Maverick Investments Limited, part of the UAE-based Siraj Holdings Group, and Henox IT and Data Centers today outlined the first phase of Project Horizon, a multi-year plan to develop a 100 MW green data centre, a cable landing station and a renewable energy facility in Tamil Nadu. Siraj Holdings has approved an initial equity infusion of Rs. 200 crore for the data centre component. A structured investment platform is being developed to mobilise up to Rs. 50,000 crore over the project lifecycle through phased equity participation, partner capital and institutional investment.

Mr. Khadeer Peer Shariff SS, Chairman, Maverick Investments Limited and Mr. Shaktivel K, Co-Founder & Ceo, Henox IT & Datacenters

Tamil Nadu has been identified as the project location given its established subsea landing ecosystem, predictable power landscape and increasing demand for high-density compute capacity. These factors create a strong foundation for building an integrated infrastructure model that combines connectivity, compute and clean energy.

Khadeer Peer Shariff, Chairman, Maverick Investments Limited, said, “Our focus is on building long-term digital and energy infrastructure with a measured and disciplined investment approach. The approved Rs. 200 crore marks the first step toward a 100 MW renewable-integrated data centre in Tamil Nadu. Our experience in developing essential assets across the region shapes how we sequence the programme and ensure each phase is grounded in governance and operational clarity.”

The project will be executed in phases. Site options have been shortlisted and are undergoing final due diligence. Technical design work, environmental assessments and regulatory submissions are in progress across telecom, maritime and energy domains. Engagements with subsea operators, EPC partners and renewable developers are advancing, and further details will be shared as approvals and agreements reach formal closure.

Shaktivel K, CEO, Henox IT and Data Centers, said, “This programme brings together compute, connectivity and clean energy in a unified design. The data centre is being engineered for high-density AI workloads with operational resilience as a core principle. The cable landing station and planned renewable integration will support predictable and sustainable performance for enterprises.”

The project is expected to generate construction-phase and long-term technical employment. Detailed assessments on jobs, procurement and sustainability outcomes will be shared once regulatory processes conclude and project timelines are formally cleared.

About Project Horizon

Project Horizon is a multi-year programme comprising:

100 MW Green Data Centre: A high-density, AI-ready facility designed with liquid-cooling capability, multi-layer redundancy and renewable energy integration.

Cable Landing Station and Subsea Infrastructure: A new landing point under evaluation with international partners to enhance regional connectivity and throughput.

Renewable Energy Facility: A dedicated solar-based asset intended to supply a significant share of the data centre’s requirements through a structured PPA arrangement.

About Maverick Investments Limited

Maverick Investments Limited is the investment and infrastructure development platform of Siraj Holdings LLC, a UAE-based group with operating interests across industrial manufacturing, technology, financial services, logistics, green energy and property development. The company focuses on building high-impact, long-horizon infrastructure assets in growth markets. Its investment approach emphasises phased capital deployment, transparent governance and disciplined project execution.

About Siraj Holdings LLC

Siraj Holdings LLC, part of the Al Otaiba Group in Abu Dhabi, manages diversified businesses across the Middle East covering manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, technology, real estate and trading. The group’s strategy centres on long-term value creation through sustainable infrastructure development, operational excellence and sector partnerships.

About Henox IT and Data Centers

Henox IT and Data Centers Private Limited develops digital infrastructure with a focus on high-density data centres, cable landing station capabilities and edge connectivity solutions. Headquartered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the company is building facilities designed to support AI and cloud workloads for enterprises, hyperscalers and telecom operators. Incorporated on January 25, 2025, Henox is establishing its presence through a carrier-neutral colocation and edge infrastructure model anchored in GIFT City.

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, today inaugurated the ‘Harish & Bina Shah Foundation (HBSF) Clinical Block’ at the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC), Manipal. This initiative is very significant, where an alumnus of MAHE has collaborated with his alma mater in its continued commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure and compassionate patient care.

Inauguration of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation (HSBF) Clinical Block at Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre near Manipal on December 17, 2025

The ceremony was graced by Mr. Harish Shah, Chairperson of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation as the Chief Guest. Mr. Harish Shah, an esteemed alumnus of Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT Manipal, Batch 1975-80), has been an active supporter of MAHE’s initiatives in healthcare and education. Mrs. Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE Trust, was also present during the event.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Harish Shah said, “I am indebted to MAHE for providing a values-based education journey, one which has shaped my life in significant ways. This new clinical block for palliative care amplifies our shared belief that every individual deserves dignity, comfort and respect, at all stages of life. It is an honour to support a cause which adds “life to days”. Additionally, under the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation-MAHE Edu Empower Scholarship, in the current year, 19 students have been awarded a full scholarship for pursuing their engineering program at MIT, Manipal, and Bengaluru. The foundation is also an active supporter of the Access Life Assistance Foundation, an initiative which provides accommodation and allied services for children undergoing bone marrow transplantation and ensures that their families are also well supported. HBSF supports multiple centres, including one in Manipal. 

Delivering Presidential address Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, highlighted, “The naming of this Clinical Block represents far more than the creation of a physical infrastructure. The involvement of our alumni in this Endeavor reinforces the core value of our Founder, Dr TMA PAI, that the purpose of education is to empower and equip students to do good for society. We are deeply grateful to the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation for their vision and generosity in supporting this vital facility that will serve countless patients and families.”

In his special address Lt. Gen. (Dr.)  M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, “This day marks a major milestone in the history of any university when its Alumni come forward to support a societal cause, an amazing way to express gratitude.  The facility inauguration today underscores MAHE’s dedication to advancing healthcare that truly transforms lives. MHRC will serve as a ray of hope and healing, combining clinical excellence with the warmth of human compassion that defines quality palliative care.”

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor – Health Sciences, stated, “The integration of state-of-the-art facilities with our research initiatives at MHRC demonstrates the holistic approach to the healthcare ecosystem. This Clinical Block will provide our students and faculty with an exceptional environment to learn, practice, and innovate in the field of palliative and supportive care.” The event was followed by a special video presentation on MHRC. 

This ceremony comes at a pivotal time as MHRC continues to expand its role in palliative care research and education. In October 2025, MAHE established the ICMR-MAHE Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) at MHRC, supported by a Rs. 12.84 crore grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). 

Dr. Seema Rajesh Rao, Director and Consultant, MHRC, provided an overview of the facilities at MHRC and delivered the Vote of Thanks. 

Dr. Anand Venugopal Chief Operating Officer, MAHE, Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Manipal Foundation, Bengaluru and Dr. Naveen Salins, Professor & Head, Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, KMC Manipal, were also present on the occasion.

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

Havih Envirosciences, an Indian citizen-owned and operated life sciences company and subsidiary of Maxwell Biosciences, announced a strategic partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish advanced pharmaceutical research and production capabilities in the state. The collaboration was formalized through an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh Centre for Advanced Research on Livestock Limited (APCARL) on November 21, 2025.
 

Research and development of novel pharma IP could be a key component for a stronger pharma workforce in India
 

Under the agreement, APCARL will provide Havih access to advanced R&D laboratories and underground Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) biocontainment facilities at its Pulivendula campus in YSR Kadapa district. Havih will develop and supply next-generation anti-infective medicines for early use within Andhra Pradesh, with manufacturing and export centered in India.
 

“Prime Minister Modi’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision recognizes that long-term national growth depends on moving up the value chain toward high-margin innovation that creates globally competitive wages for India’s people. India’s economic growth has created momentum; the next phase requires branded pharmaceutical research, advanced IP creation and indigenous scientific leadership.

Havih’s partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh and APCARL directly advances that vision by building India-owned biocontainment research, first-in-class drug innovation and export-ready pharmaceutical IP. This collaboration is an investment in India’s scientists, engineers and future innovators – and a practical step toward India’s leadership in global health security,” said Scotch McClure, Chairman of Havih Envirosciences.
 

About Havih Envirosciences

Havih Envirosciences Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian citizen-owned and operated life sciences and environmental health company focused on India-first innovation in advanced anti-infective medicines, biosafety solutions and environmental resilience technologies. Established to build indigenous scientific capability and high-value intellectual property, Havih serves as a platform for translating cutting-edge research into globally competitive products developed and manufactured in India.
 

Havih’s mission is to strengthen India’s leadership in branded pharmaceutical research and development by enabling high-margin innovation, advanced containment research and workforce upskilling aligned with national priorities such as Viksit Bharat @ 2047, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The company emphasizes biosafety, biodefense and public-health preparedness while supporting international export markets from an India-based innovation core.
 

Through strategic collaborations with government research institutions and global technology partners, Havih is building a next-generation R&D and production ecosystem designed to deliver durable economic value, globally relevant IP and higher-skilled, higher-wage scientific employment for India’s growing workforce.
 

About Maxwell Biosciences

Maxwell Biosciences is a global health technology company pioneering a new category of immune-inspired small molecules called Claromers®. Designed to mimic and enhance the body’s natural defenses, Claromers® destroy pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi and biofilms-without harming healthy cells or the microbiome.
 

Originally developed for critical infectious diseases, Maxwell’s technology is now entering commercial deployment across cosmetics, personal care, medical coatings and biodefense. Claromers® require no refrigeration and are highly stable in even the harshest environments.
 

Backed by a decade of research, a robust patent portfolio and leadership with deep expertise in science, military, AI and global health, Maxwell has active collaborative agreements with the US military and governments worldwide. FDA clinical trials are planned for 2026. Non-pharmaceutical commercialization is underway, with pilot access for select partners.
 

Maxwell’s AI-first platform enables rapid innovation against the rising threat of resistant pathogens, offering scalable, shelf-stable and microbiome-resilient solutions for a healthier planet.
 

To learn more about Maxwell Biosciences, visit MaxwellBiosciences.com, or follow us on X and LinkedIn.
 

Contacts

Media
press@maxwellbiosciences.com

Investors
investor.relations@maxwellbiosciences.com

Truecaller today launched a free and powerful AI-powered voicemail experience for Android users in India with instant transcription and automatic spam protection. Unlike traditional voicemail, messages are stored directly on the device, offering full control and privacy over recordings. It also offers smart call categorisation, spam filtering, adjustable playback speed and AI-powered voicemail transcription in 12 Indian languages. Truecaller users can simply set up unlimited voicemail in their Truecaller app for free in a few seconds.

Truecaller launches AI Powered Voicemail Experience in India

By placing voicemail at the centre of the calling experience, Truecaller is strengthening its position as a daily-use communication platform and its fight against spam and fraud.

With Truecaller Voicemail, users can record, store, and play messages directly on their device, without dialing voicemail numbers or remembering PINs. The feature supports a wide range of Indian languages, ensuring deeper personalisation and local relevance. The feature supports transcription in 12 Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Nepali, Punjabi, Sanskrit and Urdu. Voicemails are transcribed in a few seconds, enabling anyone to read their messages discreetly or during moments when listening is not convenient.

Truecaller launches AI Powered Voicemail Experience in India
 

“Traditional voicemail was built for a very different era of communication,” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO, Truecaller. “With Truecaller Voicemail, we are fundamentally rethinking how voice messages fit into everyday life — making them free, device-native and seamlessly integrated into the calling experience. By enabling on-device storage, instant transcription, spam protection, and support for a wide range of Indian languages, we’re removing the friction and limitations of legacy systems. This is a step toward building a more inclusive, intuitive, and trustworthy communication layer — one that works the way people actually communicate today.”

About Truecaller
Truecaller is an essential part of daily communication for more than 450 million active users, with over a billion downloads since launch and close to 56 billion unwanted calls identified and blocked in 2024 alone. Founded in 2009, the company is headquartered in Stockholm and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021.

For more information, visit www.truecaller.com.

Ameera Shah-led Metropolis Healthcare Limited, India’s second largest and the most respected pathology laboratory chain, today announced the launch of the 8^th edition of its annual ‘MedEngage Scholarship Programme 2025-26’. This year, the initiative will support 350 medical students across India through scholarships and research grants, reinforcing Metropolis’ long-term commitment to nurturing the India’s next generation of clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals. Applications are now open for MBBS students across all years as well as MD/MS/DNB trainees and interns, with the last date for submission being 31^st December 2025.

Call for Medical Research Grant Applications Under MedEngage 2025–26

The 2025–26 edition introduces dedicated provisions for students from single-parent families and persons with disabilities, along with an enhanced focus on candidates from the 112 aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog. These additions broaden the programme’s reach to students who may face personal or social-economic barriers in pursuing academic and research advancement.

Supporting medical education and research through structured mentorship

To ensure fairness and transparency, scholarships will continue to follow a combined merit- and need-based evaluation framework that considers academic performance, research aptitude, and socio-economic background. In previous editions, nearly 55% of beneficiaries were from economically weaker sections, including 41% from aspirational districts—reflecting the programme’s continued focus on inclusive access. Applicants are assessed through a structured scoring model that evaluates academic distinction and the quality of their research proposal, while those facing financial hardship or limited institutional support receive priority under the need-based criteria.

Conceptualised by Founder Dr. Sushil Shah, the MedEngage Scholarship Programme has grown into one of India’s largest private-sector medical outreach initiatives in the healthcare space. Since its inception, it has benefitted over 10,000 students through outreach programmes and built a robust MedEngage Alumni Network of 4,500+ members. With a presence across 500+ medical institutions, MedEngage has become a trusted platform for young medical professionals seeking meaningful academic and research exposure. In addition to 1,000+ scholarships and 70+ research grants, the programme offers observerships, exposure to advanced laboratory practices and expert-led learning sessions that help strengthen clinical and academic capabilities.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Surendran Chemmenkotil, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said, “MedEngage reflects our belief that true impact comes from enabling talent with real opportunities to learn, grow and contribute. By giving medical students access to modern diagnostic environments, expert guidance and research exposure, we are helping shape professionals who are better prepared for the demands of tomorrow’s healthcare system.”

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer & Group Head – CSR, added, “MedEngage is designed to cultivate scientific curiosity early in a student’s academic journey. When young clinicians are exposed to research methodology, data interpretation and hands-on laboratory experience, they develop a deeper appreciation for evidence-based practice. Our aim is to mentor them into thinkers and innovators who can drive meaningful progress in diagnostics, scientific research and patient care.”

Deloitte continues as the programme’s process partner to ensure transparency and rigour in evaluating applications. An eminent jury comprising senior leaders from the medical and academic fraternity will assess submissions. The list of scholarship recipients will be announced in February 2026, followed by a felicitation ceremony in March 2026.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Medical students pursuing MBBS, MD/MS/DNB courses at any MCI-recognized college/university are eligible to apply.

• Applicants may be from government or private medical colleges.

• Priority is given to students from underprivileged families, particularly those from aspirational districts.

• Domicile in one of the 112 aspirational districts is required for students from those regions.

• Applicants must register through the MedEngage website www.med-engage.com and provide all required documentation for consideration. For inquiries, students can contact the MedEngage Support Team at support@med-engage.com or reach out via WhatsApp at +91 9152211510.

MedEngage by Metropolis remains dedicated to celebrating and honouring the young medical talent across the country. The programme has been widely recognized for its national impact, including the NATHealth Impact Award by the Healthcare Federation of India and accolades from ASSOCHAM and leading media organizations.

About Metropolis CSR

Metropolis Healthcare Limited is deeply committed to advancing social well-being across India, with its CSR vision aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – 3 (Good Health & Well-being), 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality). The company’s CSR framework is anchored in three flagship initiatives: the MedEngage Medical Outreach Programme, which supports aspiring medical professionals through scholarships, research grants and structured mentorship; the Too Shy to Ask (TSTA) / Adolescent Reproductive & Sexual Health initiative, which enables adolescents and young adults to engage in open, stigma-free discussions on sensitive health topics; and a series of Preventive Healthcare Projects focused on early detection, health awareness and promoting preventive practices within communities. Over the past four decades, Metropolis has strengthened these efforts by conducting extensive health camps, awareness workshops and community-based programmes in collaboration with educational institutions, government bodies, NGOs and wellness organizations—reflecting its long-standing commitment to access, awareness and empowerment across the communities it serves.

To address the growing need for unbiased career guidance, Aviation Ivy proudly announces its dedicated career counselling website. Aviation Ivy is designed for students and young professionals across India, seeking careers in aviation, hospitality, travel, or customer care. It is founded with the aim of providing free counselling to young aspirants and empowering them to make confident, well-informed career choices.

Your Journey to a Confident Aviation Career Starts

With increasing career options and limited guidance available, Aviation Ivy bridges this gap by offering expert-led personalised career counselling aligned with students’ interests and skills. Young students often struggle to identify the right path to achieve their goals. Aviation Ivy takes a transparent, student-first approach, offering services to help students focus on long-term career choices rather than follow job trends. It provides one-on-one counselling and training sessions, as well as detailed industry insights, all designed to help young aspirants gain clarity before committing time, energy, and resources to a particular career path.

With presence across all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Agra, Lucknow, Noida, Dehradun, and Rishikesh; Aviation Ivy is now available to all people seeking reliable career guidance from industry experts, at no cost, and is committed to helping students discover their true potential.

For more information, please visit – aviationivy.com

As interest in AI-ready capabilities strengthens across industries, N+, the AI-native learning platform from Sarder Inc., continues to expand its learner base. With access to 120 Microsoft courses and 48 AI CERTs™ certifications, the platform has crossed 122,000 installs. Over the last month, 55,000 new users came on board, resulting in a 270% increase in monthly growth and underlining the growing urgency around future-focused skills.

A large part of this growth is coming from corporate L&D teams, universities, training institutions, technologists, and working professionals who are choosing N+ for its simple, mobile-led learning experience and its clear path to certifications upon course completion. These groups have become the strongest drivers of the platform’s expansion, especially as more organisations around the world begin focusing on skills that prepare their teams for an AI-driven future.
 

Speaking on the platform’s trajectory, Mr. Abdul Ahad said, “At N+ our focus has always been clear and consistent, we want to empower learners with the skills that matter today and the capabilities they will need tomorrow. The momentum we are seeing across enterprises, institutions, and individual professionals shows that the shift toward AI-native learning is already underway. Being able to stand at the forefront of this transformation and support people as they prepare for the future means a great deal to us.”
 

N+ is preparing for its next phase of growth with deeper AI-driven personalization features that will introduce adaptive learning paths, smart practice modules, and advanced analytics designed for corporate L&D decision-making.
 

The team is strengthening the mobile experience to ensure smooth and reliable learning across all devices. Learners can access content offline, open lessons with faster load times, and engage with short, flexible learning formats that fit varied schedules. At the same time, N+ is building a wider network of partners by working more closely with universities, government skill programs, and global technology organisations. The idea is to make high-quality training accessible at a scale that truly matters.
 

For more information, visit www.nplus.global.

As winter descended on Delhi and the Qutub complex settled into stillness, the city witnessed The First Chapter of Songs of the Stone on 13th December with an after-dark cultural experience by Inkpot India that reimagined the Qutub Minar as a space for listening, reflection and cultural engagement.
 

Mehtab Ali Niazi and ensemble performs at the First Chapter of Songs of the Stone at the Qutub Minar
 

Hosted in association with Delhi Tourism and the Archaeological Survey of India, and co-presented by Max Estates, the evening was conceived as an intimate encounter between music, architecture and atmosphere, allowing the monument’s presence to shape the evening.
 

Curated by Simar Malhotra, founder at Inkpot India and an alumna of Stanford University and Columbia University, the evening featured a sitar performance by Mehtab Ali Niazi and his ensemble, whose repertoire was developed in response to the scale and acoustic character of the Qutub Minar. The performance drew from classical foundations while responding to the monument’s acoustics and setting. The evening opened with an address by Eric Chopra, author and founder of Itihasology who spoke on India’s living heritage, reflecting on the cultural continuum of the Qutub Minar and the Mehrauli region before the central musical performance commenced.
 

The musical experience was designed to engage all five senses through a considered integration of sound, sight, scent, taste and touch, creating an immersive cultural environment. The format emphasised attentiveness and presence, with the monument remaining central to the experience.

Simar Malhotra, Founder of Inkpot India said “We are so incredibly lucky in India to be surrounded by places like the Qutub Minar – places that don’t just hold history, but radiate it. Through Songs of the Stone, we want to bring alive heritage space, and craft moments of culture that can be lived and felt.”
 

Simar Malhotra, Founder of Inkpot India and Curator of Songs of the Stone, translating heritage architecture into Sounds, Space & Story

The audience comprised a curated gathering of cultural patrons, diplomats, artists and thinkers, including Former High Commissioner Sunjay Sudhir, Amrita Guha, Joya Nandurdikar (Untitled Designs), Shazia Ilmi, Suvir Saran, Suhana Nanda, Shah Umair (Sikkawala), Manish Saksena, Ananya Dasgupta, Dr Simal Soin, Sandeep Barasia and more.
 

Rooted in Inkpot India’s belief that heritage is most meaningful when experienced directly, Songs of the Stone brings together classical music and site-sensitive curation to foster deeper engagement with India’s cultural landmarks.
 

Following its presentation at the Qutub Minar, Songs of the Stone will continue as a cultural series, exploring new heritage sites and narratives through sound, space and musical storytelling.
 

The event was produced in association with Excurators Events Pvt Ltd., an organisation committed to creating experiential cultural platforms that bring India’s rich heritage to contemporary audiences.

VELS Medical College & Hospital (VMCH) in Chennai, conducted the White Coat Ceremony for the MBBS 2025–26 batch, marking the formal induction of the fifth batch of 250 medical students into the medical profession. The ceremony was held at the College Auditorium in the presence of dignitaries, senior faculty members, parents and students.
 

The event was presided over by Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder-Chancellor, VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), and was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. C. Palanivelu, Chairman, GEM Hospitals, an internationally acclaimed pioneer of laparoscopic surgery.
 

Newly inducted MBBS students receive academic kits during the White Coat Ceremony at VELS Medical College & Hospital, in the presence of Founder-Chancellor Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh
 

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President, Vels Group of Institutions, said it was both an honour and a privilege to welcome the gathering on the momentous occasion of the White Coat Ceremony of the fifth MBBS batch at VELS Medical College. She extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the Chief Guest, Dr. C. Palanivelu, acknowledging his trailblazing role in introducing laparoscopic surgery to South India and his groundbreaking contributions to laparoscopic cancer surgery and advanced minimally invasive procedures, many of which have been performed for the first time in the world.
 

Dr. Preethaa Ganesh also welcomed Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Chairman of the Vels Group of Institutions, lauding his visionary leadership that has propelled VELS to national and global prominence, with over 51,000 students across 52 institutions worldwide, offering programmes from Pre-KG to Ph.D.
 

Highlighting the academic strength of the institution, she stated that VELS Medical College & Hospital is a constituent of VISTAS, a NAAC A++ accredited multidisciplinary Deemed-to-be University, with four campuses across Chennai at Pallavaram, Periyapalayam, Thalambur and Thiruvanmiyur, spread over 120 acres, offering programmes in Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Management Studies, Aviation, Maritime Studies, Law, Arts, Science and other emerging disciplines.
 

She further highlighted that within just five years of inception, VMCH has been recognised as Best Medical College of the Year and Best Affordable Hospital of the Year at the Six Sigma Excellence Awards, New Delhi, in addition to receiving several national and international recognitions, including the International Green College Award, 38th rank in India by the UI Green Metric World University Ranking, Most Promising Medical Institute of 2024 & 2025 by ARDORCOMM Education Leadership Awards, 5th position in India for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) by Global University Rankings, and the Institute of the Year – National (Medical) award by the Indian Education Awards 2025.
 

Addressing parents and students, she emphasised that the white coat symbolises not only knowledge and skill, but also integrity, humility, empathy and service to humanity, assuring students from 22 states across India that VELS provides a nurturing and inclusive environment that truly feels like a home away from home.
 

In his presidential address, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh noted that this ceremony marked the fifth MBBS batch of VELS Medical College & Hospital and the first batch with an enhanced intake of 250 students, compared to the earlier intake of 150. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to parents for believing in VELS and entrusting the institution with their children’s medical education.
 

Assuring parents that VELS would care for students as its own, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh said that the institution would be a second home for students throughout their academic journey, including undergraduate studies and postgraduate training. He highlighted that postgraduate programmes are already being offered, with plans to introduce additional PG programmes in the coming years. He encouraged parents to remain actively engaged by staying in touch with Heads of Departments and periodically enquiring about their children’s academic progress.
 

He also proposed academic and research collaboration between GEM Hospitals and VMCH, particularly in the areas of research and faculty development. Emphasising institutional values, he said that while VELS maintains strict discipline, it also promotes a friendly and supportive faculty environment, encouraging students to learn with commitment while enjoying their campus life responsibly.
 

Addressing the gathering, Dr. C. Palanivelu, Chairman, GEM Hospitals, commended Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh for successfully managing a vast network of educational institutions and lauded his leadership and vision. He said he was deeply impressed by the advanced infrastructure at VELS Medical College & Hospital, ranging from emergency services to advanced diagnostic laboratories, and reassured parents that their children were in safe and capable hands.
 

Dr. Palanivelu advised students to adopt a healthy lifestyle, highlighting the growing lifestyle-related health challenges faced by the younger generation. He urged students to make wise use of the opportunities available to them, reminding them that while his own journey involved significant struggles, today’s students benefit from strong parental support and access to advanced facilities. He encouraged them to leverage technology and skill to solve real-world problems, practise medicine with compassion, and serve humanity with integrity rather than material greed.
 

A key highlight of the ceremony was the Wearing of the White Coat and the administration of the Hippocratic Oath, formally inducting the students into the medical fraternity. Academic gift hampers were distributed to the students.
 

The White Coat Ceremony 2025 at VELS Medical College & Hospital, Chennai, stood as a defining moment, reaffirming the institution’s mission to nurture compassionate, ethical and globally competent doctors dedicated to patient care and community service.

For more information, please visit velsmedicalcollege.com.

Since her debut in 2018 with the acclaimed film Kedarnath, Sara Ali Khan has become one of the most admired talents in Indian cinema. With standout performances in hits like Simmba, Atrangi Re, and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, she has showcased both versatility and charisma, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. A graduate of Columbia University with a degree in history and political science, Sara is admired not just for her acting, but also for her intellect and authenticity.

Sara Ali Khan – Longines Friend of the brand wearing PrimaLuna

Celebrating the association Sara said, “I’m delighted to begin an association with Longines, a brand I’ve long admired because we echo similar values. Their timeless elegance, and their respect for legacy truly resonates with me. Longines values authenticity, celebrates grace and precision, and inspires confidence. I couldn’t be happier to join them as Friend of the brand.”

India has always held a special place in the Longines story. The brand sold its first watches in the country in 1878 and has since been admired by generations of watch enthusiasts. Sara’s appointment strengthens this historic connection, bringing together Swiss watchmaking tradition with the elegance and spirit of modern India.

With this collaboration, Longines continues to celebrate individuals who embody elegance not only in style, but also in attitude: through authenticity, purpose, and grace.

About Longines 
Established in Saint-Imier, Switzerland in 1832, Longines’ expertise is steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. With its lengthy experience as an official timekeeper of world sports championships and partner of international sports federations, the Swiss watch brand has forged solid, enduring links with the world of sports over the years. Famous for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the world’s leading manufacturer of timepieces. The brand Longines, with its winged hourglass emblem, is represented in over 150 countries.