Leading economists from across the country gathered at the Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS) for a two-day national seminar on “Indian Economic Progress Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals”, hosted in collaboration with the Indian Economic Association (IEA).

The souvenir was released by VIT Founder Chancellor Dr. G. Vishwanathan, with the first copy received by IEA Conference President Dr. A. Jothi Murugan

The event was formally inaugurated by Dr. G. Viswanathan, Renowned Economist and Founder Chancellor of VIT, who also released the seminar souvenir. The occasion was graced by the presence of eminent economists including Dr. Vedagiri Shanmuga Sundaram, Dr. Anil Kumar Thakur, Dr.Praveen Jha and Dr. Ravindra Brahme, who delivered impactful keynote addresses.

In his address, Dr. G. Viswanathan emphasized the critical role of education in driving economic growth. “The Central and State Governments must prioritize education through increased budget allocations. Corruption, black money, and tax evasion continue to be major obstacles to our economic progress. While India’s top 10% of the population holds nearly 80% of the nations wealth, they contribute minimally to tax revenues. It is the middle class that bears the brunt, contributing nearly 50-60% of total tax collections. This imbalance must be addressed,” he asserted.

He further urged economists to take on the responsibility of educating the public on economic issues, stating, “Economic awareness and inclusive education are fundamental to achieving sustainable development. Education for all should be our top national priority.”

Dr. A. Jothi Murugan, Conference President of the Indian Economic Association (IEA) and Pro Chancellor of VISTAS, expressed his pride in hosting the seminar. He stated, “The Indian Economic Association, one of the oldest and largest bodies of economists since 1917, remains dedicated to fostering economic research and policy making. India has made commendable progress in areas such as poverty reduction, literacy, and climate change. However, addressing income inequality remains crucial to sustaining and enhancing the nations economic growth. VISTAS is honored to collaborate with the IEA and looks forward to organizing the second edition of this seminar in the near future.“

Thiru R. Priyakumar, Information Commissioner, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the valedictory function of the seminar as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the vital role of economists in driving economic progress. He stated, “Without economists, the field of economics cannot thrive, and likewise, sustained economic growth is not possible. The Indian Economic Association has a rich legacy, having been led by eminent economic leaders such as Dr. Manmohan Singh, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and Dr. C.Rangarajan.I am honored to serve as the Chief Guest at this prestigious event.”

His inspiring speech was warmly received by the august gathering, marking a fitting conclusion to the successful seminar.

Over the two-day seminar, nearly 30 distinguished speakers from the Indian Economic Association and many internationally reputed economists addressed a range of pressing economic issues, offering valuable insights to the students regarding the economic status of the nation. Notably, more than 400 research papers were submitted, setting a new milestone in the history of VISTAS.

Leadership at VISTAS

The event was graced by the presence of prominent leaders and dignitaries from VISTAS, who have played a significant role in promoting academic excellence

• Dr. S. Sriman Narayanan, Vice-Chancellor

• Dr. M. Bhaskaran, Pro Vice-Chancellor

• Dr.Saravanan, Registrar

• Dr. A. Udhayakumar, Controller of Examinations

About VISTAS

Established in 2008 and recognized as a deemed-to-be Institution by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, VISTAS has emerged as a leading multidisciplinary institution in Tamil Nadu. With three campuses spread across 100 acres in Chennai, offers a wide range of programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across various fields such as Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Agriculture, Management, Law, Arts, and Sciences.

In addition to its academic achievements, Our Institution recently earned the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation, further solidifying its commitment to academic excellence.

For more details visit vistas.ac.in.

International Schools across India are increasingly embracing student agency-a transformative approach that places learners at the centre of their educational journey. Oakridge International School Bengaluru has been a forerunner of this methodology as an IB continuum school, empowering students to take ownership of their learning process.

Student Council Members at Investiture Ceremony (AY 24-25)

“When students feel heard and valued in the school, they become empowered,” explains Kavita Sukhani, Principal, Oakridge International School Bengaluru. “Our students graduate from school with everything they need for success – whatever they choose to be or do in life.“

The initiatives by Student Council at Oakridge exemplify how learner agency positively impacts both the school community and society at large.

• Oak Insider – Digital Community Building

Teachers at Oakridge constantly train students on digital etiquette and encourage responsible use of gadgets which is an essential self-management skill. This academic year, the student-led Instagram page garnered 60,000+ views and 1,000+ interactions, establishing an effective communication channel for school events.

• OAKMUN – Oakridge Model United Nations

Oakridge International School, Bengaluru hosted its 9th edition of prestigious Model United Nations, bigger & better as OAK MUN in November 2024. The one of its kind MUN in the city, solely organized by the student leaders witnessed the participation of 350+ students from 12 schools. The event is expanding to international level as SEAMEI OAKMUN in September 2025.

• CASNIVAL – Creativity, Activity, and Service in Action

Christmas is when students celebrate the “Joy of Giving” through CASnival. Students organized food and game stalls, raising Rs. 1.5 lakhs to support the different charitable causes they are part of. Their efforts contributed to community development and to the Social Impact campaign of Nord Anglia Education.

• Codefest – Overnight Hackathon

The 8th edition of Oakridge Codefest, the prestigious overnight hackathon witnessed more than 100 participants contesting to secure cash prizes from a pool of Rs. 1.5 lakhs. The student committee successfully secured Adobe as the event sponsor with the teachers supporting them to independently organise a large event.

• Relay for Life – Social Impact Campaign

This Social Impact initiative steered by the student-led Social Outreach Committee at Oakridge successfully raised Rs. 2,20,000 for the activities of Indian Cancer Society. Students brought together the school community for Relay for Life, an overnight walkathon dedicated to celebrating cancer survivors, honouring the loved ones lost, and raising funds for the work that aids cancer patients.

• Phoenix Cup – Interschool Sports Competition

The interschool sports competition featured basketball, football, and swimming events, drawing around 400 enthusiastic participants from 12 schools across Bengaluru. The event highlighted student independence and autonomy in organizing the event and networking with fellow players from different schools.

• Inter House Activities & Cultural Celebrations

Regular house-wise competitions ensure a supportive ecosystem for students to celebrate inquiry and creativity. Through the year, the Student Council also organizes celebrations for Dussehra, Diwali, Halloween, Winter Spirit Week, Teachers’ Day, and Good Luck Party, promoting inclusivity and encouraging cultural appreciation within the school community.

“We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities where the Council can support students and enrich their school experience. This year, one of our key focuses is to strengthen school and student culture by organizing a variety of events throughout the year“, says Yajwin Krishna, Student Council President (AY 24-25). Speaking of student agency at Oakridge, he further added, “The events are closely aligned with our school’s mission and vision, which remain at the heart of all Council initiatives. We have an open environment where students feel encouraged to voice their thoughts and opinions. Our Student Council is truly by the students, for the students,” Sachit Shastri, Student Council Vice President (AY 24-25) echoed the same sentiment.

About Nord Anglia Education
As a leading international schools organisation, were shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the worlds top universities.

Our Nord Anglia global family includes 80+ day and boarding schools in 33 countries, teaching over 90,000 students from ages 3 to 18.

To learn more or apply for a place for your child at one of our schools, visit www.oakridge.in/bengaluru

For admission enquiries: mac.blr@oakridge.in

UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), the largest U.S.-based private SaaS company in the world and an Industry leader in HR, Payroll, and Workforce Management solutions, announced the opening of its Centre of Excellence in Pune, Maharashtra, marking a new milestone in UKG’s growth journey in India. This new India office is designed to deliver cutting-edge solutions to customers in 150 countries worldwide, leveraging the city’s highly skilled and diverse talent pool. With 80,000 organizations using its cloud solutions around the world, UKG supports a growing customer base across the world and in India to optimize workforce strategies, drive better business outcomes, and help every organization become a great place to work through technology built for all.

UKG Pune Office

With recent strategic appointments-including Jennifer Morgan as EO and Nitin Chandel as Group Vice President and India Country Manager-UKG is reinforcing its leadership bench as it enters a new chapter of growth and innovation.

Expansion In India
UKG has been present in India since 2007. The new space in Pune will complement UKG’s existing offices in Noida, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, contributing to the company’s growing presence in the country, where UKG employs more than 3,000 people. The Pune centre is expected to house up to 500 employees this year and will focus on advancing UKG’s product innovation along with AI-powered workforce management platforms and solutions. By tapping into Pune’s thriving technology talent ecosystem-including the presence of premier engineering colleges and a talented tech community-UKG aims to accelerate its mission of helping organizations become great places to work.

To celebrate this milestone, an exclusive networking event with Punes top and trending tech minds was organised this week, with an opportunity to explore new ideas and strengthen the bonds that drive our collective success as a region.

“India has always been a key global growth engine for us. The contributions from the India team have been critical for UKG in reaching the #1 market share position in our industry worldwide. Our continued India expansion, starting here in Pune, will play a pivotal role in driving the next chapter of our global growth success,” said Nitin Chandel, Group Vice President & India Country Manager, UKG. “Our investment in this new centre reinforces our long-term commitment to India and recognizes Pune’s rising stature in the global tech landscape as a strategic location for growth and AI-led innovation.”

“At UKG, we are focused on building global platforms that power the modern workforce. The Pune Centre of Excellence will be an integral part of our product and technology ecosystem, helping us scale faster, innovate more boldly, and deliver outcomes that matter-not just for our customers in India, but all 80,000 organizations that rely on UKG solutions around the world,” said UKG Chief Product Officer Suresh Vittal. “We see Pune as a strategic site where deep engineering expertise meets a culture of innovation. The talent we bring here will be at the forefront of solving complex challenges and shaping the future of our global HCM and workforce management solutions.“

UKG cares deeply about its community and its responsibility to take care of the world in which it lives and works. Doing the right thing for its employees, customers, and communities is a core commitment. In the coming months, UKG is set to invest in several new initiatives in the region, in addition to the support it already extends to its community partners ANK-NGO and based in Delhi-NCR.

As part of its India growth strategy, UKG plans to hire more than 500+ professionals across engineering, product, and customer-facing roles in Pune by the end of the year. To further strengthen its talent base, UKG has also launched nationwide hiring drives – engaging talent across India – and introducing them to its innovation-led, R&D-focused culture. These efforts reflect UKG’s deep commitment to belonging, inclusion, and building dynamic teams that represent the best of India’s technology talent.

Kickstarting its talent development and campus engagement in the region, UKG was a key sponsor for the Tech Fest in April, hosted by MKSSSs Cummins College of Engineering for Women in Pune. UKG’s Early Careers team has hired 300+ campus graduates across the country this fiscal year, reflecting the company’s focus on building a strong talent pipeline in India.

About UKG
UKG is on a mission to inspire every organization to become a great place to work through HCM technology built for all. More than 80,000 organizations across all sizes, industries, and geographies-including two-thirds of the Fortune 1000-trust UKG HR, payroll, and workforce management culture cloud solutions to drive great workplace experiences and make better, more confident people and business decisions. With the world’s largest collection of people data, work data, and culture data combined with rich experience using artificial intelligence in the service of people, we connect culture insights with business outcomes to show what’s possible when organizations invest in their people.

On the occasion of International Dance Day, the World University of Design (WUD) has announced that it will host ANVESHANA2025, the 2nd International Conference on Performing Arts, with a special focus on “Indian Knowledge Systems in the Global Context” by School of Performing Arts at WUD. The conference aims to rediscover and recontextualize the traditional wisdom inherent in Indias rich performing arts heritage. Bringing together scholars, artists, and practitioners from around the world, the event will explore how these ancient knowledge systems can offer meaningful insights and solutions to contemporary global challenges.

World University of Design to Host ANVESHANA 2025

The 2nd edition of ANVESHANA will be held on May 8-9 at Triveni Auditorium, Mandi House, New Delhi. The registration is now open for academics, performers, students, and cultural enthusiasts. The event comes at a crucial time when indigenous knowledge systems are gaining recognition worldwide for their sustainable approaches to education, wellness, and social harmony-areas where modern societies are seeking alternative paradigms.

“At a time when India is reasserting its intellectual and cultural leadership globally, this conference serves as a vital platform for articulating the sophisticated knowledge systems embedded in our artistic traditions,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of World University of Design. “By bringing together diverse voices-from traditional gurus to contemporary researchers-were not just preserving heritage but actively demonstrating how these ancient principles can address modern global challenges in education, wellness, and sustainable development,” he added.

Since its inaugural edition, the conference has grown considerably, now examining how traditional practices such as the guru-shishya parampara (mentor-disciple tradition), rasa theory (aesthetic emotion), and embodied knowledge transmission can influence modern methods of education, mental health, and social cohesiveness.

Dr. Parul Vats, Dean of the School of Performing Arts, World University of Design, emphasized the transformative potential of Indias traditional knowledge, “This conference represents our commitment to positioning Indian performing arts within the framework of knowledge systems rather than mere cultural expressions. We are creating a unique academic space where practice and theory converge, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary challenges, and where performers and scholars can engage in meaningful dialogue across disciplines.”

The conference will explore how traditional Indian performing arts address contemporary issues through sessions on music therapy, dance as mindfulness, and the psychological impact of ragas. Topics include gender dynamics in classical forms like Bharatanatyam, the integration of acoustic science in temple architecture, and the role of arts in cognitive and emotional development. Emerging scholars will also highlight the growing significance of Indian performing arts as tools of soft power in global cultural diplomacy.

Twenty curated performances will complement the scholarly presentations, transforming theoretical concepts into lived experience. These demonstrations will showcase how traditional knowledge systems remain dynamic and relevant while addressing contemporary concerns.

The conference will bring together an impressive array of voices, including Dr. Sachidanand Joshi (MS, IGNCA), Shri Prabhat Singh (Theatre & Traditional Arts Connoisseur, Author & Journalist), Sri. Jyothidas Guruvayoor (Ashtapadi Exponent), established performers like Guru Smt. Malti Shyam (Senior Guru, Kathak Kendra, New Delhi) acclaimed dance therapist Shri Tribhuwan Maharaj (Co-founder & Director, KathakNatyam) to name a few, alongside emerging scholars, medical professionals, architects, and educators.

The conference aligns with national initiatives to revitalize Indias indigenous knowledge systems and demonstrate their relevance in a rapidly changing world. Discussions emerging from the event are expected to influence cultural policy, educational curricula, and international cultural exchange programs.

Vegas Mall, Dwarka’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination, successfully hosted the Retailers Reward & Recognition 2025 at 5th Deck- Imperfecto. The event was a grand celebration dedicated to appreciating and honouring the relentless efforts of the retailers who have significantly contributed to the mall’s growth and success.

Vegas Mall Hosts Retailers Reward & Recognition 2025

The evening saw the participation of retailers from various categories, who were recognised for their outstanding performance, customer service, and contribution to enhancing the overall shopping experience. The awards ceremony aimed to motivate and celebrate the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and innovation that the retailers bring to Vegas Mall.

Speaking on the occasion, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice-President, Vegas Mall, said, “Our retailers are the backbone of our success. Their passion, commitment, and hard work have helped shape Vegas Mall into a thriving hub for shoppers. The Retailers Reward & Recognition is our way of expressing gratitude and encouraging our partners to continue achieving new milestones together.”

The event was filled with vibrant interactions, celebrations, and heartfelt acknowledgments. Retailers were thrilled with the initiative, and the evening was widely appreciated for fostering stronger bonds and creating a sense of belonging within the Vegas Mall community. Vegas Mall continues to strengthen its commitment to providing exceptional experiences not just to shoppers, but also to its retail partners, reiterating its vision of growing together while setting new benchmarks in the retail industry.

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, announced its financial results for FY25, marking a milestone as the company completes 15 years of operations. Continuing its robust growth trajectory, the company reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%. Excluding the impact of 1/n accounting norm, the GWP of the Company grew by 14.5% for FY25.

Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance

SBI General Insurance has grown at 70% faster than the industry growth of 6.2%. Profit After Tax (PAT) at INR 509 crores, registering a strong growth of 112% year-on-year.

Additionally, the Company gained 23 basis points improvement in private market share, reinforcing its strong foothold in the industry. SBI General Insurance continued to lead the Personal Accident (PA) segment, maintaining its position as the No. 1 private insurer. Health Insurance grew at 19.2% and motor insurance at 31.2% YOY, contributing significantly to the overall growth of the company. Other segments like Marine Cargo, Engineering, and other commercial lines, also contributed meaningfully to SBI General Insurance’s overall growth.

In terms of financial position, the company’s solvency ratio stood at 2.03, well above the regulatory requirement of 1.50, highlighting its strong financial stability.

Commenting on the company’s performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “At SBI General Insurance, we have been consistently growing faster than the market. In FY25, our GWP grew by 11.1%, growing significantly faster than the industry. The company has registered 2.1 times increase in PAT, underscoring our financial health. As we celebrate 15 years of excellence, our FY25 results stand as a testament to our sustained focus on customer service, growth, and profitability. Looking ahead, we are committed to building on this momentum, setting new benchmarks in providing reliable and affordable insurance solutions and reinforcing our pledge to the financial security of millions across India.”

Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added, “Our FY25 results reflect our commitment to sustainable growth and long-term value creation for our stakeholders. The company has displayed a significant improvement in the loss ratio compared to the previous financial year. This demonstrates our efforts in enhancing productivity, cost management, and operational efficiency. We will continue to focus on improving customer value while maintaining a strong financial position to support future growth.”

SBI General Insurance completes 15 years of growth and success, the company remains steadfast in its mission to make insurance accessible and affordable for all. This milestone reflects its unwavering commitment to financial protection, inclusive growth, and industry leadership through innovation and a customer-first approach.

About SBI General Insurance

SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as Indias most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence of over 145 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance achieved significant growth, with a notable 112% increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP), reaching INR 14,140 crores.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named the winner in the Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of 7,700+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network of over 22,518+ that includes, SBI branches, agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

For more details: www.sbigeneral.in.

ZOIL, Zero Oil, Authentic Flavours announces renowned Bollywood actor, supermodel and fitness icon Milind Soman as the brands official ambassador. The partnership aligns ZOILs commitment to healthy, flavorful cooking with Somans well-established advocacy for holistic wellness and nutrition.

Fitness Icon Milind Soman Partners with ZOIL to Revolutionize Oil-Free Cooking

ZOIL proudly introduces the world’s first Zero Oil Kitchen – a revolutionary dining experience where every dish is crafted without a single drop of oil, cream, or butter. Prepared using our proprietary process, ZOIL redefines healthy eating by delivering rich, authentic flavours without the heaviness of traditional cooking fats.

“We are thrilled to welcome Milind Soman to the ZOIL family,” said Suman Bharti, Founder of ZOIL. “His dedication to fitness and healthy living perfectly embodies our brand philosophy that delicious, authentic flavors dont require excessive oil. Milinds incredible fitness journey and lifestyle choices make him the ideal representative for our mission to revolutionize Indian cooking.”

Soman, known for his roles in Indian cinema, his remarkable athletic achievements, and commitment to wellness, expressed enthusiasm about representing the brand.

“Ive always believed that nutrition is the foundation of good health,” said Bollywood actor Milind Soman. “ZOILs innovative approach to preserving authentic flavors while eliminating unhealthy oils resonates with my personal philosophy. Im happy to help spread awareness about how we can enjoy the rich tastes we love without compromising our health.”

The collaboration will feature Soman in a comprehensive marketing campaign across social media platforms. He will also showcase how ZOIL products enable consumers to prepare traditional favorites with authentic taste but zero oil.

At ZOIL the curated menu showcases the best of Indian cuisine, offering everything from the aromatic richness of Mughlai dishes to the subtle, delicate flavours of Bengali Fish Paturi. At ZOIL, we believe that eating healthy should never mean compromising on taste – and now, it doesn’t have to.

About ZOIL
ZOIL proudly introduces the world’s first Zero Oil Kitchen – a revolutionary dining experience where every dish is crafted without a single drop of oil, cream, or butter. Prepared using our proprietary process, ZOIL redefines healthy eating by delivering rich, authentic flavours without the heaviness of traditional cooking fats.

The curated menu showcases the best of Indian cuisine, offering everything from the aromatic richness of Mughlai dishes to the subtle, delicate flavours of Bengali Fish Paturi. At ZOIL, we believe that eating healthy should never mean compromising on taste – and now, it doesn’t have to.

Website- www.zoilkitchen.com

Truecaller, the world’s leading global communication platform, is thrilled to unveil Scamfeed, a powerful new feature designed to connect users in the fight against digital fraud through the strength of shared experience.

Embedded directly within the Truecaller app, Scamfeed is a dynamic user-generated content stream where users can report, discuss, and stay informed about the latest scams as they unfold. More than just a feed, it’s a digital support network for anyone who has encountered fraud or narrowly avoided becoming a victim. Additional detailed information on how to spot scams, how to protect yourself and how to report scams can also be accessed via the dedicated website: www.truecaller.com/scam-alert.

Scamfeed serves as an early warning system powered by the very people scammers target. It allows users to quickly check if others have reported similar suspicious messages or calls, learn the red flags associated with new fraud types, and gain confidence in identifying and ignoring malicious attempts.

Truecaller introduces Scamfeed

“The power of community is paramount in the fight against scams,” said Tonmoy Goswami, Product Director of New Initiatives at Truecaller. “Scamfeed harnesses the collective vigilance of millions of Truecaller users in India. By providing a safe space to share real experiences and warnings, we empower people to stay ahead of fraudsters, learn from each other, and ultimately protect themselves and their loved ones. It embodies our commitment to making communication smarter, safer and more efficient.”

Whether it’s phishing attempts, impersonation, dating app scams, or financial fraud, Scamfeed welcomes all stories. Users can post anonymously if they like and engage through threaded comments, rich media, and seamless sharing to external platforms like WhatsApp. It’s the fastest, most authentic source for real-time scam updates powered entirely by the community.

Scamfeed also brings long-term strategic value to Truecaller. By nurturing a tight-knit, trust-based community around safety and transparency, Truecaller is fostering brand loyalty, user advocacy, and sustained engagement.

In a time when digital threats are constantly evolving, Truecaller is taking a bold step forward by turning its millions of users into its greatest line of defense. Scamfeed isn’t just a feature; it’s a movement. Scamfeed is now live on the Truecaller app and available to users in India, to be rolled out globally in the months to come.

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

For more information, visit www.truecaller.com.

Monday afternoon (April 28), the stage at Mumbai’s Veda Kunba Auditorium transformed into a living tapestry of courage, rhythm, and resilience, as Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) hosted “Dance Is for Everybody,” an inclusive performance specially curated to honour International Dance Day.

With Sandip Soparrkar serving as sutradhar for the evening, and emcee Ratan Pratap introducing each act with warmth and grace, the event transcended traditional performance formats to place disabled artists at the very heart of India’s dance narrative.The showcase brought together dancers representing India’s full 17 recognised disability categories-including blindness, low vision, leprosy-cured status, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, dwarfism, intellectual disability, mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions, specific learning disabilities, speech and language disabilities, multiple disabilities, acid attack survivors, and Parkinson’s disease. Each performer brought a unique story to the stage, demonstrating that dance is not about symmetry or speed-but about presence, spirit, and truth.

Indrani Mukerjea and Sandip Soparrkar

Indrani Mukerjea, Founder of IME, addressed the audience, sharing, “True resilience is not about returning to where you were, but about moving forward differently-with wisdom, grace, and courage. Tonight’s performers didn’t just dance; they dismantled old ideas about who the stage belongs to.”Sandip Soparrkar added, “Every movement tonight was a declaration. Dance doesn’t ask for perfection; it asks for heart-and every artist here answered that call.”

Following tradition, the evening began with a Saraswati Vandana-an invocation to the goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts-setting a tone of reverence and inspiration before Soparrkar guided the audience through the tapestry of performances.

Among the dignitaries present were Mr. Haresh Mehta, President of the India Fine Arts Council, and Mr. Sampat Singh, Director of Veda Kunba, whose support underscored the event’s commitment to celebrating artistic integrity and social impact.

Indrani Mukerjea and Sandip Soparrkar with performers

Dance Without Barriers – The program included vibrant classical routines in Indian Sign Language, breathtaking wheelchair performances, expressive group pieces by dancers with Down syndrome, and soulful solos by survivors of acid attacks and performers managing chronic neurological conditions.

Every participant contributed not just their art but their humanity-shifting the spotlight from disability to ability. Reflecting on their performances, several artists shared moving thoughts, “Parkinson’s may try to control my hands, but today, my spirit choreographed its own rhythm,” said Shail Pandey, a dancer managing Parkinson’s disease. “On this stage, for the first time, my movements told my story-not my condition.”

“Today, it didn’t feel like my wheelchair is a limitation-more like a partner in my performance,” said Surbhi Bansal, a dancer with cerebral palsy. “People often ask me how I dance without limbs. But dance begins long before the body moves. It begins with the will to express-and tonight, that was more than enough,” said Sumeet Jadhav, another performer at today’s event. In a particularly moving gesture, every individual-from performers to choreographers to the emcee and support staff-contributed their time and talent free of charge, standing together in solidarity with the cause.The post-performance press interaction emphasised action over applause, with IME and Soparrkar urging greater accessibility in arts education, more inclusive public venues, and continuous platforms for artists with disabilities.

About Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise

Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) is an umbrella platform for founder Indrani Mukerjea’s passion projects in dance, drama, and acting. More atelier than corporation, IME is dedicated to fostering creative ventures that champion resilience, inclusion, and transformative storytelling-earning the trust and goodwill of public audiences through every initiative. Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) is an umbrella platform for founder Indrani Mukerjea’s passion projects in dance, drama, and acting. More atelier than corporation, IME is dedicated to fostering creative ventures that champion resilience, inclusion, and transformative storytelling-earning the trust and goodwill of public audiences through every initiative.