Hi-Tech Radiators, a global manufacturer of transformer radiators and tanks, has appointed Gaurav Vani as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective July 2026. With over 16 years of strategic finance leadership experience across Indian and international operations, Vani will lead the Group’s financial strategy as Hi-Tech Radiators strengthens its operations in India and expands its international footprint.

Gaurav Vani – Group CFO – Hi-Tech Radiators Pvt. Ltd.

In his new role, Vani will oversee financial planning and performance, capital allocation, funding, governance, compliance and enterprise risk management, while driving the integration of systems and processes across the Group. He will also lead digital transformation and AI-enabled finance initiatives to enhance financial visibility and enable data-driven decision-making across business units and geographies.

Prior to joining Hi-Tech Radiators, Vani served as Group Finance Head at Soujanya Color Private Limited, where he held multiple leadership roles over more than 13 years. At Hi-Tech Radiators, he will focus on strengthening financial processes, governance and capital allocation as the company evaluates new business and expansion opportunities.

Kartik Daftari, Managing Director & CEO, Hi-Tech Radiators, said, “Gaurav’s strong financial expertise and strategic perspective make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. As our business becomes increasingly global, his experience will be important in strengthening financial discipline, improving visibility and supporting more informed decision-making across the organisation. We look forward to his contribution as we continue to build a more agile and future-ready business.”

Gaurav Vani, Group CFO, Hi-Tech Radiators, said, “I am excited to join Hi-Tech Radiators at an important stage in its journey. The company has established a strong presence in the transformer components industry and is well positioned to build on this momentum across India and international markets. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to support the company’s strategic priorities and contribute to long-term value creation.”

About Hi – Tech Radiators Pvt. Ltd.

Since 1989, Hi-Tech Radiators has established itself as a trusted leader in the global transformer industry, specializing in the manufacture of high-quality transformer radiators and tanks. With a strong commitment to excellence, their products meet the highest standards expected by both domestic and international markets. An ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 18001, and ISO 3834-2004 certified company, Hi-Tech Radiators collaborates with major transformer manufacturers worldwide, proudly serving as a government-certified export house.

With 60% of radiator production and 90% of tank production exported to over 36 countries, they have a strong global footprint. Their state-of-the-art hot-dip galvanizing facility reflects their commitment to innovation and quality. Hi-Tech has actively participated in industry-leading exhibitions, including CWIEME Berlin and IEEE Denver, showcasing its expertise on an international platform.

Website Link: www.hitechradiators.com.

A new study strengthens the case for EVs on emissions. But in India, the winning argument may be less about saving the planet and more about making electric cars genuinely easy and appealing to own.

VinFast is also trying to tackle the less glamorous part of EV ownership: everything that happens after the keys are handed over

A new study in the journal Science gives the electric-car pitch a fresh twist: replacing a functioning gasoline car with an EV can cut lifetime emissions even before the old car reaches the end of its useful life.

Previously, the usual argument against early EV replacement has been fairly intuitive: if the gasoline car is already built, why create another manufacturing footprint just to replace it? The new research’s counter: the carbon cost of making an EV can be repaid by its lower emissions during operation.

In their representative US SUV scenario, replacing the combustion vehicle in its second year cut cumulative emissions over a 16-year period by 44 percent, with the EV’s manufacturing “carbon debt” paid back in three years. Across the study’s modeled vehicle scenarios, 92% produced a net emissions reduction, while fleet-average assumptions delivered a 58 percent benefit.

The researchers put the underlying point rather neatly: “electrifying vehicle powertrains provides an order-of-magnitude-larger reduction in use-phase emissions” than replacing an old ICE vehicle with a newer ICE vehicle. They ultimately found “large carbon mitigation benefits across a wide range of scenarios,” although the outcome still depends on vehicle efficiency, battery-production emissions and the electricity grid.

The study no doubt strengthens the case for switching from a gas-guzzling vehicle to a new EV for environmental reasons. But alas, in emerging markets like India, an EV brand that leans too heavily on that narrative will certainly fail. Indian customers are practical people and naturally seek practical mode of transportation. They are unlikely to buy a vehicle simply because it helps reduce their personal carbon footprint. A car is transport, technology, a status symbol, family space and, increasingly, an extension of personal identity.

For EVs, that makes the proposition less “save the planet” and more “this happens to make sense.” OEMs should emphasize benefits such as lower running costs, quieter driving, instant torque, connected features and the ability to charge at home to turn electrification into a lifestyle upgrade rather than an environmental sacrifice.

The economics can be compelling, too. For example, VinFast’s India portfolio includes the VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs, alongside the seven-seat VF MPV 7. The latter is listed at INR 2.449 million, or about INR 24.49 lakh, before incentives. Its comparison with a comparable gas-powered vehicle showed a significantly lower five-year ownership cost, even before counting free charging. 

VinFast is also trying to tackle the less glamorous part of EV ownership: everything that happens after the keys are handed over.

It offers free charging at V-Green stations through March 31, 2029, alongside free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 km. Customers switching from an ICE vehicle can also receive cash support ranging from INR 138,000 for the VF 6 Earth to INR 214,000 for the VF 7 Sky Infinity, with INR 196,000 available for the VF MPV 7.

Then comes the ecosystem. VinFast recently inaugurated its 60th retail outlet in India, with plans to establish 75 dealerships across more than 60 cities by the end of 2026.

Charging-wise, VinFast’s strategic partner V-Green and HPCL are working to deploy EV chargers nationwide. V-Green has also partnered with RoadGrid to accelerate fast-charging deployment at fuel stations, smart cities and other high-demand locations.

The bigger point is that India’s EV transition will probably be won in the details. Cleaner driving is the headline benefit, but cheaper running, useful range, easy charging, accessible service and a car that feels desirable are what can turn curiosity into ownership.

The greenest car, in other words, may increasingly be the one people actually want to drive.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: wwwvinfastauto.in.

Whatfix, the global leader in agentic digital adoption platforms (DAPs) for enterprises, today announced that Co-founder Vara Kumar has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Vara succeeds his late co-founder, Khadim Batti, following his sudden passing on September 1, 2026.

Vara Kumar – Co-founder and CEO, Whatfix

Since co-founding Whatfix alongside Batti in 2014, Vara has served as the architect of the company’s product and research strategy, guiding its expansion from an early-stage startup into a global leader in digital adoption serving Fortune 500 companies globally. As CEO, Vara will lead the company’s next phase of growth while preserving the core values and customer-centric culture established since its founding.

“Khadim was a visionary leader, a partner, and a dear friend,” said Vara Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Whatfix. “Over the past twelve years, we built Whatfix on a shared conviction that technology should empower people, not stand in their way. As I step into the role of CEO, our executive leadership team and I remain deeply committed to realizing that vision, supporting our global customers and partners, and building an enduring enterprise anchored in strong fundamentals.”

Under the unified leadership of Vara and the executive team, supported by the board, Whatfix continues to operate seamlessly across all regions, supporting its global customer base, technology partner ecosystem, and workforce.

About Whatfix

Whatfix is the AI-native Digital Adoption Platform built for the modern enterprise. It helps organizations close the adoption gap by enabling users to use software effectively in the flow of work, while providing visibility into where users struggle.

Whatfix delivers an AI-native platform that combines digital adoption, analytics, simulation training, and intelligent agents to help enterprises realize value from technology investments faster. Powered by AI and ScreenSense™, the platform understands user context and intent to provide real-time guidance, automate support, identify friction points, and drive continuous process optimization. This enables organizations to accelerate adoption, improve productivity, strengthen compliance, and unlock greater returns from enterprise software and AI initiatives.

Trusted by 600 enterprises globally, including 80+ Fortune 500 companies such as Shell, Schneider Electric, Mercedes Benz, Heineken, and UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Whatfix helps organizations accelerate software adoption, improve productivity, and maximize the value of digital transformation and AI investments. With a global presence spanning North America, UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Australia, Whatfix serves leading enterprises across some of the world’s most complex and regulated industries. Backed by investors including Warburg Pincus, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Dragoneer, Peak XV Partners, Eight Roads, and Cisco Investments, software clicks with Whatfix.

For more information, visit the Whatfix website.

Equitas Small Finance Bank today announced the launch of When Organisations Win – Governance, Trust and the Values of Equitas Small Finance Bank, a book that explores what enables organisations to build trust, create sustainable value and remain resilient over the long term.

Equitas Small Finance Bank launched the book ‘When Organisations Win’ today (7 September 2026) at Equitas Towers, Chennai

Authored by Dr CA Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh, CFO, business and leadership coach, author, speaker and Independent Director, the book takes readers inside the governance journey of Equitas Small Finance Bank through conversations with P N Vasudevan, Managing Director & Founder, Equitas Small Finance Bank.

The book looks beyond governance as a set of rules, regulations and compliance requirements. It explores governance as a way of thinking, behaving and making choices, particularly when organisations face difficult decisions, competing priorities and evolving risks.

At the heart of the book is the Frames Approach to Governance, under which Equitas looks at governance through frames. The approach encourages organisations to identify different frames of governance, work out different action plans under each frame, leading to a dynamic governance model.

The book explores several frames of governance, including Board-management alignment, sensitivity to regulatory signals, communication with the RBI, learning from others’ mistakes, customer-centric governance, business model, credit risk, technology, operational controls, investor relationships, ethical leadership and impact on society.

Through conversations with Vasu, the book also brings alive experiences and decisions from Equitas’ journey, right from its early days as a microfinance institution to its evolution into a Small Finance Bank. It highlights how governance considerations have influenced business decisions along the way.

Speaking about the book, P N Vasudevan, Managing Director & Founder, Equitas Small Finance Bank, said,“Governance is not a destination. It is a continuous journey. As an organisation evolves, its governance framework also needs to evolve. The Frames approach has helped us look at governance from multiple frames and continuously challenge ourselves to do better. We hope to keep evolving our governance model in tune with the changing times”.

When does an organisation win?

The book explores whether winning is simply about growth, profitability and business performance or whether organisational success must also encompass trust, integrity, responsible leadership, customer interest and the ability to create lasting value for society.

According to Dr CA Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh, Author of When Organisations Win,“My journey with Equitas began with curiosity. Small experiences made me wonder about the governance philosophy behind the organisation. When Equitas invited me to write this book, I saw an opportunity to explore that curiosity more deeply through conversations with Mr Vasudevan and by understanding the Bank’s governance journey. What emerged was a perspective on governance not merely as rules and compliance, but as choices, values and behaviours.

Through this journey, I realised that governance comes alive in the choices an organisation makes, especially when doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching. It is not necessarily the easiest thing to do. When Organisations Win encourages leaders to look at governance through a wider lens and reflect on what it could mean in their own organisations.”

The “WOW” behind When Organisations Win

The idea captures the aspiration behind the book: organisations that create a positive impact and earn the trust of their stakeholders should be capable of making people say “WOW.” And that is possible when the foundations of governance, values, and responsible leadership are consistently chosen.

When Organisations Win is intended for business leaders, Board members, Independent Directors, bankers, investors, students, aspiring leaders and anyone interested in understanding corporate governance beyond compliance.

The Equitas experience is presented as one journey and one approach, intended to stimulate reflection, questioning and learning among organisations and leaders.The book concludes, stating, “The journey does not end here. It continues with every decision, every conversation, and every choice to do the right thing.”

About the Book

WHEN ORGANISATIONS WIN

Governance, Trust and the Values of Equitas Small Finance Bank

Author: Dr CA Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh
Published by: Notion Press
Launch Date: 7^th September 2026
Available at: Amazon / Publisher / Other platforms

About the Author

Dr CA Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh is a CFO turned Business and Leadership Coach, Author, Speaker and Independent Director on Corporate Boards, with over three decades of professional experience. She has held senior corporate leadership positions and serves on the Boards of companies across sectors.

She is the author of five books and works with organisations and leaders to drive purpose, performance and profits.

• A Thoughtful Celebration of the Architects of Tomorrow

• Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan and Hon’ble Mr. Justice J.K. Maheshwari (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India) inspire young India to lead with courage, character and conviction

On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, Tathastu ICS hosted GURU SAMVAD 2026, a distinguished gathering dedicated to honouring the teachers and mentors who shape young minds and contribute to nation-building. The programme brought together eminent educators, civil servants, entrepreneurs and thought leaders in a meaningful dialogue with Gen Z, encouraging young India to participate thoughtfully in building an empowered and inclusive future.

GURU SAMVAD Tathastu ICS

The institute was deeply honoured to welcome Shri Chirag Paswan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, as Chief Guest, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, as Guest of Honour. The occasion was further graced by over 100 distinguished dignitaries — serving and retired IAS and IPS officers, entrepreneurs, academicians and teachers, including N.N.D. Dubey (Former Deputy Inspector General of the Border Security Force)  , Shri K.C. Jain  (Retired  Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax) and Shri Hemant Jain (Group Managing Director of the KLJ Group of Companies), Shri Rakesh Asthana (Retired IPS- Former Police Commissioner of Delhi),  Ms. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari (IAS-Principal Secretary, Food Processing) — who interacted freely with students through the day.

Addressing the gathering, Justice J.K. Maheshwari said India’s greatest asset is not merely its demographic strength but the character of its young citizens, and urged students to build their lives on discipline and integrity. Constitutional values, he reminded them, are living principles carried into one’s profession, family and community. He also placed the teacher at the centre of this journey, noting that behind every upright citizen stands a guru.

Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan connected with students through the lessons of his own life journey. Adversity, he said, is not an interruption in life’s plan but an essential part of it — difficult phases forge character, teach patience and reveal the depth of one’s resolve. A setback, he emphasised, is only a pause, never a full stop. Speaking on how to face harsh conditions, he urged students to hold on to clarity of purpose, consistency of effort and the courage to begin again, adding that as India moves towards Viksit Bharat, the nation needs youth who are not only capable but resilient.

Hosting the programme, Dr. Tanu Jain, ex-Civil Servant, Founder of Tathastu ICS and author, celebrated a generation achieving extraordinary things at a very young age — clearing one of the world’s toughest examinations in their early twenties and building enterprises. Talent, she said, does not wait for age; what students need is the right direction, structured guidance and an ecosystem that believes in them.

She highlighted how Tathastu ICS is built on one conviction — that a student should never have to choose between a degree and a dream. Its Integrated BA + UPSC (three-year), MA + UPSC and MBA + UPSC programmes, along with its GS Foundation Programmes, allow students to complete their graduation while building a strong, syllabus-aligned foundation in General Studies, Optional subjects, answer writing and personality development — saving precious years and giving aspirants a well-prepared mind by the time they graduate.

The programme also featured panel discussions, an interactive session with students and cultural performances, closing with the felicitation of teachers and a shared resolve — that as India walks towards Viksit Bharat, it will walk on the strength of its teachers and the courage of its youth.

About Tathastu ICS

Tathastu ICS is a leading Civil Services preparation institute founded by Dr. Tanu Jain, ex-Civil Servant and author, with campuses in New Delhi, Greater Noida and Indore. Known for its Integrated BA + UPSC, MA + UPSC and MBA + UPSC programmes and its Foundation courses, the institute has mentored 5,000+ aspirants, with 400+ selections through various programmes.

For more information, please visit tathastuics.com

There are moments in the evolution of a medical specialty when a conference becomes more than a conference. It becomes a statement. A landmark global gathering in Mumbai is more than a medical conference. It reflects how far Emergency Medicine in India has travelled and where it must go next.

– By Dr Sandeep B. Gore, Director – Emergency Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai & Organising Chairman, EMCON 2026.

For Emergency Medicine in India, EMCON 2026 in Mumbai is one such moment. From October 30 to November 1, 2026, emergency physicians, global leaders, researchers, nurses, paramedics, educators, innovators and healthcare administrators will gather at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake for the 28th National Conference of the Society for Emergency Medicine India which is all set to become biggest ever international academic event in Emergency Medicine in India. EMCON returns to Mumbai after 12 years, with more than 2,000 delegates, 300+ national faculty members and 50+ international faculty members expected.
 

Fortis Hospital Mulund’s Dr Sandeep Gore (centre) with young EM fraternity in Mumbai

But numbers alone do not explain why this meeting matters. Its real significance lies in what they represent: the coming of age of Emergency Medicine in India.
 

Not very long ago, emergency care in many Indian hospitals was considered a transit point, a place where patients arrived before being referred to a physician, surgeon or intensivist. That world is changing.
 

The modern Emergency Medicine Department is a clinical command centre.
 

A patient with a blocked coronary artery cannot wait. A stroke cannot wait. Septic shock cannot wait. Polytrauma cannot wait. A compromised airway certainly cannot wait. In those first few minutes, there is often no complete diagnosis and no luxury of time. The emergency physician must recognise physiological collapse, establish priorities, initiate resuscitation, use bedside diagnostics, mobilise multidisciplinary teams and make decisions whose consequences may last a lifetime.
 

That is why I have always believed that Emergency Medicine is both the art of rapidly evaluating undifferentiated patients and transforming those presentations into decisive action, and the science of mastering resuscitation.
 

That philosophy lies at the heart of EMCON 2026. Our theme, “Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence in Emergency Medicine,” reflects a simple belief: excellence in Emergency Medicine begins with excellence in resuscitation.
 

And resuscitation excellence cannot be built by doctors alone. It requires nurses, paramedics, pre-hospital systems, hospital leadership, policymakers, researchers, technology, industry and collaboration with the global Emergency Medicine community.
 

Bringing the world to Mumbai

EMCON 2026 reflects how Indian Emergency Medicine is increasingly becoming part of the global conversation. The conference will bring together leaders from apex international Emergency Medicine organisations including the Dr Ian Higginsin – President of Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), Dr L. Antony Cirillo, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), Dr Pauline Convocar – President of the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) and Dr Julina Md Noor – President of the World Interactive Network Focused on Critical Ultrasound (WINFOCUS) as keynote speakers.
 

Another keynote is particularly meaningful to me. Padma Shri Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar represents something profoundly Indian in medicine: the ability of meticulous bedside observation, scientific curiosity and perseverance to solve problems affecting patients far away from sophisticated academic centres. His pioneering work in scorpion envenomation reminds us that innovation does not always begin inside an expensive laboratory. Sometimes, it begins beside a critically ill patient in rural India.
 

Learning beyond the conference hall

We did not want learning to begin on October 30. So, we took EMCON beyond the main conference. The 28 pre-conference workshops across institutions and cities cover skills that define contemporary Emergency Medicine, including Point of Care Ultrasound in Emergency Medicine POCUS in EM, Crisis airway management, Mechanical Ventilation in ED, Toxicology, advanced resuscitative simulation, artificial intelligence, Maternal arrest resuscitation, Resuscitative thoracotomy in ED, Clinical Governance in EM, high-reliability Emergency Departments, ECPR in ED bootcamps & Frontline ER (Workshop for paramedics).
 

The lesson is straightforward: Emergency Medicine cannot be learnt only from a podium. It’s a hands-on discipline.
 

Emergency Medicine – Mastering the resuscitation

Emergency Medicine is no longer a new discipline in India. It has become one of the most decisive front doors of modern healthcare. Over the last couple of years, I have personally visited around 100 Emergency Medicine Departments across India and personally interacted with hundreds of Emergency Physicians across different states, institutions and healthcare systems government as well as private. The infrastructure varies. Resources vary. Patient volumes vary enormously. But one thing has become increasingly clear to me. The identity of Indian Emergency Medicine is becoming stronger. And at the centre of that identity is resuscitation.
 

I often ask a simple question: What are Emergency Physicians masters of?

My answer is equally simple. We are masters of resuscitation.

That does not mean merely performing CPR or managing cardiac arrest. Modern resuscitation begins much earlier. It is the ability to recognize physiological deterioration before collapse, understand why a patient is unstable, intervene rapidly, reassess continuously and change treatment based on the patient’s evolving physiology. This is where Emergency Medicine has changed dramatically. Point-of-care testing (POCT) and Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in Emergency Medicine has brought critical diagnostics closer to the bedside. Blood gases, lactate, cardiac biomarkers, ketones and other parameters can now influence decisions within minutes.

Resuscitative Point-of-Care Ultrasound has perhaps been one of the most transformative additions to Emergency Medicine. The Emergency Physician can assess cardiac function, lung pathology, volume status, internal bleeding and haemodynamic response during active resuscitation itself and can observe real time reversal of disease.

The clinical question is no longer simply: “Is the blood pressure low?” The better question is: Why is it low, and what does this patient need now?

Does the patient need fluid?

A vasopressor?

Inotropy?

Blood?

Drainage of a tamponade?

Relief of tension pneumothorax?

Immediate reperfusion?

That shift from generic resuscitation towards physiology-guided, patient-specific treatment represents the high end of Emergency Medicine today.

I describe it as Precision Emergency Resuscitation.

Preparing for the Emergency Department of tomorrow

Medicine is entering an extraordinary period of transformation. Artificial intelligence, digital health, point-of-care diagnostics, advanced ultrasound, simulation and extracorporeal resuscitation are expanding what can be achieved during the earliest minutes of illness.
 

But technology is not the destination. Better outcomes are.
 

Innovation without systems creates impressive technology. Innovation integrated into systems saves lives. This distinction is important because the future of Emergency Medicine will depend not only on what technology can do, but on whether we build the teams, training and systems required to use it effectively.

India needs an emergency-care ecosystem

The larger conversation therefore extends beyond EMCON.
 

India needs to think of emergency care as an ecosystem. Our next challenge is to build systems that can deliver the right care, at the right place, in the shortest possible time, whether an emergency occurs in Mumbai or in a small-town hundreds of kilometres from a tertiary hospital.
 

I have previously described the Emergency Department as the front door of a hospital. Increasingly, it is becoming something more: the point at which the preparedness of the entire healthcare system is tested.
 

Mumbai – the natural home for this moment. There could perhaps be no more appropriate city for this gathering than Mumbai. Mumbai understands emergencies. It understands speed, uncertainty, resilience and teamwork. In many ways, it mirrors Emergency Medicine itself relentless, responsive and resilient.
 

When thousands of emergency-care professionals gather here, I hope we do more than exchange scientific knowledge. I hope we ask difficult questions.

How do we make every Emergency Department safer?

How do we bring advanced resuscitation closer to every Indian?

How do we strengthen pre-hospital care?

How do we train the next generation differently?

How do we use AI without losing clinical judgement?

How do we move from individual excellence to reliable systems?
 

And ultimately: How many more lives can Indian Emergency Medicine save over the next decade? That is the real agenda of EMCON 2026.
 

This is not just a conference. It is a calling.
 

EMCON 2026 will be hosted from 30 October to 1 November 2026 at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Mumbai.

A new report by Aspire For Her and Shaadi.org reveals a sobering reality: marriage and motherhood remain the leading reasons why millions of Indian women are forced to leave the workforce, with only a fraction ever returning. Despite rising education levels and aspirations, entrenched social norms and systemic barriers continue to lock women out of economic participation, costing India dearly in lost talent and productivity.

National Crisis: The Numbers Behind the Exodus

• 50% of working mothers in India quit their jobs by age 30, with marriage and motherhood as the primary triggers.

• Only 27% of women who take a career break ever return to work, highlighting a massive loss of female talent.

• ~7 million women are actively seeking to return to the workforce right now.

• India ranks 131 out of 148 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index (2025), placing it among the bottom five for economic participation.

• 129:1 — the ratio of applications per seat in a leading returnship program, underscoring the pent-up demand for re-entry opportunities.

“This report puts numbers to what we see every day: the life event around which most women’s careers quietly pause.” – AFH x Shaadi.org “The Great Indian Return” Report, 2026

State-by-State: Where the Exodus Is Most Acute

While the crisis is national, its intensity varies sharply across states. Data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2022-23 and 2023-24, combined with secondary analyses, reveal stark contrasts:

• National Female LFPR: 37% (2022-23), up from 25% in 2017-18.

• 43.04% of women nationally cite household duties as the main reason for not working.

Are Indian Women Marrying Later? The Marriage Age Shift

The average age at first marriage for Indian women is rising, reflecting gradual social change:

Average age of women at marriage (years)

• Trend: The national average age at marriage has increased from 18.7 years in 1991 to 22.1 years today.

• Urban women are marrying later than rural women, with the highest ages in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

The Barriers: Why Women Don’t Return

Despite rising aspirations, women face formidable obstacles to workforce re-entry:

• Hiring Penalty: Women with a career break face a 24 percentage point lower chance of being hired than men with similar qualifications.

• Marriage Reduces Participation: Marriage alone reduces women’s labour force participation by 12 percentage points; childbirth by a further 4 points.

• Attrition After Marriage: 13% of employed women leave their jobs after marriage.

• Childcare & Flexibility: Lack of reliable childcare and flexible work options are major deterrents.

• Mobility Restrictions: Many women become “trailing spouses,” relocating for their husband’s career and losing their own job prospects.

• Social Stigma: Persistent cultural expectations push women to prioritize family over career.

• Maternity Penalty: Women face lower pay, missed promotions, and stigma after maternity leave.

Key Finding:
Marriage and motherhood remain the dominant reasons for women’s workforce exit in India, especially in states with traditional gender norms. While the average age at marriage is rising, systemic barriers — from employer bias to lack of childcare — continue to lock millions of women out of economic opportunity.

Call to Action

Through The Great Indian Pause Report, we aim to spotlight the barriers that force millions of women out of the workforce and build momentum for solutions that enable their return. The Great Indian Pause forms part of the #HerIndependence campaign by Aspire For Her and Shaadi.org, an initiative dedicated to advancing women’s economic independence and workforce participation. Aspire For Her and Shaadi.org urge employers, policymakers, and families to:

• Create structured returnship programs to help women re-enter the workforce.

• Promote flexible work and childcare support to retain female talent.

• Challenge social norms and stigma around women’s careers and career breaks.

• Enforce pay parity and anti-discrimination policies for women returning after marriage or motherhood.

“The Great Indian Pause can become the Great Indian Return — if we open the door.”

• Contributes to the broader economic value chain – from responsibly sourcing to supporting local farmers to Manufacturing at Amway India’s state-of-the-art facility in Tamil Nadu, advancing the Make in India vision

• Launches range of new Ayurveda products under Nutrilite Ayurveda portfolio

• Aims to build Nutrilite Ayurveda into a INR 100 crore category over the next two years

• Nutrilite Ayurveda combines 5,000 Years of Ayurveda Wisdom with 90 Years of Nutrilite Botanical Science  

In a decisive move aligned with India’s nation-building priorities and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Amway India, a leading health and wellbeing company, today announced a landmark strategic push into Ayurveda with the launch of Nutrilite Ayurveda. The launch represents more than an expansion of Amway India’s wellness portfolio. It is an opportunity to contribute to the broader economic value chain around Ayurveda in India – from responsibly sourced botanicals and local agriculture to manufacturing, scientific research, innovation and employment. Driven by the growing consumer demand for plant-based, preventive healthcare, and supported by Government of India’s sustained focus on strengthening the AYUSH ecosystem, the company unveiled nine new Ayurveda innovations under the portfolio. Bringing together more than 90 years of Nutrilite’s botanical science expertise with a decade of local manufacturing capabilities, Amway India is combining the time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda with modern scientific validation creating a wellness proposition that is Made in India, for India, with the potential to take India’s traditional wellness to the world.

Amway India launches ‘Nutrilite Ayurveda’

Speaking to the media at the launch, Mr Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, Amway India, said, “India is witnessing a significant transformation in traditional wellness, driven by the Government of India’s visionary focus on strengthening the AYUSH ecosystem and advancing Ayurveda as an integral part of the country’s health and wellbeing landscape is creating a robust foundation for Ayurveda to thrive in India and gain greater relevance on the global stage. Furthermore, as India strengthens its capabilities in Ayurveda-led innovation and manufacturing, this growing ecosystem has the potential to create new economic opportunities, strengthen India’s capabilities and support its emergence as a globally relevant hub for traditional wellness. This momentum aligns seamlessly with Amway India’s next chapter of growth and our ambition to contribute meaningfully to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Reflecting our confidence in the immense potential of Ayurveda, we aim to build Nutrilite Ayurveda into a INR 100 crore category over the next two years. With our deep expertise in nutrition with more than 90 years of Nutrilite’s botanical science legacy and scientific validation, Amway India is uniquely positioned to contribute the India’s strategic roadmap for Ayurveda.”  

“Today’s consumers are increasingly embracing Ayurveda as an everyday choice for wellness; but they also seek the transparency, consistency and scientific validation they expect from modern wellness products. At Nutrilite, we believe trust is at the heart of what we offer. For Nutrilite Ayurveda, ‘Every Herb Has a Story. We Make Sure It’s True’ is more than a promise. It reflects our commitment to ensuring the quality and traceability of every botanical we offer to consumers so they can embrace Ayurveda with greater confidence,” he further added.

The first phase of roll-out will introduce three Ayurveda formulations, Kalamegha, formulated to support healthy liver function; Shigru (moringa), which helps reduce extra fat deposition and inflammation; and Vrikshamla (garcinia), aimed at improving metabolism and satiety.

Today’s consumers have shifted from a reactive to a proactive approach to health and wellbeing, and demand complete transparency regarding ingredient sourcing, efficacy, and authenticity. Thus, at the heart of this portfolio is Nutrilite, which for more than 90 years has brought together the best of nature and science. With Nutrilite Ayurveda, this legacy meets the time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda to address a critical whitespace in the category: the growing need for greater trust, transparency and credibility.

The portfolio is built on authentic Ayurvedic botanicals responsibly sourced from organically cultivated Nutricert-certified farms, reflecting Nutrilite’s enduring commitment to sustainable agriculture and responsible sourcing. Backed by Nutrilite’s R&D expertise and scientific validation, every formulation is supported by Nutrilite’s rigorous quality processes, including DNA Fingerprinting, Active Ingredient Testing and Seed-to-Supplement Traceability, delivering authenticity, consistency and transparency. The products also undergo comprehensive, multi-step testing for contaminants, heavy metals, microbiological safety and consistency of key marker compounds, going beyond basic regulatory requirements to deliver the quality, authenticity and consistency consumers expect from Nutrilite. The portfolio also comprises AYUSH-registered formulations, reinforcing Amway India’s commitment to developing products in line with the applicable regulatory framework while giving consumers greater confidence in the quality and authenticity of what they choose.

The launch builds on the company’s earlier introduction of Nutrilite Chyawanprash in the category. Nutrilite Ayurveda is built on the idea of validating time-honoured Ayurvedic formulations through the same rigorous, science-backed approach that has defined Nutrilite for decades. Priced at an MRP of INR 449/-, INR 651/-, and INR 449/-, Kalamegha, Shigru and Vrikshamla respectively⁽¹⁾ , will be available from 8^th September 2026, across all Amway-authorised channels, through Amway Business Owners/Distributors, Amway stores and at www.amway.in.

About Amway India

Amway India, one of the leading FMCG Direct Selling companies supporting health and wellbeing, is an ultimate wholly owned subsidiary of Amway Corporation (Alticor Global Holdings Inc), USA, the world’s #1 direct-selling company. Globally, Amway is a 65+ years old, US $7.3 billion, manufacturer and direct seller of quality consumer goods. Amway’s innovation and industry-leading R&D have seen more than 750 global patents granted and a few more patents pending. Amway has more than 800 scientists, engineers, and technical professionals who extend its innovation and science capabilities to deliver global, regional, and local product research and development.

Amway India sells close to 140 daily-use products across categories like Nutrition, Beauty, Personal Care, Home Care and Consumer durables through Amway Direct Selling Partners who make personal recommendations regarding the use of distinctive quality products. Amway products are widely recognized and appreciated for their quality and value. These products are backed by a money-back guarantee for 100% satisfaction of use.

Amway’s first manufacturing facility in India, located at Nilakotai in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, has won the prestigious LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council as one of the most environment-friendly and sustainable facilities in the country.

Amway products are popular not just in India but across the world. Nutrilite, the world’s No. 1 selling vitamins and dietary supplement brand⁽²⁾, has established itself as a leading brand in the vitamins and dietary supplements category in India as well. The company also offers a range of beauty & skincare products under Artistry Skin Nutrition™, which is a blend of Artistry skin science and Nutrilite expertise, infused with Nutrilite ingredients that are clean and traceable.

(1) Kalmegha priced at Rs 449 for 30 tabs, Shigru priced at Rs 651/- for 60 tabs and Vrikshamla priced at Rs 449/- for 30 tabs

(2) gdretail.net/amway-claims/#claim1

• The cruise line offers Indian guests a wide choice of holidays across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, South America, Southern Africa and Asia

• MSC World Asia, MSC Cruises’ highly anticipated new World Class ship, will sail the Western Mediterranean from December 2026
   

MSC Cruises is highlighting the breadth of its global cruise offering for Indian travellers, bringing together a wide choice of itineraries, modern ships and onboard experiences designed for guests looking to discover multiple destinations in one seamless holiday.
 

MSC World Asia
 

As demand for new international holiday experiences continues to evolve in India, cruising offers travellers a compelling way to combine destination discovery, entertainment, dining and relaxation, all while unpacking only once. With itineraries including across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, MSC Cruises provides a broad portfolio of holidays for families, couples, groups of friends and multi-generational travellers.
 

Guests sailing with MSC Cruises can choose from a wide range of experiences on board, including international dining, live entertainment, dedicated kids’ clubs, wellness and fitness facilities, family activities and accommodation options for different travel styles. The line’s exclusive MSC Yacht Club offers a premium “ship-within-a-ship” experience with dedicated areas, 24-hour butler and concierge service, private facilities and elevated comfort.
 

For Indian guests, MSC Cruises offers access to a diverse portfolio of itineraries across five continents, with sailings in some of the world’s most sought-after cruise regions. This global choice is supported by an extensive network of international embarkation ports and fly-cruise options, allowing travellers to select the holiday experience that best suits their plans.
 

Norbert Stiekema, Executive Director Global Sales, MSC Cruises, said, “India is an important market for the future of cruising, with travellers increasingly looking for holidays that combine discovery, comfort, choice and value. MSC Cruises is well placed to meet this demand through our global portfolio of itineraries, modern fleet and onboard experiences designed for international guests. Our focus is to make cruising more relevant and accessible for Indian travellers, while continuing to introduce new ships, destinations and experiences across our global network.”
 

A key example of MSC Cruises’ continued investment in its fleet and guest experience is MSC World Asia, the cruise line’s newest World Class ship, which will sail in the Western Mediterranean from December 2026. The ship will offer seven-night itineraries with calls including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta during winter 2026/27, followed by summer 2027 sailings to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.
 

MSC World Asia will feature more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, international entertainment, dedicated family facilities, wellness spaces and seven onboard districts, each designed with its own atmosphere and experiences. The ship will also include MSC Yacht Club accommodation, a wide range of dining concepts and new venues that reflect the creativity and innovation of MSC Cruises’ World Class ships.
 

Sustainability remains central to MSC Cruises’ long-term vision, with the company committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
 

About MSC Cruises

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately-owned MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America.
 

A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 250 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.
 

For more information visit www.msccruises.com.