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Dr. R. Sangeetha Honored as Strategic Woman Leader of the Year at Forttuna Global Excellence Awards 2025

Dr. R. Sangeetha, Group Head – Human Resources at Kirtilals Group, was recognized with the prestigious Strategic Woman Leader of the Year award at the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards 2025 – India Edition, held at JW Marriott, Mumbai Juhu.

Dr. Sangeetha, Group HR – Kirtilals, received the Strategic Woman Leader of the Year Award at Forttuna Global Excellence Awards 2025 from Dr. Michael Conner, CEO of Agile Evolutionary Group

With over 25 years of distinguished experience in Human Resource Management, Dr. Sangeetha leads the HR function at Kirtilal Kalidas Jewellers Pvt. Ltd., overseeing operations across the group’s retail, jewellery manufacturing, engineering, and other business verticals. She is responsible for managing a dynamic workforce of approximately 1,750 employees.

An accomplished academic, Dr. Sangeetha holds a Ph.D. in General Management and Organizational Behaviour, with her research focusing on “HR Challenges towards Professionalizing Family Business Management in the Apparel & Clothing Industries of Tamil Nadu.” She also holds an M.Phil. and MBA in Human Resource Management.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sangeetha has demonstrated expertise in strategic HR planning, talent acquisition and development, organizational development, statutory compliance, learning and development, employee engagement, and business excellence. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving people-centric transformation and fostering a culture of resilience and innovation.

Her contributions have earned her multiple accolades, including the HR Excellence Award from the NHRD Coimbatore Chapter (2015), Long-Serving Employee Award from IIHR (2014), and Outstanding Achievement Awards from both the Kerala Community (2023) and Rathinam Group of Institutions (2024). As the current President of the NHRD Coimbatore Chapter, she recently led the chapter to win the NHRD Falcon Trailblazer Award 2024 (Southern Region) and the Special Recognition Award at the national level in the Emerging Chapter category in 2025.

Dr. Sangeetha remains deeply committed to aligning HR strategy with business objectives, championing DEI and sustainability, and promoting lifelong learning. She also maintains active academic engagements through curriculum development and student mentoring at BIT Coimbatore.

Speaking on the recognition, Dr. Sangeetha said, “I am truly humbled and honored to receive the Strategic Woman Leader of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege to work with, and it inspires me to continue striving for excellence in the HR profession.”

A10 Networks Demonstrates Capabilities for the Security, Resilience and Performance of AI Infrastructure

Organizations across the globe are rapidly deploying new AI applications and building new AI-ready data centers to automate and achieve operational excellence in their organizations. This requires ultra-high performance for AI and large language model (LLM) inference environments to deliver real-time response, as well as new cybersecurity solutions to secure them.

A10 Networks Demonstrates Capabilities for the Security, Resilience and Performance of AI Infrastructure

To help prepare and protect these new AI environments, A10 Networks (NYSE: ATEN) is demonstrating new AI firewall and predictive performance capabilities at the upcoming Interop Tokyo conference, “AI Steps into Reality,” on June 11-13, 2025.

Preventing, Detecting and Mitigating AI and LLM-level Cyber Threats

A10 is announcing new AI firewall capabilities that can be deployed in front of APIs or URLs that expose large language models – either as a custom LLM or developed on top of a commercial solution like OpenAI or Anthropic. Built on edge-optimized architecture with GPU-enabled hardware, these capabilities protect AI LLMs at high performance and can be deployed in any infrastructure as an incremental security capability.

These capabilities can help prevent, detect and mitigate AI-level threats by enabling customers to test their AI inference models against known vulnerabilities and to help remove them using A10’s proprietary LLM safeguarding techniques. The capability detects AI-level threats like prompt injections and sensitive information disclosure by inspecting request and response traffic at the prompt level and enforcing security policies required for mitigating these threats.

Delivering Real-time Experience for AI and LLM Inference Environments

A10 continues to deliver high performance and resilience for AI and LLM-enabled applications. This is done by offloading processor-intensive tasks like TLS/SSL decryption, caching, optimizing traffic routing and by providing actionable insights to maximize network availability and performance.

New capabilities allow early detection of network performance issues, much like an early warning system. This helps identify near-term congestion or capacity deficiencies, helping customers to take proactive action before an issue becomes critical. The capabilities help prevent unscheduled downtime and plan for optimal network performance. Predictive performance will run on A10 appliances that are powered by GPUs, allowing faster processing speed with the ability to quickly analyze vast amounts of data and provide insights into anomalies ahead of time.

Together, these AI security and infrastructure capabilities allow for ease of management, broader intelligence to accurately detect threats, and help deliver an optimal customer experience.

Enterprises are deploying and training AI and LLM inference models on-premises or in the cloud at a rapid pace. New capabilities must be developed to address three key challenges of these new environments: latency, security and operational complexity. With over 20 years of experience in securing and delivering applications, we are expanding our capabilities to deliver on these needs to provide resilience, high performance and security for AI and LLM infrastructures,” said Dhrupad Trivedi, president and CEO, A10 Networks.

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About A10 Networks

A10 Networks provides security and infrastructure solutions for on-premises, hybrid cloud, and edge-cloud environments. Our 7000+ customers span global large enterprises and communications, cloud and web service providers who must provide business- critical applications and networks that are secure, available, and efficient. Founded in 2004, A10 Networks is based in San Jose, Calif. and serves customers globally.

For more information, visit A10networks.com and follow us at A10Networks.

Ratnaafin’s Debut Campaign ‘Ratnaafin Hai Toh Possible Hai’ Launched to Empower MSME Entrepreneurs in India

Ratnaafin, an NBFC focused on empowering MSMEs and small business owners with customised financial solutions to make their dreams accessible, announces the launch of its new film, celebrating entrepreneurs. Ratnaafin has consistently bridged the credit gap by offering business loans, solar loans, supply chain finance, machinery loans, and more-helping enterprises scale, innovate, and thrive in the Indian business community. From business loans to solar financing, working capital to micro loans against property, Ratnaafin offers tailored products for real business needs and has served over 25,000+ customers across 35 branches in India.

Saatchi & Saatchi is the creative partner and ideator behind the campaign’s concept and execution, capturing the grit that defines an Indian entrepreneur’s journey through this film.

Watch the film – www.youtube.com/watchv=mIFM9Ywq0Ik

The TVC follows the lives of four small business owners across industries-a printing press operator expanding production, a Kirana shopkeeper upgrading his retail operations, a home-based achaar brand reaching wider markets, and a boutique owner growing her brand. As we follow their stories, struggles, and successes, we witness the sheer perseverance that defines the Indian entrepreneur.

The campaign gives us a glimpse into the importance of choosing the right financial partner to guarantee the success of an MSME. Whether its upgrading a Kirana store, expanding a home-based achaar business, or elevating a boutique’s brand presence, the right partner makes all the difference. Entrepreneurial success in a dynamic and competitive landscape relies as much on funding as it does on human resilience and grit.

Malav Desai, Managing Director & CEO, Ratnaafin, said, “This campaign reflects our core belief – that with the right partner, even the boldest dreams are achievable. ‘Ratnaafin Hai Toh Possible Hai’ goes beyond transactional finance to celebrate the spirit of India’s business owners. At its core, this is about trust, support, and enabling the backbone of our economy – our MSMEs.”

Sunay Jain, Head – Marketing and Digital Business at Ratnaafin, proudly added, “Businesses are more than balance sheets. At Ratnaafin, we look deeper-into the midnight oil burned, the risks taken, and the perseverance that MSME owners show every single day. While others may look at paperwork, we see passion. We believe your work speaks louder than your name. That’s the kind of business we back. Because when your kaam is strong, your name builds itself.”

Ratnaafin is proud to be recognised as a CRISIL A+ rated, stable, and trusted NBFC with a strong foundation in financial discipline. Entrepreneurial resilience is the centrepiece of this campaign, reinforced by Ratnaafin’s unwavering support-not just as a lender, but as a true partner.

Running across digital platforms, social media, and regional television channels, the campaign showcases how every step, every challenge, and every decision is taken together-with confidence, courage, and cooperation.

This campaign, as Ratnaafin’s first foray into nationwide brand-building, marks a crucial milestone, with a poignant storyline that goes beyond numbers and touches hearts. It shows that business is more than balance sheets-it’s about showing up every day, being relentless in the face of hardship, and doing whatever it takes to make your dreams possible. That is what Indian entrepreneurs are made of, and that is what Ratnaafin acknowledges.

Rohit Malkani, CCO, Saatchi & Saatchi, said, “Jo pai pai se shuru kiya, wo business badhta jayega’ reflects the heart of the film. It’s a message from one business owner to another. It’s not about struggle or success. It’s about belief. Belief that if you keep building and showing up every day, what starts small will grow. That’s the feeling we wanted to leave people with.”

About Ratnaafin
Ratnaafin is an RBI-registered NBFC dedicated to empowering MSMEs, business owners, and entrepreneurs with accessible and customised financial solutions. The company has consistently bridged the credit gap by offering business loans, solar loans, supply chain finance, machinery loans, and more-helping enterprises scale, innovate, and thrive. Its deep understanding of India’s evolving business landscape makes Ratnaafin the perfect partner in an entrepreneur’s financial journey. A seamless digital interface, speedy approvals, and need-based products tailored to each client are just a few tools in its arsenal. With a strong commitment to fuelling the entrepreneurial fire of India, Ratnaafin uses its expertise and integrity to turn possibility into success.

About Saatchi & Saatchi India
Saatchi & Saatchi India, part of the Publicis Groupe India, is a full-service communications agency specializing in traditional and digital advertising, branding, design, UI/UX, content and brand consultancy. Saatchi & Saatchi offers its suite of services across clients like Hero MotoCorp, Renault, NIVEA, Standard Chartered Bank, ITC, Dabur, Akasa Air, Jockey, P&G, Zee, Zepto, ITC, Relaxo and many more. Core to the agency’s DNA is a culture of ownership and the belief that ‘Our Clients Business is Our Business’ which keeps clients’ business goals at the heart of everything. The agency has over 350 employees across its offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.

Bajaj Markets Offers Free CIBIL Score Checks to Help Individuals Stay Loan-ready

Bajaj Markets, a leading digital financial marketplace, gives individuals a simple way to check their CIBIL score, at zero cost. There are no forms and no waiting time is involved. This quick service helps people understand their credit standing and take better control of future borrowing.

Check CIBIL score before a personal loan application!

With just a few easy steps, anyone can view their score and start making smarter financial choices. Using this free tool often can help users prepare for credit approvals and better loan offers.

Why a Strong CIBIL Score Matters to Lenders

Lenders use the CIBIL score to quickly understand an individuals credit behaviour and repayment track record. A higher score often signals responsible credit use, making the applicant more likely to repay on time. This helps lenders reduce risk and speed up decision-making, especially when dealing with large loan amounts or unsecured credit.

Users check CIBIL score for personal loan applications. Here are some easy steps that can help raise the CIBIL score and build stronger credit over time:

  • Always pay loan EMIs and credit card bills on or before the due date

  • Avoid applying for multiple loans or credit cards within a short time

  • Maintain a mix of secured and unsecured credit to show balanced usage

  • Check the credit report often to spot and correct any errors

  • Keep credit use low and avoid using the entire limit available

Along with free CIBIL score checks, Bajaj Markets offers a wide range of financial products and services. These include personal loans, credit cards, insurance plans, investment tools, and savings options-all available through a trusted and easy-to-use platform.

About Bajaj Finserv Direct

Bajaj Finserv Direct, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, is one of the fastest growing fintech companies in India. It has two primary arms, Bajaj Markets, a financial marketplace, and Bajaj Technology Services, a tech solutions provider.

Bajaj Markets is a marketplace that offers multiple financial products across all categories such as Loans, Cards, Investments, Insurance, Pocket Insurance, Stock Market, electronics via ONDC and Value-Added Services (VAS). Bajaj Markets has partnered with trusted financial brands to offer “India ka Financial Supermarket”. A one-stop destination where its customers can explore a host of products that can help them achieve their financial life goals.

Having started its journey as a fintech, Bajaj Finserv Direct has also built a very strong technology services business – Bajaj Technology Services, through which it offers a wide gamut of digital technology solutions spanning Experience, Commerce, Engineering, CRM, Data & AI, Cloud, Digital Agency, and Emerging Tech practices.  

Visit the Bajaj Markets website or download the Bajaj Markets’ app from the Play Store or App Store to experience “India ka Financial Supermarket”.

To know more about Bajaj Technology Services, visit www.bajajtechnologyservices.com.

‘The Skin Art Clinic’ – A Lucknow-Based Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic Catering to Mumbai’s Elite

In a recent press conference held in Mumbai, Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon, the founder of The Skin Art Clinic, discussed how her Lucknow-based clinic is becoming the preferred destination for skincare, not only in Uttar Pradesh but across India. With the cosmetic dermatology industry traditionally dominated by metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, The Skin Art Clinic has managed to carve out a significant presence by offering personalized care, ethical practices, and cutting-edge technology.

Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon

The press conference, which was attended by several key media personnel and industry experts, highlighted a unique approach to skincare. A recent survey conducted across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore by 3EA revealed that The Skin Art Clinic has become the top choice for many patients seeking results-driven treatments. Notably, the clinic has gained significant attention from individuals in Mumbai and Delhi, with many now traveling to Lucknow for treatments that are at par with the best global standards.

Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon shared her vision behind the clinic and why she has been so successful in attracting patients from across the country, “When I started The Skin Art Clinic, my primary goal was to create a place where patients could receive advanced and holistic skincare, combined with the ethical practices of personalized attention and aftercare,” Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon explained during the press conference.

The clinic stands out for its advanced technology, including Morpheus8 RF Microneedling, ResurFX, IPL Therapy, Venus Freeze, HIFU, and regenerative treatments like PDRN, GFC, and Exosomes. Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon shared that such technologies have been instrumental in setting the clinic apart. The clinic is the first in Uttar Pradesh, excluding Noida, to introduce Morpheus8, a non-invasive treatment that promotes deep skin remodeling.

When asked,What inspired you to adopt advanced technologies like Morpheus8 in your clinic, Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon replied, “I believe that bringing in advanced technologies is essential for delivering the best results for our patients. Morpheus8, for instance, is one of the most effective treatments for skin tightening and rejuvenation. I adopted it because it’s proven to give visible results while minimizing downtime, which is important for today’s fast-paced lifestyle.”

Further, when asked, “How do you ensure a new technology is truly effective and safe for your patients” Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon explained, “We conduct thorough in-clinic trials for every new technology we introduce. We rely on global standards and international validation. Every new treatment undergoes rigorous safety checks before being offered to our patients. Our priority is always patient safety and results.”

The clinic’s approach to skincare goes beyond just surface-level treatments. Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon emphasizes a holistic approach that takes into account not just the skin but also a patient’s lifestyle, nutrition, and emotional well-being. This has resulted in a loyal patient base who appreciate the personalized care and tailored treatment plans.

Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon said that the clinic has earned a strong reputation, particularly among celebrities, business leaders, and athletes, who see The Skin Art Clinic as their top choice for skincare. These high-profile clients value privacy and exclusivity.

The clinic’s 7-day free follow-up policy is one of the standout features, which is rare in the industry. The Skin Art Clinic also boasts the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS), underscoring its strong referral rates and patient loyalty.

With increasing demand from patients across India, particularly from Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi, The Skin Art Clinic is proving that exceptional skincare doesn’t have to come from metro cities. Its cutting-edge technology, personalized care, and ethical practices are setting the clinic apart as a leader in cosmetic dermatology in India.

According to a recent survey conducted by 3EA, The Skin Art Clinic achieved an impressive 72% patient satisfaction rate, surpassing top clinics in Mumbai (67%), Bangalore (64%), and Delhi (58%). These insights were revealed by 3EA during the press conference, underscoring the clinic’s growing reputation on a national scale.

Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon and her team’s dedication to innovation and patient care continues to make The Skin Art Clinic the top choice for cosmetic dermatology in Uttar Pradesh and a trusted name across India.

Hong Kong, The Ultimate Family Destination For Every Kind Of Vacationer, Is Calling. Will You Answer

Hong Kong

In the first quarter of 2025, Hong Kong witnessed a 9% increase in visitor arrivals. The city in East Asia that boasts a melting pot of culture recorded 3.8 million tourist arrivals in April. The 13 per cent year-on-year growth in tourism can be attributed to Hong Kong’s appeal as a family tourism destination. The blend of unique cultural experiences, natural beauty, panda-mania, traditional fishing villages and scintillating street food spots adds to the city’s appeal.

Offering a melange of experiences and activities across iconic sites, theme parks, the outdoors and culinary trails, Hong Kong promises to be the ultimate family destination

Offering a melange of experiences and activities across iconic sites, theme parks, the outdoors and culinary trails, Hong Kong promises to be the ultimate family destination.

Positioned as the ‘World’s Meeting Place,‘ rightfully so, in the global business community, its allure can be attributed to four factors – its thrilling theme parks, outdoorsy activities, culinary gems and its unique travel offerings.

Hong Kong’s theme parks have a charm that attracts people of all ages. A family favourite is the Hong Kong Disneyland. ‘The Happiest Place on Earth,‘ synonymous with its fantastical zones and thrilling rides, recently threw open its newest attractions, ‘World of Frozen‘ and ‘Mystic Manor’. Not checking these out in person causes major FOMO.

Hit by a city-wide ‘panda-monium,‘ the government-backed campaign ‘Pandastic Hong Kong‘ has let visitors get up close with the city’s most adorable, furry inhabitants. At Ocean Park Hong Kong, Ying Ying, the oldest first-time panda mother and her twin cubs are the celebrities people from all over the world are flying in to meet.

Here, you must sign up for the Giant Panda Discovery (29 March 2025 to 31 August 2025), an experience that lets you get insider access to restricted areas and observe the furry beings go about their daily routine. Ocean Park Hong Kong will be hosting a birthday party for its twin cubs on 15 August 2025. That’s a panda-mania you can’t miss out on!

Doing full justice to the ‘Ultimate Destination‘ tag are Hong Kong’s outdoorsy activities that let vacationers soak in unparalleled views while being active. On the cards is Tai Mei Tuk, a cycling trail overlooking the Plover Cove Reservoir; the chance to explore the city’s oldest fishing village on foot, Tai O Fishing Village, and escape to the Tian Tan Buddha & Po Lin Monastery for a slice of tranquillity.

For adventure seekers, Hong Kong offers the opportunity to go horse racing at Happy Valley Racecourse and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Thalassophiles can let down their hair and rent a charter yacht or a boat to sail the extensive coastline along the South China Sea.

And football fans must attend the Hong Kong Football Festival, an unmissable sporting event. Kickstarting on 26 July 2025 at Kai Tak Stadium, the first international match between Liverpool FC vs AC Milan promises to be an adrenaline-pumping event.

Creating waves in the tourism industry, Hong Kong’s ultimate destination tag extends to its commitment to promote ‘sustainable travel.’ Charting a new era of ‘green tourism,‘ Hong Kong will unveil ‘Four Peaks Tourism‘ in 2026. Catering to the wanderlust hikers, this initiative will give them access to four peaks-The Peak, Lantau Peak, Sai Kung Hoi, and Tai Mo Shan-encouraging eco-conscious travel.

Outdoorsy activities would leave one with a growling appetite. So, for discerning foodies, Hong Kong is nothing short of paradise. Riddled with a mesh of Michelin-starred experiences like Shang Palace and Arbor, a Temple Street Night Market for street fare, dim sum and egg tart workshops with expert chefs, the ultimate family destination will feel like a home to vegetarian, vegan and non-vegetarians.

For culinary enthusiasts, Hong Kong has a stream of food-forward festivals. From 1 May 2025 to 8 June 2025, Hong Kong will host the French GourMay, a culinary festival dedicated to gastronomy la franaise. The 16th edition brings forth gourmet stalls featuring French flavours, live cooking demos and curated spirit tasting all under one roof.

As always, food and travel must be taken in the same breath. So, apart from the most unique food offerings, among Hong Kong’s most unique travel highlights is Victoria Peak, standing at 552m, offering the most stunning views of the city skyline. Accessible by a 10-minute tram ride, the peak is a captivating attraction. Another unmissable experience in Hong Kong is the ‘Symphony of Lights’, a light and sound show on a sunset cruise that promises cherishable memories for family vacationers.

Another unique event in the city is the 70 Years of Miffy 2025, happening from early May until October. It is the first playhouse and exhibition in Hong Kong dedicated to Miffy, the titular character of picture books illustrated by Dutch author and designer, Dick Bruna. Watch Miffy and her world come alive at the 1881 Heritage through simple line drawing and full-colour art. Check out DiscoverHongKong’s calendar of cultural events to stay up to date and plan your vacay around key events.

Hong Kong is a destination where the larger-than-life theme parks meet thrilling outdoor activities, where the choicest culinary creations are found by the most unique experiences beloved to the city; where festivals, sporting events and exhibitions run throughout the year in plenty.

A place that boasts the top 5 family-friendly attractions, including a visit to Disneyland Hong Kong, a panda-spotting outing at Ocean Park Hong Kong, a splendid day of cycling at Tai Mei Tuk, soaking in the stunning views at Victoria Peak and a spiritual trip to Tian Tan Buddha & Po Lin Monastery.

This city offers the ultimate escape for the holiday goer demanding more out of a travel experience.

About Curly Tales
Curly Tales is India’s leading food, travel and lifestyle platform founded by Kamiya Jani in 2016 after her decade-long experience as a finance, sports and lifestyle journalist and TV anchor. Curly Tales is a platform that offers content to inspire and inform viewers with a focus on celebrating food, travel and unique experiences across India and the globe.

Shrewsbury School India Launches a Transformative Annual Summer Programme for its Inaugural Batch of Students

Bringing a 473-year-old globally renowned educational legacy, Shrewsbury International School India is set to open its doors in Bhopal on August 8, 2025. As it prepares to welcome its first batch of students, the school has organised The Shrewsbury Leadership Programme from June 8 – June 15 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The fully-residential programme offers hands-on workshops focused upon fostering essential soft-skills such as leadership, creativity, innovation, communication and strategic thinking. During evenings, students will savour sports, music, games and recreational activities while connecting with their peers as part of a vibrant community of learners.

Students who will be part of the founding batch at Shrewsbury School India, together celebrate the exciting start of a transformative educational journey, The campus opens on August 8, 2025

In collaboration with Educis, a premium educational consultancy, the programme also provides innovative learning modules on topics such as creative writing, storytelling, public speaking, logical reasoning and media communication.

Oliver Russell, the Deputy Head of Strategy and School Development remarks, “This camp is designed for pupils aged 11 to 18 and offers a range of engaging activities designed to encourage personal development. This will help them get familiar with each other and forge friendships before the academic session begins in August.

Mr. Dominic Tomalin, Founding Headmaster at Shrewsbury, adds, “Transitioning into a new academic environment can often feel overwhelming, and this initiative aims to inspire confidence, build comfort and create a sense of community before the first day of school. Through the activities offered within this programme, we seek to set a positive tone for the year ahead.

The Shrewsbury India Leadership Programme offers students a glimpse into the schools world-class curriculum adopted from the Cambridge International Programmes of study, leading towards IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. As students join from other countries as well, this will provide a strong foundation for cross-cultural collaboration.

Students dive into collaborative problem-solving and communication exercises during the Shrewsbury Leadership Programme

At the core of the Shrewsbury credo, is warm pastoral care, strong peer relationships as well as meaningful, collaborative experiences. This introductory programme not only offers an insight into the engaging curriculum of the school, but also reflects its strong ethos and the whole-person education philosophy that it brings to India for the first time,” remarks, Mr. Peter Willett, Deputy Head – Pastoral.

The programme is also designed to introduce students to the creative and performing arts, helping them develop confidence and self-awareness. It also aims to nurture ethical decision-making, emotional intelligence and future-ready thinking – skills essential to thrive in today’s evolving educational landscape.

This programme is only the beginning of a thrilling academic journey that lies ahead for each Salopian. By the time, they walk into the school campus, they will be ready for the transformative future that awaits their presence at Shrewsbury International School India,” concludes Mr. Russell.

Design Excellence Redefined: BPTP Experience Center, Designed by Space Matrix, Wins Prestigious International Property Award

BPTP, one of India’s leading real estate developers, is delighted to announce that its flagship Experience Center in Gurugram-conceptualized and designed in collaboration with the globally renowned design firm Space Matrix-has been honored with the 2025-26 International Property Award, a prestigious global recognition for design innovation, customer-centricity, and architectural excellence.

BPTP Experience Center at The Oberoi, Gurugram

Situated within the iconic Oberoi Hotel, Gurugram, the 5,500-square-foot Experience Center is a reimagined sales environment that offers visitors a multisensory, immersive journey into the world of BPTP. Conceived as more than a physical space, it serves as an emotional and aspirational bridge between the brand and its customers.

The design draws inspiration from the timeless elegance of 17th- and 18th-century French estates-transcending tradition through a modern lens. The result is a seamless fusion of intricate craftsmanship, minimalist luxury, and narrative-driven spatial storytelling. Through this experience, visitors are invited to explore BPTP’s commitment to refined living and thoughtful design.

Amaan Chawla, Director, BPTP, commented, “We are deeply honoured to receive this international recognition for the BPTP Experience Centre. This award underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation and creating elevated customer experiences. The Experience Centre was envisioned as a tangible expression of our brand’s ethos, and we are grateful to our design partners at Space Matrix for helping bring this vision to life with such creativity and precision.”

Akshay Lakhanpal, CEO – India, Space Matrix, added, “At Space Matrix, we believe that truly exceptional design is not just about aesthetics-it’s about creating meaningful experiences. The BPTP Experience Centre exemplifies this philosophy. It’s a space that tells a story, evokes emotion, and elevates the customer journey. We are proud to have partnered with BPTP on this visionary project and are honoured that our collaborative efforts have been recognised at an international stage.”

This accolade reinforces BPTP’s unwavering focus on delivering not just buildings, but immersive environments that inspire and connect. The Experience Center stands as a symbol of this philosophy-where design, storytelling, and customer engagement come together to elevate real estate into an experience.

About BPTP
BPTP is one of India’s most trusted real estate developers, known for its visionary and customer-first approach. With over 50 million sq. ft. delivered across Delhi-NCR, BPTP is shaping the future of urban living through intelligently designed residential and commercial communities. Transparency, innovation, and excellence continue to define its journey.

About Space Matrix
Founded in 2001, Space Matrix is a global design consultancy that creates transformative workplaces through strategic design thinking. With a presence in over 100 cities and offices across Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, the firm has been ranked #2 in Interior Design Magazine’s International Design Giants 2024. Its 600+ professionals are united by a passion for crafting spaces that amplify culture, foster innovation, and drive business impact.

AU Real Estate Strengthens NCR Presence with New Corporate Office at World Trade Center, New Delhi

AU Real Estate, one of India’s prominent real estate developers, has announced the opening of its new corporate office at the World Trade Center in New Delhi. This strategic move reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the National Capital Region (NCR) and marks a significant step forward in its regional expansion plans.

AU Real Estate Corporate Office

Located in one of the capital’s most connected business districts, the new office will serve as AU Real Estate’s nerve centre for corporate strategy, stakeholder engagement, and regional operations. The new office also has a dedicated Sales Gallery, providing a seamless interface for customer engagement. The move enables closer collaboration with policymakers, investors, and partners, aligning with the company’s vision of shaping high-quality, future-ready developments across NCR.

Ashish Agarwal, Director, AU Real Estate, said, “The opening of our corporate office in New Delhi reflects our growing footprint and our commitment to building long-term value across NCR. It brings us closer to the ecosystem of decision-makers and partners that define the future of real estate in the region.”

AU Real Estate’s expansion across Eastern NCR is anchored by a strong and diversified portfolio. Its flagship project, The Sunflower, is widely recognised as one of the region’s most sophisticated luxury addresses. This is complemented by Family Hub, a vibrant retail concept that reflects modern lifestyle trends, and Arihant Enclave, a thoughtfully designed gated villa community that balances privacy with placemaking.

Further strengthening its portfolio, AU Real Estate recently entered the Noida market with Aspire Silicon City Phase 4, acquired through a digital e-auction conducted by NBCC (India) Ltd. Spread across 8.33 acres of prime urban land, Aspire Silicon City is strategically located near Sector 76 and Sector 50 Metro Stations, offering seamless access to the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, FNG corridor, and major commercial hubs. The development reflects AU Real Estate’s commitment to integrating design excellence, environmental sensitivity, and intelligent urban planning.

As part of its broader growth strategy, the company has made significant investments in technology. AU Real Estate has deployed the Farvision ERP platform-a cloud-based, sector-specific solution that integrates project management, CRM, procurement, inventory, and finance. This digital ecosystem is enhancing operational transparency, enabling real-time decision-making, and elevating the overall customer experience.

With a growing presence and a future-focused approach, AU Real Estate remains committed to delivering high-quality developments backed by timely execution, strong governance, and lasting customer trust.

HRKatha Launches India’s First Recognition Programme Exclusively for Emerging HR Leaders

In a bold departure from conventional industry recognition, HRKatha, India’s leading HR publication, today announced the launch of the HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards – the country’s first awards programme designed exclusively to celebrate emerging talent in human resources.

The groundbreaking initiative challenges the long-held industry belief that leadership recognition should correlate with years of service, instead focussing on impact, innovation, and the potential to reshape India’s HR landscape.

“The HR profession has evolved dramatically, and we need recognition platforms that reflect this transformation,” said Prajjal Saha, Founder & Editor of HRKatha. “These awards aren’t about celebrating past achievements – they’re about identifying the leaders who will shape the future of work in India. We’re looking for professionals who think differently, act boldly, and create lasting impact regardless of their years in the industry.”

A response to industry transformation

The awards programme emerges at a critical juncture for Indian HR. Digital transformation, artificial intelligence integration, and evolving workforce expectations have fundamentally altered the profession’s landscape. Yet traditional recognition systems have remained anchored in outdated paradigms that privilege tenure over innovation.

Consider the profound shifts witnessed across Indian organisations: the rise of people analytics transforming decision-making, AI revolutionising talent acquisition processes, employee experience emerging as a strategic discipline, and diversity and inclusion evolving from compliance function to business imperative. These transformations weren’t driven by decades-old playbooks but by professionals willing to challenge conventional wisdom and experiment with new approaches.

The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards recognises this reality, celebrating seven distinct categories that represent both current excellence and future potential in HR:

  • HR Tech Innovator: Professionals leveraging technology to solve complex people challenges

  • Talent Acquisition Expert: Those redefining organisational attraction and hiring strategies

  • Diversity & Inclusion Champion: Leaders creating truly inclusive workplaces

  • Employee Experience Architect: Professionals crafting engaging employee journeys

  • Organisational Change Leader: Those navigating transformation with excellence

  • HR Business Partner of the Year: Masters of translating people strategy into business results

  • Emerging HR Leader: Early-career professionals demonstrating exceptional promise
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Industry veterans champion fresh perspective

The programme’s credibility stems from its distinguished jury panel, comprising CEOs and CHROs with over 350 years of combined experience across diverse industries. Their enthusiasm for recognising emerging talent reflects a broader industry acknowledgment that innovation often comes from unexpected places.

Delighted to be part of the HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards with such a stellar panel,” said Sandip Ghose, MD & CEO, Birla Corporation Ltd. “HR has changed in a way we could not have imagined even a few years ago. So, greatly looking forward to the ideas the young trailblazers bring to the table. Sure, it is going to be an enriching experience for the jury as well.”

Praveen Purohit, Deputy CHRO, Vedanta Group, echoed this sentiment, “Superb opportunity to showcase best practices and leadership that can inspire many more to rise in time to come. For now, ‘own your rise’! I look forward to seeing some of the motivating entries along with my other jury colleagues.”

A stellar jury panel
Sandip Ghose (MD & CEO, Birla Corp)

Harit Nagpal (CMD, Tata Play)

Ramesh Mitragotri (Group Executive President – HR, Aditya Birla Group)

Ashwani Prashara (CHRO, Hydrocarbons, Reliance Industries)

Saba Adil (CHRO, Edelweiss Life Insurance)

Praveen Purohit (Dy CHRO, Vedanta Group)

Ayush Gupta (Director – HR, GAIL India)

Subir Verma (Executive Director & CHRO – Power Business, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group)

Vinay Ranjan (Director HR, Coal India)

Rajorshi Ganguli (President & Global CHRO, Alkem Laboratories)

Pooja Minocha (CHRO, Bata India)

Rupesh Tripathi (Head People, Performance & Culture, KPMG)

Defining the Rising Star mindset

What distinguishes a rising star from traditional HR professionals According to the programme’s framework, it’s not about having all the answers but asking better questions. It’s not about following established processes but improving them. It’s not about managing people but inspiring them to achieve their potential whilst driving organisational success.

Rising stars share distinct characteristics: comfort with ambiguity, embracing technology as an enabler rather than threat, understanding evolving employee needs and adapting accordingly, and measuring success not just in metrics but in meaningful human outcomes.

“Rising stars understand that HR is no longer a support function – it’s a strategic differentiator,” explains Saha. “In an economy increasingly driven by talent, knowledge, and innovation, HR professionals hold the keys to organisational success. Rising stars embrace this responsibility and leverage it to drive meaningful change.”

Building a community of change-makers

Beyond individual recognition, the awards programme aims to build a community of forward-thinking professionals who will collectively shape India’s future of work. Winners won’t merely receive recognition – they’ll join an exclusive network of innovators, change-makers, and visionaries.

This community approach addresses a critical industry need. When rising stars connect, collaborate, and share insights, the entire profession benefits. The programme creates a platform for cross-pollination of ideas, peer learning, and collective advancement.

Industry impact and expectations

As nominations open for the inaugural awards, organisers anticipate discovering transformative stories across Indian organisations. Expected entries include professionals who have transformed recruitment processes using AI, created inclusive cultures in traditionally homogeneous industries, designed employee experiences that rival consumer brands, and led organisational changes that seemed impossible just years ago.

The traditional HR career path – starting at entry level and slowly climbing hierarchy over decades – is giving way to a more dynamic model where impact and innovation can accelerate advancement. The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards acknowledges this reality and celebrates those who embody it.

A broader industry call

The initiative extends beyond recognition to catalyse broader industry conversations. What skills will tomorrow’s HR leaders need How can organisations better prepare emerging talent for future challenges How can the industry create more opportunities for innovation and experimentation

“To every HR professional reading this: if you’ve implemented something innovative, if you’ve challenged the status quo, if you’ve created positive change in your organisation or the lives of employees – consider yourself a potential rising star,” urges Saha. “The criteria for these awards isn’t about having the perfect resume or the longest tenure. It’s about having the courage to lead, regardless of your title or years of experience.”

Looking ahead

The inaugural ceremony is scheduled for August 2025, marking what organisers believe will be a new chapter in HR recognition – one that celebrates potential over position, innovation over tradition, and impact over tenure.

“Every established leader was once a rising star. Every industry transformation began with someone willing to challenge conventional wisdom. Every great organisation was built by people who saw possibilities where others saw limitations,” reflects Saha. “The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards is our commitment to identifying, celebrating, and nurturing these visionaries.”

The programme represents more than recognition – it’s a statement about the industry’s future direction and a commitment to nurturing the talent that will define it.

By 2030, half of todays HR practices will be obsolete. The professionals who will define what replaces them arent sitting in corner offices-theyre in cubicles, co-working spaces, and virtual meetings, quietly revolutionising people practices one innovation at a time. The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards is our attempt to find them before everyone else does.

For more information visit www.hrkatha.com/risingstarawards.