Avtar Group, India’s leading workplace culture consulting firm, hosted BOB – the Best of Best Conference & Awards, India’s prestigious gathering of workplace culture & inclusion experts and thought leaders, at ITC Grand Chola. Best of Best is an annual conference conducted by the Avtar Group, that celebrates the winners of Avtar & Seramount Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI), the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI) and Best Companies for ESG (BCESG) and the Male Ally Legacy Award (MALA).

L-R: Subha Barry, President, Seramount; Pooja, Director – HR, P&G; Dr Tamizhachi Thangapandian, MP; Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder – President, Avtar Group

BOB 2025 stood as a milestone moment – it commemorated the tenth anniversary of BCWI which was launched in 2016. Across its revolutionary ten-year journey, Avtar & Seramount Best Companies for Women in India’(BCWI) has guided over 400 organizations in embedding inclusive policies, serving as a compelling tool in shifting mindsets and steadily elevating the benchmark for workplace inclusion nationwide. Breaking new ground, women’s representation in leadership among the Best Companies rose to 20% for the first time, with overall female workforce participation steady at 36%, up from 25% in 2016.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder – President, Avtar Group said, “Twenty-five years ago, Avtar set out to make inclusion a reality in Indian workplaces. Ten years ago, BCWI became our way to measure that change, to see how intent turns into impact. Today, as we celebrate its tenth edition, we see not just statistics but stories of women who found opportunity, of leaders who chose empathy, and of organizations that turned intent into action.”

The Male Ally Legacy Award (MALA), which celebrates male leaders who have led efforts to transform workplace attitudes and foster inclusion for women, was presented to Mr. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, Intercontinental Hotels Group. The choice of jury awards were bagged by COO & EVP, Financial Services SBU, Capgemini Technology Services India Ltd and Mr Mohit Sood, Regional Managing Principal, ZS.

Centered on the theme Unbox Inclusion, BOB 2025 explored topics such as lighthouse leadership, innovative inclusion practices, organizational vitality, and redefining leadership through a new understanding of power.

Speaking about the event and its theme, Dr Saundarya said, “As the world of work continues to evolve, with AI reshaping work, hybrid teams becoming the norm, multiple generations working side by side, and global challenges like climate change affecting us all, inclusion needs a new lens. Unbox Inclusion is about doing just that: breaking open old ideas and seeing inclusion as something that lives in our everyday actions, choices, and conversations. The future belongs to workplaces that unbox new ways of thinking and make inclusion a daily habit. And male allyship is a powerful example of how inclusion can become part of our everyday actions. The Male Ally Legacy Award and benchmarking initiatives like Best Companies for Women in India, MICI and Best Companies for ESG help organizations translate intent into real impact.”

Addressing the value of workplace inclusion, the Chief Guest at the event on Day 1, Ms. Thamizhachi Thangapandian, poet, orator and Member of Parliament for the Chennai South, said, “Best of Best Conference is an inspiring community of changemakers who have gathered together to create a community of care. Avtar and Seramount’s Best Companies for women in India study marks a platform that records the evolution of companies and their pursuit of gender inclusion. The onus is on these frontrunner companies in empowering generations of women and reassuring them their careers and worlds do not end at the altar of motherhood or other life stage events. Tamilnadu has a strong legacy of delivering social justice and advancement of women is a key priority for the state. Driven by the able leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru M.K.Stalin, the Dravidian model government has made phenomenal strides in women empowerment through welfare schemes such as Pudhumai Pen, Vidiyal Payanam and Kalagniar Urimai Thogai. Under the purview of the changemakers – both government and organizations, is to focus on true inclusion, and empower historically marginalized groups – LGBTQIA+, PwD, socially marginalised et al. True inclusion means building together, leading together and winning together. BOB 2025 provides this platform for recommitting to the cause of inclusion. Let us remember, when women rise, workplaces thrive and when workplaces thrive the future does not just become human, but humane!”

Ms Aruna Sairam, celebrated Carnatic musician, who was the Chief Guest on Day 2 of BOB 25, noted, “It is so easy to let go off things that are important for you. But staying course with relentless focus is what gets you ahead. Just like it takes 25 years to master new ragas in music, Avtar in its life of 25 years has beautifully brought to life the music of inclusion. I take this opportunity to congratulate Avtar and not giving up on their vision, their dream.

Life is not about you but about everyone else – these frontrunner organizations understand this philosophy and ensure they deliver their inclusive commitment, emphatically. It is wonderful to be part of BOB 2025, celebrating each of you, who empower each other.”

For the complete list of winners of all benchmarking studies, visit: www.avtarinc.com/enrich/best-companies-for-women-in-india-bcwi

About Avtar

Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of India’s leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the country’s largest provider of second career opportunities for women.

An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtar’s biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies – the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI are India’s largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other under-represented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, India’s first job portal for under-represented professionals.

A snapshot of Avtar’s work in the last 25 years:

• Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organizations

• Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations

• Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com

• Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs

• Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women.

• Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT).

• Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women.

For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Strait Times & INSEAD at Singapore in 2022. To know more, visit www.avtarinc.com | www.myavtar.com.

About Seramount

Seramount is a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces. Over four decades, we’ve established a strong, data-driven understanding of the employee experience, which lays the groundwork for everything we do. Seramount partners with over 450 of the world’s most influential companies, large and small, to offer pragmatic solutions including best practice DEI research, workplace assessment, employee learning and development, and talent sourcing.

These offerings empower companies to navigate a dynamic corporate environment and to cultivate a resilient, connected workforce that achieves extraordinary outcomes.

Learn more at www.seramount.com.

At Agritechnica 2025, TAFE – Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, one of the world’s largest tractor manufacturers, unveiled its next-generation electric hybrid tractor – the TAFE EVX75, while also celebrating a landmark achievement, the TAFE EV28 electric tractor being the finalist in “Tractor of the Year (TOTY) 2026” Award in the Sustainable Tractor Category.

TAFE unveiled its next-generation electric hybrid tractor TAFE EVX75 at Agritechica 2025

Alongside the EVX75, TAFE showcased its new vision guidance system and the new range featuring the 100 HP tractor with a new cab (TAFE 1015), 74 HP orchard and fruit tractor (TAFE 7515 GE), and Compact Utility Series, 65 HP (TAFE 6065), each designed to meet a diverse range of operations and requirements of European farmers.

TAFE at Agritechica 2025

Today, TAFE transitions from being a tractor manufacturer to a complete farm-solutions business, with a vision to become a global leader in the sub-100 horsepower tractor segment. The company is making significant investments in precision AgTech, automation, and alternate-energy platforms to empower farmers across global markets.

Dr. Lakshmi Venu, Vice Chairman – TAFE, said, “For over 65 years, TAFE has built a strong reputation for engineering excellence, reliability, and quality, earning the trust of customers worldwide. As one of the world’s largest tractor manufacturer’s with a presence across 80 countries, we continue to innovate with the world, for the world, delivering advanced and dependable solutions for farmers across the globe.”

Mallika Srinivasan, Chairman and Managing Director, TAFE, emphasizing TAFE’s global strategy said, “TAFE aspires for global leadership in the sub-100 HP segment, the largest volume category in the world. Building a strong global presence is part of TAFE’s larger vision of offering smart, accessible, and sustainable mechanization solutions to farmers worldwide, in line with our philosophy of ‘Cultivating the World.’ TAFE has made significant investments in precision AgTech, smart farming, automation, electrification, and alternate energy technologies, while actively collaborating with start-up and academic ecosystems to develop future-ready products and farm solutions.”

Hybrid Tractors
The TAFE EVX75 represents a breakthrough in hybrid technology, combining a 75 HP hybrid powertrain with an EU Stage V diesel engine and a 400 V electric battery system. This dual powertrain enables the tractor to operate in zero-emission electric mode and hybrid mode for high-demand fieldwork, offering flexibility, fuel efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The EVX75 achieves lower emissions and operating costs while setting a new benchmark for performance and sustainability in global farming.

Its liquid-cooled high-voltage system ensures reliable operation, while the 3-speed transmission allows speeds of up to 40 km/h. Designed for comfort and control, the EVX75 features a full HVAC cab, electro-hydraulic rear lift, and independent PTO. With high-flow hydraulics and automation-ready technology, it’s ideal for efficient, eco-friendly work in any environment.

TAFE Terra 2.0 
Integrates TAFE’s vision-based guidance system Terra Vista into the unified digital platform that offers affordable, scalable and adaptable Agri-tech solutions.

Utility Series
The TAFE 1015 marks TAFE’s entry into the 100 + HP category. Equipped with a 103 HP EU Stage V engine, 30 F + 15 R Power Shuttle transmission, and a 4000 kg lift capacity, it is built for heavy-duty operations. Its premium climate-controlled cabin ensures superior operator comfort and productivity during long working hours.

Compact Series
The all-new TAFE 6065 Series combines agility with efficiency. Powered by a 65 HP Stage V engine and available with hydrostatic or mechanical shuttle transmission options, its lightweight chassis minimizes soil compaction while offering excellent manoeuvrability for orchards, vineyards, and municipal operations. The tractor comes equipped with a full frame cabin with variant is also available in category IV. 

Fruit and Orchard Series
The TAFE 7515 GE is a low-profile, narrow-track tractor designed for vineyards, fruit farms, and hilly terrains. Its 74 HP Stage V engine, optimized ground clearance, and tight turning radius make it ideal for operations in confined spaces and under canopies.

Through its latest innovations, TAFE Tractors continues to strengthen its vision of “Cultivating the World,” empowering farmers with reliable, efficient, and sustainable farming solutions.

About TAFE 
TAFE Tractors, a brand of TAFE – Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, was founded in 1960 in Chennai, India. The company sells more than 200,000 tractors annually across domestic and international markets and offers a wide range from 20 to 110 horsepower, used by over three million farmers worldwide. TAFE has a strong global presence across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. In 2023, TAFE entered the European market with EU Stage V, electric, and concept hydrogen tractors, establishing a growing network of more than 200 dealerships across over 20 countries.

TaskUs Inc. (Nasdaq: TASK) a leading provider of outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience to the world’s most innovative companies, today announced the launch of its new site, HeritEdge, in Noida.

TaskUs Continues India Expansion, Launches New Operations Site in Noida

The new site further expands TaskUs’ presence in India to support the growing global need for outsourced digital services. The new site in Noida, TaskUs’ fifth operations hub in India will deliver advanced services including Digital Customer Experience, Trust & Safety and AI Operations. Currently, the site houses more than 500 teammates, which is expected to grow to 1300 in 2026.

“India is an essential part of our global strategy, and I am excited to further scale our innovative AI and digital services in India. This expansion into Noida ensures we continue to attract the world’s best digital-native talent, enhancing our delivery capabilities to meet the growing needs of our global client base,” said Bryce Maddock, CEO of TaskUs.

Noida, a key city within the National Capital Region (NCR), provides exceptional access to modern infrastructure, a growing commercial base, seamless connectivity to Delhi, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and other key NCR hubs. The combination of these growth factors in addition to a proactive business environment makes Noida an ideal location for delivering complex high-impact services that TaskUs provides, particularly in fast-growing sectors like Healthcare, AI, Fintech and autonomous vehicles.

“The talent density, proximity to 500+ higher education institutes and the overall technology ecosystem of Noida perfectly aligns with our strategy to deliver high-quality services at scale,” said Stephan Daoust, Chief Operating Officer of TaskUs. “This new site allows us to tap directly into a highly educated, multilingual workforce, enhancing our capacity to serve clients across multiple regions and complex regulatory environments,” he added.

The design of the new site, named HeritEdge, is a thoughtful blend of India’s rich traditions, artistic stories and the busy city life. The facility embodies TaskUs’ “People-first” philosophy prioritizing teammate engagement and wellness. HeritEdge features numerous collaborative spaces, dedicated wellness rooms, cafeteria, training rooms and various modern amenities designed to support both performance and well-being.

“India’s differentiator is its exciting mix of technical talent, cultural affinity to global brands, and the passion for innovation,” said Sapna Bhambani, SVP of Operations and Country Leader, India at TaskUs. “HeritEdge is a representation of TaskUs’ dedication to our teammates, offering them a space that is ridiculously supportive and engaging. When we prioritize our people’s well-being and growth, they deliver excellence” she further added.

India is the second largest operations base for TaskUs with more than 15,000 teammates across 6 cities. TaskUs India was recently certified as Great Place to Work(R) for 2025 and was named one of the Top 10 Inspiring Workplaces in Asia for 2025 by Inspiring Workplaces Group.

About TaskUs

TaskUs is a leading provider of outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience to the world’s most innovative companies, helping its clients represent, protect and grow their brands. Leveraging a cloud-based infrastructure, TaskUs serves clients in the fast-growing sectors, including social media, e-commerce, AI, gaming, streaming media, food delivery and ride-sharing, technology, financial services and healthcare. As of June 30, 2025, TaskUs had a worldwide headcount of approximately 61,400 people across 30 locations in 13 countries, including the United States, India and Philippines.  

For additional information, please visit: www.taskus.com.

More than 450 middle school students from ten leading schools across Hyderabad convened at Oakridge International School, Gachibowli for the 13th edition of its Junior Model United Nations (JMUN) conference. Over the course of three days, delegates engaged in spirited debates on some of the world’s most pressing issues, from global inequality to environmental policy, across 11 committees, all under the guiding theme, “Empowering Voices, Creating Choices”.

Around 10 schools from Hyderabad participated in the Junior MUN hosted at Oakridge International School, Gachibowli

Dipika Rao, Principal of Oakridge Gachibowli, emphasised the deeper purpose behind initiatives like JMUN, “As a society, it’s very important for us to realize that many of us are in privileged positions. Our engagement with our consciousness should lead us to empower students, not just to make successful career choices, but to become ethical, aware individuals. Through initiatives like JMUN, Oakridge Gachibowli continues to nurture globally minded learners who engage critically with the world around them MUNs are not just spaces to debate governments and policies; they are spaces to become aware. This initiative is about helping students inquire, question, and build belief systems that propel them forward in life.” 

The theme aimed to spotlight the importance of inclusive platforms where young voices are not only heard but valued. “Empowering Voices, Creating Choices” reflects the belief that true empowerment begins with dialogue and that informed choices stem from understanding diverse perspectives. Each committee tackled agendas rooted in real-world issues, encouraging delegates to think critically, speak confidently, and collaborate meaningfully.

Aditya Sunkara, Secretary General of JMUN 2025, shared his reflections on the scale and impact of the event, “Organising a conference of this scale, with over 450 delegates and schools from across Hyderabad, is no small feat. The success of this three-day event is a testament to the relentless efforts of the secretariat and the unwavering support of the school. JMUN continues to be a platform that welcomes junior delegates into the realm of MUNs and inspires change, a mission Oakridge JMUN proudly upholds.” 

The conference brought together students from Chirec International School, The Shri Ram Academy, Sancta Maria International School, Meru International School, Indus International, GVK International School, The Gaudium International School, The Premia Academy, and Oakridge itself. 

As the curtains closed on Chapter XIII, the echoes of passionate debate, thoughtful resolutions, and newfound friendships lingered. Oakridge JMUN 2025 was not just a conference, it was a movement toward nurturing conscious, compassionate, and courageous global citizens. 

About Nord Anglia Education

As a leading international schools organisation, we’re shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible. 

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s top universities.

Our Nord Anglia global family includes 89 day and boarding schools in 37 countries, teaching over 100,000 students from ages 3 to 18.

To learn more or apply for a place for your child at one of our schools, go to www.nordangliaeducation.com. 

Financial literacy among Indian women remains alarmingly low – a challenge that has persisted for decades. Multiple, interconnected factors contribute to this gap, including cultural norms, limited educational opportunities, psychological barriers and infrastructural constraints. Understanding these barriers is crucial to designing solutions that empower women to achieve financial independence.

Mitul Mehta, Co-Founder- National Finance Olympiad

The roots of the gap!

Educational, Physical, Infrastructural and Time-related Barriers 

When it comes to financial literacy, understanding the fundamentals remains one of the biggest challenges for women in India. Why? Many struggle with basic mathematical concepts due to gaps in foundational education, which makes informed financial decision-making difficult. This, in turn, affects their ability to save, invest and ensure their families’ financial well-being. Women without a college education may find it particularly hard to grasp core financial principles, including evaluating risk and reward, calculating compound interest, accounting for inflation and building a diversified portfolio. Adding to this, the financial world often feels exclusionary, filled with complex jargon that can be inaccessible, especially for those with limited prior exposure or English proficiency.

In rural and economically disadvantaged areas, the challenges are even greater. For many women, even basic literacy and numeracy are not guaranteed. In such contexts, financial education often takes a backseat to more immediate needs. The absence of trained educators, relatable role models, and community programs further adds to the problem. Additionally, the cost of courses can limit participation, particularly for women with tight budgets.

Physical and logistical barriers add another layer of difficulty. Travelling to financial literacy programs can be challenging due to unsafe, unreliable or expensive transport. Poor infrastructure, a lack of dedicated centres and limited internet connectivity further restrict opportunities to learn, whether in-person or online.

Time constraints also play a critical role. Women balancing work, household responsibilities and caregiving rarely have uninterrupted hours to focus on financial learning. For many, sheer exhaustion pushes it to the bottom of their priorities – not from lack of interest, but out of necessity.

In contrast, men are often encouraged towards early financial learning. From a young age, boys are more likely to be included in household money discussions, encouraged to manage allowances and given access to financial tools. They also tend to have better access to institutions, digital platforms, and educational resources, and face fewer time constraints due to traditional gender roles. These factors provide them with confidence and practical experience in managing money, contributing to the persistent gender gap in financial literacy.

Cultural Conditioning and Psychological Barriers
Cultural stereotypes have long shaped who makes financial decisions in Indian households. Traditional gender roles often assign men the responsibility of managing money, investments, and assets, while women are expected to focus on caregiving and domestic responsibilities.

This exclusion keeps women from participating in discussions about budgeting, planning or household expenses. Without these opportunities, they miss crucial hands-on experience, which is essential for building competence and confidence in managing money.

Over time, these cultural barriers feed directly into psychological doubts. Years of being excluded from financial decision-making erode self-confidence, leaving women hesitant to engage with money matters independently.

As said earlier, the mental load of balancing multiple roles – as mothers, homemakers, workers, and caregivers – further leaves little cognitive or emotional bandwidth for exploring financial concepts. And then comes the fear of making mistakes, which, when combined with financial validation, proves to be one of the major interrupters of financial education.

This cycle – where cultural conditioning leads to limited exposure, thereby fostering psychological barriers – creates a self-reinforcing pattern. Women, over time, perceive finance as complex or ‘not for them,’ and even when resources or educational opportunities are presented, they may feel unprepared to seize them.

The real reason why equal access to education is needed!
Providing female folks with equal access to financial education is not just a matter of fairness – it is essential for economic growth, social development and long-term resilience. Financially literate women are better equipped to manage household budgets, make informed investment decisions and navigate major life transitions such as marriage, parenthood or retirement. 

The benefits of empowering women through financial literacy, however, extend far beyond individual households. When women are financially educated, they can participate actively in the economy, drive local development, and make decisions that positively impact their communities.

Evidence underscores the scale of this impact: a 2024 World Bank report shows that countries with higher female education levels experience stronger GDP growth, lower income inequality and greater resilience to economic shocks. In India, McKinsey & Company estimates that closing the gender gap in digital finance could add $700 billion to GDP by 2025.

Moreover, OECD data indicate that financially educated and empowered women contribute to reduced domestic violence and improved child welfare, highlighting the profound social as well as economic dividends of inclusion.

Breaking the cycle!
Education and awareness can become the most invaluable tools in breaking the cycle of financial illiteracy. Teaching financial matters from an early age, for instance, will equip women with the necessary skills to budget, save, invest and manage money confidently throughout their lives

Integrating these concepts into schools and extracurricular programs will further act as a fail-safe plan that provides lifelong women’s empowerment. It helps prepare future generations to contribute meaningfully to household and community finances.

Needless to say, technology can amplify this impact. Web-based or mobile-based applications that offer financial coaching and interactive workshops will make learning engaging and accessible. Volunteering programs, where young adults teach financial basics in rural schools, undoubtedly create a ripple effect – empowering children and inspiring families.

Equally important is building inclusive spaces that welcome women without any pre-conceived gender biases – think online forums, local meetups and networking events – where women can share experiences, learn collectively and find support. Language definitely plays an important role in all of this – communication that acknowledges female diversity ensures every woman feels represented and encouraged to participate.

Most importantly, raising financial awareness among women through targeted outreach can break the age-old stigma and promote a culture of proactive financial management. Above all, it must be realised from the core of the heart: financial literacy is not a choice but a requirement in today’s world, especially for all those who desire personal independence, empowerment and a more equitable society.