Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and one of India’s leading integrated energy enterprises, has achieved a significant milestone in its LPG business with the nationwide expansion of the ‘Zero Ka Dum’ (ZKD) initiative, a pioneering third-party certification programme for LPG bottling plants across India.

Sanjay Khanna, C&MD and Director (Refineries), BPCL

This initiative underscores BPCL’s unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence in one of country’s most vital energy sectors.

Team BPCL

The milestone was commemorated at a special event held on October 16, 2025, at the BPCL Loni LPG Bottling Plant, in the presence of BPCL’s senior leadership, key stakeholders, distributors, and transporters.

Raising the Bar with ‘Zero Ka Dum’
BPCL’s LPG operations team has taken a transformative step toward ensuring uncompromised quality and customer safety through the Zero Ka Dum (ZKD) certification program.

Under this initiative, each LPG bottling plant undergoes a rigorous third-party certification audit conducted by independent agencies accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB). These audits assess every stage of the cylinder’s journey — from plant to consumer — ensuring that only defect-free, high-quality cylinders reach customers.

Shri Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries) with Additional Charge of Chairman & Managing Director, said, “The ‘Zero Ka Dum’ initiative reflects BPCL’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence and customer safety. It is the result of relentless efforts by our LPG Business Unit to enhance plant operations and deliver defect-free cylinders to every household. This milestone stands as a testament to our culture of continuous improvement and our belief that true progress lies in the quality and care we extend to our customers. I congratulate the entire LPG team for their dedication and for setting new benchmarks in safety and reliability.”

So far, 50 LPG plants have successfully achieved ZKD certification, with the remaining plants progressing steadily toward completion. This milestone reaffirms BPCL’s leadership in operational excellence and its deep-rooted commitment to customer safety.

Shri Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), lauded the initiative, stating, “Zero Ka Dum is a credible initiative that embodies innovation, care, and reliability in our mission to serve customers with love and trust. It is a bold step forward, comparable to the transformational Pure For Sure (PFS) introduced by Retail in 2001. My heartfelt congratulations to the entire LPG team for this remarkable achievement.”

Shri Raj Kumar Dubey, Director (Human Resources), highlighted the human commitment behind the transformation, saying, “Delivering defect-free cylinders has been a long-standing vision — one discussed for nearly four decades. Making it a reality required comprehensive improvements at the plant and equipment level, including the unprecedented step of third-party certification. This milestone reflects the relentless efforts of the LPG BU and our enduring commitment to customer safety. A company grows big by caring for its customers — and BPCL stands true to that belief.”

A Future-Ready Energy Leader
With Zero Ka Dum driving operational excellence, BPCL continues to demonstrate how quality assurance, innovation, and customer trust can work hand in hand to shape a safer, smarter, and more sustainable energy ecosystem.

This initiative not only aligns with BPCL’s core values of care, innovation, and trust but also positions the company as a frontrunner in reimagining India’s energy future — where technology, talent, and customer-centricity converge seamlessly.

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL)
Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 23,500+ Fuel Stations, over 6,200+ LPG distributorships, 500+ Lubes distributorships, 80 POL storage locations, 54 LPG Bottling Plants, 79 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 5 cross-country pipelines.

Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has Electric vehicle charging stations at 6500+ Fuel Stations.

With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.

Otter Controls India, a joint venture with the UK-based Otter Controls Limited, today inaugurated its state-of-the-art 4th manufacturing facility in the Chakan-Pune region. The new Manufacturing Facility represents a significant commitment to Indian manufacturing, backed by a total investment of $4.5 million, and was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Avnish Malhotra, India Lead – Future Mobility Department for Business & Trade, Head of British Trade Office-Pune.

Ulhas Joshi (MD, Otter controls India), Avnish Malhotra (Head – DBT, UKTI), Gaurav Jain (COO), Alex Nijhoff, MD, Otter Group.,Dr. David Smith, Chairman, Otter Group, UK

The new facility is set to significantly scale up the company’s operations, increasing its total production capacity by 75% and generating 1000 new jobs in the Chakan-Pune industrial hub.

Strategic Investment and Commitment to ‘Make in India’

The expansive new plant covers 96,000 sq ft of floor space and is central to Otter Controls India’s strategy of strengthening the local supply chain, in firm alignment with the ‘Make in India’ philosophy. The company was previously honoured with the National Productivity & Innovation Award under this initiative.

“This new Manufacturing Facility is a true reflection of our belief in the resilience and potential of the Indian manufacturing sector,” said Mr. Ulhas K Joshi, Managing Director, Otter Controls India Private Limited. “By investing in capacity and creating 1000 new jobs here in Pune, we are not just scaling our business; we are investing in the community and helping to build a more robust, self-reliant domestic supply chain.”

Technology and Vision for Future Mobility

The 96,000 sq ft facility is equipped with advanced technology, including a Clean Room Facility ISO 8 / Class 100,000. This technological leap allows the company to enter the highly specialized EMS & SMT vertical (Electronics Manufacturing Services and Surface Mount Technology) for both the Automotive and Non-Automotive sectors. The new facility will also contribute in enhancing its offering of high-precision components such as Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) molded components and niche wire harnesses.

Dr. David Smith, Chairman, Otter Group & Mr. Alex Nijhoff, Managing Director & CEO, Otter Group commented on the inauguration, “This investment in Pune is a key strategic decision for the global Otter Group. It underscores our commitment to providing world-class technology and quality, benchmarking our processes against leading international standards. The launch of this facility, especially its capacity to develop next-generation solutions like EMS Manufacturing and Relay Manufacturing for Defence Sectors, solidifies our position as a future-ready engineering partner in the Asia-Pacific region.”

The company’s future focus will include the introduction of EMS Manufacturing, In-house Commercial Stamping, Railway Switchgears, and Relay Manufacturing for the Defence Sectors.

About Otter Controls India (www.otterindia.com) 

Otter Controls India is an Indo-British Joint Venture Initiative aimed at bringing High Quality Engineering Products and Services to various Automotive & Non-Automotive Customers in India and Abroad. Otter Controls India specializes in the manufacturing and supply of high-precision automotive engineering components, including electrical connectors, socket assemblies, switches, wiring harnesses, liquid level sensors, injection-molded parts, and Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) molded components, and railway switchgear. Otter Controls Ltd. U.K. is a multinational company engaged in the manufacture & supply of high-precision automotive as well as non-automotive engineering components. The broader Otter Group is spread across Europe, China, India, and Latin America.

Glow by Kirtilals, a leading name in the diamond jewellery industry, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its 8th retail showroom in Vijayawada. This milestone marks the brand’s continued expansion and commitment to bringing exquisite, high-quality Natural diamond jewellery to a broader audience, particularly catering to the dynamic preferences of Gen Z customers.

Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Kirtilals and Ms. Saileela – Franchisee Partner at Glow by Kirtilals, MG Road, Vijayawada showroom

The newly launched showroom features a stunning collection of lightweight natural diamond jewellery, with prices starting from Rs.7,000 onwards. Designed to meet the tastes and lifestyles of younger customers, the collection blends modern aesthetics with timeless elegance, making it perfect for everyday wear as well as special occasions.

A hallmark of Glow by Kirtilals is its dedication to craftsmanship. Every jewellery piece is meticulously crafted at their in-house, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, equipped with advanced technology and operated by skilled artisans. This ensures that every diamond sparkles with exceptional brilliance and that the jewellery meets the highest standards of quality and durability.

The Vijayawada showroom is strategically located at MG Road, a prime shopping destination in the city. The store offers a welcoming ambiance and personalized customer service to help visitors find the perfect jewellery pieces tailored to their individual style.

Speaking on the occasion, Suraj Shantakumar, Director- Business Strategy of Kirtilals said, “We are excited to bring Glow by Kirtilals to Vijayawada, a city known for its vibrant culture and appreciation for fine jewellery. Our aim is to connect with younger customers by offering jewellery that reflects their unique personality and aspirations without compromising on quality.”

For more information or to explore the collection, visit the Glow by Kirtilals showroom at Opposite Kalanikethan, MG Road, Vijayawada and also shop online at www.glowjewels.com.

Cinepolis, the first international cinema exhibitor and one of India’s leading multiplex chains, announced the launch of its newest multiplex at TNR North City, Hyderabad. The opening marks another step in Cinepolis’ national growth strategy and reflects its focus on expanding access to modern, technology-enabled cinematic experiences across India.

Macro XE at Cinepolis TNR North City, Hyderabad

The new 10-screen multiplex is built to offer a seamless and comfortable viewing experience. It features advanced projection and sound technologies, including Macro XE, RealD 3D, and Dolby formats, with a total seating capacity of nearly 1,900. From immersive visuals and precise acoustics to comfortable seating and the Cinepolis Coffee Tree café, every element of the multiplex is curated to make movie-watching more engaging and enjoyable.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Devang Sampat, Managing Director, Cinepolis India, said, “We are delighted to bring a world-class cinema experience to Hyderabad with the opening of our latest multiplex at TNR North City. This property reflects our commitment to redefining entertainment for our patrons by combining innovative technology with exceptional service and premium offerings. Hyderabad is a vibrant city with a rich cinematic culture, and we are confident that this new multiplex will become a favorite destination for movie lovers in the region.”

The launch reflects Cinepolis’ continued effort to grow its network while introducing consistent upgrades in technology, comfort, and service standards to enhance the overall cinema experience for audiences across the country.

About Cinepolis India

Cinepolis India is a group company of Cinepolis and is the first international cinema exhibitor in India. With the vision of lighting up the movie of one’s life with smiles and unforgettable moments, Cinepolis aims to offer an unmatched experience to movie patrons. The company currently operates 449 screens in India under the brand names of Cinepolis, Cinepolis VIP, and Fun Cinemas.

Cinepolis has always been credited with pioneering innovations in the exhibition industry, including introducing luxury cinemas with Cinepolis VIP and developing the Cinepolis Junior Auditorium, specially designed for kids with colorful bean bags, cushy sofas, and loungers. The multi-benefit loyalty program, ‘Club Cinepolis,’ enhances the movie-watching experience with free registration, points rewards, pre-screening invites, and star visits.

Over the years, Cinepolis India has received numerous accolades, including the IMAX Big Cine Award for ‘India’s Top Multiplex Chain of the Year’ and the Image Retail Award for “Retail Launch” in 2023. At MAPIC India 2023, Cinepolis was honored with the "Most Admired Retailer of the Year: Best Turnaround Story" and “Retailer of the Year – Leisure and Entertainment” awards. In 2024, the company was again recognized as the “Retailer of the Year – Leisure and Entertainment” at MAPIC Retail.

The sixth edition of the world’s largest annual fintech conference, the Global Fintech Fest 2025 (GFF 2025), was held in Mumbai October 7-9. More than 400 sessions where visionaries from India and over 100 countries shared their insights. Also instituted under GFF 2025 were the Global Fintech Awards (GFA) 2025. The awards, announced at a gala on October 8, at Jio World Centre, Mumbai, honoured and celebrated the exceptional achievements of trailblazers of the fintech ecosystem.

Global Fintech Awards 2025

The two main fields in which the GFA 2025 were given aware were Excellence in Banking Tech, and Excellence in FinTech. Among the key winners were, Ms. Upasana Taku, Co-founder & CFO, MobiKwik, the Fintech Person of the Year – Female, and Mr. Yashish Dahiya, Chairman, PB Fintech, the Fintech Person of the Year – Male, while. Yubi was named the Fintech Startup of the Year, and IDFC FIRST Bank stood out under the Excellence in Banking Tech category, winning accolades for its Green Banking Initiative and Digital Transformation Program of the Year.

Global Fintech Awards 2025: Winners’ List

The 2025 edition marked the introduction of a Special Jury ensuring diverse industry perspectives and comprehensive evaluation.

The Special Jury members were Mr. V. Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC FIRST Bank (JURY CHAIR); Mr. Amrish Rau, CEO Pine Labs; Mr. Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman and MD, TVS Capital Funds; Mr. Rajiv Anand, MD & CEO, IndusInd Bank; Mr. Sameer Nigam, Founder & CEO, PhonePe; Mr. Sandeep Ghosh Group Country Manager India and South Asia, Visa; Mr. M N Srinivasu, Co-Founder & Director, BillDesk, and Mr. Sudipta Roy, MD & CEO, L&T Finance.

The GFA 2025 Jury comprised 30 renowned industry-leaders.

Together, these panels reinforced the Global Fintech Awards as a benchmark for excellence, inclusion, and innovation in the financial technology landscape.

For more information on GFF 2025 please visit: www.globalfintechfest.com.

 About Payments Council of India (PCI)
The Payments Council of India (PCI) was formed under the aegis of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (PCI) in the year 2013 catering to the needs of the digital payment industry. The Council was formed inter-alia to represent the various non-banking payment industry players, and to address and help resolve various industry-level issues and barriers that require discussion and action.

The council works with its 180+ members, encompassing over 90% of the industry to promote payments industry growth and to support our national goals of ‘Cashless Society’ and ‘Growth of Financial Inclusion’ which is also the Vision Shared by the RBI and the Government of India. PCI represents the complete digital payments ecosystem of India through its various committees representing different sectors.

About Fintech Convergence Council (FCC)
Established in 2018, the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC) is an industry body representing the collective voice of fintech companies in India. Since its inception, FCC has evolved into a leading platform with a diverse membership of over 200 fintech entities across key segments including digital lending, wealth, insurance, digital financial services, RegTech, and credit bureaus.

FCC’s core mission is to address sector-specific challenges and provide a unified platform for dialogue within the broader BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) ecosystem. The council actively engages with regulators and policymakers to help shape progressive policy frameworks and promote a balanced approach to innovation and compliance.

In addition to policy advocacy, FCC also focuses on knowledge sharing, strengthening consumer education, and promoting responsible finance through awareness-building initiatives on customer protection, digital literacy, and best practices in fintech.

Denver, India’s prestigious men’s grooming brand, is celebrating real success this Diwali; success rooted in authenticity, confidence, and dedication. At a time when social media often only focuses on surface-level glamour, Denver’s latest campaign reminds audiences that real success stays, and it’s built on integrity, effort, and genuine human connection.
 

Denver’s Diwali Campaign 2025
 

This year’s Diwali campaign focuses on the idea of “real influence” – portraying the modern man not through superficial perfection but through grounded confidence and sincerity. It explores what it truly means to be an influencer in today’s world, featuring real stories and behind-the-scenes moments that reflect Denver’s enduring ethos: “The Real Scent of Success.”
 

Through two heartfelt narratives, the campaign moves beyond the festival’s glitz to celebrate emotional warmth and meaningful relationships. It has been able to capture moments where genuine friendships outshine digital validation and where success is defined by kindness, humility, and real dedication, not merely by followers or filters.
 

The films’ storytelling also reinforces Denver’s brand ethos of a “Real Gentlemen”, encouraging viewers to honor those who lead with authenticity and self-belief. The tone emphasizes individuality and integrity over flash and facade, aligning with Denver’s brand philosophy of success with substance.
 

Speaking on the campaign, Saurabh Guptam, MD and Chairman, HSPL, said, “This Diwali, we’re celebrating real over reel – the kind of success that’s grounded in hard work, humility, and heart. At Denver, we’ve always believed that true success isn’t about appearances but about authenticity and influence that comes from character. Just like our fragrances, it’s not about being loud – it’s about leaving a lasting impression built on grace and real impact.”
 

Additionally, by shifting the focus from performative perfection to genuine expression, Denver’s campaign moves beyond being a product-centric advertisement to a value-driven narrative. It reinforces the brand’s purpose – to empower men who define success through authenticity, not illusion – paving the way for deeper emotional connections this festive season.

Link: www.instagram.com/denverformen/reel/DP1cEVyjaE9/

About Denver
Denver, part of Hamilton Sciences Group, is one of the most prestigious men’s grooming and fragrance brands. Known for its award-winning deodorants, perfumes, and grooming essentials, Denver has consistently ranked among the top choices for men who aspire to lead with confidence and style. With a strong presence in India and global markets including the Middle East, South Asia, and North America, Denver continues to expand its legacy under the brand ethos: “The Real Scent of Success.”

L’Oreal Professionnel, one of India’s leading professional haircare brands, has joined hands with acclaimed couture designers Shantnu Nikhil to introduce their limited-edition gift set celebrating beauty, strength, and self-expression. This collaboration harmoniously merges L’Oreal Professionnel’s cutting-edge hair expertise with Shantnu & Nikhil’s bold, progressive design language, creating a collectible that embodies modern femininity: confident, graceful, and powerful.

Sarika Israni, Director, Geetanjali Salon; Nikhil & Shantanu; L’Oreal Professionnel’s Sonia Ravindran, Category Head & Mathilde Barthelemy-Vigier, General Manager

At the heart of the collaboration lies L’Oreal Professionnel’s patented hair care innovation, Absolut Repair Molecular three-step haircare regimen – Shampoo, Mask, and Leave-in cream, celebrated by professionals and consumers alike for its transformative results that repairs up to 2 years of damage in 1 use*. The gift set comes with a complimentary scarf designed by India’s leading designers Shantnu & Nikhil. The scarf and the gift set itself is inspired by the fluidity and vitality of hair. It is more than a gift box – it’s an ode to the modern Indian women who dares to make selfcare her most romantic ritual.

The L’Oreal Professionnel X Shantnu Nikhil Limited Edition Gift Box

Expressing her excitement on this collaboration, first of its nature for the brand, Mathilde Barthelemy-Vigier, General Manager, L’Oreal Professionnel India says, “At its core, this collaboration elevates everyday haircare into moments of self-care and elegance. By merging L’Oreal Professionnel’s hair expertise with Shantnu Nikhil’s couture design, we create something both elevated and timeless. Every detail, from our pro-backed powerful products to the exclusive designer scarf, celebrates innovation, transformation, and elevation to modern femininity, offering every woman a rendezvous with their future self.”

“Our inspiration for this unique collaboration draws from the resilience of the modern woman, bold yet soft, structured yet free. Her strength, her movement, and her story flow through every fold, celebrating transformation that both beauty and couture deeply share. Our association with L’Oreal Professionnel brings this vision to life through design that feels fluid, tactile, and intimately expressive. The scarf embodies that spirit; it’s not just an accessory, but a reminder that elegance and strength can coexist in the simplest gestures,” added the couturiers Shantnu and Nikhil.

Priced at Rs. 5090, the limited-edition gift set is available exclusively offline at Geetanjali Salons and online on Nykaa.com from October 15 onwards until stocks lasts.

Catch the unveiling of the limited edition gift box by Shantnu Nikhil and L’Oreal Professionnel on IG here!

About L’Oreal Professionnel

Founded in 1909, L’Oreal has since maintained its dominance in the global markets of beauty, hair color, haircare, cosmetics, and skincare. L’Oreal Professionnel, founded by Eugène Schueller in 1909, has been at the forefront of delivering game-changing innovations in hair-color and haircare, powered by science, with an obsession for quality and performance. By always seeking to improve what is offered to hairstylists and consumers, L’Oreal Professionnel has created a host of innovations that have forged the history of the hairdressing world. Today, they push the boundaries with patented molecules, advanced research, elevated tools and new-to-the-world solutions at the disposal of hair stylists.

The brand also strives to support, champion, and elevate talent in the Indian hair industry by empowering hair artistry. From setting the stage for new color trends to empowering individuals to express their unique style, L’Oreal Professionnel continues to redefine what’s possible in haircare and color.

L’Oreal Professionnel is part of the company’s Professional Products Division, whose mission is to reinvent professional beauty and lead the digital transformation of the industry with a customer-centric approach.

Other brands included within the Professional Products Division are Matrix, Biolage, Kérastase Paris and Redken. For more information, please visit: www.lorealprofessionnel.in.

About Shantnu Nikhil Couture

Celebrated couturiers Shantnu & Nikhil have completed over two decades in the Indian couture ambit, consistently transcending pre-conceived notions of traditional Indian couture. The brand stands for distinctiveness, encapsulating the splendour and decadence of vintage India while blending it with the dynamism and ease of modern India.

As the signature drape creators for men in India, Shantnu & Nikhil have redefined structured Indian ceremonial wear, infusing it with a sense of liberation and modernity through their iconic drape; unshackling ceremonial wear from convention and bringing forth a new wave of progressive couture. Celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, Shahid Kapoor, Athiya Shetty, Ranbir Kapoor, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, and M.S. Dhoni are often spotted wearing the label for their most celebrated occasions, a true testament to the brand’s timeless appeal among the fashion-forward elite.

In 2019, the brand entered a strategic partnership with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) to launch its Prestige-Pret label, S&N by Shantnu Nikhil. Despite global challenges, the label expanded swiftly and today, Maison Shantnu Nikhil manages three successful brands- Shantnu Nikhil Couture, S&N by Shantnu Nikhil and SNCC (Shantnu Nikhil Cricket Club) across 24 retail stores and numerous additional points of sale through SIS formats, both offline and digital.

From democratising fashion to now unshackling ceremonial wear, Maison Shantnu Nikhil continues to push boundaries, furthering its edgy, global voice that celebrates Indian heritage with a modern narrative.

In a landmark collaboration to uplift India’s border communities, Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Program Trust (AOL-SSRDP) and NHPC Limited have joined hands to establish an Integrated Border Area Development Centre (IBADC) in Suchetgarh, R.S. Pura, and Akhnoor.

Shri Anand Kumar Tembhare, General Manager (NHPC), Shri Miren Kumar Verma, HOD (CSR), NHPC and Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman – Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST), and Shri Anand Kumar Tembhare, General Manager – NHPC, in the presence of Shri Miren Kumar Verma, HOD (CSR), NHPC.

Once operational, the IBADC will serve as a comprehensive development hub, focusing on education, healthcare, livelihoods, wellness, sports, culture, and community capacity building. The initiative aims to improve quality of life and foster self-reliance in Jammu’s border communities.

See how AOL-SSRDP is transforming lives in India’s border villages:
 Watch the inspiring story on YouTube

Shri Prasana Prabhu and Shri Uttam Lal, Director (Personnel), NHPC

During the event, Shri Prasana Prabhu presented The Art of Living Social Projects compendium to Shri Uttam Lal, Director (Personnel), NHPC, highlighting nationwide impact across skill development, sustainable livelihoods, water pollution mitigation, natural farming, afforestation, renewable energy, Smart Schools, community well-being, and water conservation.

Sharing their thoughts on this milestone collaboration, the leaders emphasized collective action and sustainable transformation in India’s border regions.

Shri Prasana Prabhu said, “This partnership with NHPC marks a pivotal step in holistic border area development. The IBADC will be a catalyst for positive change—strengthening education, healthcare, and livelihoods while nurturing self-reliance and well-being among border communities.”

Shri Uttam Lal added, “NHPC is committed to inclusive and sustainable development. Partnering with AOL-SSRDP for the IBADC initiative reflects our shared vision of empowering communities in Jammu’s border regions and fostering long-term socio-economic resilience.”

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to advance inclusive growth and sustainable transformation in India’s border regions.

About Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST)

Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Social Projects (through AOL-SSIAST and AOL-SSRDP) is transforming rural India and beyond.

Key Impact Highlights

• Skill Development & Livelihoods: 4.75 lakh youth trained through 147+ centres; 45+ ITIs upgraded; 25 Farmer Producer Organizations formed.

• Education & Health: 473+ Smart Schools benefiting 95,500+ children; 50+ Art of Living Medetel health diagnostic units operational nationwide.

• Rehabilitation & Community Development: 10,000+ inmates trained across 49 prisons; 665 border villages developed.

• Agriculture & Environment: 3 million farmers trained in natural farming; 100 million trees planted across 36 countries.

• Water Conservation: 1,05,000+ recharge structures built; 174+ billion litres of water conserved; benefiting over 3.45 crore people across 20,000 villages.

• Water Pollution Mitigation: 152 water bodies rejuvenated through JalShudhi, including temple ponds, drains, and major rivers.

• Waste Management & Sustainability: Pioneering zero-waste energy solutions converting waste to electricity; pollution reduction through Jagapawani.

Support the Mission

Join hands in empowering communities and building a sustainable future.
Donate: ssrdp.artofliving.org/donate-ssrdp

Connect with Us:

Website: ssrdp.artofliving.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/srisrirdp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SriSriRDP
Twitter: x.com/srisrirdp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/srisrirdp

History was created at the MET Institute of Mass Media (MET IMM) with the grand unveiling of “MET Media Collective” – Mumbai’s first campus media agency. The initiative marks a defining moment for media education in the city, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world media practice based on three pillars: Collaborate, Create, Impact.

The launch of Mumbai’s 1st Campus Media Agency – MET Media Collective – united media leaders & students, marking a new era of hands-on, future-ready learning

On this occasion, MET Trustee, Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal affirmed MET’s vision stating, “The launch of Mumbai’s first campus media agency is not just a proud moment for MET – it’s a commitment to the future of media education.”

The launch of MET Media Collective was celebrated through “Firechat with Media Mavericks”, a high-energy live interaction that brought students face-to-face with celebrated industry leaders from advertising, cinema, journalism, and technology. The dynamic session featured:

• POPS KV Shridhar – Global CCO, Nihilent & Advertising Veteran

• Mandar Natekar – Co-founder & CEO, Neural Garage (VisualDub.Ai)

• Tejaswini Lonari – Actress, Creator, Storyteller and a MET Alumni

• Pawan Kumar – Director & Writer

• Shahnawaz Baqal – Actor, Director, Producer

• Ashish Richhariya – Film Curator

Each maverick shared candid insights, inspiring stories, and practical wisdom, setting the tone for what the MET Media Collective will stand for – originality, innovation, and hands-on media engagement.

The MET Media Collective will operate as a student-run campus media agency, where learners take on live client briefs, execute campaigns, and experiment with storytelling formats. This pioneering platform promises to redefine how media education is delivered in Mumbai – immersive, industry-facing, and future-ready. For current media students at PGP MCMM, the agency becomes a real-time lab of ideas, letting them test strategies, develop campaigns, and collaborate with professionals while still pursuing their studies.

For future media students, the initiative is a powerful assurance that learning at MET IMM is not confined to theory, but is lived through experiences that mirror industry challenges. The exposure builds stronger portfolios, networks, and confidence to thrive in competitive media careers. The dignitaries praised the move as a visionary step for media education. Advertising Veteran POPS KV Shridhar reminded students that “Creativity is not about tools, it’s about perspective.” 

Whereas AI Entrepreneur Mandar Natekar emphasised the role of AI in storytelling, noting “AI is here to empower creators to imagine bigger and execute faster.” MET Alumni & accomplished India Film & Television Actress Tejaswini Lonari also inspired aspiring storytellers with “If you believe in your story, the world will eventually listen.” Such inspiration and high impact launch underscored the alignment of MET Media Collective with the evolving demands of the industry.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr. Priya Nair Menon, Director, MET IMM said, “With initiatives like Firechat with Media Mavericks, we ensure that our students don’t just study media; they live it. This blend of academic rigour and real-world wisdom prepares them to become confident, future-ready professionals.”

Located in Bandra, at the heart of Mumbai’s media and entertainment hub, the MET Institute of Mass Media is recognised as one of the city’s leading media education institutions. With the Post Graduate Programme in Mass Communication & Media Management, mentorship from industry veterans, and platforms like the MET Media Collective, the institute consistently nurtures professionals who excel across Journalism, Advertising & PR, Entertainment, Digital Marketing, and NextGen Media & AI.

Explore opportunities at MET Institute of Mass Media, Mumbai. visit: www.met.edu