Elizabeth Fijardo, a 92-year-old retired school teacher, underwent a groundbreaking procedure at SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate, when she received a leadless pacemaker, a minimally invasive device that would help regulate her heart rhythm, through her neck vein. This procedure, the first of its kind in Mumbai, offered a safer and more efficient method for pacemaker implantation, and was modified due to anatomical issues. What made this surgery even more remarkable was that the Dr Haresh Mehta, Director-Interventional & Structural Cardiology, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate, who performed the procedure was once her student! He was accompanied by Interventional Cardiologists Dr Kayan Siodia and Dr Raghav Nagpal.

Dr Haresh Mehta, Director-Interventional & Structural Cardiology, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate

Recalling how it all started, Wilfred Fijardo, the patient’s son said, “My mother started experiencing breathlessness, felt dizzy and had difficulty walking. We consulted the doctor on March 18; he prescribed medication for a month and asked us to follow-up after finishing the course. However, the very next morning my mother woke up at 4 am gasping for breath and we took her to the hospital. The doctors told us she needed a pacemaker to regulate her heart’s rhythm, and the surgery was conducted on March 23. She opted for a leadless pacemaker as she was worried about the healing time associated with traditional pacemakers.”

Talking about the technology behind a leadless pacemaker, Dr Raghav Nagpal and Dr. Kayan Siodia, Consultant Interventional Cardiologists, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim-A Fortis Associate added, “A leadless pacemaker does not require the traditional leads (wires) to be implanted into the heart. Unlike conventional pacemakers, which consist of a small pulse generator implanted under the skin with one or more leads connected to the heart, a leadless pacemaker is a compact device that is directly implanted into the heart. The pacemaker is positioned directly in the right ventricle, where it delivers electrical impulses to regulate the hearts rhythm. The procedure requires no incision in the chest or under the skin, only a small puncture in the groin or neck. The pacemaker that was inserted in the patient is a small tube-like device measuring only 2 inches (a conventional pacemaker would measure 3 X 2 inches), making it ideal for older patients with smaller bodies or those who require less invasive solutions.”

Describing the procedure, Dr Haresh Mehta, Director-Interventional & Structural Cardiology, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate said, “We did an ECG, which revealed a very slow heart rhythm, indicating a complete heart block, which typically requires a pacemaker. We went for a leadless pacemaker in this case as the patient was small-built, and her heart was small in size. The leadless pacemaker is small and compact and is implanted directly into the heart without the need for external leads, which makes it ideal for patients with smaller hearts or limited space in the chest. The veins in her leg were tortuous (curvy), and due to anatomical constraints of the right atrium, we used the jugular vein instead, leading to a successful procedure with minimal disruption. This is a very rare procedure, especially in India.”

“As we see in older patients, leadless pacemakers, which are directly implanted into the heart, offer a less invasive solution. However, not all patients are candidates for leadless pacemakers, and a thorough evaluation by a Cardiologist is necessary to determine the best option. We did a Doppler Test to determine if Elizabeth was the right candidate for a leadless pacemaker,”Dr Mehta added.

Elizabeth has made a full recovery, and now her doting children are cherishing every moment with her. What makes this even more special is that one of her former students, whose life she has shaped through her wisdom and teachings in English and History, ended up saving her life, bringing their journey full circle in a powerful and meaningful way.

Sony India is expanding its professional BRAVIA 4K HDR display lineup with the launch of the FW-98BZ30L (98 inch) in the BZ30L series. Designed for commercial environments which require reliability, superior picture quality and compatibility, this new model meets the growing demand for larger screen sizes in the entry-level segment.

Bravia FW-98BZ30L 4K HDR Display

The FW-98BZ30L integrates Sony’s AI-based XR Cognitive Processor, offering exceptional image quality, a wider viewing angle, advanced professional features, a smart System on a Chip (SoC) platform, robust performance and an innovative design. It is tailored for a variety of professional applications, including corporate presentations, retail and digital signage.

“At Sony, we continuously strive to meet the evolving needs of our professional customers by delivering cutting-edge display solutions that combine exceptional picture quality, reliability and innovative features. The FW-98BZ30L expands our professional BRAVIA lineup that caters to the growing demand for larger screen sizes in corporate and commercial environments. With the power of our AI-based XR Cognitive Processor, enhanced brightness and robust connectivity, this model is designed to provide an immersive visual experience while ensuring seamless integration and operational efficiency. We are confident that the FW-98BZ30L will be a game-changer for businesses looking for premium large-format display solutions,” said Daijiro Nakano, Deputy Managing Director, Sony India.

Key Features of Sony FW-98BZ30L

• XR Cognitive Processor: The FW-98BZ30L offers a large, crystal-clear 4K resolution display for ultra-sharp, vibrant visuals with high motion clarity because of Sony’s proprietary AI Based XR Cognitive processor

• Android Operating System: Integrated with Android OS for seamless content management and application usage gives the users ease of operations

• Enhanced Brightness and Color Accuracy: Provides impressive brightness and color consistency, ensuring vivid, true-to-life visuals in any lighting condition.

• Flexible Connectivity Options: The display supports a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB and control ports for easy integration with existing setups.

• Durability and Reliability: Designed for 24/7 operation in demanding environments, making it an ideal choice for commercial and corporate use.

• 32GB Storage: FW-98BZ30L comes with enhanced storage capacity of 32GB for users to store apps or contents without thinking twice.

Additional highlights of the 98BZ30L includes about 22% reduction in weight and 28% slimmer bezel width when compared to Sony’s professional BRAVIA BZ40J series. To help make the large model more portable and installation friendly, ergonomic horizontal handles are incorporated at the bottom of the display, while vertical handles are featured on the top to carry the unit easily.

The complete BZ30L series offers a full range of sizes, X1 processing (except for the FW-98BZ30L, which is equipped with an XR Processor) and 440 nits of brightness:

• FW-98BZ30L (98 inch)

• FW-85BZ30L (85 inch)

• FW-75BZ30L (75 inch)

• FW-65BZ30L (65 inch)

• FW-55BZ30L (55 inch)

• FW-50BZ30L (50 inch)

• FW-43BZ30L (43 inch)

All models incorporate sustainability elements – from the use of SORPLAS™ recycled plastic and less ink usage on the cartons to an optional stand for less waste and ECO Dashboard for better understanding, power consumption based on settings configuration. Additional common features include 24/7 operation, one step setting of pre-sets for easy configuration and customization, mirroring capabilities, Pro Mode technology for simplifying operations, a uniform bezel design, flexible installation for portrait and tilt mounting, as well as support for multi-display installation to enable tiling and a side logo for blend-in design purposes.

All models feature a new center alignment rail kit for easy mounting, while the FW-98BZ30L (98 inch) option comes standard with center aligned VESA patterns. It incorporates a streamlined common cabinet design that allows integrators and designers to interchangeably mix and match displays from each series based on business needs. By doing this, Sony’s new pro BRAVIA lineup increases efficiency and scalability for deployments requiring different brightness levels and feature sets while maintaining a common size strategy.

The new professional BRAVIA display lineup will also support Sony’s Alliance Partner Network, allowing for even further integration and compatibility with established and emerging solutions providers across corporate, education, transportation and retail applications.

Price and Availability:

The FW-98BZ30L will be available via Sony authorized distributors in India from 15^th April 2025 onwards. It comes with a standard 3-year warranty, with an optional extended warranty available at an additional cost, depending on customer requirement.

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Sony India Private Limited (Sony India), a private limited company with its ultimate holding company as Sony Group Corporation, Japan, has established itself as a premium brand in various product categories including television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio, and professional solutions. The company places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and maintains high standards in sales and services. Sony also prioritizes environmental sustainability, aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle of its products and business activities to contribute to a healthier and enriched life for all of humanity and future generations.

Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

A-18, Mohan Co-operative Industrial Estate, New Delhi – 44 | www.sony.co.in.

Social Venture Partners India (SVP India), India’s largest community of engaged philanthropists, will host their annual marquee online event ‘Fast Pitch’ on April 24. This high-impact virtual fundraising event aims to bring powerful grassroots stories to the fore, offering a national platform for select NGOs to connect with citizens across our country, share their social impact journeys, and raise funds to support their work.

SVP India Fast Pitch 2025 Finalists

Over the past three months, 10 diverse NGOs, shortlisted from 258 applicants across India, have undergone a rigorous training program in storytelling and fundraising. Guided by a professional storytelling trainer and dedicated SVP India partners as coaches, these NGOs are now equipped to communicate their mission with clarity and heart.

Speaking on the significance of this event, Govind Iyer, Founding Board Member and All India Chairperson, SVP India stated, “Each non-profit in the Fast Pitch 2025 cohort brings a bold mission rooted in grassroots action. Fast Pitch is about giving these changemakers the tools and the platform to be heard beyond their local communities-by donors, supporters and citizens who believe in long-term change. These are the stories India needs to hear.”

The ten finalists will present their 5-minute pitches to a distinguished jury – Namita Thapar, Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Reshma Anand, Regional Director, Ford Foundation India, and Sridhar N E, Chief Sustainability Officer, TITAN Company Ltd. The jury will assess the NGO pitches on their potential for lasting social impact, innovation and resilience.

Now in its fourth edition, Fast Pitch has emerged as a powerful enabler of visibility and fundraising in the social sector. Over the past three years, over 5,200 people have tuned into the virtual event, contributing over ₹15.8 crores in grants to 36 NGOs.

This year’s cohort includes:

1. Anahad Foundation – Working to conserve and evolve India’s folk music heritage by empowering the folk musicians with production technology and building the largest repertoire of Indian folk music through extensive audio-video documentation.

2. Biome Environmental Trust – Promoting sustainable, climate resilient water & sanitation systems in association with Governments, diverse communities and corporates in Karnataka. From implementing community-driven water management projects and conducting research with institutions, to shaping water policies and building capacity through hands-on training, Biome is dedicated to promoting sustainable water practices.

3. Eastern Himalayan Foundation – Closing opportunity gaps for youth in North Bengal and the Northeast by providing access to skills, knowledge and training that would allow them to become change agents for themselves and their communities.

4. Lokmanya Public Charitable Trust – Advancing rural underdevelopment by focusing on areas like education, healthcare, skill development, agriculture, women’s empowerment, and overall community growth.

5. NeevJivan Foundation – Building alternate livelihood options for tribal women & youth through skill development and vocational training, reducing dependence on agriculture and thereby preventing migration to the cities.

6. NudgED – Addressing the global learning crisis through their free mobile app designed to empower parents in low-income communities to support their young children (ages 3-8) in foundational learning at home. The app provides content in Hindi and Marathi, with audio support, and is optimized for low-end mobile devices to ensure accessibility for all.

7. Sunrise Learning Foundation – Empowering neurodiverse individuals and their families through education, employment readiness skills and parent support services including counselling sessions, training workshops, mom & child programs, certificate courses etc.

8. The One All Trust – Using the sport of Ultimate Frisbee to engage at-risk youth from underprivileged and tribal communities. The organisation focuses on empowering young girls and boys, many of whom face early child marriage, school dropouts, domestic violence and substance abuse.

9. UPAY (Underprivileged Advancement by Youth) – Addressing social issues like illiteracy and unemployment by making quality education accessible to marginalized children in street, urban slums, and rural areas of India through two impactful initiatives – Footpathshaala (Turning Footpaths into Schools) and Reach & Teach (Bringing school to doorstep).

10. Vidyoday Muktangan Parivar Foundation – Reimagining ‘science education’ in zilla parishad schools by strengthening learning outcomes in government secondary schools through curriculum innovation and teacher support.

Fast Pitch 2025 is open to anyone interested in listening to impactful stories about social change.

REGISTER at svpindia.org/fastpitch-2025 to meet the changemakers, hear their stories, and support their work.

SGT University recently held its Environmental Fest-2025, featuring Dr. Rajendra Singh – the legendary “Water Man of India” and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee. As the chief guest, Dr. Singh inspired students and faculty alike with his powerful message on water conservation, making the event a landmark moment in the university’s mission to champion environmental awareness and sustainable living.

Dr. Rajendra Singh addressing a rapt audience at SGT Universitys “Environmental Fest 2025

In his inspiring address, Dr. Singh highlighted how environmental conservation becomes truly effective when scientific knowledge is combined with sensitivity and compassion. Sharing insights from his extensive experience, he emphasised the importance of blending formal education with indigenous knowledge systems to create meaningful environmental solutions.

Dr. Singh praised SGT Universitys newly launched M.Sc. in Environmental Sustainability program, calling it a forward-thinking initiative that connects future generations with nature along with a deeper understanding of environmental issues and a sense of responsibility toward protecting our planet. The program will definitely enhance the employability skills of aspirants.

The festival featured several engaging competitions, including quizzes, a “Battle of Ideas” debate, digital reel-making contests, and poster presentations. Students participated enthusiastically across departments, with Dr. Singh personally presenting awards to the winners and encouraging all participants.

Before concluding his visit, Dr. Singh toured the university campus and met with senior university officials, appreciating the universitys several other environmental initiatives.

This successful event reinforces SGT Universitys commitment to environmental education and sustainability, helping inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

About SGT University

Nurturing Future Leaders in Gurugram Through Excellence in Education

Accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC, SGT University is a distinguished institution committed to “Nurturing Future Leaders” through academic excellence, research, and industry-driven innovation. With 18 faculties offering multidisciplinary programs, the university fosters entrepreneurship, groundbreaking research, and global collaborations. Many of its faculty members are recognized in Stanford University’s “Top 2% Scientists” list, reinforcing SGT University’s leadership in research and academics.

As a Ministry of MSME-recognized Business Incubator and recipient of a 4-star rating from the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, SGT University is at the forefront of technological advancements and skill-based education. It is home to one of Asia’s only National Reference Simulation Centre for Nursing & Medical Sciences, a NABL & NABH-accredited multi-speciality hospital, and cutting-edge labs developed in partnership with IBM, SAP, Oracle, and UNESCO Bioethics. Through strong industry linkages, global partnerships, and a career-focused approach, the university empowers students with real-world exposure, preparing them to excel in their respective fields.

For more information, please visit sgtuniversity.ac.in/index.

When Ananya Kapoor, a 38-year-old entrepreneur, closed her home-buying deal in Noida’s Prateek Grand Begonia last month, she didn’t just acquire a property. She secured what she calls her “emotional anchor” – a sanctuary where not only her children would grow, but also a place that reflects her lifestyle. “This isn’t just walls and floors. It’s the pride of creating a legacy,” she says waiting eagerly to move inside as soon as she gets the possession.

Luxury homes shaping ownership trends

Kapoor’s sentiment echoes across Delhi-NCR, where luxury home sales surged by 63% in 2024, outpacing Mumbai and Hyderabad, according to PropEquity. As economic uncertainties loom, buyers like her are increasingly viewing high-end properties not just as investments, but as psychological safe havens.

The Rise of Emotional Equity

Data underscores this shift. Knight Frank reports residential sales in India’s top eight cities hit a 12-year high in 2024, with Delhi-NCR alone clocking Rs. 1.53 lakh crore in sales value – a spike driven by luxury demand. PropTiger attributes the NCR’s 49% annual price surge to affluent buyers prioritising “emotional ROI”: stability, prestige, and generational security more than financial returns.

Real estae analysts believe that luxury home buyers today aren’t just purchasing square footage, rather they’re investing in a lifestyle that validates their aspirations. Gated apartment complexes with amenities like star-category clubhouse, high-end gyms, greenery and grand architecture aren’t perks – they’re emotional necessities that reflect their status and their aspirations.

Inside the Buyer’s Mind: “This Home Is My Legacy”

For 45-year-old tech executive Rajat Mehta, purchasing an apartment at low-density Prateek Canary in Sector 150 Noida was about cementing his identity. “Walking into the show flat, I felt a sense of arrival. The design, the greenery in the layout- it mirrored the success I’d envisioned years ago,” he shares.

Developers are tailoring projects to these psychological triggers. Prateek Group’s offerings emphasise “curated living” that blends security with social currency. As per real estate experts with a keen understanding of the luxury home scene, “Today the buyers are seeking projects that reflect their stature. It’s about belonging to an enclave that whispers exclusivity.“

The FOMO Factor and the Luxury Boom

Scarcity plays a role, too. With high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) flooding the market, projects in prime locales face swift sell-outs. Delhi-NCR’s luxury listings of over Rs. 10 crore now comprise 34% of the total supply, as reported recently by a business magazine. “Wait too long, and you’re priced out,” admits Kavita Singh, a Ghaziabad-based investor who bought a unit in Siddharth Vihar last year. “I didn’t want my family to miss out on this growth.”

Psychologists note that such urgency taps into deep-seated fears of instability. Owning a luxury property isn’t just the wealth display – it’s a psychological buffer against life’s unpredictabilities.

The Road Ahead: Where Emotion Meets Economics

While friendly interest and inflation rates developers are also doubling down on emotional appeal. Status, aspirations and iconic architecture are turning into an intrinsic part of their communication and marketing strategy. And with the rising number of double-income families homes are turning into places where logic and longing collide. Today’s buyers aren’t just closing deals; they’re closing chapters of their dreams.

Leap Ahead India, a pioneering market-entry facilitator bridging India with global business ecosystems. This powerful collaboration sets the stage for Indian startups-especially from Tier 2 and 3 cities-to access international mentorship, investment, and market expansion support like never before.

Leap Ahead India is catalyzing global-ready startups empowered by Marwari Catalysts

Empowering Indian Founders to Leap Globally
Leap Ahead India is spearheading a movement to democratize access to global opportunities. The initiative is primed to help founders unlock global capital, customers, and collaboration networks-directly aligned with the national Viksit Bharat @2047 mission.

“We are not just connecting startups to the world-we’re enabling them to thrive there. Our focus is on building truly borderless founders,” – Nivedhitha Suresh Raja, Founder & CEO, Leap Ahead India.

Introducing: The Leap Ahead India Digital Club
This milestone also marks the launch of the Leap Ahead India Digital Club-a first-of-its-kind virtual ecosystem designed to give founders plug-and-play access to global mentorship, curated resources, and acceleration opportunities.

“Leap Ahead India is solving for scale and visibility. Through our Venture Studio Model, this collaboration becomes a high-speed channel for Indian startups to become globally investable and operationally ready,” – Sushil Sharma, Founder- Leap Ahead India and Founder and CEO- Marwari Catalysts.

A Thriving Cross-Border Ecosystem:

• 250+ Entrepreneurs

• 100+ Global Mentors

• 50+ Strategic Partners

• 12+ Global Connectivity Hubs

Key Founder Benefits:

• Global Networking: Direct connections to international mentors, markets, and capital sources.

• Investor Access: Curated introductions to global early-stage and growth-stage investors.

• Strategic Mentorship: High-impact coaching from cross-border business experts.

• Delegation Trips & Market Immersion: Cultural fluency, sector-specific deep-dives, and exposure to global startup scenes.

• Collaborative Ecosystem Services: Co-working access, startup-friendly services, and scale-stage support.

A Gamechanger for Investors & Global Stakeholders

For VCs, angel investors, and international partners, this partnership unlocks a robust pipeline of globally viable Indian startups. The backing of Marwari Catalysts ensures not just early traction but structured scalability, while Leap Ahead India’s global lens enhances investor confidence and market readiness.

Be Part of India’s Global Startup Revolution

Whether you are a founder ready to go global or an investor scouting high-growth, impact-driven ventures-now is the time to Leap Ahead.

About Leap Ahead India

Leap Ahead India is a gateway for startups aiming to scale internationally. We specialize in enabling cross-border success through delegation programs, market insights, and strategic ecosystem partnerships, empowering Indian startups to go global with confidence.

For more information, please visit www.leapaheadindia.com, write to us atinfo@leapaheadindia.com.

About Marwari Catalysts

Marwari Catalysts is a premier accelerator with venture studios redefining the Indian startup landscape by supporting early-stage founders with funding, strategic support, and structured acceleration. With 100+ startups in its portfolio, it champions the “Bharat to Global” narrative with speed and scale.

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