In a heartwarming gesture that fused star power with a message of sustainability, legendary actor Superstar Rajinikanth left behind more than memories during his recent stay at POPPYS Tuskers Hill Resort in Anaikatti.

The cinematic icon was in the scenic hills of Anaikatti filming for his highly anticipated upcoming movie, produced by Sun Pictures. Amidst his busy shooting schedule, Rajinikanth took time to immerse himself in the serenity of POPPYS Tuskers Hill Resort, which he warmly described as “the best stay ever“.His words have left a lasting impression on the team and the property alike.

Superstar Rajinikanth planted a sapling at POPPYS Tuskers Hill Resort – Anaikatti, in the presence of Mr. S. K. Hari Arumugam, Managing Director of Poppys Hotels

On April 25, in a symbolic ceremony, Rajinikanth planted a sapling on the resort grounds, joined by Mr. S. K. Hari Arumugam, Managing Director of Poppys Hotels, and members of the Tuskers Hill team. The planting marked a celebration of growth, gratitude, and a shared commitment to sustainability.

“Having a living memory planted by none other than the Superstar himself is a moment of pride and honor for Tuskers Hill. His gracious presence has truly become part of our legacy,”said Mr. S. K. Hari Arumugam,reflecting on the significance of the day.

Rajinikanth’s visit and his kind words have become a defining moment for Tuskers Hill Resort, promising to inspire guests and team members for generations to come.

Tuskers Hill Resort today stands as a living testimony to unforgettable experiences – where legends walk among nature, and memories are rooted forever.

For more information please visit www.tuskershill.com.

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has successfully solarized 10 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Karnataka under its flagship CSR initiative, ‘Swasthya Kiran’, in collaboration with SELCO Foundation. This transformative initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted access to lighting and reliable electricity in rural healthcare facilities, significantly enhancing the quality of healthcare services in underserved communities.

Signify and SELCO Foundation Collaborate to Solarize 10 24×7 Primary Health Centres in Karnataka

Each PHC has been equipped with a 5 kWp solar panel, a 19.2 kWh battery, and a 6 kVA solar PCU, ensuring continuous power supply for critical healthcare operations, lighting, and essential medical equipment. The initiative is expected to save approximately 7,000 electricity units per PHC annually, resulting in a total savings of around 70,000 units across all 10 centres. This translates to an estimated financial saving of ₹4.5 lakhs per year, while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions by approximately 50 metric tons annually-promoting a greener, more sustainable environment alongside improved healthcare delivery.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr. Mohandas, T.B. Officer, District Health Office, Tumakur, and Dr. Sidheshwara, Taluk Health Officer, Sira Block, along with Gram Panchayat dignitaries. They applauded the projects vital contribution to strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure.

Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India, shared his thoughts on this project, “At Signify, we are committed to using our lighting expertise to create a positive impact on communities through our CSR initiatives. Our Swasthya Kiran CSR project exemplifies this commitment by providing reliable and sustainable energy to power critical healthcare services in rural Karnataka. We are proud to partner with SELCO Foundation in improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.”

The Swasthya Kiran project covers PHCs across four districts: 4 in Tumkur, 3 in Bangalore Urban, 1 in Kolar, and 2 in Mysore. Selection criteria prioritized PHCs that serve as high-delivery points and those with high outpatient (OPD) footfall to maximize community impact.

Speaking at the event, SELCO Foundation remarked, “At SELCO Foundation, we are committed to enabling sustainable energy solutions for underserved communities. Our partnership with Signify ensures that rural healthcare facilities receive reliable, round-the-clock power to deliver critical health services effectively.”

By reducing dependence on diesel generators and ensuring uninterrupted energy access, the project not only advances clean energy adoption but also strengthens healthcare delivery for an estimated half a million rural and last-mile beneficiaries.

This initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable healthcare infrastructure and underscores the power of partnerships in promoting inclusive and equitable health solutions through renewable energy.

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2024, we had sales of EUR 6.1 billion, approximately 29,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for eight consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for five consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

• The bar features a coloured image of the child form of Lord Krishna, seated and adorned with ornaments

• The reverse side carries a Sanskrit mantra in reverence to Lord Krishna

MMTC-PAMP, Indias only London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) accredited Good Delivery gold & silver refiner is proud to announce the launch of the Laddoo Gopal 50 grams 99.99%+ purity Silver Bar. This exquisite silver bar pays tribute to Lord Krishna, showcasing an image of the childlike innocence and divinity through intricate designs and fine Swiss craftsmanship.

MMTC-PAMP unveils the Laddoo Gopal 50 gm Silver Bar, a symbol of devotion, purity, and divine craftsmanship

Laddoo Gopal is the child form of Lord Krishna, known for his playful nature and love for sweets. He is a symbol of love and innocence, and is worshipped across India. People often treat Laddoo Gopal like a member of their family, offering him laddoos and decorating his space with care. This silver bar shows a colourful, 3D image of Laddoo Gopal sitting peacefully, surrounded by designs that reflect his playful and divine nature.

The back side of the bar is engraved with a sacred Sanskrit shloka. The verse is a prayer to Lord Krishna, praising him as Vasudeva, Hari, and Govinda, the Supreme being, who removes all troubles and protects us always.

Speaking on the launch, Mr Samit Guha, Chief Financial and Technology Officer from MMTC-PAMP said, “MMTC-PAMP is honoured to offer our valued customers a unique symbol of love, devotion, and faith. Crafted with Finest Swiss craftsmanship and 99.99%+ purity, this bar serves as a spiritual keepsake for devotees of Lord Krishna. It is our tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions, and we hope it brings blessings of joy, protection, and prosperity to all who receive it.”

MMTC-PAMP’s Laddoo Gopal Silver bar embodies of celebrating India’s rich spiritual heritage through intricate design and craftsmanship. Like all MMTC-PAMP products, the Laddoo Gopal Silver Bar is produced using advanced refining techniques and undergoes rigorous quality checks to meet global purity standards. (Link to the product)

Every product created by MMTC-PAMP goes through a rigorous purification process to ensure 999.9+ (99.99%+) the purity of the metal. To validate the authenticity, every MMTC-PAMP product carries a unique number and comes packaged in Assayer Certified Minted Cards. Each gold and silver product bought from MMTC-PAMP offers positive weight tolerance, which guarantees that every coin or bar one buys weighs more than the listed weight, ensuring customers receive the highest value for their investment. MMTC-PAMP products are available at their exclusive stores, leading jeweller partners, online marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart, or directly from MMTC-PAMP’s official website, shop.mmtcpamp.com.

About MMTC-PAMP

A joint venture between Switzerland-based bullion refinery, PAMP SA, and MMTC Ltd., a Miniratna and Government of India Undertaking. MMTC-PAMP is the only LBMA-accredited gold & silver good delivery refiner in India and is accepted across global commodity exchanges and central banks. The company seamlessly marries Swiss excellence with Indian insights. MMTC-PAMP India Pvt. Ltd. is internationally recognized as an industry leader in bringing global standards of excellence to the Indian precious metals industry.

MMTC-PAMP has received several awards since its inception from local and global industry bodies for Refining, Brand and Sustainability. Notably, MMTC-PAMP is Indias First Precious Metals Company to have Science-based Emissions Reduction Targets Approved by SBTI. Recognized by the Asia and India Book of Records, MMTC-PAMP is acclaimed as the country’s only brand providing the purest gold and silver coins and bars with 999.9+ purity levels and positive weight tolerance to consumers. Adding to its laurels, MMTC-PAMP was honoured as India’s Most Trusted Brand of the Nation at The Brand Story- Indian Brand and Leadership Conclave & Awards, 2024.

Ahuja Residences, a trusted name in India’s hospitality sector, proudly announces the launch of Ahuja Residency Sage, a premium boutique hotel located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. This stylish new address marks the brand’s second property in New Delhi, following the successful openings of AR Suites at KLJ Square, AIR by Ahuja Residences in DLF Phase 2, and MG Road, Gurugram.

Facade of Ahuja Residency SAGE, Malviya Nagar

Strategically located just 2.1 km from the iconic Qutub Minar, Ahuja Residency Sage offers easy access to key landmarks, including Qutub Golf Course, Sanjay Van, the bustling malls of Saket, Hauz Khas Village, and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). With New Delhi Railway Station only 14 km away and Indira Gandhi International Airport just 17 km away, the hotel serves as a convenient base for both business and leisure travellers. Designed to blend comfort, character, and connectivity, Ahuja Residency Sage provides a thoughtfully curated stay experience tailored to the modern travellers needs.

“Ahuja Residency Sage is more than just a hotel; it’s a refined living experience,” says Mr. Jaideep Ahuja, MD & CEO of Ahuja Residences. “We have created a space where design, comfort, affordability, and location come together to meet the needs of today’s traveller. It’s luxury with heart and a stay that feels personal, not generic.

The hotel features 31 elegantly appointed rooms across the Deluxe, Superior, and Premium categories-each designed to provide a seamless blend of style and functionality. Guests can expect plush bedding, contemporary furnishings, high-speed Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a well-stocked minibar, ergonomic workspaces, and refined bathrooms equipped with rain showers and premium toiletries. Whether youre working remotely or unwinding after a long day, every room is crafted to deliver unmatched comfort and convenience.

Adding to the experience is Caf Breeze, the hotel’s intimate 30-seater restaurant and caf. Featuring a thoughtfully curated menu of Indian and international dishes, Caf Breeze emphasises fresh, seasonal ingredients and accommodates diverse palates and dietary preferences. Ideal for a quick breakfast, a relaxed lunch, or a cozy evening coffee, the caf is a favourite with guests.

Thoughtfully designed and fully equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology, flexible seating configurations, private dining options, and breakout zones, the venue is ideal for business meetings, workshops, conferences, intimate celebrations, and pre-wedding functions in South Delhi.

With its prime location, warm hospitality, contemporary design, and exceptional value, Ahuja Residency Sage is poised to become one of South Delhi’s most sought-after boutique hotels. It’s the perfect address for travellers who seek comfort, connectivity, and character-without compromise.

About Ahuja Residences

With over four decades of experience, Ahuja Residences is a trailblazer in premium serviced apartments, corporate housing, and boutique hotels in India.

The brand operates across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Pune, Ahmedabad, Rohtak, and Sri City-Chennai, with over 500 varied properties consisting of 2,500+ guest rooms, a robust growth pipeline and aggressive growth plans.

Well-known for its consistency and innovation, Ahuja Residences’ portfolio includes top-rated stays in Vasant Vihar, Defence Colony, Golf Links, and DLF Phases 1 & 2. Its suite-only brand, AR Suites, and Japanese hospitality vertical, Yuhi Hospitality Services, further expand its footprint in specialised stays.

Delhi witnessed a cultural moment like no other as Toki™ Suntory, from the iconic portfolio of The House of Suntory, brought to life One Night in Toki-O-an immersive Japanese experience that reimagined Tokyos creative pulse. Set at The Dhan Mill, the evening was a bold invitation into the world of Toki™, unfolding as a vivid Tokyo-inspired dreamscape where “Old meets New Japan.”

Toki™ hosted One Night in Toki-O at Dhan Mill, Delhi – celebrating Old Meets New and reimagining Japan with Toki™ from the House of Suntory

Guests stepped into a living, breathing story of Japanese culture, with streets that pulsed with modern flair and corners that echoed with nostalgic charm. From the very first moment, the experience reflected the essence of Toki™-a blend of tradition and modernity, a playful yet timeless spirit. Every touchpoint was thoughtfully crafted to echo this ethos, transforming the venue into a cultural haven.

At the heart of this unforgettable evening was Toki™ itself-a Japanese blend shaped by the legacy of Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. It brought guests not just flavour, but a story, one that celebrates Japan’s heritage while embracing its future-forward energy. For both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers, Toki™ became the storyteller, the connector, the soul of the night.

Rohini Menezes, Portfolio Manager (House of Suntory), Suntory Global Spirits in India, captured the spirit of the event, she said, – “One Night in Toki-O was a vibrant showcase of Toki™ ‘s spirit- playful, timeless and deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It is an immersive experience, where we venture on a journey through Japan in all its contemporary glory, interwoven with some classic old-world charm. Japanese-inspired food to cocktail pop-ups, One Night in Toki-O will transport you to a version of Japan where the old meets new. This experience brought together partners who reimagined tradition across music, fashion, design, cuisine, and cocktails. From Vinyl Collective’s soundscape to fashion installations, every element was chosen to create a layered, sensorial experience. The evening offered a rare glimpse into the legacy, proud heritage and innovative spirit that define the House of Suntory.”

Blending culture, craft, and creativity, One Night in Toki-O offered a multisensory journey into Japanese artistry, reimagined by the House of Suntory. The evening opened with vinyl takeovers by Genre, Pagal Record Store and Digging in India, known for their deep musical archives and curation. Live sets by Film, KSC, Gauri, Thegreybox and Pavnii brought an eclectic energy, blending global influences with homegrown artistry to reflect Toki™ ‘s spirit of old meeting new.

Visual installations by ManVsType and Studio Medium transformed the space with bold type-led storytelling and immersive lighting. Fashion showcases by Stylo Label and Studio Medium captured contemporary Japanese aesthetics through clean lines and cultural expression. Long Finish served up Izakaya-style bites with modern twists, while cocktails by Genre offered a playful take on Japanese flavours. Guests also co-created with The Art Curry’s live illustration studio, making the night not just an experience, but something personal and memorable. Each partner brought their own creative language, making the evening a true reflection of Toki™ ‘s world.

About Toki™ Suntory
Toki™, meaning ‘time,’ is a concept that is deeply-woven into the Japanese way of life – a concept rich in meaning the world over, yet especially in Japan, where regard for convention and re-evaluation starts an amazing inventive vitality. The House of Suntory’s fourth Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was inspired to create a blend that is both groundbreaking and timeless, leading him to take a fresh approach with Toki™. By bringing the grain component of the blend from the Chita distillery, where the heavy-type grain spirit is distilled only twice on column stills and is vanilla-rich with a sweet undertone in its unblended state. Shinji-san sourced the malt component from the Hakushu distillery, which produces light, fruity malt similar to many Speyside distilleries. The unique pairing of Hakushu American White Oak Cask malt spirit with Chita heavy-type grain spirit overturns the traditional hierarchy between malt and grain. These seemingly dissimilar but deeply accordant spirits, together with select Yamazaki malts for additional depth and complexity give rise to the exquisite, silky taste, distinctive character and bold innovation of the blended Toki™ Suntory. This year, Toki™ Suntory has been awarded Gold in the Tasting Awards – Japanese spirits category at the International Spirits Challenge 2024. This esteemed recognition reaffirms Toki™’s status as a distinguished blend in its category, marking yet another significant milestone among the more than 20 international awards it has received.

About House of Suntory
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the founding house of the Japanese Spirit. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japans first malt distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Toriis son and Suntorys second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries, including the Hakushu Distillery.

As the generations of Suntorys master blenders carry on, Suntory remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory is proud to confirm that all exported Suntory Japanese Spirit products are 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan and compliant with the new production and labelling standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA). The House of Suntory has been named Distiller of the Year four times at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), with Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo being named Master Blender of the Year for the first time ever and Yamazaki 12-Year-Old being recognized as the Supreme Champion Spirit in 2024. Suntory Spirits are subtle, refined, and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Toki™ and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku™ and Haku™. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku™ and Haku™ represent the nature and spirit of Japan. In 2023, Suntory celebrated one hundred years of spirit innovation-a major milestone not only for the brands history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory rolled out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.

For more information, please visit: www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

United Kingdom | India | Bengaluru

• Joins forces with MW Eat J in Innova@ve Dining-Based Fundraiser for Food Banks

• Aryaveer is the grandson of Royal Orchid Hotels’ Chairman & Managing Director Chander K Baljee and the son of Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid Hotels

MW Eat – the restaurant group behind Amaya, Veeraswamy, Chutney Mary and Masala Zone – has launched a charitable partnership with Hampshire’s Youth MP Aryaveer Baljee to create a sustainable source of food bank funding through a unique new initiative called Pounds 4 Plates.

Aryaveer Baljee with Ranjit Mathrani, cofounder of MW Eat Ltd

Aryaveer is the grandson of Royal Orchid Hotels’ Chairman & Managing Director Chander K Baljee and the son of Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid Hotels. Following the success of the pilot Aryaveer has set his sights on India to unravel the unique model with the aim to bring about a change in how food banks are funded. The India project is expected to be called #Paisas4Plates.

From 14th April until 28th April 2025, a voluntary 0.25% service charge will be added to diner bills across MW Eat’s restaurants. The proceeds will be donated to The Winchester Beacon, a homelessness and food insecurity charity.

The partnership is a pilot for what Aryaveer Baljee hopes will become a nationwide model for sustainable, low-barrier restaurant-led giving.

“I believe that hospitality is more than a service, but a bridge. It brings people together, creates jobs, uplifts communities, and fosters understanding across cultures. In a divided world, the simple act of welcoming another can be a powerful force for social good. In this case, the industry is helping tackle homelessness, an issue that I pledged to help reduce as part of my manifesto upon election in 2024.”

This initiative demonstrates how the hospitality sector can creatively contribute to social causes without disrupting the dining experience.

EC-Council , a global leader in cybersecurity education and training, and the creators of world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential, is taking a transformative step to reshape the future of digital security. EC-Council has announced the launch of a $100 million investment to drive the development of next-gen technologies aimed to accelerate cybersecurity breakthroughs and strengthen global digital defense.

EC-Council Commits $100 Million to Drive the Future of Cybersecurity Innovation

The investment coupled with EC-Council’s platform support, will boost the next generation of cybersecurity innovation which will redefine the cybersecurity paradigm worldwide. Strategic deployment of the investment will prioritize companies with high growth potential, and which demonstrate exceptional technical innovation, problem-solving capabilities, and tangible impact in strengthening Cybersecurity Defense.

Companies led by EC-Council certified cybersecurity professionals or those that employ EC-Council certified cybersecurity professionals in key technical and leadership roles will be given priority, aligning with EC-Council’s commitment to expertise-driven cybersecurity innovation.

“Our industry stands at a pivotal moment, requiring visionary leadership to counteract an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape,” said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council. “This initiative is designed to provide not just financial backing but also mentorship, strategic guidance, and global exposure to help these companies create effective security solutions. As a globally trusted cybersecurity brand, we are investing in the future by equipping those who are committed to driving impactful change.”

This initiative builds on EC-Council’s two-decade legacy of shaping the global cybersecurity workforce through education, training, and innovation. Its industry-relevant programs; such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Network Defender (CND), Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) have become gold standards in the field. Supporting this commitment to continuous learning is EC-Council Learning, the Worlds Largest Online Cybersecurity Course Library, which offers professionals and institutions access to thousands of curated resources that evolve with the threat landscape.

Further product innovations include CEH powered with AI capabilities, CPENT AI an advanced offensive security program featuring real-time AI-driven test environments and The Hackerverse CTF, EC-Council’s immersive cyber range platform that simulates real-world attack scenarios to prepare professionals for live threats.

The goal of EC-Council’s $100 million investment is to ensure that companies in the cybersecurity space with strong technical capabilities and market potential can access capital and resources to accelerate their growth. Companies from any region are encouraged to apply, as EC-Council is committed to creating a global ecosystem of cybersecurity innovation.

With cyberattacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, businesses, governments, and individuals face growing risks. EC-Council’s investment initiative is designed to ensure the companies with best-in-class products, service offerings and capabilities have the resources and platform to reach the users and enterprises who could benefit the most from their solutions.

Bavisi further highlighted the importance of empowering emerging companies, stating: “Innovation is not limited to large global corporations or major tech hubs. With the power of today’s technology, infrastructure and AI, some of the most disruptive cybersecurity solutions are emerging in recent times by highly specialized companies, with the potential to transform the sector and lead to new business models. Our goal is to ensure these companies have the support they need to thrive, regardless of their size or location.”

For more information on how to apply, visit EC-Council’s official website: www.eccouncil.org/supporting-cybersecurity-initiatives

About EC-Council

EC-Council is the creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program and a leader in cybersecurity education. Founded in 2001, EC-Council’s mission is to provide high-quality training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals to keep organizations safe from cyber threats. EC-Council offers over 200 certifications and degrees in various cybersecurity domains, including forensics, security analysis, threat intelligence, and information security.

An ISO/IEC 17024 accredited organization, EC-Council has certified over 350,000 professionals worldwide, with clients ranging from government agencies to Fortune 100 companies. EC-Council is the gold standard in cybersecurity certification, trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and leading global corporations.

For more information, visit: www.eccouncil.org.

Malabar Group’s flagship CSR initiative, the ‘Hunger Free World‘ project, has significantly expanded its food distribution program in Zambia, now reaching 10,000 schoolchildren with nutritious meals every day. Launched in Zambia last year, the project aims to combat hunger and poverty through sustained food security initiatives.

Zambian Education Minister Douglas Syakalima inaugurates Malabar Group’s Hunger Free World project to expand food distribution at John Laing Primary School, Lusaka

As part of the expansion, daily nutritious midday meals are being provided to students at John Laing Primary School, Chingwele Primary School, and Mambilima Primary School in Zambia. This initiative aligns with Malabar Group’s earlier commitment to invest USD 1 million over a period of three years to support the school meal program in the country.

The expanded program was formally inaugurated at a ceremony held at John Laing Primary School in Lusaka by Zambia’s Minister of Education, Mr. Douglas Syakalima. The event was attended by Malabar Group Vice Chairman Mr. K.P. Abdul Salam, Zambia’s Consul General in Dubai Mr. Jerry Muuka, Zambian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mr. Duncan Mulima, India’s Deputy High Commissioner to Zambia Mr. Arif Saeed, along with senior Zambian government officials, school authorities, and other dignitaries.

The ‘Hunger Free World’ project is Malabar Group’s most impactful CSR initiative, with a mission to ensure no one goes hungry. In India, the project currently serves nutritious food packets to over 60,000 people daily across 81 cities in 17 states.

Speaking on the occasion, M.P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, said, ”Malabar Group has always been committed to social welfare and community development. We are proud to serve thousands of people living in poverty every day through the ‘Hunger Free World’ initiative. Our ESG team has worked diligently in Zambia over the past year to bring this project to life. We sincerely thank President Hakainde Hichilema, Vice President Mutale Nalumango, and all Zambian government officials for their unwavering support.”

Zambia’s Minister of Education, Mr. Douglas Syakalima, praised the initiative, noting that school meal programs not only address child hunger but also foster a conducive environment for learning and personal growth. He expressed gratitude to Malabar Group for its commitment to the well-being and future of Zambian children.

Malabar Group allocates 5% of its annual profits toward various social welfare programs focused on healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment. The expansion of the ‘Hunger Free World‘ project in Zambia marks another milestone in the company’s journey towards creating meaningful and lasting social impact.

At The Akshaya Patra Foundation, every wholesome meal served is a step toward enabling education and building a healthier, brighter future for children. Our journey in Puri, Odisha, has taken a meaningful leap towards sustainability through a valued partnership with BW LPG India, India’s largest owner and operator of Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shipping. The company is committed to deliver cleaner energy for a sustainable future and proudly supports related community initiatives.

BW LPG India fuels Akshaya Patra’s Puri kitchen with clean LPG for a greener future

Background

Puri is not just a pilgrimage hub; it is a city that balances deep-rooted spiritual significance with modern environmental consciousness. Known for the revered Jagannath Temple, the city has also embraced eco-friendly initiatives-making it an ideal place for sustainable innovations in community service.

Akshaya Patra in Puri

In Puri, Akshaya Patra began its operations in 2006 driven by the vision No child shall be deprived of education because of hunger. Today, the Puri kitchen provides nutritious mid-day meals to nearly 40,000 children studying in 583 government and government-aided schools in the city and surrounding areas, by supporting the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan, our meals play a pivotal role in improving children’s health, school attendance, and learning outcomes.

The centralised kitchen provides hygienic, nutritious and freshly prepared mid-day meals daily, playing a vital role in improving school enrolment, attendance and retention as well as children’s health outcomes, and consequently, their academic performance.

Akshaya Patra – BW LPG India Partnership

Akshaya Patra has initiated a strategic shift towards becoming more environmentally sustainable, and in this, the Foundation has had the considerable support of donors like BW LPG India, who have supported its operations in Puri, Odisha. In line with Akshaya Patra’s sustainability commitment, the Puri Centralised Kitchen, which prepares over 52,000 meals daily, transitioned from a briquette-fired boiler to a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-fired boiler with the support of BW LPG India. This move not only optimised operations but also brought significant environmental, community and cost-related benefits. BW LPG India leadership team adds, “We are committed to the communities in which we operate, and we are proud to continue our partnership with Akshaya Patra Foundation to sponsor the energy needs of school kitchens with clean-burning LPG-fuelled equipment, reinforcing our firm conviction in delivering energy for a better world”.

Mr. Dhananjay Ganjoo, Chief Marketing Officer of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, shared, “At Akshaya Patra, we believe that true service must go hand-in-hand with sustainability. Our collaboration with BW LPG India is a shining example of how thoughtful innovation can nourish both people and the planet. By reducing our environmental footprint while enhancing meal delivery for children, we are building a healthier future-one meal, one initiative at a time.”

Impact – Energy Transition at Akshaya Patra Puri Kitchen: Briquettes to LPG-fired Boiler

Before – Challenges with Briquette-fired Boiler

1. High Fuel Load, Lower Efficiency

• Daily Briquette Usage: 1,650 kg

• Calorific Value: ~3,800 kcal/kg → 6.27 million kcal/day

• Combustion Efficiency: ~65%, leading to thermal losses and higher input fuel needs

2. Particulate Matter & Pollution

• Briquettes emit high levels of PM2.5, soot and CO, leading to poor air quality inside the kitchen and surrounding area

• Persistent community complaints and pollution board concerns due to black smoke and ash

3. Manpower & Maintenance Overheads

• Manual fuel feeding, slag removal, and cleaning required extra labour and caused frequent boiler downtime

• Ash handling created hygiene issues near food processing zones

4. Operational Cost

• Cost/kg: Rs. 8.50 → Daily Cost: Rs. 14,025

• Requires large dry storage and handling areas for 1.6 tonnes/day

After – Benefits of LPG-fired Boiler Upgrade

1. Higher Thermal Efficiency

• LPG Calorific Value: ~11,500 kcal/kg

• To meet 6.27 million kcal/day, only 545 kg LPG/day is required

• Combustion Efficiency: ~95%, providing faster and cleaner steam generation

2. Clean combustion, Air Quality & Hygiene Improvement

• LPG combustion emits almost zero particulate matter, soot or ash.

• Drastically reduced kitchen emissions enhanced air quality for kitchen staff and the local community

• Compliance to the Government’s regulations of lowering air pollution as Puri is a place of importance from the pilgrimage and tourism perspectives

3. Manpower Savings & Easy Operation

• Automated burners and no ash to handle = ~30-40% manpower reduction in Fuel handling

• Lower downtime and safer operations

4. Low Capex & Minimal Maintenance

• LPG systems are modular and skid-mounted, requiring lower upfront investment

• No moving grates, conveyors, or soot blowers-maintenance costs dropped significantly

Carbon Footprint Reduction (235 Operational Days)

Net Carbon Emissions Reduction

Comparison b/w Briquettes and LPG from an Operational Perspective

This transition marks more than a technological advancement-it is a model for scalable, CSR-led environmental innovation that improves operations, empowers communities, and enhances the well-being of school children.

Together with BW LPG India, Akshaya Patra reaffirms its mission to serve nutritious meals while championing sustainability, community health, and national development goals.