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How SIP in Mutual Funds Can Help You Achieve Financial Freedom in the Long Term

Financial freedom is the ability to make life choices without being constrained by financial stress. Whether its retiring early, pursuing a passion, or investing for your familys future, financial freedom means having the resources to support your goals. One way to work towards this goal is by investing consistently in mutual funds through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP).

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SIPs can help build wealth in the long-term

What is a SIP in mutual funds
A SIP is a method of investing in a mutual fund scheme where you invest a fixed amount at regular intervals, usually monthly or quarterly. It brings discipline to investing and eliminates the need to time the market. Instead of investing a lump sum, SIPs allow you to build your investment gradually over time.

When you invest via SIP in a mutual fund, you buy units of the scheme on a specific date each month, regardless of market conditions. Over time, this results in rupee cost averaging, meaning you buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. This helps in averaging out your purchase cost and potentially reducing the impact of market volatility.

How SIPs contribute to long-term wealth creation
The power of compounding is one of the key benefits of SIPs. Compounding refers to the growth of your investments as returns begin to generate further returns over time. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow.

*For example, an investment of Rs 5,000 per month in a mutual fund SIP plan over 20 years, assuming an average annual return of 12%, can grow to over Rs 50 lakh. By investing regularly and staying invested for the long term, SIPs allow you to accumulate wealth in a structured and disciplined manner.

*For illustrative purposes

SIPs align with your financial goals
SIPs can be tailored to meet a variety of financial goals, from saving for a child’s education, buying a home, to building a retirement corpus. You can choose mutual funds that align with your risk appetite and investment horizon.

For short to medium-term goals, you may consider investing in debt or hybrid mutual funds. For long-term goals, equity mutual funds can offer higher growth potential. SIPs help in mapping your financial goals to suitable investment options and allow you to track your progress over time.

SIPs offer flexibility and convenience
One of the biggest advantages of SIPs is the flexibility they offer. You can start with as little as Rs 500 per month generally, making them accessible to a wide range of investors. You can increase your SIP amount over time, pause or stop the SIP if needed, or switch between schemes based on your changing financial needs.

SIPs are also convenient to set up and manage, most mutual fund houses and platforms allow online registration, tracking, and modification. With auto-debit options, the investment process becomes hassle-free and consistent.

SIPs reduce emotional decision-making
Investing through SIPs can help reduce emotional reactions to market fluctuations. During periods of market volatility, investors may be tempted to redeem their investments out of fear. SIPs promote disciplined investing by encouraging you to stay invested regardless of short-term market movements.

Over the long term, this discipline can lead to better outcomes than trying to time the market, which is often difficult and counterproductive.

Staying committed to your SIP strategy
While SIPs are a useful tool, their success depends on your commitment and consistency. Here are a few tips to stay on track:

  • Link your SIPs to specific financial goals

  • Review your mutual fund portfolio periodically

  • Step up your SIP amount as your income grows

  • Avoid discontinuing your SIP during market downturns

SIPs work when you stay invested through market cycles. Over time, this approach can help you navigate volatility and build wealth gradually.

Conclusion
Achieving financial freedom is not about chasing the highest returns or making one-time big investment. It’s about making informed, consistent choices that compound over time. A mutual fund SIP plan offers a simple, disciplined, and flexible way to invest towards your financial goals.

By staying invested, choosing funds aligned with your risk profile, and increasing your contributions as your income grows, SIPs can play a key role in helping you achieve financial independence.

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

SOUL Festival Announces its Third Chapter – 9th to 13th October at Soneva Fushi

Returning for its third chapter, SOUL Festival unfolds once more from October 9 to 13, 2025, at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives’ untamed Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Set within a sanctuary of barefoot luxury at the world’s best beach resort, the five-day retreat is a deeply immersive celebration of wellness, healing wisdom and human connection – uniting a global community of seekers, changemakers and visionary wellbeing experts.

Soneva Fushi – Wellness Group Activity with Sanctum

The 2025 edition welcomes an inspiring line-up of international thought leaders and practitioners. Returning to the Maldives are Sanctum founders Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski, whose energising morning rituals set the tone for each day. Also featured are Peign Crowley, founder of Ground Wellbeing and a champion of intuitive healing; Tim Gray, Europe’s leading biohacker and a global voice in optimised health and longevity; Nathalie Schyllert, CEO of Bodyism, offering a holistic approach to physical and emotional wellbeing; Frida Redknapp, wellness advocate and creative collaborator at Bodyism; Dr Timm Golke, renowned dermatologist and pioneer in anti- ageing skin health; and Roses Gabor, sound therapist and musician known for immersive healing journeys.

SOUL Festival 2024

The line-up also includes Kirsten King of Fluidform Pilates, whose signature method balances strength and grace; Adrienne Adhami, wellness content creator and advocate for movement-led living; Dong Juan, Traditional Chinese Medicine expert and movement guide; and Anika Lefebvre, transformational breathwork facilitator. Closing the roster is Nils Behrens, a leading voice in longevity and preventive health.

Each day is thoughtfully composed to guide guests through a full spectrum of wellness experiences that nurture both body and mind. Mornings begin with invigorating movement – from barefoot Sanctum sessions on the sand to Pilates overlooking the ocean – creating space for mindfulness and embodied awareness. After a nourishing breakfast, panel discussions explore themes such as longevity, emotional health, recovery and modern wellness innovations. Afternoons offer deeper engagement through hands-on workshops and one-on-one sessions, including trauma-informed bodywork, clarity breathwork and somatic therapy designed to support deep relaxation and inner balance. As the sun sets, the island transforms with immersive sound journeys and social sensory dinners beneath the stars. Each night concludes in celebration, with musical performances and closing rituals that invite reflection and reconnection.

A natural treasure where luxury meets soulful living, Soneva Fushi offers vast, secluded villas nestled within jungle clearings or set directly on the sand, each designed to dissolve the boundaries between indoors and nature. Nourishing, health- led cuisine crafted from organic island ingredients, healing therapies at Soneva Soul and endless opportunities to explore both land and sea create the ideal setting for deep a meaningful reset.

Guests can enjoy the full SOUL Festival experience with a dedicated package that includes luxurious villa accommodation, full board dining, return seaplane transfers, access to the complete programme, a complimentary Soneva Soul treatment and exclusive savings on therapies. Packages start from USD 3,360 per night for two adults, with a 10% reduction available for bookings confirmed before August 31, 2025.

For more information, visit www.soneva.com To download images, click here.

About Soneva Fushi

The original Soneva and ‘No News, No Shoes’ blueprint for barefoot luxury, Soneva Fushi lies within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on one of the Maldives’ largest and most unspoiled islands. A two-time winner of the World’s Best Beach Hotel Award, its vast one- to nine-bedroom villas offer secluded sanctuaries hidden amid dense jungle or gracefully poised over the shimmering lagoon. Here, every moment unfolds in a rhythm of discovery – from immersive fine dining and transformative wellness at Soneva Soul to rare celestial encounters and exclusive events with world- renowned experts. And with thrilling family adventures at The Den, one of South Asia’s largest children’s playgrounds, magical experiences await at every turn.

Bajaj Finserv Lawyer Loan: Smart Financing for Legal Professionals with Interest Rates Starting at 11% p.a.

Starting or expanding a legal practice involves more than just earning a law degree. Whether a practising advocate or a salaried associate exploring a future in corporate law, legal professionals often face financial commitments-such as setting up an office, investing in certifications, upgrading technology, or managing operational expenses. The Bajaj Finserv Lawyer Loan is designed to help meet these requirements with ease.

Bajaj Finserv Lawyer Loan

With interest rates starting at just 11% per annum, this customised loan offering provides timely, unsecured, and flexible funding tailored for legal professionals.

Why choose the Bajaj Finserv Lawyer Loan

The Bajaj Finserv Lawyer Loan supports both practising and salaried legal professionals through simplified processes and borrower-friendly features.

Here are a few reasons why one should apply for lawyer loan with Bajaj Finance:

  • Attractive interest rates starting at 11% p.a.: Access affordable credit without compromising on service quality. Lower interest rates translate to reduced financial burden and better cash flow.

  • Loan amount of up to Rs.30 lakh: Suitable for diverse needs such as office setup, digital transformation, legal research tools, or even personal expenses.

  • Flexible repayment tenure of up to 96 months: Legal professionals can select a repayment plan aligned with their income cycle.

  • Minimal documentation: Designed to respect the time constraints of legal professionals, the application process requires only essential documents, ensuring quick and hassle-free processing.

  • Fast approval and disbursal: Immediate access to funds when needed most, helping professionals act promptly on growth opportunities.

  • No collateral required: The loan is based on the applicant’s professional credibility, with no asset pledge needed.

Supporting career growth in every legal path

For legal professionals exploring specialised fields such as corporate law-or seeking to understand how to become a corporate lawyer through advanced education or strategic networking-financial flexibility is essential. The Bajaj Finserv Lawyer Loan provides the necessary funding to invest in career advancement without interrupting ongoing professional commitments.

The Bajaj Finserv Lawyer Loan can be used for:

  • Setting up or expanding a legal office

  • Upgrading to advanced legal tech tools and platforms

  • Enrolling in legal certifications, workshops, or conferences

  • Managing professional expenses such as travel, recruitment, or branding

For legal professionals pursuing growth, stability, or diversification, timely access to capital can make all the difference.

How to apply for a lawyer loan

Applying for a lawyer loan with Bajaj Finance is quick, online, and straightforward. Here are the steps:

  1. Visit the official Bajaj Finserv website

  2. Navigate to the Lawyer Loan page

  3. Click on the ‘APPLY’ button

  4. Enter the applicant’s 10-digit mobile number and verify it using the OTP

  5. Fill out the application form with basic personal and professional details

  6. Click on ‘PROCEED’ to continue

  7. Upload KYC details

  8. Schedule a convenient time for document verification

Legal professionals aiming to grow their practice or transition into specialised fields can benefit greatly from easy access to funding. With competitive interest rates, flexible repayment options, and a completely digital application process, the Bajaj Finserv Lawyer Loan is designed to back professionals every step of the way.

Legal professionals can apply today and get started on their next career milestone with funding at interest rates starting at just 11% per annum.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Bajaj Finance Limited

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

To know more, visit www.bajajfinserv.in.

Grundfos Enhances its Product Portfolio with Energy-efficient Solutions to Address Growing Sustainability Demands in CBS Industry

Grundfos, a global leader in advanced pump solutions and water technologies, announced the launch of its expanded product portfolio Commercial Building Services (CBS) in India. This new range includes high-performance, energy-efficient pumping solutions designed to address the evolving needs of commercial infrastructure, like hospitality & healthcare sectors, district cooling and data centre verticals and office or residential buildings, recreation and transport infrastructure.

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L to R: Mr. Niren Rohanlal, Regional Product & Solution Manager, CBS, IMEA, Mr. Saravanan Panneer Selvam, Senior Regional Sales Director, CBS, IMEA

With growing focus on reducing operational costs and meeting sustainability goals, the new range offers smart, compact, and flexible pumping systems that help businesses optimise energy use while ensuring high level of performance and reliability.

Saravanan Panneerselvam, Senior Regional Sales Director, Commercial Building Services – IMEA, Grundfos, said, “In Grundfos sustainability is not an option, it’s a way of life. We are confident that these new products will help strengthening our bonding with customers in the journey towards a sustainable future. Together let us create a greener world for the future generations.”

The refreshed CBS product portfolio features four key offerings:

Grundfos NK/NKE: A new series of NK long-coupled end-suction pumps offers improved efficiency, robust hydraulic design, and a long lasting build. The NKE pump variant offers smart integrated IE5 high efficiency motors, built-in differential pressure sensors, and intelligent controls, facilitating seamless integration into building management systems. (Link).

Grundfos TPE3: An advanced in-line pump with built-in differential pressure sensors is now available upto 22kw delivering IE5 level of efficiency in accordance with IEC 60034-30-2. Through range of multiple control modes and the Grundfos GO remote app, it adjusts the flow automatically, offering up to 25% energy savings compared to conventional offerings. This TPE3 pump also has an environmental product declaration (EPD) in accordance with EN15804 and ISO 14025. (Link).

Grundfos LSV: Compact, high-capacity long-coupled, horizontal split case, double suction pumps, which are single-stage, non-self-priming, centrifugal volute design, with space-saving vertical design and low NPSH, these pumps ensure high efficiency, performance and reliability. LSV pumps are ideally suited for district cooling and data centre applications where high efficiency and high reliability are most critical features. (Link).

Grundfos Hydro Multi-E with CME pumps: A plug-and-play pressure boosting system combining multiple horizontal multistage pumps with intelligent control logic and IE5-rated motors. Compact unit with plug and play set up for easy installation and low maintenance. Suitable for intelligent pressure management in residential and light commercial buildings which require precise water pressure. (Link)

Niren Rohanlal, Senior Product & Solution Manager, Commercial Building Services – IMEA, said, “Imagine a world where your technology doesn’t just keep up-it thinks ahead. Today, we’re not just unveiling new products; we’re introducing our next leap forward.”

The launch is part of a nationwide roadshow titled “Let Water Flow Smart“, with the first event held in Chennai on June 20, 2025, similar launches are planned across the country in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.

With this product portfolio expansion, Grundfos reinforces its long-standing commitment to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), driving forward its legacy of innovation, sustainability, and engineering excellence. By aligning with India’s green building mission and national energy efficiency goals, Grundfos continues to deliver high-efficiency solutions that support a low-carbon future and promote responsible environmental stewardship.

About Grundfos
Grundfos pioneers’ solutions to the world’s water and climate challenges and improves the quality of life for people. As a global pump and water solutions company, it provides expertise in energy and water-efficient solutions and systems for a wide range of applications, including water utility, water treatment, industries, and buildings.

Find out more: www.grundfos.com/in.

Gifts World Expo 2025 Returns with its 28th Edition, Featuring Focused Segments and an Expanded Showcase

Indias most anticipated and biggest exhibition on gifting and promotional solutions, Gifts World Expo, is all geared up to make a vibrant comeback in 2025 with an even larger and more diversified exhibition. Hosted by MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., the 28th edition will take place from 24-26 July 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, showcasing gifting solutions to cater to the sourcing needs of top national and international buyers under one roof.

With the growing demand for occasion-based, meaningful, and personalised gifting, Gifts World Expo 2025 is set to introduce dedicated zones that reflect current market trends. This year, Gifts World Expo 2025 places a renewed spotlight on high-demand segments such as Stationery & Office Supplies, Wedding Gifting, Gift Packaging & Hampers, and Gourmet Hampers. These established categories are being elevated with enhanced showcases to offer buyers and businesses a more curated and immersive sourcing experience.

Gifts World Expo 2025 returns with its 28th Edition, featuring focused segments and an expanded showcase

One of the most anticipated additions to the event this year is the Stationery World Pavilion. Designed as a concerted and innovative exhibition, the pavilion will highlight creative products in writing tools, planners, art supplies, luxury paper products, and environmentally friendly office solutions. The pavilion will be a dedicated area to commemorate the comeback of creative and customised stationery in the corporate and lifestyle gifting sectors.

Ms. Himani Gulati, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., said, “Gifts World Expo has continuously adapted to the evolving needs of the market. This year, we are delighted to introduce fresh, high-priority verticals such as the Stationery World Pavilion in addition to a diverse range of festive, celebratory, corporate & wedding gifts which conform to both industry trends and buyer sentiment. Our vision is to develop a vibrant, relevant, and future-proof platform that engages meaningful business opportunities throughout the gifting ecosystem.”

Reputed for its size and selection, Gifts World Expo remains the sole exclusive platform dedicated to this category, convening corporate buyers, retailers, wholesalers, resellers, distributors, event planners, and gifting industry professionals from India and around the globe. The 2025 edition is poised to welcome more than 650 exhibitors, and it firmly establishes itself as the one-stop destination for end-to-end gifting solutions.

Whether youre interested in exploring wedding hamper trends, corporate gifts on a high level, customised packaging, or trends in innovative gifting boxes, Gifts World Expo 2025 guarantees unparalleled diversity, creativity, and networking in one place.

About Gifts World Expo 2025

Gifts World Expo is Indias premier exhibition dedicated to the gifting and promotional solutions industry, renowned for its comprehensive showcase of the latest trends and innovations. Organized by MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., this annual event brings together over 650+ exhibitors and 30,000+ products from 4,000+ brands, attracting more than 33,000 visitors from diverse sectors such as Pharma, Software, FMCG, and Hospitality. Held at Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi, the expo spans 3,50,000+ sq. ft. of exhibition space, offering a diverse range of gift categories including luxury gifts & lifestyle products, gourmet hampers, and customized gifts and promotional products, to name a few.

Gifts World Expo 2025 Returns with its 28th Edition, Featuring Focused Segments and an Expanded Showcase

Indias most anticipated and biggest exhibition on gifting and promotional solutions, Gifts World Expo, is all geared up to make a vibrant comeback in 2025 with an even larger and more diversified exhibition. Hosted by MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., the 28th edition will take place from 24-26 July 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, showcasing gifting solutions to cater to the sourcing needs of top national and international buyers under one roof.

With the growing demand for occasion-based, meaningful, and personalised gifting, Gifts World Expo 2025 is set to introduce dedicated zones that reflect current market trends. This year, Gifts World Expo 2025 places a renewed spotlight on high-demand segments such as Stationery & Office Supplies, Wedding Gifting, Gift Packaging & Hampers, and Gourmet Hampers. These established categories are being elevated with enhanced showcases to offer buyers and businesses a more curated and immersive sourcing experience.

Gifts World Expo 2025 returns with its 28th Edition, featuring focused segments and an expanded showcase

One of the most anticipated additions to the event this year is the Stationery World Pavilion. Designed as a concerted and innovative exhibition, the pavilion will highlight creative products in writing tools, planners, art supplies, luxury paper products, and environmentally friendly office solutions. The pavilion will be a dedicated area to commemorate the comeback of creative and customised stationery in the corporate and lifestyle gifting sectors.

Ms. Himani Gulati, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., said, “Gifts World Expo has continuously adapted to the evolving needs of the market. This year, we are delighted to introduce fresh, high-priority verticals such as the Stationery World Pavilion in addition to a diverse range of festive, celebratory, corporate & wedding gifts which conform to both industry trends and buyer sentiment. Our vision is to develop a vibrant, relevant, and future-proof platform that engages meaningful business opportunities throughout the gifting ecosystem.”

Reputed for its size and selection, Gifts World Expo remains the sole exclusive platform dedicated to this category, convening corporate buyers, retailers, wholesalers, resellers, distributors, event planners, and gifting industry professionals from India and around the globe. The 2025 edition is poised to welcome more than 650 exhibitors, and it firmly establishes itself as the one-stop destination for end-to-end gifting solutions.

Whether youre interested in exploring wedding hamper trends, corporate gifts on a high level, customised packaging, or trends in innovative gifting boxes, Gifts World Expo 2025 guarantees unparalleled diversity, creativity, and networking in one place.

About Gifts World Expo 2025

Gifts World Expo is Indias premier exhibition dedicated to the gifting and promotional solutions industry, renowned for its comprehensive showcase of the latest trends and innovations. Organized by MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., this annual event brings together over 650+ exhibitors and 30,000+ products from 4,000+ brands, attracting more than 33,000 visitors from diverse sectors such as Pharma, Software, FMCG, and Hospitality. Held at Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi, the expo spans 3,50,000+ sq. ft. of exhibition space, offering a diverse range of gift categories including luxury gifts & lifestyle products, gourmet hampers, and customized gifts and promotional products, to name a few.

JKLU Professor First Indian to Win Hills Millennium Award for International Designers

Prof. A Balasubramaniam, the founding Director of the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) in Jaipur has become the first Indian to win the Hills Millennium Award 2025, a prestigious award for international designers presented annually by the UK-based Institute of Engineering Designers (IED).

Prof. A Balasubramaniam, Director of the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU), is the first Indian to win the Hills Millennium Award for international designers

Prof. Balasubramaniam was selected for the award in recognition of his lasting contributions to the field of product design. He will be felicitated on 12th July in Birmingham, UK.

The Hills Millennium Award is given annually by IED to an international designer who has made major contributions to the professional areas of Engineering Design, and/or Product Design.

Prof. Balasubramaniam has designed market-leading products, as diverse as tractors and torches, for industry leaders such as Eveready, Eicher, Usha, Hero Motors, Bajaj, and intergovernmental organisations such as UNDP. He was a consultant to National Innovation Foundation and NIIT. He also writes a popular blog on Design practice in India.

The selection of Professor Balasubramaniam for Hills Millennium Award 2025 is a testament to the growing influence of Indian designers at the world stage.

Indias design ethos – rooted in centuries of craft, innovation, and cultural heritage – has long shaped global sensibilities, often without due recognition. That is why it is heartening to see the international design community acknowledge this legacy by honouring Prof. Balasubramaniam with the Hills Millennium Award,” said Professor Alka Mahajan, Pro Vice Chancellor, JK Lakshmipat University.

An alumnus of National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, he had served as the National President of ADI (Association of Designers of India) from 2022-24. Before joining the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University, he was the Dean of IILM School of Design in Gurgaon from 2007 to 2010 and has also been a member of the Academic Board for several design institutes, including the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (SPA New Delhi) and Nirma University.

I am deeply honoured and humbled by the Institute of Engineering Designers’ recognition. This prestigious award is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective effort to expand the global design dialogue. I truly believe this recognition signals a critical shift toward a more inclusive narrative in design – one that values and amplifies the diverse voices and traditions shaping our field,” Prof. Balasubramaniam said on winning the award.

Past winners of the Hills Millennium Award include the legendary automative designer Frank Stephenson, the designer behind some of the world’s most iconic cars, including the 2001 MINI Cooper, Ferrari F430, and McLaren P1, among others. Other awardees include Dorian Marjanovic, Professor Emeritus at University of Zagreb; veteran engineering design professional Crispin Hales; and Marcus Engman, Creative Director at IKEA Retail.

The Institution of Engineering Designers is a British professional engineering institution founded in 1945.

JKLU Professor First Indian to Win Hills Millennium Award for International Designers

Prof. A Balasubramaniam, the founding Director of the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) in Jaipur has become the first Indian to win the Hills Millennium Award 2025, a prestigious award for international designers presented annually by the UK-based Institute of Engineering Designers (IED).

Prof. A Balasubramaniam, Director of the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU), is the first Indian to win the Hills Millennium Award for international designers

Prof. Balasubramaniam was selected for the award in recognition of his lasting contributions to the field of product design. He will be felicitated on 12th July in Birmingham, UK.

The Hills Millennium Award is given annually by IED to an international designer who has made major contributions to the professional areas of Engineering Design, and/or Product Design.

Prof. Balasubramaniam has designed market-leading products, as diverse as tractors and torches, for industry leaders such as Eveready, Eicher, Usha, Hero Motors, Bajaj, and intergovernmental organisations such as UNDP. He was a consultant to National Innovation Foundation and NIIT. He also writes a popular blog on Design practice in India.

The selection of Professor Balasubramaniam for Hills Millennium Award 2025 is a testament to the growing influence of Indian designers at the world stage.

Indias design ethos – rooted in centuries of craft, innovation, and cultural heritage – has long shaped global sensibilities, often without due recognition. That is why it is heartening to see the international design community acknowledge this legacy by honouring Prof. Balasubramaniam with the Hills Millennium Award,” said Professor Alka Mahajan, Pro Vice Chancellor, JK Lakshmipat University.

An alumnus of National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, he had served as the National President of ADI (Association of Designers of India) from 2022-24. Before joining the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University, he was the Dean of IILM School of Design in Gurgaon from 2007 to 2010 and has also been a member of the Academic Board for several design institutes, including the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (SPA New Delhi) and Nirma University.

I am deeply honoured and humbled by the Institute of Engineering Designers’ recognition. This prestigious award is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective effort to expand the global design dialogue. I truly believe this recognition signals a critical shift toward a more inclusive narrative in design – one that values and amplifies the diverse voices and traditions shaping our field,” Prof. Balasubramaniam said on winning the award.

Past winners of the Hills Millennium Award include the legendary automative designer Frank Stephenson, the designer behind some of the world’s most iconic cars, including the 2001 MINI Cooper, Ferrari F430, and McLaren P1, among others. Other awardees include Dorian Marjanovic, Professor Emeritus at University of Zagreb; veteran engineering design professional Crispin Hales; and Marcus Engman, Creative Director at IKEA Retail.

The Institution of Engineering Designers is a British professional engineering institution founded in 1945.

PPS Motors – Mahindra’s Largest Dealer in India – Expands its Operations in Maharashtra; Inaugurates 2 New Dealerships at Katraj, Pune and Saswad

  • Marks Group’s 137th Mahindra facility in India; a new touchpoint at Katraj apart from another at Saswad launched

  • The 6,500 sq. ft. Katraj showroom strengthens PPS Motors’ presence to 8 Mahindra outlets in Pune

  • PPS Motors plans to add 5 more facilities in the city to further enhance accessibility and customer experience

PPS Motors, a part of one of India’s largest automobile retail conglomerates, today announced the inauguration of two newest Mahindra dealerships in Pune, Maharashtra. The inauguration of the facility at Katraj, Ambegaon was attended by Mr. Baneswar Banerjee, National Sales Head & VP, Mahindra, and other senior officials from both the organizations. Apart from this, the company had also inaugurated another dealership at Saswad near Pune.

Baneswar Banerjee, National Sales Head & VP, Mahindra, senior officials from PPS Motors and Mahindra inaugurating PPS Mahindra Showroom at Katraj, Pune on Monday June 23, 2025

The latest facility, strategically located at Katraj, Ambegaon along the bustling NH-4 corridor, sits at the heart of one of Pune’s key automotive hubs. This 6,500 sq. ft. showroom can display 6 vehicles together and is designed to provide holistic customer experience – offering Mahindra’s full range of Passenger Vehicles (ICE & EV). With a modern colour palette, dramatic lighting, intuitive technology and a seamless interaction, every element of the space in the dealership showroom is crafted to evoke the sense of progressive design, intelligent innovation and refined elegance. The customers will step into an immersive environment complete with a showcase of Mahindra’s breakthrough technologies – from the INGLO Electric Origin architecture to MAIA, the fastest automotive mind in the world along with Hero features.

With this launch, PPS Motors further strengthens its extensive footprint in India as the group now operates 137 Mahindra touchpoints in six states – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In FY 2025 alone, the group sold over 37,000 Mahindra vehicles, underscoring its position as Mahindra’s largest sales and after-sales partner in India.

PPS Motors – Scaling Ambitions in Pune

The Katraj dealership marks PPS Motors’ 8th Mahindra touchpoint in Pune, comprising 7 showrooms and 1 workshop. Having entered the Pune market in July 2024, the group has already sold over 2,500 Mahindra vehicles in the city in under a year’s time. With a robust expansion plan in place, PPS Motors aims to add 3 more showrooms and 2 workshops, taking the total to 13 Mahindra touchpoints in Pune region. With this enhanced presence, the company is targeting to double its annual sales from Pune to 4,500 to 5,000 vehicles, with an estimated revenue of Rs.800 – 1,000 crore in the next one year.

Commenting on the inauguration, Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors, said, “We are excited to strengthen our longstanding partnership with Mahindra with the inauguration of our 137th Mahindra facility. Our journey with Mahindra spans nearly seven decades and is built on a foundation of shared values, trust, and customer-first thinking. With our deep understanding of evolving customer needs and Mahindra’s advanced, future-ready vehicles, we remain committed to delivering a truly best-in-class ownership experience.”

In 2024, as per industry reports, Maharashtra witnessed a 3.93 per cent increase with around 4,50,000 cars as compared to 4,33,000 cars in 2023. The state of Maharashtra was also the top buyer of electric cars and SUVs in the period between January to April 2025, data on Vahan portal revealed.

About PPS Motors

PPS Motors is part of a larger automobile group – one of the countrys largest spread automobile conglomerates – with rich experience of 75+ years, operates through 720+ automobile touchpoints across 18 states supported by a dedicated team of over 18,000 expert professionals. PPS Motors provides exceptional service and upholds high standards of professionalism. PPS Motors represents a diverse spectrum of auto segments, including 18 brands in passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. The conglomerate stands as a formidable force representing 20 renowned brands and registered an annual group turnover of INR 18,800 crores in FY 2024.

PPS Motors – Mahindra’s Largest Dealer in India – Expands its Operations in Maharashtra; Inaugurates 2 New Dealerships at Katraj, Pune and Saswad

  • Marks Group’s 137th Mahindra facility in India; a new touchpoint at Katraj apart from another at Saswad launched

  • The 6,500 sq. ft. Katraj showroom strengthens PPS Motors’ presence to 8 Mahindra outlets in Pune

  • PPS Motors plans to add 5 more facilities in the city to further enhance accessibility and customer experience

PPS Motors, a part of one of India’s largest automobile retail conglomerates, today announced the inauguration of two newest Mahindra dealerships in Pune, Maharashtra. The inauguration of the facility at Katraj, Ambegaon was attended by Mr. Baneswar Banerjee, National Sales Head & VP, Mahindra, and other senior officials from both the organizations. Apart from this, the company had also inaugurated another dealership at Saswad near Pune.

Baneswar Banerjee, National Sales Head & VP, Mahindra, senior officials from PPS Motors and Mahindra inaugurating PPS Mahindra Showroom at Katraj, Pune on Monday June 23, 2025

The latest facility, strategically located at Katraj, Ambegaon along the bustling NH-4 corridor, sits at the heart of one of Pune’s key automotive hubs. This 6,500 sq. ft. showroom can display 6 vehicles together and is designed to provide holistic customer experience – offering Mahindra’s full range of Passenger Vehicles (ICE & EV). With a modern colour palette, dramatic lighting, intuitive technology and a seamless interaction, every element of the space in the dealership showroom is crafted to evoke the sense of progressive design, intelligent innovation and refined elegance. The customers will step into an immersive environment complete with a showcase of Mahindra’s breakthrough technologies – from the INGLO Electric Origin architecture to MAIA, the fastest automotive mind in the world along with Hero features.

With this launch, PPS Motors further strengthens its extensive footprint in India as the group now operates 137 Mahindra touchpoints in six states – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In FY 2025 alone, the group sold over 37,000 Mahindra vehicles, underscoring its position as Mahindra’s largest sales and after-sales partner in India.

PPS Motors – Scaling Ambitions in Pune

The Katraj dealership marks PPS Motors’ 8th Mahindra touchpoint in Pune, comprising 7 showrooms and 1 workshop. Having entered the Pune market in July 2024, the group has already sold over 2,500 Mahindra vehicles in the city in under a year’s time. With a robust expansion plan in place, PPS Motors aims to add 3 more showrooms and 2 workshops, taking the total to 13 Mahindra touchpoints in Pune region. With this enhanced presence, the company is targeting to double its annual sales from Pune to 4,500 to 5,000 vehicles, with an estimated revenue of Rs.800 – 1,000 crore in the next one year.

Commenting on the inauguration, Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors, said, “We are excited to strengthen our longstanding partnership with Mahindra with the inauguration of our 137th Mahindra facility. Our journey with Mahindra spans nearly seven decades and is built on a foundation of shared values, trust, and customer-first thinking. With our deep understanding of evolving customer needs and Mahindra’s advanced, future-ready vehicles, we remain committed to delivering a truly best-in-class ownership experience.”

In 2024, as per industry reports, Maharashtra witnessed a 3.93 per cent increase with around 4,50,000 cars as compared to 4,33,000 cars in 2023. The state of Maharashtra was also the top buyer of electric cars and SUVs in the period between January to April 2025, data on Vahan portal revealed.

About PPS Motors

PPS Motors is part of a larger automobile group – one of the countrys largest spread automobile conglomerates – with rich experience of 75+ years, operates through 720+ automobile touchpoints across 18 states supported by a dedicated team of over 18,000 expert professionals. PPS Motors provides exceptional service and upholds high standards of professionalism. PPS Motors represents a diverse spectrum of auto segments, including 18 brands in passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. The conglomerate stands as a formidable force representing 20 renowned brands and registered an annual group turnover of INR 18,800 crores in FY 2024.