REVA University inaugurated the first edition of REVA Literature Festival, The First Chapter, on its campus on Friday. Celebrating the theme “Two Days, Countless Stories,” the festival brought together acclaimed authors, writers, journalists, artists, literary enthusiasts and young creative minds to celebrate literature, creativity, culture and the enduring power of storytelling.
 

Dr. P. Shyamaraju, Chancellor, REVA University, and other dignitaries inaugurated the REVA Lit Fest 2026 by lighting the ceremonial lamp

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, REVA University. The distinguished guests included Jogi, Writer and Senior Journalist; Suchendra Prasad, Indian Actor and Director; Bhavana Belagare, Editor, Author and Senior Journalist; and Mahesha Araballi, Writer and Senior Engineering Manager, Infosys Limited. Dr. M. Dhanamjaya, Registrar, REVA University, welcomed the gathering.
 

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shyama Raju emphasised that REVA University’s vision extends beyond awarding degrees to creating meaningful learning experiences that transcend conventional classrooms. He said, “At REVA, we believe in not just giving degrees but imparting multidisciplinary education and encouraging students to learn beyond the classroom. The first chapter of REVA Literature Festival is a reflection of this belief. Such platforms provide opportunities for students to explore ideas, engage with different perspectives and discover the world through literature and the arts.”
 

As part of the inaugural ceremony, two books authored by noted late writer and journalist Ravi Belagere were released. His daughter, Bhavana Belagare, along with the dignitaries, unveiled the books, namely O Manase and Raj The Show Man. Sharing her thoughts on her father’s legacy, she said, “Everything about my father is an inspiration. Reading is as much an experience as it is a joy.” Recalling how creativity, arts and culture were integral to their everyday lives, she emphasised the importance of imbibing these values in daily life.
 

Reflecting on the influence of books and the legacy of Ravi Belagere, Suchendra Prasad highlighted the transformative power of reading. He said that books should create an extraordinary experience for the mind, particularly among students and young people. He encouraged the younger generation to approach reading as an enriching and immersive experience.
 

Speaking about the significance of art and creativity, Jogi observed that the festival itself began with a dance performance, underscoring the importance of art in human life. “Everything should begin with art. If you live just for the sake of living, life becomes dry. Art brings happiness and peace,” he said. He also stressed that creativity, music and the arts should become integral to the learning process.
 

Highlighting the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence, Mahesha Araballi observed that while chatbots can provide summaries of novels, they cannot replicate the actual experience of reading or the depth of original thought. He noted that life was increasingly becoming mechanical and emphasised the need to learn through personal experiences, creativity and unconventional thinking. He said that literature festivals play an important role in encouraging people to step away from routine and discover new perspectives.
 

Motivating students to cultivate the habit of reading, he said, “The best time to start reading is now. It is not about reading the best, but about making reading a habit.” He encouraged young minds not to procrastinate on reading and to make it a regular part of their lives.
 

Welcoming the guests, Dr Dhanamjaya spoke about the importance of literature festivals and how REVA celebrates the power of words and expression. “REVA Literature Festival provides a platform for students and literary enthusiasts to engage with diverse voices, appreciate the richness of literature and discover the joy of reading.”
 

The two-day festival, being held on October 30 and 31, features an engaging line-up of panel discussions, author interactions, book talks, masterclasses, poetry sessions, open mic performances, a book fair and theatrical presentations. The festival also brings the richness of Kannada theatre to the REVA campus through performances by Ninasam Theatre as part of the Ninasam Tour 2026.
 

The theatrical presentations include Paduka Kireeti, directed by Manju Kodagu, on October 31, and Kola, directed by Manju Kasaragodu, on November 1, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the richness of Kannada theatre and its cultural narratives.
 

As part of the event, students from Government School, Doddaballapura, Government School, Jakkur, and REVA PU Colleges at Kattigenahalli, Ganga Nagar and Sanjay Nagar were honoured with the Prathibha Puraskara in recognition of their outstanding academic performance and exceptional marks.

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) inaugurated the 6th International Conference on Advances in Mechanical Engineering and Nanotechnology (ICAMEN 2026), bringing together researchers, academicians and industry professionals from across the globe to exchange ideas, discuss emerging technologies and strengthen international academic collaborations. The three-day conference, being held from October 29 to 31, is organised by MUJ in collaboration with Manipal Institute of Technology, NIT Uttarakhand, Kasetsart University, Thailand, National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan, and Taylor’s University, Malaysia.
 

Dignitaries at the 6th ICAMEN-2026 organised by Manipal University Jaipur
 

Prof. Harish Hirani, Director of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT), Uttar Pradesh, attended the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest, which was presided over by MUJ President Prof. N. N. Sharma. Pro-President Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Architecture (FoSTA) Prof. Kuldip Singh Sangwan, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. Raviraja Adikari, and conference conveners Prof. Santosh Patil and Prof. Ravi Sharma were also present.
 

The conference features speakers from India, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Serbia and the United States, while participants from Iraq, Greece and several other countries are also contributing to the international academic exchange.
 

Welcoming the dignitaries, speakers and participants, Prof. Raviraja Adikari highlighted the significance of bringing together experts from diverse academic and research backgrounds to discuss advancements in mechanical engineering and nanotechnology.
 

Presiding over the inaugural ceremony, President, Manipal University Jaipur Prof. N. N. Sharma traced the legacy of the Manipal education group and reflected on the evolution of mechanical engineering over the years. He highlighted the importance of academic pedagogy in preparing students and researchers for changing technological landscapes, emphasising the need to continually adapt teaching and learning practices to meet emerging industry and societal requirements.
 

In his address as Chief Guest, Prof. Harish Hirani described mechanical engineering as a never-ending field of opportunities, driven by continuous innovation and the development of new technologies. Speaking on the theme of transforming “Ideas to Impact,” he drew on case studies and design-related intellectual property rights to explain how innovative concepts can be translated into practical outcomes. He also highlighted the importance of asking the right questions through the 5Ws and 1H framework—Who, What, When, Where, Why and How—to identify problems, develop solutions and create meaningful impact.
 

Pro-President Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana outlined the various technical tracks of the conference and highlighted the wide-ranging applications of mechanical engineering across major industrial and technological sectors. He underscored the discipline’s continuing relevance in addressing complex engineering challenges and supporting innovation across diverse fields.
 

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Kuldip Singh Sangwan spoke about the need to adopt innovative teaching approaches in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and machine learning. Describing AI as a boon for mechanical engineering, he emphasised that emerging technologies should be viewed as opportunities to enhance learning, research and professional capabilities rather than as reasons for concern.
 

Prof. Santosh Patil presented an overview of ICAMEN 2026, noting that the conference received around 150 abstracts, of which nearly 70 were shortlisted following a rigorous review process. The programme features one plenary session, six keynote addresses and four invited talks, offering participants opportunities to explore contemporary research and technological developments.
 

Highlighting the conference’s research focus and academic significance, Prof. Patil informed that selected papers would be published in a Springer proceedings volume titled Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing. In addition, two journals published by Begell House have agreed to bring out special issues featuring selected contributions, subject to the peer-review process.
 

ICAMEN 2026 stands as a testament to the importance of collaboration in advancing engineering research and innovation. Through its international participation, expert deliberations and research-oriented sessions, the conference aims to foster knowledge exchange, encourage interdisciplinary engagement and strengthen partnerships among academic institutions and industry stakeholders.
 

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

Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Vels University, has achieved a significant milestone with more than 14,000 students completing the UNICEF Passport to Earning (P2E) Initiative, a digital learning-to-earning programme that provides young learners with access to job-relevant skills and recognised certifications.

VELS University students celebrate the successful completion of UNICEF’s Passport to Earning (P2E) Programme, marking a milestone of over 14,000 student certifications

The achievement was recognised by the UNICEF team during a programme and educational leadership and partnership meeting held at University. The recognition acknowledges VELS’ contribution towards enabling a large number of students to participate in structured skill development and successfully complete the UNICEF Passport to Earning programme.

As part of the milestone, 14,000 students who successfully completed the programme came together on the VELS campus with their Passport to Earning course completion certificates. Aerial drone footage captured the students gathered together, holding their certificates, creating a powerful visual representation of the scale of the achievement and VELS’ commitment to large-scale student skill development.

The UNICEF Passport to Earning (P2E) initiative, led by UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, provides young people with free access to job-relevant learning opportunities and certifications. The programme enables students to develop skills that complement their academic education and strengthen their preparedness for higher education, employment and emerging career opportunities.

The completion of the programme by more than 14,000 VELS students represents one of the largest institutional-scale student participation milestones of its kind in Tamil Nadu, further strengthening VELS’ focus on integrating skill development, digital learning and industry-relevant competencies into higher education.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President, Vels Group of Institutions, said that the collaboration with UNICEF will continue to expand beyond the completion of the Passport to Earning programme. She said that VELS and UNICEF will continue to explore opportunities for industry engagement, placement-oriented initiatives and career development, including potential collaborations involving leading technology organisations such as Microsoft and Adobe. She also highlighted plans for continued engagement through a Hackathon scheduled for January, providing students with opportunities to apply their skills in practical and innovation-driven environments.

The event was attended by Dr. A. Jothi Murugan, Pro-Chancellor, Vels University; Prof. Dr. M. Bhaskaran, Pro-Chancellor (Planning & Development); and the Vice-Chancellor (FAC), along with representatives from UNICEF and the academic leadership of VISTAS.

The continuing collaboration between UNICEF and VELS is expected to create further opportunities for students in skill development, digital learning, industry exposure, career readiness and employment-oriented initiatives.

About Vels University

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

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

With campuses across Pallavaram, Thalambur, Periyapalayam, Thiruvanmiyur and Adyar, VELS provides students with opportunities to pursue academic learning alongside research, innovation, industry engagement, sports, cultural activities and experiential learning.

For more information: www.vistas.ac.in

• Customers who wish to use the discount can apply the PROMO code FESTIVAL60 at the service point or visit dhl.com

• Festive offer valid until 14^th November 2026

• Customers can also opt to ship using the DHL GoGreen Plus service, supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with their shipments
   

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, is celebrating the spirit of Diwali with special festive discounts for customers across India. Available for a limited period until 14 November 2026, the offer provides customers with discounts of up to 60% on international and domestic shipments. Customers who wish to send gifts, sweets and festive greetings to family and loved ones across India and around the world can apply the promotion code FESTIVAL60 either on the DHL website (dhl.com) or at a DHL service point.
 

Make Diwali special across every distance, send gifts with DHL Express and enjoy up to 60% off on domestic or global shipments
 

Customers can opt for DHL GoGreen Plus service, which supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with their shipments through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Through a “Book & Claim” mechanism, the environmental attributes of SAF are allocated to participating shipments.
 

Sandeep Juneja, Vice President – Sales and Marketing for India, DHL Express, said, “Diwali is about celebrating with the people who matter to us, even when they may be miles away. At DHL Express, we help make those connections possible by getting something meaningful from you to their doorstep, wherever they are in the world. With our festive offer, we hope to make it a little easier for our customers to share the joy of Diwali with family, loved ones, across India and beyond.”
 

With DHL’s extensive global network spanning more than 220 countries and territories, customers can benefit from end-to-end shipment visibility, along with proactive SMS and email updates for a smooth and hassle-free delivery experience. To enquire about the offer, customers can call DHL Express toll-free number 1800 30 345, visit dhl.com, or get a quote and book their shipment through MyDHL+. Customers can visit the DHL Service Point Locator or simply search “DHL Near Me” on Google to locate the nearest DHL service point.
 

*Terms & Conditions apply. 

DHL – The logistics company for the world

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

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

Netplus Broadband has announced the association of popular Punjabi singer and actor Ammy Virk and actor Tania as its brand ambassadors. The partnership brings two of Punjabi entertainment’s most recognised names to the brand at a time when reliable home connectivity is central to how families watch, learn, work and stay in touch.

Netplus Broadband Names Ammy Virk and Tania as Brand Ambassadors

To launch the association, Netplus has shot three ad films with Ammy Virk and Tania, built around the campaign theme “Family ki jo bhi ho demand, Netplus hazir on command” – whatever your family needs, Netplus is ready on command. The films showcase the Netplus offer across TV, Wi-Fi and OTT. With scheduled launch through the coming weeks, including during Diwali.

Demand for broadband continues to grow as streaming, online learning and work-from-home become part of everyday life across North India. Netplus Broadband’s campaign is designed to make that demand simple to act on: one connection that brings together television, high-speed internet and OTT content for the household.

Commenting on the association, Arshdeep Singh Mundi, Executive Director, Jujhar Group, said, “Netplus has earned its place in North India’s homes through reliable service and a close connection with its customers. Ammy Virk and Tania are rooted in this region and trusted by its audiences, and that is exactly the spirit we want the brand to carry. Their association will help us reach to more families with a simple promise – Netplus is there when our customers need it.”
 

Adding to this, Aps Dua, Group CEO, Jujhar Group, said, “Broadband is now how families learn, work, earn and entertain together. As Netplus grows its TV, Wi-Fi and OTT offerings, our focus is a service customers can count on. This campaign speaks to people in their own language and on the screens they already use, and we are confident it will strengthen Netplus’s connection with customers for years to come.”
 

The association marks the next step in Netplus Broadband’s efforts to build brand presence and deepen its relationship with customers across its markets. Customers can book a new connection or find out more about the current offers by calling 70875-70875.

About Netplus Broadband
Netplus Broadband is a broadband service provider offering FTTH internet, IPTV OTT & Voice services to homes and businesses across North India, with a strong focus on Punjab. Netplus is known for reliable, fast and locally accessible connectivity, and for offering value for money through bundled TV, Wi-Fi and OTT plans. Its promise is “Always Connected. Always Ahead.”

About Jujhar Group
Jujhar Group is a diversified business group headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, with businesses spanning in to logistics, media, broadband, real estate, infrastructure, hospitality and healthcare. Its portfolio is united by a common vision: Making People Smile.

As part of its commitment to advancing breast cancer care, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), India continues to invest in innovation and education in the breast intervention and biopsy space. Through its expanding portfolio of minimally invasive technologies and ongoing healthcare professional (HCP) training initiatives, BD aims to support clinicians in improving patient outcomes and procedural confidence.
 

UltraCor Breast Tissue Markers
 

Breast tissue markers are implanted during or after a biopsy to mark the location of suspicious lesions. They facilitate accurate future localization for surgery, imaging follow-up, and treatment planning, particularly when lesions are no longer visible post-procedure. With the increasing adoption of minimally invasive breast procedures and Vacuum-Assisted Excision (VAE) techniques, precise lesion localization has become increasingly important. From a clinical perspective, breast cancer patients often undergo prolonged treatment pathways involving serial imaging, neoadjuvant therapy, surgery, and follow-up surveillance. In patients at risk of disease recurrence or where lesion response needs to be monitored over time, accurate marking of lesion locations is critical for tracking treatment progress, ensuring procedural accuracy, and supporting informed clinical decision-making throughout the patient journey. Healthcare providers require marker technologies that can remain stable within breast tissue and be clearly visualized across different imaging modalities throughout the patient journey.
 

To address these needs, BD introduced the UltraCor™ Twirl™ Breast Tissue Markers in India. Designed for enhanced stability and precise placement, the Twirl™ marker supports improved procedural confidence through reduced migration risk and visibility across ultrasound, mammography, and MRI. The marker is expected to support healthcare providers in delivering advanced minimally invasive breast care while helping optimize treatment planning and follow-up pathways.
 

Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia said, “Aligned with our purpose of advancing the world of health, BD has been at the forefront of introducing innovative technologies and training HCPs continuously towards best practices for enhanced patient care. With the launch of the UltraCor™ Twirl™ Breast Tissue Markers we are confident of further supporting health care providers in India with advanced minimally invasive breast care technologies that align with evolving clinical needs and improve procedural outcomes that enable patient comfort.”
 

A participating clinician commented, “The integration of advanced biopsy techniques with reliable marker technologies is critical for seamless patient care. Initiatives like this training play an important role in bridging evidence with real-world practice.”
 

The UltraCor™ Twirl™ Breast Tissue Markers are now available across India, with BD teams supporting healthcare providers through trainings and clinical education programs.
 

Education remains a key pillar of BD’s commitment to advancing breast cancer management. To support knowledge exchange and promote evolving best practices in breast interventions, BD organized a multi-city educational program for Interventional Radiologists, Surgical Oncologists, and Gynecologists across India. The initiative focused on increasing awareness and clinical understanding of Vacuum-Assisted Excision (VAE) technology and breast tissue marker utilization in contemporary breast cancer management.
 

Conducted across Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai, the program brought together over 290+ healthcare professionals (HCPs) delivering a focused, multidisciplinary scientific agenda reinforcing evolving best practices in breast interventions. The educational sessions featured renowned global KOL, Dr. Henrique Lima Couto (Breast Surgeon-Mastologist, REDIMAMA–REDIMASTO, Brazil), whose insights enriched discussions around optimizing clinical outcomes and advancing minimally invasive breast care.

About BD India

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety, and expand access to healthcare.

To raise awareness about dyslexia and promote greater acceptance and inclusion, the ‘Walk4Dyslexia 2026’ was held at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, on Sunday, October 25, as part of Dyslexia Awareness Month. The event was inaugurated by Shri Harsh Malhotra, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Corporate Affairs, in the presence of Shri Tarun Vijay, former Member of Parliament. Hundreds of participants, including parents, educators, students, policymakers and young leaders, joined the initiative to show their support for individuals with dyslexia.

Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, MD, JK Cement Ltd & former MP Tarun Vijay at the walk

The initiative brought together Brilliantly Dyslexic, an initiative of JKC Foundation; Orkids Foundation; ChangeInkk Foundation; Soch Foundation; and Uttarakhand Dyslexia Association as organising partners. Among those present were Dr. Raghavpat Singhania and Mrs. Sonam Singhania, Founders of Brilliantly Dyslexic; Dr. Andleeb Jain and Meenakshi Sahni from the initiative; and Dr. Geet Oberoi, Founder of Orkids Foundation.

Dressed in red T-shirts and caps, participants walked along Kartavya Path carrying banners and placards promoting dyslexia awareness. The gathering highlighted the importance of recognising different learning needs and addressing misconceptions surrounding dyslexia.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Harsh Malhotra emphasised the importance of early identification and timely support for children with dyslexia. He highlighted the role of parents, educators and institutions in recognising learning needs and providing appropriate guidance, noting that children with dyslexia can excel across fields when given the right support and equal opportunities.

Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, MD, JK Cement Ltd, highlighted the need to improve awareness among parents, teachers and corporates, noting that misconceptions about dyslexia continue to persist. He emphasised that dyslexia is not a disease and described it as a form of “out-of-the-box thinking”, underscoring the importance of recognising the strengths and potential of individuals with dyslexia.

The participating organisations collectively emphasised the need for an inclusive ecosystem that supports individuals with dyslexia across different stages of life, from school and higher education to the workplace. Their collaborative efforts aim to strengthen understanding, encourage acceptance and help individuals access the support and opportunities they need to realise their potential.

As part of the wider observance of Dyslexia Awareness Month, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate and the National War Memorial were illuminated in red, extending the message of dyslexia awareness beyond Kartavya Path. The illumination reinforced the importance of recognising learning differences and creating a society where individuals with dyslexia are supported in developing their abilities and pursuing their aspirations.

As Halloween season sets in and the capital city of India gets ready for 2 nights of horror, thrills and scares, HELL ENERGY DRINK, one of the world’s fastest-growing FMCG brands, returns as Title Sponsor of HORRORCON 2026, scheduled for 31st October and 1st November 2026 at NSIC Exhibition Ground, Okhla, New Delhi. The association marks the third consecutive year of HELL ENERGY DRINK’s partnership with HORRORCON, and its second consecutive year as Title Sponsor.

HELL ENERGY DRINK Presents HORRORCON 2026

Halloween celebrations are getting bigger in Delhi, HORRORCON 2026 will bring together fans of Halloween and related pop culture. Over two days, the event will offer a platform for creators and thrill-seekers to connect with likeminded individuals over their shared interests and celebrate the culture surrounding Halloween. 

As Title Sponsor, HELL ENERGY DRINK will bring the brand closer to the culture and community that HORRORCON has built around Halloween.

The association is also a reflection of HELL ENERGY DRINK’s growing presence in India’s live entertainment space and builds on a partnership that has grown with the property year after year.

Unnikannan Gangadharan, Director, HELL-ENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED said, “Halloween has a community and a culture of its own, and HORRORCON has established itself as a platform that brings this community together year after year. Being part of this for the third year in a row, and as Title Sponsor once again, reflects our continued belief in the event property. For us, it is important to be part of the experience and connect with the audience in an environment they genuinely enjoy.”

The association further strengthens HELL ENERGY DRINK’s engagement with audiences and reinforcing its presence in the Delhi-NCR a through culture and live experiences. With its return to HORRORCON, it builds on a platform that brings it closer to audiences in an authentic live environment.

Tickets for HORRORCON 2026 (New Delhi) are now available on Skillboxes

About HELL ENERGY

HELL ENERGY is one of the fastest-growing FMCG brands in the world. Founded in 2006, the 100% Hungarian brand became Hungary’s market leader by 2010 and currently exports to 60+ countries. It holds market leadership in, among others, Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovakia. HELL ENERGY’s success is driven by excellent quality, good value for money, wide availability, and world-class marketing communication. As a unique player in the energy drink sector, it is the only brand with a market-leading presence in several countries, its own ultramodern filling factory, and an aluminium beverage can factory ensuring an unparalleled strategic position globally.

For more information, visit www.hellenergy.com

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited (Crompton) has been honoured with the Mahatma Award 2026 in the Community Initiatives category, an initiative of the Mahatma Foundation hosted by Liveweek Group, for its efforts to drive positive social impact through the Crompton CSR Foundation (CCF). The recognition highlights the Foundation’s work in strengthening water security and rural livelihoods through Project Jal Jeevan and expanding women’s access to technical careers through Project Saksham.

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. receives the Mahatma Award 2026 for Driving Community Impact

The award recognises CCF’s approach to addressing community needs through sustained interventions, local partnerships and measurable outcomes. Its initiatives span water conservation, skills development, education and community care, with a focus on building community resilience and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Project Jal Jeevan addresses water insecurity across Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra and Sirohi and Pali in Rajasthan, where declining groundwater levels and variable rainfall affect agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. The programme combines water harvesting, rejuvenation of water structures, groundwater recharge, and participatory water budgeting and improved agricultural practices. Water Security Committees, women farmers and self-help groups (SHGs) also contribute to local planning and water management, helping build community ownership and support climate-resilient farming.

During FY 2024–26, Project Jal Jeevan recorded the following outcomes:

• Water conservation: Rejuvenated 378 water structures and created a storage potential of 27,315 lakh litres.

• Agricultural livelihoods: Added 2,253 acres to cultivation and reached 1.67 lakh farmers, including more than 50,000 women.

• Community participation: Engaged 1,468 SHGs in the programme.

• Household income: Reported a 16% increase in household incomes in intervention areas.

An independent third-party impact assessment further reported improvements in groundwater availability and agricultural outcomes. Water in wells and borewells became accessible at depths 20–60 feet shallower, while crop yields increased by 100%. The assessment also found that 84% of farmers diversified into higher-value crops and that the proportion of households earning Rs.1.5–2 lakh annually increased from 13% to 25%. It further reported that seasonal migration stopped for 70% of the households covered by the assessment, highlighting the relationship between water security, agricultural productivity and livelihood resilience.

Alongside its efforts to strengthen water security and rural livelihoods, CCF’s Project Saksham focuses on expanding women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated electrical and technical occupations. Implemented in partnership with Tata STRIVE, the programme combines technical training, practical workplace exposure, certification and placement support to help women develop the skills required to enter the workforce and pursue employment opportunities.

During FY 2024–26, Project Saksham made progress in technical skilling, employment and workplace upskilling:

• Technical skilling: Supported 102 women through Assistant Electrician training.

• Employment opportunities: 92 women secured employment, representing a placement rate of approximately 90%.

• Income opportunities: Based on first-year salaries, these placements represent annualised income opportunities of Rs.1.01 crore.

• Workplace upskilling: Supported 75 women employed in manufacturing facilities in Goa and Baddi, helping them strengthen their technical and supervisory capabilities.

Commenting on the recognition, Anita Pansare, Head – Innovation and ESG & Chief Technology Officer, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited, said, “At Crompton, we believe that meaningful social impact comes from addressing community needs through sustained interventions and practical solutions. Through Project Jal Jeevan, we are working to strengthen water security and support rural livelihoods, while Project Saksham is creating opportunities for women to develop technical skills and access employment in traditionally male-dominated occupations. Our focus remains on working closely with communities and implementation partners to build local capabilities, create sustainable livelihood opportunities and contribute to long-term development. We believe that empowering communities with the right resources and skills is essential to creating lasting, positive change.”

Through Jal Jeevan and Saksham, Crompton CSR Foundation addresses distinct but interconnected development priorities, linking environmental sustainability with rural livelihoods and women’s economic participation. The Mahatma Award 2026 recognises the Foundation’s contribution to community initiatives through these sustained, partnership-led efforts.

About Crompton

With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers. Beyond its consumer portfolio, Crompton also has a robust B2B presence in the Lighting segment, delivering advanced and energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. In 2025, Crompton became the first lighting company to receive the GreenPro certification for its B2B lighting solution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Strengthening its foothold in the renewable energy space, the company has forayed into solar rooftops—representing a significant step forward in its contribution to India’s evolving clean energy landscape. With solar solutions spanning lighting, pumps, and rooftops, Crompton continues to lead as a responsible and future-ready brand in sustainable energy.

The company’s consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the company’s storage water heater in 2025. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of India’s Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.