Campus Activewear, one of India’s leading Sports and Athleisure footwear brands, has announced National Award-winning actress Kriti Sanon as the new face of its Women’s Category. The association marks more than a brand-celebrity partnership – it reflects Campus’ vision to shape the future of the women’s footwear segment in India, building on the strong growth it has witnessed in the past year.

Kriti Sanon, celebrated for her fearless career choices and ability to effortlessly balance multiple roles, mirrors the spirit of today’s women – dynamic, ambitious, and unapologetically authentic. From her journey as an engineering graduate to becoming one of India’s most admired actresses and businesswomen, Kriti embodies the determination, individuality, and style that inspire women to own their choices, both in life and in fashion.

Campus Activewear Announces Kriti Sanon as the Face of its Women’s Category

For years, Campus Activewear has led the way in making sneakers accessible, trend-forward, and comfort-driven for millions across India. Over the past year, this commitment has led to remarkable growth in the women’s portfolio, reaffirming its role as a key driver of the brand’s future. Bringing Kriti Sanon on board marks the next step in this journey – aligning her bold, multifaceted persona with Campus’ vision to create footwear that keeps pace with every role women play, without compromising on style or comfort.

Speaking on the association, Nikhil Aggarwal, CEO and Whole Time Director, Campus Activewear Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to welcome Kriti Sanon as the face of Campus’ Women’s category. Her ambition, versatility, and authenticity capture the spirit of today’s Indian women and align seamlessly with our vision for this segment. Women’s Sports and Athleisure has emerged as one of the most significant growth drivers for us, and with Kriti’s ability to connect across audiences, we are poised to build on this momentum – elevating our design language, delivering innovation tailored for women, and strengthening Campus’ leadership in this fast-growing category.”

Expressing her excitement, Kriti Sanon said, “I have always believed style should reflect who you are, not what you are told to be. For me, Campus, an iconic homegrown Indian sneaker brand, embodies that belief, designing footwear as versatile as the roles women play, while keeping comfort and style at the core. I am excited to join the Campus family and be part of a vision that feels so close to my own – one that celebrates individuality and inspires women to choose for themselves, without any inhibitions.”

For women who value self-expression and individuality, Campus Activewear offers footwear that is bold enough to match their ambitions and is as dynamic as they are.

About Campus Activewear Ltd.
Campus is one of India’s largest sports and athleisure footwear brands in terms of value and volume in Fiscal 2021. In 2005, Mr. Hari Krishan Agarwal, with his acumen, skill, and innovative thinking, started a never-to-end revolution in the footwear industry with Campus Activewear. Today, the flagship brand ‘Campus’ has emerged as one of India’s biggest domestic sports and athleisure footwear brands, offering a diverse product portfolio for the entire family. With the changing market dynamics, Campus has sustained its focus on product design and innovation by facilitating access to the latest global trends and styles through a fashion-forward approach. With over 23,000 retail touchpoints, over 295 company exclusive outlets, a website (campusshoes.com), and being one of the top brands available on e-commerce portals, Campus has secured its pan India presence while capturing the imagination of millions of people across Omni-channel platforms. The brand offers multiple choices across styles, colour palettes, price points, and an attractive product value proposition making Campus, an aspirational brand, especially for young adults, everyday performers, and fashionistas. Strengthening the brands leadership position in India, Campus was listed on NSE and BSE on 9th of May 2022.

India’s retail sector has been on an extraordinary growth curve, powered by rising incomes, rapid urbanisation, and a young, aspirational consumer base. As the market matures, so do consumer habits. While destination malls and mega-retail formats still hold value, the real transformation is happening closer to where people live and work – in micro-communities.

Why Micro-Communities Are Driving the Success of High-Street Retail Across India

These densely populated clusters of residences, offices, and social infrastructure are fast emerging as the most potent engines of high-street retail. Convenience, walkability, and a hyperlocal identity now matter more than just scale or spectacle.

According to a report by Cushman & Wakefield, India’s retail sector began 2025 with record momentum, clocking 2.4 million sq. ft. of leasing in Q1-up 55% year-on-year. High streets accounted for nearly two-thirds of this demand, signalling a clear shift in retailer strategy towards high-footfall, localised formats over large, destination-driven models.

From NCR to Tier-II Towns: The Spread of Micro-Markets

In regions like Delhi NCR, the micro-community model is already well-established. Areas such as Golf Course Road, Dwarka Expressway, and Sohna Road in Gurugram demonstrate how integrated ecosystems of offices and residences sustain thriving high-street retail. These zones are not just about proximity-they reflect aspirational lifestyles and deliver steady, all-day footfall.

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group says, “Micro-communities are transforming high-street retail by anchoring it in the rhythms of daily life. These neighbourhoods bring together families, professionals, and youth in a shared ecosystem, creating natural demand for accessible, lifestyle-driven retail. It’s not just about footfall; it’s about familiarity, frequency, and emotional connection. That’s what makes these retail formats resilient and deeply relevant across cities, big and small.”

Ankit Gupta, Director – Sales, Reach Group, says, “Gurugram’s retail story is not just about malls or mega-projects; it’s about how micro-communities are shaping everyday consumption. Each neighbourhood, whether it’s around Golf Course Road or the Dwarka Expressway belt, has its own ecosystem of families, professionals, and aspirational youth. High-street retail thrives here because it connects directly with people’s daily rhythms-from grabbing a coffee, picking up essentials, or indulging in lifestyle shopping. As developers, we see retail as an extension of community life, creating vibrant streetscapes where people feel a sense of belonging, not just convenience.”

But this isn’t limited to NCR anymore. Across cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Ahmedabad, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Kochi, similar micro-ecosystems are emerging. Tech corridors, educational hubs, and well-planned townships are acting as anchors for retail streets that are curated to cater to local needs.

Fashion and F&B Lead the Surge

The Cushman report noted that fashion and F&B brands led demand across India, taking up 0.80 million sq ft of leasing space. Their success underscores the growing consumer preference for lifestyle-driven, quick-access formats-the kind that micro-communities naturally support.

Even in Tier-II cities, the trend is clear. In places like Udaipur, Mohali, or Nagpur, developers are now building high-street retail as an integral part of gated communities or integrated developments-where daily consumption, weekend leisure, and community engagement all intersect.

High Streets as Social Infrastructure

Retail in micro-communities is about more than just transactions. It creates a vital “third place”-a space outside home and office where people gather, socialise, and unwind. These high streets become embedded in the social and emotional fabric of a community, giving them stickiness and long-term relevance. From local cafs to wellness centres, from branded fashion outlets to hyperlocal grocers-these neighbourhood centres are where urban life plays out.

Resilient, Relevant, and Ready for the Future

As India’s cities continue to densify and evolve, the future of retail lies in formats that are agile, integrated, and hyperlocal. High-street retail, powered by the pulse of micro-communities, offers a blueprint for sustainable growth-not just in metros, but across emerging urban India.

Umang Jindal, CEO of Homeland Group, says, “Tier-II cities are witnessing a remarkable transformation. With better infrastructure, increasing disposable incomes, and a return to community-centric living, the appetite for organised retail is growing rapidly. High-street formats are thriving here not just because of demand, but because they fit organically into the urban fabric. Our experience in cities like Chandigarh and Mohali has shown that when you build around how people actually live and move, retail becomes not just viable-it becomes indispensable.”

For retailers, it means being where the consumer is-not just physically, but emotionally and culturally. For developers and investors, it signals a clear opportunity to build for longevity, not just visibility.

Vignesh Polymers, a pioneer in appliance and automotive component and module manufacturing, today marked a historic milestone with the Ground-breaking Ceremony of its Air Conditioning Division, unveiling its 10th Factory Unit at the SIPCOT Industrial Park, Sriperumbudur Taluk.

From Left to Right – Sudhir Sonkhedhar, Munish Malhothra, Nithianand S, Mrs.Suja, R B Shivakumar, Ms. Swetha and Mohit Sud

The new facility will feature a world-class manufacturing unit, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and global quality standards. The project involves the establishment of a fully integrated air-conditioning manufacturing facility, designed to support end-to-end production under one roof. The plant will encompass sheet metal fabrication, heat exchanger and copper tubing lines, injection moulding and EPS packing operations as well as the in-house production of propeller and crossflow fans.

R B Shivakumar (Founder & CEO, Vignesh Polymers) and Mohit Sud (Group President, CPAG Division) lighting the ceremonial lamp at the Ground-breaking Ceremony of Vignesh Polymers India Private Limited

The event was graced by distinguished guests from Blue Star, including:

• Mohit Sud, Group President, CPAG Division

• Nithianand S, Executive VP (P&SCM)

• Haridas C, Executive VP – Sales and Marketing

• Munish Malhotra, VP (P&SCM)

• Suresh Kaushal, VP – Corporate QA

• Sudhir Sonkhedkar, GM (P&SCM)

• Naveen Kumar, Plant Head

• Bijal Naik, Procurement Head

• Kulin Bankar, QA Head

• Jaysingh Chaudhary, AGM – SQA

• Saravanakumar Muthu, Manager (P&SCM)

• Satyaban Behera, Zonal Head – Union Bank of India, Chennai

The celebrations began with a traditional welcome, Tamil Thai Valthu, and lamp lighting ceremony, followed by the Groundbreaking ritual. Guests also participated in a symbolic tree planting activity, underscoring Vignesh Polymers’ vision of sustainability alongside industrial progress.

About Vignesh Polymers

M/s Vignesh Polymers, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the fastest-growing manufacturing companies in South India, catering to the White Goods, Automobile, Consumer Electronics, and emerging EV sectors. With seven state-of-the-art current facilities spread across Tamil Nadu and Goa and supported by a strong workforce of over 600 qualified professionals, the organisation currently produces more than 460 components. Its core expertise spans Injection Moulding, Blow Moulding, EPS Moulding, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Welding, Painting, BLDC Motors, Cross Flow Fans, and Room Air Conditioner Components. Over the years, Vignesh Polymers has consistently invested in advanced technologies such as Robotics and Industry 4.0, while also diversifying into food and beverage packaging under the Sowkea brand and entering the EV segment through Vignesh Electric.

The company was promoted by Thiru R.B. Sivakumar, a first-generation entrepreneur and Diploma Holder in Plastics Mould Making Technology from the prestigious CIPET Institute, Ahmedabad. With over 20 years of experience in the plastics industry, he has undergone training in South Korea and Taiwan to gain expertise in best practices for manufacturing high-precision plastic components. His vision and leadership continue to drive Vignesh Polymers towards growth, excellence and customer trust.

For More Details:
Vignesh Polymers
Address: VIGNESH POLYMERS INDIA PVT. LTD. Plot No G13 & 14/1, SIPCOT Industrial Park, Vadagal Village, Eachoor Post, Sriperumbadur Taluk Kanchipuram (Dist) Pincode -631604.
Email: contact@vigneshpolymers.com
Website: www.vigneshpolymers.com

Acclaimed Bollywood Filmmaker, Cultural Ambassador and Visionary Producer Captain Rahul Bali, best known for laying the foundation of India – Vietnam Cinematic relations and producing Bollywood films like “Love in Vietnam” and “SILAA” captivated audiences at HORECFEX 2026 with his thought-provoking address on “The Economic Impact of the Film Industry on Tourism“. The event was held at the prestigious Ariyana Convention Centre in Danang, drawing industry leaders and stakeholders from across the globe.

Captain Rahul Bali shares visionary insights on Cinema and Tourism at HORECFEX 2026

HORECFEX 2026, a brilliant initiative spearheaded by Chairman Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh and Vice Chairman Mr. Andre Pierre Gentzsch brought together leaders and visionaries from the world of tourism and hospitality across the globe. Among the standout speakers, Captain Rahul Bali captured significant attention with his compelling insights into how cinema – particularly Bollywood – acts as a global catalyst for tourism growth.

In his keynote address, Captain Rahul Bali highlighted the powerful synergy between cinema and tourism, emphasizing how films act as global ambassadors for destinations, cultures and experiences. Drawing on his experience from pioneering cross-cultural film projects, Bali underscored how cinematic storytelling can dramatically elevate a location’s global visibility and stimulate significant economic activity through tourism.

“When audiences across the world see breathtaking locations on screen, they’re not just watching-they’re dreaming. Films like “Love in Vietnam” and “SILAA” don’t just narrate stories, they showcase the heart and soul of Vietnam to global audiences, creating a surge in tourism interest and cultural curiosity,” said Captain Rahul Bali during his address.

His remarks were particularly impactful given the rising prominence of Vietnam as a cinematic destination. With “Love in Vietnam” already generating international buzz and “SILAA” poised to do the same, Captain Bali’s efforts are being recognized as a milestone in fostering cultural diplomacy through cinema.

In his address, Captain Bali emphasized the pivotal role that films play in promoting cross-border travel, showcasing destinations, and influencing international travel trends. He shared success stories of how films have transformed cities and landscapes into thriving tourist attractions, citing examples from many global locations where film-induced tourism has resulted in significant economic upliftment.

Captain Rahul Bali also called for collaborative ventures between filmmakers and tourism boards, suggesting the creation of incentives and film-friendly policies to attract international productions, especially in scenic and culturally rich destinations like Danang. He said, “Films do not just entertain; they inspire journeys. A single movie can turn a location into a bucket-list destination overnight. When cinematic storytelling is combined with strategic tourism partnerships, the economic impact is exponential.”

The session was attended by industry leaders, government officials, travel experts, and media professionals who lauded the address for its visionary outlook and practical suggestions. His talk underscored the emerging synergy between creative industries and tourism-driven economic development.

The mega global convention marked the presence of a significant number of VVIP’s and dignitaries like the Chairman Vietnam Tourism Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman Danang Tourism Association Mr. Cao Tri Dung, Director ICCA Ms. Walking Wong, Austrian Leadership Coach Ms. Irene Oehler, Director Danang Tourism Ms. Hanh Truong, Acclaimed Hospitality Leader from New Zealand Mr. John Gardner, American Actress and Lifestyle Icon Ms. Tracie May, Austrian Hospitality Veteran Mr. Herbert Laubichler-Pichler and Chairwoman Vietnam Hotel Association Ms. Do Thi Hong Xoan amongst others.

HORECFEX 2026 continues to serve as a premier platform for innovation and collaboration, with voices like Captain Rahul Bali reinforcing the importance of cross-industry partnerships in building sustainable futures.

Captain Rahul Bali is a renowned Bollywood Filmmaker, Internationally Acclaimed Speaker, Cultural Ambassador, Festival Curator and the Producer of Indo-Vietnamese Movies: “Love in Vietnam” and “SILAA“. He is known for building cinematic bridges between nations to strengthen bilateral cultural ties through films and is a global advocate for film diplomacy and the economic potential of creative industries, especially in tourism.

Homeland Group, one of North India’s most trusted real estate developers, has unveiled its latest 360 Degree brand campaign titled “Homeland Group’s Bold Campaign Answers Every Buyer’s Doubt.” Anchored around “Where Questions End. Homeland Begins,” the campaign directly addresses the most pressing concerns of today’s homebuyers regarding delivery, pricing, and investment safety by providing fact-backed answers that highlight Homeland’s unmatched credibility and legacy.

Homeland Group’s Bold Campaign Answers Every Buyer’s Doubt

The campaign is anchored in the belief “When buyers doubt everything, we don’t hide. We answer.” By addressing real buyer questions head-on and responding with data, delivery, and trust, Homeland Group reinforces why it remains the first choice for both families and investors.

With 13+ years of market presence, Homeland Group has evolved into a full-scale developer of landmark residential, commercial, and mixed-use spaces. Headquartered in Mohali, Punjab, the company commands a strong footprint across key North Indian markets. Its modern growth trajectory has been marked by bold designs, premium collaborations, and a delivery record that inspires trust.

Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, said, “Every homebuyer carries questions, whether the project will be delivered on time, whether the premium truly reflects value, or whether their investment is secure. At Homeland, we believe such doubts deserve answers, not avoidance. Over the past 13+ years, we have built a reputation on data, trust, and timely delivery, consistently proving our commitment to families and investors. Our campaign captures this journey and reinforces our promise for the future. Because where questions end, Homeland begins, and that has always been our defining difference.”

From delivery timelines to investment returns, Homeland’s track record speaks volumes. With over 3.5 million sq. ft. delivered across Punjab and beyond, the Group has consistently set new benchmarks in real estate. Its flagship developments, including Homeland Heights, Homeland Paradise, and Homeland Regalia, with Tower A delivered ahead of schedule, stand as proof of its commitment to timely execution. The trust is further evident in the fact that 90 percentage of its inventory is often sold before launch, backed by the confidence of over 500 channel partners. Adding to its credibility, Homeland has also collaborated with leading international designers and adopted world-class construction practices to deliver premium living and investment experiences.

Strategically timed ahead of the festive season, the campaign reinforces Homeland Group’s position as Punjab and North India’s most trusted developer. At its core, the campaign reminds audiences that while questions may be endless, the answer remains unchanged – It’s Homeland.

• A pioneer in Reproductive healthcare, Dr. Nirmala Sadasivam, introduced Capsule IVF in India, a cost-effective form of IVF for the economically strained Indian population and the most success yielding advanced blastocyst culturing techniques in IVF Science which offered the best chance of motherhood for the elderly women

• She has also received numerous accolades, including Tamil Nadu’s Best Doctor Award, presented by the Chief Minister, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, and the Indian Medical Association

Dr. Nirmala Sadasivam, Head of the Department of Reproductive Medicine at Chennai Maaruti Medical Center Hospitals and Genesis IVF Advanced Fertility Centre, was honoured with the prestigious Dronacharya Award by the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction at their annual conference held recently at AIIMS, Vijayawada.

Dr. Nirmala Sadasivam Conferred with the Prestigious Dronacharya Award

This coveted award is conferred on only one individual from each state, nationwide each year. The 2025 award recognises Dr. Nirmala Sadasivam’s 36 years of pioneering service in reproductive medicine and women’s health. The award celebrates her pioneering role in achieving India’s first capsule test-tube baby, a ground-breaking technique that offers a safe, cost-effective, and government-approved method of assisted conception. She is also credited with blastocyst culturing and transferring technologies, an advanced In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technique, bringing hope to over 50,000 elderly aged couples through this advanced method.

The Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction conference, a premier scientific event, brought together hundreds of leading Fertility consultants from across the country along with eminent global experts in the field of reproductive medicine. During the felicitation ceremony, several physicians highlighted Dr. Nirmala Sadasivam’s remarkable contributions to reproductive medicine, including her pioneering work in providing specialised treatment even to the elderly couples in line with ICMR guidelines.

Dr. Nirmala earned her Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D) in the field of medicine by researching the molecular biology of gametes, leading to the discovery of a treatment method that delivers exceptionally high success rates in reproductive medicine technologies. Approved by the government, this method has become a boon for couples facing recurrent IVF failures and for men with very low sperm counts.

With a strong belief in knowledge sharing, Dr. Nirmala shares her insights, research, and experiences in the field of reproductive medicine to the next generation doctors. It is to be noted that Dr. Nirmala Sadasivam was honoured with the Tamil Nadu Best Doctor Award and several other accolades for her outstanding contributions to reproductive medicine, conferred by the Chief Minister, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, and by the Indian Medical Association.