As global markets move toward responsible and transparent sourcing, India is positioning itself at the forefront by embedding sustainability and inclusion into its growth story. Reflecting this commitment, IDH, with Palladium and NISCOPS as Strategic Partners and Sattva Consulting as Knowledge Partner, hosted the third edition of its flagship event, SUTRA 2025 – Sustainable Trade Summit, at Le Méridien, New Delhi. Themed “Sourcing with Purpose: India’s Commitment to Inclusive and Sustainable Growth,” the summit concluded after two days of vibrant discussions, solution-driven dialogues, and global collaboration.

 

Mr. Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director, IDH India (left) with Mr. Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GoI (right) at SUTRA 2025

 

Speaking on the significance of the platform, Mr. Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, shared that, “SUTRA 2025 reflects India’s growing leadership in building a sourcing revolution that is inclusive, sustainable, and globally influential. By bringing together farmers, FPOs, financiers, innovators, and industry, this platform truly embodies its name, SUTRA, the thread that connects us all. Collaboration is the cornerstone of transformation, and through initiatives like this, India is demonstrating how sustainability can move from compliance to competitiveness, from intent to impact. The Ministry of Textiles remains deeply committed to advancing circularity, strengthening farm-to-factory linkages, and positioning Indian textiles as a global model of responsibility and resilience. With the right partnerships, investments, and innovations, we can weave a future that is not only equitable and climate-resilient but also defines India’s leadership in sustainable growth.”

 

The event convened over 500 delegates and 60 speakers representing government, industry, development institutions, academia, and farmer organizations. Together, they explored how purpose-led sourcing can accelerate India’s transition to climate-resilient and socially equitable trade systems. The summit underscored India’s growing leadership in embedding sustainability and inclusion into the fabric of its trade and agricultural systems. Conversations across 13 sessions focused on themes such as responsible sourcing, climate finance, gender empowerment, living incomes, and technology-enabled transparency. Delegates shared practical models of regenerative agriculture, landscape approaches, and traceable value chains that demonstrate how economic progress, and environmental stewardship can advance together.

 

This year’s edition also featured a Sustainability Experience Centre, where organizations showcased innovations in traceability, regenerative farming, and circular production. Interactive demonstrations and solution pitches enabled participants to explore how emerging technologies and data-driven systems can enhance transparency and accountability across supply chains.

 

Reflecting on the summit, Mr. Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director, IDH India, said Mr. Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director, IDH India, said, “SUTRA 2025 reflects IDH’s core belief that sustainable growth can only be achieved through collaboration and shared accountability. Our work has always been about creating spaces where governments, businesses, financiers, and farmer institutions come together to design solutions that are practical, scalable, and inclusive. Through partnerships, we aim to translate sustainability commitments into tangible action, strengthening value chains, improving livelihoods, and driving measurable impact on the ground. The conversations at SUTRA 2025 reaffirm that collaboration is not just a principle of our work, but the pathway to building resilient markets and a more equitable future.”

 

Industry leaders including Mr. Sougata Niyogi (Godrej Agrovet); Mr. Sudhakar Desai (Emami Agrotech & IVPA); Ms. Sagarika Bose, Regional Head – CSR, India and APAC, SAP; Mr. Prabhakar Lingareddy, Executive Vice President & Head – Social Investments, ITC Limited; Mr. Mandeep Singh Tuli, Head – Foods Procurement, Hindustan Unilever Limited; and Dr. Arpita Mukherjee (ICRIER) shared perspectives on aligning business competitiveness with climate action and social responsibility. Ms. Marije Boomsma (IDH Global) further underscored IDH’s commitment to building partnerships that translate sustainability ambitions into scalable global impact.

 

Over the past three editions, SUTRA has evolved into one of India’s foremost platforms for advancing sustainable trade and responsible sourcing. The 2025 edition built on this legacy by deepening cross-sector partnerships and setting a forward-looking agenda for inclusive growth. As the summit concluded, participants reaffirmed their shared vision to align trade, technology, and sustainability, driving collective action towards a fairer and greener global economy.

About IDH

IDH seeks to transform markets through collaborative innovation, convening and investment in inclusive and sustainable solutions that enable businesses to create value for people and planet. To achieve this, IDH brings together coalitions of committed stakeholders from across global value chains towards joint visions and program agendas for sustainable trade in key agricultural, manufacturing, apparel and commodity value chains. In 15 years of operation, IDH has mobilised private sector investment and support to test and innovate new business models designed to create better jobs, better incomes, a better environment, and gender equity for all.

For more info, visit: idh.org/contact/india

Diwali, the festival of lights brings not only celebration but also the promise of a festive getaway. Falling on a Monday and Tuesday this year, it creates a rare long weekend. For discerning travellers, it’s the perfect opportunity to step into indulgence, whether through serene escapes, extraordinary destinations, or stays that promise unmatched luxury and festive charm.

Amankora, Bhutan – Experience, Thimphu Lodge

Here’s our list of 10 resorts handpicked for you to step away from routine and immerse in memorable experiences.

Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, Jaipur, India

Experience the brand’s debut in India at Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, a serene retreat in the heart of the Pink City. Inspired by classical Rajasthani palaces, the resort features graceful arches, traditional bay windows (jharokhas), and intricately hand-carved woodwork. With 150 rooms and suites overlooking tranquil courtyards, it offers an immersive cultural experience reflecting India’s royal heritage. Its elegant courtyards and vibrant festive touches make it ideal for a short break during Diwali, easily accessible via short flights from major Indian cities.

Amanbagh, Ajabgarh, India

Cradled in the Aravalli Hills, Amanbagh offers an opulent yet deeply serene setting to celebrate Diwali. Guests are welcomed into this garden oasis, where Mughal-inspired architecture and lush gardens create an atmosphere of regal elegance. Evenings glow with the light of diyas, traditional music, and curated feasts, transforming the festival into a soulful retreat — a celebration of luxury, heritage, and timeless tranquillity. .

Amankora, Bhutan 

Ancient rituals passed down through the generations lie at the heart of the festive season at Amankora. In the stillness of its valleys, vivid cultural experiences offer a window into the singular character of this extraordinary place. From traditional performances of Bhutanese folk tales to blessings in historic temples and celebratory feasts crafted from local ingredients, Amankora invites you to discover how this part of the world unites to mark this special time of year. 

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Tangalle, Sri Lanka

Perched on a rocky outcrop along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort offers a secluded and tranquil escape. The 152 rooms and pool villas blend Sri Lankan artistry with Anantara indulgence, featuring private plunge pools and terraces overlooking tropical gardens or the azure ocean. Explore sacred heritage sites, vibrant local traditions, and nearby national parks. Its serene coastal location makes it perfect for a short Diwali break, with easy access via a short flight from Colombo. 

Amanwella, Tangalle, Sri Lanka 

Designed for blissful seclusion and natural exploration, the contemporary Amanwella beach resort claims a vast swathe of golden sand fringed with coconut palms and lies close to revered temples, rolling tea plantations and Sri Lanka’s finest National Parks. To make the days even more special, Amanwella has curated a programme of cultural experiences, culinary journeys and jubilant celebrations, designed to bring joy and light, and encouraging you to savour precious moments with loved ones in the Sri Lankan sunshine. 

Avani Kalutara Resort, Kalutara, Sri Lanka

Set along Sri Lanka’s golden southwest coast, Avani Kalutara Resort offers a modern beachfront escape. Elegant rooms and suites with ocean or lagoon views, combined with riverside relaxation, infinity pools, and family-friendly facilities, make it an ideal retreat. Dining, water sports, cultural activities, and spa experiences ensure both adventure and leisure. The resort’s scenic location is perfect for a Diwali short break and is easily reachable via a short flight from Colombo.

Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, Thailand

Nestled on pristine beaches and surrounded by lush gardens, Avani Khao Lak Resort offers a tranquil coastal getaway in Thailand. Modern Thai-inspired rooms and villas, waterfront dining, and nearby natural wonders such as waterfalls and coral reefs provide the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Its serene seaside ambience makes it ideal for a Diwali break, with convenient access via a short flight from Phuket. 

Avani+ Khao Lak Resort-Beach Top View

Soneva Secret, Maldives

With its pristine natural setting, every magical experience at the ultra-luxurious Soneva Secret is designed to create lasting memories that are quietly transformative — a season of rare discovery in one of the Maldives’ last untouched corners, where every moment is yours. From diving amongst shipwrecks beneath mirror-clear waters to sharing stories by firelight under a canopy of stars, bucket-list dreams aren’t chased here — they unfold naturally. Enjoy toes-in-the-sand festive suppers to floating feasts beneath the stars, or rise above it all at Out of This World – a private dining tower suspended between sea and stars, where romance, flavour and wonder meet in the sky, guided by a zero-waste philosophy.

Anantara and Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Resort, Thailand –

Located about a 4-hour flight from India, this riverside sanctuary in bustling Bangkok offers luxury by the Chao Phraya River and easy access to the city’s vibrant markets and temples. During Diwali, you can explore Spice Spoons cooking classes, indulge in Muay Thai lessons, or unwind with a signature spa treatment. The resort also offers river cruises and a boat shuttle service, allowing you to explore the city with ease.

Anantara Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia

A serene getaway to the mystical temples of Angkor Wat, Anantara’s all-suite boutique sanctuary in Siem Reap is located just 15 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Angkor’s heritage while enjoying luxury hospitality and the resort’s collection of signature Designer Dining experiences, The Angkorian Dining Theatre seamlessly blends culture, cuisine and storytelling, creating an unforgettable evening for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Cambodia. As the sun dips below the horizon, guests gather in the resort’s tranquil Frangipani Courtyard for the five-course culinary journey that opens with a Bakotor performance – a mesmerising martial art show inspired by ancient Khmer warriors. In the deepening twilight, guests are served the pièce de résistance – a shadow puppet show in three acts, featuring small puppets painstakingly crafted from painted cowhide and wood in adherence to centuries-old traditions.

Inshaa Arora, a passionate advocate for wellness and mindful living, unveiled her deeply personal debut book, The Mirror Lied, at an intimate and elegant gathering of close family and friends at Title Waves, Bandra.
 

The evening radiated warmth, reflection, and celebration, graced by notable figures from the fashion, wellness, and lifestyle worlds – including acclaimed actor and theatre personality Lilette Dubey, former Miss World Yukta Mookhey, celebrated designer Archana Kochhar, media, events, and wellness entrepreneur – and a passionate home chef – Joyce Arora, and fitness expert Sandhya Shetty – all of whom brought their unique perspectives on balance, strength, authenticity, and holistic well-being.
 

Yukta Mookhey, Joyce Arora, Sandhya Shetty, Inshaa Arora, Archana Kochhar and Lilette Dubey
 

Far from a traditional book launch, the unveiling of The Mirror Lied was a soulful evening of conversation and connection – a heartfelt celebration of courage, introspection, and the beauty of coming home to oneself.
 

“This book is a journey back to oneself. It’s about listening to your body, honoring your strength, and embracing every facet of who you are. The Mirror Lied is my way of showing women that wellness isn’t about perfection – it’s about presence, patience, and self-love,” shared Inshaa Arora, author of The Mirror Lied.
 

Designer Archana Kochhar said, “Inshaa’s book serves as a beautiful reminder that true beauty and strength come from within. It’s inspiring to see someone embrace authenticity and challenge societal norms around wellness with such bravery.”
 

Fitness expert Sandhya Shetty added, “What touched me most is how Inshaa celebrates nourishment, joy, and acceptance. The Mirror Lied is truly a guide to reconnecting with yourself in the most compassionate way.”
 

Media, events, and wellness entrepreneur Joyce Arora shared, “Inshaa has managed to capture the delicate balance between mind, body, and emotion. The Mirror Lied beautifully nudges us to slow down, reflect, and rediscover self-love without judgment. It’s a message every woman needs to hear today.”
 

Former Miss World Yukta Mookhey, who spoke passionately about self-acceptance and spiritual growth, expressed, “Inshaa’s journey is deeply relatable and empowering. The Mirror Lied invites us to peel back the layers and rediscover the joy of being comfortable in our own skin. It’s a reminder that healing and transformation begin when we stop chasing perfection and start embracing who we are – just as we are.”

Actor Lilette Dubey remarked, “There’s a rare honesty and vulnerability in The Mirror Lied. Inshaa writes not just with knowledge, but with empathy – something every reader will feel in their heart.”
 

In a thoughtful exchange moderated by Sidharth Panikar and Shobha Pillai Coutinho, Inshaa shared the inspiration behind the book and her evolving philosophy on wellness, while their daughter Anvika and son Vivaan added a tender touch by reading select excerpts that resonated deeply with the audience.
 

Her father, Rajesh Arora, opened the evening with a heartfelt message, expressing how proud he was to see his daughter transform her personal journey into a message of strength and self-acceptance. He recited a touching couplet – “Aaina jhooth nahi bolta, bas hum dekhna bhool jaate hain” – reminding everyone that true reflection begins when we look inward with honesty and love. His words set a deeply emotional and resonant tone for the evening.
 

The event also saw heartfelt words of encouragement and blessings from Dr. Vijay Panikar and Mickey Mehta, whose presence added warmth and inspiration to the evening, reinforcing the spirit of wellness and mindfulness that The Mirror Lied stands for.
 

The Mirror Lied isn’t just another wellness guide – it’s an intimate reflection on self-worth, balance, and embracing who we truly are. With honesty and emotional depth, Inshaa encourages readers to pause, listen to their bodies, and rediscover joy in the everyday.

About the Author

Inshaa Arora is a wellness advocate and lifestyle expert dedicated to changing the conversation around fitness, food, and self-care. Her philosophy centers on self-awareness, balance, and living joyfully. The Mirror Lied marks her debut as an author – a heartfelt exploration of authenticity, courage, and self-love.

The book and its unveiling were brought to life in partnership with Midnight Media Solutions, a leading integrated media consultancy with over three decades of experience in advertising, print, radio, television, outdoor, brand storytelling, communication strategy, and purpose-driven narratives. The firm collaborated closely with Inshaa to shape the book’s narrative and audience experience.

To empower students with experiential learning and real-world industry exposure, Chandigarh University has launched the ‘CU X MASTERCLASS’ program, a visionary initiative aimed at redefining higher education through impactful engagement with industry leaders and entrepreneurial innovators. The program was inaugurated by Ronnie Screwvala, a renowned filmmaker, entrepreneur and philanthropist, who delivered the first masterclass under this series at Chandigarh University on Monday.

Prominent Film Producer, Entrepreneur & investor, Ronnie Screwvala Inaugurating ‘CU X MASTERCLASS’ program at Chandigarh University

The CU X MASTERCLASS initiative is designed by Chandigarh University to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical industry insights, offering students a platform to engage directly with some of the most influential industry leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators across diverse domains including media, technology, entrepreneurship, finance, design, public policy and social innovation.

Under the Masterclass programme, Chandigarh University will organize interactive masterclasses led by distinguished professionals and thought leaders, enabling students to learn from their experiences, success stories and challenges. These sessions are structured to go beyond traditional lectures, fostering dialogue, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving through live case discussions and mentorship.

Addressing the gathering of students, Ronnie Screwvala, a renowned Filmmaker & Entrepreneur said, “The alphabet X is something that’s going to haunt us in our careers because each one of you will have to reflect today, what is the X factor in your career, what are you going to build for the future? It’s very timely that we are calling these sessions CU X because the X factor today is what you will have to rediscover every single day. Today, staying relevant is one of the most important challenges for all of us, and that doesn’t just mean with knowledge or technology, but in how we continuously reinvent ourselves. Your self-conviction, not just your social media voice, is what allows you to take your career and life to the next level.”

Screwvala added, “The SME sector, or the small and medium-scale industry sector, in our country is driving more innovation than almost anywhere else in the world. In fact, India today ranks among the top five countries in space innovation, which reflects the spirit of creativity and enterprise that defines our nation.”

“It’s important to remember be innovative. When you copy something, you can never truly create value, because you can’t copy completely. Original thinking is what builds real worth and lasting impact,” added he.

Sharing his own life experiences and his professional journey till now, Screwvala said, “Some of you may want to continue a family business, some may seek jobs and some may explore careers, but today in India, the future is also about self-employment. There was no Start-up India, no Shark Tank India, no VC investors or angel investors. Most parents thought it looked bad because nobody wanted to hire you, so deciding to start your own business was risky. But a low sense of entitlement sets your expectations differently and allows humility to guide your choices. That sense of entitlement has allowed me to be grounded and rediscover myself every day.”

Screwvala further added, “If you want to be self-employed or become an entrepreneur, one of the most important traits you need is the ability to stick around and outlast. Perseverance often matters more than timing, because when you are starting something whether it is big or small there is no good time or bad time. The right time is when you decide to begin. We all set our own time limit to achieve success, when things do not happen according to our plan, we call it failure. Because to achieve success, you have to work hard. It is not necessary that you get success according to your own time. Keep working hard.”

Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director, Chandigarh University, said, “CU X Masterclass exemplifies Chandigarh University’s commitment to providing a world-class, future-ready education. By connecting students with inspiring industry leaders, we are creating a platform where learning goes beyond classrooms where ideas flourish, curiosity is nurtured, and students are empowered to become innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”

“Through CU X MASTERCLASS, Chandigarh University reinforces its commitment to providing a world-class, future-ready education ecosystem. The programme complements the university’s academic framework by integrating experiential learning and industry exposure into the student journey, preparing them not just for jobs but for leadership, entrepreneurship, and meaningful contributions to society,” added Sandhu.

The launch event featured keynote addresses, panel discussions and an interactive session with Screwvala which was attended by senior university officials, faculty members, industry partners and students.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the fields of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address:  www.cuchd.in