VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), popularly known as VELS University, has been celebrating the invaluable contribution of teachers through its VELS Teachers’ Excellence Award 2026, conducted across its campuses in Chennai.

VELS honoured 2,000 outstanding teachers across Tamil Nadu at the Teachers Excellence Awards 2026, celebrated across Periyapalayam, Thiruvanmiyur and Pallavaram

As part of its Teachers’ Day celebrations, VELS organised a series of Teachers’ Excellence Award ceremonies across Thiruvanmiyur, Periyapalayam and Pallavaram, recognising thousands of educators for their dedication, commitment and tireless efforts in shaping the lives and futures of students.

The series began at the VELS Thiruvanmiyur Campus, where Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The second edition was held at the VELS Periyapalayam Campus, with Dr. Sowmiya Anbumani, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Dharmapuri Constituency, as the Chief Guest. The celebrations culminated at the VELS Pallavaram Campus with Tmt. Premalatha Vijayakant, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Virudhachalam Constituency and General Secretary, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, as the Chief Guest.

Celebrating the teachers who shape every profession

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice-President, VELS Group of Institutions, highlighted the unique role played by teachers in shaping individuals and society.

“Teachers work tirelessly for their students, often without expecting recognition or praise. Their contribution goes far beyond the classroom. They guide students, build their confidence, shape their character and help them find the right direction in life.

Our culture has always placed teachers in a position of great respect through the timeless words ‘Matha, Pitha, Guru, Deivam.’ The teaching profession is unique because it creates and nurtures every other profession. Every doctor, engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, administrator and professional begins the journey with a teacher.

Through the VELS Teachers’ Excellence Award, we wish to express our gratitude and recognise educators whose dedication continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students,” she said.

Tmt.Premalatha Vijayakant recalls teacher who shaped her journey

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Pallavaram ceremony, Tmt. Premalatha Vijayakant said “Teachers have the responsibility of guiding students in the right direction. Education is one of the most important foundations of a person’s life. Captain Vijayakant strongly believed in the importance of education and supported thousands of students in pursuing their studies.

Behind every successful student, there is the contribution of a teacher. I still remember my teacher Mr. Loganathan, who moulded me and helped me become the person I am today. He is no more, but I continue to remember him with gratitude. I owe a part of all my success to the teacher who guided and shaped me during my formative years,” she said.

She also encouraged students to actively participate in sports and extracurricular activities, highlighting their role in building confidence, discipline and teamwork.

Congratulating the award recipients, she appreciated the immense contribution of teachers to society and extended her best wishes to the entire teaching community.

The Pallavaram event was attended by Dr. Arthi Ganesh, Pro-Chancellor (Administration); Dr. M. Bhaskaran, Vice-Chancellor (FAC), Dr. M. Chandrasekaran, Registrar,, along with university officials, educators and award recipients.

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.

Boldpurity, a clinical skincare brand founded by cosmetic scientist Khatija Shabana, has been named one of five global finalists in the Best Use of Technology (Brands) category at the 2026 BeautyMatter Awards. Boldpurity is the first Indian skincare brand to reach the finalist list in this category, standing alongside four established international technology-led brands.
 

Khatija Shabana, M.Pharm, Certified Cosmetic Scientist and Co-founder of Boldpurity
 

The recognition comes less than two years after the company set up its own research and manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, choosing to engineer its formulations from the molecular level rather than source ready-made bases from contract manufacturers.
 

“Most skincare brands buy a formula and build a story around it. We did the opposite. We built a laboratory, then spent 18 months solving delivery problems that the industry had accepted as unsolvable at cosmetic scale. Being judged against global technology leaders and placed in the top five tells us that work holds up anywhere in the world,” said Khatija Shabana, M.Pharm, Certified Cosmetic Scientist and Co-founder of Boldpurity.
 

The Science Behind the Recognition

Two proprietary delivery systems formed the basis of Boldpurity’s submission. Both were conceived, developed, stability-tested and manufactured entirely in-house, and both are the subject of patent filings in India.
 

Nano-scale PDRN with dual-encapsulation — SkinReset™ PDRN Serum

Salmon-derived PDRN is conventionally used at kilodalton molecular scale, which limits how it can be formulated and delivered in a topical product. Boldpurity reduced PDRN to nanoparticle dimensions and built a two-layer encapsulation system around it: one layer designed for immediate release on application, the second engineered to release gradually over eight hours. The result is a single serum that delivers PDRN in two distinct phases, a capability standard single-release PDRN formulations do not offer. Developing the carrier chemistry and completing stability work took more than 12 months.
 

Precision micron spicules with bioactive coating — CellMorph™ 500 Spicule Serum

Spicule-based products typically rely on particles around 400 micrometres in size. Boldpurity engineered its spicules down to 0.9 microns, a roughly 444-fold reduction, while preserving structural integrity, and then applied a proprietary coating of apple stem cell bioactives to each particle. Pairing precision sizing with a bioactive surface creates a delivery mechanism that unites physical texture support with skin-conditioning actives. Bringing this level of micron-scale precision from pharmaceutical-style development into a cosmetic product required 18 months of process engineering.
 

Why It Matters for Indian Beauty

India is one of the fastest-growing skincare markets in the world, yet the formulation technology behind most domestic brands is still imported or licensed. Boldpurity’s finalist placement is an early signal that original, patent-pending delivery science can be built in India and evaluated on equal terms with the global industry’s most technically advanced brands.
 

“This is not a regional or emerging-market award. The category is judged on formulation innovation, delivery engineering and validation, with the same yardstick applied to every entrant. That is exactly the standard we wanted to be measured against,” added Syed Fouzan, Co-founder of Boldpurity.
 

About the BeautyMatter Awards

The BeautyMatter Awards recognise excellence across the global beauty industry, with finalists selected by an independent panel on merit. The Best Use of Technology (Brands) category honours brands whose proprietary formulation, delivery or manufacturing technology represents a genuine technical advance. The full list of 2026 finalists is available at awards.beautymatter.com/finalists-2026. Winners will be announced on December 7, 2026, in New York City.
 

About Boldpurity

Boldpurity® is a clinical skincare brand headquartered in Hyderabad, India. Co-founded by Khatija Shabana (M.Pharm, Certified Cosmetic Scientist) and Syed Fouzan, the company formulates, manufactures and clinically tests every product in its own facility rather than relying on third-party or white-label formulations. Its flagship technologies, SkinReset™ PDRN Serum and CellMorph™ 500 Spicule Serum, are both patent-pending.
 

Learn more at boldpurity.com.

Virbac Animal Health India is celebrating 20 years of advancing animal health by responding to the evolving needs of veterinarians, farmers and pet owners through science, innovation and comprehensive healthcare solutions. Over two decades, the company has continuously expanded its portfolio, strengthened its scientific and manufacturing capabilities and introduced new approaches to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, hygiene and nutrition across India’s diverse animal health needs.

Natesan Thanthoni, Area Director – India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA), Virbac Animal Health

Virbac India’s journey has also delivered significant business growth. From a Rs 100 crore organisation with around 200 employees, the company has grown to a consolidated turnover of Rs 1,650 crore and a workforce of more than 1,600 employees. Over the past two decades, Virbac India has also evolved into one of the highest contributing subsidiaries within the global Virbac Group, reflecting its strong business performance, manufacturing excellence and strategic importance in the company’s worldwide operations.

Over the past two decades, Virbac India has built a strong presence across the cattle, poultry, sheep, aquaculture and companion animal healthcare sectors by consistently investing in scientific innovation, manufacturing excellence and customer-centric solutions. Today, the company serves veterinarians, farmers and pet parents across the country through a comprehensive portfolio of therapeutics, vaccines, biologicals, disinfectants, nutritional supplements and preventive healthcare solutions.

The company’s growth has been shaped by a combination of sustained organic expansion and strategic acquisitions that have strengthened its capabilities across key segments. The acquisition of the Agrivet Farmcare division of GSK started Virbac’s journey in India and expanded its presence across animal healthcare segments. The subsequent acquisition of Globion and integration into the Virbac ecosystem as Virbac Biologicals further enhanced the company’s capabilities in poultry vaccines, biologicals and preventive healthcare. These strategic milestones have strengthened the company’s manufacturing capabilities, research expertise and ability to deliver science-led solutions tailored to India’s evolving animal healthcare needs.

The company’s growth has been accompanied by a strong focus on its people and workplace culture. Virbac India has been recognised as a Great Place to Work®, reflecting its continued efforts to build an inclusive, collaborative and people-centric workplace. This recognition reinforces the importance the organisation places on employee experience, trust, professional development and a culture that enables its people to contribute to the company’s long-term growth.

Commenting on the milestone, Natesan Thanthoni, Area Director – India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA), said, “Completing 20 years in India is a proud milestone that reflects the trust of our customers, the dedication of our employees and the strength of our long-term partnerships with the veterinary community. From a Rs 100 crore organisation to a Rs 1,635 crore company, our journey has been driven by a singular focus on advancing animal health through science and innovation. Every milestone, whether expanding our manufacturing capabilities, strengthening our portfolio through strategic acquisitions or investing in biologicals and preventive healthcare, has been guided by creating long-term value. As we enter the next phase of growth, we remain committed to delivering science-led solutions that improve animal health while supporting veterinarians, farmers and pet parents across India and the wider IMEA region.”

The evolution of India’s animal healthcare sector over the past two decades has seen growing demand for preventive healthcare, biologicals, nutrition and advanced therapeutics. Virbac India has continuously adapted its portfolio to address these changing needs by combining global scientific expertise with local market insights and manufacturing capabilities. This commitment reflects Virbac’s broader approach of constantly exploring new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat animal pathologies while developing care, hygiene and nutrition products that provide complete solutions for veterinarians, farmers and pet owners.

Beyond business growth, the company has remained focused on building a collaborative and innovation-driven organisational culture. Its workforce has expanded from approximately 200 employees at the time of inception to more than 1,600 professionals today, reflecting sustained investments in talent development, operational excellence and customer engagement. The Great Place to Work® recognition further reflects the company’s focus on creating an environment where employees can grow, collaborate and contribute meaningfully to Virbac India’s continued progress.

As Virbac India begins its next chapter, the company will continue to strengthen its leadership in preventive healthcare, biologicals, nutrition and advanced therapeutics while investing in manufacturing, research and customer partnerships to address the evolving needs of India’s animal health sector and contribute to better health and wellbeing for animals across the country and the wider IMEA region.

Solinas Integrity Private Limited announced the appointment of Gangapriya Chakraverti, India Site Head and Managing Director of Ford Business Solutions, as an Independent Director.

Solinas Integrity appoints Gangapriya Chakraverti as Independent Director and Sunil Gupta as Head of Strategic Initiatives, strengthening its leadership team

The appointment marks a step in Solinas’ transition from an IIT Madras-incubated startup to a scaled infrastructure technology company. Gangapriya Chakraverti brings over three decades of leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, and large-scale operations at a multinational level.

Gangapriya Chakraverti currently leads Ford’s Global Business Services centre in Chennai, a 12,000-plus-strong organisation, having joined Ford in 2012 after over a decade at Mercer Consulting. She holds a postgraduate degree in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

“I am incredibly honoured and excited to join Solinas Integrity as an Independent Director. Solinas stands out not just for its pioneering AI and deep-tech robotics, but for its mission to radically improve critical urban underground infrastructure. I am eager to contribute to their vision and look forward to working closely with the board in transforming utility infrastructure while building a strong foundation of corporate governance,” said Gangapriya Chakraverti, Independent Director, Solinas Integrity.

Solinas’ solutions are currently deployed across 15-plus states and 30-plus cities in India, with international operations extending to the Middle East and expanding into Southeast Asia and Europe. The company’s flagship products, Endobot, Homosep, and Swasth AI, are used by municipal corporations, water boards, and industrial clients to inspect, clean, and digitise underground water and sanitation infrastructure. Solinas’ inspection and cleaning capabilities span water pipeline inspection, sewer pipeline inspection, stormwater pipeline inspection, and industrial pipeline inspection, supporting the assessment and management of underground utility and enclosed networks.

Solinas has also appointed Sunil Gupta as Head of Strategic Initiatives. Following his tenure as CEO of SEForge, Sunil Gupta joins after working with auto OEMs Tata Motors and Ford and leading industrial companies Dürr and SEForge. He brings 40 years of experience across world-class manufacturing and business leadership, strengthening Solinas’ leadership as the company scales its manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand for its robotic pipeline inspection and sanitation technologies across Indian municipalities and international markets.

“As Solinas moves from proving our technology to scaling it nationally and globally, the strength of our leadership team matters as much as the strength of our engineering,” said Divanshu Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, Solinas Integrity. “Gangapriya’s governance experience and Sunil’s operational depth will be central to building the institutional foundation this next phase demands.”

“My focus will be on strengthening Solinas’ manufacturing and operational capabilities as we scale. I look forward to supporting the company’s growth across India and international markets,” said Sunil Gupta, Head of Strategic Initiatives, Solinas Integrity.

About Solinas Integrity Private Limited

Solinas Integrity Private Limited is a leading pipeline inspection company in India and an IIT Madras-incubated deep-tech company transforming water and sanitation infrastructure through robotics and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2018 and headquartered at the IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai, the company develops indigenous robotic and AI-powered solutions including Endobot, Homosep Sewer (Manhole Cleaning Robot), and Swasth AI (Analytics Platform)  that enable municipalities, utilities, and industries to inspect, clean, and manage underground infrastructure with greater safety, efficiency, and precision. In August 2026, the company raised USD 5.5 million in a Series A1 funding round led by Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures and co-led by Mela Ventures. Solinas’ technology is deployed across 15-plus states and 30-plus cities in India, with international deployments in the Middle East and expansion underway into Southeast Asia and Europe.

Website: www.solinas.in

Hyderabad-based saree retail startup Pinit has launched an app-led quick-commerce platform that delivers curated saree collections to customers’ homes within 45 minutes, subject to location and slot availability.

About Pinit

Pinit is a Hyderabad-based saree retail startup offering handloom and designer sarees through an app-based, doorstep shopping model. Customers can browse collections, book a session and receive sarees at home within approximately 45 minutes, where a Pinit stylist assists with viewing, draping and selection. The company offers sarees priced between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 20,000 and focuses on direct sourcing from weavers, women-led employment and electric-vehicle delivery.

• Semiconductor imports increased more than fivefold from USD 5.7 billion in FY17 to USD 30.3 billion in FY25, at a CAGR of 23%

• Consumer electronics, automotive and industrial applications are the largest demand drivers, accounting for 30%, 16% and 15% of India’s semiconductor market, respectively

• India accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s chip design engineers, providing a strong base to scale manufacturing and innovation

India’s semiconductor market is projected to grow more than threefold from nearly USD 64 billion in 2026 to USD 200 billion by 2035, creating a significant opportunity to convert domestic demand into manufacturing, innovation and supply-chain resilience, according to EY–IESA report, Semicon India 2.0: From capacity creation to ecosystem leadership. The report was formally unveiled during the SEMICON India 2026 hi-profile event of the industry.

The launch of  EY-IESA report at SEMICON India 2026

As per the EY–IESA report, consumer electronics accounts for 30% of India’s semiconductor market, followed by automotive at 16% and industrial applications at 15%, while AI, data centres, telecommunications, electric mobility and advanced manufacturing are creating new growth avenues. Semiconductor imports increased more than fivefold from USD 5.7 billion in FY17 to USD 30.3 billion in FY25, at a CAGR of 23%, highlighting the opportunity to translate expanding domestic demand into local manufacturing and innovation. India also accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s chip design engineers, providing a significant talent base to scale semiconductor manufacturing, indigenous design and commercialization.

Ashok Chandak, President, India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) said, “India now has a unique opportunity to combine its strengths in engineering talent, electronics demand, design capabilities and emerging manufacturing capacity with resilient global supply-chain partnerships. The next phase will be defined by execution, innovation, technology commercialisation, indigenous IP, specialised talent and ecosystem depth. India has moved beyond semiconductor ambition. The opportunity now is to build an ecosystem that the world trusts, India owns and the next generation can scale.”

Aisha Ali Hussaini, Partner and Semiconductor Tax Leader, EY India, said, “India has a powerful combination of market scale, engineering talent and policy momentum. Its rapidly expanding electronics ecosystem adds to this opportunity; electronics production increased sixfold from INR1.9 lakh crore in FY15 to INR11.3 lakh crore in FY25, while electronics manufacturing and exports grew sevenfold and elevenfold, respectively, over the same period. The priority now is to translate this scale into deeper semiconductor value addition by building a connected, innovation-led ecosystem that attracts sustained investment and creates more value domestically. Over the coming decade, a predictable fiscal and regulatory environment, stronger alignment between central and state policies, and focused support for emerging technologies can help improve project viability and accelerate commercialisation. If industry, government and academia work together with a long-term view, India can move beyond being a design powerhouse to play a much larger role across manufacturing, advanced packaging and the wider global semiconductor value chain.”

India has already made significant progress in building its semiconductor ecosystem and is well positioned to build on this momentum. As per the EY-IESA report, the next phase should focus on strengthening and aligning state semiconductor policies with the broader scope of Semicon 2.0, developing integrated semiconductor manufacturing clusters supported by shared, world-class infrastructure, and introducing dedicated talent-certification programmes across semiconductor design, fabrication and advanced packaging.

Looking ahead: opportunity areas and the execution imperative

As global semiconductor value chains are reshaped by diversification and technology transitions, the EY–IESA report identifies advanced packaging, compound semiconductors, photonics and chip-to-system integration as high-potential opportunity areas for India. These segments can build on the country’s design capabilities, growing electronics and AI demand, and emerging manufacturing base to expand its presence in technology-intensive parts of the value chain.

Capturing these opportunities will require coordinated action. Investors will assess policy certainty, cluster readiness and speed of implementation; industry will need deeper partnerships with suppliers, academic institutions and technology owners to localise capabilities; and policymakers must streamline approvals and sustain long-term support for research, talent and supplier development.

Notes to Editors

About EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society, and the planet while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI, and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network, and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

All in to shape the future with confidence.

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The World Spice Organisation (WSO), the not-for-profit technical partner of the All-India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), has successfully concluded its 5th National Spice Conference (NSC) 2026 at the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, Rajasthan. Held on September 19–20 under the theme “Empowering Farmers, Protecting Consumers,” the conference brought together farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), processors, exporters, regulators, researchers, technology providers and other stakeholders from across the spice value chain.

Industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders at the 5th National Spice Conference 2026, held under the theme “Empowering Farmers, Protecting Consumers,” in Jaipur

The two-day conference focused on strengthening farmer incomes, food safety, responsible sourcing, sustainability, innovation and market access, with discussions addressing challenges across the spice value chain. The event also featured an exhibition showcasing technologies and indigenous agri-products and a dedicated Buyer–Seller Meet to facilitate market linkages.

Speaking at the conclusion of the conference, Mr. Ramkumar Menon, Chairman, World Spice Organisation, said, “NSC 2026 has brought the different stakeholders of the spice value chain together around two priorities that are closely connected: enabling farmers to create greater value from their produce and ensuring that consumers can place greater trust in the spices they use. The discussions over the two days have highlighted the importance of stronger farm-level practices, responsible sourcing, food safety, innovation and market linkages. The focus now is on carrying these conversations forward through meaningful collaboration and action across the value chain.”

The first session of Day 2 focused on Changing Regulations in Organic Farming & Certifications, examining the evolving certification landscape and its implications for farmers and other stakeholders in the spice value chain. This was followed by a session on the Role of FPOs in Consumer Protection and Food Safety, highlighting the role of farmer organisations in strengthening quality and compliance at the farm level.

Mr. Manoj Kumar Menon, CEO, ICCOA said, “India’s organic sector has come a long way from being a niche segment. With organic exports growing from INR 67 crore in 2005 to over INR 5,400 crore in 2025, the sector has significant potential for further growth. However, as global markets and regulations evolve, strengthening certification, maintaining credibility and ensuring compliance will be critical to sustaining this momentum.”

The conference then turned to Buyers’ Requirements, with Mr. Ganapathy K D, Business Committee Chairman, NSC 2026, outlining key considerations for producers and FPOs in meeting evolving market expectations. The programme concluded with a dedicated Buyer–Seller Meet, providing an interface between producers and buyers and creating opportunities for stronger market connections across the spice value chain.

Across the two days, the conference covered a broad range of issues including farmer empowerment and income growth, sustainability and responsible sourcing, food safety and consumer protection, innovation and future readiness, farmer challenges and crop outlook, organic farming and certifications, FPOs and market requirements. Discussions also highlighted emerging solutions in areas such as digital traceability, post-harvest infrastructure, farm-level technologies, testing and processing, warehousing and financing.

The conference provided a common platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge and perspectives on strengthening India’s spice value chain, with the 2026 edition placing particular emphasis on connecting farm-level practices with consumer safety, quality and evolving market requirements.

The National Spice Conference 2026 concluded with a renewed focus on strengthening collaboration across the spice ecosystem and creating stronger linkages between farmers, FPOs, industry, regulators and buyers. The discussions over the two days highlighted the need for continued engagement and practical solutions to support a safer, more sustainable and more rewarding spice value chain.

About World Spice Organisation
WSO (World Spice Organization) was established in 2011 with the objectives of achieving Food Safety and Sustainability in this sector. Over the course of the past few years, WSO has carried out many projects in the fields of Sustainability, Biodiversity and Food Safety in collaboration with prominent national and international organizations like Spices Board, Indian Institute of Spice Research (IISR), GIZ (Germany) and IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative (Netherlands).

For more information about NSC 2026: www.nationalspiceconference.in.

Background of National Spice Conference (NSC)
Launched in 2022, the National Spice Conference (NSC) has quickly become the premier event for the Indian spice industry. With delegate counts increasing year-on-year (293 in 2022, 345 in 2023, 370 in 2024 and 485 in 2025), NSC has become a key platform for fostering collaboration across the supply chain and promoting sustainable practices in spice production. More than 50% of participants in the previous editions were representatives of FPOs, underscoring NSC’s focus on improving market access and growth opportunities for farmers.

Hurun India, a leading research and recognition platform that tracks and celebrates India’s most successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and high-value enterprises, has honoured Mr Arun Mn, Founder and Managing Director of Casagrand, with the Self-Made Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the prestigious India Real Estate Leadership Conclave & Excellence Awards 2026. Hosted by Hurun India in association with Grohe, the landmark event held in Mumbai brought together some of the country’s leading real estate entrepreneurs, developers and industry leaders to celebrate excellence and leadership in one of India’s most significant economic sectors.

Mr. Arun Mn, Founder and Managing Director of Casagrand receiving the Self-Made Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year Award

The recognition celebrates Arun Mn’s journey of building a significant real estate enterprise from the ground up, and the vision and determination that have defined that journey. Starting with a 12-apartment residential project in Chennai in 2003, Arun Mn has built Casagrand into a multi-market real estate enterprise with 180+ projects spanning more than 88 million sq. ft, including a diverse range of formats, from apartments, villas, high-rise residencies and floor villas to expansive, large-format communities as the 41-acre Casagrand Highcity, 40-acre Casagrand Suncity etc. Over the past two decades, he has navigated changing market cycles, evolving consumer aspirations and an increasingly competitive real estate landscape to take Casagrand from its Chennai roots to key markets across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Pune and Dubai. 

The Self-Made Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year recognition acknowledges not only the scale of what has been built, but also the entrepreneurial vision, perseverance, and ability to create enduring value that have driven Casagrand’s transformation. His vision has always been centred on building mid-segment homes with maximum offerings, keeping in mind the aspirations and affordability of a larger section of homebuyers. His passion lies in creating homes that enable people to upgrade their lifestyle, build a new address, and achieve their aspirations, while ensuring maximum value for every homebuyer. This commitment to delivering quality homes with exceptional value has made his entrepreneurial journey truly meaningful and impactful.

The recognition comes as Hurun India and GROHE mark a decade of recognising leadership and achievement in Indian real estate, with the 2026 edition also marking the return of the flagship pan-India conclave. Bringing together leading real estate entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders from across the country, the landmark 10th edition underscores the scale and stature of the platform. 

The conclave also featured an exclusive fireside chat of Arun Mn during which he shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey and various aspects of building Casagrand over the years, including business strategies, approaches, people, culture, values, and the journey behind the company’s growth and success.

For Arun Mn, the recognition comes at an important juncture as Casagrand builds on its strong South Indian foundation and pursues its ambition of creating a stronger national real estate presence.

About Casagrand
Casagrand is the largest developer in the residential sector in Chennai, with a market share of approximately 25% in terms of launches and approximately 18% in terms of demand during the period January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2025 (Source: CBRE Report). Headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the company has delivered 103 Completed Projects encompassing 21.79 million square feet of Saleable Area, and currently has 57 Ongoing Projects spanning 44.10 million square feet of Saleable Area and 21 Forthcoming Projects with an Estimated Saleable Area of 23.81 million square feet across Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Hyderabad (Telangana), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Pune (Maharashtra) and Dubai as of June 30, 2025. The company offers apartments and independent villas under luxury, mid-end, and affordable categories, all under the Casagrand brand.

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has strengthened the quantum technology capabilities of its faculty members and students through an advanced international training programme involving participants from its Bengaluru and Manipal campuses. The initiative is part of the institution’s preparations for the launch of the laboratory Quantum-Hub@MAHE (Q-Hub), scheduled to be inaugurated on 13 October 2026 at the MAHE Bengaluru campus.

Quantum Technology Capabilities at MAHE Bengaluru Campus

Four faculty members and seven students completed the specialised programme across India and the Netherlands, gaining hands-on exposure to the complex hardware and engineering systems that support quantum computing. The initiative positions MIT Bengaluru to develop a trained academic and student talent base for Q-Hub from its inception.

The training was conducted in two phases. The first phase at MIT Bengaluru focused on quantum control systems, vacuum technologies, practical vacuum assembly and foundational quantum engineering concepts. The second phase was held at the QuantrolOx laboratory and QuTech at TU Delft, Netherlands, where participants received advanced training from experts working at the forefront of quantum technology.

Faculty members and students gained practical experience in microwave technologies, RF electronics, gas handling systems, dilution refrigerator assembly, cryocooling systems, superconducting quantum processing unit assembly, signal measurement and analysis, and the use of QuantumEDGE software and QBlox modules.

The programme has strengthened the ability of faculty members to teach, mentor and lead research in emerging quantum technologies. For students, it has created an opportunity to move beyond theoretical learning and engage directly with the hardware, control systems and experimental processes involved in quantum computing. The trained cohort will support laboratory instruction, research projects and the operation of critical infrastructure at Q-Hub.

Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, observed, “India’s quantum future depends on meaningful collaboration between academia and industry. At MAHE Bengaluru, Q-Hub will bring faculty, students, researchers and industry partners together to develop talent, address real-world challenges and advance quantum innovation in India.”

Commenting on the initiative and the upcoming launch of Q-Hub, Dr. Iven Jose, Director, MIT Bengaluru, said, “The inauguration of Q-Hub marks a significant milestone in our journey towards building advanced technological capabilities that can contribute meaningfully to India’s emerging quantum ecosystem. Q-Hub has been envisioned as much more than a conventional academic laboratory. It brings together quantum computing, superconducting quantum hardware, cryogenic systems, RF and control engineering, research, education, innovation and industry collaboration under a single platform. Our aspiration is to move from learning quantum technology to engineering quantum systems and ultimately creating quantum technologies in India.”

Participants described the programme as an important opportunity to connect quantum concepts with real-world engineering applications. Their exposure to international laboratories and advanced quantum infrastructure deepened their understanding of the design, development and manufacturing of quantum computing components.

Scheduled to be inaugurated on 13 October 2026, Q-Hub Lab will serve as an integrated platform for quantum education, faculty development, student training, research and innovation. By bringing together academia, industry, start-ups, government agencies and international partners, the centre aims to contribute to the development of a skilled quantum workforce and strengthen India’s ambition to build indigenous quantum technologies.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

Avas Wellness is entering a defining new chapter in Alibaug, bringing its residential, wellness and hospitality ambitions together at a scale not seen before. Two new residential communities, including Alaaya by Avas, will join the brand’s growing portfolio, while the forthcoming Avas Wellness Club and Casa Avana will introduce new dimensions of hospitality, wellbeing, recreation and social life. Together, they represent a broader vision for Avas, one in which the experience of living extends well beyond the home.

Alaaya by Avas, a wellness-led residential community bringing contemporary tropical living to Alibaug

Over the past few years, Avas has established a distinct approach to residential living in Alibaug, beginning with Avas Living in Awas. Its next phase takes that philosophy further, creating a collection of communities and shared destinations that respond to different ways of living while remaining connected through an emphasis on design, nature and wellbeing.

Architecture plays an important role in giving each Avas community its own distinct character. Through Avas Design Studio, the brand collaborates with globally recognised architects and design experts, including SAOTA, one of foremost award-winning South African based architecture firms, and Madrid-based architect Felipe Gonsalves of Studio Sukyf. Rather than adhering to a singular aesthetic, upcoming residences will explore a range of architectural languages, from Neo-Mediterranean and Spanish Revival to Balinese influences, tropical modernism and contemporary minimalism. Natural materials, generous volumes, landscaped courtyards and gardens, expansive views, and fluid indoor-outdoor spaces will allow each home to respond thoughtfully to its setting and sit naturally within Alibaug’s tropical landscape. 

What is taking shape around these homes is equally important. Avas is extending its focus beyond residential development to create places that encourage movement, restoration, connection and time spent together. A dedicated court club will bring racquet sports together with fitness and recovery, creating a setting that is as much about community and social interaction as it is about performance and recreation.

Casa Avāna will become another key expression of this idea. Conceived as a destination in its own right, it will bring hospitality, wellness and culture into one setting through dining, spa experiences, landscaped gardens, recreation, art, private gathering spaces and a changing programme of social experiences. The intention is for Casa Avāna to have a different rhythm at different hours, a place for wellness and quiet mornings, leisurely afternoons with family and friends, and dining and gatherings as the day moves into evening.

The Avas Wellness Club, scheduled to open by the end of 2026, will bring together preventive health, longevity, fitness, recovery, nutrition, beauty and skin, alongside curated culinary experiences, making wellness a more natural part of everyday life. Ahead of its launch, Avas will introduce its Wellness Club Membership this Diwali, initially bringing together residents and their guests, prospective homeowners and select members of the Alibaug community, with the membership evolving alongside the wider Avās ecosystem.

“We didn’t set out to build another residential development in Alibaug. We set out to reimagine what living well could look like. The home is only the starting point. The real opportunity lies in creating an ecosystem around it, one that brings together wellness, hospitality, sport, food, nature and community in a way that becomes part of everyday life. That is the ambition behind Avas, and ultimately, we believe it can define an entirely new paradigm for wellness-led living in India,”says Aditya Kilachand, Founder and CEO, Avas Wellness. 

The timing coincides with a wider change underway in Alibaug. The Atal Setu has altered the journey between Mumbai and the region, making Alibaug considerably more accessible, while the forthcoming Rewas–Karanja bridge is expected to strengthen that connection further. Greater accessibility is gradually changing the role Alibaug plays for homeowners too, allowing it to move beyond its long-held identity as a weekend getaway towards a destination where people can spend longer periods of time and build more rooted lifestyles.

It is within this changing landscape that Avas is shaping its next stage. The new residential communities will broaden the brand’s architectural offering, while Casa Avāna, the court club and the Avas Wellness Club will create a network of experiences around them. The result is a model where residences, wellness, hospitality, recreation and community are not treated as separate propositions, but as interconnected parts of how people live.

With this expansion, Avas is looking beyond the conventions of luxury residential development to shape a more complete experience of Alibaug, one defined not only by the homes themselves, but by the quality of life that unfolds around them.