, education and planned public amenities within one large development in North Chennai.

Xoriant, a global engineering and technology services firm that has spent nearly four decades building intelligent platforms for some of the world’s most recognized brands, has embraced a human-centric approach to AI engineering. It has announced its transformation into an HI/AI company with the launch of its new brand identity, “New Horizons,” which puts Human Ingenuity at the heart of its innovation and operations.

Xoriant’s transformation into a human-centric AI company under its new brand identity, New Horizons, driven by Human Ingenuity (HI/AI)

“AI asks more of us humans, not less,” said Rohit Kedia, CEO, Xoriant. “Across client engagements, we have seen how Human Ingenuity does the real work alongside Artificial Intelligence. AI brings speed, scale, and pattern recognition, while HI brings judgment, creativity, and accountability, creating an HI/AI flywheel that compounds and moves forward. The implications are as pronounced for customers as they are for our talent.”

Since internalizing the HI/AI philosophy, Xoriant has consistently grown its AI revenues and customer base, with 25 new customers benefiting from AI innovation paired with Human Ingenuity. The transformation also comes with the company’s commitment to its 5000+ creator engineers and future talent: building a workforce that is not just 100% AI-fluent, but whole-brain thinkers who consciously apply Human Ingenuity.

To support its growth and HI/AI philosophy, the company continues to strengthen its partnership ecosystem, holding premier partner status with Microsoft, Anthropic, OpenAI and Salesforce.

Xoriant’s “New Horizons” brand identity includes a refreshed visual system built around the company’s signature green, reflecting its ‘resist the usual’ mindset and its ambition to stand apart from the sameness in technology services. The rebrand extends across Xoriant’s digital presence and client-facing touchpoints globally.

About Xoriant
Xoriant is an applied AI partner for ambitious enterprises, backed by ChrysCapital. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, Xoriant’s 5,000+ XFactors serve 75+ Fortune 500 and 150+ Global 2000 clients across BFSI, Healthcare, Hi-tech, Retail, and Manufacturing through six practice Houses. It combines Human Ingenuity (HI) with AI to turn platforms, data, and intelligence into meaningful outcomes for its customers.

Learn more at www.xoriant.com.

The Family First Global Survey, an initiative by global education pioneer Sunny Varkey, reveals Indian families place exceptionally high value on spending time together across generations – while also facing significant pressures that make that harder to achieve. The Family First Global Survey found that 84% of Indian Gen Z say spending time with their family is very important – the highest percentage of all countries surveyed.
 

Sunny Varkey, Founder of Family First and the Varkey Foundation
 

That strong emphasis on family bonding extends across generations. Seventy-six per cent of children say they would like to spend more time with their grandparents – the highest percentage globally – while 85% of parents say they spend time with their own parents at least once a week, and 65% say they do so every day, both the highest percentages of all countries surveyed. Yet despite this strong commitment to family life, only 22% of Indian children say they are satisfied with the amount of quality family time they have – the lowest percentage of all countries surveyed.

The findings come from the world’s first global intergenerational study of family bonding, surveying children, parents, Gen Z, and grandparents. It features the world’s first Family Bonding Index, which assigns countries a score based on the strength of family connections.

Family First is a global movement launched by the Varkey Foundation to strengthen intergenerational bonds between children, parents and grandparents, with the aim of building stronger communities across generations.

Launched by Sunny Varkey, founder of GEMS Education, the movement reflects a longstanding commitment to fostering strong family values and encouraging greater support between children and parents, contributing to healthier and longer lives. It is rooted in the belief that education goes far beyond academic achievement – it shapes values and develops not only students, but future parents, future leaders, and stronger societies.

Sunny Varkey, Founder of Family First and the Varkey Foundation, said, “This landmark report clearly show that family bonds are under strain. Economic pressures, conflict, geographical distance and technological change all make it harder for families to spend meaningful time together. Across many societies, this is contributing to weaker intergenerational relationships, greater loneliness among older people and less time shared between children, parents and grandparents. Yet the family remains the most fundamental building block of every community, making it more important than ever to understand, protect and strengthen these relationships.”

Family remains central across generations

Family life remains deeply embedded in everyday life for many Indian households.

Eighty-one per cent of parents say that during a typical family meal, “everyone is talking together” – the second highest percentage of all countries surveyed after France (84%).

Seventy-nine per cent of grandparents say they often spend meaningful time with their families – the third highest percentage globally after Argentina (83%) and Brazil (80%).

Forty-one per cent of grandparents say their family typically spends 11 hours or more a week enjoying quality time together – the highest percentage of all countries surveyed.

Grandparents also remain closely integrated into family life. Seventy-six per cent live with their family – the second highest percentage globally after Malaysia (78%) – while 65% say they see their grandchildren in person every day, the second highest percentage after Malaysia (68%).

Seventy per cent say spending more time with their grandchildren would make a big difference to their happiness – the highest percentage of all countries surveyed.

Busy schedules and competing demands are putting pressure on family time

Despite that strong emphasis on family connection, competing demands appear to be putting pressure on time together.

Twenty-nine per cent of children say their parents are too busy to spend time with them – the highest percentage of all countries surveyed.

Forty-three per cent say homework or studying is what most often prevents them from spending more time bonding as a family – the joint second highest percentage globally after Kenya.

Twenty-three per cent say school, activities or expectations take time away from family life “a lot” or “all the time” – the second highest percentage of all countries surveyed after the UAE (27%).

Parents and grandparents also identify children’s schedules as a major challenge. Forty-four per cent of parents and 54% of grandparents say children’s schedules are what most often prevent them from spending more time bonding as a family – the highest percentages of all countries surveyed on both measures.

Even so, 60% of children say their family often makes time for each other despite busy schedules – the second highest percentage globally after Nigeria (81%).

Screens are a growing source of concern

Digital devices have emerged as a major source of concern across generations.

Seventy per cent of parents say screen time and digital devices have harmed their family’s opportunity to bond – the second highest percentage of all countries surveyed after Brazil (74%).

Among grandparents, 60% say the same – the fourth highest percentage globally after Brazil (71%), Malaysia (71%) and the UAE (66%).

Forty-five per cent of children say screen time is what most often prevents them from spending more time bonding as a family – the third highest percentage of all countries surveyed after Sweden (51%) and Malaysia (50%).

Forty-seven per cent say screens have done more harm than good to their family life – the third highest percentage globally after the UAE (52%) and Sweden (49%).

Seventy-four per cent of grandparents believe children today are being raised more by screens than family – the third highest percentage of all countries surveyed.

Children feel supported, but pressure remains high

Children report strong emotional awareness from parents, even alongside time pressures.
 

Fifty-nine per cent say their parent or parents always notice when they are upset or struggling – the joint highest percentage of all countries surveyed alongside Nigeria.

Parents also appear highly engaged in children’s education. Twenty-nine per cent say they help their children with homework for more than seven hours a week – the second highest percentage globally after Nigeria (30%).

Wider systems are seen as supportive

Compared with many other countries, Indian families are relatively positive about how wider systems support family life. Eighty per cent of parents say societal systems such as work, school and technology support family life – the second highest percentage of all countries surveyed after Nigeria (81%). Among grandparents, that rises to 82% – the highest percentage globally.

Thirty-eight per cent of parents and 37% of grandparents say government policies on stronger guidance or limits on children’s screen use and online safety would help their families spend more quality time together – the highest percentages of all countries surveyed.

 The Family First Global Survey 2026: www.varkeyfoundation.org/family-first.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, Bengaluru Campus, organised a walkathon in association with Maarga Mind Care to mark World Mental Health Day. The initiative promoted mental health literacy by encouraging early recognition of mental health concerns, timely access to support and open conversations about mental well-being.

Walkathon, an initiative that promotes mental health literacy by encouraging early recognition of mental health concerns

This walkathon is part of MAHE Bengaluru’s broader initiative to advance mental health literacy and well-being across the campus and community, and to foster supportive spaces where people can speak openly and seek help.

Held under the theme “Walk for Health: Steps Towards Better Mental Health,” the 5K walk brought together students, faculty, staff, healthcare professionals, local authority representatives, volunteers and community members. It highlighted the importance of early recognition, timely support and open conversations around mental well-being.

The need for stronger mental health support systems is increasingly evident in Bengaluru. A 2026 study involving students across higher education institutions highlighted the importance of institutional support, while counselling data identified anxiety, family conflict and academic stress among key concerns. The findings reinforce the need for a connected ecosystem that enables early recognition and appropriate care.

S. R. Vishwanath, MLA, Yelahanka Constituency, flagged off the walkathon in the presence of Dr Raghavendra Prabhu P., Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr Jothy S. Niraja, Chairwoman Maarga Mind Care, Mr Mahadev, Executive Engineer, Lake Division, BNCC, Yelahanka and Mr Chandu C N, President, Yelahanka United Environmental Association.

The walkathon also highlighted the connection between regular physical activity and mental well-being, encouraging participants to make movement part of everyday life to manage stress and support overall health. The organisers reiterated that seeking professional support is a sign of strength.

Addressing the gathering, MLA S.R. Vishwanath said, “Mental health must receive the same attention as physical health. Initiatives such as the MAHE Bengaluru Walkathon bring people together, encourage healthy habits and create much-needed awareness about mental well-being. Open conversations and strong community support are essential to building a healthier society.”

Dr Raghavendra Prabhu, Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, said, “At MAHE Bengaluru, we view mental health and well-being as an essential part of a meaningful student and campus experience. This initiative reflects our effort to build greater understanding, empathy and access to support through sustained engagement with students, healthcare partners and the wider community.”

Dr Jothi Neeraja, Founder, Chairwoman and Managing Director, Maarga Mind Care, said, “Bengaluru has built a strong ecosystem around healthcare, education and innovation, and mental health needs to be an equally important part of that progress. Our vision is to build a city where mental health concerns are recognised early, people feel confident seeking help, and quality care is accessible when it is needed. We need to move from responding only when distress becomes a crisis to recognising concerns earlier and making the right care easier to access. Mental healthcare cannot remain confined to hospitals or specific awareness days. It needs to become part of how individuals, families, educational institutions and workplaces think about overall health. Maarga is committed to strengthening this continuum in Bengaluru, from early recognition through treatment, recovery and beyond.”

Participants began the day with a warm-up session before completing the walk around the Allalasandra Lake loop. The event was organised by MAHE Bengaluru in association with Maarga Mind Care, its mental health and well-being partner, with support from the Volunteer Services Organisation, National Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps and Manipal Hospitals.

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 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 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

The most sought-after engineer in Indian technology today is the forward-deployed engineer, the person who sits inside a business, finds the work AI should do and makes it run. Experienced forward-deployed engineers in India now command pay of up to Rs. 1.55 crore a year, and global platforms, AI labs and capability centres are hiring every one they can find. Most Indian enterprises cannot compete for that talent. UNKAPPED Inc., a San Francisco-headquartered firm built by Indian founders, is launching in India to bring that capability to them.

UNKAPPED is an Applied AI and go-to-market engineering firm built on a forward-deployed model. Its engineers work inside a client’s own systems and across departments, from sales and customer service to finance and operations. They find the work that should move to AI, build the agents and automations that do it, and stay until those systems run in production with a measured result.

Three commitments for India

At launch, UNKAPPED has made three commitments. It will take 100 Indian enterprises through its AI-readiness audit by March 2027. It will put AI into production in at least 25 of them by December 2027, each with a measured result. And it will develop 100 India-based forward-deployed engineers by the end of 2028, trained on live enterprise work rather than in a classroom.

The skills gap behind the AI gap

Indian enterprises are not short of AI ambition. Every organisation surveyed by Dun & Bradstreet this year has an AI project underway, yet 44% are still planning or piloting, and only 4% say their data is fully ready to scale AI.

“India does not have a shortage of engineers. It has a shortage of engineers who have shipped AI inside a real business,” said Neeraj Kumar, Co-founder and Chief Technology and Product Officer. “You cannot learn that from a course. Our engineers learn it the way the best forward-deployed teams do: sitting with the business, finding the work and owning the outcome until it runs.”

The India Story

India’s obstacles are also its own. Customer and operations data sits across legacy ERPs, regional systems and spreadsheets. Customers reach businesses in many languages, over WhatsApp, voice and email. The Digital Personal Data Protection rules are raising the bar for how that data can be used. And most enterprises still buy technology the way they bought software: write a specification, hand it to a build partner and wait for delivery.

“India built the world’s software. Now it has to deploy the world’s AI, and that is a different job,” said Sachin Jha, Co-Founder and CEO of UNKAPPED. “The global platforms and labs are hiringforward-deployed engineers as fast as they can, for their largest customers. Every Indian enterprise deserves the same capability, without first having to find and hire it.”

UNKAPPED works across three areas:

• Forward-deployed engineering: Engineers embedded in client teams who connect data, fix access and permissions, wire agents into existing systems and take them to production.

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• GTM engineering: Buyer signals, account scoring, routing and revenue operations engineered so sales teams spend their time on the accounts ready to buy.

“Most enterprises are buying AI the way they bought software,” said Lakshmi Sindhuri, Co-founder and Head of Enterprise Transformation. “That worked for an ERP. AI changes how the work itself gets done, so someone has to be inside the company doing it.”

UNKAPPED’s founders bring product and platform experience from a global cloud provider, enterprise transformation leadership from global banking and payments, and top 1% go-to-market expertise. Its engineers already work alongside platform and forward-deployed teams at major cloud providers. The firm works with companies from pre-seed to PE-backed enterprises, and with the investors behind them.

Every engagement begins with an AI-readiness audit. Enterprises can apply at unkapped.ai or write to hello@unkapped.ai.

About UNKAPPED

UNKAPPED Inc. is an Applied AI and go-to-market engineering firm headquartered in San Francisco. It embeds forward-deployed practice and top 1% GTM experts inside client teams. It helps companies from Series A to private equity-backed enterprises turn their technology investments into working AI systems, scalable revenue operations and measurable returns, with deep expertise in cybersecurity, developer tools, cloud and AI-native software.

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@getUnkapped