Intex Technologies, one of India’s leading consumer electronics brands, has announced its association as the National Team Sponsor of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for the upcoming India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026, marking a significant step in the brand’s growing engagement with international cricket.
 

Intex Technologies Director Mr. Keshav Bansal unveils the Jersey with Sri Lanka Captain Mr. Dhananjaya de Silva

As part of the partnership, the Intex brand will feature prominently on the front of the Sri Lanka Cricket team jersey, alongside high-impact visibility across LED perimeter boards during the two-match Test series. The 1st Test is being played from August 15–19 in Galle, followed by the 2nd Test from August 23–27, 2026. This association places Intex at the centre of one of the region’s most anticipated cricketing contests.
 

Commenting on the association, Keshav Bansal, Director, Intex Technologies, said, “Our association with Sri Lanka Cricket marks an exciting new chapter in Intex’s journey with international cricket. The India–Sri Lanka series offers us a great platform to engage with India’s passionate cricket audience, strengthen our connection with consumers, and build greater visibility and relevance of the Intex brand. As we continue to expand our presence across consumer electronics and durables, we see meaningful sporting associations such as this as an important part of building a stronger and more contemporary consumer brand.”
 

Upul Navaratne Bandara, Head of Marketing of Sri Lanka Cricket, said, “We are delighted to welcome Intex Technologies as the National Team Sponsor of Sri Lanka Cricket for this highly anticipated Test series. Intex is a prominent Indian consumer technology brand with a strong connect with consumers across India. We are pleased to have them partner with Sri Lanka Cricket for this series. The association reflects the strong commercial appeal of India–Sri Lanka cricket, and we look forward to a mutually successful partnership and an exciting series of Test cricket.”
 

The partnership builds on Intex’s recent association with international cricket, following its partnerships around the India–Afghanistan, India–Ireland and India–England series earlier this year. These associations reflect the brand’s broader approach to building a consistent presence across high-impact sporting platforms and strengthening its connection with consumers through the sport.
 

The India–Sri Lanka Test series is expected to draw strong interest among cricket audiences in India and provide Intex with a prominent platform to enhance brand visibility and deepen consumer engagement.

Ai+ Smartphone, the homegrown technology brand, is significantly expanding its regional presence across South India with plans to add 100+ authorised service centres across South Indian markets. The expansion comes as the region gains importance in the brand’s growth strategy, as Ai+ continues its national momentum with over 2 million units sold and Rs. 2,600 crore+ in sales order value.

Ai+ Smartphone is planning to expand with 100+ New Service Centres in South India, Strengthens Regional Growth Footprint

The service centre expansion builds on Ai+’s current network of 106 authorised centres across 74 cities and eight states/UTs in South India. This aggressive infrastructure push reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring reliable ownership experience and consumer access as it deepens penetration in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana—key markets driving regional growth.  

Between November 2025 and August 2026, Ai+ recorded close to 800 service requests across South India, with 60% resolved during the first visit. The service network is supported by standardised processes, technician training, spare-parts management and ongoing quality monitoring to maintain consistency across service locations. 

Commenting on the company’s South India growth plans, Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said, “South India represents a significant growth opportunity for Ai+. As we deepen our presence across the region, our focus is not just on reaching more consumers but on building long-term trust through better access, a reliable ownership experience and products that are relevant to their evolving needs. We see considerable headroom for growth here and will continue investing in the ecosystem required to build Ai+ into a truly national technology brand.” 

“Our ambition is to build a technology brand around what technology enables people to do, experience and achieve, rather than simply what sits inside a device. As we expand our presence in the region, our focus is on making that proposition relevant to consumers through greater access, a reliable ownership experience and products that address their evolving needs. We believe there is significant headroom for growth in South India and will continue to invest in the ecosystem required to support this journey.” 

South India is emerging as an important growth market for Ai+ Smartphones, with Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana serving as key markets for the brand. With a portfolio spanning accessible and mid-premium segments, Ai+ is focused on strengthening its presence through wider consumer access, a growing service network and an expanding portfolio. 

Looking ahead, Ai+ plans to further expand its smartphone and AIoT ecosystem, deepening the range of connected experiences available to South Indian consumers. With North India contributing 64% of current sales, the company’s South India push signals a deliberate geographic diversification strategy designed to build national scale one market, one consumer, one upgraded life at a time. 

About Ai+ Smartphone
Ai+ Smartphone is a next generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

 About Ai+ and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies
NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is designed, engineered and developed in India while remaining globally competitive.

Keemti Jewels, the contemporary lab grown diamond jewellery brand founded by Armaan Kothari and backed by the Kothari Group, entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath and Kavin Shah, has rapidly emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing jewellery brands, building a network of 11 retail stores within just four months of launch. Leveraging this momentum, the brand is now targeting an ambitious 88-store network by December 2026, as it accelerates its retail expansion to strengthen market share and establish a nationwide presence.

Four Months. Eleven Stores. Keemti’s Rapid Rise Signals Bold Retail Ambitions, Eyes 88 Stores by Year-End

The milestone underscores Keemti’s aggressive retail expansion strategy and reflects the accelerating consumer adoption of lab grown diamonds in India. With a growing presence across Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Indore and other cities, the brand is executing a focused omnichannel growth strategy designed to make contemporary lab grown diamond jewellery more accessible to consumers across key urban markets. Alongside its presence in leading metros, Keemti is deliberately expanding into high-growth Tier 2 markets, building an early-mover advantage and broadening access to lab grown diamond jewellery beyond India’s traditional luxury retail hubs.

Since its launch, Keemti has established stores in Andheri (Mumbai); Baner and Kharadi (Pune); MG Road and Scheme No. 140 (Indore); and South Extension, Pitampura (Delhi) and Gurgaon, with high street and in-mall stores, rapidly strengthening its retail footprint while laying the foundation for a scalable national presence.

The pace of expansion has been driven by rising demand from consumers seeking contemporary design, certified lab grown diamonds, superior craftsmanship and transparent pricing. Drawing on the Kothari Group’s more than 45 years of manufacturing expertise, Keemti controls every stage of the value chain, from manufacturing to retail, eliminating intermediary mark-ups and enabling the brand to offer direct-to-consumer pricing without compromising on quality, craftsmanship or design. This end-to-end control also provides the agility to scale rapidly while responding to evolving consumer demand.

“Our rapid retail expansion reflects the strong consumer response to Keemti’s proposition and our ambition to build meaningful market share in India’s evolving jewellery landscape,” said Armaan Kothari, Founder, Keemti. “While metros remain an important growth market, we see significant opportunity in Tier 2 cities, where demand for contemporary, value-driven fine jewellery is growing rapidly. By leveraging our manufacturing expertise and direct-to-consumer business model, we eliminate intermediary mark-ups and are able to offer certified lab grown diamond jewellery at highly competitive prices without compromising on quality or design. As we work towards our goal of 88 stores by December 2026, our focus remains on making premium jewellery more accessible to consumers across India.”

Building on its early momentum, Keemti is set to significantly accelerate its expansion with multiple new store launches planned across existing markets alongside entry into new cities, as it works towards its goal of 88 stores by the end of 2026. As the brand scales its national presence, it remains focused on creating a seamless omnichannel experience that integrates physical retail, e-commerce and marketplaces, enabling consumers across India to discover and purchase thoughtfully designed lab grown diamond jewellery with confidence.

By combining intentional design, certified lab grown diamonds, exceptional craftsmanship and factory-direct pricing, Keemti is redefining contemporary fine jewellery while setting a new benchmark for accessible luxury in India.

About Keemti Jewels

Keemti Jewels is a contemporary lab grown diamond jewellery brand redefining fine jewellery for the new-age Indian consumer through intentional design, accessible luxury and conscious innovation. Founded in Mumbai by Armaan Kothari, the brand is backed by the Kothari Group, a globally trusted jewellery business with more than 45 years of expertise in manufacturing and exports, along with entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath and Kavin Shah.

Leveraging its manufacturing heritage and vertically integrated, direct-to-consumer model, Keemti offers certified lab grown diamond jewellery that combines exceptional craftsmanship, contemporary design and factory-direct pricing. Having expanded to 11 stores across Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Delhi, and Gurgaon within just four months of launch, Keemti is rapidly building a nationwide retail network and is targeting 88 stores by December 2026, underscoring its vision to become one of India’s leading lab grown diamond jewellery retailers.

Website: keemtijewels.com

Instagram: @shopkeemti

India is one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world: a country of young, ambitious people with a high literacy rate and a per capita income that makes it one of the world’s largest consumers. Its rocket science, technology acumen, and infrastructure-building ability are second to none.

Bangalore Watch Company – Forty Seven

This all began with a literacy rate of just 12 percent, a per capita income of a mere USD 50, and a country in debt. In the mid-twentieth century, India chose a future-facing vision—building a nation where girls could fly fighter jets, scientists could send rockets to space, entrepreneurs could build companies for the world, and every generation could dream a little bigger than the one before.

Since 2018, the brand has built watches inspired by aviation, cricket, space exploration and the outdoors. Each collection has explored a different chapter of modern India. With Forty-Seven, the brand goes back to the beginning of that era, to the mid 20th century, when a young nation chose to spend its time building the future.

“Forty-Seven is a tribute to the years that shaped modern India. A pocket watch was the natural choice, because it belonged to that time. Bangalore Watch Company™ has always told stories of the India of today. With this watch, the brand goes back to where those stories first began,” says Nirupesh Joshi, Co-Founder of Bangalore Watch Company™.

Forty-Seven follows the design principles of traditional pocket watches from the early 20th century. Built with a surgical grade steel in a vintage gold finish, an off-white linen pattern reminiscent of the self-reliance movement of the time, and powered by a Swiss quartz movement, the watch makes for a fashionable carry accessory. Paired with a vintage leather lanyard, the watch can be worn around your neck, on your waist, or even as a bag charm.

“We’ve demonstrated our capability as a watchmaker with several firsts – meteorites, aircraft carrier materials, and even captured carbon. The pocket watch is our attempt to broaden our capability as a watchmaker, and to give our customers a new format to enjoy high-quality time-telling devices with a strong backstory,” added Mercy Amalraj, Co-Founder of the brand.

Forty-Seven can be personalized with a custom caseback engraving, making every watch unique. The watch will be priced at USD 1250 (approximately INR 120,000) and will be available for pre-order on the brand’s website starting on 11th August 2026.

About Bangalore Watch Company™
Founded in 2018, Bangalore Watch Company™ creates high-quality mechanical watches that tell stories of a 21st-century India. Drawing inspiration from Aviation, Cricket, Space, and the Great Outdoors, each collection captures modern Indian narratives that go far beyond stereotypes.

With several firsts to its name including watches made from recovered fighter planes and aircraft carrier materials, India’s first watch qualified for Spaceflight, and a proprietary Cerasteel™ material that is a fusion of Steel and Ceramic, the brand blends storytelling with technical innovation and contemporary design. Recognised by leading global publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Hodinkee for its originality and craftsmanship, Bangalore Watch Company™ stands at the forefront of modern Indian watchmaking.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj who left their tech careers overseas to pursue a passion for modern Indian storytelling, the brand has built a quiet but enthusiastic following with customers in over 30 countries.

REVA University, a pioneer in higher education, proudly welcomed the new batch of Engineering, Architecture and Law programmes 2026-27 today. The event ‘REVA University UPLINK’ held at the campus marked the beginning of a new chapter for thousands of students in these streams and set the tone for an enriching university experience rooted in learning, innovation, leadership and enterprise. It also reflected the University’s commitment to nurturing future-ready professionals through its Educate to Enterprise philosophy.

From L-R: Dr. Beena G.; Dr. K.S. Narayanaswamy; Dr. Adishesha C.S.; Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor; Dr. M. Dhanamjaya; Dr. R.C. Biradar; Dr. Pramod Kulkarni at UPLINK 2026-27

Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, REVA University, presided over the function, emphasising the University’s commitment to building a holistic educational environment that empowers students to dream big while ensuring a safe and nurturing space for their growth. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Adishesha C. S, Director – Technology & Innovation, Collins Aerospace, as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Dr P. Shyama Raju emphasised that educators and professionals have a responsibility to become role models for the next generation. Highlighting the importance of ownership, commitment and ethics, he said, “My role is to be a facilitator. Apart from what we teach at the University, we need to teach beyond that. We need to teach discipline, human values, respect for the nation and concern for elders.” Speaking about REVA University’s Educate to Enterprise philosophy, he said, “Through our Educate to Enterprise philosophy, we strive to nurture job creators rather than job seekers; leaders who inspire, innovate and contribute meaningfully to society.”

In his inaugural address, Dr. Adishesha appreciated REVA University’s efforts to create an environment that encourages students to push boundaries and develop their talent. “REVA University’s philosophy of giving back to society is truly inspiring. To facilitate this, they have incorporated a strong industry-academia connect,” he said.

Emphasising the growing importance of interdisciplinary learning, Dr. Adishesha observed that the boundaries between technologies, professions and academic disciplines are increasingly becoming fluid. “Interdisciplinary learning has become the norm of the hour. All professions and streams should come together, with a meaningful exchange of knowledge and ideas between them,” he added.

As part of the inauguration, every new student received a sapling, symbolising the beginning of their academic journey and their responsibility towards the environment. The initiative is part of REVA Vanamahotsava, the University’s flagship green movement based on the principle of ‘One Student, One Tree’, encouraging students to plant and nurture a tree during their time at REVA.

Dr. M. Dhanamjaya welcomed the gathering and introduced students to the diverse REVA ecosystem, highlighting how the University’s Educate to Enterprise philosophy goes beyond academics to build holistic development, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship. He said, “At REVA, education is not limited to the classroom. We want every student to discover their potential, develop the confidence to take ownership, and graduate with the knowledge and mindset to create an impact.”

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. K. S. Narayanaswamy, Pro Vice Chancellor, REVA University, expressed his gratitude to the Guest of Honour, university leadership, faculty, students and parents for their presence at REVA UPLINK.

The programme was also attended by Dr. Beena G., Registrar (Evaluation); Dr. R. C. Biradar, Pro Vice Chancellor; and Dr. Pramod Kulkarni, Pro Vice Chancellor, along with deans, directors, faculty members, students and parents.

The inauguration also marked the commencement of a comprehensive student induction programme designed to help freshers transition smoothly into university life. Through interactive sessions, students will gain insights into their academic programmes, campus resources, industry exposure, student clubs, research opportunities, entrepreneurship initiatives, and the University’s vibrant learning ecosystem.

Guided by its Educate to Enterprise philosophy, REVA University continues to build an academic ecosystem where students are encouraged not only to learn and excel, but also to create, lead and contribute meaningfully to society. The philosophy goes beyond creating entrepreneurs; it seeks to develop an enterprising mindset in every student, empowering them to identify opportunities, embrace challenges, take initiative and create value, irrespective of their chosen discipline. The new academic batch now embarks on a transformative journey of learning, discovery, innovation and enterprise.

The Millennium Group of Schools, one of India’s leading K-12 institutions, today announced the launch of the Millennium AI Creators Championship 2026, a first-of-its-kind national initiative designed to inspire school students to harness Artificial Intelligence responsibly while nurturing human creativity, innovation and future-ready skills. Open to students from Grades 5 to 12 across schools in India, the championship is free to participate, with registrations opening on 15th August 2026 and entries being accepted until 31st August 2026. The winners of the nationwide competition will be announced on 12th September 2026.

Millennium Group of Schools – AI Championship 2026

With Times Now, the leading English news channel from The Times Network as the Official Broadcast Partner, the championship will bring together students from schools across India to explore the creative possibilities of AI through storytelling, music, and filmmaking. Built around the theme ‘Sustainable Cities. Intelligent Futures.’, the initiative encourages students to imagine how technology and human creativity can come together to build cleaner, greener, kinder and more inclusive cities.

The championship has been designed across three age-specific categories:

• Grades 5–7: Storytelling Challenge

• Grades 8–9: Song Creation Challenge

• Grades 10–12: Short Film Challenge

With nationwide outreach, the championship aims to engage over 25,000 students, 50,000 parents and 2,000 educators, while generating more than one million digital impressions. At this scale, the initiative is designed to create a powerful school-led platform for advancing responsible AI, creativity and future-ready learning across India. Registered participants will also receive complimentary access to expert-led sessions on prompt engineering, AI ethics and digital citizenship, equipping them with the knowledge and mindset to use AI responsibly while strengthening critical thinking, creativity and innovation.

Sharing her thoughts on the launch, Neha Vaz, Head of Events & Strategic Alliances, The Millennium Group of Schools, said, “Artificial Intelligence is redefining the way the next generation will learn, create and solve problems. At The Millennium Group of Schools, we believe children should not just learn about AI, but learn to use it responsibly, creatively and with confidence. The Millennium AI Creators Championship is our effort to provide young minds with a national platform where human imagination meets technology. Guided by the philosophy, ‘Human Imagination Leads. AI Assists.’, the championship encourages students to use AI as a creative partner while ensuring original thinking remains at the heart of every idea.” 

The championship will be evaluated by an esteemed National Jury comprising renowned leaders from the fields of artificial intelligence, education, technology, design, media, innovation and the creative industries. Confirmed jury members include Mr. Vikas Kanungo, Dr. Sujitha Kurup, Dr. Amita Kapoor along with other distinguished experts, who will assess entries based on originality, creativity, storytelling, relevance to the championship theme, responsible use of AI and overall impact. The Top 15 National Winners will be awarded an exclusive, fully sponsored AI Fellowship powered by TechnoKids in association with Knowledge Hub,

providing advanced AI learning and coding opportunities to further strengthen their AI capabilities and future-ready skills. Winners will also be awarded with robotics kits by E-BOT Plus, a uniquely designed solution for Computer Science, Coding, AI, and Robotics, built around the core principles of simplicity, intuition, and practical approach.

Sharing her views on the educational significance of the initiative, Dr. Priyanka Jain, Head of Academics, The Millennium Group of Schools, said, “The Millennium AI Creators Championship reflects our belief that education must evolve alongside technology while keeping human imagination at its core. Rather than asking students to avoid AI, we want them to learn how to use it thoughtfully, ethically and creatively. Through this initiative, students will explore real-world challenges around sustainable cities while developing critical thinking, problem-solving and creative confidence. Our goal is to nurture young learners who see AI not as a shortcut, but as a tool to amplify their ideas and contribute meaningfully to society.“

Beyond being a competition, the Millennium AI Creators Championship is part of a broader national AI literacy movement that encourages students to build with AI instead of depending on it.

About The Millennium Group of Schools
The Millennium Group of Schools is a prominent chain of K-12 schools across India that follows the CBSE curriculum. Known for its holistic, child-centric approach, the institution follows the award-winning, research-backed Millennium Learning System™ (MLS™), developed through 10+ years of action research, to create personalised, experiential learning experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, conceptual understanding and real-world application, while integrating global learning theories with the Indian education and value system.

To participate, please visit- www.aicreator.themillenniumschools.com/register

For enquiry: 87960 61075, 95950 82445

Kirtilals, the renowned natural diamond jewellery brand, launches Sindooram, an exquisite bridal jewellery collection at its Somajiguda store in Hyderabad. Inspired by the captivating beauty of nature, the collection brings together motifs drawn from floral forms, hibiscus blooms, majestic peacocks and other natural elements, reimagined through the artistry of master craftsmen.
 

Kirtilals proudly unveiled Sindooram – The Bridal Collection at its Somajiguda Showroom in Hyderabad
 

Sindooram collection showcases the brilliance of finest quality natural diamonds, precious metals and vibrant colour stones, with each creation reflecting a distinctive interpretation of nature. From the graceful forms of flowers to the regal elegance of the peacock, every motif is thoughtfully translated into bridal jewellery through meticulous detailing, refined design and exceptional craftsmanship.
 

Created for the bride who appreciates artistry as much as elegance, the collection celebrates the grandeur of traditional bridal jewellery while bringing a distinctive contemporary sensibility to each creation. Every piece is crafted to complement the significance of her special day and become a cherished heirloom for generations to come.
 

Bridal Diamond Jewellery of the Year award at the Retail Jeweller India Awards 2026
 

The collection has also earned recognition at the Retail Jeweller India Awards 2026, where Kirtilals’ bridal collection was honoured with the prestigious ‘Best Bridal Jewellery of the Year’ award. The award-winning jewellery piece from the Sindooram collection is now on display at the Somajiguda store, offering customers an opportunity to experience its distinctive design and craftsmanship first-hand.
 

Mr. Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Business Strategy, Kirtilals, said, “A bride’s wedding day is truly special for her, and we believe what she wears on it should feel every bit as rare. Sindooram was created from that belief — bringing together imagination, masterful craftsmanship, and the beauty found in nature itself. We drew inspiration from flowers, the hibiscus, and the peacock, interpreting their distinctive forms through the brilliance of the finest quality natural diamonds, colour stones, and precious metals. Each creation in this collection is designed to be part of her story on the most special day of her life. We are delighted to bring Sindooram to Hyderabad, and we invite brides and jewellery connoisseurs to experience its artistry at our Somajiguda store.”
 

Brides-to-be and jewellery connoisseurs can now experience the Sindooram collection and its award-winning creation at the Kirtilals Somajiguda store, Hyderabad.
 

About Kirtilals
Founded in 1939, Kirtilals is one of India’s leading natural diamond jewellery brand, with a legacy spanning over eight decades. Known for its design excellence, master craftsmanship and expertise in natural diamonds, Kirtilals creates jewellery that celebrates life’s most meaningful occasions. With an integrated manufacturing approach and a growing retail presence, the brand continues to create exceptional jewellery designed to be cherished across generations.

Parimatch Sports, a premium sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes, continues its Inside the Game YouTube series with a third episode featuring Ritu Phogat. The Indian MMA fighter and wrestling champion, also known as the “Indian Tigress,” takes on a new set of questions and unusual situations that show new sides of the champion beyond her career in combat sports.

Ritu Phogat Faces New Challenges in Parimatch Sports’ Inside the Game Episode 3

With millions of followers and a career that keeps her in the public eye, Ritu is no stranger to other people’s expectations. But how much of that attention actually matters? During the conversation, she opens up about dealing with opinions on the internet and staying focused on her own path rather than trying to satisfy everyone watching from the outside. “It’s absolutely easy because I don’t overthink those things and take them as motivation. It’s okay — I’ll show them, no problem,” Ritu said.

The episode also touches on life outside the arena. Ritu talks about managing demanding training and competition alongside family life, and why pursuing her goals does not mean putting everything else on hold. “It’s really hard balancing everything. Motherhood requires a lot of discipline, training requires a lot of discipline, and then there’s managing the house and everything else. Discipline and balance are absolutely necessary,” she added. She also addresses the pressure on women to get everything right, sharing her view on finding a way that works for her rather than trying to please everyone.

The conversation is accompanied by a series of interactive activities that put Ritu in situations far removed from the MMA arena. Through playful tasks, she shows her competitive side in a completely different setting. One of them, however, leaves viewers with a particularly difficult choice: would Ritu give up training for a million dollars?

The answer might surprise you.

Watch Episode 3 of Inside the Game with Ritu Phogat on YouTube to find out what she chooses and hear more of her candid answers. Subscribe to the Parimatch Sports channel to follow the series and catch the next episode.

Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi (a part of the IHH Healthcare multinational network), marked India’s 80th Independence Day with ‘The Freedom Walk 2026,’ a community wellness initiative aimed at encouraging senior citizens to stay active, independent and engaged with their health. The initiative saw participation from senior citizens aged 60–90, with close to 700 registrations reflecting strong interest from the community across Navi Mumbai.
 

Participants gather as Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi’s medical & administrative teams kick-off The Freedom Walkathon 2026, promoting Senior Wellness and Active Ageing

The event was graced by Shri Kamlesh Kumar Gupta (IRS), Commissioner, CGST Audit, Navi Mumbai & Raigad, who has over three decades of experience in public service and administration. Beyond his professional contributions, his journey reflects the values of discipline, commitment and lifelong learning, making his presence at The Freedom Walk a meaningful inspiration for senior citizens embracing an active and healthy lifestyle. The inauguration also witnessed support from Dr Ashutosh Pandey, Facility Director, clinicians, administrators and support staff.
 

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Shri Kamlesh Kumar Gupta, (IRS), Commissioner, CGST Audit, Navi Mumbai & Raigad, said, “Fitness and discipline are values that stay with us throughout life. My years in public service have reinforced the importance of consistency, resilience and taking responsibility for one’s well-being. Initiatives like The Freedom Walk are a wonderful reminder that staying active and healthy enables senior citizens to continue contributing meaningfully to society.”
 

Designed around the idea that mobility is an important form of independence, the walkathon encouraged older adults to embrace regular physical activity at a pace suited to their comfort. Participants could choose between 3km and 5km routes, both beginning and concluding at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi. The event also saw community participation from the Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai and Adhata Trust. The event also featured Zumba and guided warm-up and warm-down sessions to help participants prepare for and recover safely from the walk. Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi deployed a 65-member medical team, comprising 30 doctors, paramedics, and physiotherapists, along with 35 nurses. Safety measures included physiotherapy stations, mobile medical teams, and pre- and post-event health checks for participants.
 

Going beyond physical activity, the walkathon was designed as a preventive health touchpoint, offering participants access to health screenings and consultations from experts including Dr. Sourabh Kulkarni, Director & HOD-Orthopedics & Joint Replacement, Dr. Soumyan Dey, Director-Urology & Uro-Oncology and Dr. Prashant Bhamare, Director-Obstetrics & Gynecology. The consultations covered important aspects of senior health, including bone and joint care, urology, women’s health and other age-related concerns. Through this initiative, the doctors aimed to encourage early identification of potential health risks, provide timely guidance and empower seniors to stay active, healthy and independent.
 

At the initiative, Dr. Sourabh Kulkarni, Director & HOD – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, said, “Maintaining mobility is one of the most important aspects of healthy ageing. Staying active within one’s comfort level and seeking timely medical advice can help seniors preserve movement, balance and confidence, allowing them to continue their daily activities independently.”  
 

Highlighting the importance of preventive care for age-related health concerns, Dr. Soumyan Dey, Director – Urology & Uro-Oncology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, said, “Many urinary health concerns among older adults tend to be ignored or discussed only when symptoms become severe. Creating an accessible platform where seniors can interact with specialists encourages early diagnosis and timely care, which can significantly improve comfort and overall well-being.”
 

Further emphasising the need for proactive healthcare among senior women, Dr. Prashant Bhamare, Director – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, added, “Preventive consultations provide an opportunity to identify age-related health concerns early and enable seniors to continue leading active, healthy and independent lives. Encouraging open conversations around health is an important step towards improving overall well-being among older adults.”
 

Reflecting on the hospital’s role in driving such community health efforts, Dr. Ashutosh Pandey, Facility Director, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, said, “For close to two decades, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital has been a part of this community, and the patients we’ve served over the years have shaped how we think about their evolving healthcare needs. Healthy ageing is not only about managing illness; it is equally about preserving mobility, confidence and independence for as long as possible. It is this understanding of our senior patients that prompted The Freedom Walk, an opportunity to encourage them to make movement a regular part of their lives while also connecting with specialists in an accessible and comfortable setting. The response to the initiative has been encouraging and reinforces the need for more community-led preventive health programmes for our seniors.”
 

By bringing together fitness, preventive healthcare channels and community engagement outside the conventional hospital setting, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, reinforced its commitment towards promoting healthy ageing and empowering senior citizens to take charge of their well-being.

About Fortis Healthcare Limited   
Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics, and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates 36 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 12 states and union territories. The Company’s network comprises over 6,000 operational beds (including O&M beds) and 400 diagnostics labs. www.fortishealthcare.com
 

About IHH Healthcare (“IHH”)
IHH is a leading multinational healthcare provider shaping the future of care. Driven by our aspiration to Care. For Good., we unite medical excellence and innovation, pushing boundaries through our trusted brands such as Acibadem, Gleneagles, Fortis, Island, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai, Parkway and Prince Court. Across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Türkiye, India and Greater China, our 70,000-strong team delivers world-class excellence every day, within and beyond our 140 healthcare facilities, including more than 80 hospitals. Our comprehensive services span the full healthcare continuum, from primary and ambulatory to quaternary care, complemented by diagnostics, imaging, rehabilitation, telehealth and home care. In partnership with our stakeholders, IHH is advancing value-based care, building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and creating meaningful impact, as we work towards our vision to become the world’s most trusted healthcare services network. www.ihhhealthcare.com

Chintels Group successfully hosted ‘The Unity Run’, an 11-km community run themed ‘Celebrate Freedom, Run for Unity’, on the occasion of 80th Independence Day. The event brought together running enthusiasts from several prominent residential communities across Gurugram, creating a shared platform to celebrate the spirit of freedom, unity and community participation.
 

Celebrating sporting excellence: Winners of ‘The Unity Run 2026′
 

The winners of ‘The Unity Run 2026’ are: First place Ajay Kumar, runner up Virender and third on the podium Harshul Malik were awarded iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch respectively while the next 20 participants received consolation prizes in recognition of their performance and participation.
 

Designed to encourage an active lifestyle while fostering a sense of togetherness, the run witnessed enthusiastic participation from approx. 200 participants aged 18 years and above who were required to use the STRAVA app to record and track their routes throughout the run, encouraging a digital community-led fitness initiative.
 

The run was flagged off from Chintels Serenity, a premium high-rise residential community in Gurugram by senior leadership from Chintels. Serving as both the starting and finishing point, Participants included residents from across Chintels Serenity, Chintels Paradiso, Sobha International City, Sobha City, ATS Kokoon, ATS Tourmaline, Raheja Atharva, Brisk Lumbini and Calladium.
 

Participant safety remained a key priority throughout the run. An ambulance and personnel from the local police station were deployed along the route to provide necessary assistance and support, ensuring a safe and well-coordinated experience for participants.
 

Prashant Solomon Director, Chintels Group said, “The Unity Run is our endeavour to bring communities together through the shared values of fitness, freedom and unity. Independence Day is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together, and this run reflects that spirit in a meaningful and engaging way. We are delighted to see residents from across the sector participate with such enthusiasm and making this celebration truly special.”
 

The event concluded with participants coming together at Chintels Serenity, reinforcing the message that fitness can be a powerful catalyst for community building and unity.