Mr. Ramanan Balagangatharan, Managing Director and a paragon of leadership in the realm of global enterprise, continues to ascend the echelons of international acclaim. A figure widely regarded for his strategic brilliance and transformative vision, Mr. Ramanan was recently accorded the rare distinction of participating in two of the most eminent global gatherings, each underscoring his preeminent status as a thought leader and innovator of the highest order.

Mr. Ramanan Balagangatharan Honored Amongst the Worlds Foremost Visionaries at Prestigious Global Assemblies

Celebrated for his profound intellect, unwavering ethical compass, and an extraordinary ability to anticipate and adapt to global shifts, Mr. Ramanan has become a lodestar for aspiring entrepreneurs and policymakers alike. His body of work has not only revolutionized business ecosystems but has also contributed significantly to thought architecture in areas spanning technological innovation, sustainable development, and cross-border collaboration.

On January 20, 2025, Mr. Ramanan was invited to attend the exclusive Pre-Inaugural Dinner hosted by President Donald J. Trump in Washington, D.C., an elite gathering reserved for a handful of the world’s most influential minds. Among his distinguished peers were Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Mr. Elon Musk, Mr. Mark Zuckerberg, Mr. Jeff Bezos, Mr. Sundar Pichai, Mr. Ashish Jain, and Mr. Kalpesh Mehta-a veritable constellation of global leadership. His inclusion in such an illustrious assembly stands as a resounding affirmation of his stature on the world stage.

The dinner functioned not merely as a ceremonial event, but as a dynamic forum for ideation-where challenges were met with visionary discourse and opportunities were envisioned with clarity and purpose. Mr. Ramanans contributions to these deliberations further solidified his repute as a sage voice in matters of economic foresight and international cooperation.

Affirming his growing influence in diplomatic and governmental spheres, Mr. Ramanan was subsequently extended a formal invitation by The White House to attend a special address delivered by The Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, on April 22, 2025, at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur. This occasion, attended by key stakeholders from across sectors and continents, further accentuated Mr. Ramanan’s role as a bridge between nations, industries, and ideas.

His presence at both these eminent convocations is not only a personal honor but a powerful reflection of the values he espouses-integrity, insight, and innovation. Mr. Ramanan continues to illuminate paths for global progress through his articulate leadership and visionary counsel, setting a benchmark for excellence that resonates far beyond the corporate sphere.

In an era defined by rapid change and global interdependence, Mr. Ramanan Balagangatharan remains a beacon of purpose-driven leadership, guiding industries and institutions toward a more enlightened and prosperous future.

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A powerful convergence unfolded at The Art of Living International Center during the Suvarnamukhi River Rejuvenation: Action & Awareness Workshop, bringing together government departments, subject-matter experts, and community leaders to co-create a roadmap for rejuvenating the Suvarnamukhi River.

The Jal Kalash ceremony which symbolizes India’s timeless reverence for water as a sacred, life-sustaining resource

The Suvarnamukhi River Rejuvenation Project, a collaboration between The Art of Living Social Projects, the Government of Karnataka, and IIM Bangalore’s Centre for Public Policy, stands as a model for participatory, science-driven river restoration. Conceived by Dr Lingaraju Yale, National Director of River Rejuvenation Projects at The Art of Living Social Projects, the initiative integrates science, spirituality, and community action to revive a vital lifeline of Bengaluru’s southern landscape.

Jointly guided by Prof. Gopal Naik (Jal Jeevan Mission Chair Professor, IIM Bengaluru), Shri Prabhash Chandra Ray, IFS (Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Nodal Officer), Dr Lingaraju Yale, and Bhavyata Jethva, Project Lead, the programme is setting new benchmarks in participatory water management in the peri-urban space.

With the insightful vision of Smt. Uma Mahadevan, IAS (Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, Government of Karnataka), and her commitment to taking the project forward, the workshop reaffirmed a collective resolve to turn the action plan into tangible, on-ground transformation.

Rooted in Reverence, Driven by Science

The event opened with the Jal Kalash Ceremony, where water from five sacred rivers – Kumudhvati, Arkavathi, Vrishabhavathi, Suvarnamukhi, and Palar – was sanctified and brought together. Students from the Vaidic Gurukul at the Center recited the Apah Sukta from the Rig Veda, invoking the sacredness and life-giving power of water. This moment symbolised the seamless blend of India’s spiritual ethos with modern environmental science.

As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose vision continues to inspire The Art of Living Social Projects’ groundbreaking initiatives, reminds us, “Rivers and rains are the cradle of life. Safeguarding Bengaluru’s depleting water sources and disappearing green cover is an urgent priority. We have always used the water from the holy rivers to purify ourselves, but today we have reached a point where we have to purify this water. The roadmap prepared jointly by government bodies and the Art of Living River Rejuvenation Team is a promising beginning. We must now translate this into sustained action on the ground and ensure lasting water security for people, trees and all forms of life.”

Policy, Ecology and People: The Trifecta of Change

Smt. Uma Mahadevan observed, “Rapid urban expansion is necessary for economic growth, but it has depleted the water table. Covering a peri-urban area of 216 square kilometres with a storage capacity of 65 million cubic feet, this reservoir and its 110 associated water bodies and 332 streams can potentially restore groundwater, capture rainwater, and become a sustainable water source for 69 surrounding villages. This project not only becomes a model in Karnataka but also in other states across India.”

Shri Prabhash Chandra Ray, IFS, elaborated on how ecological restoration is being balanced with wildlife conservation. “In this project, The Art of Living can play a major role in community engagement of residents in gated communities and RWAs. Alongside, we are ensuring that biodiversity and wildlife are preserved while water systems are revived.”

From the academic sphere, Prof. (Dr.) Gopal Naik emphasised behavioural change as central to success, “Behavioural changes are required to make this project successful. The Art of Living is the best place for driving this shift in mindset.”

Integrating Natural and Technological Solutions

Adding a scientific perspective, Dr. Y. Lingaraju noted, “In the name of urban development, nature is weeping.” Advocating for nature-based solutions, he urged replacing high-energy sewage systems with simple, ecological interventions such as bio-bridges, pollution-absorbing vegetation, and natural rainwater recycling, which deliver maximum impact with minimal engineering.

The workshop also showcased emerging innovations, including nanobubble technology presented by Dr. Jagjeet Singh Kochar, a water conservationist from Punjab, alongside nature-based pollution mitigation models shared by Dr. Prakash Kulkarni, President of Bhageerath NGO, and Shri Kris Madhusudan, Managing Director, Prithvi Eco Sciences Pvt. Ltd.

A Model for Replication

The Suvarnamukhi initiative is part of The Art of Living’s nationwide movement to rejuvenate India’s rivers and restore groundwater. Since 2013, the organisation has been reviving 72 rivers and streams, enhancing water security and livelihoods for more than 3,45,00,000 people.

In Bengaluru, the project will revitalise 110 water bodies across a 216 sq. km catchment, directly benefitting 69 villages and 9.3 lakh residents.

As discussions concluded, one message stood out – collaboration is the cornerstone of conservation. With science providing precision, governance ensuring accountability, and communities sustaining long-term impact, the Suvarnamukhi River Project is emerging as a replicable model for sustainable water management and a scalable solution for water crisis.

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through its large-scale River Rejuvenation Projects, the organisation works to mitigate water scarcity by restoring rivers, reviving ecosystems, and improving the quality of life for communities across the country. Get involved, donate now: NGO for Water Conservation in India, Top NGO in India for Social Projects.

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In a significant infrastructure development initiative, Archon Powerinfra India Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded the prestigious contract for the redevelopment and major upgradation of Meerut City Railway Station under the Delhi Division of Northern Railways.

Archon Powerinfra Bags Meerut City Station Redevelopment Contract

This is an important and landmark project in the transportation sector for public utilities, aimed at creating world-class infrastructure in the railway sector.

The company, which is already involved in defence and education, has now entered the nation’s transportation sector, further expanding its footprint in critical public infrastructure.

The redevelopment project will transform Meerut City Railway Station into a modern, passenger-friendly hub equipped with upgraded infrastructure, enhanced amenities, and improved connectivity. The project will cater to increasing passenger traffic and support regional economic growth.

The upgraded station will focus on passenger comfort, sustainability, and smart design, featuring improved waiting areas, better accessibility, energy-efficient facilities, and enhanced safety measures.

A spokesperson from Archon Powerinfra India Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are honored to lead this landmark project. Our aim is to deliver world-class infrastructure that enhances passenger experience and supports India’s growing railway network.”

The work is expected to commence shortly, with a strong focus on timely and quality execution.

About Archon Powerinfra India Pvt. Ltd.
Archon Powerinfra India Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, is a leading infrastructure company with experience in defence, education, and now transportation. The company has been instrumental in delivering high-value civil and infrastructure projects across India

StyleBuddy, a pioneering personal styling platform, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking new service, “Styled Looks,” setting a new benchmark for affordability and speed in the fashion industry. For an introductory price of just Rs. 499, users can now receive five complete, personalized outfit recommendations generated by an expert stylist within a revolutionary turnaround time of 30 minutes.

Priya Rajesh, Head of Operations at StyleBuddy

The new service democratizes access to professional fashion advice. Users simply upload their photo and details about the occasion – be it a wedding, a Diwali celebration, a business meeting, or a dinner date – to the StyleBuddy platform. Utilizing a blend of expert human oversight and rapid technology integration, a professional stylist curates and delivers a digital lookbook featuring five distinct outfit ideas, complete with shoppable links and styling notes, all within half an hour.

“The greatest challenge in styling is not lack of clothes, but lack of time and direction,” said Priya Rajesh, Head of Operations at StyleBuddy. “With Styled Looks, we’ve engineered a service that is not just hyper-affordable at Rs. 499, but also unbelievably fast. Getting an expert opinion used to take days; now, you can get five complete, event-ready looks faster than you can finish a cup of coffee. We are making professional styling an instant, everyday convenience.”

The service targets busy professionals, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone needing quick, reliable advice for high-stakes events. It addresses the common pain point of choice overload by providing a curated, ready-to-wear solution.

Siddharth Pandit, CEO of StyleBuddy, emphasized the company’s vision, “Our mission has always been to make professional styling accessible to everyone, not just the elite. By offering five fully personalized looks for under Rs. 500, delivered in 30 minutes, we are fundamentally disrupting the market. This service eliminates the last-minute panic and the wasted hours of online shopping. Its about empowering our users to step out with confidence, knowing their stylish looks were vetted by an expert.”

The “Styled Looks” service is immediately available on the StyleBuddy website and app, offering personalized solutions for categories like Diwali looks, Party looks, vacation styles, and more.

Key Features of the Styled Looks Service

• Affordable: 5 expertly styled looks for an introductory price of just Rs. 499.

• Fast: Personalized lookbook delivered in 30 minutes.

• Personalized: Curated by a human stylist based on user-uploaded photo, body type, and occasion details.

• Comprehensive: Includes complete outfits (clothing, accessories, styling tips) with optional add on for shoppable links, at additional fee.

About StyleBuddy
StyleBuddy, launched in 2020, is a leading personal styling and fashion platform committed to democratizing fashion advice. By combining a network of expert human stylists with smart technology, StyleBuddy offers affordable, accessible, and personalized styling solutions for all body types, budgets, and occasions. Its services empower users to look good, feel confident, and make informed fashion choices.

The Indian Institute of Technology Jammu formally convened its 6th Convocation Ceremony on 11th October 2025, marking a significant milestone in its journey of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. Held at the scenic IIT Jammu campus, the ceremony brought together distinguished guests, faculty members, proud families, and graduating students in a vibrant celebration of achievement and aspiration.

The Class of 2025 steps forward, inspired by curiosity, resilience, and vision at IIT Jammu’s 6th Convocation

A total of 386 degrees were conferred during the ceremony – including 211 B.Tech, 114 M.Tech, 25 M.Sc., and 36 Ph.D. degrees – reflecting IIT Jammu’s steady growth as a hub of research, innovation, and academic rigor.

The event was graced by Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, who served as the Chief Guest. In his inspiring address, Dr. Kalyanaraman urged graduates to embrace the opportunities presented by a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. He emphasized the importance of innovation, adaptability, and mentorship, encouraging graduates to remain connected with their alma mater and contribute to India’s journey as a global leader in science and technology.

Delivering the Director’s Address, Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu, congratulated the Class of 2025 and shared an insightful message on curiosity, resilience, and purpose. Drawing inspiration from India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, he highlighted how perseverance and innovation can overcome constraints, urging students to transform challenges into opportunities. Prof. Gaur encouraged the graduating class to continue lifelong learning, create meaningful impact through their work, and remain grounded in their values as they explore new frontiers.

A special highlight of the Convocation was the unveiling of “Trishunya: The Infinite Circle of Growth,” a magnificent new sculpture dedicated to the graduating class of 2025. The artwork symbolizes the human spirit of pursuit through its three spheres – Curiosity, Resilience, and Vision – representing the Institute’s core ethos of continuous learning, growth, and creation. Standing tall at the campus, Trishunya embodies IIT Jammu’s belief in staying grounded while reaching infinitely upward.

In recognition of exceptional academic excellence, Aashray Gupta (B.Tech, Computer Science and Engineering) received the President Gold Medal for securing the highest CGPA among all B.Tech graduates. The Director Gold Medal was awarded to Ahuja Sneha Brijkishor (B.Tech, Materials Engineering) for the best overall performance. The Institute Gold Medal was awarded to Saqib Khursheed Wani, a student of M.Tech in Civil Engineering, for obtaining the highest CGPA amongst all graduating students of the Master of Technology program, and to Monika, a student of M.Sc. in Chemistry, for obtaining the highest CGPA amongst all graduating students of the Master of Science program.

Institute Silver Medals were presented to top-performing students across departments: Gaytri Sachdeva (Chemical Engineering), Aditi Agarwal (Civil Engineering), Sadanand Sharma (Electrical Engineering), Sanskar Purwar (Materials Engineering), and Priya Sharma (Mechanical Engineering) at the B.Tech level. Among postgraduates, silver medals were awarded to Rakshith V.S., Dammu Akshay Kumar, Shweta Girijesh Tripathi, Aman Kumar Singh, Juhi Dubey, Vikas Kumar Tomar, and Amar Jangid for outstanding academic performances across M.Tech and M.Sc. programs.

The 6th Convocation of IIT Jammu stood as a testament to the institute’s growing legacy – a celebration of intellect, resilience, and purpose. As the Class of 2025 embarks on its next journey, they carry forward IIT Jammu’s vision of fostering innovation, excellence, and meaningful societal contribution.

Planning for long-term goals such as retirement, a child’s education, or buying a house often requires discipline and regular investing. One-way investors may approach this is through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). It allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds, helping you build wealth gradually over time. Before you decide to invest in SIP, it’s helpful to understand how it works, its benefits, and the factors you may consider for long-term financial planning.

Turn your long-term goals into achievable milestones with an SIP

Understanding what SIP means

A Systematic Investment Plan is a structured approach where you commit to investing a specific amount at regular intervals, monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually, into a mutual fund scheme. When you invest in SIP, your contribution is used to buy mutual fund units at the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV). This approach helps you participate in the market consistently, regardless of short-term ups and downs.

The key benefit of investing in SIP lies in its disciplined nature. Since the amount is invested regularly, you don’t have to time the market or worry about daily price movements. Over time, the average purchase cost may even out, a concept known as rupee cost averaging.

How to start investing in SIP

Starting a SIP is a straightforward process, but a few preparatory steps may help you make informed choices:

1. Set your goal: Define what you are investing for and how much time you have. For example, planning for your child’s higher education may require a 10-15-year horizon, whereas buying a car could be a 5-year goal.

2. Decide the amount and duration: The amount you invest should be based on your income, expenses, and target amount. Online SIP calculators may help you estimate how much you need to invest to reach a desired corpus. The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture.

3. Choose a suitable mutual fund scheme: Review the fund’s objective, past consistency, and risk level before you invest in SIP.

Past performance may or may not be sustained in future.

4. Complete the KYC process: Submitting identity and address proof is mandatory before starting any mutual fund investment.

5. Set up auto-debit or ECS: Automating your SIP ensures timely contributions and helps maintain investing discipline.

Benefits of investing in SIP for long-term goals

When you invest in SIP, you may experience several potential advantages:

• Power of compounding: Regular investments allow your returns to generate their own earnings over time. The longer you stay invested, the more significant this effect may become.

• Rupee cost averaging: Since you invest a fixed amount regularly, you buy more units when prices are lower and fewer when prices are higher, potentially reducing the average cost.

• Financial discipline: SIPs encourage consistent saving and reduce the temptation to withdraw or spend prematurely.

• Flexibility: You may start, stop, or modify your SIP amount based on your changing financial circumstances.

• Accessibility: SIPs make mutual fund investing convenient even for beginners, as you may start with amounts as low as Rs. 500 per month.

How to align SIPs with different life goals

Each financial goal may require a different investment strategy. You may align your SIPs accordingly:

• Short-term goals (1-3 years): Consider funds with relatively lower volatility, such as debt or hybrid schemes.

• Medium-term goals (3-5 years): You may choose balanced or hybrid equity funds to combine potential growth and stability.

• Long-term goals (5 years and above): Equity-oriented funds may be more suitable for long-term wealth creation, as they have the potential to deliver higher returns over extended periods.

Reviewing your SIP portfolio regularly helps ensure it stays aligned with your goals and risk profile. If your income grows, you may also consider a step-up SIP, which allows you to increase the contribution amount periodically.

Things to keep in mind before you invest in SIP

While SIPs are designed for convenience and discipline, it’s important to invest with realistic expectations. Market movements may cause temporary fluctuations in returns, but maintaining a long-term perspective often helps in balancing these variations.

You may also diversify your SIPs across different mutual fund categories, equity, debt, and hybrid, to manage risk effectively. Understanding your risk appetite, time horizon, and goal size before starting may help you make suitable choices.

If you’re exploring mutual fund investment in India, you will find a wide range of SIP options offered by various fund houses. Each comes with different risk levels and objectives, so reviewing scheme-related documents carefully before you invest is essential.

Conclusion

Investing in SIP is a simple and systematic way to pursue your long-term financial goals. It promotes discipline, reduces the impact of market volatility, and helps you benefit from the power of compounding. By setting detailed goals, choosing suitable funds, and staying invested, you may gradually build a corpus that supports your future aspirations.

Whether you are a first-time investor or an experienced one, starting early and staying consistent may make a meaningful difference over time.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.