Catalyst Training Services (Catalyst), a Bengaluru-based sales-performance consultancy, has won Silver at the 2026 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards® in the Best Sales Training Program for Extended Enterprise category for Dealer Conversion Breakthrough, a dealer sales transformation programme conceptualised, designed and delivered by Catalyst for TVS Motor Company Limited.
 

Madhusudhan P, Founder and CEO, Catalyst Training Services
 

The award was presented jointly to TVS Motor Company Limited and Catalyst Training Services. Importantly, the recognition sits in Brandon Hall Group’s Sales Performance program area, placing the programme in the distinctly business-facing territory of sales execution and measurable performance, rather than recognising learning activity alone.
 

A modern sales problem: Information overload on both sides of the counter

The recognition validates an idea at the heart of Catalyst’s work, said Madhusudhan P, Founder Catalyst Training Services Pvt Ltd “The modern sales problem is no longer an information deficit. It is an information-overload problem, on both sides of the counter.”
 

Today’s customer often arrives at a showroom having already consumed product information through social media, videos, reviews, comparison platforms, brand communication, influencers and personal research. The challenge is increasingly not access to information. It is cutting through the clutter and helping the customer see what really matters.
 

The salesperson faces the other side of the same problem. Modern organisations have sophisticated sales processes, SOPs, product training, competitive information, CRM practices, customer-experience standards and selling frameworks. A frontline salesperson can therefore have hundreds of things to know, remember and do during a customer interaction.
 

All of them may be important. But all of them cannot be equally important at the moment the customer is making a decision.
 

Catalyst’s work focuses on identifying the vital few among the important many, the small number of observable sales behaviours that can disproportionately influence the customer’s decision, and engineering them to become simple, coachable and repeatable at the frontline.
 

Catalyst wins 2026 Brandon Hall Group Silver with TVS Motor for Dealer Conversion Breakthrough, a dealer sales transformation programme
 

The Challenge: Product value customers could not always see

Dealer Conversion Breakthrough originated from a sales-performance challenge in the commuter-motorcycle segment across an extended dealer network.
 

Catalyst’s competitive research uncovered an important distinction: the products did not necessarily suffer from a product-value disadvantage. They suffered from a product-value visibility disadvantage.
 

Customer-relevant advantages already existed. But unless salespeople deliberately mentioned, demonstrated and compared those advantages, customers could easily fail to perceive meaningful differentiation.
 

The answer, therefore, was not another information-heavy product-training programme. It was to make the value already present in the product visible to the customer.
 

From product knowledge to persuasive, observable behaviour

Rather than attempting to teach every feature in a product brochure, Catalyst identified a limited number of customer-relevant competitive differentiators and translated them into a simple sales-execution methodology built around observable demonstration behaviours.
 

Participants learnt not merely to say what a product offered, but to physically demonstrate relevant advantages and make meaningful competitive differences visible to customers.
 

The programme was deliberately designed to reduce dependence on memory. Product differentiators were arranged around the physical geography of the motorcycle so that movement around the product itself helped cue what needed to be demonstrated.
 

Performance could then be observed and measured using simple behavioural criteria rather than relying solely on knowledge tests, participant reactions or subjective facilitator judgement. In other words, the behaviours were designed to be visible enough to learn, coach, measure and replicate.
 

From months to minutes: Below 25% to above 80% proficiency in 30–40 minutes

The programme reached approximately 650 participants through 45 workshops across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.
 

In frontline sales, building demonstration proficiency is typically treated as a journey measured in weeks or months, involving product training, practice, role plays, field exposure, shadowing and repeated coaching.
 

Catalyst approached the problem differently. Instead of asking how much more the salesperson needed to learn, we asked how much less the salesperson needed to remember.
 

During workshops, a randomly selected participant would first conduct an unassisted product demonstration. Initial demonstration proficiency typically scored below 25%.
 

After observing the methodology, using the behavioural coaching tool and repeating the demonstration, the same participant typically progressed to above 80% proficiency within approximately 30-40 minutes.
 

Not months. Minutes.

Importantly, participants themselves used the same criteria to evaluate the demonstrations. The improvement therefore became visible not only to the facilitator, but to the entire room.
 

When learning travelled into the field

Evidence of field application began appearing soon after the intervention. Fifteen participating dealerships in Rajasthan subsequently reported sales improvements ranging from 5% to 300% over their respective previous monthly averages.
 

These figures were dealer-reported rather than independently audited and represented dealerships beginning from substantially different sales volumes. They are therefore not presented as an average or as a guaranteed programme outcome.
 

But another development became particularly significant: the methodology began travelling without Catalyst.
 

Field managers who had experienced the programme independently transferred the approach to dealership salespeople in other territories. Subsequent field reports documented improvements in sales, demonstration quality, market share and reduced dependence on discounting.
 

The programme was no longer simply demonstrating that people could learn differently. It was demonstrating that the behaviour could be transferred, observed, coached and replicated without continuous dependence on the original facilitator.
 

Commenting on the recognition, Madhusudhan P., Founder, Catalyst, said, “Today’s customer has often consumed enormous amounts of information before walking into a showroom. He doesn’t necessarily need another person giving him more information. He needs someone who can cut through the clutter and help him see what really matters.” He added, “The salesperson faces the other side of the same problem. Organisations have invested heavily in product knowledge, processes, SOPs and training, leaving the salesperson with hundreds of things to remember and do. They’re all important. The challenge is identifying the vital few among the important many — the behaviours that disproportionately influence the customer’s decision.”
 

From training people to engineering sales execution

The programme also demonstrated a principle about frontline capability: knowledge can be distributed, but consistent execution has to be engineered.
 

By reducing cognitive load and translating sales execution into observable behaviours, Catalyst’s approach is designed to reduce dependence on individual memory, exceptional salespeople or continuous facilitator intervention.
 

The objective is not to replace an organisation’s existing sales processes, SOPs or training infrastructure. It is to identify and engineer the vital few behaviours within that environment that disproportionately influence execution at the moment of sale. “Behaviours are upstream. Results are downstream.”
 

When organisations can identify, observe and engineer the behaviours that matter most, frontline performance becomes less dependent on individual brilliance — and more capable of being replicated at scale.
 

Why this recognition matters

Brandon Hall Group’s HCM Excellence Awards are evaluated by a panel of independent senior industry experts, practitioners, analysts and executive leadership. Entries are assessed against defined criteria that examine the design and use of the programme, innovation, functionality and measurable benefits and results. Award levels are determined by points earned—not by a ranking curve.
 

Catalyst’s Dealer Conversion Breakthrough received Silver in the Sales Performance program area, in the Best Sales Training Program for Extended Enterprise category.
 

The significance therefore goes beyond winning a training award. The recognition provides independent validation that a frontline sales intervention developed in India could demonstrate what matters most: a clearly defined business need, an engineered solution, scalable execution across a dealer network, and measurable business impact.
 

For Catalyst, this validates a larger proposition: sales transformation does not necessarily come from giving frontline salespeople more to learn. It can come from identifying the vital few behaviours that disproportionately influence the sale, making those behaviours observable, coachable and repeatable and engineering them to work at scale.
 

Catalyst’s broader philosophy

Sales Success, Engineered.™

Sales Systems That Deliver White-Collar Effectiveness at Blue-Collar Scale.
 

About Catalyst

Catalyst Training Services (Catalyst) is a Bengaluru-based sales-performance consultancy focused on making frontline selling visible, coachable and repeatable.
 

Founded in 2002, Catalyst has delivered sales-performance interventions in five countries to more than 37,000 sales professionals representing 14 countries, primarily across the automotive and technology sectors.
 

Catalyst works with organisations to identify the vital few among the important many observable sales behaviours that disproportionately influence customer decisions and engineer those behaviours for consistent frontline execution.
 

Its approach is built around a simple premise: the modern sales problem is no longer an information deficit. It is an information-overload problem on both sides of the counter.
 

For more information, please visit website catalystnow.in.

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurance companies, reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the penetration of life insurance across Jammu & Kashmir. As part of this endeavour, the company’s leadership team – Vibha Padalkar, MD & CEO; Vineet Arora, ED & Chief Business Officer; and Lavneesh Gupta, Chief Bancassurance Officer – recently met the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, in Srinagar as part of Raabita.

HDFC Life leadership team meets Hon’able Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah

The interaction focused on measures to deepen HDFC Life’s presence in the region and expand access to life insurance for individuals and families across Jammu & Kashmir, in line with the industry-wide vision of ‘Insurance for all by 2047‘.

At HDFC Life, the company continues to work towards making life insurance simple and easily accessible to individuals across the country. Through its innovative products, enhanced service capabilities and strong, enduring partnerships, HDFC Life aims to secure India with pride. Its life insurance solutions are designed to meet financial needs across various life stages, with a diverse product suite spanning Protection, Savings & Investment, and Retirement Planning, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Vibha Padalkar, MD & CEO, HDFC Life, said, “Financial security is a necessity in every Indian home. At HDFC Life, it is our constant endeavour to enhance the reach of life insurance across the length and breadth of our country. Our recent interaction with Hon’ble CM of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, reflects how we think about growth at HDFC Life, not merely as expanding our footprint, but as building genuine, on-the-ground partnerships to understand what each market truly needs. We are confident that our individual and group life insurance solutions will enable citizens secure themselves and their families, financially.”

As the life insurance industry advances towards the vision of ‘Insurance for all by 2047‘, HDFC Life remains focused on its commitment to securing India and enabling its policyholders to live with pride.

Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, hosted an evening celebrating fashion and luxury as Victoria’s Secret unveiled its latest Very Sexy Collection through an exclusive ‘Rome After Dark’ experience. Inspired by the romance and mystique of Rome, the evening brought the collection’s distinctive aesthetic to life at the Victoria’s Secret store.

Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Hosts Victoria’s Secret’s ‘Rome After Dark’ Launch with Triptii Dimri

Actor Triptii Dimri joined the evening as the special guest, adding a strong fashion and entertainment dimension to the launch.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “The strength of a luxury retail destination lies not only in the brands it houses, but in the quality of the experiences it creates around them. At Ambience Malls, we have consistently focused on bringing the world’s leading luxury and premium brands together with experiences that resonate with an evolving, fashion-conscious consumer. Victoria’s Secret’s latest collection is a strong example of this approach, combining global fashion, distinctive storytelling and experiential retail. The ‘Rome After Dark’ launch at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, reflects our continued commitment to setting a high benchmark for luxury retail in the country.”

Shahista Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Luxury today is about being distinctive, relevant and ahead of the curve. The ‘Rome After Dark’ experience brings together fashion, trend and a strong sense of occasion, making it a fitting expression of the evolving luxury retail experience at Ambience Mall.”

The Very Sexy Collection is presented through the ‘Rome After Dark’ narrative, drawing on the city’s timeless romance and after-dark allure. The experience at Ambience Mall brought together Victoria’s Secret’s signature fashion language with the atmosphere of the collection, creating a setting centred around discovery, engagement and the brand’s identity.

The launch also reflects Ambience Mall’s continued focus on premium and luxury retail, bringing together leading international and Indian brands across fashion, beauty, lifestyle and dining under one destination. Over the years, the mall has also welcomed several prominent celebrities, including Sonam Kapoor and Janhvi Kapoor, for launches and engagements with leading brands, further reinforcing its position as a destination at the intersection of fashion, luxury, culture and entertainment.

With Victoria’s Secret’s latest collection taking centre stage and Triptii Dimri adding a celebrity dimension to the evening, the launch highlighted the evolving role of premium retail destinations in creating experiences that extend beyond conventional shopping.

• Flat 50% off on international shipments*

• Offer valid from 27 July to 28 August 2026

• Available through DHL Express and Blue Dart Retail Service Points, MyDHL+ and Customer Service bookings

• Use promo code DHLRAKHI50

Distance doesn’t have to mean missing out on the little things that make Raksha Bandhan special. DHL Express has brought back Rakhi Express, offering customers a flat 50% discount on international shipments* from India to send rakhis and gifts to loved ones around the world from India.

DHL Express’ Rakhi Express is Back with 50% Off on International Shipments from India

The offer is valid from 27 July to 28 August 2026 and can be utilized with the promo code DHLRAKHI50. Customers can book through DHL Express and Blue Dart Retail Service Points across India, MyDHL+ or DHL Express Customer Service.

For families living across countries and continents, a rakhi, a gift or even a small festive surprise can carry significance far beyond physical value. Rakhi Express is designed to make sending these personal moments easier, more accessible and more affordable.

“Raksha Bandhan is one of those occasions where distance can be felt a little more. A rakhi or a gift sent across the world may be a small package, but it carries a lot of emotion. At DHL Express, we see this every year. Families across India continue to find ways to celebrate with loved ones who live far away. With Rakhi Express, we want to make that connection a little easier, with the reliability of our international network and a flat 50% discount on international shipments from India. Whether it’s a rakhi, a gift or simply a reminder that someone is thinking of you, we are happy to help take that feeling across borders,” said Sandeep Juneja, Vice President of Commercial for India, DHL Express.

DHL Express connects India to more than 220 countries and territories, with end-to-end shipment visibility and services such as shipment tracking, SMS and email notifications, and On Demand Delivery, giving customers greater control over their international shipments.

Customers can enquire about the offer through the DHL Express toll-free number 1800 30 345, visit the DHL enquiry page or get a quote and book their shipment through MyDHL+.

*Terms & Conditions apply.

DHL – The logistics company for the world 

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivaled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, automobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”. 

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050. 

Marking World Entrepreneurship Day, M3M Foundation announced the digital expansion of its VyaPower Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) with the launch of a dedicated Learning Management System (LMS), aimed at taking structured and practical entrepreneurship education to aspiring entrepreneurs, rural women, youth, micro-enterprise owners and communities across India.
 

M3M Foundation team and women entrepreneurs at the launch of the VyaPower Entrepreneurship Programme

The digital platform, being developed with the support of Fundink, represents the next phase of VyaPower, M3M Foundation’s entrepreneurship development initiative designed to help individuals move from aspiration to enterprise and from enterprise to sustainable livelihoods.

Through the LMS, learners will be able to access structured, self-paced entrepreneurship training anytime and from anywhere. The digital format is particularly intended to overcome barriers of geography, time and access that often prevent aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women and youth in rural and underserved communities, from participating in conventional classroom-based programmes.
 

From Ideas to Sustainable Enterprises

VyaPower has been conceptualised as more than a training programme. It seeks to build an entrepreneurship development ecosystem that equips individuals with the practical knowledge, skills and confidence required to transform an idea, skill or livelihood activity into a viable enterprise.

The curriculum covers key stages of the entrepreneurial journey, including development of an entrepreneurial mindset, identification of business opportunities, business planning, understanding customers and markets, costing and pricing, financial management, marketing and branding, digital opportunities and strategies for managing and growing sustainable enterprises.
 

The initiative has already progressed through its capacity-building phase, including an intensive Training of Trainers (ToT) programme to create a pool of facilitators capable of taking entrepreneurship learning deeper into communities. The programme follows an idea-to-implementation approach, enabling participants to move beyond theoretical learning towards practically developing their business ideas.
 

The LMS will now allow this learning framework to be standardised, digitised and delivered at a much larger scale, while also enabling systematic learner engagement and progress tracking.
 

Empowering Rural Women and Grassroots Entrepreneurs

A key focus of VyaPower is to make entrepreneurship education accessible to rural and semi-urban women, including members of Self-Help Groups, community collectives, livelihood programmes and women already operating small or home-based enterprises.
 

Across communities, many women possess valuable skills, produce marketable products or have viable business ideas, but often lack access to financial literacy, business planning, branding, market knowledge and enterprise management support.

Through VyaPower, M3M Foundation seeks to help women transition from livelihood participants to entrepreneurs, producers and potential job creators, strengthening both household incomes and local economies.
 

Open to NGOs, Institutions and Community Organisations
Importantly, M3M Foundation is opening the VyaPower ecosystem to NGOs, educational institutions, SHGs, community-based organisations, livelihood organisations and other institutions that are working with aspiring entrepreneurs.
 

Such organisations can approach M3M Foundation to explore access to the VyaPower learning framework, capacity-building support and the Train-the-Trainer model, enabling them to take structured entrepreneurship education to their own communities and beneficiaries.
This collaborative model is expected to create a multiplier effect, where trained facilitators can support several aspiring entrepreneurs and, over time, successful entrepreneurs can create livelihoods and employment for others within their communities.
 

Technology to Take Entrepreneurship to the Last Mile

The LMS being developed with Fundink will serve as the digital backbone of VyaPower, enabling self-paced learning, structured progression across modules, standardisation of training content, learner progress tracking and integration of digital and community-based training.
 

Speaking on the launch, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “India has tremendous entrepreneurial aspiration, particularly among its youth and women. What is often missing is access to structured knowledge, confidence, mentoring and the right ecosystem. Through VyaPower, we want to bridge this gap and enable people to translate their skills and ideas into sustainable enterprises.”

“Digitalisation will allow us to take this knowledge far beyond the boundaries of a classroom. More importantly, we invite NGOs, institutions and grassroots organisations to partner with us and take VyaPower into their communities. Our larger ambition is to create a multiplier ecosystem of trainers, entrepreneurs and eventually job creators across India.”

The launch on World Entrepreneurship Day reinforces M3M Foundation’s belief that entrepreneurship can be a powerful driver of economic independence, dignity and local development. Through digital learning, capacity building and institutional partnerships, VyaPower aims to create a scalable platform that empowers individuals not only to seek opportunities, but to create enterprises, generate livelihoods and become job creators.
 

VyaPower — Powering Ideas. Creating Enterprises. Transforming Lives.
 

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic and social development arm of M3M Group, working towards sustainable and inclusive development through interventions spanning education, livelihoods and entrepreneurship, healthcare, environment, sports and community development. The Foundation works with communities and partners to build capabilities, create opportunities and enable people to become increasingly self-reliant.

Bhumika Realty, the real estate arm of Bhumika Group, today announced a partnership with PVR INOX Limited for a 25,000 sq. ft. multiscreen multiplex at The Icon, its mixed-use development on Delhi-Mathura Road in Sector 27A, Faridabad.

The agreement marks the second association between the two companies, following PVR INOX’s presence at Urban Square, Udaipur. The repeat partnership comes as Bhumika Realty expands its portfolio of mixed-use and retail developments across high-growth markets.
 

Partnership marks PVR INOX’s second association with Bhumika Realty following Urban Square, Udaipur

At The Icon, PVR INOX will occupy approximately 25,000 sq. ft. across the second and third floors. The multiplex is planned to commence operations alongside the opening of the mall.

The cinema will form part of The Icon’s wider mix of premium retail, entertainment, hospitality and residences. The development is intended to serve the established catchment around Sector 27A as well as the wider Faridabad & South Delhi market.

Uddhav Poddar, CMD, Bhumika Group, said, “PVR INOX’s association with The Icon, following our partnership at Urban Square, is a strong endorsement of the quality and positioning of the development. As we expand into high-growth markets, we are focused on building assets that can attract leading national brands and generate sustained consumer demand. PVR INOX adds an important entertainment component to The Icon and strengthens its overall proposition.”

Located on NH-19, Delhi-Mathura Road, in Sector 27A, Faridabad, The Icon is a RERA-approved mixed-use development comprising premium retail, residences and hospitality. The project has been designed by Bentel Associates of South Africa.

The development is located within an established residential and commercial catchment and has direct frontage on the Delhi-Mathura Road corridor. Its location is expected to allow it to serve both nearby residential communities and consumers from across Faridabad and adjoining areas.

The partnership builds on PVR INOX’s existing presence at Urban Square, Udaipur, Bhumika Realty’s retail and entertainment development in Rajasthan. The two projects represent Bhumika Realty’s strategy of combining retail, entertainment and other consumer-facing uses within larger mixed-use developments.

The Icon is among Bhumika Realty’s key developments in Delhi-NCR, alongside its broader portfolio spanning retail, residential, hospitality and mixed-use projects.

About The Icon
The Icon is a RERA-approved mixed-use development by Bhumika Realty, located on NH-19, Delhi-Mathura Road, in Sector 27A, Faridabad. Designed by Bentel Associates of South Africa, the project comprises premium retail, entertainment, hospitality and residences within an integrated development.

The development is located within an established residential and commercial catchment and has direct frontage on the Delhi-Mathura Road corridor. Its location is expected to allow it to serve both nearby residential communities and consumers from across Faridabad and adjoining areas.

About Bhumika Realty
Bhumika Realty is the real estate arm of Bhumika Group, with a growing presence across Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan and other high-growth markets in India. The company is focused on developing and operating differentiated assets across retail, residential, hospitality and mixed-use segments, with an emphasis on strong locations, consumer-led formats and long-term value creation.

With its current portfolio spanning multiple asset classes and geographies, Bhumika Realty is expanding its presence in established as well as emerging urban markets where rising consumption, improving infrastructure and evolving lifestyle aspirations are creating new opportunities for organised real estate. The company is also building a pipeline of upcoming developments across residential, retail, hospitality and mixed-use segments, strengthening its position as it scales into new markets.

About PVR INOX Limited
PVR INOX Limited is India’s largest multiplex network, formed through the merger of PVR and INOX Leisure. The company operates cinemas across India and is one of the country’s largest operators of multiplex screens.

Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training, widely recognised as the World’s No. 1 Air Hostess Training Institute, has once again made history by receiving three Training Partner Awards at the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council’s THSC Connect 2026 conference, themed The Power of Partnerships, held today at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.

The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council Awards were received by Mr. Sudhir Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer, Frankfinn Group, from Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC

The institute was honoured for Highest Training Centre Affiliation, Private Funded Short-Term Training, and Highest Enrolment in Training of Trainers, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to skilling and training in the aviation and hospitality sector.

Mr. Rajan Bahadur, Chief Executive Officer of THSC, personally presented the awards to Mr. Sudhir Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer of Frankfinn Group, in front of an eminent gathering of industry leaders, government representatives and hospitality professionals.

The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council recognised organisations that have demonstrated outstanding performance in skilling and training across the tourism and hospitality ecosystem. Other award recipients at the conference included ITC Maurya New Delhi, Radisson Hotels, Sarovar Hotels and Compass Group, underscoring the calibre of institutions honoured alongside Frankfinn.

A Continuing Legacy of Excellence
This latest recognition adds to Frankfinn’s long-standing association with THSC. The institute has previously received the Best Training Partner award from THSC on five occasions, in 2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24. Notably, in 2022-23, Frankfinn had also received three awards in a single year, a feat it has now repeated in 2026.

These accolades reflect the consistently high quality of training delivered by Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training through its network of training centres across India, including in smaller cities and towns, ensuring that quality aviation and hospitality education reaches aspiring students nationwide.

Incorporated in 1993, Frankfinn is a multinational company that celebrated 33 years of operations in 2026 and has announced ambitious plans for further expansion in the coming years.

Industry Partnerships and Training Infrastructure
Frankfinn has partnered with Air India to provide its students with detailed cabin service familiarisation training. On completion of their course, Frankfinn students receive a co-branded certificate from Air India, further strengthening their professional credentials.

Frankfinn training centres are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including well-equipped computer labs fitted with projectors and audiovisual aids, and classrooms designed to create a professional and conducive learning environment. Highly experienced trainers deliver top-notch instruction, and students are trained on the world’s leading computerised reservation systems widely used across the airline, hotel and travel industries.

All Frankfinn courses are affiliated with the National Skill Development Corporation and the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, ensuring that its curriculum meets national skilling standards.

Outstanding Placement Record
More than 10,000 Frankfinn students secured placements in the aviation, hospitality, travel and customer service industries in the past year alone, a testament to the calibre of training imparted by the institute. Frankfinn has been repeatedly featured in the Limca Book of Records for achieving the highest number of cabin crew placements year after year.

The highest salary package offered to a Frankfinn student currently stands at Rs. 2,45,000 per month. Frankfinn has also been the sole recruitment partner for the Emirates Group, including Emirates Airline, for an uninterrupted period of 14 years.

A Decade of Recognition
Frankfinn’s achievements extend well beyond THSC. The institute has been awarded the Best Air Hostess Training Institute for eleven consecutive years by Assocham, and received the Assocham Gold Award for Best Higher Vocational Institute for Skill Development for four consecutive years between 2016 and 2019.

In 2021, Frankfinn received the award for Best Aviation Training Institute at the Assocham Knowledge Management Virtual Meet and Awards on Leadership Excellence. In 2019, the institute was felicitated for Outstanding Contribution in Cabin Crew Training by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and in January 2022, it was honoured as the Best Institute in Placement at the Assocham Education Excellence Summit cum Awards Ceremony.

Leadership Statement
“These three awards from THSC are a proud moment for the entire Frankfinn family. They reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class aviation and hospitality training to students across India, including in smaller towns and cities. We remain dedicated to building on this legacy and continuing to set new benchmarks in skill development for the aviation and hospitality industry,” said Mr. Sudhir Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer, Frankfinn Group.

About Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training
Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training is a multinational company incorporated in 1993 and recognised as the World’s No. 1 Air Hostess Training Institute. With a pan-India network of training centres, Frankfinn offers industry-aligned programmes in aviation, hospitality, travel and customer service, in partnership with organisations such as Air India and the Emirates Group. All Frankfinn courses are affiliated with the National Skill Development Corporation and the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council. The institute has been consistently recognised by leading industry bodies, including Assocham and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for excellence in training and placement.

VELS Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies welcomed new students through a series of Freshers’ Day 2026 celebrations held across its campuses in Pallavaram, Periyapalayam, Thalambur and Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai. The celebrations marked the beginning of a new academic journey for students joining programmes across diverse disciplines, including healthcare, engineering, technology, management, maritime studies, aviation and computing sciences.

Students at Freshers’ Day 2026 Across Four Campuses in Chennai

The VELS Freshers’ Day 2026 celebrations brought together students, parents, faculty members, senior administrators and distinguished guests. The programmes featured formal inaugural ceremonies, inspiring addresses, cultural performances and student engagement activities, introducing freshers to campus life, academic opportunities, student activities and career-focused learning at VELS.

The VELS mascot Velu, was one of the highlights of the Freshers’ Day celebrations, creating excitement and enthusiasm among the students. Representing wisdom, strength, learning and perseverance, Velu added a vibrant and memorable element to the celebrations, with students enthusiastically interacting and capturing moments with the mascot.

Freshers’ Day 2026 at VELS Pallavaram Campus

The Pallavaram Campus, the flagship campus of the VELS Group of Institutions, hosted Freshers’ Day programmes on August 3 and 5, welcoming students from diverse academic disciplines.

The programmes introduced students to the University’s academic ecosystem, research and innovation opportunities, student clubs, sports facilities, placement initiatives and co-curricular activities.

Dr. Irai Anbu, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the August 3 Freshers’ Day programme as Chief Guest, while Mr. Sylendra Babu, IPS (Retd.), Former Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, was the Chief Guest for the August 5 programme.

Both dignitaries shared valuable insights with the students on discipline, lifelong learning, leadership, goal-setting, personal development and the importance of making responsible choices during their formative years.

Freshers’ Day 2026 at VELS Periyapalayam Campus

The VELS Periyapalayam Campus hosted its Freshers’ Day programme on August 10 for students pursuing programmes in Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Pharmacy.

Dr. V. Ganesan, Academic Director, Vijaya Medical & Educational Trust, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and addressed the freshers on the importance of academic excellence, professional ethics, discipline and holistic development in building meaningful careers in the healthcare sector.

The programme highlighted the importance of professional knowledge, compassion, responsibility and continuous learning for students preparing to enter the healthcare profession.

Freshers’ Inauguration 2026 at VELS Thalambur Campus

At the VELS Thalambur Campus, VISTAS conducted the Freshers’ Inauguration on August 7 for students pursuing Nautical Science and Marine Engineering.

Shri K. Saravanan, Registrar, Indian Maritime University, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and addressed the students, encouraging them to embrace discipline, integrity, innovation and excellence as they prepare for careers in the global maritime industry.

The programme highlighted the campus’s emphasis on academic learning, professional development, leadership, sports and extracurricular engagement, while introducing students to the opportunities and responsibilities associated with careers in the maritime sector.

Freshers’ Day 2026 at VELS Thiruvanmiyur Campus

At the VELS Thiruvanmiyur Campus, Freshers’ Day programmes held on August 12 and 14 reflected the University’s focus on technology-driven education, industry exposure and AI-integrated learning.

Students were introduced to the campus’s academic ecosystem, innovation initiatives, emerging technology opportunities and career-focused learning pathways.

The School of Aviation hosted Capt. Albert Tiong Kung Yung, Captain and Aviation Lead Instructor, Asia Aeronautical Training Academy, Malaysia, and Mr. Teng Keng Peh, Director, Alpha Aviation Group, Indonesia, as Chief Guests for the respective programmes.

The School of Computing Sciences welcomed Ms. Padma Jayaraman, Senior Associate Director, Movate, while the School of Management and Commerce hosted Ts. Dr. Suvarmani Subban, Chief Academic Officer / Administrator (DG), Malaysia, as Chief Guest.

The participation of experienced professionals from the aviation, technology and management sectors provided students with valuable industry perspectives and insights as they embarked on their higher education journey.

Guidance for the New Generation of VELS Students

Addressing the freshers, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder Chancellor, VELS Group of Institutions, emphasised the importance of discipline and maintaining a balanced college life. He encouraged students to learn with dedication, participate in sports and cultural activities, explore innovation and entrepreneurship, and make full use of the opportunities provided by VELS.

Addressing the parents, he assured them that “their children are in safe hands”, reaffirming VELS’s commitment to nurturing students academically, professionally and personally and preparing them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President, VELS Group of Institutions, highlighted VISTAS’s academic standing as one of Chennai’s prominent deemed-to-be universities, with NAAC A++ accreditation and UGC Category-I status.

She encouraged students to make the most of their college experience by actively participating in academics, research, innovation, sports, cultural activities, clubs, internships and leadership initiatives.

She emphasised four essential investments for a successful life: Knowledge, Health, Relationships and Character and encouraged students to build meaningful friendships and make full use of the opportunities available on campus.

Freshers’ Day 2026 Marks a New Beginning at VELS

The VELS Freshers’ Day 2026 celebrations also enabled students to familiarise themselves with their respective campuses, interact with faculty members and senior students, and discover the wide range of academic, extracurricular and career-development opportunities available to them.

With a continued focus on academic excellence, industry integration, research, innovation, international exposure and employability, VELS Group of Institutions remains committed to creating an environment where students can discover their strengths, pursue their aspirations and prepare for a rapidly evolving professional world.

The Freshers’ Day celebrations concluded on an energetic note, with students embracing their new identity as members of the VELS community and looking forward to the academic journey ahead.

About VELS University

VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) continues to be recognised as one of the prominent deemed-to-be universities in Chennai, distinguished by its prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation and UGC Category-I status. Home to over 20,000 students and supported by a dedicated faculty strength of 1,220 members, VISTAS offers more than 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Management, Law, Mass Communication, Maritime Studies, Aviation, Physiotherapy and Computing Sciences, among others.

With its commitment to academic excellence, innovation and holistic development, VISTAS remains a premier destination for quality higher education in India.

For more information, visit: www.vistas.ac.in

Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers with a trusted tradition of 163 years, has expanded its presence in Kerala with the opening of its latest showroom in Pala, Kottayam. The group has been leading by the 812 Km. Run Unique World Record & Guinness Record Holder Boche (Dr. Boby Chemmanur).

The latest showroom of Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers in Pala, Kottayam, is being inaugurated by popular Malayalam film actress Swasika

Popular Malayalam film actress Swasika inaugurated the new showroom.

Nisha Jose (social worker) conducted the first sale. Maya Rahul (Acting Chairperson), V.C. Joseph (General Secretary, KVVES, Pala), Liby Abraham (Gold Association, Pala), Mathew Tharappel (Director, Pala Urban Bank), and popular actor V.K. Sreeraman (PRO, Boby Chemmanur International Group) extended their greetings on the occasion.

Sam Sibin, Managing Director, Boby Chemmanur International Group; Sanjay George, CEO; and Swaraj, CFO, were also present at the inaugural ceremony.

As part of the inauguration, the Boche Fans Charitable Trust distributed financial assistance to selected underprivileged patients from Pala.

A range of special offers has been introduced to mark the opening of the new showroom. Five customers will win diamond rings through a lucky draw. One customer will have a chance to take home a Kia Seltos as the bumper prize.

Customers purchasing HUID-hallmarked 916 gold jewellery will receive a discount of Rs. 1,000 per each sovereign. Customers can also avail themselves of up to 50% off on making charges for diamond jewellery. In addition, a gold coin will be gifted with every diamond jewellery purchase worth Rs. 3 lakh.

The showroom features an extensive collection of the latest lightweight jewellery, offering a wide variety of contemporary designs. An advance booking scheme is also available, offering customers protection against fluctuations in gold prices.

Customers can sell their old gold jewellery, purchased from any jewellery store, at the showroom at competitive market prices. Assured gifts are also available with every purchase.

The new Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers showroom is conveniently located at the Pala KSRTC Bus Station.
 

boCHE (Dr. Boby Chemmanur)

Dr. Boby Chemmanur, popularly known as boCHE, is the Chairman and Managing Director of Boby Chemmanur International Group. boCHE has achieved the 812-km Run Unique World Record and a Guinness World Record for world peace. He is well known as a businessman, sportsman, social worker, motivator and entertainer. He is the patron of the Federation of Indian Blood Donors Organization. boCHE has fan clubs with millions of members in many countries.boCHE was the soul mate of the football legend, Diego Maradona.boCHE conducted the ‘YaachakaYatra’ to raise 34 crore rupees as blood money to cancel the death sentence of innocent Abdul Rahim, a native of Kozhikode, who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.He collected the money by travelling through the districts of Kerala and begging the public for donations.

With a 163-year legacy, Boby Chemmanur International Group has a presence across India, the USA and the UAE. 

BobyChemmanur International Group consists of:

• Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers

• boCHE Gold Loan (Chemmanur Credits and Investments Limited  (NBFC)) 

• Boby Oxygen resorts

• boCHE Tours & Travels

• Phygicart.com, the E-Commerce platform 

• boCHE the butcher, the integrated meat store 

• boCHE Appliances

• boCHE Shakesbierre

• boCHE Club

• boCHE Island, the floating resort

• boCHE Pub

• boCHE Tea

• boCHE Brahmi Tea

• Caravan Tourism  

• boCHE 1000 acre 

• boCHE lens

• Ciinfos

• boCHE  First Kiss- Baby Wear

• boCHE Food Express

• boCHE Garment factory 

• boCHE Hills

• boCHE homes

• boCHE insurance 

boCHE Gold & Diamonds is the new venture of the BobyChemmanur International Group. First time in India, boCHE introduced Mobile Jewellery called Parakkum Jewellery, Rolls Royce taxi and Helicopter taxi. 
 

Boby Chemmanur International Group employs over 41000 individuals across its various business verticals. Along with its marketing team, and more than 500000 affiliates and sales officers, the group spreads across various business fields.His smart work, vision and dedication made the brand well known internationally to more than 250 million people. 
 

boCHE, is followed by millions of people through different social media platforms. He has received over 200 awards and recognitions for his outstanding performance in various fields. The crowning glory in his sports life came when he completed running 812 kilometres on the road to spread the message “Give blood save life” with a Unique World Record.  He has donated an amount to the needy during the marathon.
 

Among the several awards he has been given, the Mother Teresa Award is the one that he considers the most prestigious. Guinness World Record for world peace, Glory of India Award (London), Best Humanitarian Award, Kerala State Business Excellence Award. The Glory of India Award, Global Keraleeyan Award, Mahatma Puraskar and Indo British Business Excellence Award are a few of the many awards he has received from around the world.
 

boCHE spends a major portion of his profit and time to do charity and social service. boCHE Fans Charitable Trust started Life Vision Charity Homes to take care of destitute people from the streets and provide them food, medicine and shelter during their lifetime. He is doing charity without accepting any amount as a donation from anyone.boCHE Fans Charitable Trust with innumerable philanthropists from all over the world coordinates the charity activities of boCHE. boCHE always wishes to live free and young by spreading his motto “Conquer the world with love“.

• Two agreements sealed on campus to open global career pathways for students and drive joint green hydrogen research

• Guided by the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, for the state’s growth and global engagement

• “If it were 30 years ago, I would have taken admission at Galgotias University,” His Excellency Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture
   

Galgotias University today hosted a 200-strong high-level delegation from Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, led by His Excellency the Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki, along with senior members of the Prefectural Government and the business community. The visit marked a significant step forward in strengthening academic, research and workforce collaboration between India and Japan.
 

Galgotias University welcomes a 200-strong Japanese delegation led by H.E. Governor Kotaro Nagasaki; MoU & LoI signed on workforce mobility and green hydrogen
 

The delegation was warmly received at the University’s AI Block, where the guests were welcomed with a traditional ceremony and the presentation of ceremonial stoles.
 

The proceedings on the dais were graced by a distinguished gathering of guests of honour, including His Excellency Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture; Hon’ble Mr. Junichi Ishidera, Vice-Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture; Hon’ble Mr. Neerendra Upadhyaya, Advisor to the Government of Yamanashi Prefecture; Hon’ble Shri Jaiveer Singh, Cabinet Minister for Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Hon’ble Shri Dhirender Singh, Member of the Legislative Assembly (Jewar); and Hon’ble Shri Rakesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Chief Executive Officer of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). They were joined on the dais by Hon’ble Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, and Hon’ble Shri Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor, Galgotias University.
 

Landmark Agreements for Talent and Clean Energy

Together, the Memorandum of Understanding with the Yamanashi Prefectural Government and the Letter of Intent with the University of Yamanashi anchor a long-term collaboration spanning talent mobility and clean-energy research. A presentation by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) further outlined opportunities for deeper industry and talent partnerships between the two regions.
 

Focused Group Engagements Across Campus

Following the formal proceedings, a key highlight of the visit was a series of focused group engagements held in parallel across the campus. A dedicated group of delegates took part in an in-depth discussion on green hydrogen with Galgotias University faculty, exploring avenues for joint research, technology development and the exchange of students and researchers in clean energy and low-carbon mobility, a shared priority for both India and Yamanashi Prefecture.
 

Another group visited the University’s Digital Nursing Skills and Simulation Centre for a session on nursing and the health sciences, reflecting the growing scope for collaboration in healthcare education and workforce development. Separately, members of the delegation took part in warm student-to-student interactions with Galgotias University students, exchanging perspectives on campus life, culture and career aspirations.
 

The delegation also toured the University’s Centres of Excellence and advanced laboratories, including the iOS Development Centre, the L&T Centre of Excellence and facilities in artificial intelligence, drone technology and semiconductors, witnessing first-hand the University’s industry-integrated approach to teaching and research.
 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “Today marks the beginning of a lasting partnership between Galgotias University and Yamanashi Prefecture. Through these agreements we are creating real pathways for our students to build global careers, and for our researchers to work shoulder to shoulder with Japan on the clean-energy challenges of our time. We are honoured to welcome such a distinguished delegation to our campus.”
 

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Shri Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor, Galgotias University, said, “The friendship between India and Japan is built on shared values of knowledge, discipline and mutual respect. This partnership draws inspiration from the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for ever-stronger India-Japan ties, and from the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, in driving the growth and transformation of the state. It gives me immense pride to see Galgotias University become a bridge between our nations, and I am confident this association will open new opportunities for generations of young people.”
 

The Hon’ble MLA (Jewar), Shri Dhirender Singh, addressed the gathering and welcomed the growing India-Japan engagement in the region, noting the role of institutions such as Galgotias University in connecting local talent with global opportunities.
 

Both sides expressed their commitment to translating the day’s agreements into concrete programmes of student exchange, faculty collaboration, skilling and joint research in the months ahead.