A river never truly dies. Beneath cracked beds and parched banks, it waits – for rain, for care, for people to act. When communities come together with vision and dedication, rivers flow again, aquifers breathe, and fields turn green.

The desilting of the Mauda river benefitted 2,00,000+ people across several villages

At the centre of this movement is Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision – that caring for nature is caring for life itself. Under his guidance, The Art of Living Social Projects has ignited one of India’s largest people-led water revival initiatives. From Tamil Nadu’s plains to Karnataka’s highlands, from drought-hit Maharashtra to Uttar Pradesh’s thirsty fields, rivers are being rejuvenated, empowering communities along the way.

Tamil Nadu: Naganadhi – A River Reborn
Once a dry scar across Vellore, the Naganadhi River was on the verge of being lost. Farmers watched crops wither, women walked miles for water, and villages faced scarcity. The Art of Living Social Projects, in collaboration with the district administration and under MGNREGA, launched a transformative project.

• Structures built: 354 recharge wells, 207 boulder checks

• Direct participation: 1,050 women

• Groundwater rise: 1 – 8 metres

• River flow: uninterrupted for over three years

The project revitalised agriculture, enabling three crops a year and strengthening local economies. Its success at Naganadhi motivated a larger movement: from the 1,050 women directly involved, over 44,000 women across 14 districts later participated in constructing 6,500+ recharge structures, turning water conservation into a community-wide initiative.

Recognition:

• PM Narendra Modi praised the initiative multiple times on Mann Ki Baat

• Vellore was awarded Best District in the Southern Region for River Revival (2019)

• The Governor of Tamil Nadu honoured Dr. Chandrashekhar Kuppan

• TN Government recognised the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats; District Administration won three additional awards

Karnataka: A Tapestry of Rivers Revived
Across 12 districts and multiple basins, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision inspired the Antharjal Chetna / Jal Sanjeevini Project. Thousands of recharge structures restored groundwater and rejuvenated rivers.

• Recharge structures: 9,778

• Talukas with groundwater rise: 39+ (2019-2023)

• Rural youth trained: 1,500+

Rivers revitalised: Vedavathi, Kumudvathi, Krishna, Cauvery, Palar, Uttara Pinakini, Malaprabha, Tungabhadra

Case highlights:

• Kumudvathi River (Bengaluru Rural): 2,513 recharge structures and 86,000 saplings restored a 460 sq. km watershed

• Vedavathi River (Chikmagalur & Tumkur): Pilot project in 2013 expanded to a basin-wide rejuvenation with 17,224 recharge structures

• Palar River (Chintamani Taluk): 788 recharge structures and 40,000 saplings revived one of Karnataka’s driest belts

These rivers are more than channels of water; they are veins of prosperity, sustaining agriculture, livestock, and communities.

Uttar Pradesh: Farmers Find Water Again
Rampur district, declared an ‘overexploited zone’ by the state groundwater authority, faced severe water scarcity. Wells ran dry, diesel pumps failed, and farmers struggled. Guided by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision, the Bhujal Shakti Project brought relief:

• Structures built: 351 recharge shafts, 122 ponds, 1 sub-surface dyke across 88 villages

Groundwater levels gradually rose, pumps resumed operation, and farmers regained confidence. In Bundelkhand’s Lalitpur district, a parallel initiative with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited constructed 175 recharge structures in the Gobind Sagar catchment, strengthening water resilience for drought-affected families.

Maharashtra: Transforming Water-Scarce Landscapes
Maharashtra has long faced severe water scarcity. Guided by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision, The Art of Living Social Projects initiated large-scale rejuvenation programmes, including Jal Jagruti Abhiyan, Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0, and JalTara. Since 2013, these efforts have:

• Revived 33 rivers, streams, and tributaries across 27 districts

• Built 57,000+ recharge structures

• Desilted 29 crore cubic metres of riverbeds and canals (over 1,383 km across 19 districts)

• Planted 7.28 lakh trees

• Benefited 2,000,000+ people. The desilting of the Mauda river alone benefitted over 2,00,000 villagers.

Landmark projects:

• Mauda (Nagpur District): In partnership with NTPC Limited, 29 micro-watersheds covering 150 villages and 29,000 hectares transformed a water-stressed region into a water-surplus one. Awarded the Water Sustainability Award 2021-22 by UNDP, TERI, and India’s Ministry of Water Resources

• JalTara Project (Jalna District): 20,000 recharge pits raised groundwater by 14 feet, increased crop yield by 42%, and eliminated waterlogging. Programme scaled to 80 villages with 25,000 additional structures

Recognition and Ripples
The river revival efforts have gained national recognition:

• PM Narendra Modi praised the 44,000 women who led Naganadhi’s revival on Mann Ki Baat

• The Governor of Tamil Nadu honoured Dr. Chandrashekhar Kuppan

• The Jal Shakti Ministry awarded the initiative twice on National Water Day

• Universities and independent researchers continue to validate project impact

When Rivers Rise, Life Rises
River revival is never just about water. It is about farmers planting again, children drinking clean water, women finding dignity through leadership, and youth discovering purpose in conservation.

When we heal rivers, we heal ourselves. When rivers rise, life is rejuvenated.

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

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Integrated Centre for Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. (ICCPL Group) has been honoured for its exemplary workplace culture and has received the ‘Best Place to Work under MSME’ award at the prestigious Bharat Nirman Awards 2025, hosted by HT Media Group.

ICCPL Group Honoured as Best Place To Work by HT Media

This accolade aligns perfectly with the Group’s philosophy. The organisation has always believed that people are the core drivers of its success. Campaigns succeed, innovations thrive, and client relationships deepen because employees feel motivated, valued, and empowered. Being honoured as the ‘Best Place to Work‘ underscores ICCPL’s people-first culture, reinforcing the firm’s position as a leader among India’s large sized PR and communication firms. The group’s focus has always been to foster a positive culture with high trust and respect, providing opportunities for growth, work-life balance and a sense of belonging, all of which contribute to both employee well-being and long-term business success.

Since its inception in 2011, ICCPL has grown into one of India’s most influential PR and communication firms. Founded by the first-generation entrepreneur, Dushyant Sinha, the Group has collaborated with over 500+ clients across India and UAE, executing more than 1,700+ high-impact campaigns. Spanning sectors from real estate, education, and hospitality to finance, technology, and policy, ICCPL has established itself not just as a service provider but as a strategic powerhouse shaping reputations, driving narratives, and delivering measurable impact at scale.

Speaking on the win, Ambika Saxena, Group CEO, ICCPL Group, said, “This award is a celebration of the culture we have meticulously nurtured over the years. At ICCPL, our people are our greatest asset. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, inspired, and empowered. This recognition motivates us to continue fostering a workplace where talent thrives personally and professionally while contributing meaningfully to our broader vision. As a group we have always focused on employee satisfaction, engagement and retention, leading to higher productivity, better business performance and increased innovation.”

Parkhi Pasricha, Vice-President, ICCPL Group, added, “Being named the ‘Best Place to Work’ in the country by a reputed media house, is a proud moment that celebrates the ethos we live by – trust, inclusivity, and genuine care for our people. Growth at ICCPL has never been measured solely by numbers; it is reflected in how our teams evolve, innovate, and imbue purpose into their work. This recognition motivates us to continually raise the bar for workplace excellence and nurturing talent that contributes meaningfully to our larger vision.“

The award reinforces ICCPL’s standing not only as a trusted consultancy partner to leading brands across sectors but also as an employer of choice in the MSME space.

About ICCPL Group
Founded in 2011, ICCPL has grown into a leading business conglomerate in Northern India. Under the leadership of Dushyant Sinha, Founder of ICCPL Group, the Group has charted a remarkable journey. What began as a humble PR firm has now grown into an industry leader, with 500+ clients and a presence in 42+ cities across India and the UAE. Specializing in sectors ranging from real estate to finance, technology, and policy, ICCPL has successfully executed over 1,700+ high-impact campaigns. With a focus on data-driven strategy, perception management, and crafting impactful narratives, ICCPL continues to redefine communications, drive business transformation, and set benchmarks for both client impact and workplace excellence.

Jamnabai Narsee Campus, hosted the DreamSetGo Dream Dash Grand Finale, which had global icon and eight-time Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt, as the Guest of Honour.

The Fastest Man on Earth, Usain Bolt, Joins Sujay Jairaj for a Fireside Chat at Jamnabai Narsee Campus, Host of DreamSetGo’s Dream Dash Finale

During the event, Usain Bolt joined Mr. Sujay Jairaj, Trustee of Jamnabai Narsee School, for a fireside chat, sharing insights on his journey, mindset, and career lessons with the students. The initiative, designed to spotlight aspiring athletes, provided a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most celebrated figures in global sport & fastest man on Earth.

“As the official venue partner, Jamnabai Narsee Campus is proud to provide a platform that inspires the younger generations” said Trustee Mr. Sujay Jairaj. “It is an honour to have Usain Bolt on our campus. Our commitment remains to bring academics and sporting excellence together for our students.”

In conversation with a Jamnabai Narsee School student, Usain shared his advice for the younger generation, “First would be do what you love because when you love something, you put more effort into it and derive more joy and understand that the road won’t be easy. Second, no matter what, never, never let anyone tell you that you can’t make it. Anything is possible.”

www.instagram.com/jamnabai.narsee.school.

Sabhyata Foundation, a Smarak Sarathi, under Government of India’s ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ initiative, is set to host a unique cultural evening at the iconic Purana Qila today. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India, the initiative aims to enhance visitor experiences while transforming a historic monument into a vibrant cultural hub. The celebration will be graced by Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, as the Chief Guest and Shri Vivek Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, as Guest of Honour in the presence of other distinguished dignitaries.

Purana Qila Ready To Host First-of-its-Kind Cultural Evening organised by Sabhyata Foundation

Set against the backdrop of one of Delhi’s most iconic monuments, the evening will showcase India’s vibrant cultural spirit through energetic Dandiya and Garba dances, soulful musical performances, and a celebration of rich traditions.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mrs. Avantika Dalmia, Co-Chairman of the Advisory Board, Sabhyata Foundation, said, “India’s cultural heritage is a treasure we must preserve and celebrate. Hosting this first-of-its-kind cultural evening at the historic Purana Qila is a step towards bringing our traditions closer to people today. We are grateful to the Ministry of Culture, the Archaeological Survey of India, and the Government of Delhi for their support in making this occasion special.”

As Smarak Sarathi, Sabhyata Foundation is entrusted with the upkeep and promotion of four iconic Delhi sites – Purana Qila, Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, and Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Focusing on accessibility, safety, and engaging experiences, the foundation aims to make these monuments must-visit destinations. Building on the success of the ‘Jai Hind’ Sound & Light Show at the Red Fort, it brings the same innovation and vision to these historic sites.

About Sabhyata Foundation
Sabhyata Foundation, a not-for-profit organization is dedicated to promoting and preserving India’s art, culture, heritage and architecture through world-class experiences. In partnership with the Smarak Sarathi, Dalmia Bharat, the foundation has redefined visitor engagement at the historic Red Fort with landmark initiatives such as the ‘Jai Hind‘ Sound & Light Show, recognized by National Geographic among the world’s top five shows, the Red Fort Visitor Centre, and the Matrubhumi projection mapping. Under the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 initiative, Sabhyata Foundation is entrusted with the upkeep and promotion of four historic Delhi sites – Purana Qila, Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, and Mehrauli Archaeological Park. The foundation celebrated India’s cultural legacy on a grand scale through festivals such as ‘Dances of India’ and ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata – Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Festival’, which attracted over 250,000 visitors.

Page Industries Ltd., the exclusive licensee of JOCKEY International Inc. (USA), introduces their new women’s innerwear collection crafted with cutting-edge bonding technology to deliver a next to skin fit and unrivaled comfort of luxury and seamlessness. As part of the ‘Designed to Disappear’ campaign, the new collection is more than just innerwear as it becomes a seamless extension of every woman; crafted to support, empower, and disappear beneath clothing, letting her take center stage.

Jockey launches new women’s innerwear collection as part of the ‘Designed to Disappear’ campaign

Engineered with advanced bonding technology, this collection of bras and shapewear delivers invisible comfort for all-day wear. The range features versatile styles such as T-shirt bra, strapless bra, and lounge bras, crafted to meet the needs of today’s women for every occasion. Each piece combines subtle shaping with supportive fits in new age neutral color palette. The shapewear collection features targeted compression with a sleek, smooth finish that eliminates lines and ride-ups. This collection of bonded bras and shapewear are perfect for everyday confidence and festive celebrations alike.

Jockey launches new women’s innerwear collection as part of the ‘Designed to Disappear’ campaign

“Designed for the modern woman who refuses to compromise on comfort or style, this collection brings together innovation, precision, and ease like never before,” said Nihal Rajan, CMO of Jockey India. “We believe that true luxury is defined by how a garment makes the wearer feel, beyond its visual appeal. Each piece in the collection is crafted with precision right from selection of fabric to fit and designed with bonding technology at its core. The products are made to feel effortless, so that it disappears into the day as naturally as it fits.”

As part of the ‘Designed to Disappear‘ campaign, Jockey is enhancing the retail experience with “Size Check” an in-store bra fitting service that helps women find their perfect size. This activation ensures every piece fit exactly as it should, delivering on Jockey India’s promise of making comfort effortless and innerwear truly personal.

The new collection is now available across Jockey Exclusive Brand Stores, leading multi-brand retail stores, and on www.jockey.in, with a focused rollout across key metro cities. To amplify the launch, Jockey India is activating a multi-platform campaign featuring high-impact films and stills, brought to life across digital, outdoor and in-store media. The campaign will also see widespread engagement through influencer collaborations, targeted content across various digital platforms, reinforcing the message of seamless comfort and empowering elegance under the ‘Designed to Disappear’ narrative.

Jockey Woman Bonded Bras – Designed To Disappear

YouTube link of the campaign: www.youtube.com/watchv=QZJuRROGlR8

About Page Industries Limited
Page Industries is the exclusive licensee of JOCKEY International Inc. (USA) for the manufacture, distribution and marketing of the JOCKEY brand in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Maldives, Bhutan and UAE. Page Industries is also the exclusive licensee of Speedo International Ltd. for the manufacture, marketing and distribution of the Speedo brand in India.

Jockey is the company’s flagship brand and a market leader in the premium innerwear and leisure wear category. The brand is distributed in 2,852+ cities & towns and available in 113,715+ Multi Brand Outlets, 1,144+ Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBO) with extensive presence in 3,026+ Large Format Stores, as also online. Speedo brand is available in 1,074+ stores, 28+ EBOs and 10+ Large Format Stores, spread across 90+ cities.

For further information, please visit www.jockey.in

The Big Billion Days has always been India’s biggest festive shopping celebration, but this year Flipkart is going all out with its campaign thought “Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.” From surprising offers to unexpected partnerships, the sale is designed to delight shoppers in ways never seen before.

Shubh Muhurat Deals on Big Billion Days by Flipkart x Astrotalk

One such innovation is Shubh Muhurat Deals – a culturally rooted idea that taps into India’s long-held belief in the power of auspicious timing. Conceptualised by DDB Mudra, the campaign is built on a consumer insight that in many households, people wait for the right muhurat before taking big steps. From weddings to shifting homes or even buying a new car. Flipkart realised that shopping for large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines and televisions often falls into the same category of big, milestone purchases. Families don’t just look for the right price, but also the right time.

To bring this idea alive, Flipkart partnered with Astrotalk,India’s leading astrology and spiritual guidance platform Together, they created a calendar of auspicious moments from 23rd September to 2nd October to shop for large appliances on Flipkart. During these time slots, Astrotalk astrologers will guide shoppers on the best muhurat to buy, effectively turning shopping into a tradition-backed ritual.

The Shubh Muhurat times for each day will be announced by Astrotalk astrologers on live feed and social media channels and Flipkart channels, giving customers a new reason to plan their shopping around these moments. With deals available only at these windows, the act of buying transforms from a transaction into an auspicious family event.

Speaking about the initiative, Rakesh Krishnan, Vice President, Large Appliances at Flipkart said, “At Flipkart, we always try to go beyond just discounts and create experiences that feel deeply personal and relevant to our customers. Shubh Muhurat Deals is one such initiative that brings together tradition and technology. For many households, buying a big appliance is a moment filled with meaning, and with this campaign, we are making it even more special by aligning it with the most auspicious times of the season.”

Adding to this, Puneet Gupta, Founder and CEO at Astrotalk, said, “At AstroTalk, we have taken astrology to every household where people ask us when to buy a home Or when to sign the lease And many families also ask ‘what’s the shubh muhurat to buy something new for their homes’ This partnership with Flipkart’s Big Billion Days is our way of answering that at scale. We’re not just helping customers choose the right products, but also the shubh muhurat, so that every purchase carries good energy and good fortune with a goal to fill their home not just with appliances, but with positivity, happiness and goodness.”

The Shubh Muhurat Deals calendar will run between 23rd September and 2nd October, as the Big Billion Days sale begins on 23rd September 2025. Customers can look out for the daily auspicious shopping times revealed on Flipkart and Astrotalk and purchase their dream appliances.

With this cultural crossover, Flipkart is once again proving that in the season of Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, even shopping can be written in the stars.

View on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watchv=pcfDU9LmAKE

View on Instagram: www.instagram.com/reel/DO0Rr1miAxf/igsh=Ymd3OW93cXUxanU5

Credits
Creative: Rahul Mathew, Alok Mahadevia, Saurabh Dubey,Vasudev Raut,Yash Shirode
Business: Monideepa Nandi, Shweta Goyal, Kirty Agarwal, Kashish Bachani, Maria Akhlaq
Production House: Suprvlln
Director: Chalees Chor

About DDB Mudra Group
We believe that creativity is the most powerful force in business. Driven by the mantra of Power To Move, we unlock the power of human emotion to deliver the worlds best emotionally overcharged creativity that moves, people, brands, markets, and culture.

Our work across DDB Mudra, 22feet Tribal Worldwide, Mudramax, Track, and DDB For Good has built India’s most respected, profitable, and fastest-growing brands. It has also made our communities more inclusive and brought in a positive change to society’s most pressing issues.

Our commitment to diversity and equity is seen through award-winning, pioneering initiatives like the Phyllis Project and OPEN Pride. We are also four-time gold winners of the Talent Development Program of the Year at the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards.

Awarded as the Network of the Year at Cannes Lions 2025 and 2023, we also won India’s Agency of the Year at Campaign Brief ‘The Work’ in 2025, 2024, 2022 & 2021. Other notable recognitions include Asias #1 effective agency by WARC Rankings 2021 and in 2022, we became the first Indian agency to be recognized as APAC Agency of the Year at Spikes Asia.

When you invest in mutual funds through SIPs, lump sums, or withdrawals at different times, calculating actual returns may not be straightforward. Simply looking at the Net Asset Value (NAV) does not always show the true outcome of your cash flows. This is where an XIRR calculator may help. By factoring in the exact dates and amounts of each investment and redemption, it provides an annualised rate of return that reflects your real experience as an investor.

Using an XIRR calculator may help track mutual fund returns

The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture.

Understanding XIRR

XIRR stands for Extended Internal Rate of Return. It is a method used to calculate the annualised return when investments and withdrawals happen on different dates. For mutual fund investors who follow Systematic Investment Plans, make occasional top-ups, or redeem units at intervals, using an XIRR calculator may help track how their portfolio has performed so far.

Unlike simple return calculations, XIRR accounts for multiple cash flows and their timings, providing a clearer picture of realised returns. The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture.

Why use XIRR calculator

There may be several reasons why investors look at XIRR when evaluating their mutual fund performance:

• Considers actual cash flows – It factors in exact dates and amounts of all investments and withdrawals.

• Provides annualised returns – Investors may see how irregular contributions translate into a yearly percentage return.

• Suitable for SIPs and SWPs – Regular contributions and withdrawals make XIRR a practical measurement than basic return methods.

• Helps track progress – It may indicate whether the returns so far are aligned with financial goals.

Past performance may or may not be sustained in future.

How to use an XIRR calculator

To use an XIRR calculator, investors usually need to input:

1. Dates of all contributions and withdrawals.

2. The amount invested and redeemed on each date.

3. The current value of the investment, if any balance remains.

Based on these entries, the calculator applies the XIRR formula and arrives at the annualised rate of return. The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture.

Linking XIRR with financial planning

When investors use XIRR calculator, they may better understand how their investments may have performed in relation to their financial objectives. At the same time, a compound interest calculator may help investors compare how fixed, regular compounding works in simpler scenarios.

Together, both calculators offer useful insights: XIRR reflects irregular real-life investment flows, while compound interest calculator illustrates the effect of steady compounding over time.

Factors to keep in mind while using XIRR

While useful, XIRR should be interpreted carefully. Investors may consider the following points:

1. Accuracy of input – Results depend on correctly entering dates and amounts.

2. Market-linked outcomes – XIRR values may fluctuate with changes in the market.

3. Not forward-looking – It reflects past outcomes only and should not be treated as a forecast.

4. Impact of costs – Expense ratios and exit loads may affect actual realised returns.

Past performance may or may not be sustained in future.

Conclusion

For investors with multiple cash flows through SIPs, SWPs, or top-ups, using an XIRR calculator may be a suitable way to evaluate annualised returns. It accounts for the timing and amount of each transaction, giving a realistic picture of investment performance. Meanwhile, a compound interest calculator may serve as a comparative tool to illustrate how wealth builds under regular compounding in fixed scenarios.

Both tools are aids for evaluation and may be used as part of a broader investment review. Investors may benefit by considering them alongside their financial goals, risk profile, and investment horizon, and by consulting a financial advisor for personalised guidance.

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

India’s banking sector is not just growing-it’s growing with purpose. This was the key takeaway from the CNBC-TV18 3rd Banking Transformation Summit, presented by Nucleus Software, where regulators, bank leaders, and fintech innovators convened to chart the sector’s future.

3rd Banking Transformation Summit 2025

RBI Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao highlighted the sector’s resilience and growth: India’s banking sector has demonstrated strong resilience and growth, with credit expanding at an average of 10.5% over the last five years. Addressing a gathering of banking sector experts and leaders at a banking summit Rao informed that retail lending now constitutes 32% of total credit, while credit to MSMEs which contribute 30% to India’s GDP has grown steadily to form 18% of total lending as of March 2025, reflecting the sector’s important role in driving Viksit Bharat.

Building on this, M. Nagaraju, Secretary (FS), Ministry of Finance, made it clear: India’s economic rise demands banking muscle. “As we transition from the world’s fourth-largest economy to the third, Indian banks must aim for global recognition by featuring among the world’s top 10. This requires building larger institutions with secure capital bases and sustained credit growth,” he said.

Nagaraju stressed that India’s banking sector not only supports economic growth but must also ensure stability and resilience as it scales. By strengthening capital bases and expanding credit sustainably, banks can play a central role in powering India’s rise on the global stage.

RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao elaborated on the inclusive growth trajectory of the sector. “The rise in retail and MSME lending reflects how the sector is deepening its reach and supporting productive growth. The goal is not just universal bank accounts, which Jan Dhan Yojana has largely achieved, but affordable credit, insurance, and investment options for every citizen. Credit directed toward MSMEs, infrastructure, and rural India ensures a Samaveshi Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Rao added further insights on the opportunities ahead. “While 40% of MSME credit needs are currently met, this also represents a huge potential for expansion. Banks and financial institutions have an opportunity to bridge this gap, bringing access to productive sectors and contributing to Bharat’s next phase of inclusive growth,” he said.

Parag Bhise, CEO & Executive Director, Nucleus Software, in his keynote emphasised “Banking today must be more than digital-it must be AI-powered, credit-driven, and purpose-built for Bharat. The future belongs to banks that can combine technology, resilience, and inclusivity to build trust at scale. Together with regulators and financial institutions, we are shaping banking that not only powers India but globalises Bharat.”

CEOs and MDs of over 15 leading Indian banks and financial institutions participated in the summit, engaging in a series of panel discussions on key issues shaping the sector. The discussions kicked off with “Navigating Slower Credit Growth: How Banks Can Boost Lending and Build Bharat“, Dr. Debadatta Chand, MD & CEO, Bank of Baroda; Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO, PNB; Amara Ram Mohan Rao, MD, SBI; Rajiv Anand, MD & CEO, IndusInd Bank; K.V.S. Manian, MD & CEO, Federal Bank and Rajneesh Karnatak, MD & CEO, Bank of India deliberated in conversation with Latha Venkatesh of CNBC-TV18 on strategies to accelerate credit flow, strengthen lending frameworks, and support productive sectors across India.

Next up, the Fintech panel, “Fintech 3.0: Improving Scale & Sustainability”, brought together Anubrata Biswas, MD & CEO, Airtel Payments Bank; Sohini Rajola, ED-Growth, NPCI; Upasana Taku, Co-Founder & CFO, MobiKwik; Santosh Aggarwal, CEO, Paisabazaar; Amrita Sirohia, Co-Founder, INDMoney; and Rishi A. Chhabra, Country Manager, India, Visa, moderated by Ritu Singh of CNBC-TV18. The conversation explored how next-generation fintech solutions, AI-driven analytics, and digital platforms can help banks scale efficiently without compromising on long-term sustainability – a masterclass in growing smart, not just big.

The NBFC panel, “Credit for the Next Billion”, featuring Raul Rebello, MD & CEO, Mahindra Finance; Jairam Sridharan, MD, Piramal Finance; Sudipta Roy, MD & CEO, L&T Finance; and Aseem Dhru, MD & CEO, SBFC, in conversation with Prashant Nair of CNBC-TV18. The panelists explored strategies to extend credit to underserved segments, innovate financing models, and bring the next billion consumers into India’s formal financial ecosystem – proving that when it comes to inclusive finance, the next billion isn’t just a number; it’s an opportunity waiting to be seized.

Adding further industry perspective, Vishnu R. Dusad, Managing Director & Co-founder, Nucleus Software, highlighted India’s position as a global leader in digital banking: “India’s contribution to global real-time payments is a testament to our leadership in digital banking. With UPI processing over 2,000 crore transactions worth Rs. 24.85 lakh crore in August 2025, India is not just adopting technology – we are driving the future of global finance. Our journey is about more than growth; it’s about reshaping banking for both urban and rural India, making financial services truly inclusive and accessible for all,”Dusad said.

Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, reflected on the summit’s role in shaping critical dialogue. “The summit has become a critical platform for discussing how India can harness technology, credit, and innovation to drive inclusive growth. With banks playing an increasingly central role in the economy, dialogues like these are essential to shaping policies and strategies for a Viksit Bharat,” Bhan said.

The summit also felicitated Zarin Daruwala, Former CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, and Shanti Ekambaram, Deputy Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank, honouring their long-standing contributions to India’s banking sector.

The 3rd Banking Transformation Summit concluded with a shared view: India’s banks are not just growing-they are growing smart, secure, and inclusive, poised to power Bharat’s economic ascent while staking a claim among the world’s top economies.