Truecaller today announced the launch of Family Protection, a major new feature designed to make digital safety a shared experience among families. Built directly into the Truecaller app on both Android and iOS, Family Protection enables users to form trusted family groups to provide real-time protection against scams and unwanted calls. On Android, the Family Administrator can receive alerts during potential scam calls for other family members and end such calls remotely.

Truecaller announces the launch of Family Protection Feature

A New Proposition for Family Safety
Family Protection lets up to five people join a trusted family group with shared tools that help them stay safe from scam calls. Each group has a Family Admin who can set protection levels, manage blocklists, and guide how unwanted calls are handled. On Android, the Admin can also use real-time support tools to step in when a suspicious call appears. The aim is simple: make it easier to protect less tech-savvy loved ones from increasingly sophisticated scam calls.

Truecaller announces the launch of Family Protection Feature

Powerful Protection and Remote Management
Family Protection gives the Family Admin a clear set of tools to guide safety across the group. The Family Admin can set and update protection levels, manage blocklists and use remote support tools when needed. On Android, the Admin can also receive alerts during potential scam calls, send suspicious calls to family members remotely and see real-time status signals such as battery level, phone activity and availability. 

These tools give families a clearer picture of how their loved ones are using their phones and help them step in when support is needed.

A Growth Driver for Engagement and Premium Conversion
Family Protection is a free feature but opens a new path for engagement and long-term revenue. By helping families protect one another, Truecaller strengthens its role in daily communication and adds a shared safety layer that encourages repeat use.

For families who want a stronger level of protection, Truecaller Premium Family offers a natural upgrade. The plan covers up to five people and adds advanced spam blocking, automatic rejection of high-risk numbers, and an ad-free experience. This aligns directly with Truecaller’s strategic objective of growing recurring subscription revenues and driving user stickiness through high-value features.

Phased Rollout and Market Focus
Family Protection is first rolling out in four pilot markets: Sweden, Chile, Malaysia, and Kenya. India launch is planned for Q1 2026. This phased rollout allows Truecaller to learn from early adoption and prepare for broader deployment in our largest market.

Looking Ahead
Family Protection marks an important step in Truecaller’s product strategy, moving beyond call identification toward a wider ecosystem of communication safety. It reflects the company’s long-term vision to make tomorrow’s communication smarter, safer and more efficient.

“Truecaller is already being used by members of the family, and now we empower the “CTO” of the family to protect the less tech savvy members” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO at Truecaller. “As scam tactics evolve, we want Truecaller to be the platform families rely on for peace of mind and proactive protection.”

About Truecaller
Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for over 450 million active users, with more than a billion downloads since launch and close to 56 billion unwanted calls identified and blocked in 2024 alone. The company has been headquartered in Stockholm since 2009 and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021.

Visit www.truecaller.com for more information.

Equilibrium Climbing Station, India’s pioneering homegrown climbing ecosystem, announces the launch of its newest and most expansive facility in Whitefield on 6th of December 2025. The opening will be accompanied by Equinox, the brand’s annual community-first climbing gathering and celebration of movement. The launch also marks the debut of SLAB, Equilibrium’s in-house cafe.

Equilibrium Climbing Station unveils its 8,200 sq. ft. Whitefield space. A bold, community-first space shaping the future of climbing and movement in Bangalore

Spread across 8200 sq. ft., Equilibrium Whitefield brings together state-of-the-art climbing, strength training, recovery, and community-building zones in one unified, high-performance space designed for both first-time climbers and national-level athletes.

A New Chapter for Indian Climbing

Equilibrium began in 2013 with a simple goal: to create a space that matched the needs of India’s strongest climbers. Intended as a dedicated space for elite athletes, it quickly attracted a diverse community of students, travellers, and first-time climbers who discovered the sport and kept coming back. Equilibrium further evolved into India’s first homegrown climbing gear ecosystem, including shoes, crash pads, holds, and volumes.

Equilibrium Whitefield represents the brand’s largest leap yet, a facility built to support real training, real movement, and the growing community that has shaped climbing culture in India.

The SLAB Café Launch

The launch also marks the opening of SLAB – Equilibrium’s new in-house café concept inspired by the textures and geometry of climbing. Serving personal-sized pizzas, smoothies, sandos, salads, and coffee. Designed as a warm, communal gathering point, SLAB reflects the same spirit of movement, creativity, and connection that defines Equilibrium.

Facility Highlights

• Full-scale bouldering arena

• 16 roped climbing lanes across 10–12m walls for lead, top-rope, and speed

• Dedicated strength & conditioning zone

• Recovery and cool-down area to support safe progression

• Fully equipped kids’ climbing section designed for safety and exploration

• SLAB — Equilibrium’s in-house cafe

Equilibrium is steered by long-time climbers, coaches, and community builders Archana B S and Mahanya Sreedhar, both of whom remain deeply connected to the floor, climbing, testing gear, and shaping the community they lead.

“Equilibrium started as a small space with big dreams. Today, we’re proud to launch a facility that meets global standards while staying honest to our roots, inclusive, grounded, and community-first. Whitefield is our commitment to building Indian climbing, one climber at a time,” Mahanya Sreedhar, Managing Director, Equilibrium Climbing Station.

Climb Bold. Move Free. It’s not just a motto; it’s the mindset behind everything Equilibrium creates.

For more information, visit Instagram @equilibriumclimbing_hoodi

Address: 415, 10th Cross Rd, Thigalarapalya, Hoodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560048, India.

Contact: +91 90714 15444

About Equilibrium

Founded in 2013, Equilibrium Climbing Station is India’s first fully homegrown climbing ecosystem. From handcrafted walls on Residency Road to world-class gyms in Bengaluru and Goa, Equilibrium has grown into a movement shaped by community, innovation, and a commitment to building climbing culture in India. Beyond gyms, the brand designs and manufactures climbing shoes, crash pads, holds, and volumes, all made in India and tested by the country’s strongest climbers.

UnboxingBLR, in partnership with Social Alpha and WTFund, and supported by the Government of Karnataka and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), announced today the selection of the Top 15 startups for the Namma Bengaluru Challenge ’26 (NBC ’26). This flagship initiative is designed to identify, support, and scale high-impact innovations addressing Bengaluru’s most pressing climate challenges in sectors like Construction, Water & Sanitation, Waste Management, and Air Pollution.

Namma Bengaluru Challenge ’26 Shortlists Top 15 Finalists from Record 600 Applications to Tackle Urban Climate Crisis

The finalists were chosen from a record-breaking pool of close to 600 registrations, demonstrating the nation’s vibrant entrepreneurial response to environmental sustainability. A technical evaluation now awaits the shortlisted startups, with an expert technical jury meticulously assessing each of the 15 startups ahead of the final round. The top selected startups will then advance to the final stage, where they will pitch live before a distinguished final jury on January 24, 2026, to compete for implementation grants of up to INR 25 lakhs each.

A Rigorous Selection Process
The journey to the top 15 involved a meticulous evaluation by Social Alpha. The criteria framework in which the evaluation happened were areas such as innovation, go-to-market strategy, implementation, etc. The technical jury will play a very crucial role in assessing each of the 15 shortlisted startups before the final round. The technical jury comprises:

• Vineet Prasani, Chief Information Officer at Social Alpha

• Vishwanath S, Director at Biome Environmental Solutions

• Sridhar L, Head of ESG at Bangalore International Airport Limited 

• Jagan Shah, CEO at The Infravision Foundation

• Aarathi Kumar, Senior Manager, Executive Office at WRI India

• Suhail Rahman, Managing Director and CEO at CoEvolve Estates 

The application breakdown highlighted the city’s key concerns: Waste Management (44%), Water & Sanitation (32%), Sustainable Construction (18%), and Air Pollution (6%)

The Final Showdown & a Consortium for Impact
The finalists will present their solutions to the Final Jury comprising:

• Prashanth Prakash (Co-Founder and Chairperson, UnboxingBLR)

• Malini Goyal (Co-Founder and CEO, UnboxingBLR)

• Manoj Kumar (Founder, Social Alpha)

• Hari Marar (Managing Director and CEO, BIAL)

• Pavitra Shankar (Managing Director, Brigade Group)

The winning startups will receive grant funding of INR 25 lakhs and crucial support for 6-month pilot deployments with government, private sector, and civil society partners in Bengaluru.

“NBC ’26 bridges the critical gap between innovation and implementation. The Top 15 represent solutions with the highest potential for real-world impact in Bengaluru. We are now one step closer to deploying these technologies on the ground, in partnership with government and private stakeholders,” Prashanth Prakash, Co-Founder and Chairperson, UnboxingBLR.

“The overwhelming quality and volume of applications for NBC ’26 signals a powerful shift. Innovators are actively building the toolkit for urban climate resilience. Selecting only 15 startups from nearly 600 brilliant ideas was a formidable task, and we congratulate those moving forward to the final pitch,” Malini Goyal, Co-Founder and CEO, UnboxingBLR.

“The Namma Bengaluru Challenge reflects our commitment to advancing science and technology-led solutions that can meaningfully shape Bengaluru’s urban transition. In anchoring the technical jury process, our role has been to ensure a rigorous evaluation framework, one that prioritises solution robustness, pilot feasibility, impact potential, and scalability, while drawing on the expertise of distinguished subject matter experts in the ecosystem. This stage is crucial in surfacing solutions that are both visionary and deployable in real-world conditions, ahead of the final jury deliberations,” Manoj Kumar, Founder, Social Alpha.

“Bangalore has been home to many a startup and has long served as India’s natural sandbox for innovation. As India rises as a global startup hub, the city is at the heart of it, offering founders not just access to talent but an entire collaborative ecosystem. NBC presents a unique opportunity to plug into a platform designed to bring together government, corporates and entrepreneurs to create solutions that address local challenges. With climate change and unplanned rapid growth impacting the future of cities, aligning innovation with environmental responsibility is imperative. As an organisation with deep roots in Bangalore, Brigade is focused on creating sustainable spaces that serve the needs of our individual customers and community at large. There is nothing more important than channelling this collective effort to build a future-ready Bangalore,” Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director, Brigade Group.

NBC ’26 is powered by a strong consortium of partners committed to systemic change:

Challenge Partners

• Bangalore International Airport Limited

• Brigade Group

Program Partners

• Bengaluru Climate Action Cell (Climate Action Partner)

• WRI India (Knowledge Partner)

• Brigade REAP

• CoEvolve Estates (Pilot Partner)

• Biome Environmental Solutions (Pilot Partner)

• GoodEarth (Pilot Partner)

About UnboxingBLR
UnboxingBLR (UBLR) is a Bengaluru-focused collaborative platform dedicated to celebrating and shaping the city’s culture and identity. Founded in 2023 by Prashanth Prakash and Malini Goyal, UBLR brings together people, communities, and institutions to co-create Bengaluru’s story, serving as a city champion, idea catalyst, and collaborative platform.

UBLR drives initiatives such as the Namma Bengaluru Challenge, an accelerator that supports startups and changemakers tackling urban challenges; BLR Hubba, a city-wide festival celebrating art and culture; the annual We Are City Data Report, a data-driven snapshot of how citizens experience and engage with Bengaluru; and Code to Culture, a podcast exploring the city and its people. Together, these initiatives highlight citizen-led innovation and showcase Bengaluru’s cultural vibrancy in action.

For more information, please log on to www.unboxingblr.com.

In a momentous acknowledgement from one of the leading authorities that independently reviews and recognises the world’s finest luxury hotels, The Gallivanter’s Guide – Editor’s Choice Award for ‘Hotel of the Year 2025’ has been awarded to The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam. Trusted for over three decades by top travellers globally, this prestigious accolade places the property amongst the best in the global luxury hospitality landscape.

The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam

Set amidst 1400 acres of Assam’s historic tea plantations, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate offers a serene, immersive escape where experiential luxury is redefined by authenticity and unhurried time. Every element, from carefully curated culinary experiences to personalised service with deep respect for the local heritage, truly celebrates the destination and reflects The Postcard Hotel’s commitment to providing extraordinary guest experiences.

The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam

This year’s selection followed a first-hand evaluation by Philippe Servais, Editor-in-Chief of The Gallivanter’s Guide, whose reviews are regarded as a definitive benchmark for luxury travellers seeking authenticity, excellence, and emotional resonance. After extensive global travels through 2025, Philippe identified – The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam as the standout winner amongst shortlisted hotels across different continents – praising its “rare combination of warmth, intuition, and a deeply felt sense of place.” He also noted that the brand’s true differentiators become evident after more than one stay, revealing a consistent thread of intention, honesty, and quiet confidence that binds the portfolio across its diverse locations.

Philippe also visited another property by the brand, The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, Karnataka, and mentioned that it was just as accomplished. He further added, “The Postcard vision – intimate, sincere, unhurried, and rooted in place – feels profoundly relevant to discerning travellers today.” Also recognising The Postcard Hotel’s emphasis on character and service rather than facilities and spectacle, he indicated that the brand’s anytime check-in and check-out, all-day breakfast, as well as genuine hospitality delivered with sincerity at its hotels – quietly disrupts the status quo of Indian luxury. 

“To be recognised amongst the world’s finest hotels by The Gallivanter’s Guide is an extraordinary honour. Assam holds a very special place in our journey, and this award also celebrates the consistent dedication and hard work of our incredible team. We continue to remain committed to uplifting local communities through sustainable livelihoods – ensuring that our presence creates meaningful and lasting impact on the destination,” said Kapil Chopra, Founder of The Postcard Hotel. He further added, “For the Editor to select The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate after experiencing our property and some of the most celebrated luxury hotels globally – is both deeply humbling as well as encouraging.”

With this honour, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate creates a distinctive place for itself within a distinguished list of the world’s finest hotels recognised over the years by The Gallivanter’s Guide. For more than three decades, it has been one of the most respected global authorities on luxury travel, shaping opinions of the world’s most discerning travellers. Its ‘Hotel of the Year’ honour is awarded through rigorous, independently conducted reviews — making it a highly coveted global recognition.

About The Postcard Hotel

Kapil Chopra, along with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotel—a brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The Postcard Hotel is now opening 8 new hotels in the next 12 months making it the fastest growing uber luxury hotel brand in the world.

Today, The Postcard Hotel’s growing collection spans India and beyond. In Goa, its four retreats—Saligao, Velha, Cuelim, and Hideaway—capture the region’s charm, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea offers sweeping oceanfront serenity. In Gujarat, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary immerses guests in the land of the Asiatic Lion, and The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi brings art and heritage together in an evocative setting.

Further afield, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam, and The Postcard in the Himalayan Willows, Leh, offer uncharted adventures and tranquil escapes. Internationally, the brand extends its philosophy through The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Bhutan, and The Postcard Galle in Sri Lanka—each a celebration of place, culture, and understated elegance.

For more brand and hotel information, please visit the website, and Instagram handles @thepostcardhotel @thepostcarddurrungteaestate.

STAGE, the OTT platform built for India’s regional language audiences, has completed a INR 4.2 crore secondary transaction that allowed early employees and angel investors to partially exit their holdings. The transaction was facilitated by Hissa Fund, which specializes in providing liquidity to startup employees before traditional exit events.

STAGE in partnership with HISSA Fund completes INR 4.2 Crore liquidity event – 8 early employees cash out ESOPs after 6-year bet on regional content

Six years, from zero to six million
For the eight employees who participated, this wasn’t a routine financial event. Several joined STAGE when the idea of building a premium OTT platform for Haryanvi, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri content seemed like a moon shot. 

Junaid and Kunal, both founding team members who have been with STAGE since day one. They are among those who sold a portion of their vested ESOPs.

“I used the money to pay off my home loan,” says Junaid. “In the Indian context, fully owning the house where your family sleeps means something. Six years ago, I took a risk when I decided to back my founders. Today, that bet has paid for my home.”

Kunal’s first move was simpler: “I gave it to my mother,” he said. “Watching her face when she saw the amount credited, I’ll remember this moment for a long time.”

Rohit Deshmukh (Product Manager at STAGE) saw the buyback as proof of something he’d sensed when he joined. “I’ve worked at places where ‘ownership culture’ is a slide in an all-hands deck. Here, I got ESOPs on day one. Now I’ve cashed a portion of them out. That’s the difference between talking about ownership and actually doing it.” 

Why this matters 
STAGE has grown to over 6 million+ paying subscribers, making it one of India’s largest regional language OTT platforms. The company is preparing to launch in two additional markets like Marathi & Gujarati in 2026.

“As a founder, this is one of the most satisfying milestones,” says Vinay Singhal, Co-Founder of STAGE. “The people who believed in us when we had nothing now have something real to show for it. That’s how it should work.”

For Satish Mugulavalli, Managing Partner at Hissa Fund, STAGE represents a broader shift. “Early employees at high-growth companies often wait years for any liquidity. We are proud to help STAGE’s team realize returns while the company is still scaling.”

About STAGE 
STAGE is India’s leading hyperlocal entertainment OTT platform, offering original web series, films, micro-dramas and entertainment in Haryanvi, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri. The platform serves audiences who want premium content in their own dialects.

About Hissa Fund 
The Hissa Fund I is a $35 million effort to solve an overlooked but important problem; Employees in growth stage startups are sitting on nearly $3 billion of ESOP value they can’t actually monetise. We’re the first fund designed to change that. By purchasing shares representing exercised options, we help them turn years of hard work into real liquidity. Thereby, we also help the startups to maximise the value of the grants they make.

Embassy Developments Ltd. (NSE: EMBDL / BSE: 532832) announced the exceptional response to Embassy Greenshore, its newly launched premium residential project within Embassy Springs, North Bengaluru’s biggest and best-planned city.

Embassy Greenshore

Spanning ~14 acres and encompassing 1.55 million sq. ft. of saleable area, the development comprises 878 spacious 2, 3, and 4 BHK apartments spread across two phases. Crafted for upper-mid-segment buyers seeking an elevated living experience, Embassy Greenshore introduces a distinct product typology with larger-than-usual configurations rarely available at its price point in the North Bengaluru micromarket. The launch of Phase 1 comprised of 700 units spread over 1.34 million sq. ft. of saleable area. The project witnessed a strong market response, achieving bookings worth ~Rs. 860 crore within five days of the launch.

A key differentiator is the project’s meticulous master planning – ensuring a high degree of privacy with no homes looking into one another and offering residents access to their own ~3-acre central park with dedicated leisure zones and access to multiple amenities spread across the podium. These features, combined with premium finishing standards, position Embassy Greenshore as North Bengaluru’s most compelling “affordable luxury” development – offering an aspirational lifestyle within reach.

Located in proximity to Kempegowda International Airport and key employment hubs, the project benefits from Embassy Springs’ integrated ecosystem of green landscapes, social infrastructure such as Embassy Academy – a CBSE-affiliated school, and connectivity, reinforcing its appeal as a preferred residential destination.

Speaking on the milestone, Reeza Sebastian Karimpanal, Chief Revenue Officer – Residential, Embassy Developments Ltd., said, “The overwhelming response to Embassy Greenshore reflects a growing desire among homebuyers for homes that offer more – more space, more privacy, more refinement. We have intentionally designed larger formats with expansive living spaces, tucked-away walk-in wardrobes, and marble finishes to deliver a sense of everyday luxury rarely seen at this price point. With a thoughtfully crafted masterplan that ensures no homes overlook each other, Embassy Greenshore offers a level of comfort and exclusivity that is genuinely new for this micromarket. Phase 2 of the project, consisting of a premium tower, will be launched by January 2026.”

This achievement follows the recent sell-out of Embassy Paradiso within the same township and is another step in EDL’s focused growth journey, reinforcing its leadership in North Bengaluru’s residential market and signalling a strong start to its next phase of launches.

About Embassy Developments Limited 

Embassy Developments Limited (formerly known as Equinox India Developments Limited and earlier as Indiabulls Real Estate Limited) (“the Company”) is one of India’s leading real estate developers, specializing in the construction and development of residential, commercial, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects across Indian cities. With a strategic focus on Bengaluru, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), and the National Capital Region (NCR), the company also has a presence in Chennai, Jodhpur, Vadodara, Vizag, and Indore. EDL boasts a diversified residential portfolio, offering a well-balanced mix of high-value and high-volume developments across mid-income, premium, and luxury segments. Its portfolio of ready, ongoing, and future residential developments includes branded residences, uber-luxury apartments and villas, exclusive town homes, condominiums, integrated townships, senior living communities, and contemporary homes. Committed to building a resilient ecosystem, the Company actively fosters social, economic, and environmental progress in the communities it serves. The Company is listed on BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and holds a long-term debt rating of IVR A- Stable from Infomerics.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purpose only and does not constitute a prospectus, offering memorandum or an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to purchase or sell any securities of Embassy Developments Limited (“Company”) or its existing or future subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”) in any jurisdiction. ​Any offer or solicitation will be made only by means of definitive offering documents and in accordance with the terms of applicable securities and other laws. This press release should not be considered as a recommendation or advice to any person or investor to invest or subscribe for or purchase any securities of the Group or its existing or future subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”) and should not be used as a basis for any investment decision. Recipients of this press release should conduct their own independent investigation and diligence, and/or consult their legal, tax, financial or other professional advisors as they deem fit. This press release contains certain forward‐looking statements based on current expectations, projections and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performances or events to differ materially from the results contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement. These risks and uncertainties include the effect of economic and political conditions in India and outside India, volatility in interest rates and in securities markets, new regulations and government policies, the general state of the Indian economy, any delay in merger and the management’s ability to implement the company’s strategy that might impact the Group ‘s general business plans, its future financial condition and growth prospects. ​The information contained in this press release is only current as on the date hereof and is not indicative of future results. The Group is under no obligation to update these forward‐looking statements or to inform the recipient of any changes or developments arising after the date of this press release. Moreover, both express or implied press release or warranty is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the accuracy, fairness or completeness of the information presented or contained in this press release. Neither the Group nor any of its directors, officer, employees, advisers or representatives accept any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any information presented or contained in this press release. Furthermore, no person is authorized to give any information or make any press release which is not contained in, or is inconsistent with, this press release. Any such extraneous or inconsistent information or press release, if given or made, should not be relied upon as having been authorized by or on behalf of the Group.​

Rodic Consultants, a leading engineering and digital infrastructure consulting company, announced the official launch of Rodic AI, its pioneering technology subsidiary dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, advanced data analytics, and digital transformation.
 

Rodic Consultants launches Rodic AI
 

Headquartered at the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) in Boston, a global nexus widely recognized as the most innovative square mile in Cambridge and affiliated with MIT and Harvard, Rodic AI is strategically positioned to accelerate AI-driven innovation with a vision to create sustainable solutions that uplift lives globally.
 

Mr. Raj Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, Rodic Consultants said, “Opening Rodic AI at the Cambridge Innovation Center, MIT, is a proud and defining step for the Rodic Group. It places us at the heart of global innovation, where we can work with the best minds in AI and bring that knowledge to design smarter, future-ready solutions for the world.”
 

Rodic AI’s work spans the full spectrum of artificial intelligence applications from Generative AI for predictive modelling to the transformative potential of quantum-inspired AI. The subsidiary’s strategic priorities include:

• Global Expansion with Boston serving as the launchpad to forge partnerships across geographies and sectors while leveraging Rodic Group’s proven delivery capabilities

• Innovation & Scale tapping directly into Boston’s world-class innovation ecosystem to rapidly translate breakthrough AI research into market-ready solutions

• Data-driven Transformation converting data into competitive advantage through sophisticated AI frameworks that embed intelligence into workflows and strategic decision-making.
   

To commemorate the launch, Rodic organised an exclusive event at its New Delhi office on 5th December, featuring fireside conversations with senior leadership and a prominent AI industry expert. The event included a presentation of Rodic AI’s vision and strategic roadmap by Mr. Raj Kumar, CMD, Rodic Consultants, followed by a fireside chat with Rodic’s leadership exploring how AI will integrate with the company’s existing service portfolio and drive future growth.
 

The day concluded with a thought leadership session with an external AI expert Abhishek Bhat, an Entrepreneur, Technologist, and Public Policy Advisor. The session provided valuable insights into the rapidly evolving AI landscape, with discussions on why AI has become critical for business competitiveness and how all sectors must view it as an essential strategic tool.

About Rodic AI
Rodic AI is the pioneering technology subsidiary of Rodic Group, dedicated exclusively to Artificial Intelligence, advanced data analytics, and digital transformation. Headquartered at the Cambridge Innovation Centre in Boston, Rodic AI combines Boston-built innovation with India- focused execution to deliver AI solutions that create sustainable impact. The company’s vision is to create a sustainable future where technology uplifts every life.

RU BA RU, an award-winning 29-minute short film exploring sisterhood, caste and female agency in rural Rajasthan, was screened yesterday at the India Habitat Centre. The exclusive showcase drew members of the press, film enthusiasts, cultural voices and representatives from women-focused organisations. 

Award-winning short film ‘RU BA RU’

Hosted by Anita and CP Gurnani and the entire team of RU BA RU, the screening follows the film’s growing international momentum. The filmmakers’ debut venture has shown remarkable promise, earning multiple Best Short Film awards across prominent Indian and global festivals. Among its major recognitions, the film received an enthusiastic response at the Indian Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, the 56th International Film Festival of India (Indian Panorama – Non-Feature), Kolkata International Film Festival, and the International Film Festival of Shimla.

Featuring Indira Tiwari, Richa Meena and Lokesh Mittal, RU BA RU is led by an all-women producing team, Anvita Gupta, Anita Gurnani and Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Kapil Tanwar who co-wrote the film with Farauq Malik, its story traces a deeply emotional journey of two sisters—one a rudaali (professional mourner) and the other a nachaniya (folk dancer), as their intertwined lives confront questions of caste, class, desire, and the burdens placed on women. With its evocative use of folk music, dance traditions, and raw emotional storytelling, the film has been widely praised for bringing an underrepresented Rajasthani cultural world to the global cinematic landscape.

The post-screening interaction featured the film’s director, producers and leading cast members, who engaged with eminent personalities, attending journalists and spoke about the film’s journey, creative choices and the larger social themes it confronts.

Anita Gurnani, Co-Producer, RU BA RU said, “Watching RU BA RU spark such heartfelt conversations in this intimate Delhi screening has been incredibly meaningful. This film was always meant to hold space for women whose realities are rarely shown with honesty and seeing the audience engage with that truth validates everything we hoped to achieve. Each screening reinforces that stories rooted in lived experience resonate deeply, no matter where they’re told.”

Sharing his thoughts, Kapil Tanwar, Director said, “To share RU BA RU with a Delhi audience today felt like bringing the story home in a new way. This film began with a quiet question about dignity and survival, and every screening shows me how universal those questions truly are. Listening to the reflections in the room reminded me why I made this film, to honour the emotional world of women we often look at but rarely see. I’m grateful for the conversations it continues to ignite.”

“Each time RU BA RU meets a new audience, it reveals another layer of what women endure and overcome. Today’s screening reaffirmed my belief that stories shaped by authenticity and cultural memory hold immense power. Seeing the film resonate so deeply in Delhi strengthens our commitment to bringing such voices to the forefront, one honest story at a time,” added Anvita Gupta, Producer, Ru Ba Ru. 

As the film continues its festival journey through 2025, RU BA RU stands poised as a powerful voice within independent Indian cinema, offering a deeply local story with universal emotional reach, while amplifying stories of communities whose realities often remain invisible. 

About the Film
RU BA RU is a powerful short film that brings women’s stories to the forefront through the journey of two sisters, one a rudaali (professional mourner), the other a dancer, fighting against caste, class and gender barriers. Set in Rajasthan and marking the directorial debut of Kapil Tanwar, the film blends rich cultural roots with emotional depth, telling a story that is both specific in its setting and deeply relatable across contexts. RU BA RU has been recognised through multiple awards, including Best Short Film at the ImagineIndia Film Festival Madrid 2025, Best Cinematography (Short) at the Atlanta Indian Film Festival, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and Second Best Short Film at the Ayodhya International Film Festival, as well as Best Director at Goa Short Film Festival 2025. The film was additionally selected among the Top 21 Shorts at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) and was “In Competition” at the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2025, Europe’s biggest Indian film showcase.

Following the successful private screening, the team announced their plans to develop a full-length cinematic version of the film. While the short explores themes of power and empowerment, the expanded feature will deepen this narrative with child education at its heart. The makers emphasized that the story is not limited to rural India—its themes resonate equally across middle-class families and communities where education for girls is still not given the attention it deserves. They are now seeking support from government agencies, media organizations, NGOs, and socially committed companies to bring this vision to life. The upcoming film aims to spark meaningful conversations on women’s empowerment and the transformative role of child education, creating an emotional and lasting impact across diverse sections of society.

Hon’ble Union Minister Nitin Gadkari extended his warm good wishes for the launch of cultural leader, artist, filmmaker, and author Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan’s landmark project Ekaa – The One. Unveiled on December 4th, 2025, at Siri Fort Auditorium II, South Delhi, the art-and-spirituality initiative delves into the divine feminine through a powerful collection of 64 paintings inspired by the sacred 64 Yoginis.

Team of Ekaa the One project

The event marked the launch of Ekaa – The One: The 64 Yoginis Trail, an 81-day travelling exhibition spanning 16 states and the preview of Y64 – whispers of Unseen directed by Jain Joseph, it’s about Dr. Beena’s decade-long spiritual and artistic journey across India’s ancient Yogini temples. Through original paintings, research, and field insights, the initiative brought a powerful feminine spiritual tradition to contemporary audiences in a renewed and compelling form. Art Curator Shahazada Khuram is playing a role on the team of Ekaa the One project to connect this to the artist community.

Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan 

The warm message shared by Hon’ble Union Minister Nitin Gadkari lent significant weight to the event, signalling strong recognition for the years of artistic and cultural research behind the project. His message underscored the relevance of the initiative and affirmed the value of the collective artistic effort.

Introducing his remarks, Nitin Gadkari said, “I am grateful to Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan and Dr. Bibek Debroy for their meaningful efforts. Through her paintings, Dr. Beena has beautifully revived the ancient 64 Yogini tradition and brought its spiritual depth into public view. Our history, culture, and heritage are India’s great strengths, and as we progress in science and technology, our living traditions remain equally important.”

He further added, “Dr. Beena’s decade of dedicated research and her commitment to art, heritage, and community deserve sincere appreciation. I also fondly recall my association with Late Dr. Debroy and Smt. Suparna Banerjee Debroy, whose understanding of history and tradition has greatly enriched this initiative. Their combined contribution offers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective to this revival. I wholeheartedly appreciate their work.”

The evening also featured a screening of Y64: Whispers of the Unseen, a documentary by filmmaker and founder of NEO Film School, Dr. Jain Joseph. The documentary chronicles Dr. Unnikrishnan’s travels to dispersed Yogini shrines and the creative process behind each artwork.

The event also honoured scholar Dr. Bibek Debroy, an early patron and supporter of Ekaa – The One, whose encouragement provided crucial platforms that helped bring the project to national attention. His wife, Ms. Suparna Banerjee Debroy, continued to extend her support to the initiative and its cultural mission.

“This launch marks the beginning of a journey to bring the Yoginis back into public consciousness,” said Dr. Unnikrishnan. “The Yoginis revealed themselves to me over more than a decade not through texts or temples alone, but through listening, waiting, and surrendering to what wanted to emerge. Each painting became a sacred encounter, and now I invite others to experience these timeless feminine energies in their own way.”

Dr. Beena’s work revives an often-overlooked spiritual tradition, bringing forward principles of coexistence, intuitive wisdom, cyclical time, and transformative leadership: concepts embedded in Yogini philosophy and profoundly relevant today.

About Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan
Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan is a cultural leader, artist, filmmaker, and author with over three decades dedicated to India’s artistic and spiritual heritage. As Founder & Director of the Kankali Trust, she champions artisan-led livelihoods and authentic brand-building for artists. She serves as G100 Global Chair for Arts Leadership & Films and is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Atelier magazine. Her major works include The Chausath Yogini’s painting series, and the book and documentary Y64: Whispers of the Unseen, documenting her decade-long exploration of India’s Yogini temples and feminine energy traditions.