Warning that the country’s housing ladder is losing its crucial first rungs, Ashwinder R. Singh, Vice-Chairman & CEO of BCD Group and Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee, has raised a red flag over India’s shrinking affordable housing supply. Affordable housing is not a second-tier pursuit, and the real estate sector must embrace affordability.

Ashwinder R. Singh, Vice-Chairman & CEO of BCD Group and Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee

Despite India’s massive housing shortfall, developers are increasingly turning away from sub-Rs. 50-lakh homes. Singh points out that the trend is being driven not only by tighter margins and heavier regulatory burdens but also by the stigma that still surrounds budget housing in the eyes of the industry. “When a fellow developer recently asked me, ‘When will you move beyond budget projects’ he thought he was encouraging me,” Singh remarked, highlighting the misplaced perception that affordability equates to underachievement.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Nearly half the homes sold in India’s top eight cities in the first half of 2025 were priced above Rs. 1 crore, according to Knight Frank India. Meanwhile, affordable housing launches in 15 Tier-2 cities plummeted 67% year-on-year in Q1 2025, based on PropEquity data. Even in seven major metros, sales of units priced below Rs. 50 lakh declined by 14% in 2024, despite record overall residential sales.

Singh identifies a “triple penalty” that discourages developers from building affordable homes. First, compressed margins and high input costs make budget projects commercially risky. Second, affordable offerings are seen as diluting brand value, which in turn affects pricing power. Third, capital continues to favour premium projects, with banks and funds applying stricter lending norms and lower exposure limits to budget housing. He further notes that compliance remains disproportionately burdensome, with budget projects facing the same regulatory hurdles as high-end developments. The lapse of the Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme in 2022 and fragmented state incentives have further weakened the segment’s viability.

Yet, the market continues to signal strong demand for affordability. As per a blended estimate by CII-NAREDCO, 73% of incremental urban housing demand sits below the Rs. 50-lakh mark, predominantly driven by millennial families looking for shorter commutes. EY data also reveals that nearly a quarter of all mortgage disbursements in the past year were for affordable housing.

Calling for urgent reform, Singh outlines five areas of intervention. These include bridging the perception gap through recognition of affordable developers via awards, ESG indices, and REIT weightage; addressing the capital drought through blended finance with first-loss guarantees; streamlining compliance via a digital single-window system with deemed approvals; improving land economics through density bonuses and transferable development rights; and confronting the brand stigma by mandating disclosure of affordability metrics in advertising.

Reframing affordable housing as a high-impact sector is essential, Singh argues. “Affordable developers build social mobility; every 1,000 units create about 1,800 direct and indirect jobs,” he notes, citing data from the Ministry of Housing. However, industry and media continue to highlight opulence over outcomes, showcasing marble instead of the multipliers that uplift communities.

According to a 2024 Times of India analysis, the share of homes priced under Rs. 50 lakh fell from 63% of new launches in 2019 to just 47% in 2023, before plateauing in response to falling interest rates. Singh warns that cyclical rate cuts will not be enough to correct what is now a structural imbalance in the market.

In his call to action, Singh urges policymakers to introduce a “Taxpayer Bill of Rights” for developers, setting clear approval timelines with penalties for delay. He recommends that lenders and funds ring-fence a portion of their annual real estate allocations for blended debt in the Rs. 15-50 lakh segment. Developers, meanwhile, must rethink affordable projects as modern communities-EV-ready, climate-resilient, and digitally connected-reflecting the expectations of the next generation.

India’s urban future cannot rest on luxury towers alone. “A housing ladder without its first two rungs traps families in rental stress, magnifies urban sprawl, and throttles productivity,” he writes. If India aims for a $5-trillion economy, it must restore dignity-and profitability-to the business of building affordable homes.

In a significant step towards integrating oral healthcare into the realm of sports science, Manav Rachna Dental College (MRDC) in collaboration with the Indian Dental Association (IDA), has launched the Fellowship in Sports Dentistry. The initiative holds national significance, as MRDC becomes the first institution to launch such a specialized programme, spearheading an innovative movement that underscores the critical link between oral health and athletic performance.

A milestone moment captured with the MoU signing

The event witnessed participation from eminent dignitaries, sports and dental professionals, academic leaders, students, and members of the dental fraternity, all gathered with a shared vision to integrate oral safety into the broader spectrum of sports medicine and preventive care.

Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, said, “The oral health of athletes is not a luxury, it is the need of the hour, and we are proud to lead this change. This initiative reflects our vision to blend academic excellence with community impact. By driving this programme, we aim to inspire dedicated dental professionals who will champion athlete health at all levels.”

The Fellowship in Sports Dentistry is a unique academic programme designed to provide dental professionals with in-depth training on the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of sports-related orofacial injuries.

With the surge of organized and competitive sports across India, from school tournaments to elite leagues, the risk of dental and facial injuries among athletes has increased manifold. Yet, the field of sports dentistry remains largely uncharted in India, especially in structured academic and preventive formats. Prof. Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, noted, “This initiative reflects our commitment to building bridges between health sciences and societal well-being through innovation and education. Every individual brings their own unique strength, and through such social efforts, these strengths blend to create a stronger, more meaningful impact.” This programme addresses a glaring gap, offering not only clinical education but also social outreach that aligns with national health and fitness agendas.

Adding perspective from the field of dentistry, Dr. Puneet Batra, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences and Dean, School of Dental Sciences and School of Allied Health Sciences, MRIIRS, stated, “As dental professionals, we must recognize that an athletes oral health is directly linked to their performance, endurance, and risk of injury. Sports dentistry is no longer a niche, it’s an essential aspect of comprehensive healthcare. Through this fellowship, we aim to produce a new cadre of professionals who understand these dynamics and can bring real change to the sports ecosystem.”

One of the core highlights of the launch was the Krida Dant Suraksha Volunteer Training, a youth-focused outreach component that aims to create oral health ambassadors in sports communities. Volunteers will be trained in first-response dental care, importance of custom mouthguards, injury reporting protocols, and oral hygiene maintenance for athletes. This initiative ensures that the impact of the programme extends beyond clinics and reaches the playgrounds, stadiums, and grassroots athletes who need it the most.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Ashok Dhoble, Secretary of the Indian Dental Association, and the chief guest of the event remarked, “This initiative reflects IDA’s commitment to preventive care and community engagement. Sports Dentistry is not just about treating injuries but about empowering our future dental force to protect athletes before injuries happen. The combination of academic rigor and public health orientation through this initiative is commendable and much needed.”

As India positions itself as a global sporting hub, with growing Olympic representation, professional leagues, and youth participation, the need for holistic athlete care is more pressing than ever. Oral health, often neglected, is now being rightfully brought to the forefront, thanks to this programme.

About MREI
Founded in 1997, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) stand as a symbol of excellence in education, providing high-quality learning across diverse fields. With over 41,000 alumni, 135+ global academic collaborations, and 80+ Innovation & Incubation Entrepreneurial Ventures, MREI is home to premier institutions, including Manav Rachna University (MRU), Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies (MRIIRS) – NAAC A++ Accredited, and Manav Rachna Dental College (under MRIIRS) – NABH Accredited. MREI also operates twelve schools nationwide, offering Indian and International curricula such as IB and Cambridge. Consistently ranked among the top in India by NIRF-MHRD, TOI, Outlook, Business World, ARIIA, and Careers360, MREIs achievements reflect its commitment to quality education. MRIIRS is recognised in the QS World University Rankings 2026, in addition to holding QS 5-Star ratings for Teaching, Employability, Academic Development, Facilities, Social Responsibility, and Inclusiveness. MRIIRS has entered the Top 100 Universities list in the NIRF Rankings 2024 with Rank 92 and was placed 38 in Dental Category.

For more details visit our website: manavrachna.edu.in

VinFast, the Vietnamese EV maker, has done it again.

First it was in the port city of Haiphong, turning a swamp into a state-of-the-art factory. Now, the company is attempting a similar feat in southern India, where the contours of its second major plant are beginning to emerge.

Over a year ago, the land outside Thoothukudi was little more than sun-baked scrubland. Today, assembly lines stand ready, the machinery set to stamp, weld and paint the first Vietnamese-designed electric cars meant for Indian roads.

VinFast factory in Hai Phong city, northern Vietnam

Phase one alone carries a $500 million investment, part of a $2 billion commitment. The assembly facility can turn out 50,000 vehicles annually, with room to triple output if demand rises, and is expected to create 3,000 to 3,500 jobs. Construction has stayed on schedule since the memorandum of understanding was signed in early 2024, and the first VF 6 and VF 7 models are set to reach Indian customers soon after the ribbon-cutting.

Why India, Why Now

As it scouts the next stop in its global expansion, VinFast sees India, where electric vehicles still make up only a single-digit share of the market, as a market on the edge of rapid growth. Rising environmental concerns and a demand for affordable mobility are reshaping consumer choices. By assembling locally, the company can bypass steep import duties and bring its premium SUVs closer to the budgets of India’s expanding middle class.

But the Tamil Nadu plant is meant to be more than an assembly site. VinFast hopes to replicate a strategy that has served it well in Vietnam: building an ecosystem that integrates production, a network of charging stations, sales to taxi and bus operators, and comprehensive after-sales support, including software updates, repairs and financing.

To deliver this in India, the company has signed 13 distribution partners to open 32 outlets across 27 cities. It has also teamed with RoadGrid, myTVS and Global Assure to establish a charging and service backbone, while working with BatX Energies on recycling and second-life applications to build a closed battery loop and lower lifetime ownership costs.

This ecosystem can require heavy amount of effort and investment, but it may be essential to easing range anxiety and making EV ownership routine.

Tamil Nadu as Launchpad

Tamil Nadu’s 2023 EV policy offers land concessions, subsidies and expedited permits. State officials often point to the deep-sea Ro-Ro port at Thoothukudi as a springboard for exports. For the state, VinFast’s plant represents a significant auto investment, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s status as India’s most diverse automotive hub.

The plant’s modular design allows production to scale for nearby South Asian countries, Gulf states and African markets. Interest has already come from Nepal, Sri Lanka and Middle Eastern distributors, and trade analysts suggest Thoothukudi could become a hub for right-hand-drive exports if tariff agreements with the United States advance.

For India, the gains may extend well beyond the state. The facility is expected to strengthen the country’s EV supply chain, generating thousands of direct jobs and supporting many more in component manufacturing, logistics and software. Local sourcing requirements could draw dozens of suppliers into Tamil Nadu, accelerating technology transfer and giving Indian firms a foothold in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern EV markets.

The project is also expected to speed the Inia’s transition to cleaner transport. A widespread network of service centers and chargers can help reduce one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption. By delivering competitively priced vehicles with reliable after-sales support, VinFast may pressure local automakers to expand their EV lineups, nudging India closer to its target of electrifying 30 percent of new car sales by 2030.

Yet competition looms. Homegrown manufacturers dominate the EV market, and global giants are recalibrating their India strategies. But VinFast is betting that “premium yet accessible” models – mid-range pricing paired with strong connectivity and after-sales packages – will sway drivers away from gasoline.

Running a medical practice in today’s fast-changing healthcare environment is no easy task. Whether it is setting up a new clinic, upgrading diagnostic equipment, expanding practice, or simply managing day-to-day working capital-funding can often become a challenge. With rising costs and growing patient expectations, even experienced doctors may feel the financial strain.

Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan

Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan is a suitable option medical professionals can consider to get over these challenges. This offering is designed specifically for healthcare professionals, providing high-value, unsecured loans to meet their professional needs without the hassle of lengthy paperwork or collateral.

And to make it even more rewarding, Bajaj Finance has launched an exclusive Loan Utsav campaign featuring special cashback offers. Available from 1st July to 31st July 2025, the offer is open to the first 50 doctors who apply through the Bajaj Finserv App or website and get their loan disbursed during the campaign period. Eligible medical professionals stand to receive up to Rs. 5,000 in cashback rewards, making it a timely opportunity to invest in.

Below is the cashback structure under the limited-period Loan Utsav campaign:

The cashback will be credited to the customer’s Bajaj Pay Wallet. If no active wallet exists, rewards will be given as Bajaj Coins, redeemable on the Bajaj Finserv App.

How to apply for Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan
Bajaj Finance offers a simple and quick loan application process for medical professionals. Here’s how to apply for the Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan through the app:

• Download the Bajaj Finserv App from the Google Play Store.

• Log in using mobile number.

• On the home screen, select the “Doctor Loan” icon.

• Tap the “CHECK ELIGIBILITY” button.

• Complete the application form with basic personal and professional information.

• After filling the form, tap “CONTINUE“.

• Provide banking details as requested.

• Submit application for processing.

To apply via the Bajaj Finserv website, follow these steps:

• Visit the official Bajaj Finserv website.

• Go to the doctor loan page and click on the “CHECK ELIGIBILITY” button.

• Fill in personal and professional details on the application form.

• After completing the form, click “CONTINUE“.

• Enter banking information as required.

• Verify registered address and other KYC details.

• Submit application for processing.

Why choose Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan
Choosing the right financial support is crucial for medical professionals looking to expand their practice, upgrade equipment, or manage daily operational costs. The Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan is designed specifically to meet the unique needs of doctors, offering benefits such as:

• Loans up to Rs. 80 lakh: Whether it is setting up a new clinic, purchasing advanced medical equipment, or expanding existing practice, the Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan offers substantial funding of up to Rs. 80 lakh. This high loan amount is specifically designed to cater to the diverse financial needs of doctors, ensuring they have adequate capital to support professional goals.

• No collateral required: One of the biggest advantages of this loan is that it does not require any collateral or security. This means doctors can apply and receive funds without the hassle of pledging assets, saving time and avoiding unnecessary complications.

• Quick approval and disbursal: Time is often critical for medical professionals who need prompt financial assistance. Bajaj Finance ensures fast loan processing and disbursal, often within 48 hours*, allowing quicker access to funds without delay.

• Flexible repayment tenure: Understanding that every doctor’s financial situation is different, this loan offers flexible repayment options. One can choose a repayment tenure that suits their cash flow and working capital cycle, ranging from 1 year up to 8 years. This flexibility helps manage repayments comfortably while focusing on operations.

• Online application process through app or website: The loan application and management process is digital, allowing one to apply from anywhere using the Bajaj Finserv App or website. This eliminates the need for physical visits, lengthy documentation, and reduces processing time, making the experience smooth and hassle-free for busy medical professionals.

These doctor loan features make this offering by Bajaj Finance an ideal financial solution for doctors.

For any medical professional looking to expand operations, Loan Utsav presents the perfect chance to access funding and earn exclusive rewards. Don’t miss out-apply today and unlock cashback of up to Rs. 5,000.

Bajaj Finance Limited
Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings. To know more, visit www.bajajfinserv.in

*Terms and conditions apply

A new study, entitled TOPSPIN, coordinated by the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) New Delhi, in collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, and Imperial College London, examined 1,981 patients with uncontrolled hypertension across 32 hospitals in India. The findings showed that three two-drug combination therapies – Amlodipine plus Perindopril, Amlodipine plus Indapamide, and Perindopril plus Indapamide – were equally effective and safe in lowering both ambulatory and office blood pressure. TOPSPIN is the first-ever randomised study to test the choice of first-line two-drug combination therapy in a single pill among South Asians. The study findings are published in Nature Medicine, one of the top medicine journals.

A doctor checking the blood pressure of a patient

South-Asians represent one-fourth of the world population, and India alone constitutes one-sixth of the global population. Hypertension is a public health crisis affecting over one billion adults worldwide, including over 300 million living in India. Innovative solutions are needed to curb the growing tide of high blood pressure, which is the single highest risk factor for global deaths, and which requires effective management solutions. Current guidelines widely recommend initiating treatment with two-drug combinations, preferably in a single-pill formulation, to enhance blood pressure control. However, the suitability of these combinations for the South-Asian population remains unknown, as there are no studies in this regard.

The key takeaways are that all three combinations were equally effective in reducing blood pressure and were safe for patients.

What did the TOPSPIN study find

• Blood pressure dropped significantly after 6 months, by around 14/8 mmHg when measured over 24 hours and about 30/14 mmHg in clinic settings.

• Nearly 70% of patients reached the recommended blood pressure target below 140/90 mmHg, five times higher than India’s current average control rate.

• The pills were well-tolerated, with less than 3% of patients reporting side effects serious enough to stop treatment.
  ​

What do the Study leaders say

“This study shows that a single daily pill with two drugs can be a simple and powerful way to manage blood pressure in Indian and South Asian patients,” said Prof. Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director of CCDC and one of the study’s lead authors. “These findings can help guide doctors and policymakers. If added to India’s list of essential medicines and made available at primary health centres, these pills could greatly improve blood pressure control in the country.”

Prof. Ambuj Roy, Professor of Cardiology at AIIMS Delhi, added, “Nearly 70% of patients got their blood pressure under control, a huge improvement over the current national average. And the pills were safe and easy to use. This study gives clear guidance for better hypertension care.”

Prof. Neil Poulter, Professor at Imperial College London, emphasized the importance of studying how medicines work in different populations. “Just as earlier research in Africa showed different results, this study gives strong evidence on what works best in South Asians.”
​

The TOPSPIN study results could help improve treatment not only in India, but also for South Asians living around the world.

• Groundbreaking done for four new campuses across the city

• Group to open over 100 new schools in India and abroad in 10 years

The Ryan Group of Schools, one of India’s most trusted and expansive K-12 education networks, marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for four new campuses in Bengaluru. The event was inaugurated by Dr. A.F. Pinto, Founder-Chairman, and Mr. Ryan Pinto, CEO of the Ryan Group, in the presence of dignitaries, educators, local partners, and members of the Ryan community.

Chairman Dr. A.F. Pinto and CEO Ryan Pinto at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Ryan International Academy campus

The new campuses are coming up in East, South, South West and West regions of Bengaluru. Ryan Group is investing in Bengaluru’s future by expanding access to quality, values-driven education in the city’s rapidly growing neighborhoods. The upcoming campuses will cumulatively be spread across 6 lakh square feet and would accommodate 2,000 students each, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, digital learning environments, and space for co-curricular and sports excellence.

Chairman Dr. A.F. Pinto and CEO Ryan Pinto at the groundbreaking ceremony of Ryan International Academy’s upcoming campus

Dr. A.F. Pinto, Chairman Ryan Group of Institutions said, “Bengaluru is a vibrant and growing city that deserves schools which do more than just educate-they must inspire. At Ryan, we believe in giving children a strong foundation rooted in values, and the wings to fly high with purpose. These schools are a gift to the next generation-a place where they will grow into responsible, confident citizens of tomorrow.”

This phase of expansion comes as part of Ryans growth plan in the city. It already runs 10 schools that came up in the last 25 years. These campuses in Bengaluru represent not just growth, but a long-term commitment to shaping responsible citizens through education that balances knowledge with character, leadership with empathy, and innovation with compassion.

With a strong belief of every child deserving holistic education, the campuses will boast centers of learning where academics, skills, character, and creativity will go hand in hand.

Mr. Ryan Pinto,CEO of Ryan Group of Institutions said, “These campuses are more than buildings-they reflect our vision for education that inspires imagination, builds ambition, and nurtures holistic growth. We want children to feel excited about learning, to discover who they are, and to dream without limits. As we expand our presence in Bengaluru, we remain committed to keeping quality education accessible and meaningful for every child.”

With over 150 institutions across 40+ cities, the Ryan Group of Schools has been at the forefront of reimagining education in India. Led by Academicians, the group is now entering a bold new phase, as it plans to open over 100 new schools across India and abroad over the next decade, bringing its future-ready, values-led learning to more communities.

About Ryan Group of Schools

Established in 1976, the Ryan Group of Institutions is one of India’s largest and most respected networks of K-12 schools, committed to delivering holistic, values-based education. With over 150 institutions across 40+ cities, 20 States in India and abroad, the Group has been at the forefront of redefining school education through academic excellence, innovative learning environments, and a focus on character-building. Ryan schools empower students with 21st-century skills, leadership development, and a global outlook, while nurturing imagination, integrity, and inclusivity. The Group’s vision is to make quality education accessible and impactful-shaping responsible citizens and future-ready leaders.

Porunai Hospitals, a multi-speciality hospital, puts Tirunelveli in the spotlight with the successful completion of the region’s first-ever advanced Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy – a breakthrough in lung lobe resection! This complex, minimally invasive procedure-once limited to large metropolitan healthcare centres-is a pioneering step towards making advanced thoracic care accessible to patients in South Tamil Nadu.

Minimally invasive VATS lobectomy at Porunai Hospital using small incisions and a camera to reduce lung trauma and speed up recovery

By achieving this significant milestone, Porunai Hospitals alleviates the need for conventional open thoracotomy – an approach that requires a very large incision, often necessitating the breaking of ribs to access the lung. Resection through open thoracotomy causes considerable discomfort and pain, increases the risk of complications, and prolongs the recovery period.

The advanced VATS technique, however, requires only a single, small incision through which a specialised camera and other surgical instruments are inserted to perform the complete resection of the lung lobe – with remarkable precision and without the need for a large cut or rib spreading.

Porunai Hospitals is proud to introduce this advanced surgery that benefits patients with:

• Reduced surgical trauma and post-operative pain

• Smaller incisions and minimum risk of infection

• Shorter hospital stay and expedited hospital discharge

• Quicker post-surgical recovery and return to routine activities

Their surgical precision and medical expertise were pivotal in navigating the complexities of this procedure. Porunai Hospitals’ anaesthesiology and critical care teams also deserve special recognition for meticulously managing the patient’s physiological vitals throughout the procedure. With this multi-disciplinary approach, Porunai Hospitals is alleviating the need to seek long-distance medical care.

“This VATS procedure is a significant advancement for thoracic surgery here in South Tamil Nadu,” said Dr D.R. Sivakumar, Medical Superintendent, Head of Surgery Division, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon. “We are now able to offer patients requiring lung resection a far less traumatic option with faster recovery and better outcomes compared to traditional open surgery. Performing this here at Porunai Hospitals underscores our commitment to bringing the latest surgical techniques and the highest standards of care closer to our community”, he further elaborated. Dr D.R. Sivakumar concluded, saying, “It’s a testament to the collaborative expertise of our surgical and anaesthesiology teams.”

In addition to this landmark achievement, a spokesperson from Porunai Hospitals highlighted another key clinical milestone – the successful completion of 660 procedures across various specialities since the hospital’s establishment in November 2024.

Among these, the most frequently performed procedures were:

• Coronary Angiogram

• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

• Urological procedures, including:

1. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)

2. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

• Laparoscopic Appendectomy

About Porunai Hospitals
Porunai Hospitals is one of Tirunelveli’s top healthcare destinations in the South Tamil Nadu region – offering a top-notch, comprehensive range of medical services with a focus on an empathetic, patient-centric care approach. The institution is powered by state-of-the-art medical technology and a team of diversely talented doctors – whose expertise puts Porunai Hospitals on the map for cutting-edge healthcare.

Anant National University, in collaboration with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, United States (also known as Penn GSE), hosted the Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening on 25-26 July 2025 at the Anant campus. The convening brought together leading scholars, education policy experts and practitioners to explore Indigenous Consciousness research methodologies, establishing the foundation for an India-based research project – Indigenous Consciousness Methodology Education Research Project (ICER).

Anant National University & Penn GSE Host ICERM 2025 to Develop India-based Indigenous Research Project

The convening marked a significant step in advancing Indigenous Consciousness Methodologies, an approach that honours local knowledge systems, prioritises community-engaged practices and fosters sustainable, equitable educational frameworks. Through ICER, set to be launched for the academic year 2025-2026, Anant aims to inform the design and development of education policy by ensuring that Indigenous perspectives remain central to shaping impactful and culturally responsive learning models.

This initiative is closely aligned with the vision outlined in India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for inclusive, locally grounded education models that preserve and promote indigenous knowledge systems.

Launching the convening, Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, observed, “Anant National University is a diverse and dynamic institution on the move where creative ideas evolve into purposeful action and where students learn to lead meaningful change in our rapidly changing world. Indigenous knowledge forms an integral part of our design pedagogy, and this convening perfectly aligns with our educational philosophy that integrates indigenous knowledge and contemporary design practices.”

Dr Leland S McGee, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Penn GSE and Senior Associate Director,GSE Office of Student Success, University of Pennsylvania and a SCoPE Scholar at Anant National University, said, “Indigenous knowledge systems are often associated with only the tribal communities. However, they form an integral part of the traditional knowledge of countless communities across the world. Through this convening, we aim to explore how indigenous knowledge and its impact can help us better design education, policy and systems for the betterment of future generations.”

“The intent of the convening was to interrogate, expose and undo the dangers and desires of colonisation in education through indigenous consciousness. We focused on bringing all the stakeholders of education into conversation, including policy-makers, teachers, researchers and students. Collectively, we aspire to contribute to creating an educational framework that listens deeply, acts justly and honours all,” added Dr Diti Vyas, Associate Professor | School of Creative Practices and Entrepreneurship (SCoPE), Anant National University.

The convening advances Anant’s collaboration with Penn GSE, expanding efforts in global education innovation. Anant and Penn GSE previously hosted The Future of Learning Collaborative in 2023, which led to the launch of an influential White Paper as an urgent call to redesign the global education system in response to sweeping changes that are reshaping human existence.

Through the ongoing partnership, the two universities foster cooperative research, facilitate international exchanges, enhance the quality of learning, extend the reach of both institutions and collaborate on the exchange of academic materials and initiatives that advance matters of mutual academic interests.

A leading Ivy League institution, the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) has a century-long tradition of producing education leaders driven by innovation, research and social impact. Penn GSE actively partners with schools, universities and communities around the world to improve educational access and equity.

As part of its mission to promote global engagement in all its forms, the University of Pennsylvania, through Penn Global, administers a competitive global engagement grant programme. This initiative provides resources to faculty and staff to support a broad range of research, teaching, service and engagement activities both globally and in specific focus countries and regions.

With this convening, Anant has taken another major step toward equitably inclusive education, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge systems receive due recognition and representation in research and policy discourse. This effort reinforces Anant’s vision to drive innovative, locally relevant education methodologies and materials rooted in India’s vibrant local cultures, regional diversities and national aspirations.

About Anant National University
Anant National University, India’s premier design university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. The X in Design X is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions.

Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries – revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset.

Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious ‘5-Star Rating‘ in the category of Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence.

In recognition of World ORS Day, a city-wide initiative led by the TSL Foundation and supported by Tetra Pak, Halewood, Kenvue, and Alkem, distributed over 3 lakh Ready-to-Drink (RTD) ORS packs to residents across key cities in West Bengal, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the importance of safe, effective hydration-especially during the monsoon season when waterborne illnesses and immunity-related concerns are at their peak.

Tetra Pak marks ORS Day with Ready-To-Drink ORS Distribution Drive

Unlike traditional ORS solutions, Ready-To-Drink ORS offers a convenient, pre-mixed format that meets WHO-recommended standards and comes in safe Tetra Pak cartons. This ensures accurate dosage, eliminates the need for clean water or mixing, and makes it easier for people of all ages to stay hydrated-whether recovering from illness or simply navigating daily routines.

“Hydration is a simple habit that can make a big difference to everyday health,” said Saurabh Sinha, Marketing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia. “By making ORS more accessible in a ready-to-drink format, our goal is to help consumers stay prepared, stay healthy, and take better care of themselves and their families.”

To ensure the message of smart hydration reaches diverse communities, the initiative is being amplified through a comprehensive 360-degree outreach effort. This includes on-ground distribution drives, informative radio segments, and engaging social media content-all designed to educate and empower consumers with practical knowledge about everyday hydration. The focus remains on accessibility and awareness-making sure people understand the value of ORS in maintaining health, especially during vulnerable seasons.

The RTD ORS packs were developed by trusted brands: Halewood (ElectroRush), Kenvue (ORSL), and Alkem (ORS Insta), each contributing to the shared goal of making hydration simple, safe, and inclusive.

“TSL Foundation believes that health equity begins with access,” said a TSL Foundation spokesperson. “This initiative is about empowering communities with the tools they need to care for their health-starting with something as fundamental as hydration.”

The month-long drive culminates on World ORS Day, July 29, reinforcing a simple but important message: staying well-hydrated should be easy, safe, and part of everyday life.