Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, has successfully treated two failing heart valves in a patient without repeat open-heart surgery, in what is believed to be the world’s first reported completely catheter-based treatment following a Ross procedure.

Dr. R Anantharaman, Director for Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapies, Dr Mahesh Kumar Medical Superintendent and team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons

The procedure was performed on a 58-year-old man who had undergone a complex heart valve operation nearly 25 years ago. He had previously undergone the Ross procedure, in which the patient’s own pulmonary valve is moved to replace the diseased aortic valve (known as an aortic autograft), while the pulmonary valve is replaced with a donated human valve (known as a pulmonary homograft). Although the Ross procedure provides excellent long-term outcomes, both valves can deteriorate over time and may require further intervention.

The patient presented with severe aortic regurgitation, severe pulmonary regurgitation with moderate pulmonary stenosis, severe pulmonary hypertension and moderate mitral regurgitation. He had repeated admissions for heart failure with severe swelling of the legs and abdomen, impaired kidney and liver function, and severe breathlessness. He was unable to sleep comfortably and was in New York Heart Association Class III–IV heart failure.

He had consulted multiple centres where repeat open-heart surgery was considered prohibitively high risk because of the complexity of a second operation. Even a catheter-based approach was considered extremely challenging.

Following a detailed evaluation using three-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac CT imaging, the multidisciplinary heart team at Kauvery Heart Institute identified the possibility of treating both failing valves through a completely catheter-based approach without repeat open-heart surgery. Since no similar case had been reported in the published medical literature, the treatment strategy was reviewed extensively by the hospital’s heart team led by Dr Rajaram Anantharaman, Director of Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapies and an international panel of experts before proceeding.

The pulmonary homograft was initially prepared by placing covered stents, followed by balloon dilatation, before implanting a Medtronic Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve. The failing aortic autograft was then treated with an Edwards Sapien 3 Ultra Resilia balloon-expandable valve. As there was no calcium within the valve to help anchor the replacement valve, the procedure required meticulous planning and precise execution, with AI predictive modeling with virtual Valve implant. It was performed in a hybrid operating room under general anaesthesia with continuous transoesophageal echocardiography guidance.

The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged after a short stay in the intensive care unit. At his two-week follow-up, his symptoms had improved markedly. The swelling had completely resolved, he had returned to New York Heart Association Class I functional status, was sleeping comfortably, and was able to walk for 20–30 minutes without any limitation.

Dr. Rajaram Anantharaman, Director for Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapies Kauvery Heart Institute, Alwarpet, said, “Patients with failure of both the aortic autograft and pulmonary homograft after a Ross procedure have very limited treatment options because repeat surgery carries considerable risk. Careful imaging, meticulous procedural planning and close collaboration across multiple specialties enabled us to successfully replace both valves using a catheter-based approach without reopening the chest. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a completely percutaneous double transcatheter Ross rescue strategy in the published world literature. This case opens the possibility of treating carefully selected high-risk patients who otherwise may not have a viable treatment option.“

Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, added, “Advanced structural heart interventions are transforming the way complex valve diseases are treated. Performing a procedure of this complexity requires experienced clinical teams, advanced imaging, hybrid operating room facilities and seamless coordination across specialties. This achievement reflects the advanced expertise and infrastructure available at Kauvery Heart Institute and our continued commitment to bringing the latest evidence-based treatment options to patients in India.”

In a significant initiative aimed at accelerating technology-led transformation in agriculture, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research, innovation, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technologies for sustainable agricultural development across the state.

Manipal University Jaipur and Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan signed MoU

The MoU was signed at the Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, in the presence of Smt. Manju Rajpal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Horticulture and Panchayati Raj (Agriculture) Department, Government of Rajasthan, and Shri Naresh Goyal, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan. Representing Manipal University Jaipur were Prof. Amit Soni, Registrar, and Prof. Vijaypal Singh Dhaka, Dean – Quality and Accreditation.

The collaboration aims to bridge academia, technology, and governance to develop innovative solutions that enhance agricultural productivity, improve resource efficiency, and promote sustainable farming practices. It will also create a platform for translating research outcomes into practical applications that directly benefit farmers and the agricultural ecosystem.

Under the agreement, both institutions will jointly undertake research in emerging agricultural technologies, develop AI-enabled smart farming solutions, organise capacity-building programmes for farmers and agricultural professionals, promote climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices, establish a Centre of Excellence for agricultural research and innovation, support agri-tech entrepreneurship and startups, and strengthen academic and institutional collaboration.

Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Prof. Amit Soni, Registrar, Manipal University Jaipur, said, “This partnership brings together the academic and research strengths of the University with the policy vision and field expertise of the Department of Agriculture. Through collaborative research, innovation, and capacity building, we aim to develop technology-driven solutions that contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector and strengthen Rajasthan’s innovation ecosystem.”

The collaboration will also facilitate interdisciplinary research involving faculty members, researchers, and students while encouraging knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and joint innovation projects in precision agriculture, digital farming, data analytics, and AI-driven decision support systems.

The initiative is expected to contribute to Rajasthan’s efforts towards building a modern, technology-enabled agricultural ecosystem by fostering innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship, and accelerating the adoption of smart agricultural practices. It also aligns with national priorities of promoting digital agriculture, strengthening food security, and enhancing farmers’ income through scientific and technological interventions.

With this landmark partnership, Manipal University Jaipur continues to expand its role as a research-driven institution working closely with government and industry to develop solutions that create measurable social and economic impact.

To know more about Manipal University Jaipur please visit jaipur.manipal.edu 

RajaRani Coaching has announced the launch of India’s First-Ever National Blouse Designing Competition, a first-of-its-kind online initiative that aims to discover, recognize and reward blouse designers from across the country while celebrating India’s rich craftsmanship and growing fashion skill economy. Open to aspiring designers, homemakers, boutique owners, students and fashion enthusiasts, the competition has already garnered over thousands of registrations, reflecting the growing demand for accessible, skill-based opportunities in fashion.

RajaRani Coaching Launches India’s First-Ever National Blouse Designing Competition to Spotlight India’s Grassroots Fashion Talent

Hosted entirely online, the competition has been designed to make participation accessible to everyone with a symbolic registration fee of just Rs. 51. 

Registrations will remain open until 13 July 2026 at 9:00 PM IST, following which the design challenge will be unveiled on 14 July 2026 at 8:00 AM IST. Participants will submit their entries between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM IST on the same day, while the winners will be announced on 15 July 2026 at 4:00 PM IST.

The competition is more than a showcase of creativity. It aims to position blouse designing as a serious creative, technical and entrepreneurial discipline while providing talented individuals from every corner of the country with a national platform to gain recognition. Participants will compete for exciting prizes, including a Juki Sewing Machine for the winner, trophies for the top three winners and exclusive rewards for the Top 51 participants.

Speaking about the initiative, Mohit Gadhiya, Co-Founder & Chairman, RajaRani Coaching, said, “India has no shortage of fashion talent. What many aspiring designers need is access to the right platform, recognition and opportunities to transform their skills into sustainable careers. Through this competition, we hope to celebrate creativity, encourage entrepreneurship and inspire more people to build successful careers through fashion.”

Priya M.G., Founder, RajaRani Coaching, added, “Blouse designing is one of the most commercially relevant skills in India’s fashion ecosystem, yet the talent behind it often goes unrecognized. Through this initiative, we want to provide a national platform where aspiring designers can showcase their skills, gain confidence and receive the recognition they truly deserve.”

Blouse designing remains one of the most significant segments within India’s ethnic wear industry. Combining technical precision, creativity and craftsmanship, it continues to generate livelihood opportunities for thousands of boutique owners, homepreneurs, independent designers and tailoring professionals across the country. By launching India’s first national competition dedicated exclusively to blouse designing, RajaRani Coaching aims to formally recognize this skill while inspiring more individuals to pursue fashion as a sustainable career and entrepreneurial opportunity.

The competition is an extension of RajaRani Coaching’s larger vision to democratize fashion education and make practical skill development accessible to every learner. Founded by Priya M.G. and Mohit Gadhiya in Surat, the organization has evolved into one of India’s leading vocational fashion education ecosystems, empowering learners through structured training, practical learning and entrepreneurship-focused education.

Today, RajaRani Coaching has trained over 3.5 lakh learners, recorded more than 5 lakh app downloads, offers 140+ fashion and design courses, and has impacted over 10 lakh lives through its education, entrepreneurship and community initiatives. The platform has also enabled the launch of more than 10,000 boutiques and fashion businesses, helping learners transform their skills into sustainable livelihoods.

Recognized for its contribution to vocational education and fashion skill development, RajaRani Coaching has also earned national recognition, including a Guinness World Record for the highest viewership of a live textiles lesson on YouTube and Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition for its founders. Through the National Blouse Designing Competition, the organization continues its mission of building a skill-first ecosystem that empowers India’s next generation of fashion entrepreneurs while bringing national visibility to grassroots talent.

About RajaRani Coaching

Founded by Priya M.G. and Mohit Gadhiya, RajaRani Coaching is a vocational fashion and creative skills ecosystem committed to making fashion education accessible, practical and outcome-driven. Through structured curricula, digital learning, assessments, certifications, workshops, competitions and entrepreneurship-focused programs, the organization enables learners to transform creative skills into professional careers, successful businesses and sustainable income opportunities.

Competition Link- www.competition.rajaranicoaching.com

Brand Website Link- www.RajaRaniCoaching.com 

Instagram Profile Link – www.instagram.com/rajarani_coaching 

Contemporary couturier Silky Nanda has officially unveiled her flagship couture studio in the heart of Defence Colony, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the journey of her eponymous luxury label. Designed as an immersive couture destination, the studio embodies the brand’s philosophy of creating garments that are deeply personal, timeless, and crafted to celebrate individuality.
 

Designer Silky Nanda at her store SILKY NANDA in Defence Colony, New Delhi
 

The newly launched space offers clients a refined couture experience, bringing together design consultations, bespoke craftsmanship, and carefully curated collections under one roof. More than just a retail destination, the studio has been envisioned as a creative space where every garment is developed through close collaboration with the client, ensuring each creation reflects personal style while maintaining the label’s signature aesthetic.
 

Over the years, Silky Nanda has built a distinct identity in the luxury couture landscape through contemporary cocktail gowns, eveningwear, and occasion dressing that seamlessly blend Indian craftsmanship with modern silhouettes. The launch of the standalone studio marks the evolution of the brand from a growing couture label into a destination for discerning clients seeking understated luxury and personalised design.
 

Speaking on the occasion, Silky Nanda, Founder and Creative Director, said, “Opening this studio is incredibly special because it represents years of passion, perseverance, and belief in building a label that stays true to its identity. I wanted to create a space where couture feels intimate rather than intimidating where every client enjoys a personalised journey, and every garment tells a story. This studio is not just about showcasing collections; it’s about celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and the confidence that beautiful clothing can inspire.”
 

She further added, “I’ve always believed that luxury today is defined by authenticity and emotional connection. Our designs are created to become a part of people’s most memorable moments, and this new space allows us to deepen that relationship. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on creating couture that is contemporary, versatile, and timeless enough to be cherished for years to come.”
 

Designed to mirror the label’s understated elegance, the Defence Colony studio features thoughtfully curated interiors that place craftsmanship and design at the forefront. The space showcases the brand’s signature cocktail gowns, eveningwear, bridal and occasion couture while offering clients an environment that encourages collaboration and personalised styling.
 

The label has steadily earned recognition for its contemporary interpretation of couture, with creations that balance fluid silhouettes, intricate detailing, and refined craftsmanship. Working closely with skilled artisans across the country, the brand remains committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship while presenting it through a contemporary lens. Every collection reflects meticulous embroidery, thoughtful surface development, and silhouettes designed for modern lifestyles without compromising on couture excellence.
 

With the opening of its flagship studio, Silky Nanda enters a new phase of growth, reaffirming its commitment to creating couture that feels relevant, wearable, and deeply personal. As the label expands its presence, it continues to champion a design philosophy rooted in individuality, craftsmanship, and enduring elegance.
 

About Silky Nanda

Silky Nanda is a contemporary couture label specialising in cocktail gowns, eveningwear, and modern occasion dressing. Known for its refined craftsmanship, fluid silhouettes, and sophisticated design language, the brand creates timeless garments that celebrate confidence, elegance, and individuality.
 

Founded by self-taught designer Silky Nanda, the label combines traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics to create couture that is luxurious yet wearable. With a growing presence in the luxury fashion space, the brand has showcased at leading fashion platforms and continues to build a loyal clientele seeking personalised couture experiences rooted in authenticity, quality, and understated glamour.

Silky Nanda Label Instagram:

www.instagram.com/silky.nanda?igsh=MWNvcnVrZ2ZxYXpxOQ==
 

Silky Nanda Instagram:

In a significant milestone for the company, Switrus Holidays has announced the launch of Switrus Asia, a dedicated brand for Asian destinations, marking the company’s expansion into the Asian tourism sector in August 2026. The expansion represents the company’s first major move beyond its Europe-focused group tour operations and reflects the growing popularity of Asian travel among Indian tourists.
 

Switrus Holidays now offers tour packages to destinations, such as China, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia
 

According to the company, Switrus has organized more than 1,200 Europe group tours and served over 45,000 travelers over the past thirteen years. The company has built a strong customer base across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi.
 

The launch comes at a time when interest among Indian travelers in Asian destinations is growing significantly. In its initial phase, Switrus Asia will focus on destinations including Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Bali, and Thailand.
 

The company plans to extend its Europe group tour model to Asian destinations, offering comprehensive group tour packages, professional tour management, structured itineraries, and services designed specifically for Indian travelers.
 

Switrus currently operates Europe group tours for travelers from several Indian states and has expanded its operational network across major Indian cities and international markets, including Germany. 
 

“We aim to extend the trust, expertise, and operational experience we have built in European tourism to the Asian travel segment. Through Switrus Asia, our goal is to deliver high-quality international travel experiences to a wider range of Indian travelers,” said Shabitha Abubacker, COO of Switrus Holidays.
 

The company has announced that the details regarding Switrus Asia’s initial group departures, annual travel calendar, and special launch offers will be revealed in the coming weeks.

For more information, please visit switrus.com.

Chitkara University today launched the Atal Incubation Centre – Chitkara Incubation Foundation (AIC-CIF) and AIC-PRIDE Labs at its Punjab campus, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem. Established with a combined investment of up to Rs. 20 crore over five years by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Government of India, and Chitkara University, the centre will nurture startups in Drone Technologies, Agritech and Renewable Energy while accelerating research commercialisation, entrepreneurship and technology-led economic growth.

Atal Innovation Centre launched at Chitkara University in presence of Sh Amit Dhaka (IAS) CEO Invest Punjab, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Dr. Ashok Chitkara & Atal Innovation Mission team

The inauguration also marked the launch of the ATL Sarthi Punjab initiative by the Atal Innovation Mission, aimed at strengthening and mentoring Atal Tinkering Labs across the state, further reinforcing the innovation pipeline from schools to startups.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Mr. Amit Dhaka, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Punjab, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Mr. Prateek Deshmukh, Program Lead, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, whose participation reflected AIM’s continued engagement with institutions driving India’s innovation and startup ecosystem, and Ms. Deepakshi Jindal, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. They were joined by Dr. Ashok Chitkara, Chancellor, Chitkara University, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-founder, Chitkara University, along with distinguished leaders from industry, academia, government and investor networks.

Designed as a launchpad for high-impact technology ventures, AIC-CIF will support entrepreneurs through structured acceleration programs, expert mentorship, access to funding opportunities, product validation, industry partnerships, intellectual property facilitation and regulatory guidance, enabling innovators to transform breakthrough ideas into scalable enterprises.

Dr. Ashok Chitkara, Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, “Innovation creates real value only when ideas move beyond the laboratory into society. AIC-Chitkara Incubation Foundation is designed to help entrepreneurs build technologies that solve important challenges and create lasting impact.”

Mr. Amit Dhaka, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Punjab, said, “Strong innovation ecosystems are built through collaboration. Initiatives like AIC-Chitkara Incubation Foundation will strengthen Punjab’s startup landscape and create new opportunities for technology-led entrepreneurship.”

Following the inauguration, dignitaries toured the state-of-the-art AIC-PRIDE Labs, interacting with startup founders and witnessing innovations that demonstrate the growing potential of deep-tech entrepreneurship. The visit highlighted the centre’s vision of creating a collaborative environment where innovators, researchers, industry experts and investors can work together to build globally relevant technology ventures.

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-founder, Chitkara University, said, “The future belongs to institutions that connect research, industry and entrepreneurship with purpose. Through AIC-Chitkara Incubation Foundation, we are creating an ecosystem where innovators receive the mentorship, partnerships and support they need to build globally competitive ventures while contributing to India’s innovation-led growth.”

The event also celebrated the launch of ATL Sarthi Punjab, an initiative dedicated to strengthening the Atal Tinkering Lab ecosystem across the state. Outstanding ATL Sarthis from Punjab were felicitated for their exceptional contribution towards nurturing scientific curiosity, innovation and problem-solving among school students. The initiative complements the national vision of Startup India, the Atal Innovation Mission and Viksit Bharat by creating a seamless innovation pathway from school-level tinkering to startup incubation and venture creation.

The university also expressed its sincere appreciation to Dr. Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, for his leadership and guidance in enabling the establishment of the incubation centre. Though unable to attend the inauguration, his contribution to strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem was acknowledged during the ceremony.

With the launch of AIC-Chitkara Incubation Foundation, Chitkara University further strengthens its role in advancing entrepreneurship, innovation and research commercialisation. By bringing together academia, industry, government and investors within a single ecosystem, the centre aims to enable the next generation of entrepreneurs to build globally relevant, technology-driven enterprises from India.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality and emerging technology fields. For Class 11 and 12 students planning higher education, the University provides industry-aligned programs designed to combine academic excellence with practical exposure.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities and global collaborations, supported by modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange and collaborative research opportunities.

Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad.

For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in

Aukera, India’s leading premium lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, today announced that it has raised Rs. 90 crore (over USD 10 million) in fresh funding, led by existing investor Alteria Capital, along with InnoVen Capital, Lighthouse Canton and a leading bank. The raise comes less than twelve months after the company closed a USD 15 million equity round led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Fireside Ventures, Sparrow Capital, Prath Ventures and Alteria Capital — a pace of back-to-back institutional capital that reflects the strength of Aukera’s growth trajectory and the confidence of lenders and investors alike in the underlying business. The company continues to strengthen its balance sheet as the category draws in India’s largest players, including Titan with its lab-grown diamond brand Beyon — a market Aukera has been leading from the front.

Kumar Saurabh, Co-founder, Aukera and Lisa Mukhedkar, Founder & CEO, Aukera

That leadership is visible on the ground: in the year since its last raise, Aukera has grown from 13 to 35 company-owned stores, expanding beyond Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi NCR into cities including Pune, Lucknow, Dehradun and Vizag — one of the fastest retail scale-ups in Indian fine jewellery, and a genuinely national footprint. The new capital will fuel the next phase of this expansion.

Aukera occupies the premium end of India’s lab-grown diamond market, built around a simple idea: the better diamond. Every Aukera diamond is of the highest grades, certified to the most exacting global standards, and crafted into fine jewellery featuring original, in-house designs and the brand’s trademarked cuts. It is a promise brought to life by a design and craft organisation that draws on global talent, and carried publicly by acclaimed actor Taapsee Pannu, the Face of the Brand. For Aukera’s customers, grown diamonds are a deliberate upgrade — to a finer, larger, better-designed diamond.

That confidence extends to how the brand stands behind every piece. Aukera operates company-owned experience stores across the country and backs every purchase with assured buyback and exchange — the kind of guarantee that has traditionally separated enduring jewellery houses from the rest.

“This category will not be won on discounting — it will be won on trust, quality and brand,” said Lisa Mukhedkar, Founder & CEO, Aukera. “This capital lets us take that promise to many more cities, faster.”

“We believe this category will require the top player to invest at least Rs. 1,000 crore, as the mining industry resets to recognise the permanence of grown diamonds,” said Kumar Saurabh, Co-founder, Aukera. “We are building the balance sheet and the business to be that player.”

With the fresh capital, Aukera will accelerate store openings in new and existing markets, continue investing in design, product innovation and talent, and strengthen the omnichannel infrastructure that supports its retail engine.

Founded in 2023 by Lisa Mukhedkar and Kumar Saurabh, Aukera is backed by Peak XV Partners, Fireside Ventures, Sparrow Capital, Prath Ventures and Alteria Capital, and is on track towards its stated ambition of becoming a Rs. 1,000 crore brand.

Reinforcing its commitment to the holistic development and emotional well-being of students, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) successfully organised “Matru Setu – Women Mentoring Young Women,” a unique orientation and mentorship programme aimed at empowering women educators to become compassionate mentors for young female students.

Dignitaries present in the inaugural ceremony of the “Matru Setu” workshop organized by Manipal University Jaipur

The programme, organised by the Directorate of Student Welfare, Manipal University Jaipur, in collaboration with the Foundation for Holistic Development (FHD), brought together all female faculty members and spouses of male faculty members to create a nurturing support network for students navigating the challenges of university life.

The event was graced by Mrs. Madhuri Sahasrabudhe, Chairperson, Foundation for Holistic Development, along with distinguished members of her team, Ms. Alka Soni and Ms. Medha Deshpande. The programme was attended by President, Manipal University Jaipur, Prof. (Dr.) Niti Nipun Sharma; Pro President, Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana; Provost, Prof. (Dr.) Nitu Bhatnagar; Ms. Manju Sharma; Dean, Student Welfare, Dr. Madhura Yadav; Head-HR, Ms. Kananjeet Kaur, besides Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and faculty members. Senior journalist and television personality Dr. Puneet Sharma also joined the programme.

Welcoming the guests and participants, Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana highlighted the growing importance of mentorship in higher education. He emphasised that today’s young students face a wide range of academic, emotional and social challenges, making empathetic guidance from faculty members more relevant than ever. He encouraged participants to become trusted mentors who could positively influence students’ personal and professional journeys.

In his presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Niti Nipun Sharma spoke about the transformative role of mothers in shaping the character, values and future of children. Paying tribute to the mother of Dr. T.M.A. Pai, the visionary founder of the Manipal Group, he acknowledged her enduring contribution to society and the values that inspired the institution’s legacy. He urged women faculty members to extend motherly care and emotional support to students, helping them overcome stress, anxiety and personal challenges while pursuing higher education.

Delivering the keynote session, Mrs. Madhuri Sahasrabudhe shared inspiring experiences from her extensive interactions with college and university students across the country. Through powerful anecdotes, she explained how timely guidance, empathy and genuine concern from a mentor can profoundly transform the lives of young people, especially those facing emotional distress or difficult circumstances.

The interactive workshop featured practical sessions conducted by Mrs. Sahasrabudhe, Ms. Alka Soni and Ms. Medha Deshpande, who presented real-life situations commonly encountered by university students. Participants were actively engaged through role-playing exercises that encouraged them to understand students’ perspectives and respond with empathy, compassion and effective communication.

A major highlight of the programme was the presentation by 13 faculty teams, each performing role-play activities based on different student issues, ranging from emotional well-being and academic pressure to interpersonal relationships and self-confidence. The sessions enabled participants to explore practical mentoring approaches and strengthen their ability to build meaningful conversations with students.

The workshop was designed to cultivate qualities such as empathy, compassion, active listening and emotional intelligence among women faculty members, enabling them to serve as mentors who guide students with the care and understanding of a mother.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Pankaj Vyas, Director, Student Welfare, while Dr. Aanyaa Chouhary efficiently conducted the proceedings as the Master of Ceremony.

The initiative reflects Manipal University Jaipur’s continued emphasis on creating a supportive, inclusive and emotionally resilient campus ecosystem where mentorship extends beyond academics to foster confidence, resilience and holistic growth among young women.

To know more about Manipal University Jaipur please visit jaipur.manipal.edu 

Bank of Maharashtra has announced the launch of FinSpark’26, a national-level cybersecurity hackathon aimed at encouraging students and dropouts across India to develop solutions for real-world cybersecurity challenges in the banking sector.
 

Bank of Maharashtra launches FinSpark’26, a national cybersecurity hackathon for students to solve real banking security challenges and win Rs. 10 lakh+ rewards
 

With the theme “Securing the Future of Banking,” FinSpark’26 is designed to bring together young technology minds, cybersecurity enthusiasts and problem-solvers to build innovative ideas that can strengthen digital banking security, fraud prevention, cyber resilience and customer trust.

The hackathon invites participants to register, choose a problem statement, build individually or with a team, and compete for national recognition. The initiative offers a Rs. 10+ Lakh Prize Pool*, with the Top 20 teams getting an opportunity to present their solutions at the Grand Finale at COEP Technological University, Pune. Winning teams will also get an Opportunity to Showcase at Global FinTech Fest 2026*, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

FinSpark’26 focuses on mission-critical areas of banking cybersecurity, including insider threat detection, privileged access misuse, AI-driven correlation of cybersecurity telemetry, transaction behaviour analysis, fraud prevention and proactive threat identification. Through this initiative, Bank of Maharashtra aims to encourage practical, scalable and secure solutions that can support the evolving needs of the banking industry.

The hackathon features two cybersecurity-led problem statements. The first is Privileged Access Misuse & Insider Threat Detection, where participants are encouraged to build solutions that can detect misuse of privileged accounts, identify insider threats, study behavioural patterns and support risk-based access control. The second is AI-Driven Correlation of Cybersecurity Telemetry & Transactional Behaviour, where participants can explore how cybersecurity signals and transaction behaviour can be connected to detect anomalies, fraud patterns, suspicious activity and potential threats more effectively.

Participants can register individually or in teams of up to four members. They are expected to select a problem statement, develop a structured idea or prototype, and submit their solution for evaluation. Submissions will be assessed on parameters such as business potential and relevance, security considerations, uniqueness of approach, user experience, scalability, and ease of development and maintenance.

Beyond competition, FinSpark’26 is designed as a learning and innovation platform. Participants will get exposure to real-world banking challenges, mentoring support, national-level recognition and the opportunity to refine their ideas through the hackathon journey. The Top 20 teams shortlisted for the Grand Finale will present their solutions before experts from relevant domains, with a focus on identifying ideas that are practical, secure and relevant to the future of digital banking.

Speaking about the initiative, Bank of Maharashtra said, “Cybersecurity is one of the most important pillars of modern banking. Through FinSpark’26, Bank of Maharashtra aims to encourage young innovators to think deeply about real banking security challenges and build solutions that can contribute to a safer and more resilient digital banking ecosystem. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation, technology adoption and nurturing future-ready talent.”

FinSpark’26 is open to students and dropouts across India who are interested in cybersecurity, technology, AI, data, fraud prevention, secure digital banking and innovation.

Participants can register for FinSpark’26 at: www.finsparkhackathon.com/auth/register.