• India’s retirement readiness continues to improve, with the IRIS Index score rising from 44 to 48 over four years, reflecting stronger financial, health, and emotional awareness.

• Half of urban Indians now believe retirement planning should begin as soon as they start earning. 

• Awareness is rising faster than action: while 43% of respondents feel planning should start before 35, only 37% have achieved even a quarter of their target corpus.

• Financial sufficiency remains low, with 63% of respondents believing their savings would last less than 10 years after retirement.

• Women Cohort and Gig Workers show higher preparedness levels.

• Emotional and environmental anxieties remain high: 71% fear loneliness, 72% expect financial dependence on family, and 79% worry about the impact of climate change on retired life.

• East zone leads the country in preparedness, while North and West show strong recovery in health and financial readiness post-COVID.

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (“Axis Max Life” / “Company”), formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited, today unveiled the findings of the fifth edition of its annual India Retirement Index Study – IRIS 5.0, conducted in partnership with Kantar, a leading global marketing data and analytics company.

 India’s Retirement Index Score Rises to 48 as Early Planning Gains Momentum; Half of Urban Indians believe in prioritizing early retirement savings: Axis Max Life IRIS 5.0

Now in its fifth consecutive year, the India Retirement Index Study (IRIS) continues to serve as India’s most comprehensive benchmark on retirement preparedness—assessing financial, health, and emotional readiness. The 2025 edition shows steady progress, with the Index score rising from 44 in 2022 to 48 in 2025, driven by stronger fitness habits, regular health check-ups, and higher insurance adoption. While financial confidence remains stable, awareness about the required retirement corpus continues to be low, with 7 in 10 respondents believing that ₹1 crore would be sufficient for a comfortable retirement. Health preparedness records the sharpest gain, highlighting India’s growing focus on wellness as a pillar of secure retirement.

This year’s edition sharpens focus on segments such as Return Migrants and Gig Workers, capturing the diverse emotional and financial realities shaping India’s retirement landscape. For the first time, Return Migrants have been studied separately as a cohort, offering insights into how this group balances financial confidence with renewed focus on health and well-being after relocation. With rising awareness, better product understanding, and growing health consciousness, IRIS 5.0 reflects a more retirement-ready India preparing for a secure and balanced future.

Sumit Madan, MD and CEO, Axis Max Life said, “IRIS 5.0 signals a clear shift towards smarter and more holistic retirement planning. Today’s consumers are showing greater health consciousness, higher product awareness, and sustained financial confidence. As health preparedness improves, the next frontier is building adequate retirement corpus and emotional resilience. The study also highlights a growing segment of individuals uncertain about how to begin their planning, reinforcing the need for a trusted advisory support. Diverse segments such as gig workers, women, and return migrants require tailored and inclusive solutions. The findings underline how the next phase of growth for the industry will hinge on delivering more innovative, advisory-led, and inclusive retirement solutions.”

Soumya Mohanty, MD and Chief Client Officer, South Asia, Kantar said “IRIS 5.0 highlights evolving retirement behaviors across India. The rise in product awareness and health-first behaviour is notable. The study’s richer segmental analysis provides actionable cues for policymakers, employers and financial service providers to move from awareness to measurable preparedness.”

Key findings from the India retirement index study 5.0

Retirement readiness rises across the country

• IRIS 5.0 reflects a positive trend in retirement preparedness, with the national score rising to 48 — a 4-point increase from IRIS 2.0. Health readiness has improved to 46, up from 41 in 2022, driven by increased physical activity, more frequent preventive health checks, and a rise in health insurance ownership (now at 50%, +7%). Emotional preparedness remains the next priority, with 71% reporting loneliness concerns in certain cohorts. Emotional confidence has slightly declined, with 72% of Indians expressing concern about potential dependence on family.

Women Show Slight Edge Over Men in Retirement Readiness
Women have a slightly higher retirement preparedness score at 49, compared to 48 for men. A greater proportion of women (82%) expect to remain physically fit during retirement, versus 78% of men. However, women are 8% less likely to invest in risk-based financial instruments and report higher levels of loneliness (74%), underscoring the dual need for both emotional and financial empowerment.

Metros Lead in Retirement Preparedness, Awareness Grows Across Indian Cities 

• IRIS 5.0 indicates a clear upward trend in retirement preparedness across India’s urban centers, led by metros and Tier I cities. Metros, with an IRIS score of 50, reflect a stronger focus on wellness and financial discipline, as more residents adopt regular fitness routines and preventive check-ups (60%). Tier I cities are fast following suit, showing a 13% rise in regular physical activity and a 21% increase in participation in risk-based investments, pointing to growing comfort with diverse financial tools.

Regional Insights Highlight Varied Preparedness Across The Country

• East India leads in overall preparedness, balanced across finance, health, and emotion.

• North India shows highest health recovery post-COVID (+11 points in Health Index), boosted by monitoring and insurance adoption.

• West India demonstrates strong financial momentum (+7 points in Finance Index), driven by stock (+15%) and real estate (+20%) investments.

• South India reflects a balanced wellbeing profile, marked by a 4-point improvement in health sentiment (43) and emotional resilience (59), even as financial sentiment holds steady at 47 points.

Segment Spotlight: Diverse Cohorts Show Varying Preparedness

• Gig Workers (IRIS index score – 47): Reflecting India’s evolving workforce, gig professionals show growing financial independence but weaker health engagement. However, 74% worry about meeting family’s basic needs, and many lack access to structured retirement or health benefits, highlighting a need for inclusive coverage.

• Return Migrants (IRIS index score – 48): Financially confident due to earlier urban exposure, but 52% haven’t had preventive health checks in three years; thus offsetting savings optimism by health neglect. 

• Women (IRIS index score – 49): Lead in financial and health preparedness, driven by stronger health optimism (+7) and rising fitness focus, reflecting proactive planning and higher retirement confidence compared with men (IRIS 48).These cohorts highlight India’s shifting workforce and post-pandemic realities, pointing to a broader need for tailored financial and wellness solutions.

Awareness vs Preparedness Gap Persists

• Awareness improves with the average of known financial products rising to 11.6 in 2025 (IRIS 5.0) from 8.7 in 2022 (IRIS 2.0). Friends/family (72%) and financial advisors (47%) remain key sources.

• Preparedness gap: Only 37% have achieved ≥25% of their target corpus; many underestimate required corpus for retirement (₹1 crore remains common benchmark).

NPS & Workplace Benefits Gain Traction

• NPS awareness at 66% (up from 59%), but ownership stable at approx. 17% due to complexity and need for guidance.

• As per IRIS 5.0, Employee Provident Fund (EPF) continues to be the most common benefit, cited by 69% respondents. When asked about additional add-ons, they would like to receive, regular health check-ups (55%) and medical or hospitalization coverage (49%) emerged as the top preferences.

Health & Prevention Take Center Stage

• 81% engage in regular physical activity (+5 pts since 2022).

• Preventive check-ups remaining at 55%.

• Health insurance ownership at 50% (+7 pts), signaling growing focus on wellness and proactive health management.

Read more about the India Retirement Index Study at – <Website Link>

About India Retirement Index Study 
India Retirement Index Study is an annual retirement study by Axis Max Life conducted in partnership with KANTAR. The study evaluates India’s readiness for a healthy, peaceful, and financially secure retirement across three indices Financial, Health, and Emotional Preparedness each measured on a scale of 0 to 100. The fifth edition surveyed 2,242 respondents across 28 cities, including new segments such as gig workers.

About Axis Max Life Insurance (https://www.axismaxlife.com)
Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life Insurance offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.axismaxlife.com.

About Kantar 
Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world’s top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future. To know more, visit www.kantar.com.

Breaking new ground in the Indian kitchen market, home-grown challenger brand Stahl introduces Artisan Schild, featuring cutting-edge PEEK technology that will revolutionise non-stick cooking for modern Indian homes. It is India’s safest non-stick cookware, constructed with tough, trusted Stahl Triply steel and reinforced with PEEK (Polyether ether ketone) – a high-performance non-reactive polymer trusted globally for its unmatched strength and durability.

Stahl Artisan Schild

Stahl’s Artisan Schild cookware is crafted to last. It features a next-generation, nearly indestructible non-stick coating with exceptional hardness and scratch resistance. With such properties, it prevents flaking, overcoming the shortcomings of conventional non-stick cookware available anywhere in the world today. It is tested to withstand 60,000 abrasion cycles (vs. 15,000 for regular non-stick) – 4x more durable than global standards. It performs up to 15 times longer than ceramic or conventional non-stick coatings.

Its triply construction comprises an aluminium core sandwiched between layers of food-grade stainless steel and induction-compatible magnetic steel, guaranteeing fast, even heating and superior technical heat resistance. The cookware’s unique textured surface requires less oil for cooking while delivering excellent non-stick performance, promoting healthier meals. The Artisan Schild’s PEEK surface prevents peeling or flaking making it 100% toxin-free. It is THE most highly food-safe certified non-stick in India, meeting top global safety standards, including US FDA, German LFGB, and Indian ISI/BIS certifications, and free from harmful chemicals such as PFOA, BPA, and lead.

Artisan Schild also features comfortable, stay-cool handles and compatibility with all cooktops. Designed specifically for everyday Indian cooking, the range is easy to clean and dishwasher safe, making it one of the most versatile and safe non-stick cookware options. Its 5-year warranty is a testament to its expected long life, far beyond the 1 to 2 year lifespan of standard non-stick, delivering worry-free kitchen convenience. Whether it’s a rushed morning omelette or a slow-cooked bhindi masala, the cookware delivers consistent results for all types of dishes.

A renowned expert in his field, Dr. Andreas Kramer of Weilburger Coatings, Germany, said, “It is nearly an indestructible coating with superlative heat resistance according to the German food contact regulation BfR and LFGB. It is safe for all types of cooking, including frying. It can be used for both daily and professional cooking. The behaviour of this non-stick is unlike any other. Try it for yourself and see the difference.”

Speaking about the launch, Dhruv Agarwal, Director & CEO, Stahl, said, “Consumers have long expressed concerns about traditional non-stick cookware; particularly around its quality, durability, and ease of use. The Artisan Schild range addresses these challenges through the introduction of advanced PEEK technology. Paired with our trusted triply base, it sets a new benchmark for non-stick cookware in Indian kitchens. It’s built to withstand everyday cooking demands while ensuring a safer, smoother, and more reliable cooking experience.”

The range includes essential cookware formats such as frypans, kadhais, and dosa tawas, with each piece meticulously crafted to deliver reliable results day after day. With a clean aesthetic and robust engineering, Artisan Schild is built not just to last, but to become a staple in everyday cooking. The Artisan Schild range is available in retail stores, on Stahl’s D2C website, and the leading e-commerce marketplace Amazon.

About Stahl
Stahl emerged from three decades of experience in manufacturing world-class products under Autopress India. In a span of 12 years since its inception, Stahl is today one of the leading names in the Indian cookware industry, benchmarked for its exceptional product design, precision engineering and superior craftsmanship. The brand is focused on making intuitive and innovative kitchen tools, designed especially to suit Indian food, homes and kitchens – with very high safety standards leveraging the best global technology practices.

Stahl was awarded the title of ‘Prestigious Brands of Asia 2021-22‘ for its breakthrough products and design and ‘ET Business Award 2022’ in the Premium Cookware Category by Economic Times. Autopress India Pvt Ltd. was awarded amongst the ‘Leading SMEs of India, 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet.

For more information, visit: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

Doers Summit brings the global startup community to Dubai Silicon Oasis on November 26–27, 2025, gathering over 3,000 founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders for two days of actionable insights, real connections, and tangible outcomes. The Dubai edition marks a major milestone in The Doers Company’s journey to scale Doers Summit (formerly Reflect Festival) into a truly global platform with three active chapters: Athens, Limassol, and Dubai.

With over 3,000 founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders, Doers Summit will bring the global startup community for two days of actionable insights

“Dubai is the next step in our evolution from hosting an event to creating a movement. Doers Summit exists to turn introductions into deals and playbooks into execution. After strong outcomes in recent editions, we are bringing that momentum to Dubai to help doers connect and form partnerships that deliver real impact,” said Stylianos Lambrou, CEO & Co-founder of The Doers Company.

A global line-up of innovators and founders
The Dubai edition features an impressive lineup of founders and thought leaders shaping the future of innovation. Confirmed speakers include Markus Fuhrmann, co-founder of Delivery Hero and investor; Jamil Shinawi, a nine-time exited founder and the CEO and co-founder of AHOY; Alisa Adel, Senior Director of Research and Technology at Airbus; Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze; Nikos Moraitakis, co-founder and CEO of Workable; and Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus.

The Dubai edition will spotlight outstanding Indian voices shaping policy, research, capital, and healthcare. Joining the stage are Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, former Union Cabinet Minister and global policy strategist; Prof. Milind D. Atrey, Deputy Director (Academics, Research & Translation) at IIT Bombay; Dr Huzaifa H. Khorakiwala, Executive Director of Wockhardt Limited and head of Wockhardt Foundation; Ameya Prabhu, Founder and CEO of NAFA Capital Group and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and Avinash Mudaliar, CEO & Co-Founder of HTLabs and OTTplay. Their perspectives strengthen the Summit’s bridge between India, the GCC, and global innovation hubs.

“This is a great opportunity for Indian startups to showcase their potential on the global stage and will certainly foster cross-border collaboration between India and the MENA region,” says Mudaliar.

Across three stages, the program focuses on what matters now in innovation. Attendees can access world-class sessions on building and scaling, with practical case studies, step-by-step playbooks, and candid Q&A sessions.

“Doers Summit is a snapshot of where the world is going. We designed the program for everyone who cares about what works. You will hear practical lessons, see emerging tech up close, and find your people in rooms designed for real conversations,” emphasized Dusan Duffek, Co-founder and Board Member of The Doers Company.

Where connections become outcomes
Designed with a festival-like atmosphere, Doers Summit makes it easy to meet the right people and turn conversations into tangible outcomes. Beyond the main stages, Dubai will come alive with a suite of networking experiences refined across past editions. Iconic venues across the city will host Doers in varied settings, from founder breakfasts and investor roundtables to rooftop salons and invite-only mixers.

Startup Spotlight and Doers Pitch will run at the heart of this experience. Doers Pitch allows selected startups to present in front of an investor jury and secure follow-up meetings. In recent editions, the program facilitated more than 50 follow-up meetings between startups and investors. Participation in Startup Spotlight unlocks pitching access and targeted exposure to investors and partners throughout the two-day program.

Tickets are now available for the Dubai edition
Founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders can secure tickets with the best pricing with full access to the two-day program, side events, and expo zones, plus priority for programming updates and side-event invitations.

Tickets are available now via doerssummit.com/city/dubai.

About The Doers Company
The Doers Company (tDC) has a history of shaking up the status quo. Based in Cyprus, it’s the force behind the Doers Summit, which has grown into a cornerstone event for the EMEA startup ecosystem. With projects like Doers United, a global community of tech leaders, and Elevate Summit, a real estate and proptech event, tDC is committed to sparking innovation across industries and geographies.

About Doers Summit

Doers Summit is a global gathering of founders, investors, operators, and leaders who turn ideas into action. Hosted across key cities, it brings together ambitious doers to share insights, spark collaborations, and build relationships that last. The platform is currently active across three chapters – Athens, Limassol, and Dubai — with curated content and spaces designed for real connection.

Within just one year of its launch, Symbiosis Dubai’s MBA program has recorded a 98% internship and placement success rate for its Class of 2025 – a testament to the university’s strong industry connections, innovative learning approach, and commitment to shaping career-ready business leaders.

Ashwin Nair, Second-Year MBA student, HR Intern at Sobha Realty

Students from the program have gone on to work with leading organizations such as DP World, Jumeirah Group, Godrej Properties, Dabur, Sobha Realty, Urban Company, CAFU, Fragomen, Keeta, Tauris, Copeland, Gargash, Spark AI, and Matrix PR, among others – reflecting the program’s strong industry relevance and global employability focus. Many have already transitioned from internships into full-time employment offers, reflecting how the program turns academic insight into professional impact. 

“Working at DP World as a Group Finance Intern has been an incredible learning experience, and my time at Symbiosis Dubai prepared me to make the most of it. The practical knowledge and skills I gained in class allowed me to contribute confidently from day one. Engaging with global leaders and connecting with the alumni network gave me the perspective and confidence to take on challenges fearlessly and turn every opportunity into real impact,” Rohit Rajan, Second-Year MBA student, Group Finance Intern at DP World.

“When I first arrived in Dubai, I was a clean slate; everything felt new and different from India. Symbiosis Dubai became the platform that shaped my journey. Through the university, I secured an HR internship with Sobha Realty – a role typically reserved for experienced professionals. It was the perfect blend of academic learning and real-world exposure. The practical guidance at Symbiosis helped me contribute meaningfully from day one, and my time at Sobha gave me a front-row view of how people and culture drive the city’s most ambitious organizations,” Ashwin Nair, Second-Year MBA student, HR Intern at Sobha Realty.

“Achieving such success in our very first year of the MBA program speaks volumes about the quality of our students and the strength of our academic-industry partnerships,” said Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director, Symbiosis Dubai. “Our learners don’t just study management – they live it. The program is designed to help professionals apply what they learn in real-time, creating a seamless bridge between the classroom and career. Many of our students continue to work alongside their studies, so there’s no transition gap – they grow as they learn, and learn as they grow.”

Reflecting Dubai’s entrepreneurial spirit, students are not only finding success in organizations but also creating their own. Two members of the MBA Class of 2025 have launched a boutique marketing and design agency, leveraging their classroom insights to create a live business venture, an example of how the program nurtures curiosity, confidence, and the courage to lead from the front.

As Dubai continues to evolve into a global capital of innovation, Symbiosis Dubai’s MBA students are learning to evolve with it. The program integrates the realities of today’s fast-changing business landscape – where data, technology, and AI are reshaping every decision. Through initiatives such as the Symbiosis Centre for Applied AI, students gain first-hand exposure to the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and business strategy.

From working on AI-led case studies to mastering data-driven decision-making, students learn how technology can amplify human intelligence, a mindset that resonates with Dubai’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s National AI Strategy. The result: graduates who are as comfortable leading teams as they are leading change.

With its future-ready curriculum, global faculty, and strong academic-industry integration, Symbiosis Dubai’s MBA program has rapidly positioned itself among the UAE’s most dynamic management programs, preparing graduates to thrive in an AI-powered, innovation-driven world.

India’s first AI-augmented multidisciplinary university, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh has launched ‘Campus Tank’ to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among youth. The platform aims to empower young entrepreneurs by providing not only expert mentorship but also financial support to turn their ideas into reality.
 

UP Govt. Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ along with MP Rajya Sabha & Chancellor Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu inaugurating ‘Campus Tank’ at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh
 

Under this initiative, over 1,000 startups have been on boarded, out of which 10 promising startups presented their ideas before investors and secured funding. The university has earmarked a total fund of USD 6 million (approximately Rs. 50 crore) for this program. This fund will assist aspiring entrepreneurs associated with ‘Campus Tank’ at every stage of their startup journey – from ideation to market launch. It addresses one of the most critical challenges faced by early-stage startups: access to seed capital. The fund will also be used to connect startups with mentors, incubation facilities, and networking opportunities.
 

On this occasion, Hon’ble Minister, Industrial Development, Export Promotion, NRI and Investment, Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ said that a university is a laboratory where “man-making” transforms into “nation-building.” Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh is working dedicatedly in this direction. The university has made remarkable efforts to modernize education and align it with global standards.
 

He emphasized that resources are essential to nurture talent, and today’s era belongs to research and technology. This hackathon is a meaningful initiative in that direction. Such events will help establish Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh as a leading AI hub. It will also serve as a milestone in promoting innovation and startups. Uttar Pradesh has a significant contribution in this endeavor, as the event plays a vital role in exploring and highlighting the innovative ideas of the youth of the state.
 

He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past eleven years, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with the number of startups growing at a rate of 12-15 percent annually.
 

Our double-engine government has taken several important steps to promote innovation in Uttar Pradesh. Chandigarh University’s TBI (Technology Business Incubation) Center has incubated more than 200 startups on campus, out of which 11 startups have achieved an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 50 lakh.
 

‘Campus Tank’ will take ideas and innovations to new heights. ‘Campus Tank’ has emerged as a unique platform where young innovators can present their ideas before industry experts, mentors, and investors, helping them scale their ventures to new heights.
 

Launch of CU AI Space: Alongside the launch of ‘Campus Tank’, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh also unveiled ‘CU AI Space’, a dedicated collaborative environment designed for students, startups, and industry professionals to work together in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The ‘CU AI Space’ will feature state-of-the-art technology and AI-powered tools to inspire young innovators to develop solutions for real-world challenges through research, development, and innovation.
 

During the inaugural ceremony, the first phase results of the ‘Campus Tank’ initiative were also showcased. Of the 1,000 startups onboarded under the program, 10 outstanding startups were given the opportunity to pitch their ideas before a panel of investors. These selected startups impressed investors with their creativity, scalability, and market potential, successfully securing the required funding. This success demonstrates the effectiveness of the Campus Tank model and the entrepreneurial ecosystem nurtured by Chandigarh University.
 

Viksit Bharat 2047: A National Vision: On this occasion, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), emphasized the crucial role of youth in nation-building. He said, “Campus Tank is not just a launchpad – it is a movement that will shape the next generation of India’s entrepreneurs.” He further added, “Our vision is to empower young innovators and founders to become key contributors to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national mission of building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. College and university campuses are no longer just centers of education – they have become engines of innovation and economic growth. Through Campus Tank, we are committed to nurturing future unicorns that will showcase Indian talent on the global stage.”
 

‘Campus Tank’ has thus emerged as a unique ecosystem where young entrepreneurs can connect directly with industry experts, mentors, and venture capital investors to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. The platform not only provides conceptual and strategic guidance but also offers the incubation support and partnerships required to transform ideas into sustainable, successful businesses.
 

About Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow)
Envisioned to foster a culture of sustainability and empower future global leaders, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, immerses 21st-century learners in a personalised and experiential learning experience, integrating an AI-powered academic model and a multidimensional, futuristic perspective on education. Our Uttar Pradesh campus carries forward the venerable legacy of more than a decade of Chandigarh University, Punjab, which has established itself as India’s No. 1 Private University and a torchbearer of groundbreaking pedagogy and research-driven innovation. The AI-augmented new campus offers a broad spectrum of industry-driven futuristic academic programs encompassing data-driven insights, virtual reality experiences, real-world simulations, corporate mentorship, international perspective, interdisciplinary research, cultivation of entrepreneurial spirit, and professional competencies.
 

For more information, please visit www.culko.in.

Farmers across Uttar Pradesh are reclaiming their fields, livelihoods, and dignity as The Art of Living’s river rejuvenation projects breathe life back into once-depleted landscapes. Under the guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, these initiatives are reviving rivers, recharging groundwater, and turning flood-prone villages into resilient, water-secure farming communities.

Building boulder checks, slowing the rush of water to help it soak deep into the earth

A Land of Extremes

For decades, farmers in western Uttar Pradesh endured a cruel paradox – weeks of flooding during the monsoon followed by parched fields in summer. In Ladaura Narayanpur of Chamraua block, persistent waterlogging once made it impossible to harvest crops without wading through flooded fields. Yet nearby, others struggled with the opposite crisis, as wells dug to depths of 130 to 140 feet yielded only scant water.

Constructing recharge wells that guide every drop of rain back to the earth

This cycle of scarcity and excess is what The Art of Living Social Projects set out to transform. Partnering with the Uttar Pradesh government and corporate collaborators, AOL combined modern hydro-engineering with grassroots mobilisation to restore balance – reducing flooding, replenishing aquifers, and strengthening farmer resilience.

“Rivers are not just bodies of water. They carry our culture, our economy, and our very life. To revive a river is to revive life itself,” says Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose vision has inspired the rejuvenation of over 72 rivers and tributaries, benefiting 3.4 crore people across 20,000 villages in India.

Science Meets Tradition

In Rampur district, results are already visible. Over 100 villages have witnessed tangible change, with 300 recharge shafts dug across 132 ponds, supported by 15 injection wells and a pioneering sub-surface dyke – a feat once thought impossible in alluvial plains.

Engineers used geophysical surveys to locate underground clay layers beneath the Kosi tributaries and built a barrier of perforated PVC pipes, cement, and slurry to slow sub-surface water flow – allowing groundwater to recharge instead of draining away.

Sub-surface dykes were previously considered unfeasible in this terrain, but with careful planning and local collaboration, The Art of Living Social Projects was able to build them efficiently and cost-effectively.

The impact has been profound. Wells near the dyke now hold water longer, and fields that once stayed flooded for weeks dry out within 8 to 10 days, enabling timely harvests. Irrigation costs have dropped, as pumps now need to run fewer hours for the same yield.

Bundelkhand’s Droughts and the Return of the Revati

In Bundelkhand’s rocky terrain, where floods and droughts have alternated with devastating regularity, The Art of Living Social Projects has delivered a remarkable turnaround. In partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Ashirvad Pipes, and the local administration, teams constructed 238 recharge structures in Lalitpur district. According to government reports, groundwater levels have risen by 5 to 6 feet in parts of Birdha block.

The most symbolic success is the revival of the Revati river. Forgotten for decades, the Revati now flows through six gram panchayats. What began in 2022 with just two recharge shafts has expanded to 246, transforming both the hydrology and morale of the region. Local leaders have replaced water-intensive eucalyptus trees with native species like neem and jamun, enhancing soil stability and biodiversity.

Earlier, water stagnated for weeks and harvests were delayed. Now, recharge structures clear the water in days, allowing farmers to harvest rice on time.

Building Awareness and Ownership

Over 16,000 villagers have attended Jal Jagrukta Shivir (Water Awareness Camps), learning how daily choices affect long-term water security. This integration of science, sustainability, and community participation has earned recognition from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Rural Development.

In Magermau, Rampur, a pond refilled by recharge shafts has eased long-standing worries about water availability for cattle, allowing farmers to plan their sowing without fear.

Water Wisdom in Action

For regions long resigned to drought and despair, these projects offer not just restored groundwater – but restored hope. The Art of Living Social Projects’ water rejuvenation initiative is emerging as a solution for water crisis in India. By combining scientific precision, community ownership, and spiritual leadership, it bridges the gap between ecological restoration and social transformation. 

As rivers flow again and farmlands flourish, it reminds us that when human will works in harmony with nature, both the land and its people flourish.

About The Art of Living Social Projects 

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has been at the forefront of water conservation efforts in India. In collaboration with the Government of India and leading corporate entities, the organisation undertakes large-scale projects to address water scarcity and revive ecosystems across the country. Get involved, donate now: NGO for Water Conservation in India, Top NGO in India for Social Projects 

Follow: www.instagram.com/artofliving.sp

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Galgotias University has announced a strategic partnership with L&T EduTech, the learning initiative of Larsen & Toubro, to foster a new era of skill-based engineering education. The collaboration aims to empower students with industry-aligned learning, hands-on training, and practical exposure that bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world applications.

Galgotias University Partners with L&T EduTech for Future-Ready Engineers

The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by integrating L&T EduTech’s industry-aligned curriculum, hands-on training modules, and real-world projects into Galgotias University’s engineering programs. The initiative will equip students with practical exposure to cutting-edge technologies, engineering applications, and project-based learning experiences relevant to current industry demands.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Our partnership with L&T EduTech reflects our commitment to creating industry-ready graduates equipped with practical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a strong engineering foundation. Together, we aim to nurture a new generation of innovators and technologists who can contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story.”

Through this collaboration, students will gain access to specialised certification programs, faculty development workshops, and project-based assessments designed by industry experts from L&T. The partnership also includes opportunities for joint research, internships, and industry interactions to foster holistic professional development.

With this partnership, Galgotias University continues to create opportunities for students to go beyond textbooks, gaining the technical skills, problem-solving mindset, and real-world experience needed to thrive in their engineering careers.

About Galgotias University 

Galgotias University Among the World’s Leading Universities in QS and THE Rankings.

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities—public and private combined—this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This significant achievement reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic arena and validates its consistent progress in global higher education benchmarks.

These recognitions reflect Galgotias University’s strategic focus on teaching quality, research impact, internationalization, and industry relevance, and its mission to shape globally competent graduates prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.