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Jalna's Transformation from Drought to Water Security: The Art of Living and SGF

In the drought-prone villages of Maharashtra’s Jalna district, summer once meant dry wells, failing crops, and acute water scarcity, with groundwater levels falling to nearly 60 feet below ground.

 

Today, that story is changing.

 

Before & After, the land tells Jalna’s story

 

With support from the Save Groundwater Foundation (SGF), USA, Project JalTara by The Art of Living Social Projects through Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI) is helping recharge groundwater across villages in Jalna. The initiative uses scientifically designed recharge structures to capture rainwater and restore underground aquifers, improving water availability and farm resilience.

 

Turning Rainwater into a Resource

Jalna, in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, is highly vulnerable to erratic rainfall, recurring droughts, and groundwater depletion. Despite seasonal rains, much of the water is lost as surface runoff due to hard basalt rock formations, black cotton soil that limits infiltration, and shallow rocky terrain. Over time, excessive groundwater extraction has further reduced borewell levels and agricultural productivity.

 

Project JalTara addresses this through a decentralised, low-cost, community-led water conservation model. It uses simple recharge structures made of gravel, sand, and stones that filter rainwater and allow it to percolate into the ground, replenishing aquifers.

 

Reviving Water Security Across Villages

The project was implemented across 10 villages in Jalna district, including Ambhor Shelke, Khandvi, Khandviwadi, Kirtapur, Pashta, Watur, Sondeo, Shrishti, Swargaon, and Pimprula.

 

Earlier, these villages faced dry wells, drinking and irrigation shortages, barren fields, and heavy dependence on tanker water.

 

Post-implementation, communities report improved groundwater levels, better soil moisture, and increased water availability. Farmers who earlier managed one crop cycle are now able to cultivate up to two in several areas, with reduced dependence on external water sources.

 

Additional benefits include improved vegetation, reduced soil erosion, better soil moisture retention, and increased awareness of water conservation. Women, in particular, have seen reduced burden from long water-fetching journeys.

 

Community Participation at the Core

A key strength of Project JalTara is strong community participation. Villagers were actively involved in site selection, construction, and maintenance, ensuring local ownership and long-term sustainability. The model’s simplicity and low maintenance make it easily replicable in other drought-prone regions.

 

The initiative also demonstrates how traditional ecological knowledge, when combined with scientific design, can deliver scalable water solutions.

 

Challenges on the Ground

Implementation in Jalna’s semi-arid terrain came with challenges, including hard rocky soil, extreme heat, and tight pre-monsoon timelines. Mobilising remote communities and coordinating sustained participation required continuous effort and planning.

 

Despite these constraints, the project was successfully completed through collaboration and efficient execution.

 

A Scalable Pathway for Rural Water Security

Project JalTara shows that meaningful solutions to water scarcity do not always require large infrastructure. Simple, locally adapted interventions can restore groundwater, strengthen agriculture, and improve rural livelihoods.

 

By capturing rainwater and replenishing aquifers, the initiative offers a scalable model for long-term water security in climate-vulnerable regions.

 

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through its large-scale water conservation projects, the organisation works to mitigate water scarcity by restoring rivers, reviving ecosystems, and improving the quality of life for communities across the country.

 

To learn more about these initiatives or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India.

 

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M3M Foundation Hosts Grand Convocation Ceremony at iMpower Academy for Skills, Samalkha

M3M Foundation successfully organized a grand Convocation Ceremony under its flagship Kaushal Sambal Programme at iMpower Academy for Skills, Samalkha, Panipat, celebrating the achievements, aspirations, and transformational journeys of rural youth empowered through skill development, entrepreneurship, and employment initiatives.

 

Dignitaries with graduating students at the iMpower Academy for Skills convocation in Panipat

 

The prestigious ceremony witnessed the gracious presence of eminent dignitaries including Sh. Mahipal Dhandha Ji, Hon’ble Education Minister, Haryana; Sh. Pawan Jindal Ji, Sarsanghchalak, North Region, RSS; Shri Vijay Ji, Pracharak, RSS; Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, along with respected MLAs, Sarpanches, government officials, employers, industry representatives, community leaders, alumni, trainees, and members of local Panchayats.

 

The event brought together more than 1000+ individuals, including youth, employers, community institutions, and local governance representatives on a common platform to celebrate the growing impact of skill-led empowerment and livelihood creation across rural Haryana. Representatives from 36 Panchayats of Samalkha participated enthusiastically in the programme, reflecting strong community engagement and collective support towards youth development initiatives.

 

The Convocation Ceremony highlighted inspiring stories of trainees and alumni who have transformed their lives through vocational training, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial ventures under the Kaushal Sambal Programme. The programme featured cultural performances, alumni success stories, employer interaction sessions, certificate distribution, and the unveiling of the “Vyapower Song,” celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of rural youth.

 

One of the major highlights of the event was the showcase of 30+ enterprise stalls established by trained alumni of iMpower Academy for Skills, as part of M3M Foundation’s Vyapower Programme, which promotes entrepreneurship and self-reliance among rural youth. The stalls displayed a diverse range of entrepreneurial ventures including handicrafts, beauty services, mehndi art, jute products, and food items, reflecting the confidence and self-reliance nurtured through the Foundation’s skill development initiatives.

 

The event also witnessed the participation of 20+ employers and industry representatives who engaged with trainees and alumni for placement and recruitment opportunities, creating promising career pathways for rural youth.

 

The Convocation Ceremony also reflected the larger impact of M3M Foundation’s flagship Kaushal Sambal Programme, which is currently operational across 7 states, 12+ districts, and 353 villages through 19 iMpower Academies and 9 implementing partners. The programme has successfully trained and empowered more than 12,000 youth through skill development and livelihood opportunities across 18 trades, achieving an impressive 76% placement rate while promoting entrepreneurship through 14 enterprise development programmes.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Mahipal Dhandha Ji, Hon’ble Education Minister, Haryana, appreciated the impactful role being played by M3M Foundation in empowering unemployed and underprivileged youth through skill-based education and livelihood initiatives. He stated that such programmes are creating meaningful social transformation by connecting youth with employment and sustainable economic opportunities.

 

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Skill development is not merely about providing employment opportunities; it is about building confidence, dignity, and the ability to create a better future. At M3M Foundation, we strongly believe that when youth are empowered with the right skills and opportunities, they become catalysts of transformation not only for themselves but for their families and entire communities.”

 

The Convocation Ceremony concluded with a strong message of empowerment, entrepreneurship, and collective progress, reaffirming M3M Foundation’s commitment towards building a skilled, confident, and self-reliant India through impactful community-driven initiatives.

 

About M3M Foundation

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

Arihant Academy Ltd.'s FY26 PAT Doubles to Rs. 9.11 Crore; Total Income Grows

Arihant Academy Ltd. (NSE: ARIHANTACA), Mumbai’s premier coaching institute for SSC, ICSE, CBSE, Science & Commerce, has announced its audited consolidated financial results for the financial year ended 31st March 2026.

 

Arihant Academy

 

The company delivered a strong financial performance in FY26, reporting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 9.11 crores, reflecting a 104.85% year-on-year (YoY) growth compared to Rs. 4.45 crores in FY25. Total Consolidated Revenue for the year increased by 52.57% to Rs. 64.87 crores in FY26, as against Rs. 42.52 crores in FY25. The growth was driven by sustained student enrolments, expansion across new geographies, diversification into career-oriented programs, and continued operational efficiencies.

 

For Q4FY26, the company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 3.32 crores, registering an 87.28% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) growth compared to Rs. 1.77 crores in Q3FY26. Total Revenue for the quarter stood at Rs. 16.11 crores, reflecting a 10.78% increase over Rs. 14.54 crores reported in Q3FY26. The quarterly performance highlights the company’s continued momentum, strong academic demand, and improving scalability across its expanding network.

 

Commenting on the FY26 performance, Mr. Anil Kapasi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Arihant Academy, said, “Since the previous year, we have witnessed strong momentum throughout our organization as a result of the growing trust from our students & parents, expanded academic opportunities available to them, and the steadfast commitment and hard work of our dedicated faculty and operational teams. Our results for this quarter reflect not only healthy growth in various financial and operational areas, but also the scalability of the model we have built over the years.

 

As we strive to augment our presence and engage deeper with our students and their parents, our main objective is to provide quality educational outcomes while ensuring that we sustainably expand our reach. The visibility we are seeing across our business pipeline and enrolment ecosystem gives us confidence for the coming quarters. We believe our team’s consistent efforts, disciplined execution, and student-centric approach will continue to support our long-term expansion journey.”

 

In FY26, Arihant Academy expanded its presence across multiple education hubs through strategic centre launches in Nashik (Maharashtra), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), and Rajasthan, where the addition of two new centres increased the total count in the state to five. The company also strengthened its footprint in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) with the launch of seven new centres, further enhancing accessibility to quality education for a larger student community.

 

During the year, Arihant Academy also introduced the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification course in association with NSE Academy, aimed at providing students and professionals with industry-relevant expertise in auditing, compliance, and financial systems. These initiatives reflect the company’s continued focus on expansion, academic innovation, and career-oriented learning opportunities.

 

About Arihant Academy Limited

Arihant Academy is a premier educational institution specialising in coaching services and comprehensive educational support across Mumbai, Maharashtra. Catering to students from Class 8 to 10 across State Board, ICSE Board, and CBSE Board, we offer tailored programs for students of class 11 & 12, for both Science and Commerce streams. Our expertise extends to preparing students for competitive exams like JEE (Main & Advanced), NEET, MHT-CET, CA, and CS, with a commitment to excellence in every field. Operating through 40+ strategically located coaching centers, we serve approximately 20,000 students, providing them with an integrated learning experience through our hybrid teaching model that combines traditional classroom instruction with digital learning.

Kiro Launches Barely There SPF 35 Skin Tint – A Three-Minute Fix for the 137-Hour Routine

The best kind of base is the one you don’t notice; it blends in, evens out, catches the light just enough, and leaves skin looking impossibly fresh, like you’ve done more than you have. It’s the promise of effortlessness bottled: breathable, flattering and quietly flawless. Barely There SPF 35 Skin Tint, available in 12 thoughtfully created shades for Indian Skin tones, is built exactly for that moment, where skincare meets makeup and the mirror reflects skin that simply looks right.

 

Barely There SPF 35 Skin Tint

 

At a time when the average woman spends 22.5 minutes getting ready each day, amounting to nearly 137 hours a year, according to a Yahoo Health / Ipsos survey of 1,993 respondents globally, Kiro positions this launch not as another addition, but as a reduction. Because those 137 hours are not simply about effort; they are about structure: moisturiser, sunscreen, primer, foundation. Four products. Four decisions. Four applications, repeated daily. Barely There was created as a response to that reality a streamlined approach that combines skincare, sun protection and makeup into one seamless step.

 

Barely There Skin Tint – available in 12 shades

 

At Kiro, this launch was never just about helping women reclaim time, it was about recognising that women’s time has value in the first place,” says Vasundhara Patni. “Women today are constantly multitasking across careers, relationships, responsibilities and personal ambitions, and beauty routines need to evolve alongside that reality. They don’t need more steps; they need better ones. That thinking led us to create Barely There as a skincare-first 4-in-1 formulation that combines moisturiser, primer, SPF 35 PA+++, and light coverage into one fluid layer, a three-minute routine designed to simplify everyday beauty without compromising on performance, protection or skin health.”

 

What sets Barely There apart is its skincare-first formulation philosophy. While most complexion products are traditionally built around coverage first, Kiro approached this launch from the perspective of skin health and long-wear comfort. The idea was simple: if women are wearing a product for eight to ten hours a day, it should actively work for their skin throughout that time, not simply sit on top of it. The formula is infused with Polyglutamic Acid, known to be four times more hydrating than Hyaluronic Acid, helping skin retain moisture while maintaining a fresh, breathable finish through the day. The result is makeup tested like skincare designed not only to look good instantly, but to support skin over hours of wear.

 

Each function within the formula is built to stand on its own. Tested for 100-hour hydration, Barely There is designed as an essential addition to the modern face wardrobe, especially through humid, dry summers. As a moisturiser, it delivers a 38% boost in hydration, measured through Corneometer testing conducted on 33 Indian women. As sunscreen, it offers broad-spectrum SPF 35 PA+++ protection with blue light defence, formulated without the three toxic O’s. As a primer, it meets baseline performance standards, with 100% of test subjects reporting a lightweight, non-cakey, easy-to-blend texture. In terms of coverage, it remains intentionally skin-first: low to medium, buildable, with a skin-fusion finish that doesn’t settle into fine lines or turn ashy  supported by a carefully curated shade range designed to truly match the depth and undertones of Indian skin.

 

Its desirability lies not just in what it replaces, but in how it wears. The finish reads like skin even, breathable, quietly polished. The kind of base that holds in daylight, in heat, and in close proximity, without ever announcing itself. In a category built on adding more, Barely There makes a case for less and makes it feel like luxury.

 

That performance is tested where it matters. Evaluated at 40°C and 80% relative humidity conditions that mirror the Indian summer, the formula was built to withstand the environment it lives in. 82% of users confirmed it stayed comfortable, resisted heat and humidity, and held its colour through the day.

Lords Hotels and Resorts Launches Lords Inn Katra Near Vaishno Devi Shrine

Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Lords Inn Katra, further strengthening the group’s presence across India’s prominent spiritual destinations. Strategically located near the revered Vaishno Devi shrine, the hotel offers convenient access for pilgrims as well as leisure travellers.

 

Lords Inn Katra, Jammu 


Located in the heart of Katra, the hotel is designed to provide guests with a comfortable and enriching stay experience while reflecting the spiritual essence of the destination. The property features 45 well-appointed rooms, modern amenities, and thoughtfully curated hospitality services catering to both devotional and family travellers.


Commenting on the launch, Pushpendra Bansal, COO, said, “Katra, one of India’s most prominent spiritual destinations, attracts millions of devotees and travellers every year. With Lords Inn Katra, we are pleased to strengthen our presence in the region and offer guests a comfortable stay experience backed by Lords’ signature hospitality and service standards. We thank our partners for their trust and look forward to welcoming travellers to the heart of Katra.”


Speaking on the development, Vikas Suri, Vice President – Lords Hotels & Resorts, said, “Spiritual tourism in India continues to witness strong and sustained growth, and Katra remains a key destination within this segment. Lords Inn Katra reflects our strategic focus on expanding across high-potential pilgrimage and leisure markets while delivering warm hospitality and enriching guest experiences.”


Kumar Roushan, Senior GM – Development & Pre-opening, added, “The launch of Lords Inn Katra marks another important milestone in strengthening our footprint in Jammu & Kashmir. We see significant growth potential in the region and remain committed to expanding our presence while creating quality hospitality experiences for travellers visiting these destinations.”


The hotel will feature dining options and guest facilities designed to offer comfort, convenience, and relaxation during the stay. The development is expected to address the growing demand for quality hospitality infrastructure in the region.


Katra continues to attract millions of devotees and tourists each year due to its religious significance and strong tourism connectivity, making it an important addition to the Lords Hotels & Resorts portfolio.


About Lords Hotels & Resorts
Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s leading mid-market hospitality chains, known for delivering exceptional guest experiences across leisure, business, and pilgrimage destinations in India and Nepal. With a growing portfolio of hotels, the brand continues to expand with a commitment to quality, affordability, and warm hospitality.

 

Suntec Successfully Hosts Dealer Meet 2026 in Kasauli to Strengthen Dealer Network and Showcase Advanced Heating Solutions

Suntec successfully organized its annual Dealer Meet 2026 in the scenic hill town of Kasauli. The event brought together authorized dealers and channel partners from multiple states across India with the objective of strengthening business relationships, sharing market insights, and introducing the latest technological advancements in heating solutions.
 

Suntec successfully hosted its annual Dealer Meet 2026, “Summit 7.0″
 

The two-day event witnessed enthusiastic participation from dealers representing diverse industrial and commercial sectors. The gathering served as a strategic platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business growth discussions aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and expanding Suntec’s market presence nationwide.
 

During the event, Suntec’s leadership team presented the company’s business performance, annual sales achievements, future expansion plans, and upcoming growth opportunities in the heating and energy-efficient solutions segment. Dealers were provided with detailed updates regarding market trends, customer expectations, and evolving industrial demands related to burners and heat pump technologies.
 

A major highlight of the Dealer Meet was the comprehensive product presentation on Riello burners and modern heat pump systems. Technical experts conducted informative sessions demonstrating product efficiency, fuel-saving capabilities, environmental benefits, and application areas across industries. Dealers also received insights into new product developments, installation best practices, troubleshooting techniques, and after-sales service improvements.
 

The management team emphasized the company’s commitment toward delivering high-quality, energy-efficient, and sustainable heating solutions to the Indian market. Discussions also focused on strengthening dealer support systems, improving response times, enhancing customer engagement, and building long-term partnerships with channel associates.
 

Speaking at the occasion, Managing Director Mr. Siddharth Vadodaria from Suntec stated, “Our dealers are the backbone of our business growth and customer outreach. This Dealer Meet was organized not only to share our achievements and future vision but also to understand the expectations and challenges faced by our partners. Together, we aim to drive innovation, strengthen service excellence, and expand the adoption of advanced heating technologies across India.”
 

A standout moment of Summit 7.0 was the presence of Mr. Andrea Balani, representative of Riello Burners.
 

Apart from business sessions, the event also included networking activities, dealer recognition programs, and interactive discussions that encouraged collaboration among participants from different regions. Outstanding dealers were appreciated for their exceptional sales performance, dedication, and contribution to the company’s growth journey.
 

Experts form the field also shared insight for the benefit of the dealers as to how to enhance and grow business multi-folds.
 

The successful completion of the Dealer Meet 2026 reflects Suntec’s continued focus on dealer engagement, technological advancement, and customer-centric business development. The company remains committed to building a strong nationwide dealer ecosystem while promoting reliable and energy-efficient heating solutions for industrial and commercial applications.

 

About Suntec

Suntec is a leading supplier of premium industrial heating solutions, specializing in Riello burners and advanced heat pump systems. The company is dedicated to providing innovative, efficient, and sustainable heating technologies supported by strong technical expertise and customer service across India.

Strong Momentum Ahead: Tiger Logistics MD as Company Reports 34.5% Volume Growth

Tiger Logistics (India) Limited, a leading international logistics solutions provider, reported a robust operational performance for FY26, with container volumes growing 34.5% year-on-year to 92,614 TEUs from 68,858 TEUs in FY25. Revenue of the company increased by 6.81% YoY to Rs. 572.82 crore from Rs. 536.30 crore in the previous financial year, despite persistent geopolitical uncertainties and a sluggish global trade environment.
 

Representative visual of global freight and logistics operations
 

Tiger Logistics’ continued growth amidst global supply chain disruptions highlights the resilience of its diversified business model and the company’s ability to successfully navigate evolving trade challenges over the last four quarters. During the year, global trade continued to witness volatility arising from geopolitical conflicts, tariff-related uncertainties, and fluctuating freight demand across key global markets.
 

Despite these headwinds, the company has continued to strengthen its operational footprint and expand its market share across strategic growth verticals through reliable execution, long-standing customer relationships, and market diversification.
 

The company’s key growth drivers remained the automotive, renewable energy – solar and BESS, EVs, electronics, tyres, and pharmaceutical sectors, which will continue to contribute significantly to cargo volumes across major trade corridors. Supported by deeper market penetration and sectoral diversification, Tiger Logistics expects to maintain a healthy 15–20% year-on-year growth in TEU volumes going forward.
 

Commenting on the company’s performance, Harpreet Singh Malhotra, CMD, Tiger Logistics stated, “We are pleased with the robust growth recorded in our TEU volumes during the year, especially amidst continuing geopolitical uncertainties and global trade disruptions. This performance reflects the strength of our sectoral diversification strategy and the agility of our business model in navigating evolving market conditions.”


“The strong momentum across our focus sectors gives us confidence that volume growth will remain robust going forward and that the future ahead for Tiger Logistics remains bright. With enhanced business acquisition and execution capabilities across integrated international logistics solutions, we continue to strengthen our footprint across emerging markets such as Sri Lanka, Colombia, Mexico, the Philippines, and the Maldives. Going forward, we remain focused on expanding global partnerships, deepening customer relationships, increasing our market share across key trade verticals, and delivering sustainable long-term growth,” he further added.
 

As India continues to strengthen its role in global manufacturing and trade, Tiger Logistics remains committed to delivering efficient, technology-enabled, and customer-centric logistics solutions that support evolving global supply chain requirements.

A Historic Bridge Between Nations: 'Indian Aisle in Canada' Brought India's Premium Craft to International Retail Spaces

In a landmark moment for India’s growing global cultural and trade presence, GWNS officially launched the ‘Indian Aisle in Canada’ on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Nuvo Event Space, Canada. The initiative marks the historic debut of Indian beverage within Canada’s duty-free retail landscape across major international gateways including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, key airports across Alberta, as well as prominent land-border duty-free locations in Ontario and British Columbia. The evening’s highlight was a Grand Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony celebrating the arrival of Indian heritage, craftsmanship, and premium offerings into mainstream international retail spaces.

 

From Left to right: Natalie Hart, Sheref Sabawy, Deepak Anand, Pooja S & Balaji Nagaraja, Nina Tangri, Catherine West, Tania Lee and Parth Makwana

 

The launch is being viewed as a significant milestone in India’s expanding global footprint, aligning with the country’s larger push over the past decade towards strengthening international partnerships, promoting Indian enterprise abroad, and taking Indian culture beyond borders. As India continues to emerge as a major economic and cultural force globally, initiatives such as the Indian Aisle reflect the growing international appetite for Indian products, stories and craftsmanship.

 

The presence of Indian beverage in Canada’s premium duty-free ecosystem is not merely a retail development, but a symbol of India’s soft power and evolving global identity where Indian brands are increasingly being recognised for quality, authenticity and heritage on the world stage.

 

Beyond commerce, the initiative also highlights the strengthening relationship between India and Canada through culture, tourism and trade. The visibility of Indian beverages across major Canadian travel hubs reflects the importance and influence of the Indian diaspora while opening new opportunities for cultural exchange and bilateral business growth. At a time when Indian cuisine, wellness, fashion, cinema, and artisanal products are finding wider global audiences, the Indian Aisle adds another powerful dimension to India’s international cultural presence.

 

Today is not just about launching products into a new market; it is about opening doors for Indian heritage, craftsmanship and stories to travel globally,” said Mr. Balaji Nagaraja & Ms. Pooja S, Founders of GWNS. “Canada’s multicultural identity makes it the perfect home for an initiative like the Indian Aisle. Through this platform, we hope to create stronger cultural connections, introduce travellers to the richness of Indian beverage, and build meaningful commercial opportunities between India and Canada. This launch represents the coming together of tradition, innovation and international collaboration.

 

The exclusive launch event witnessed the presence of government officials, diplomatic representatives, cultural leaders, trade stakeholders, hospitality professionals, retail partners, and members of the media. Guests experienced an evening centred around networking, curated showcases of premium Indian beverage, cultural celebration, and ceremonial moments surrounding the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The launch marked not just a business milestone, but a proud cultural moment reflecting India’s growing confidence and influence on the global stage.

Ujaas and Central Railway Unite on World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, Advocating Menstrual Hygiene and Dignity as a Fundamental Right

Marking Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 and this year’s global theme, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” Ujaas — an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust founded by Advaitesha Birla — partnered with Central Railway Mumbai to drive a public awareness initiative at Mumbai’s iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). As part of the initiative, the CSMT heritage building was illuminated in red to reinforce the message that menstrual hygiene management is a right, not a privilege. The activation also featured a series of interactive public engagement activities designed to encourage open conversations around menstruation, challenge stigma and myths, and build greater awareness around menstrual hygiene management.

 

CSMT lights up red as Ujaas drives conversations on menstrual dignity, awareness and period equity on World Menstrual Hygiene day 2026

 

Through “Trash Out the Myths,” participants were encouraged to identify and challenge common misconceptions surrounding menstruation and menstrual hygiene. “Period Pulse” created an interactive platform for commuters and passersby to exchange perspectives and assess awareness around menstrual hygiene management, helping spark more informed and open conversations on the subject. Meanwhile, the “Period Rights Map” invited individuals to express support for dignity, awareness, accessibility and inclusivity in menstrual hygiene across schools, workplaces, public spaces and communities. By bringing these conversations into one of the country’s busiest public spaces, the initiative aimed to normalise discussions around menstruation and foster more informed, supportive and stigma-free attitudes towards menstrual hygiene in everyday life.

 

The initiative comes at a time when menstrual health and hygiene management is increasingly being recognised as an issue of dignity, equality, education, and public health. This momentum was further reinforced by the Supreme Court’s recognition of menstrual health and hygiene as intrinsically linked to the fundamental rights to dignity, equality, education, and health under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution.

 

While India has made progress in menstrual hygiene awareness, significant gaps continue to persist. National data indicates that nearly one in four young women in India still does not have access to hygienic menstrual products and practices. Studies have also shown that many adolescent girls remain unaware of menstruation before experiencing their first period, while menstruation-related stigma, misinformation, and lack of supportive environments continue to impact confidence, mobility, and school attendance and participation in everyday life.

 

The disparities are often more visible within underserved communities and urban informal settlements, where girls continue to navigate challenges around privacy, access to menstrual hygiene products, awareness, and social stigma despite living within large metropolitan cities. Research across urban settlements has also highlighted that school absenteeism during menstruation can reach close to 38%, reinforcing the need for sustained awareness and community engagement around menstrual health and hygiene management

 

By bringing the conversation to one of India’s busiest public landmarks and transport hubs accessed by millions every day, Ujaas and Central Railway sought to encourage more visible, mainstream conversations around menstrual hygiene management and challenge the silence that continues to surround the subject.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Advaitesha Birla, Founder, Ujaas an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, said,For many girls and women, menstruation still impacts confidence, mobility and everyday participation due to the silence and misinformation surrounding it. Real change requires more than awareness alone — it calls for supportive ecosystems and open conversations across schools, communities, families and public institutions. We thank Central Railway for partnering with us to amplify awareness around menstrual health. Through this initiative, we hope to bring the conversation into public spaces and encourage greater openness, dignity and normalisation around menstrual health.”

 

Adding further, Dr  Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Central Railway said, As one of the country’s largest public service networks, carrying millions of people every day, Indian Railways believes that public institutions and public spaces can play an important role in driving social awareness and inclusion. Through this collaboration with Ujaas, we hope to encourage more open conversations around menstrual health and hygiene, and contribute towards building a more informed and supportive environment for women and girls, for better realisation of their potential”.

 

To date, Ujaas has impacted over 1.2 million beneficiaries and distributed more than 4.8 million menstrual hygiene products across India. Programme assessments indicate measurable behavioural change, including a 48 percentage-point increase in rejection of menstrual myths among girls, a 38 percentage-point improvement in menstrual health awareness, and a 44 percentage-point increase in puberty awareness among boys — reinforcing the importance of inclusive, community-led menstrual health education that engages both girls and boys in building supportive attitudes around menstruation.

 

As conversations around menstrual equity continue to evolve nationally, the initiative highlights the importance of sustained awareness, education, and collaborative action in ensuring menstruation is addressed not through silence or stigma, but through dignity, confidence, and equal opportunity.

 

About Ujaas

Ujaas, a transformative initiative under the stewardship of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, is committed to fostering positive change and empowerment in the space of menstrual health and hygiene management. With an unwavering focus on driving awareness, breaking stereotypes and myths and contributing to social development in the space of menstrual health and hygiene, Ujaas epitomizes the Aditya Birla Education Trust ethos of contributing meaningfully to society.

 

Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Ujaas leverages the values, resources, and expertise of the Aditya Birla Education Trust to create lasting impact. By implementing awareness workshops distribution of free pads, Ujaas serves as a beacon of progress and inclusivity.

 

Guided by the visionary principles of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, Ujaas embodies the belief that sustainable change begins at the grassroots level. Through collaborative efforts, strategic partnerships, and a deep-rooted commitment to uplift communities, Ujaas aspires to make a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged girls and society at large.

The Hindu Group and Galgotias University Bring Newsroom Learning to Greater Noida Campus through New Journalism Excellence Centre

Galgotias University has entered into a strategic collaboration with THG Publishing Pvt Ltd, publisher of The Hindu, to establish The Hindu Center for Excellence in Journalism at the University campus in Greater Noida. The initiative seeks to create stronger industry integration for journalism and visual communication students through newsroom exposure, editorial mentorship, field engagement, and practical learning opportunities.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/35726_Uni_galgotiya_image.png

Galgotias University Brings One of India’s Leading Newsrooms Closer to Students Through New Partnership with The Hindu Group


The collaboration is designed to connect academic learning with the realities of contemporary journalism through direct engagement with one of India’s most respected media institutions. Under the partnership, students will gain access to internship opportunities with The Hindu’s editorial teams, collaborative publishing opportunities for visual communication projects, curated workshops, field visits, and structured interventions by media professionals. The programme will also provide students with access to The Hindu newspaper, digital platforms, archives, webinars, and special publications to deepen engagement with current affairs, public discourse, and journalistic practice.


The School of Media and Communication Studies at Galgotias University has built a strong focus on practical and industry-oriented media education and has been recognised among the leading private media institutions by India Today for promoting practical and field-based learning. The School combines classroom learning with studio exposure, production-based training, industrial visits, internships, newsroom interaction, masterclasses, and hands-on project work designed to strengthen storytelling, editorial thinking, production capability, and communication skills across evolving media formats.


Its programmes span journalism, digital media, strategic communication, advertising, corporate communication, television and fiction production, transmedia storytelling, communication research, anchoring, media graphics, and visual communication. Students are trained across multidimensional aspects of the media and entertainment industry while being exposed to both theoretical and practical learning environments from the early stages of the programme.


The School also collaborates with the India Today Media Institute (ITMI) for integrated undergraduate, postgraduate, and certification programmes that combine academic learning with professional industry exposure. These programmes include studio-led training, broadcast presentation, visual communication, digital storytelling, and interaction with working media professionals, allowing students to graduate with both academic qualifications and industry-oriented professional certifications.


Speaking on the collaboration, Dr Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “Journalism today demands credibility, editorial judgement, critical thinking, and the ability to engage responsibly with society across rapidly evolving information platforms. The School of Media and Communication Studies at Galgotias University has been making a concerted effort to build a practice-oriented learning ecosystem through studio exposure, industry interaction, field-based learning, and hands-on media training. This collaboration with The Hindu Group will further strengthen that ecosystem by giving students closer exposure to professional newsroom environments, editorial processes, and contemporary journalism practice.”


The initiative will also include quarterly physical and virtual interventions, a certified journalism signature course, and immersive field visits that will allow students to observe newsroom processes, editorial workflows, and media operations more closely. Selected student projects developed under the collaboration may also be showcased through The Hindu’s digital platforms, helping students build professional portfolios and real-world publishing experience.