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Tripura and Uttarakhand Receive National Recognition for Integrating Children's Wellbeing into School Education

As India observed World Mental Health Day earlier this month, the Governments of Tripura and Uttarakhand have received national recognition from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for their efforts to integrate children’s mental health and wellbeing into public education. The recognition, part of a wider acknowledgement of state-level best practices, draws attention to an important shift in Indian education: the growing recognition that children’s emotional wellbeing is integral to their ability to learn and thrive.
 

Children practicing mindfulness in a wellbeing class
 

With increasing attention being paid to children’s emotional and developmental needs, state governments are exploring ways to move beyond conventional academic instruction and create learning environments that nurture emotional resilience, self-awareness and positive relationships. Tripura and Uttarakhand offer examples of how such priorities can be translated into structured, government-led initiatives within existing school systems.

 

Through Saharsh in Tripura and Anandam Pathyacharya in Uttarakhand, both governments have integrated dedicated wellbeing classes into the regular school timetable. Facilitated by government school-teachers, these classes provide children with opportunities to understand and express their emotions, develop positive relationships and navigate everyday challenges. Together, the two programmes reach approximately nine lakh children — four lakh in Tripura and five lakh in Uttarakhand.

 

The significance of these initiatives lies not only in their reach, but also in the commitment of the respective state governments to making wellbeing a regular part of public education. By embedding these practices within existing school structures, rather than treating them as standalone interventions, both states are demonstrating how children’s emotional development can be supported alongside academic learning.

 

Shri Partha Pratim Acharya, Officer on Special Duty, State Council of Educational Research and Training, Tripura, said, “Alongside academic learning, children need opportunities to understand their emotions, build relationships and learn to navigate challenges. Through ‘Saharsh’, we are making space for children to build these skills as part of their everyday school experience.”

 

Dr. B. P. Mandoli, State Nodal Officer, Samagra Shiksha, Government of Uttarakhand, said, “‘Anandam’ gives children a dedicated time in the school day to pause, express themselves and learn without the pressure of exams or judgement. Under the guidance of Smt. Bandana Garbyal, Director of Academic Research and Training, Uttarakhand, the programme has brought this approach into government schools, with teachers playing a central role in making these classrooms safe and supportive spaces.”

 

The national recognition of Tripura and Uttarakhand underscores the importance of state-government leadership in advancing children’s wellbeing through public education. Their efforts offer valuable examples for other education systems exploring how structured wellbeing practices can be integrated into the school day, with teachers and public institutions playing a central role.

 

Building the evidence for wellbeing-led education

Tripura’s experience is also contributing to the growing evidence on the relationship between children’s wellbeing and learning. The state’s Saharsh programme was evaluated through a large-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT), conducted in partnership with researchers from Harvard and the University of Michigan. The study examined the effects of structured wellbeing practices on children’s mental health and learning outcomes. The findings demonstrated improvements in learning outcomes alongside reductions in student anxiety, reinforcing the importance of considering children’s emotional wellbeing and academic development as complementary priorities.

 

About Labhya
Labhya is an Indian nonprofit working with state governments to integrate children’s wellbeing into public education systems. As a knowledge partner to the Governments of Tripura and Uttarakhand, Labhya provides technical support and learning inputs to the implementation of Saharsh and Anandam Pathyacharya, respectively. Through its partnerships with governments, Labhya works towards a future in which every child can become a calm, focused learner.

Learn more: labhya.org.

 

Media assets: www.youtube.com/live/5G0ULfRfHGE

Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli Creates History with South Tamil Nadu's First Cadaveric Liver Transplant

In a significant milestone for advanced transplant care in South Tamil Nadu, Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, has successfully performed the region’s first deceased-donor (cadaveric) liver transplant, providing a new lease of life to a critically ill patient with advanced liver disease and a high MELD score, indicating severe liver dysfunction.

 

Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli Creates History with South Tamil Nadu’s First Cadaveric Liver Transplant


The patient, who was considered a high-risk case, underwent successful liver transplantation and made a remarkable recovery. The patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day, marking an encouraging outcome following this landmark transplant procedure.

This achievement marks an important advancement in the availability of complex liver transplant services in South Tamil Nadu, enabling patients from Tirunelveli and neighbouring districts to access advanced transplant care closer to home.

The transplant was led by Dr. Senthil Gnanasekaran, Clinical Lead – Abdominal Organ Transplant and HPB Surgery, with the coordinated efforts of the transplant anaesthesia, intensive care, hepatology, nursing and transplant coordination teams.

“This is a landmark moment for transplant care in South Tamil Nadu. Performing the region’s first deceased-donor liver transplant at Tirunelveli demonstrates that patients requiring highly complex transplant care can now receive it closer to home. The successful recovery and discharge of this critically ill patient on the seventh postoperative day is a reflection of the expertise, preparedness and coordinated efforts of the entire multidisciplinary team,” said Dr. Senthil Gnanasekaran, Kauvery Hospital.

A Gift of Life Through Organ Donation

Adding significance to this milestone, Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, also recorded its first organ donation following brain death. The donor was an elderly woman who had sustained a severe head injury.

The hospital expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the donor’s family for making the courageous and compassionate decision to donate her organs. Their selfless act has helped transform a moment of immense personal loss into an opportunity to save and improve the lives of others.

The successful transplant represents not only a major medical achievement but also the power of organ donation, advanced medical expertise and coordinated teamwork in giving critically ill patients a second chance at life.

Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli continues to strengthen its transplant and super-specialty services, bringing advanced healthcare closer to the people of South Tamil Nadu.

GTM & AI Operator Aakash Sinha Debuts AlterStride, Field Notes on B2B GTM in the AI Age

AI has reached deeper into B2B go-to-market than any shift of the last decade, and most teams are rebuilding how they work without a map. Aakash Sinha, GTM & AI Operator, built AlterStride (www.alterstride.com), a home for playbooks, essays and operator conversations on how B2B GTM actually works in the AI age.

 

AlterStride – Aakash Sinha, GTM & AI Operator

 

“Every GTM team I talk to is rebuilding how it works, and most are figuring it out alone,” said Sinha. “AlterStride exists to put what I’ve learned, and what other operators have shared with me, in one place, so teams can find their stride faster.”

 

Sinha writes from the seat, not the sidelines. Over ten years in B2B SaaS across HR Tech, Legal Tech and Sales Tech, he was the first marketing hire at multiple venture-backed startups and took two of them from single-digit customer counts to more than 200 customers in North America. Today he runs a selective fractional practice, building and operating AI-native GTM systems inside live B2B companies, much of it under NDA, which means the material on AlterStride blends a decade of proven GTM fundamentals with what is working right now in the AI age.

 

That distinction is the point of the brand. He calls himself an operator, not a thought leader, and Alterstride is built on that difference. AI made advice free: anyone with an AI tool can sound like a go-to-market expert, and B2B feeds are full of fluent, 7/10 advice and playbooks written by people who often do not run the motion they describe. “What you learn from running the play yourself is the one thing AI can’t generate,” said Sinha. “The pipeline that never converted, the event that outperformed the ad budget, the outbound sequence you had to rewrite four times. AlterStride is where I share that.” 

 

The work on AlterStride reflects that standard. Its free B2B GTM playbooks lay out step-by-step systems for outbound, LinkedIn and events, written at the level of what to do on day one and what to do in week nine. The 90-day outbound sprint assumes no agency and no big budget, just one or two people willing to do the work; the LinkedIn playbook orders the motion post, connect, engage, message, because the DM only works when the rest comes first. Essays cover how AI is reshaping customer success and post-sales, how AI search decides which brands to cite, why account-based marketing is a commitment rather than a campaign, and why small events pay back.

 

Long-form conversations on the GTM & AI Operators Show, Sinha’s YouTube series at youtube.com/@GTMAIOperators, bring in operators such as Kushagra Tiwari, principal GTM engineer at Starbridge; Mason Cosby, founder of Scrappy ABM; and Nitya Chidambaram, founder of HeyAmos, on the decisions behind their results, including the ones that failed. 

 

AlterStride is deliberately small today: three playbooks and the first eight essays, with more of both already in production. Sinha describes it as field notes – a starting point, not the catalog.

 

Sinha is clear that the position is not anti-AI. His own practice is AI-native, and much of the material teaches operators how to run GTM with AI systems doing the heavy lifting. “When you’ve done the work, AI multiplies it,” said Sinha. “When you haven’t, AI is all there is and it shows.”

 

Sinha describes his role as the AI Native GTM Operator, someone who builds and runs AI powered go-to-market systems but keeps the judgment calls for themselves. AlterStride is written for people stepping into that role, from GTM operators, B2B marketers and founders to the RevOps and GTM engineering teams taking their companies from zero to one and one to ten in the AI age.

 

About AlterStride

AlterStride (www.alterstride.com) is from Aakash Sinha, a GTM & AI Operator: conversations, playbooks, opinions and fractional work on how B2B GTM works successfully in the AI age. Its AI-native GTM practice works with select B2B companies on outbound, content for AI search, events, brand, and GTM fundamentals. AlterStride also publishes the GTM & AI Operators Show. Website: https://www.alterstride.com/

 

About Aakash Sinha

Aakash Sinha is a GTM & AI Operator based in Bengaluru, India, with around ten years of experience building go-to-market engines across HR Tech, Legal Tech, and Sales Tech. He has been the first marketing hire at multiple venture-backed startups, scaling two of them from early customers to 200+ in North America. An Entrepreneur First alumnus, he hosts the GTM & AI Operators Show (https://www.youtube.com/@GTMAIOperators).

Blue Dart Delivers More Smiles for Less this Diwali with Special Domestic and International Shipping Offers

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express air & integrated transportation and distribution company, has launched Diwali Express 2026, a festive shipping initiative designed to help customers deliver more smiles for less this festive season.

 

Diwali Express

 

Running from 8th October to 14th November 2026, the campaign offers special savings on domestic and international shipments, making it easier, more affordable and convenient to share Diwali joy with family, friends and business associates across India and around the world.

 

Festive gifts within India can be shipped using the special discounted shipping rates of up to 50% on eligible domestic consignments weighing between 2 kg and 10 kg. To make the experience even more convenient, customers can also avail of free doorstep pickup and home booking services, subject to service availability.

 

Extending the festive spirit beyond borders, customers can also enjoy significant savings of up to 60% on eligible international gift consignments. The offer covers a range of shipment weights and destinations, making it easier to send festive gifts, sweets and hampers across the globe through Blue Dart’s reliable international express network. Terms and conditions apply.

 

Available for a limited period, the Diwali Express 2026 offer can be availed by the customers through Blue Dart-DHL’s trusted network by visiting their nearest retail stores and Franchisee Collection Centres. Customers can also book shipments through Blue Dart’s website or Customer Care.

 

For assistance, customers may contact Blue Dart Customer Care at 022 4061 1234, or email customerservice@bluedart.com.

 

For more information or to book a shipment, visit www.bluedart.com.

Manipal University Jaipur Hosts International Conference on Sports Sciences, Focuses on India's Olympic Vision 2036

The Department of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), organised the sixth edition of the International Conference on Physical Education and Sports Sciences (ICPESS 2026), bringing together eminent academicians, renowned sportspersons, sports experts and researchers to deliberate on the role of higher education institutions in shaping India’s aspirations of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games and building a globally competitive sporting ecosystem.

 

Dignitaries at the Inaugural Ceremony of ICPESS- 2026 organised by Manipal University Jaipur

 

The conference, themed ‘Role of Higher Education Institutions in Shaping India’s Olympic Vision 2036’, provided an international platform for discussions on sports education, scientific training, talent identification, research, infrastructure development and institutional collaboration to strengthen India’s preparations for the Olympics.

 

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Brajesh Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Management, Commerce and Arts, MUJ. Highlighting India’s potential to host the 2036 Olympics, he emphasised the growing importance of sports in higher education and appreciated the achievements of students from the Department of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in various national and international competitions. He also welcomed the distinguished speakers and delegates, acknowledging their contributions to the conference.

 

Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Pro-President, MUJ, felicitated the Chief Guest, Dr. Mamta Rani Agarwal, Additional Secretary, Association of Indian Universities, and Guest of Honour, Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Vasudevan Baskaran, in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Brajesh Kumar, Prof. (Dr.) Trishu Sharma, Associate Dean, School of Arts; Prof. (Dr.) Richa Arora, Head, Department of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Conference Chair; and Dr. Rina Poonia, Associate Professor and Conference Convener.

 

Addressing the gathering, Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana highlighted Manipal University Jaipur’s initiatives in promoting sports and developing sporting infrastructure. Emphasising the role of sports in shaping an individual’s personality, he remarked that “sports builds character and resilience.” He underlined that educational institutions must go beyond academic excellence and create opportunities for students to develop discipline, leadership, teamwork and perseverance through sports.

 

Guest of Honour Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Vasudevan Baskaran, who led the Indian men’s hockey team to its historic gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, stressed that India’s Olympic vision must not remain confined to hosting the Games but should also focus on achieving excellence in medal-winning performances. Recalling his journey as a university athlete in the 1970s, he observed that opportunities rarely come knocking and athletes must be prepared to seize them.

 

Calling for a paradigm shift in India’s sporting approach, Baskaran advocated moving beyond conventional performance-oriented coaching towards a scientifically informed and professionally managed sporting ecosystem. He urged academicians and higher education institutions to take greater responsibility for identifying sporting talent, nurturing athletes and advancing sports research. He also highlighted MUJ’s potential to develop a holistic sporting environment and provide training facilities for the Indian contingent ahead of upcoming international competitions.

 

Chief Guest Dr. Mamta Rani Agarwal, Additional Secretary, Association of Indian Universities, emphasised the need for an inclusive and integrated sporting ecosystem involving athletes, coaches, dieticians, sports scientists and administrators. She stated that the foundation for India’s Olympic vision 2036 must be laid at the school and higher education levels through interdisciplinary collaboration and sustained institutional efforts.

 

Suggesting innovative ways to integrate sports with other academic disciplines, she cited the possibility of engaging computer science students in sports analytics during cricket tournaments and involving pharmacy students in developing appropriate dietary prescriptions for athletes. She stressed that sports development requires a fundamental shift in cultural attitudes and institutional mindsets.

 

Dr. Agarwal further observed that India’s challenge is not merely to build stadiums or attract investments but to transform its sporting culture and institutional approach through sustainable initiatives and individual and institutional accountability. She called upon universities to translate the academic deliberations and recommendations emerging from international conferences into concrete and actionable outcomes.

 

In her conference address, Dr. Rina Poonia reflected on the conceptualisation and evolution of ICPESS, which has now reached its sixth edition. Highlighting the extensive academic participation, she informed that the conference received participation from 200 online paper presenters across 16 sessions and 28 offline presenters across five sessions, reflecting its growing academic outreach and relevance.

 

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vijmendra Kumar Grover, who expressed gratitude to the university leadership, distinguished guests, invited speakers, delegates, participating scholars and attendees for their presence and valuable contributions.

 

With extensive academic participation and insights from distinguished sports personalities and experts, ICPESS 2026 reaffirmed the crucial role of higher education institutions in developing sporting talent, promoting sports science and creating a robust ecosystem to realise India’s Olympic aspirations for 2036.

 

To know more about Manipal University Jaipur please visit – jaipur.manipal.edu

International Hardware Fair India 2026 Concludes with 140+ Exhibitors and Participants from 30+ Countries

The fourth edition of International Hardware Fair India 2026, powered by EISENWARENMESSE, concluded successfully today at Hall 2 & 3, Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi. Organised by Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd., the three-day exhibition provided a meeting point for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, dealers, retailers, buyers and sourcing professionals from India and international markets, showcasing products and developments across the Hardware & Tools industry.

 

International Hardware Fair India 2026 Concludes with 140+ Exhibitors and Participants from 30+ Countries
 

The exhibition featured 140+ exhibitors, including 105 domestic and 36 international exhibitors, across 8,100 sqm of exhibition space. It welcomed 8,000+ attendees, with participation from more than 30 countries, reinforcing its role as a platform for the Indian and international Hardware & Tools industry.


Inaugurated by Industry and Trade Leaders

The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished representatives from government, trade associations and the industry, including:

  • Shri Maneesh Kumar Gupta, Deputy Chairman, Uttar Pradesh Vyapari Kalyan Board, Government of Uttar Pradesh (Minister of State Rank)

  • Shri S. C. Ralhan, President, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)

  • Shri Ashwani Kumar, Immediate Past President, FIEO

  • Dr. Sumit Chhabra, Chairperson, Buying Agents Association (BAA)

  • Milind Dixit, Managing Director – India & SAARC, Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd.

 

Their presence highlighted the importance of industry collaboration, trade engagement and business development for the Hardware & Tools sector.


A Platform for Hardware & Tools Businesses
International Hardware Fair India 2026 brought together companies across a broad range of product segments, including hand tools, power tools, furniture hardware, garden tools, safety equipment, fasteners and other related products.


The exhibition enabled industry professionals to discover products, meet manufacturers and suppliers, assess market offerings and engage with potential business partners. Participation from international markets, including the UAE, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Argentina, the United States, Brazil, China and Saudi Arabia, further underlined the event’s international reach.

 

Innovation Zone Celebrates Industry Excellence

The Innovation Zone added another dimension to the exhibition by recognising companies for their achievements in the Hardware & Tools sector. The Innovation Zone Awards recognised Saikan International as the Winner, followed by Broachcutter Drilling Machines Pvt. Ltd. as the First Runner-Up and MARSROVER INGOT PRIVATE LIMITED as the Second Runner-Up. The initiative highlighted the importance of innovation and encouraged industry participants to showcase their capabilities and contributions to the sector.


Industry Perspectives: Exhibitor and Visitor Experiences
“We are very happy to see International Hardware Fair taking place in India. As an export-oriented company based in Jalandhar, we see this exhibition as a significant boost to the vision of ‘Make in India’. It is encouraging to see international buyers, including those who have traditionally focused on China, exploring opportunities in India. The exhibition is well organised and provides a dedicated platform for the hardware and hand tools industry, similar to the show we have been attending in Germany.” – Ashwani Kumar, Partner, Victor Forgings.

 

“This is my first visit to India, and I came to explore sourcing opportunities with Indian manufacturers. International Hardware Fair India 2026 has made a very positive first impression. The exhibition is professional and well organised, and the exhibitors are keen to discuss business opportunities. I see strong potential for sourcing across DIY, semi-professional and professional product categories, with attractive pricing compared with China and Taiwan. I believe there are good opportunities to develop business relationships with Indian manufacturers.”– Gary Stephens, Director, Outlaw Tools Ltd.


Leadership Perspective

“International Hardware Fair India 2026 brought together manufacturers, suppliers and buyers from India and international markets, creating opportunities for meaningful business interactions and industry engagement. We are pleased to have provided a platform where businesses could showcase their capabilities, build new connections and explore future opportunities. Initiatives such as the Innovation Zone highlighted the importance of innovation in the Hardware & Tools industry. We thank all our exhibitors, visitors, partners and industry associates for their participation and look forward to building on this momentum in the next edition.”– Mr. Milind Dixit, Managing Director – India & SAARC, Koelnmesse India

 

Looking Ahead to 2027

Building on the participation and engagement of the 2026 edition, International Hardware Fair India will return from 23–25 October 2027 at Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi. The next edition will continue to provide a dedicated platform for the Hardware & Tools industry to present products, engage with buyers and strengthen business relationships.


About the Organisers

Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the hardware sector: As a premier international trade fair organiser, Koelnmesse is the global market leader for events in the tools and hardware sector. Cologne is home to the EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR, the world’s leading trade fair for the industry. Asia-Pacific Sourcing, the largest sourcing platform outside Asia, also showcases its products there. In addition, Koelnmesse is expanding its international portfolio in key markets – the China International Hardware Show in Shanghai, International Hardware Fair Italy in Bergamo, International Hardware Fair India in New Delhi and International Hardware Fair Colombia in Bogotá are tailored events and leading regional trade fairs with international participation. In 2025, two new formats were launched in dynamic regions – International Hardware Fair Indonesia in Jakarta and International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. As part of the ongoing development of its hardware portfolio in strategically relevant growth markets, Koelnmesse has also added the Central Asia International Hardware Expo to its event programme, with the first edition scheduled for November 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.  

 

Upcoming International Hardware Fairs Worldwide:

International Hardware Fair Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, 5.11.–7.11. 2026

Central Asia International Hardware Expo, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 24.11. – 26.11.2026

Asia-Pacific Sourcing, Cologne, Germany, 09.03. – 11.03.2027


For more information on International Hardware Fair India 2026,
please follow our official social media channels.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hardwarefairindia/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ihfindia/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/international-hardware-fair-india/

Team BHIVE Secures First Place in Corporate Relay at IRONMAN Goa

BHIVE Workspace, India’s largest coworking & managed office space provider, brought together 23 employees and members for the sixth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, held at Miramar Beach, Panaji, on November 1. The participants represented seven relay teams and two individual athletes, including four women. From BHIVE, eighteen participants took part in an IRONMAN event for the first time, while five returned after participating in the event last year.
 

Team BHIVE Secures First Place in Corporate Relay at IRONMAN Goa

 

Adding to the achievement, BHIVE’s Team (Team 04) secured first place in the Corporate Relay category, completing the event in just 6 hours, 25 minutes and 36 seconds. The winning team comprised Mourya Manohar, a BHIVE member and Rithick S and Madhu Kumar N, both BHIVE employees. The finish brought together employees and a member on the podium, reflecting the strong sense of community that lies at the heart of BHIVE.
 

The participation highlights BHIVE’s focus on building a campus-led workspace ecosystem where fitness, community and an active lifestyle extend beyond the workday. BHIVE Fitness Club brings employees and members together through shared fitness interests and activities, creating opportunities to stay active, pursue personal goals and build connections. As part of their five-month preparation for IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, participants came together through this community and followed a structured training programme from June, balancing their preparation with professional responsibilities.
 

Shesh Rao Paplikar, Founder & CEO, BHIVE Workspace, said, “At BHIVE, we believe a workspace should support more than professional goals. It should help people stay active, chase personal milestones and build meaningful connections. This year, around 24 BHIVE employees and members took on IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, more than three times last year’s number, and it was particularly rewarding to see Team BHIVE win the Corporate Relay category. Through our campus-led ecosystem and BHIVE Fitness Club, we want to make an active lifestyle part of everyday work for the 50,000 people across our campuses and bring our belief in Work-Life Harmony to life.”
 

BHIVE backed the participants throughout their preparation, sponsoring registration fees and covering their travel, accommodation and meals in Goa. The company also arranged structured coaching from coach Sridhar Venkataraman, practical training workshops, open-water and lake-swimming practice, and learning sessions with experienced endurance athletes.
 

Ahead of race day, participants also took part in a mini-triathlon training simulation in Goa with Milind Soman, BHIVE’s Brand Ambassador. The session offered an opportunity to experience the demands of the event across swimming, cycling and running, helping participants prepare for race day with greater confidence.
 

Milind Soman, Brand Ambassador, BHIVE, said, “Endurance events like IRONMAN 70.3 are about celebrating the greatest gifts we have been given – the mind, body and spirit. It was great to spend time with Team BHIVE during their pre-race training simulation in Goa and see the enthusiasm with which employees and members came together for this challenge. What makes this journey special is not just the race itself, but the preparation, commitment and sense of community that go into it. It is encouraging to see BHIVE create an environment where people are motivated to pursue an active lifestyle and challenge themselves to explore their capabilities.”
 

The preparation journey has also been documented through BHIVE’s YouTube series, Ironman Challenge at BHIVE Season 2, capturing participants’ training, experiences and progress. (Watch the series here).
 

One of the journeys that captured the spirit of the initiative was that of Jude Almeida, a BHIVE team member who took on the swimming leg of his relay team despite never having learnt to swim before beginning his preparation. Through structured practice and sessions with the BHIVE Swim Club, Jude progressed from being a non-swimmer to completing his first 2,000-metre swim in August. His journey reflects how consistent training and community encouragement can help people take on unfamiliar challenges. At IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, Jude went on to complete the swimming leg, contributing to his relay team’s successful completion of the event.
 

IRONMAN 70.3 is a 113-kilometre endurance event comprising a 1.9-kilometre open-water swim, a 90-kilometre cycling leg and a 21.1-kilometre run. Individual participants complete all three disciplines, while relay teams divide the legs among their members.
 

About BHIVE Workspace

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Bengaluru, BHIVE Workspace is India’s largest campus coworking company and one of the fastest-growing providers of managed office spaces in the country. BHIVE operates 28+ centres with 8 campuses across Bengaluru and Mumbai, covering 1.8 million sq. ft. of premium workspace and serving a community of over 1,000 client companies, from early-stage startups to large enterprises and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
 

BHIVE’s campus-led model is what sets it apart from conventional coworking. Each campus integrates design-driven workspaces with sports infrastructure, fitness facilities, community programming, and Indian hospitality, built around the company’s core philosophy of Work-Life Harmony. Amenities across campuses include cafés, recreation and sports zones, and 24×7 tech-enabled access, including on holidays.
 

Built around the philosophy of “Elevate Your Lifestyle at Work,” BHIVE promotes work–life harmony by combining productivity with well-being. Its design-driven spaces feature modern amenities such as cafés, recreation and sports zones, and 24×7 tech-enabled access, including holidays. BHIVE’s Work From Anywhere feature allows members to access any BHIVE centre on a single membership, offering unmatched flexibility and mobility for modern, distributed teams. As a fitness-driven and active lifestyle coworking brand, BHIVE continues to integrate movement, sports, and fitness into the everyday work experience, enabling members to perform at their best both professionally and personally.
 

For more information, visit www.bhiveworkspace.com.

Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, Unveils 'A Lotus in Full Bloom', an 18-Foot Installation for Diwali

Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, has unveiled A Lotus in Full Bloom, an 18-foot artistic installation celebrating the spirit of Diwali. Inspired by the lotus, a symbol of purity, prosperity and spiritual awakening in Indian tradition, the installation brings together intricate golden motifs, vibrant pink hues and elaborate detailing to create a striking festive centrepiece.

 

Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, Unveils ‘A Lotus in Full Bloom’, an 18-Foot Installation for Diwali

 

Rooted in Indian mythology and cultural heritage, the lotus represents resilience, growth and the ability to flourish despite challenges. Drawing on this symbolism, the installation reflects the essence of Diwali, celebrating hope, positivity and the triumph of good over evil. Its elaborate design and golden embellishments also highlight the richness of traditional Indian artistic expressions.

 

Commenting on the initiative, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Festivals are an opportunity to celebrate our cultural heritage while creating meaningful experiences that bring people together. With ‘A Lotus in Full Bloom’, our Diwali initiative at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, we wanted to bring alive the symbolism of the lotus, which represents purity, prosperity, resilience and new beginnings. Through this 18-foot installation, we aim to showcase the beauty of Indian artistry while creating a distinctive festive experience for our visitors. At Ambience Malls, we continuously strive to curate experiences that go beyond retail and create lasting connections with our visitors.”

 

The installation adds to Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj’s festive offerings, giving visitors an opportunity to engage with India’s cultural symbolism through art while celebrating the season with family and friends.

Diwali Buying Guide: Best Ai+ Smartphones and Tablets to Consider This Festive Season

Diwali is more than a festival of lights. It is about being together, sharing laughter, creating memories and celebrating the little moments that make life special. From decorating our homes and capturing festive photographs to spending quality time with family and friends, it is the joy of togetherness that makes every celebration memorable.

 

Best Ai+ Smartphones and Tablets to Consider This Festive Season

 

This festive season, Ai+ Smartphone brings a range of devices to help you capture, share and cherish these moments. Whether it is a smartphone for those picture-perfect Diwali memories, a tablet for shared entertainment or a device that keeps you connected throughout the celebrations, the Nova and Pulse series offer something for everyone.

 

Light up your Diwali with these eight Ai+ Smartphone devices to consider for your next upgrade.

 

1. Ai+ Nova 2 Power 5G: For Diwali Nights That Go On and On

From the first diya being lit to the last photograph of the night, Diwali is filled with moments worth remembering. The Ai+ Nova 2 Power 5G is designed to keep up with every celebration. Its massive 7,000mAh battery, 33W fast charging and 120Hz display make it a dependable companion for festive days filled with photographs, conversations and entertainment. Its distinctive dual-tone design adds a stylish touch to the celebrations.

Diwali price: INR 15,999*

 

2. Ai+ Pulse 2 FE: For Everyday Diwali Moments

From coordinating plans with friends to capturing moments between rangoli and rounds of mithai, the Ai+ Pulse 2 FE covers everyday smartphone essentials. It features a 50MP rear camera, a 5,000mAh battery and a 120Hz display, making it a practical pick for daily use throughout the festive season.

Diwali price: INR 8,999

 

3. Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra 5G: For Those Who Like to Stand Out

Every Diwali has its picture-perfect moments, from sparkling lights to that special group photograph with loved ones. The Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra 5G features a 50MP main camera with OIS for clearer photographs with reduced blur, while its vibrant 1.5K AMOLED display brings those festive memories to life. Powered by the Dimensity 7400 processor, it combines smooth everyday performance with standout design for those who love capturing celebrations in detail.

Diwali price: INR 18,999*

 

4. Ai+ Nova 2 Pro 5G: For Every Moment of Celebration

Diwali comes with endless plans, conversations and moments to share. Whether it is coordinating celebrations, capturing festive photographs or staying connected with friends, the Ai+ Nova 2 Pro 5G is designed to keep everything running smoothly. Powered by the Dimensity 7100 processor, it delivers a responsive everyday experience so you can focus on enjoying the festivities.

Diwali price: INR 16,999*

 

5. Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G: For the Everyday Upgrader

For those looking to upgrade to 5G this Diwali, the Ai+ Nova 2 Neo 5G brings together everyday performance and camera capabilities. Its Dimensity 6300 processor and Sony IMX582 camera sensor make it a well-rounded option for users who want to stay connected, capture memories and enjoy their daily apps.

Diwali price: INR 12,499

 

6.Ai+ Nova 2 5G: For Sharing the Joy of Diwali

From festive greetings and photographs to everyday conversations, it is the little connections that make celebrations meaningful. The Ai+ Nova 2 5G brings together a 6,000mAh battery, 50MP AI camera and dual 5G connectivity, offering dependable everyday performance and value for money. A thoughtful upgrade for those who want to stay connected and make the most of every festive moment.

Diwali price: INR 11,999

 

7. Ai+ NovaTab 5G: For Moments Best Enjoyed Together

Whether it is watching a favourite film together, revisiting festive photographs or enjoying some downtime after the celebrations, some moments deserve a bigger screen. The Ai+ NovaTab 5G features an 11.97-inch display and an 8,000mAh battery for extended entertainment and everyday use. Its 13MP primary camera and 8MP secondary camera support video calls and everyday photography. Available in Dark Blue and Cinnamon Brown, it brings together functionality and style.

Diwali price: INR 20,499*

 

8. Ai+ PulseTab: For Entertainment That Brings Everyone Together

From festive movie nights to sharing videos and enjoying favourite shows, Diwali is also about slowing down and spending time together. The Ai+ PulseTab features a 10.95-inch Full HD display, an 8,000mAh battery and quad speakers for an engaging entertainment experience. With a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, it also supports everyday photography and video calls. Available in Lightest Sky, it is a versatile choice for entertainment, learning and everyday needs.

Diwali price: INR 12,499*

 

Make This Diwali Count with Ai+

The beauty of Diwali lies in the moments we share, the laughter, the togetherness and the memories that stay with us long after the lights fade. This festive season, Ai+ Smartphone brings a range of smartphones and tablets designed to help you stay connected, capture memories and enjoy more moments together.

 

With festive offers on Flipkart, shoppers can explore the Nova and Pulse series and find a device that suits their needs and budget.

 

*Prices inclusive of applicable bank offers, where specified. Offers are subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions.

Azim Premji Foundation Launches Social Startups Programme

The Azim Premji Foundation has launched a Social Startups Programme to support development sector professionals in setting up and leading civil society organisations that address the needs of underserved communities.
 

Azim Premji Foundation Launches Social Startups Programme


Many professionals have years of experience working with communities and understand their challenges but lack the financial support and guidance to start organisations of their own. The programme aims to bridge this gap by providing financial assistance, guidance and learning opportunities to help them build locally rooted organisations.
 

Rajib Ghosh, Head – Philanthropy, Azim Premji Foundation, said, “We need more organisations working at the grassroots, especially in underserved areas. Many experienced professionals understand the challenges communities face and want to contribute more. This programme aims to help them take that step and build organisations of their own. This is distinct from the Foundation’s regular grants programme that supports existing, registered organisations (both mature and more recently early-stage).”

The first cohort will include ~100 participants across four geographies: Odisha, North-East India, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bengaluru Urban. The areas of work supported will include rural livelihoods, health, youth, mental health, disability, children’s welfare, well-being of Adivasi communities, work in urban informal settlements including creches and community sanitation, and welfare rights.

Who can apply
Applicants must be below 40 years of age, have a graduate degree and at least three years of ground-level development sector experience. They should intend to set up and lead a new civil society organisation, be willing to relocate and make a long-term commitment to their chosen geography. Those who have already registered an organisation are not eligible.

Programme structure and support
The programme has two phases. In the first, an eight-month seeding phase, participants will receive financial support to work with communities, understand local needs and develop their organisations. They will also receive guidance on registration, governance and statutory compliances.

At the end of this phase, participants are expected to have registered their organisations. They can then submit a grant proposal for evaluation. Those who meet the programme’s criteria may receive a two-year seed grant to establish and strengthen their work.

Applications and selection

Applications are open from 1 November to 31 December 2026. The selection process includes eligibility screening, document review, a statement of purpose, an online interview and an in-person panel discussion.

The eight-month seeding phase will begin on 1 April 2027. Participants will be assessed in November–December 2027 for progression to the grant phase.
 

To know more about the programme, eligibility and application process, visit:
azimpremjifoundation.org/who-we-are/how-we-are-organised/grants/social-startups-programme/

 

About Azim Premji Foundation

Azim Premji Foundation works towards a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. The Foundation works across education, health and other areas of social development. It partners with governments, institutions, civil society organisations and communities across India.