RPSG Lifestyle Media hosted the inaugural edition of The Edit Collective at the 38 Manhattan Penthouse, The St. Regis Mumbai. The gathering brought together editors from the company’s five titles to discuss the future of storytelling and media in India.

(L-R) Avarna Jain, Aindrila Mitra, Rahul Gangwani, Anupama Chopra, Meghna Sharma, Sourav Majumdar

Avarna Jain, Chairperson of RPSG Lifestyle Media Pvt. Ltd., addressed the gathering and moderated a fireside chat titled “The New Storytellers” with editors from the publications: Rahul Gangwani, Editor of Esquire India; Aindrila Mitra, Editor of Robb Report India; Anupama Chopra, Editor of The Hollywood Reporter India; Meghna Sharma, Executive Editor of Manifest; and Sourav Majumdar, Editor-in-Chief of Fortune India. 

The panel discussion examined how content is being shaped for Indian audiences across platforms. Speaking about the company’s vision, Avarna Jain said, “Our promise is simple, to be the home where India’s most influential stories and storytellers live and to do that in partnership with those who believe, like we do, that culture is the most powerful form of currency in the world today. Culture is capital.”

Nishanth Vishwanath, General Manager, The St. Regis Mumbai said, “The St. Regis Mumbai has always been the city’s house of celebrations and conversations. Hosting the inaugural edition of The Edit Collective was a natural choice, as it brings together editors shaping India’s content landscape. This platform strengthens collaboration between hospitality and lifestyle media, fostering dialogue and ideas that elevate both industries.”

The event marked a milestone year for RPSG Lifestyle Media, which operates under the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group. The company has partnered with over 150 brands since its inception. The year included events such as The Hollywood Reporter India’s Roundtables, Robb Report India’s RR Experience in Udaipur, the Esquire and Michael Kors Diwali Party, the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend, Fortune India’s Best CEOs event, and Fortune 40 Under 40.

RPSG Lifestyle Media operates print and digital publications across lifestyle, luxury, entertainment, and culture verticals in India, delivering cross-platform media solutions from print to digital and experiential content.

The company’s portfolio includes Esquire India, Robb Report India, The Hollywood Reporter India, Manifest, Fortune India, Open Magazine, and digital platforms MensXP, iDiva, and HOOK. The group’s broader media ecosystem includes Editor-G, HOOK, Pocket Aces, and Saregama.

About RP Sanjiv Goenka Group 
With a US $7 billion asset base the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group is one of India’s fastest growing conglomerates with a significant global presence. The Group has 50,000 employees and over five hundred thousand shareholders. The Group’s businesses include power and energy, chemicals, retail, IT-enabled services, FMCG, education, media, entertainment, and sports.

The Technology Innovation Hub for Translational Research on IoT and IoE at IIT Bombay is set to host ATMAN 3.0, an eight-week accelerator designed to transform early-stage HealthTech ventures into investment-ready businesses. The initiative will culminate in a Demo Day on January 9, 2026, at Novotel, Mumbai International Airport, where participating startups will pitch before investors, industry leaders, and members of the investment committee. The current cohort of 13 startups was chosen from a competitive pool of 173 startups that pitched their ideas to TIH IIT Bombay. Each winning participant will be awarded funding support of INR 1 crore or more, based on startup evaluation.

Backed by the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and DST (Department of Science and Technology), Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Bombay was established as a Section 8 not-for-profit company to advance translational research and technology-driven entrepreneurship. The Hub works across sectors such as healthcare, BFSI, agriculture, Industry 5.0, smart infrastructure, and education, translating innovation into practical outcomes that serve both industry and society.

Through ATMAN 3.0, TIH at IIT Bombay is deepening its engagement with the HealthTech ecosystem, helping innovators bring research-based medical solutions to market.

Current cohort includes 13 ventures addressing critical challenges across medical devices, digital health, assistive care, and clinical monitoring. Prezitec Health Private Limited has created Precigo, a snap-on needle tracking system that enhances precision during ultrasound-guided interventions. Shitashii Innovations has developed Emokeigo, a flexible, non-invasive device for speech-impaired patients. ATTOX Research Laboratories brings AMRIT, a rapid antimicrobial resistance testing solution targeting infections that claim millions of lives each year. Queliz Lifetech is advancing UltraHand, a robotic rehabilitation device aiding stroke and paralysis recovery. Brela Innovations has built Naibra, smart breast health monitoring pads promoting early detection of breast cancer. Intecog Logistech is introducing Thermadog, a temperature and theft monitoring solution for pharmaceutical logistics. Raycura Medical Technologies offers BETTER, a rehabilitation platform designed for post-stroke therapy. Saintiant Technologies has developed Vitus, a portable vital health monitoring system to check cardiac and metabolic health. DeepFacts Private Limited presents proRITHM, an AI-powered wearable platform for real-time patient monitoring. MicroHeal focuses on managing chronic gut disorders through a digital therapeutic approach. Miraii.ai has designed a voice-enabled smart ring for seniors to detect falls and trigger immediate alerts. Mythri MedTech Solutions has developed Vitals Care Pro, addressing cardio-metabolic diseases through continuous vitals tracking. Kode Blue Technologies introduces BLU+, an emergency care solution strengthening response systems across smaller cities.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr Kiran Shesh, CEO, Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Bombay, said, “ATMAN 3.0 is designed to accelerate India’s HealthTech innovators from research to real-world impact. These entrepreneurs are addressing critical challenges that affect millions – ranging from access to diagnostics and rehabilitation to emergency response and chronic care. Our role is to provide structured mentorship, regulatory guidance, and investor access, enabling their technologies to scale responsibly. By creating a clear pipeline from prototype to commercialization, TIH IIT Bombay aims to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and position IIT Bombay as a leading hub for next-generation healthcare technologies.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hardik Joshi, COO of Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Bombay said, “ATMAN 3.0 is not just an accelerator, but a launchpad empowering Health-tech founders to innovate responsibly and scale with purpose. With a mission to cultivate an ecosystem where technology and patient-centric outcomes converge to shape a healthier future for India, we at TIH IIT Bombay aim to encourage the transformation of early prototypes into market-ready solutions, via tailored mentorship and strategic support. We are extremely delighted at hosting the third edition of ATMAN and we look forward to more such opportunities as we move towards a Viksit Bharat.”

The programme spans eight modules covering market discovery, product development, business strategy, financial planning, regulatory readiness, and investor engagement. Startups receive continuous mentorship from domain experts, clinicians, and business professionals, ensuring that innovation is balanced with clinical and commercial viability.

The last day of the program; the Demo Day on January 9, 2026 will feature startup pitches alongside discussions on investment trends, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technology models in healthcare. It will also serve as a platform for portfolio startups from earlier TIH IIT Bombay programmes to engage investors for follow-on funding and partnerships. Dedicated networking spaces will facilitate collaboration between founders, investors, and industry stakeholders, ensuring meaningful dialogue that extends beyond the event.

As India looks towards Viksit Bharat 2047, ATMAN 3.0 reinforces TIH-IIT Bombay ’s mission of building a sustainable bridge between research and enterprise. By supporting innovators through every stage, from concept to commercialization, the Hub continues to strengthen India’s position in global HealthTech development.

About TIH IIT Bombay

The Technology Innovation Hub for Translational Research on IoT and IoE (TIH‑IoT) at IIT Bombay is a Section 8 not‑for‑profit company established under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber‑Physical Systems (NM‑ICPS). The Hub is dedicated to advancing translational research, entrepreneurship, and innovation across sectors including healthcare, BFSI, agriculture, Industry 5.0, smart infrastructure, and education. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, TIH IIT Bombay  enables innovators to transform research into scalable solutions that serve both society and the economy. Through initiatives like the ATMAN accelerator, TIH IIT Bombay is building a sustainable bridge between concept and commercialization, positioning IIT Bombay as a central hub for next‑generation technologies.

Website – tihiitb.org/programs/innovation-entrepreneurship-development/atman-3/

Instagram – www.instagram.com/tih_iitb/

LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/technology-innovation-hub/

Trehan Iris, a pioneering name in Indian real estate for over seven decades, has announced a major strategic initiative to embed holistic wellness at the core of all its upcoming developments. Aligning with its guiding philosophy “Nourish Your Being” the company is integrating biophilic design elements, nature-led environments, and mindful community amenities to create living and working ecosystems that elevate everyday well-being. 

Trehan Iris onboards Milind Soman as its Wellness Advisor

In a significant step toward strengthening this vision, Trehan Iris has appointed an actor, model, film producer, fitness and a wellness icon ‘Milind Soman’ as its Wellness Advisor. Widely regarded for promoting holistic health, endurance, and sustainable lifestyle practices, Milind will consult on the wellness framework for Trehan Iris’ upcoming projects in Gurugram and Noida. His guidance will help shape-built environments that inspire residents and professionals to adopt healthier, more mindful ways of living.

Speaking about the collaboration, Abhishek Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris, said,“At Trehan Iris, we believe that wellness is the ultimate luxury. Our partnership with Milind Soman marks a significant step in translating this belief into built environments where every design element, amenity, and experience fosters holistic well-being. His philosophy of balanced, mindful living aligns seamlessly with our vision for the future of real estate.”

While Aman Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris adds, “Real estate must evolve to meet the changing needs of people, and wellness is central to that evolution. With Milind Soman onboard, we’re bringing sharper insight into designing spaces that encourage healthier lifestyles, from the architecture to the everyday experiences. This partnership reinforces our mission to build the next generation of wellness-led developments.”

Expressing his enthusiasm, Milind Soman commented, “Wellness is not about doing something extra, it’s about integrating healthy habits and mindful choices into everyday life. I’m glad to associate with Trehan Iris as their Wellness Advisor to shape communities that make well-being an intrinsic part of how people live, move, and connect.”

With this collaboration, Trehan Iris reinforces its commitment to redefining luxury real estate by placing holistic wellness at the heart of its design philosophy and community planning. The company continues to craft future-ready spaces that promote harmony, balance, vitality, and a deeper connection with nature.

About Trehan Iris

Building on a legacy of over 7 decades, Trehan Iris is now reimagining urban development through the lens of wellness. With more than 15 million sq. ft. delivered across 100+ landmark projects—including IRIS Broadway Gurgaon, IRIS Broadway Greno West, an ongoing 1 million retail led, mixed use development, IRIS Tech Park, and IRIS Cyber Tower—the company has consistently demonstrated innovation, quality, and trust. Moreover, Trehan Iris is also expanding its presence in the south with a 5-star hotel and IT Park in Bangalore along with other upcoming residential projects in Gurgaon and a commercial & retail development in Noida. Additionally, these upcoming projects will focus on wellness, further enhancing lifestyle and ecosystem. With this new chapter, Trehan Iris is committed to make wellness an integral part of all future developments.

SOCOMEC Group, in collaboration with the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), has launched Project Edu-Sustain – Education, Environment & Sustainability Initiative, a series of impactful CSR interventions focused on Education, Clean & Green Energy, and Zero Plastic Waste Management. The initiative aims to promote holistic and sustainable community development across Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi-NCR, contributing to a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive future.

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

Reflecting SOCOMEC’s enduring commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Project Edu-Sustain integrates education, renewable energy, and environmental conservation to create long-term, scalable impact.

Key Focus Areas:

• Clean & Green Energy: Installation of solar panel systems in 7 government schools across Chennai and Delhi-NCR, generating over 35,000–50,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy-efficient learning environments.

• Education for Underserved Communities: Establishment and running of two educational centres supporting over 80 primary-level children from high-risk and underserved communities and ensure least drop out. These centres provide after-school academic support, mentoring, and creative learning spaces to strengthen learning outcomes and prevent school dropouts.

• Zero Plastic Waste Management: Adoption of two beaches – Prabhadevi and Dadar in Mumbai – under a comprehensive Zero Plastic Waste Management initiative, targeting the collection and recycling of over 15,000 kg of marine plastic waste annually. The collected plastic is upcycled into useful products, generating livelihood opportunities for local waste pickers.

• Awareness & Employee Engagement: Through employee volunteering, community outreach, and sustainability awareness programs, the initiative promotes environmental consciousness among students, corporate employees, and local residents.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Partnership for Goals) — Project Edu-Sustain underscores SOCOMEC’s dedication to integrating sustainability with social progress.

Leadership Speak

Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, “At Socomec, sustainability is a core part of our business strategy and culture. We are committed to advancing carbon footprint transparency, upholding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, and advancing eco-design practices. Through Project Edu-Sustain, in collaboration with IFCCI, we bring this vision to life by integrating clean energy solutions, enabling education for underserved communities, and championing zero-plastic initiatives. These efforts are creating resilient ecosystems that empower people and protect the planet, ensuring that progress and responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Ms. Nida Khanam, Head of Human Resources, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, “Socomec’s commitment to social and environmental sustainability extends both inside and outside the organization, fostering an inclusive and safe workplace, empowering communities through sustainable actions. Over the past few years, we have successfully collaborated with IFCCI on strategic CSR projects. We are taking this partnership forward through Project Edu-Sustain, operating two education centers for children of female sex workers, installing solar panels in seven government schools across Chennai and Delhi NCR to promote renewable energy, and adopting two beaches in Mumbai under the Zero Plastic Model to drive environmental awareness and community participation.”

Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), added, “We are proud to partner with SOCOMEC Group in driving projects that deliver measurable and lasting impact on both people and the planet. Through initiatives such as solarizing government schools, empowering children from underserved communities, and reviving beaches through zero-plastic interventions, we are collectively building ecosystems of change. These efforts represent a true convergence of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. 

We are also deeply thankful to SOCOMEC Group for their continued partnership with IFCCI’s CSR Department since its inception in 2023. Their commitment to community development and sustainability has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives that empower underserved communities and promote a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future.”

HONG KONG SAR
Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) today announced the distinguished laureates of the DFA Awards 2025, honouring their transformative design achievement with global impact. This year, the DFA Awards features the debut of DFA Asian Design Vanguard, an award programme established to honour a designer with whose work resonates powerfully across the international design landscape.

Launched in 2003, supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the lead sponsor, the DFA Awards continues its mission to honour extraordinary individuals and projects that have made a lasting impact in Asia, recognising the industry giants whose work has fundamentally shaped our world. The 2025 awardees represent a diverse spectrum of design excellence, including Don NORMAN, DFA Lifetime Achievement Award (DFA LAA) winner; Christina ONG, DFA Design Leadership Award (DFA DLA) winner; MA Yansong, DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer (DFA WOCD) winner; André FU, DFA Designer of the Year (DFA DOY) winner; and Rahul MISHRA, DFA Asian Design Vanguard (DFA ADV) winner.

This year, the DFA Awards introduced the new accolade of the DFA Asian Design Vanguard with the aim to honour the contributions of Asian designers in any region of the world, who have strong vision to redefine global demand through design. This designer demonstrated the innovation of creativity, impacting market with significant commercial success locally and globally. Parallelly, has created cultural influence through design or cross-industry reach. To synchronise the new award programme, the trophy, designed by esteemed designer Mui KINOSHITA, features a triangular cut-out at its centre that symbolises A-D-V, dramatically frames light and shadow to create dynamic views from every angle to distinguish the Award’s eminent status.

Mr. Joseph LO, Chairman of HKDC, said, “This year’s cohort of laureates represents a powerful convergence of legacy and future-forward thinking. We see a profound depth of contribution, from Don NORMAN’s foundational theories that inspired us on how to interact with the world through design, to Christina ONG’s visionary leadership in designing global lifestyle empires that seamlessly bridge fashion, hospitality and wellness. We also celebrate the distinct design languages of MA Yansong and André FU blending the modern and cultural element to a stylish living. The inaugural DFA Asian Design Vanguard award allows us to honour a unique creative force, Rahul MISHRA, whose work is fundamentally influential and setting a new benchmark for what Asian design can connect social change and cultural preservation.”

DFA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 (DFA LAA)
Don NORMAN
Founding Director emeritus
Design Lab, University of California, San Diego
 

Don NORMAN, Founding Director emeritus Design Lab, University of California, San Diego​
 

Don NORMAN is a visionary leader who has profoundly shaped how we interact with technology. Renowned for championing the principle that design must serve people, his work seamlessly bridges the gap between social sciences and engineering, bringing a deep human perspective to product creation. His influential career includes pivotal leadership roles in the industry, such as Vice President of Advanced Technology at Apple, Executive at Hewlett Packard, and Founding Director of the Design Lab at the University of California, San Diego, which has inspired generations of designers, engineers, and business leaders worldwide. His ideas have been so transformative that Business Week (now known as Bloomberg Businessweek) once named him one of the world’s 27 most influential designers.

NORMAN’s exceptional contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including lifetime achievement awards from ACM (Association for Computing Machinery), and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. His ongoing global impact is reflected in his advisory roles at leading institutions like Tongji University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The DFA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 celebrates Don NORMAN’s profound legacy – a career dedicated not just to humanising technology, but to empowering us all through design that is intuitive, accessible, and deeply respectful of human experience. His pioneering concepts have become the foundational lexicon for the entire field, ensuring that his principles will continue to guide the creation of meaningful technology for generations to come.

DFA Design Leadership Award 2025 (DFA DLA)
Christina ONG
Founder
COMO Group

Christina ONG, Founder, COMO Group​
 

Christina ONG is a visionary of global luxury, renowned for building an empire that seamlessly spans fashion, hospitality, and wellness. As founder of the COMO Group, her impeccable taste and astute leadership have established her as Singapore’s preeminent style icon and a powerful shaper of international lifestyle trends across five decades.

Her journey began in 1972 with Club21, a single Singapore boutique she expanded into a global network of luxury stores across Asia and beyond. Her strategic acumen drove the celebrated revival of British luxury brand Mulberry. Her transformative vision extends to hospitality, where her Group owns a collection of award-winning Asian properties including Metropolitan Bangkok, Uma Ubud in Bali, and Uma Paro in Bhutan. Central to her philosophy is COMO Shambhala, a pioneering wellness brand that integrates holistic well-being focused on balancing mind, body and spirit into each property, from urban retreats to resort sanctuaries. These achievements have earned her honours including the Italian Cavaliere del Lavoro award and the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame.

The DFA Design Leadership Award 2025 celebrates Christina ONG for masterfully curating a global lifestyle aesthetic that merges commerce with culture, and architecting complete ecosystems of luxury that empower artisans, champion wellness and set timeless standards of excellence. Her career stands as a powerful testament to how visionary leadership can redefine an industry through design and conscious enterprise.

DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer 2025 (DFA WOCD)
MA Yansong
Founder
MAD Architects

MA Yansong, Founder, MAD Architects
 

Beijing-born MA Yansong is synonymous with the leading voice in a new generation of architecture. His vision is to create a future where cities balance humanity, nature, and the environment through futuristic, organic designs that reflect a contemporary Eastern affinity for nature.

Notable projects that embody this philosophy include the sprawling Quzhou Sports Park, the dynamic Shenzhen Bay Culture Park, the visionary Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, and the immersive Tunnel of Light in Japan. His significant contributions have been recognised with honours such as being named to the ’20 Most Influential Young Architects’ list by ICON, a British design and architecture magazine, in 2008, receiving the RIBA International Fellowship in 2010, being selected as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum in 2014, and being named one of the TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2025.

The DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer 2025 honours MA Yansong for his groundbreaking contributions to architecture and urban design, celebrating his visionary approach that integrates humanistic values, the poetic essence of nature, and cutting-edge technological innovation. His work continuously reshapes the future of our urban environments and demonstrates exceptional creative leadership, establishing a new paradigm for what Chinese designer can achieve on the global design stage.

DFA Designer of the Year 2025 (DFA DOY)
André FU
Founder
André Fu Studio

André FU, Founder, André Fu Studio
 

Renowned Hong Kong-based interior designer and architect André FU has established himself on the global stage by revolutionising modern luxury with a signature style that seamlessly blends cultural sensibilities, art, and craftsmanship.

For the past fifteen years, his vision has drawn equally on European principles of beauty and Oriental qualities to create timeless and resonant spaces. His influential portfolio includes iconic hospitality projects such as The Upper House in Hong Kong, the Waldorf Astoria in Osaka, and most recently, the Dusit Thani reopened in Bangkok and Capella Taipei. His collaborations extend to furniture for Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades and his own lifestyle brand, André Fu Living.

He has also received numerous awards, including Designer of the Year by Maison & Objet Asia, “Interior Designer of the Year” by Elle Décor China, Robb Report’s Icon of Luxury and the AHEAD Special Contribution Award.

The DFA Designer of the Year 2025 honours André FU for his unique vision that masterfully weaves together culture, craft and opulence. He is celebrated for creating a universe of iconic, cross-cultural spaces that are shaping the present and defining the future of modern luxury. Through his holistic practice, FU is establishing a new design chronology, offering a profoundly resonant aesthetic language that speaks to our moment and signals what is to come.

DFA Asian Design Vanguard 2025 (DFA ADV)
Rahul MISHRA
Founder & Creative Director
Rahul Mishra

Rahul MISHRA, Founder & Creative Director Rahul Mishra
 

Rahul MISHRA, a pioneering Indian designer, is renowned for integrating traditional craftsmanship with global haute couture. He made history as the first Indian designer invited to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week, following his 2014 International Woolmark Prize win. In 2023, the French government also honoured him with the “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” for his contributions.

MISHRA champions “mindful luxury,” using fashion as a force for empowerment. Through his couture line and ready-to-wear brand, AFEW Rahul Mishra (AFEW), he creates sustainable employment for over a thousand Indian artisans. His work has drawn acclaim from industry legends; fashion critic and former International Vogue editor Suzy Menkes calls him a “national treasure.” AFEW offers effortless luxury inspired by nature’s elements—Air, Fire, Earth, and Water—blending timeless style with modern wearability. Both his couture and ready-to-wear collections are available at his flagship stores in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Hyderabad, and through international retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, cementing his influence on the global fashion stage.

The inaugural DFA Asian Design Vanguard 2025 celebrates Rahul MISHRA as a visionary who is redefining the fashion industry, proving that design can be a powerful vehicle for social change, cultural preservation, and ecological responsibility. By creating a sustainable bridge between Indian artisans and the global fashion market, he demonstrates how luxury can be both beautiful and benevolent. His work offers a compelling blueprint for a more conscious and interconnected design future.
 

About DFA Awards (www.dfaawards.com)
Since 2003, the Hong Kong Design Centre has launched the DFA Awards to underpin the role of designers in society, to celebrate design leadership and exemplary designs and projects with commercial success or impact in Asia, as well as to recognise the rising force of emerging designers in Hong Kong. The DFA Awards, through its seven major award programmes, has grown in its international influence in Asia. The seven award programmes include DFA Lifetime Achievement Award, DFA Design Leadership Award, DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer, DFA Designer of the Year, DFA Asian Design Vanguard, DFA Design for Asia Awards and DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award.

About Hong Kong Design Centre (www.hkdesigncentre.org)

Hong Kong Design Centre is a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government, harnessing the city’s distinctive East-meets-West position to create value through design.

To achieve our goals we

• Cultivate a culture of design

• Bridge stakeholders to opportunities that unleash the power of design

• Promote excellence in various design disciplines

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (www.ccidahk.gov.hk)
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to some of HKDC’s activities/projects only, and does not otherwise take part in such funded activities/projects. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication and relevant materials/events (or by members of the project teams) are those of HKDC only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Anant National University hosted its 7th Convocation, conferring degrees on 299 students from the Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Design, Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment, MSc in Sustainability and Built Environment and Anant Fellowship in Climate Action. Padma Shri awardee and Chief Scientist and Co-founder of Zoho Corporation, Dr Sridhar Vembu, was the Chief Guest. Mr Ajay Piramal, President, Anant National University, Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, and the members of the board were present during the convocation. “Coming to Anant National University has truly been a joy. The creativity and purpose-driven designs by Anant students blew my mind. I saw remarkable work—the kind of innovation our nation urgently needs,” Dr Vembu shared, drawing the audience of students, faculty and families into deep engagement. He reflected on India’s evolving design landscape, emphasising the importance of future-oriented thinking. “We often celebrate the achievements of our past, yet rarely do we pause to honour what we are building in the present. We must think beyond our own lifetimes and create for the future, and Anant is clearly teaching its students to do exactly that.”

Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost Anant National University while addressing the graduates in the 7th convocation

Dr Vembu, who Co-founded Zoho in 1996 and led it as CEO for over twenty years, now helms the company’s cutting-edge AI and deep-tech research—an evolution he describes as “the joy of building for tomorrow.”

Following his address, Mr Piramal, President of Anant National University, spoke about design as a powerful force for national transformation. “Design gives us the tools to reimagine industries, rebuild communities and renew our environment. It is how we transition from ‘Make in India’ as an aspiration to ‘Design for India’ as a philosophy,” he said.

Provost Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi then addressed the 299 graduands from programmes spanning design, architecture, sustainability, climate action and fellowship tracks, situating their journey within India’s moment of accelerating growth. “As you enter this new chapter, remember that there couldn’t have been a better time to begin. India stands in a moment of remarkable opportunity. We are growing, innovating and moving with purpose toward becoming Viksit Bharat within just a few decades.”

He reinforced the generational responsibility the young designers carry, “You will be the builders of the Viksit Bharat, a sustainable, inclusive and globally recognised country. An India where design thinking shapes governance, industry and everyday life.”

This year’s convocation also honoured exceptional achievers across Academic Excellence, Innovation, Best Graduation Project, Best Thesis, Best Live-Action Project and Best Student categories.

To mark the graduating cohort’s creative journey, the university transformed its entire campus into a vibrant, immersive exhibition space. Studios, galleries and auditoriums showcased an array of student-led innovations—from design prototypes and sustainability solutions to architectural models and climate-action initiatives—turning the university into a living museum of ideas shaping India’s future.

Learn more at www.anant.edu.in.

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.

Cosmo Foundation, the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First Ltd., today announced that Ms. Yamini Kumar Jaipuria, Managing Trustee of the Foundation, was felicitated with the coveted ET NOW Impactful Women Leaders of India 2025 award held in Aerocity, New Delhi. She received this recognition for her sustained contribution to strengthening rural education, advancing women empowerment, promoting digital inclusion, and fostering community-led development across underserved regions. This also reflects Cosmo Foundation’s meaningful contribution to national conversations on education, women empowerment, digital inclusion, and community development under her leadership.

Yamini Kumar Jaipuria felicitated with ‘ET NOW Impactful Women Leaders of India 2025’ Award

Over the years, Ms. Jaipuria has transformed Cosmo Foundation into a catalyst for large-scale social change. Under her guidance, the Foundation today works across 155 villages and 55 rural schools, reaching more than 68,000 children through its integrated Education, Environment and Empowerment framework. Her focus on bridging learning gaps, strengthening digital access, and nurturing confidence among first-generation learners has created one of India’s most meaningful rural education models.

Speaking on the recognition, Ms. Jaipuria said, “This award belongs to the extraordinary children, teachers, women, and community partners who make our work possible. At Cosmo Foundation, we believe inclusive progress begins at the grassroots. Every initiative we undertake is aimed at helping individuals unlock their potential and shape their own futures.”

Her work in education is anchored in reimagining how rural India accesses knowledge. She has championed digital inclusion by establishing 29 computer labs across multiple states and launching the Cosmo DigiPathshala, a WhatsApp-based hybrid learning model that has already reached more than 2,300 students. Her commitment to language confidence has driven English learning programmes across rural schools, supported by bilingual digital content that has enabled thousands of students to learn in a format that feels both accessible and aspirational.

Ms. Jaipuria’s leadership in women empowerment has opened new pathways for employability and financial independence. Initiatives such as the EV Assembly Technician Course for Women, along with scholarships and mentorship platforms like the Udayan Shalini Fellowship, have helped young women envision and pursue modern careers with confidence. Her programmes on safety, hygiene and menstrual health have catalysed behavioural change across villages, ensuring that girls remain in school and communities adopt healthier, dignified practices.

Her commitment to environmental stewardship is equally deep-rooted. From leading tree plantation efforts to driving sustainability awareness in schools, she has championed an early understanding of climate responsibility among young learners. The Foundation’s environmental initiatives have strengthened community resilience while encouraging children to think as guardians of the planet.

Today, as India navigates the balance between traditional learning and rapid digital transformation, Ms. Jaipuria offers a distinctly Indian perspective on what the future of learning should look like – one that blends technology with cultural context, community participation, and equitable access.

Her work continues to demonstrate how thoughtful leadership can shape both systems and mindsets, making this recognition from ET NOW a powerful testament to the impact she has created and the possibilities she continues to inspire.

About Cosmo Foundation

Established in 2008, Cosmo Foundation is the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First Ltd., working to uplift underdeveloped communities near its operational locations in Karjan (Vadodara District) and Gangapur (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District), as well as in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and the tribal district of Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh). The Foundation’s programs focus on Education, Environment, and Empowerment, impacting more than 7.5 lakh (750,000) beneficiaries through various initiatives.

About Cosmo First Ltd.

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

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, was conferred the CII Industry–Academia Partnership Award in the Platinum Category at the CII Industry–Academia Partnership Summit held on December 5, 2025, in New Delhi. Dr. Harish Kumar S, Director – Corporate Relations, received the award on behalf of MAHE.

MAHE Honoured with Prestigious CII Industry–Academia Partnership Award

The Summit brought together leaders from industry, academia, government bodies, startups, technology innovators, and venture capital communities. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the event served as a collective platform for science leaders, business pioneers, policy makers, and emerging entrepreneurs.

The CII Global Summit on Industry – Academia Partnership 2025 aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and government. It showcases path-breaking innovations, highlights transformative partnership opportunities, and recognizes institutions demonstrating excellence in industry-aligned research and innovation.

Expressing his happiness on this award, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, “We are extremely honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from CII. This truly reiterates our commitment of students, faculty and industry partners who work together relentlessly and constantly push boundaries of knowledge and innovation. At MAHE, we are aligned to expand such partnerships so we can contribute towards transformative outcomes.”

Speaking on the recognition, Dr. Harish Kumar S, Director – Corporate Relations, MAHE, expressed that, “the award reaffirms MAHE’s vision of driving purposeful collaboration that delivers real-world impact. He added that MAHE remains committed to fostering partnerships that accelerate research, innovation, and talent development for national progress.”

This milestone reinforces MAHE’s continuing efforts to build strong, future-ready industry connections and contribute meaningfully to India’s innovation ecosystem. The recognition enhances MAHE’s visibility as a leading university driving collaborative research, cutting-edge technology development, and impactful academic–industry engagement across sectors.