Home Blog Page 242

Landmark Group Unveils “Landmark SKYVUE – The Address in the Clouds”, a Luxury Residential Project on Dwarka Expressway

Landmark Group, Gurugram’s leading developer, unveils its latest luxury residential project, Landmark SKYVUE, located in Sector 103, Dwarka Expressway. As “The Address in the Clouds”, SKYVUE hints at a lifestyle that invites you to experience modern day Indian luxury that is flexible, expansive, and mindfully designed for modern Indian families.

Landmark Group Unveils “Landmark SKYVUE – The Address in the Clouds”, a luxury residential project on Dwarka Expressway

Crafted not to impress so much as to serve exceptional living functionalities, the project offers a rare low-density and vastu aligned designed layouts in 500 ft. tall twin towers. The project will offer opulently sized 3BHK+ Utility and 4.5BHK+ Utility residences, blending elevated aesthetics with thoughtful functionality. The project will offer exclusive Skypad pickleball court, SORA Japanese restaurant, Skydeck observatory, and Skydome wellness club focused on cold plunge, healing room, and recovery zones.

Strategically situated on the rapidly developing Dwarka Expressway corridor, SKYVUE will offer a seamless blend of accessibility and aspiration. With proximity to IGI Airport, upcoming metro links, and key hubs of Gurugram and Delhi, the location is set to emerge as one of the most sought-after residential zones in NCR.

With SKYVUE, Landmark Group continues its legacy of developing timeless spaces that transcend brick and mortar to embody aspiration, artistry, and an elite lifestyle. The project reflects its commitment to creating spaces that are not just lived in, but experienced. Boasting more than 50 amenities focused on wellness, nature, and quality, SKYVUE aims to deliver modern day Indian quality of life to its future residents.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, and a design-led approach in collaboration with the architectural firm, ACPL, Landmark is set to deliver its mark on Dwarka Expressway.

India’s Billionaire Belt – Where Luxury Housing Demand is Soaring in 2025

The term ‘Billionaire Belt‘ captures more than just a cluster of wealthy neighborhoods-it reflects a new geography of aspiration taking shape in India. Stretching across parts of Delhi-NCR, this belt is defined by a rare convergence where rising concentrations of ultra-rich individuals, a maturing luxury real estate market, and world-class infrastructure that supports global lifestyles can be observed.

Luxury Housing

Delhi-NCR recorded a 209.4% spike in luxury home sales in the last one year. Nearly 3,960 homes priced at ₹6 crore and above were sold in just the first half of 2025, up over three times from 1,280 units last year, according to a new CBRE-ASSOCHAM report. Over half of the country’s luxury transactions now flow through this region-an unmistakable sign of where wealth is choosing to settle. Gurugram and Noida lead this wave, with high-value launches dotting their micro-markets.

What’s driving this surge is the union of factors like rising disposable incomes of buyers along with the growing desire for larger and well-located homes owing to post-pandemic lifestyle upgrades. On top of that, the surge in HNIs and NRIs across India, particularly in and around the capital, is quietly but powerfully reshaping the contours of luxury housing.

Looking at the bold yet considered choices of these buyers, developers are focusing more on transparency, experience, and high-end finishes, boosting buyer trust. Complementing this, RBI’s pause on rate hikes has made home loans relatively more attractive, even in the luxury segment.

Mohit Gawri, Vice President-Sales, RISE Infraventures says, “Luxury housing demand is being shaped by a new psychology of permanence. Buyers aren’t flipping properties-they’re curating generational homes. The NCR’s billionaire belt reflects this shift with high-end homes getting booked early. There’s also strong NRI traction and domestic movement from metro cores to planned peripheries, showing that buyers are investing in homes that feel like sanctuaries and signal permanence.

Salil Kumar, Director, Marketing and Business Management, CRC Group says, “A home is more than a personal landmark- it is a reflection of success. In the luxury segment, there is virtually no upper ceiling; from sprawling bungalows in posh locations like South Delhi to sky villas in Gurugram, high-net-worth individuals seek homes that match their ambition. But with supply tightening in legacy zones, buyers are exploring new luxury corridors across Noida-Greater Noida. These locations are the new epicentres of luxury demand, and the momentum here is only set to grow. At CRC, we’ve been mindful of this lifestyle shift, catering to buyers who view their home as both a retreat and a lasting legacy.”

Besides, tier-II cities or second-home destinations like Sonipat, Kundli, and Chandigarh are witnessing a significant rise in demand within the luxury real estate segment. Buyers are increasingly drawn to locations that offer cleaner air, lush surroundings, and a peaceful lifestyle, which is not possible in fast-paced metro cities.

Gurpal Singh Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC Group, says, “Luxury homebuyers prioritize space, privacy, and long-term value over just centrality. However, post-pandemic, they are more inclined towards locations that offer scenic value, rental potential, and a quality lifestyle. Against this backdrop, tier 2 locations like the Sonipat-Kundli belt are witnessing a quiet luxury surge, going beyond the title of Delhi spillover. Business owners, professionals, and legacy families from the capital are investing here for larger land parcels and less congestion, reflecting an appetite for locations with urban access and suburban tranquillity.

Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, says, “Tier-2 cities are the next luxury frontier, especially among NRIs, industrialists, and second-home seekers. This shift is putting cities like Chandigarh at the forefront of high-end housing demand. With its planned infrastructure, cleaner environment, and cultural refinement, the region is a haven for expansive homes, wellness-centric communities, and a sense of balance. Thus, demand here isn’t incidental-it’s accelerating, making tier 2 locations India’s most sought-after luxury housing destinations.”

Moreover, on the sales and supply front, during April-June quarter housing sales in Delhi-NCR rose by 16% to more than 11,700 units on high demand for luxury homes and new launches, according to PropEquity. New supply was estimated at 13,823 units in the second quarter of this year, up 37% from 10,084 units in the year-ago period.

Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group, says, “Gurugram continues to lead NCR’s luxury housing evolution, driven by a clientele that values brand legacy, prime addresses, and architectural statement. Branded residences, especially along corridors like the Dwarka Expressway, are being viewed as generational assets. The demand here is as much emotional as it is financial, turning Gurugram’s billionaire belt a proven destination for enduring value.”

Therefore, as India’s wealth landscape continues to expand, the term Billionaire Belt is evolving from a metaphor into a tangible force in the country’s real estate story. This belt is no longer just about prime locations-it’s about ecosystems that support legacy living, global connectivity, and lifestyle integration at the highest level.

Innovation, R&D Focus, and Policy Reforms could Steer India to a $970 Million Vegetable Seed Hub by 2030

Valued at $8.45 billion in 2024, the global vegetable seed market is expanding rapidly and experts believe India is well-positioned to become its next major hub, provided the right policies are introduced and effectively implemented. With the government placing renewed focus on the horticulture sector through its comprehensive programme for vegetables and fruits, experts in a national conference asserted that strengthening IPR and introduction of biotech along with enabling policy support could drive the Indian vegetable seed market from $740 million in 2023-24 to $970 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.6%.

Experts shared insights and perspectives at the National Workshop on ‘Role of Vegetable Seed Sector in Making India a “Global Seed Hub”

India’s rise in horticulture specially vegetable production is linked to the rich germplasm, diverse growing conditions, R&D innovations and strategic investments by the private and public institutions,” said Dr P K Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. “Horticulture has moved from the margins to the mainstream, driven by Seed sector R&D, hybrid seed adoption, and a shift towards a science-led seed industry. Yet, our global potential remains largely untapped.”

At a national conference titled ‘Role of Vegetable Seed Sector in Making India a Global Seed Hub’ organised by Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) in Capital on Friday senior government officials, agricultural scientists, seed industry leaders, and policymakers deliberated on regulatory hurdles and ways of unlocking the country’s export potential.

India’s seed sector is at a defining moment. With rich agro-climatic diversity, competitive production systems, a dynamic private sector, and strong public research institutions, we have all the building blocks to become a global seed production hub,” said Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, IAS, Joint Secretary (Seeds), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

The Ministry is streamlining licensing, introducing science-based regulatory reforms, enabling digital traceability through the SATHI platform, and investing in modern seed infrastructure including processing plants, storage, and testing labs. These steps will ensure farmers get timely access to certified, high-quality seeds with full QR-code-based traceability, helping reduce crop losses, improve productivity, and protect them from spurious inputs,” he added.

While government officials highlighted the enabling policy ecosystem being built to catalyze India’s global competitiveness, agricultural scientists emphasized the transformative role of hybridization, biotechnology, and public-private collaboration in enhancing productivity.

India currently exports about $120 million worth of vegetable seeds annually, mainly to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Experts believe this could easily double or triple if long-standing policy hurdles are addressed, chief among them a backlog of over 100 Pest Risk Analyses (PRAs) pending since 2016, stalling trade worth an estimated $55 million.

We call for a unified regulatory approach and the introduction of “One Nation, One Licence” model for domestic seed registration and a single-window export clearance system. These, along with digitized approvals and longer duration license validity, are critical to improving India’s ease of doing business in seeds,” said Mr Rajvir Rathi, Vice Chairman, FSII, Director, Agricultural Affairs & Policy – IBSL & Lead, Traits Licensing, Bayer CropScience Ltd.

India’s comparative advantages, diverse agro-climatic zones, low production costs, a vibrant R&D ecosystem, and skilled workforce, position it uniquely to lead the global seed trade. Already, over 300 companies operate in the country’s formal seed market, contributing 80-85% of the value and investing more than $200 million annually in research.

Beyond productivity, the vegetable seed sector has profound socio-economic ripple effects. It supports over 100,000 direct jobs, empowers women smallholders, and offers year-round income stability in rural areas. Nutritionally enhanced vegetables are also addressing hidden hunger by providing essential micronutrients at scale.

As global food systems brace for climate and population shocks, the conference concluded with a strong consensus; India must reform fast, innovate continuously, and position itself as the world’s most reliable and responsible supplier of high-quality vegetable seeds. The seeds of global leadership, it appears, have already been sown.

Footfall Surge: Malls in NCR Redesign Strategies to Attract Footfall

Delhi-NCR’s retail landscape is seeing a compelling revival. Footfall in malls has not only bounced back post-pandemic but is surpassing pre-COVID levels during weekends, holidays, and festive periods. This resurgence reflects a deeper shift in consumer behavior, where physical spaces are once again central to how people shop, socialize, and unwind.

Retail Redefined: NCR Malls Transform from Shopping Hubs to Experience-Driven Destinations

In response, mall operators and developers are reimagining these spaces to go beyond transactions. By blending entertainment, community engagement, and curated experiences, they are aligning with the expectations of experience-hungry, digitally aware consumers.

Indias retail sector is poised for historic expansion, with a record 16.6 million sq. ft. of Grade A mall space expected to be completed across the country’s top seven cities by the end of 2026, as per Anarock’s report. Leading this growth are Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR, which together will contribute nearly 65% of the new retail space, reaffirming their position as the country’s most promising consumption hubs. The research reflects a broader trend of rising consumer demand, fuelled by increasing incomes, urbanisation, and the entry of global retail brands into the Indian market.

The report also notes that leasing activity remains robust, with over 12.6 Mn sq. ft. projected to be leased across 2025 and 2026. A key driver of this momentum is the entry of more than 60 international brands across fashion, electronics, lifestyle, and food & beverage sectors in the past four years. As a result, mall developers are increasingly focusing on quality and location, with a clear shift toward Grade A developments.

Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Malls – Gurugram and Vasant Kunj, says, “In the NCR region, malls have become central to redefining how modern India experiences retail. Consumers are seeking deeper, more curated interactions, placing value on ambiance, events, personalisation, and lifestyle integration. In Gurugram, rising disposable incomes, strong metro connectivity, and significant infrastructure upgrades have made the city a magnet for top-tier Indian and global brands, rivalling even Delhi. At Ambience Malls, we’ve responded to this shift by creating immersive, multi-sensory environments, combining gourmet food, wellness zones, art installations, and entertainment arenas. We’ve also integrated sustainable design elements and eco-conscious dcor to align with evolving consumer values. Our malls are designed to be places where people not only shop but build lasting emotional connections and experiences they return to.”

As malls evolve into holistic lifestyle destinations, developers are rethinking how space is planned and experienced. Fashion, F&B, entertainment, and essential services are being blended more intelligently to guide consumer flow and maximise engagement. Theres a clear move toward premiumisation of the tenant mix, with high-end brands and gourmet experiences gaining ground, but without distancing the broader, value-conscious audience.

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, says, “Gurugram’s commercial growth has been a catalyst for the city’s thriving retail ecosystem, driving strong momentum in leasing activity. We’re seeing a clear shift in consumer expectations-people now gravitate toward spaces that offer more than just shopping. Interestingly, Gurugram’s next big retail story is emerging from high-potential yet untapped micro-markets, and we see a significant opportunity in locations like Old Gurgaon, where curated, experience-led retail formats will strike the right balance between convenience and discovery.

Ishwin Singh Hora, Director, Reach Group, says, “High Street formats are gaining traction due to their well-designed, open-format spaces that offer visibility, adaptability, and a deeper connection with the community. Unlike traditional mall environments, high streets allow brands to craft more personalised and immersive narratives, while benefiting from easy accessibility and a vibrant street-level presence. Thus, with strong interest from both national and international brands, we see high street retail as the next frontier in urban shopping experiences, especially in dynamic cities like Gurugram.”

Prakash Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Ocus Group, says, “Retail leasing in NCR is growing momentarily, particularly with the renewed focus on organised high-street formats and evolving investment preferences. We’re seeing global and domestic brands increasingly drawn to strategically located, well-planned high streets. Emerging corridors like Sohna Road and sectors along it like Sector 68 are gaining traction for their connectivity and development potential. Thus, we see the market clearly shifting toward projects that go beyond conventional retail.”

Thus, the resurgence in mall footfall across NCR signals more than just a return to pre-pandemic normalcy-it marks a redefinition of what retail spaces mean to communities. While the numbers are encouraging, the real challenge lies in sustaining engagement over time.

Back to School, Forward with Purpose: Why the First Day Matters More than Ever

The academic journey of a child is marked by several milestones and the first day of the year is always special. The quiet bravery of a young child letting go of a parent’s hand, the excitement of older students eager to create new memories, and the teary yet proud smiles of parents reassured they’ve made the right choice. All moments that become powerful memories that forge the connect between school and students.

Students walk into a vibrant welcome on their first day back to school, filled with bubbles, banners, and boundless excitement for a new academic journey

At Oakridge International School, Gachibowli, the recent “Back to School” event was more than just a return to classrooms. It was an experience carefully designed to leave a mark on hearts. Crafted with emotion and intention, it wasn’t simply a beginning; it was a moment of belonging.

“The warm welcome gesture on reopening day is a reiteration of our belief that every student thrives best in a safe and nurturing environment. A happy start is the springboard to success, and we stand united to ensure that Oakridgers receive the best academic experience curated with focus, commitment, and care,” shares Dipika Rao, Principal, Oakridge Gachibowli.

Every learner, from the youngest to the oldest, was welcomed into an environment thoughtfully curated to match their age-appropriate interests. For early years students, the experience was vibrant, warm, and emotionally grounding, the kind that makes children feel instantly safe and offers a sense of peace and serenity.

According to Jemima Victoria, Early Years Teacher, “For our little ones, this wasn’t just a school day; it was the beginning of a magical journey filled with colour, laughter, and wonder. A warm, exciting welcome like this energises and sets the tone for an action filled year ahead.”

For older students, the experience took a different shape, more reflective, more thought-provoking, and aligned to their growing sense of identity and purpose. There was a greater focus on AI being a part of their lives and the impact of a positive engagement with it to support their learning.

Designing Transitions That Matter

The beginning of the academic year brings renewed energy and purpose. Esheita Gupta, MYP Coordinator, noted, “A new year offers every student the chance to set meaningful goals, adopt positive habits, and embrace the journey ahead with curiosity and determination. At Oakridge Gachibowli, we are committed to guiding and supporting our young learners through this important chapter.”

The return to school is a crucial transition for students and parents. It reintroduces routines and structure that help children thrive emotionally and intellectually. Predictable rhythms build security, while school environments nurture social skills essential for personal growth. Shreya Sangam, a pre-nursery parent, shared, “The welcome we received was magical, warm, thoughtful, and so well-planned. I’ve never seen my child this engaged on the first day of school. The environment feels so open and friendly, I truly believe every child would feel right at home.”

Educators at Oakridge play a central role as facilitators, focused on building trust before diving into academics, and they are not alone in this journey. The parents seek active involvement in their child’s education, and the school welcome this partnership. Oakridge Gachibowli believes parents’ role is vital, especially during the transition into a new school year.

In a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and global shifts, the way children are welcomed into school sets the tone for the year that follows. At Oakridge Gachibowli, learning begins the moment a child steps through the doors, with wonder, courage, and confidence that they are in a safe space where they will be nurtured, challenged, and celebrated.

Celebrating Purposeful Achievement: Knowledgeum Academy Honours IBDP Class of 2025 at Achievers’ Day

Knowledgeum Academy, a learner-centric IB World School backed by the prestigious JAIN Group, held its annual Achievers Day ceremony on 24th July 2025, recognising top performers from the 2023-2025 IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) batch at the institutions Jayanagar campus.

Top: The achievers with Ms. Aparna Prasad, Founder – Knowledgeum and Head of School – Mr. Kalai Rajan. Bottom: Nihitha Hedge – one of the top scorers – conferred with the Knowledgeum Excellence Award

This year, Knowledgeum Academy recorded an IB Diploma success rate of 90%, with a school average of 32 points and the highest score reaching 41 out of 45. The top scorers from the cohort-Nihitha Hegde (41/45), Sahana Venkat Sai (39/45), Deeksha Gudur (38/45), and Samagna Kiran (37/45)-were recognised for their consistent efforts across the two-year programme.

Knowledgeum Academy confers The Knowledgeum Excellence Award, to those who achieve above 40 points in the IBDP examination out of the top achievable score of 45. This year, Nihitha Hedge was conferred with the award which includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, for her outstanding achievement of 41 out of 45 points. All four top scorers received the Founders’ Achievers Award which recognised their dedication and hardwork.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Chenraj Roychand, Founder Chairman of JAIN Group and Founder of Knowledgeum, stated, “Academic milestones matter, but what matters more is the journey of thinking deeply, acting ethically, and learning continuously. We are proud to have been part of that journey for each of our learners.”

Ms. Aparna Prasad, Founder of Knowledgeum, added, “This celebration is an acknowledgement of what can happen when we nurture curiosity, resilience, and compassion. Every learner recognised here today has grown not just academically, but in spirit-and that is the success we’re proud of.”

The recognised learners represent the culmination of rigorous engagement with the IBDPs comprehensive curriculum, including its core elements of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). These experiences have shaped not only their academic capabilities but also their critical thinking skills and global perspectives, preparing them for meaningful contributions to society.

“The last two years at Knowledgeum Academy have been transformative for our daughter. The school’s thoughtful environment and individual attention helped her not just perform well, but truly understand who she is and what she stands for. The support from the educators, the structure of the IBDP, and the consistent guidance allowed her to grow into an empathetic, confident, and capable learner,” expressed one of the achiever’s parent.

Throughout the ceremony, educators shared heartfelt tributes highlighting the learners’ strengths, commitment to the IB values, and the balance they maintained between academic rigour and self-reflection.

The celebration reflects Knowledgeum Academy’s ongoing effort to honour academic achievement while supporting the overall development of each learner. As they prepare to transition into their next chapter, members of the Batch of 2023-2025 have received placements at a diverse range of institutions, both in India and abroad – including the University of Cincinnati, King’s College London, Nova Southeastern University, Krea University, Ashoka University, and FLAME University.

To learn more about Knowledgeum Academy and its IBDP offerings, visit: www.knowledgeumacademy.in

About Knowledgeum Academy

Knowledgeum Academy, a pioneering educational institution under the JAIN Group, offers the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, equipping students with a holistic, inquiry-driven education that meets international standards, located in Bengaluru. Recognised as Indias Top Emerging International School by Education Today in 2023, the academy is dedicated to fostering a thriving environment for curious and ambitious learners. Offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grades 11 and 12, Knowledgeum Academy combines academic excellence with an engaging, interactive, and reflective learning approach. It is committed to shaping future-ready professionals equipped for global success.

CSC Collaborates with Salesforce to Revolutionise Grievance Redressal Across Rural India

Common Services Centres (CSC), a flagship initiative for India’s digital inclusion under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), today announced a collaboration with Salesforce, the #1 AI CRM*. The collaboration aims to enhance citizen and Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) support across rural and semi-urban regions through a unified, AI-powered grievance redressal platform that delivers intelligent and scalable service experiences.

With over 6 lakhs active VLEs, CSC plays a foundational role in connecting citizens with essential public and private services in remote areas. The adoption of Salesforce marks a significant milestone in CSC’s digital transformation journey, aimed at improving resolution timelines, empowering VLEs with modern tools, and fostering greater transparency and trust in citizen services.

Built on Salesforce’s platform, the solution integrates Service Cloud with AI tools such as Einstein Bots for 247 self-service and Digital Engagement to consolidate citizen queries from WhatsApp, email, SMS, and the CSC portal.

Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, MD & CEO, CSC SPV said, “At CSC, our mission has always been to empower citizens and VLEs by bridging the last-mile digital gap. The collaboration with Salesforce is a step forward in building a more responsive, unified, and data-driven grievance redressal framework. By integrating modern tools and AI-led workflows, we are equipping our frontline network with the capability to resolve issues faster, track them transparently, and deliver better experiences to the communities we serve. This is not just a tech upgrade – it’s a shift in how we enable trust in digital governance.”

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO, Salesforce – South Asia, said, “India’s next leap in digital public infrastructure will be defined by how effectively we can bring citizen services closer to every corner of the country – with speed, scale, and intelligence. Our collaboration with CSC is a powerful example of how AI can be harnessed to transform governance at the grassroots. We are proud to support CSC in empowering lakhs of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) with the tools to deliver faster, more transparent, and citizen-first services.”

CSC’s collaboration with Salesforce lays the foundation for broader digital public infrastructure. With CSC expanding into areas like wallet services, DigiPay, insurance, and telemedicine, the Salesforce platform provides a future-ready backbone to unify service delivery across functions. Its extensibility, multilingual support, and mobile-first design make it ideal for scaling digital governance across India’s diverse citizen base.

About CSC
Common Services Centres (CSCs) are a strategic cornerstone of India’s Digital India programme, delivering a wide array of public and private services to citizens across rural and remote locations via a nationwide VLE network.

*Salesforce, the #1 CRM, powered by AI technology and capabilities.

Learn more

  • Learn about Agentforce

  • Read more customer success stories

SIMATS Conducted Chennai Regional Level Sports Competitions for School Students

To celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, SIMATS (Saveetha University) successfully conducted the “SIMATS Trophy 2025” – a Chennai Regional Level Competition for school students from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Thiruvallur districts – on 25th July 2025 at the SIMATS Sports Complex.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/32693_SIMATS_image.jpg

SIMATS Conducted Chennai Regional Level Sports Competitions for School Students

The event featured a wide range of sports, including Kho-Kho, Football, Volleyball, and Throwball, along with Athletics events such as 100m, 400m, 800m races, long jump, shot put, and the 4x100m relay. The competition witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 4500 students from 100+ schools participating across three categories – Juniors, Seniors, and Super Seniors.

This grand event was made possible under the visionary leadership of Dr. N.M. Veeraiyan, Founder and Chancellor of SIMATS.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. S.N. Udheyakumar, Chief Coach of the Asian Archery Team and Founder of DOXA Sports Management Pvt. Ltd. and Eagle Archery Academy, and Mr. A. Manoharan, International Volleyball Player.

The event was strongly supported and encouraged by SIMATS patrons – Dr. Deepak Nallaswamy, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Ramya Deepak, Director, SIMATS Engineering, Prof. Dr. S. Suresh Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Pro-Vice Chancellor.

The valedictory ceremony featured Ms. E. Christy Elena, International Medalist and Hockey Player, as the chief guest. During the prize distribution, the winners were honored with “The SIMATS Trophy 2025” for their respective sports. Additional awards included a trophy for the “School with Maximum Participation” and the prestigious “Overall SIMATS Trophy” for the best-performing school. Medals and certificates were distributed to all winners of this mega event.

Winners from the Chennai regional competition will now advance to the SIMATS State-Level Competitions, continuing their journey under the banner of SIMATS.

For more details, please visit www.saveetha.com.

About SIMATS
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) is a premier private university in India, known for its pioneering contributions to medical, dental, engineering, and allied health sciences education. With a focus on experiential learning, clinical expertise, and ground-breaking research, SIMATS has established itself as a global leader in healthcare education.

PGI India’s Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 Ignites Fresh Momentum for Platinum in India’s Jewellery Market

Platinum Guild International (PGI) India concluded the 2025 edition of its annual Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) on a high note in Kochi, bringing together leading industry voices right from key manufacturers to major jewellery retail partners from across the country. The event continued its legacy as a key platform for platinum jewellery manufacturers and retailers to collaborate on maximizing platinum’s business potential, unlocking lucrative business opportunities, and highlighting its value proposition to consumers, especially with the upcoming festive and wedding season.

Platinum Buyer Seller Meet 2025

This year’s meet, hosted at the Grand Hyatt, Kochi, brought together 60 retailers & 14 manufacturers, making it one of the most well-attended and dynamic BSM editions to date. The event served as a forum for partner retailers and manufacturers across PGI’s deep and wide national networks to collaborate on plans for the coming year, showcasing new collections, innovations in design and technology, and sharing best practices.

The collections showcased across PGI’s three signature brands, Platinum Love Bands, Platinum Evara, and Men of Platinum, enabled retailers to place orders and stock up in preparation for the season. These will be launched across partner retail stores and will be supported by integrated marketing campaigns going live across the upcoming buying season, energizing the market and catalyzing platinum jewellery sales to an increasingly aspiring consumer base.

Set against the backdrop of shifting global markets and increasing interest from younger, new-age consumers, the 2025 edition of the BSM was designed with a strong focus on success, innovation and growth. PGI India’s overarching goal was to position platinum as the metal of choice for modern Indian consumers through bold designs, differentiated product innovation, and insight-led marketing strategies. The strong retailer response and significant order volumes reflect not only the event’s effectiveness in unlocking platinum’s business potential, but also the positive market outlook towards platinum, further driven by its competitive pricing under present market conditions.

At the event, strategic sessions led by PGI India leadership outlined the evolving platinum narrative in the Indian jewellery market. From marketing innovations and compelling brand storytelling to retailer-exclusive collections and bi-metal design strategies, PGIs approach emphasized consistent category growth and long-term profitability.

Tim Schlick – Chief Executive Officer, Platinum Guild International, shared his thoughts on the 2025 Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet: “The 2025 Buyer-Seller Meet marks an inflection point for platinum in India. We are seeing a convergence of favourable market dynamics-rising consumer aspiration, product innovation, and strong retailer commitment. This platform reflects our continued investment in building a future-ready platinum category, one that responds to India’s evolving design sensibilities and generational shifts. At PGI, we remain focused on unlocking long-term value through strategic partnerships, differentiated storytelling, and business models that grow with the consumer. The energy and engagement at this year’s meet reaffirm that platinum’s growth story in India is just beginning.”

Vaishali Banerjee, Head of Global Market Development and Managing Director – India & ME,Platinum Guild International, said, “With each passing year, the Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet deepens our industry connections and reinforces platinums strategic place in the Indian jewellery landscape. It’s inspiring to see the energy, commitment, and innovation our partners bring to the table. This event is part of PGI’s commitment to building a movement around modern jewellery for modern India, that caters to the evolving demands of the new age consumer.”

Pallavi Sharma, Deputy Country Manager – India & ME, Platinum Guild International said, “This year, we placed a strong emphasis on leveraging the business opportunity to bring platinum to new groups of consumers due to its competitive market pricing, and we expect to induct new audiences into the world of platinum as a result of changing consumer preferences and trends. Our priority is to enable our partners to win in a highly competitive market, by helping them deliver true consumer value with platinum.”

The 2025 edition reaffirmed PGI Indias commitment to unlocking platinum jewellery’s full potential through innovation, collaboration, and consumer-led strategies. It served as a powerful catalyst in strengthening business confidence across PGI’s retail and manufacturing network. As the festive and wedding season approaches, the event set a decisive tone for a successful quarter, energizing partners with a renewed focus on design excellence and profitability. With an invigorated network of partners, platinum continues to chart a strong growth trajectory in India’s evolving consumer jewellery landscape.

About Platinum Guild International (PGI)

Platinum Guild International (PGI) is a marketing organisation with the vision to develop the global platinum jewellery market as a new demand source for platinum. It was formed in 1975 with specialist teams dedicated to growing the global platinum jewellery market through consumer and trade-facing programmes in the four key jewellery markets of China, India, Japan and USA. Since then, jewellery development has demonstrated a strong track record in delivering results. Through various programmes, both direct-to-consumer and in collaboration with jewellery retailers and manufacturers, PGI creates consumer-ounce demand by first identifying opportunities for platinum in jewellery, and then developing them with partners. It also aims to build an enduring commitment to platinum in jewellery. PGI’s consumer marketing and educational programmes are focused on developing awareness and an appreciation for platinum’s unique properties as a precious metal for fine jewellery. In addition, PGI works globally with collaborative partners running extensive marketing programmes in the four main platinum jewellery markets of China, Japan, USA and India. These markets are staffed with strategic planning, marketing, retail, design, and business development experts. PGI is funded by the leading platinum producers of South Africa, as well as through co-funded programmes with the jewellery industry.

Purity Assurance Program

PGI has partnered with TUV India Pvt Ltd to implement a robust audit programme to ensure the purity of platinum under its programme. TUV is one of the country’s first certification bodies and has been closely associated with the quality revolution in India. Under Platinum Guild India’s quality assurance programme, each piece of jewellery has an assured purity as high as 95%. And as proof of this assurance, every piece is stamped ‘Pt950’ and comes with a tamper-proof quality assurance card that distinguishes authentic platinum from other jewellery. A Unique Identification Number is also stamped on the jewellery in addition to the detailed description of the piece you choose for yourself. Our quality assurance programme is in place to ensure transparency and that the platinum the consumer buys is of the highest quality. After all, that is what true value is all about.

Re-Discovering Purpose: Oakridge Bachupally Students Lead Global Change at NAE Summit 2025

In a world where education must prepare students not just for exams but for impact, the NAE Student Summit 2025 stood as a beacon of global citizenship, youth-led change, and purposeful learning. Held at The Village School in Houston, the summit brought together over 160 students from Nord Anglia Education schools worldwide, including a passionate delegation from Oakridge International School, Bachupally.

Oakridge Students Group

Among them were changemakers like Siddhi, Riya, Samyuktha, Saanvi, and Nia, who didn’t just attend-they led, inspired, and transformed.

Service in Action Houston Food Bank Visit

The summit in Houston-held in the first UNICEF-recognized Child-Friendly City in the U.S.-kicked off with workshops led by Lisa Petro from Generation Global, where students explored the power of dialogue in fostering empathy, inclusion, and global change. They also learned about Nord Anglia’s Social Impact Grants, which have supported student-led initiatives with over $735,000 since 2021. On the second day, guided by UNICEF, students and educators-including Ms. Sonia from Oakridge Bengaluru-engaged deeply with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), connecting global frameworks to real-world case studies to inspire meaningful action.

Service in Action: Houston Food Bank Visit
In a powerful act of service, Oakridge students joined peers to sort 6,541 kg of food donations, providing 12,020 meals to families in need. “It was humbling to see how small actions can create big change,” shared Siddhi, Grade 11.

Later for two days students visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science to explore the evolution of energy and the importance of renewable solutions. Later, Oakridge students took the stage during Peer Talks to share their insights. Day 4 focused on advocacy, where students practiced speaking up for change and navigating tough conversations, while teachers participated in a UNICEF emergency aid simulation to better understand humanitarian response efforts.

Riya presented SuvriddhiOS, a platform promoting sustainable development in urban communities.

Samyuktha shared HealthMirror, a student-led initiative improving health awareness among underserved populations.

Their stories sparked conversations on compassion, innovation, and youth-led impact.

Capstone Projects: Learning into Action
The summit culminated in powerful capstone presentations, where students showcased how they plan to drive change in their communities. From climate action to digital inclusion, their ideas reflected a week of growth, collaboration, and purpose.

I am incredibly proud of our students who represented Oakridge Bachupally at the NAE Summit 2025. Their leadership, empathy, and commitment to global change reflect the true spirit of purpose – driven education. From impactful service to powerful advocacy, they returned not just inspired, but ready to inspire. This summit reaffirmed our belief that our students are not just learners, but changemakers shaping a better world. This summit reaffirmed our belief that international education is not just about global exposure – it’s about global responsibility,” said Ms. Anuradha, Principal of Oakridge Bachupally.

One thing that I fondly remember from this trip is our time spent volunteering at the Houston food bank. To see people get into action without having to tell them what to do, to see us all identify and take care of problems in the matter of seconds and just not hesitating to get the job done no matter the circumstances was something that warms my heart as I think about it even now. That is the type of ideology and experience that I want social impact to be centred around” – Siddhi from grade eleven k.

Attending the NAE Summit 2025 @ Houston, Texas as a Regional Lead was an incredibly enriching experience. One of the highlights for me was delivering a Chaperone Peer Talk on ‘Championing Social Impact in Schools: A Journey from Vision to Action.’ It was a proud moment to share our region’s progress and inspire others through our stories of student-led change. The summit itself was a powerful blend of learning, collaboration, and action” – Fiona Chettiar Regional Representative Social Impact Program-India & CAS Coordinator- Oakridge Bachupally.

The NAE Summit 2025 was more than an event-it was a launchpad for future changemakers. For Oakridge Bachupally, it marked a milestone in nurturing knowledge, empathy, and service.

Ranked among the top international schools in Hyderabad, Oakridge International School Bachupally continues to empower students with global opportunities, real-world impact, and a purpose-driven education.

  • Discover how your child can be part of this global journey.

  • Visit www.oakridge.in/bachupally

  • Call us today to learn more about our global learning programs.