The Saksham Skill Census, India’s first AI-powered skill census, was officially launched today at RD National College, Bandra West. The event marked the beginning of a district-led initiative to create livelihood intelligence for Mumbai Suburban, particularly in the H-West Ward.

Launch of the report of methodology used in the census

The launch ceremony was graced by dignitaries, including Hon. Minister of IT, Shri Ashish Shelar, and other distinguished guests including Shri Saurabh Katiyar IAS, District Collector, Mumbai Suburban and Dr Neha Jagtiani, Principal, R.D. & S.H. National College.

“The Saksham Skill Census aims to create the world’s first livelihood sovereign AI model, and we’re excited to bring it to Mumbai. Our goal is to equip the youth of H West Ward with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy,” said Ashwin Srivastava, Founder of Sapio Analytics, the execution partner of the census.

During the event, Hardik Somani, director and founder of Sapio Analytics, elaborated on the technology behind the census, highlighting the use of AI and GIS mapping to divide the area into hyperlocal territories. Enumerators will conduct a door-to-door survey using an AI supported tool called Arc, to gather data, while a virtual self-survey will also be available for residents. Additionally, institutions and employers will be surveyed to provide a 360-degree view of the skill ecosystem in the region.

“The objective of this census is to enhance employment and improve livelihoods for the youth of H West Ward. We believe that by establishing the right skill and livelihood intelligence framework, we are setting a model for India and the world,” said Shri Saurabh Katiyar, IAS, District Collector, Mumbai Suburban District.

“This skill census, first ever in India, is very significant. H West Ward is diverse and represents a microcosm of India. Success of this ward can be used to replicate a plan for the country,” said Hon Minister Shri Ashish Shelar.

At the event, the official website of the Saksham Skill Census, sakshamskillsurvey.org, was launched, providing a digital platform for all stakeholders involved in the project.

In a powerful act of hands-on leadership, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee of M3M Foundation, visited Irular tribal women in the Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts of Tamil Nadu on February 23, immersing herself in their world to drive meaningful change. She embarked an 2300 Km journey, defied distances and demonstrated her unwavering commitment. 

Dr payal Kanodia sharing a vibrant moment with Irular Tribe Womern

The Irular tribes, a Dravidian indigenous community officially recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Government of India, have long been celebrated for their ancestral prowess in snake catching-a skill honed over generations in the arid terrains near Chennai. However, modernization and socio-economic shifts have eroded these traditions, leaving many families grappling with poverty, limited education, and health vulnerabilities. Dr. Kanodia’s visit was no mere oversight; it was a hands-on pledge to uplift these resilient women under the Foundation’s guiding principle: “Empowering each and every woman.”

Through intimate conversations amid dusty village lanes and modest homes, Dr. Kanodia gained profound insights into their daily realities-from foraging for survival to balancing childcare with meager incomes. Her presence reinforced M3M Foundation’s ongoing partnership with Makkal Villipunarvu Kalvi Sangam (MVKS), which is delivering transformative programs in 20 villages. Over 150 Irular women have been trained in high-demand skills including jute bag making, Aari embroidery, eco-friendly candle production, and tailoring-crafts that blend tradition with market viability.

Complementing these efforts, evening tuition centers offer after-school support to dozens of Irular children, bridging educational gaps and nurturing the next generation’s potential. Dr. Kanodia didn’t just observe; she celebrated milestones by personally handing over certificates to 100 women who excelled in skill training modules on Aari embroidery, jute bag making, basket weaving, and tailoring. These certificates symbolize not just completion, but pathways to sustainable livelihoods, enabling women to sell handmade products locally and online.

Reflecting on the trip, Dr. Kanodia shared, “Traveling this far to hear their stories firsthand was humbling. These women are natural innovators—their hands that once caught snakes now weave futures for their families. Our commitment is ironclad: skills, education, and dignity for every Irular woman.”

This initiative aligns with M3M Foundation’s broader mission in social development, including rural livelihoods, environmental conservation, and special needs empowerment. Under Dr. Kanodia’s visionary leadership, the Foundation is scripting success stories that resonate from Tamil Nadu’s tribal hamlets to national platforms, proving that true empowerment begins with showing up.

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Rotary Club of Chennai Legends, in association with Rotary International District 3234 organised “Gift of Mobility,” a special initiative to distribute 225 free bicycles along with helmets to girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds studying in Classes 8 to 12 across various government and government-aided schools in the city.

Rotary Club of Chennai Legends and Rotary Dist 3234 Donate 225 Free Bicycles to Schoolgirls in Chennai

Rtn. Anirudha Roychowdhury, Past Director of Rotary International, attended the event as the Chief Guest, while AKS. Rtn. Vinod Saraogi, District Governor of RI District 3234, participated as the Guest of Honour. The occasion was also graced by Rtn. Ravi Sundaresan, District Governor Nominee (2028–29), RI District 3234; Rtn. Dr. Latha Rajendran, Chair – DEI 2025–26, RI District 3234; Rtn. Dr. Kumar Rajendran, Project Chair, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends; and Rtn. Dr. M. Durga, Chair – CSR, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends.

Prior to the bicycle distribution, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends conducted a road safety awareness programme for the beneficiaries in association with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The bicycles distributed were high-quality models manufactured by a leading Indian brand and specially designed for girls.

Meridian Global Ventures Private Limited extended support for the initiative through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, while participating Rotary Clubs also contributed towards the project.

Speaking on the occasion, Rtn Dr. Kumar Rajendran said: “The Gift of Mobility is both important and empowering for these girls. It enables them to travel to and from school independently, without having to rely on others, thus ensuring continuity of education and safety. Along with the bicycles, we conducted a hands-on road safety programme to ensure that they ride safely and confidently. We are grateful to fellow Rotary Clubs and Meridian Global Ventures for their support. We will continue to donate bicycles every year in the future.”

He further added that Rotary Club of Chennai Legends identified deserving girl students. It may be noted that Rotary Club of Chennai Legends has been actively supporting livelihood initiatives by donating sewing machines to deserving women and providing free tailoring training at its vocational training centre.

For more details: cl@ri3234.org.

Among the top achievers is Riddhesh Bendale from Maharashtra, who scored an exceptional 99.999 percentile (Studied Physics from Vedantu) in JEE Main 2026 Session 1. Riddhesh’s journey reflects sustained academic excellence across global and national competitive platforms. He is also a Gold Medallist at IPhO 2025 and Silver Medallist at APhO 2025. This transition from Olympiad champion to JEE top performer is a testament to years of rigorous preparation, conceptual clarity, and expert academic mentorship.

Vedantu students delivered standout numbers in JEE Main 2026 – 45 students scoring above 99.5 percentile, 104 scoring the 99 percentile & 1292 students scored above 90 percentile

Also making the Vedantu family proud is Ojas Hayatnagarkar from Karnataka, who secured 99.95 percentile, along with Pranjal Jha, who also achieved 99.95 percentile in the same session.

Vedantu students also delivered standout national numbers in JEE Main 2026 Session 1. 45 students scored above 99.5 percentile, 104 crossed the 99 percentile mark, and 1292 students scored above 90 percentile. A majority of these high achievers come from Vedantu’s structured long-term programs, reaffirming the impact of focused preparation, personalised mentoring, and a student-first academic ecosystem.

Blending Technology and Mentorship at Scale

Vedantu’s academic model combines experienced Master Teachers with proprietary learning technology to enable personalised attention across large student cohorts.

Vedantu has expanded its fully offline Vedantu Learning Centres (VLCs) to 75+ locations across India. Now entering their second full academic cycle, these centres continue to demonstrate strong academic outcomes in national competitive exams.

Powering these centres is Ved, Vedantu’s AI-powered personal learning system that strengthens personal attention across every classroom. Through Smart Clickers, students answer in-class questions and quizzes in real time, and every response is fed into Ved to track accuracy, speed, participation, and learning patterns. This helps teachers instantly identify who needs support, making attention timely, targeted, and built into the learning journey. Beyond the classroom, students can use Ved AI for personalised academic support, along with InstaSolve for 24×7 doubt resolution. They simply have to snap a picture or type a doubt to get a clear step-by-step solution, and Ved then recommends a focused LearnList with relevant videos, notes, and quizzes to strengthen the concept further. Thus, bringing together technology and mentorship at scale.

“Seeing our students perform at this level in JEE Main Session 1 is both inspiring and energising,” said Anand Prakash, Co-founder & Head of Academics, Vedantu. “Behind every percentile is a story of persistence, discipline, and belief. These results reflect the strength of our integrated model of technology, teaching excellence, and personalised academic support.”

Congratulating students and teachers, Vamsi Krishna, Co-founder & CEO, Vedantu, added, “These outcomes reflect confidence built over years and potential unlocked through the right mentorship. With 75+ Learning Centres and AI-powered classrooms, we remain committed to scaling personalised learning access across India.”

• The Airbnb Community Fund will distribute $100 million USD to communities globally through 2030.

• In the Fund’s fifth year, over 130 organizations across 25 countries are receiving nearly $10 million USD in donations. 

• Eight Indian nonprofit organizations will receive donations this year.

• Recipients in India include organizations working across economic empowerment, education, environmental sustainability, and ending abuse and exploitation.

Airbnb today announced the latest recipients of Airbnb Community Fund donations, including eight nonprofit organizations across India that are driving meaningful change across communities.

Photos courtesy of FIDR, Aasman Foundation & ACCESS

Launched in 2020, the Airbnb Community Fund is a $100 million USD initiative designed to support local communities and the people who live there. This year, Airbnb donated nearly $10 million USD to nonprofits globally, supporting organizations working to strengthen communities around the world.

Airbnb hosts are deeply connected to their communities, and each year we proudly partner with the host community to identify important issues and many of the nonprofit organizations that will receive donations. Globally, Host Advisory Board members helped select economic empowerment, sustainable and rural tourism, environmental sustainability, and ending abuse and exploitation as focus areas for this year’s donations. They also reviewed nominations in their regions, bringing host perspective to every decision.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Head, Airbnb India and Southeast Asia, said, “Community is at the heart of everything we do at Airbnb. Through the Airbnb Community Fund, we are proud to support organizations across India that are creating sustainable opportunity and building resilience at the grassroots level. These nonprofits are addressing some of the most critical challenges facing local communities today from livelihoods and education, to sustainability and protection for vulnerable groups, and we are honored to support their work alongside our host community.”

Airbnb Community Fund Recipients in India

The nonprofit organizations receiving donations in India are:

• Goonj, supporting community-led development and empowering livelihoods with dignity across urban and rural India.

• Forum for Integrated Development and Research, empowering rural and marginalized communities in Goa through sustainable livelihood and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.

• Access Development Services, supporting female entrepreneurs’ incomes through community-based tourism programs including homestays and craft enterprises, as well as promoting support for women’s entrepreneurship.

• Keystone Foundation, working with Indigenous and marginalized communities to build sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism and craft-based micro-enterprises .

• Stree Mukti Snaghatana, advancing gender justice for female waste pickers through education, promoting mental health, and supporting women facing violence.

• Aasman Foundation, enabling students from underserved communities to transition successfully into higher education and skill pathways.

• Protsahan India Foundation, supporting adolescent girls impacted by violence and exploitation through trauma-informed care, rehabilitation, and education.

• Navgurukul Foundation for Social Welfare, offering affordable, high-quality education and holistic support to at-risk youth.

Vipin Sharma, CEO, ACCESS Development Services, said, “Airbnb’s support will help expand women’s entrepreneurship and community-based tourism initiatives, helping us mentor women from low-income households to strengthen decision-making, build sustainable livelihoods rooted in their local contexts, and expand their incomes.”

Siddhant Vernekar, Director, Forum for Integrated Development and Research, “With growing interest in Goa’s hinterlands as tourism destinations, we aim to nurture tourism-linked enterprises that can meaningfully contribute to local economic growth, while also protecting their natural surroundings. By acting early and investing in people, not just projects, we envision a new generation of rural leaders — especially women from Goa’s rural and tribal regions — who will lead the holistic development of their villages where livelihood and sustainability thrive together.”

Anshu Gupta, Founder, Goonj, shared, “This support recognises the power of communities to shape their own futures, with dignity and local wisdom at the center. It will go a long way to sustain and strengthen our work building deeper connections and respect between urban and rural communities across India.”

The Airbnb Community Fund in action
To date, more than 640 organizations in nearly 70 countries have benefited from the Airbnb Community Fund, with hosts providing input each year. To learn more about the Airbnb Community Fund and this year’s recipients, please visit the Airbnb Community Fund website.

The 2025-2026 Airbnb Community Fund donations will be distributed from November 2025 through March 2026. Airbnb works with grantmaking partners including Goodstack to support due diligence and facilitate payment to many non-profit recipients.

About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

EuroSchool, one of India’s leading K–12 school networks, successfully hosted the 5th edition of TEDxYouth 2026 at their Kharadi campus in Pune, bringing together young changemakers, educators and thought leaders under the powerful theme, “Discover the Strength in Being You: Embrace Your Imperfection.” Anchored in the narrative “Beyond Grades,” the event spotlighted resilience, authenticity, empathy and the courage to embrace one’s unpolished journey in a world often driven by comparison and curated perfection.

EuroSchool students take centre stage at TEDxYOUTH@EuroSchoolKharadi

Designed and conceptualised by EuroSchool Kharadi as a progressive, student-first initiative, TEDxYouth 2026 was more than an event, it is a deliberate platform created to amplify young voices and cultivate future-ready leaders. Moving beyond academic milestones, the school proactively built a space where students could engage in meaningful dialogue, express diverse perspectives and learn alongside seasoned professionals. Rooted in EuroSchool’s philosophy of “Discover Yourself,” such initiatives encourage students to embrace their individuality, find their voice and lead with authenticity. Through its continued commitment to these platforms, EuroSchool Kharadi reinforces its identity as a visionary institution that champions student expression, leadership development and real-world impact – nurturing confident, emotionally intelligent changemakers prepared for life beyond grades.

The event featured 12 speakers aged between 8 and 51 years, reflecting depth, diversity, and perspective. Out of the 12 participants, four are proud EuroSchool students from Kharadi, Bannerghatta, and Wakad ICSE – Meera Gadilkar (Grade 3, EuroSchool Kharadi), Prisha Trivedi (Grade 6, EuroSchool Kharadi), Avyukth Nayar (Grade 8, EuroSchool Bannerghatta) and Ananya Verma (Grade 11, EuroSchool Wakad ICSE) – sharing the stage alongside accomplished professionals. Together, they demonstrated that impactful ideas are shaped not by age or titles, but by lived experiences and authenticity.

Each session was thoughtfully aligned to thematic pillars such as Resilience, Empathy, Mental Barriers, The Unpolished Journey, Authenticity, and Creative Failure. From stories of overcoming setbacks to reflections on breaking internal limitations, the speakers explored how growth is rarely linear and how confidence develops through self-acceptance rather than perfection.

The audience, comprising students, educators, school leaders and parents, engaged deeply with conversations that challenged traditional definitions of success. The strong representation of young voices on stage transformed students into storytellers and advocates, embodying EuroSchool’s philosophy that leadership begins with owning one’s narrative.

Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Afreen Shaikh, Principal, EuroSchool Kharadi, said, “TEDxYouth 2026 was envisioned as a platform where students could explore the strength that comes from embracing their imperfections. In an environment that often prioritises grades and outcomes, we believe it is equally important to nurture resilience, empathy and authenticity. This platform reflects our commitment to holistic education and building confident individuals who are ready to navigate life beyond academics.”

The event stands as a live demonstration of EuroSchool’s belief that mistakes are part of mastery, vulnerability is strength and reflection builds character. By hosting TEDxYouth for the fifth consecutive year, EuroSchool Kharadi continues to provide meaningful platforms that empower students to think deeply, express boldly and grow with confidence.

About EuroSchool

EuroSchool is one of India’s leading K–12 school networks, with campuses across Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Surat.

30,000+ students | 1,800+ educators | 1000+Digital Classes | 480+ GPS Buses | 111,000+ Library Books

Guided by the philosophy of “Discover Yourself”, EuroSchool empowers children to explore their potential and discover their dreams and talents. From Nursery to Grade 12, EuroSchool is dedicated to nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and preparing every child for a rapidly evolving world.

Its Balanced Schooling approach — anchored in the proprietary Learn–Reinforce–Practice–Apply–Experience (LRPAX) methodology — seamlessly blends academic excellence with co-curricular and extracurricular learning. It offers an extensive range of opportunities to develop life skills, creativity and leadership. With a strong focus on child safety – being India’s first school network to earn the global ‘Safe School’ certification, EuroSchool provides secure spaces where children can truly flourish.

All EuroSchool campuses are affiliated with either the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), ensuring globally benchmarked academic standards with the flexibility and care that today’s learners need.

For more information, visit: www.euroschoolindia.com

About Lighthouse Learning Group

Lighthouse Learning Group, formerly known as EuroKids International, is India’s leading Early Childhood & K-12 Education group, backed by global investment firm KKR. Driven by its purpose to unlock human potential by igniting the love for learning through its institutions, which includes leading brands like EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, Mother’s Pet Kindergarten, EuroSchool, Billabong High International, Centre Point School, Heritage International Xperiential School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Finland International School Maldives and Phoenix Greens School of Learning. Nurturing over 200,000 students every day, Lighthouse Learning emphasizes a ‘Child First’ philosophy, innovative pedagogy, and child safety. With 1,850 Preschools and 60 K-12 Schools, it empowers 1,650 women entrepreneurs and employs a direct and indirect workforce of over 25,000 people.

Billroth Hospitals, one of the city’s leading multispecialty centres and a pioneer in advanced laparoscopic and laser procedures, marked a significant milestone with the launch announcement of its comprehensive Cardiac & Pulmonary Specialty Services, with a new Heart Dysfunction Clinic and Pulmonary Embolism Referral Center recently at Hotel The Leela Palace, Chennai.

Dr. Rajesh Jeganathan, Chairman, Billroth Hospitals, presented a cheque of Rs. 20,00,000 to a successful Heart Transplant patient

The newly introduced specialty programmes — including the Cardiac Transplant Programme, Cardiac Dysfunction Clinic & Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic, and Pulmonary Embolism Referral Centre — strengthen integrated heart–lung care, delivering seamless, high-precision, and patient-centric services under one roof. By integrating advanced technology, multidisciplinary clinical expertise, and coordinated treatment pathways, the hospital reinforces its commitment to comprehensive, compassionate and holistic healthcare.

The highlight of the event was a deeply moving moment when Dr. Rajesh Jeganathan, Chairman, Billroth Hospitals, presented a cheque of Rs. 20,00,000/- (Rupees Twenty Lakhs Only) to a successful Heart Transplant patient. The heartfelt gesture symbolized not only the life-saving impact of advanced cardiac care but also the institution’s unwavering commitment to supporting patients well beyond the surgery.

Cardiac Centre of Excellence, Emergency & Advanced Care Capabilities
The Cardiac Department, which commenced operations in 2003, has since evolved into a centre of excellence, consistently adopting advanced techniques and cutting-edge technologies to manage complex cardiac conditions. Building on a legacy of over 50,000+ Cath Lab procedures and 10,000+ CTVS surgeries, the hospital continues to set new standards in cardiac excellence. It further strengthens its emergency preparedness with 24×7 Advanced Cardiac Emergency Services at its Shenoy Nagar and R.A. Puram units, ensuring immediate expert intervention and round-the-clock critical care when every second counts.

The cardiac division houses three state-of-the-art Cath Labs equipped with advanced technologies such as IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound), FFR (physiological lesion assessment), Rotablator (rotational atherectomy), and advanced EP study facilities, supported by comprehensive CTVS surgery capabilities for complex cardiac and vascular procedures. These cutting-edge systems enhance clinical precision, optimise patient outcomes, and enable the confident management of high-risk and complex cases.

For more details, please visit: www.billrothhospitals.com.

About Billroth Hospital
Billroth Hospital was founded by the late Dr. V. Jeganathan on November 30, 1990, beginning as a modest 30-bed facility. Within six years, it expanded with an additional 70 beds, eventually growing into a 650-bed multi-specialty hospital. Guided by Dr. Jeganathan’s vision, the hospital remains committed to delivering quality, affordable healthcare to people from all walks of life. This mission is upheld by a dedicated team of skilled doctors, advanced medical technology and well-trained paramedical staff, all working together to ensure comprehensive care and support for every patient. Committed to innovation, precision, and compassionate healthcare, Billroth Hospitals continues to set new benchmarks in delivering world-class cardiac and pulmonary care to the community.

The Group 108 Half Marathon 2026 was successfully conducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at One FNG, Sector 142, Noida. Following the success of its previous 10K run, the event marked another significant chapter in Group 108’s community-focused initiatives.
 

Over 1,500 runners participate in Group 108’s “Run for a Cause” Half Marathon 2026 at ONE FNG, Noida, promoting inclusive sports in association with IBSA
 

Organized as a Run for a Cause and dedicated to athletes redefining vision beyond sight in association with IBSA (Indian Blind Sports Association), the marathon brought together participants across diverse age groups and fitness levels. The early morning atmosphere reflected enthusiasm, discipline, and collective commitment. The event witnessed the participation of over 1500 runners from across the NCR.
 

The marathon featured multiple race categories, including the 21.10K Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, an open Walkathon/Fun Run with no age limit, and a dedicated 1 km Kids Run for children aged 7-12 years. The event brought together seasoned runners, families, corporate teams, and first-time participants under a shared commitment to purpose-driven action. Each registered runner received a good quality T-shirt, medal, and online certificate, while winners were presented with trophies and awards.
 

Commenting on the successful execution, Dr. Amish Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, stated, “As developers, our responsibility extends beyond constructing landmark projects – we are dedicated to nurturing the community by actively fostering connection, support and shared values to create a sense of belonging and collective growth. Hosting this marathon at ONE FNG and witnessing support for athletes redefining vision beyond sight strengthens our conviction that real estate must serve a larger social purpose. Growth is meaningful only when it uplifts the society around us.”
 

The Group 108 Half Marathon 2026 witnessed enthusiastic participation and strong community engagement. More than a race, the event reinforced ONE FNG’s position not only as a commercial landmark but as a space that actively champions collective engagement, wellbeing, and inclusive progress.
 

From the first step to the finish line, the commitment to running with purpose continues!