COLORS by Rupa, a trusted name in quality and innovation under the esteemed Rupa & Company Limited, has embarked on a journey to redefine the boundaries of athleisure wear with the newly launched DRY FIT Collection. This masterpiece within the dynamic ‘PLAYSURE‘ range is designed to seamlessly blend comfort, performance, and style, transforming everyday moments into an experience.

DRY FIT Collection Brand

The DRY FIT Collection is engineered for versatility, catering to the active lifestyle of today’s individuals. Imagine a wardrobe that effortlessly transitions from intense workouts to relaxed strolls. Crafted with advanced Polyester fabric, elastane-based materials, and strategically placed mesh panels, it offers exceptional stretchability, breathability, and a feather-light feel. The ergonomically engineered fabrics are designed to provide a flawless fit, effortlessly moving with your body.

The collection offers the perfect blend of comfort and breathability, designed with ergonomics in mind to ensure superior performance. Catering to both men and women, it features a stylish and vibrant line-up, including women’s round neck t-shirts, polo t-shirts, tank tops, leggings, and cycling shorts, as well as men’s raglan sleeve round neck t-shirts, polo t-shirts, tank tops, track pants, joggers, and shorts. Beyond functionality, the collection’s vivid spectrum of colors brings vibrancy and individuality, making each piece more than just apparel-it’s a bold statement of style. Whether you’re breaking a sweat at the gym or soaking in the tranquillity of nature, this collection is a seamless fusion of playfulness and leisure.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mr. Mukesh Agarwal, Director, Rupa & Company Limited, says, “DRY FIT Collection from Colors by Rupa blends innovative design with vibrant aesthetics to meet the evolving needs of today’s dynamic consumers. We are confident that this collection will inspire people to embrace both functionality and leisure with unmatched style.“

Available across leading retail outlets and major online platforms including Amazon, Live Colors, and Rupa Online Store, the DRY FIT Collection invites customers to experience a world where comfort and performance are perfectly fused. It’s an opportunity to move with confidence and style, every moment of the day.

As the nation eagerly awaits the announcement of the financial budget this February, conversations around financial literacy and inclusion are more important than ever. Prabhat Trading Services (PTS), a fintech startup, is on a mission to make financial literacy accessible for everyone and help Indians-whether seasoned traders or first-time investors-navigate the ever-changing financial landscape with confidence.

Prabhat Kumar, Founder of Prabhat Trading Services

Simplifying Finance for Everyday Indians

India’s shift toward a digital economy has opened doors for millions to explore financial markets, but the complexity of trading and investing still keeps many at bay. That’s where PTS steps in. With an easy-to-use app and a wealth of resources, PTS is making financial education something anyone can understand and benefit from.

Here’s what they’re doing:

• Personalized Insights: Users get tailored advice and recommendations to make smarter financial decisions.

• Interactive Learning: From educational resources to workshops, PTS breaks down even the most complicated financial jargon into simple, actionable tips.

Making Financial Education Accessible to All

PTS has built a growing community of financially aware Indians. Their mobile app, available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store, has been downloaded over 1 lakh times. The numbers don’t just show growth-they highlight the platform’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

And that’s not all. PTS’s YouTube channel, now with 5 lakh subscribers, is a powerhouse for financial education. From beginner-friendly tutorials to expert-level insights, the channel is helping viewers across India learn how to manage their money and trade smarter.

Reaching Rural India and Beyond

Financial literacy shouldn’t be limited to a few-it’s for everyone. That’s why PTS is working hard to expand its reach into rural areas, ensuring even underserved communities have access to tools and knowledge that can change their financial futures.

Speaking about the initiative, Prabhat Kumar, Founder of Prabhat Trading Services, shared, “For too long, financial knowledge has been treated like a luxury-accessible only to a select few. At PTS, we’re changing that. Our goal is simple: to make financial literacy something anyone can achieve, no matter where they’re from or how much they already know. With Budget 2025 just around the corner, this is the perfect time to empower individuals and the trading community to take charge of their financial journeys.”

About Prabhat Trading Services

Prabhat Trading Services (PTS) is a fintech company dedicated to simplifying financial literacy and fostering financial inclusion in India. With a user-friendly mobile app (Android, IOS) and a widely-followed YouTube channel, PTS is transforming how Indians approach personal finance. By making complex financial concepts accessible, PTS is empowering individuals to make informed decisions for a secure and prosperous future.

For more information, please visit www.ptstradingservices.com.

Parimatch, the #1 global gaming platform, has recently teamed up with the king of Indian rap, DIVINE, who has taken on the role of the companys Global Brand Ambassador. To celebrate this milestone, Parimatch has launched the Divine Royale Tournament that brings exclusive offers and generous rewards to players.

Parimatch Launches Divine Royale Tournament

With a total prize fund of Rs. 38 lakhs, the Divine Royale Tournament runs from January 24th to February 21st and consists of 4 rounds, each lasting about a week. To join in, simply enjoy your favorite tournament games. In every round, the top 10 players who accumulate the most prize points will claim a share of the prize pool. This means that divine rewards will be up for grabs every week, giving every player the chance to win big!

This tournament is all about making bold moves and chasing greatness. It’s your time to shine, take on the challenge, and claim divine rewards you deserve!

For even more chances to win, participants can take advantage of additional offers such as Grind Every Day Offer and Friday Full Vibe Hai Offer.

Grind Every Day Offer

Take part in the tournament games every day from the first to the last day of the round and score +500 prize points guaranteed! Keep grinding, keep winning! The more time you dedicate to the games, the higher your chances to get into the Leaderboard and win a share of the prize fund!

Friday Full Vibe Hai Offer

Celebrate the end of the week by joining your favorite tournament games on Fridays and accumulate extra prize points! The more you participate, the more points you get! Bring the fire! Hurry up to join and win your divine prize!

Wrapping Up

Parimatch is turning up the excitement with the Divine Royale Tournament that is all about pushing limits and claiming divine rewards. Backed by the king of Indian rap, DIVINE, this initiative inspires players to push their limits and chase greatness every step of the way.

So, champ, join the tournament and win big! For more details, check out the Terms & Conditions.

About Parimatch

Parimatch is the #1 global gaming platform that provides a complete suite of sports and iGaming services to its customers. Since 1994, Parimatch has grown to be enjoyed by 3,000,000 active users worldwide. It is trusted by the worlds top athletes and celebrities: Trinidadian cricket stars Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine and Indian rap icon DIVINE are among their brand ambassadors. Parimatch is the Regional Sponsor of the Argentine Football Association and the Title Sponsor of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, a South African professional Twenty20 cricket franchise team. Since 2019, Parimatch has been one of the leading iGaming brands in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

As India continues its journey towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, Sudha Reddy, Entrepreneur, Director – MEIL, and Women Industry Leader, highlights that the upcoming Union Budget 2024-25 is a crucial opportunity to reinforce growth across industries, strengthen infrastructure, and foster inclusivity-especially for women in business and leadership.

Mrs. Sudha Reddy, Director – MEIL – Visionary Woman Leader Driving Innovation and Growth at MEIL

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders

India has witnessed a remarkable rise in women-led enterprises, yet access to capital, skill development, and policy support remain critical challenges. The budget must introduce incentives such as low-interest credit lines, venture capital funds for women-led startups, and increased government procurement from women-owned businesses. These initiatives will not only boost women’s participation in economic activities but also accelerate innovation and job creation.

Infrastructure Growth and Manufacturing Excellence

MEIL has been at the forefront of India’s infrastructure and manufacturing expansion, playing a pivotal role in energy, water, and transportation sectors. The budget must prioritize investment in large-scale infrastructure projects, streamline approval processes, and encourage public-private partnerships (PPPs). A robust infrastructure sector will ensure seamless logistics, enhance industrial productivity, and attract global investments.

Technology and Sustainability as Economic Pillars

India’s manufacturing sector needs strong support for digitalization and sustainability. Incentives for smart manufacturing, AI-driven automation, and clean energy initiatives will enhance efficiency and global competitiveness. Tax benefits for companies adopting green technologies and carbon-neutral strategies should be a priority to align with India’s net-zero commitments.

Skilling and Workforce Development

A future-ready workforce is essential for sustained growth. The budget should allocate greater funds towards technical and vocational training, particularly for women, in high-growth sectors like renewable energy, aerospace, and digital technology. Collaborations between industries and educational institutions should be incentivized to bridge the skill gap and prepare young talent for emerging job markets.

A Call for Inclusive Economic Policies

As an entrepreneur and industry leader, I believe a truly progressive budget must focus on inclusivity-supporting MSMEs, boosting research and development, and enabling financial accessibility for underrepresented groups. Policies that encourage women’s leadership in boardrooms and create a more balanced corporate ecosystem will be instrumental in shaping India’s economic future.

The Union Budget 2024-25 holds immense potential to accelerate India’s growth trajectory. With the right focus on infrastructure, women empowerment, and technological advancement, we can build a resilient and globally competitive economy that thrives on innovation and inclusivity.

Investing for the long term is one of the ideal ways to create wealth and achieve financial stability. Among various investment options, large cap funds can be a suitable choice due to their stability, potential for steady growth, and lower volatility. The Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund is one such option that can help investors grow their wealth over time. Let’s explore how this fund’s unique features and strategies make it a suitable contender for long-term wealth creation.

Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund for long-term wealth

What makes Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund different

The Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund differentiates itself with a focused, active investment strategy. Two standout features make it unique:

High Active Share: Active share refers to how much a fund’s holdings differ from the benchmark index. A high active share indicates that the fund manager is not simply tracking the index but is making informed, strategic decisions to outperform it. Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund has high active share signals that the fund is actively managed with a clear focus on generating better returns than the broader market.

Concentrated Portfolio: The fund doesn’t invest in a wide range of stocks. Instead, it carefully selects a smaller number of companies – those the fund managers believe will can offer long-term growth potential. This concentrated approach allows the fund to focus on high-conviction stocks, meaning it invests in companies with solid fundamentals, growth potential, and strong leadership. The idea is to concentrate investments in companies that can deliver reasonable returns over time.

How does Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund Helps in long term wealth creation

When it comes to creating long-term wealth, the Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund offers several advantages that can work in favour of investors:

Stability and consistency

Large-cap stocks, like those in the Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund, are typically leaders in their industries. They have proven track records, stable business models, and wide customer bases, all of which contribute to their consistent earnings and reliable growth. Over time, this stability can lead to steady returns and dividends, creating a dependable source of income for investors.

Risk mitigation

One of the key benefits of investing in large cap funds is their lower volatility compared to smaller stocks. While mid cap and small cap stocks may have the potential for reasonable returns, they can also be much more volatile. Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund focuses on large-cap companies, which are typically less sensitive to market swings. This reduces the risk for investors, especially during market downturns, and makes the fund a less stressful option for long-term wealth building.

Liquid​ity

The companies in the Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund are usually highly liquid, meaning their stocks are frequently traded and easy to buy or sell. This liquidity is crucial for investors because it ensures they can quickly adjust their portfolios or take advantage of new opportunities without significant delays or price impact. The ability to easily liquidate investments adds flexibility to the fund and gives investors confidence in their ability to respond to market changes.

Diversification benefits

One of the key principles of investing is diversification. By investing in a mix of large cap stocks across various sectors Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund helps spread risk. This means that the poor performance of a single company or sector won’t have a drastic impact on the entire portfolio, making the investment less susceptible to individual company risks.

Long term focus for compounding growth

Investing with a long term perspective is essential for optimizing returns, especially when using tools like Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). You can also use an SIP mutual fund calculator to plan your SIPs. The Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund encourages investors to take a patient approach, resisting the urge to react to short-term market fluctuations. Large cap stocks have historically shown resilience and the ability to grow over long periods, and investing consistently with a long term view allows investors to benefit from compounding returns – where earnings generate more earnings.

A disciplined and sustainable investment approach

The Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund follows a disciplined investment approach by focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of spreading investments thinly across many companies, the fund zeroes in on those with solid fundamentals and strong potential for growth. This strategy helps ensure that the wealth created is not just based on short-term gains, but on sustainable, long-term growth.

By aligning investor interests with those of the fund managers, the fund aims to foster enduring relationships. It focuses on delivering consistent value over time, making it a suitable option for those looking to work towards their financial future.

Conclusion

The Bajaj Finserv Large Cap Fund can be a suitable choice for long-term wealth creation. With its focus on high-conviction, carefully selected stocks, stability, and lower volatility, it offers a balanced approach to investing. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting, this fund provides the tools needed to build wealth over time. By maintaining a long-term perspective and staying committed to a strategic investment plan, investors can harness the power of large cap investing and see their wealth grow steadily.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

This past weekend, the Bengaluru Mountain Festival (BMF) returned for its eighth edition, drawing a record-breaking 3,000 participants to the rugged trails of Avati, near Devanahalli. As urban professionals increasingly seek an escape from the chaos of city life, trail running is emerging as a powerful way to achieve both physical fitness and mental clarity.

Runners conquer the final stretch of Bangalore Mountain Festival to the electrifying beats of tamte drums

Hosted by Mountain Festival Adventures, the event featured races across 5K, 10K, and 21K distances, attracting seasoned athletes and first-time trail runners alike. Unlike conventional road races, which test speed and endurance on flat asphalt, trail running offers a different challenge-demanding strength, focus, and adaptability while immersing runners in nature.

A Sport That Builds Both Strength and Stillness
“Trail runs are not just about physical endurance; they’re about stillness of mind,” said Yashas, Co-founder of Mountain Festival Adventures. “In nature’s embrace, participants can leave behind the chaos of city life and discover a level of calm and focus that road running simply can’t offer.”

The sentiment was echoed by Amber McIlraith, winner of the 10K women’s category, who described the race as a transformative experience. “Coming around the side of the mountain to see the valley and rocks was a sight I’ll never forget,” she said. “Trail running builds muscles you don’t work in the gym or on flat city runs. The runner’s high you get is unmatched.”

Maitreyi, another participant, found the race to be a unique test of endurance and willpower. “The moment that stood out most was nearing the finish line, thinking I had only 600 meters left, and then seeing an uphill climb ahead. The adrenaline rush from the tamte drums kept me going and made the experience unforgettable,” she shared.

For Raghav, who completed his first-ever 10K trail race, the event was about pushing limits. “I’ve run road races before, but this was a whole different beast. The inclines, the loose rocks, the unpredictability-it forced me to be present in every step,” he said.

Abhishek, a martial artist who is a regular road runner and winner of the 10k men’s category, was struck by the mental challenge of trail running. “You can’t zone out like you do on a road. Every step requires attention, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. It’s meditative in its own way,” he explained.

A Growing Community and Market

Trail running is no longer a niche activity-it’s becoming a mainstream movement. India has a growing community of 175.8 million fitness-conscious individuals, with running being one of the fastest-growing recreational sports. This trend is fueling the demand for trail running gear, training programs, and events like the Bengaluru Mountain Festival.

With trail running gaining traction globally, India is no exception. The trail running shoe market, valued at $7.8 billion, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2030, with the Asia-Pacific region leading at a 35.7% market share. According to Grand View Research, “India’s trail running shoes market is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing popularity of outdoor activities and adventure sports among urban as well as rural youth.”

For many, the Bengaluru Mountain Festival has become more than just a race-it’s a community. Whether tackling steep climbs or finding moments of solitude along forested trails, participants left with more than just a medal. They walked away with a renewed sense of resilience, camaraderie, and mindfulness.

Trail Running: A Call to Adventure
Beyond the competition, the event embraced local culture, with traditional tamte drummers stationed at key climbs, motivating runners to push through the toughest stretches. Sustainability was also a key focus, with organizers ensuring a minimal ecological footprint and promoting trail running as an accessible, low-impact sport for all fitness levels.

With the success of its eighth edition, the Bengaluru Mountain Festival continues to solidify its place as the premier trail running event in India. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #BMF8, celebrating the growing movement that blends endurance, adventure, and a deep connection to nature.

The Indian education system stands at a critical juncture. With 1 in 5 students suffering from some Mental health issue, we need to consider it nothing less than a pandemic. While the country has made remarkable progress in expanding access to education with more than 30,000 colleges and 1000+ universities, a deeper examination of classroom dynamics reveals persistent flaws that demand urgent reform. Our current approach to education often prioritizes rote learning, exam-based assessments, and outdated teaching methodologies, leading to increased mental health issues among students. It is time we shift our focus toward a more holistic, skill-based, and student-centric learning environment in the classrooms of our institutions.

Dr Dhruv Galgotia speaks at the QS India Summit 2025

A System Stuck in the Past
Despite rapid advancements in technology and pedagogy worldwide, Indian classrooms remain largely unchanged. Traditional lecture-based teaching continues to dominate, leaving little room for creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This rigid approach not only stifles student engagement but also places immense psychological pressure on young minds, contributing to anxiety, burnout, and, in extreme cases, tragic instances of student suicides.The days of giving a monologue by a faculty to unattentively bored and dis-interested students should have been over years back.

Mental Health Pandemic in Higher Education
The mental well-being of students has become a growing concern in India’s higher education institutions. The relentless pressure to excel in competitive exams, the stigma associated with failure, and the absence of structured mental health support create an environment where students struggle in silence. Unfortunately, whatever efforts are being made to address these issues are reactionary rather than preventative. We tend to respond only after crises occur, instead of implementing proactive strategies to nurture students emotional resilience and well-being from an early stage.

Breaking Free from Rote Learning: Time to Bring in AI in classrooms
One of the most damaging aspects of our education system is its over-reliance on rote memorization. Instead of fostering curiosity and innovation, students are trained to memorize and reproduce information without truly understanding concepts. This not only diminishes their ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios but also suppresses independent thinking. To build a workforce ready for the challenges of the 21st century, we must encourage active learning, critical analysis, and experiential education. Infact, we have made the investments at Galgotias university to make it a point that old lecture style classrooms are done away with to a large extent and made almost all classrooms collaborative and technology enabled to ensure teaching is done to enhance the retention of our learners.

The Need for Preventative Measures in Mental Health
The current model of mental health intervention in universities is largely post-mortem-action is taken only after visible distress signals emerge. This approach fails to address the root causes of stress, such as academic pressure, social isolation, and unrealistic expectations. Universities must integrate mental wellness programs into their curriculum, provide easy access to counselling services, and normalize conversations around mental health.The need for strong mental health support on campuses with well trained counsellors is one of the most critical needs in higher education institutions. Galgotias has established a mental wellness centre in partnership with HCL healthcare to ensure students get personalised attention with scientific technology enabled follow-ups in due course as needed by students, faculties and parents both on and off the campus.

Active Learning at Galgotias University: Student Centered Ecosystem
Galgotias University has taken significant strides toward implementing active learning to revolutionize education. By launching G-SCALE ( Galgotias student centered active learning ecosystem) and incorporating interactive teaching techniques such as Think-Pair Share, Scaffolding, Jigsaw, Simulations, problem-based learning, Case-study techniques and hands-on projects, students are engaged in a more dynamic and participative learning process. The university has also pioneered India’s first active learning building, designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills. This initiative places Galgotias University at the forefront of modern educational reform, ensuring that students not only acquire knowledge but also develop critical thinking and practical skills essential for their future careers.

A Shift Toward Student-Centric Learning
To truly reform our education system, we must move toward a student-centric model that prioritizes engagement, curiosity, and well-being. This can be achieved through:

• Lower failure rates: Better conceptual understanding, reduced failure rates, strengthened social relationships, and better absorption of knowledge leading to academic achievement for students who would have been predicted not to have performed well.

• Personalized Education: Using technology to tailor learning experiences to individual student needs.

• Skill Development: Encouraging practical skill-building over rote memorization to prepare students for real-world challenges.

• Mental Health Integration: Embedding emotional well-being initiatives within academic frameworks to ensure students receive the support they need.

• Industry-Academia Collaboration: Bridging the gap between classroom education and professional realities to enhance employability.

A Call for Change
The time to rethink India’s education system is now. We must acknowledge that the traditional methods of teaching and assessment are no longer sufficient in preparing students for the future. By embracing progressive educational reforms, fostering a culture of mental wellness, and making learning more meaningful, we can create an education system that truly empowers students to thrive in all aspects of life.

Change begins with a willingness to challenge outdated norms. As educators, policymakers, and stakeholders, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that every student in India receives an education that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures their mental and emotional well-being. Only then can we truly unlock the potential of our youth and drive India toward a brighter future.

About the author :
Dr. Dhruv Galgotia is the CEO of Galgotias University and recently spoke at the QS India Summit on Mental health in Indian Institutions held in Goa.

Mehta Wealth, a prominent wealth management company, through its Investment Tracking Application empowering investors to track their investment; modern-day application that offers investors with real-time insights, seamless portfolio tracking, and advanced financial planning tools. Through this innovative mobile application by Mehta Wealth further revolutionise the wealth management area by offering a user-friendly, transparent, and safe solution for investors to stay better informed about their financial decisions.

Application Link of Mehta Wealth: apps.apple.com/in/app/mehta-wealth/id1202189652

Mr. Krunal Mehta, MD & CEO of Mehta Wealth Limited

“At Mehta Wealth, we believe in equipping our clients with the best technology so they can manage their financial future with confidence. Our application provides a robust, intuitive, and secure platform that makes tracking and analysing investments effortless.” said Krunal Mehta, Founder and CEO of Mehta Wealth. He Further added,“Not every wealth management company offers easy access to investors to track their wealth mapping on a real-time basis but, here at Mehta Wealth we priorities’ it. We strive to provide exceptional wealth management solutions that evolve with the investor’s requirements.”

Real-time portfolio tracking, sector-wise investment insights, and asset allocation recommendations across MFs, AIFs, PMS, and unlisted shares are additionally provided. It allows the users the option to view the consolidated portfolio when forming a family portfolio, ensuring a holistic and efficient approach to wealth management. This app is endowed with advanced analytics that enable risk assessment, goal-based financial planning, and tracking, making the investment management approach more strategic and data-driven.

Using a clear and guided interface, the app offers easy navigation even to less tech-savvy investors and new users entering wealth management. Investors can create portfolio statements, track NAVs of mutual funds, and obtain performance analysis in just a few taps of this app.

Mehta Wealth believes that security and privacy are paramount. The app is guarded by excellent security measures in accordance with India’s financial and data protection laws, ensuring confidentiality and compliance.

Distinguishing itself from competitors and other wealth management providers, the investment-tracking application from Mehta Wealth offers unmatched visibility and accessibility, ensuring investors have complete control over their wealth. The firm is committed to continuously innovating and listening to its customers, resulting in technology that is always ahead of the competition. The company is committed to serving its customers and has a team of professional Wealth Management consultants that provides assistance to its customers.

About Mehta Wealth Ltd.

Established in 2005, Mehta Wealth Ltd is a leading firm in the field of wealth management solutions within South Gujarat and other regions. The firm has a number of experienced wealth managers and engaging strategies that make them successful at dealing with HNIs and UHNIs clients by developing plans, analysing portfolios on a regular basis, and monitoring wealth management issues effectively.

Mehta Wealth has been characterized by trust, innovative approaches and thus, has attained accomplishments like the organization of big investor meets for HNIs in Gujarat and the partnership with top tier asset managers in India. It is listed in Silicon India’s Top 10 Promising Wealth Consultants global list which reflects the level of expertise offered by the firm in wealth management.

“Ahvaan: A Call to Action: National Conference on Aftercare Services” was a groundbreaking event aimed at uniting a diverse group of stakeholders involved in the aftercare ecosystem. Hosted by Catalysts for Social Action (CSA), in partnership with A Future for Every Child (AFEC) and UNICEF, the conference gathered government agencies, NGOs, skill development institutions, and corporate partners for a collaborative exchange of knowledge and ideas. The national conference was attended by over 130 stakeholders including 6 government representatives and participants from 13 states to have a meaningful discussion on the state of Aftercare in India.

Ahvaan Conference, hosted by CSA, AFEC, and UNICEF, sparks collaboration to bridge the aftercare gap to empower care leavers with the support they need for a successful future

Aftercare services play a vital role in supporting young people who age out of institutional care at 18 (called ‘care leavers‘), offering resources like higher education, vocational training, mentorship, psychosocial support, housing, and life skills training. However, it is estimated that two-thirds of care leavers are unaware of these services, and only a small fraction access comprehensive aftercare programs. Without such support, they face risks including poverty, unemployment, and homelessness.

This conference marks the first time that four key NGOs-CSA, AFEC, Udayan Care, and Sevalaya-have come together under a shared theory of change to address the aftercare gap. CSA’s Aftercare Program with over 2500 Care Leavers is one of the largest in the country and is running in five states and 60+ districts. Through years of implementation on the ground the program has incorporated learnings on how to make it effective in terms of measurable outcomes. It also leverages technology, HR processes and partnerships to make the program scalable.

Vipul Jain, Co-founder of CSA, stated, “We have been working on our Aftercare Program for the last five years and believe it is the largest program in the country with an annual enrolment of 600+. It is also cost efficient, effective and scalable. We are co-hosting this conference to share our program design, implementation methodology, and learnings with all stakeholders. We hope that this will spark more conversations about the cause of Aftercare Services and kickstart collective and collaborative action.”

By fostering knowledge exchange and partnerships between government bodies, NGOs, skill development institutions, and corporate partners, the conference was an attempt to create a unified approach to aftercare. It is only through such collaborations that scalable solutions can be developed to ensure every care leaver receives the support they deserve.

Key highlights of the event included a UNICEF representative discussing policy frameworks and challenges in aftercare services. Sanjay Singh, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Maharashtra, said, “UNICEF India’s commitment to its #3Cs4EveryChild approach – Convene, Converge and Catalyse, particularly in aftercare, is focused on empowering care leavers as they transition into adulthood. Through Convening, UNICEF India brings together diverse stakeholders-governments, NGOs, youth networks, and the private sector-to create a supportive ecosystem for care leavers. Converging efforts across sectors, aligns key actors to ensure coordinated action on critical issues like education, skill development, and mental health for these vulnerable youth. By catalysing policy dialogue and directly engaging care leavers, UNICEF sparks awareness and drives collective action to support their transition, ensuring they are equipped with the opportunities and resources to thrive independently.“

The conference also featured three panel discussions: Voice of Care Leavers, focusing on the challenges faced by care leavers and the need for improved awareness and access to aftercare services; Convergence and Partnerships – Building an Effective Aftercare Ecosystem, exploring how collaboration among stakeholders can create a robust support system; Experiences and Perspectives of Government Functionaries from Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra was a key panel to learn from; and Mission 2030 – Scaling Aftercare Services to Reach All Care Leavers, addressing the scaling of aftercare services nationwide to all care leavers. Additionally, two key papers were released: Effective, Scalable Aftercare Models by Gita Gopal, Co-Founder of AFEC, and From Strategy to Implementation by CSA, providing critical insights into the Aftercare Program that CSA has been implementing.

Gita Gopal, Co-founder of AFEC, shared, “We are at a pivotal moment where collaborative efforts can create a lasting impact on the lives of care leavers. Through collective action, we can build an effective, sustainable and scalable aftercare system that ensures no young adult is left behind.”

About Catalysts for Social Action

Catalysts for Social Action (CSA) is an Indian NGO that works towards addressing the unique needs of children in the Juvenile Justice system. Positioned at various stages in the continuum of care-whether it is family-based alternative care, institutional care, or Aftercare-CSA is committed to ensuring that every child or young adult has the opportunity to find a loving family or get family-like care. The organisation envisions a future where every vulnerable child can develop into a confident individual, lead a fulfilling life and be a contributing member of society.

CSA has been working for over 20+ years, and is active in 5 states – Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa. It supports 110 Child Care Institutions to create better outcomes in terms of health, nutrition, education and life skills for over 5000 children living in these homes. CSA’s Aftercare Program is probably the largest in the country with over 2500+ Care Leavers. CSA also does research, training, advisory and policy implementation in all aspects of the Child Protection space.

About A Future for Every Child

A Future for Every Child (AFEC) is a US-based non-profit founded in 2019 by adoptive parents Gita and Madan Gopal. With a mission to support the journey of orphaned and vulnerable youth to adulthood, AFEC has been unwavering in its focus on assisting care leavers-youth aging out of institutional care-to transition successfully to independence.

Since its inception, AFEC has emerged as a thought leader, defining an effective and scalable aftercare program for care leavers and pioneering comprehensive data collection to drive continuous program improvement. Collaborating with trusted partners to implement the program across India, AFEC has supported approximately 1,500 care leavers over the past five years.

Guided by the vision of empowering every care leaver to build a brighter future, AFEC remains committed to expanding its reach and impact in the years to come.