Chitkara University successfully organised the third edition of Emergence’26, a dynamic three-day event focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and startup culture. The event brought together entrepreneurs, creators, investors, and industry experts, creating a high-impact platform for students to gain real-world insights, learn from successful journeys, and explore new opportunities.
 

A powerhouse lineup at Emergence’26, Chitkara University: Ashwin Mushran, Anubhav Dubey (Chai Sutta Bar), Sanjay Gupta (Raj Comics), and Vatsal Sheth (Prismix Studios)
 

The event commenced with an inspiring Day 1 dedicated to entrepreneurial excellence. Anubhav Dubey, Founder of Chai Sutta Bar, shared his journey of building one of India’s most recognised youth brands, motivating students to think ambitiously and remain resilient. Sanjay Gupta, known for his work with Raj Comics, engaged the audience with insights on storytelling and character creation. The day also featured interactive masterclasses and the Makers’ Buildathon finale, promoting hands-on innovation and creative problem-solving.
 

Day 2 focused on innovation, investment, leadership, and industry insights, with a major highlight being Chitkara Xcelerator Demo Day’26, the region’s largest Agri-Tech Accelerator program under the DST’s NIDHI Accelerator Program. The platform acted as a bridge between disruptive ideas and real-world capital, where several Agri-Tech startups secured on-the-spot investment commitments, enabling them to scale their technology-driven ventures.
 

The event was supported by a distinguished network of investors and mentors, including Sushanto Mitra, Manish Johari, Rohit Bafna, Brendon Faroz, Param Patel, Sameer Shaikh, Priyanka Barot, Shreya Mishra, and Malhar Potnis. Through this initiative, Chitkara University strengthened its role in accelerating regional agricultural innovation and startup growth.
 

Another key highlight was the keynote session by Ashwin Mushran, who spoke on leadership, communication, and confidence. A fireside chat featuring Vatsal Sheth and Sahil Nayar offered insights into the evolving media landscape, creativity, and risk-taking. One of the most engaging sessions, the “100 Crore Club Panel,” moderated by Malhar Potnis, brought together leading entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for scaling businesses and building sustainable ventures. Investor pitch sessions throughout the day enabled students to present their ideas and receive expert feedback.
 

The final day celebrated creativity, innovation, and achievement, featuring continued investor pitch sessions and an engaging stand-up performance that added a vibrant dimension to the event. Emergence’26 concluded with a grand award ceremony recognising outstanding innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and student excellence.
 

With participation from over 1,200–1,500 students, Emergence’26 emerged as a transformative experience, combining expert-led sessions, practical learning, and meaningful industry interactions. The event equipped students with the knowledge, exposure, and confidence to pursue entrepreneurial journeys and build future-ready careers.
 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, “Emergence’26 reflects our commitment to nurturing an ecosystem where ideas can thrive and innovation is encouraged at every level. By bringing together industry leaders and young minds, we aim to inspire our students to think boldly, act purposefully, and lead with confidence in an ever-evolving global landscape.”
 

Emergence’26 reinforced Chitkara University’s commitment to experiential learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement, empowering students to become future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
 

About Chitkara University
Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India’s leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning.
 

The University’s academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally.
 

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

The Government has notified the Income Tax Rules, 2026, with changes effective April 1, 2026, impacting multiple salary perquisites and allowances. AdvantageClub.ai today said it is ready with Tax Saving Benefits & Rewards, updated to align with the notified rules, enabling HR teams to implement the revised benefit limits smoothly from Day 1.

New Tax Rules 2026: Gifts Tax-Free Upto Rs 15,000 in Both New and Old Tax Regime, AdvantageClub.ai Ready with Tax Saving Benefits & Rewards

Two key employee benefit changes HR teams will care about

1. Gifts and festival vouchers (new and old tax regime)
 The annual exemption limit for gifts/festival vouchers has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 in both new and old tax regime. This is especially relevant for engagement and Rewards & Recognition moments—including spot awards, festive gifting, and milestone recognitions—where organizations want employees to feel the value directly.

2. Meal and food vouchers (old tax regime)
The exemption limit for meal/food vouchers has been increased from Rs 50 per meal to Rs 200 per meal under the old tax regime, subject to the conditions specified in the notified rules.

Practical “tax-free” salary can reach Rs 12.9 lakh in new tax regime

Under the new tax regime, many salaried employees can have nil tax liability up to Rs 12 lakh of taxable income, and the Rs 75,000 standard deduction can take this to Rs 12.75 lakh of salary income in practical terms. The revised Rs 15,000 gift/festival voucher exemption can further add tax-efficient value through employer-provided Rewards & Recognition, depending on applicability and structure.

AdvantageClub.ai said its Tax Saving Benefits & Rewards offering has been updated to align with the notified rules, effective April 1, enabling HR teams to structure and issue benefits such as gifts/festival vouchers, and meal vouchers (where applicable) in a compliant manner, so employees experience the enhanced value seamlessly.

“April 1 should feel like a smooth switch, not a scramble. The revised limit on gifts and festival vouchers is a meaningful upgrade for Rewards & Recognition, and the change to meal vouchers further strengthens everyday benefits for eligible employees. We are ready with Tax Saving Benefits & Rewards so HR teams can implement the updated limits with compliance and clarity from Day 1,” said Sourabh Deorah, CEO & Co-founder, AdvantageClub.ai.

Other notified changes impacting salaried employees (selected highlights):

• Company car perquisite (motor car): monthly valuation revised upward—up to 1.6L from Rs 1,800 + Rs 900 to Rs 5,000 + Rs 3,000; above 1.6L from Rs 2,400 + Rs 900 to Rs 7,000 + Rs 3,000 (as applicable by use-case).

• Driver provided by employer: perquisite value revised from Rs 900 per month to Rs 3,000 per month.

• Interest-free or concessional loans: no perquisite value where the aggregate loan does not exceed Rs 2,00,000; medical treatment loans have specific provisions, including limits where reimbursed under medical insurance.

• Children-related allowances (old tax regime): Children Education Allowance revised from Rs 100/month/child to Rs 3,000/month/child; Hostel Expenditure Allowance from Rs 300/month/child to Rs 9,000/month/child.

• HRA expansion + disclosures (old tax regime): “metro” list expanded to 8 cities for 50% of salary (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad); additional disclosure requirements apply in certain cases, including landlord-relationship disclosure in Form 124 where applicable.

• Transport allowance (transport system employees): exemption remains lower of 70% of allowance or the monthly cap, with the cap increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 (subject to conditions, including not receiving daily allowance).

• Driver provided by employer (with company car): taxable perquisite value for a driver has been revised from Rs 900 per month to Rs 3,000 per month (effective April 1).

AdvantageClub.ai added that as HR teams recalibrate benefits for the new financial year, organizations should proactively educate employees on what has changed, and help them make an informed choice between the old and new tax regimes based on their individual salary structure and eligible benefits.

Glow by Kirtilals, the contemporary natural diamond jewellery brand from the House of Kirtilals, has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Emerging Brand of the Year’ award at the Retail Jeweller Circle of Excellence South 2026. The recognition was presented at the esteemed Retail Jeweller India Forum held in Bengaluru, celebrating excellence and innovation within the jewellery industry.

Glow by Kirtilals honoured with ‘Emerging Brand of the Year’ at Retail Jeweller Circle of Excellence South 2026, The award was presented to Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Business Strategy, Kirtilals

The award was presented to Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Business Strategy, Kirtilals, and Raghunath, AVP, Kirtilals by Amit Pratihari of Gemological Institute of America and Samit Bhatta of Retail Jeweller India, recognising Glow by Kirtilals for its remarkable growth trajectory, design innovation, and strong resonance with the evolving aspirations of modern consumers.

Since its inception, Glow by Kirtilals has carved a distinct identity in the lightweight, everyday natural diamond jewellery segment—offering designs that seamlessly blend contemporary aesthetics with fine craftsmanship. The brand’s focus on accessibility, versatility, and design-forward collections has enabled it to build a deep and growing connection with young, style-conscious audiences.

Demonstrating consistent expansion, Glow by Kirtilals currently operates nine stores across key cities in South India. Strengthening its retail footprint further, the brand is set to launch new stores in Madurai and Chennai (Adyar), reinforcing its commitment to bringing modern diamond jewellery closer to its customers.

This recognition marks a significant milestone in Glow by Kirtilals’ growth journey. It underscores the brand’s dedication to innovation, customer-centric experiences, and delivering refined, accessible luxury. As Glow continues to evolve, it remains focused on redefining everyday elegance for a new generation—while upholding the legacy of trust and craftsmanship synonymous with Kirtilals.

Urban development in India is often framed through large-scale initiatives such as smart cities, infrastructure corridors, and multi-crore investments. However, for everyday citizens, the real measure of progress lies in tangible improvements, better roads, cleaner surroundings, accessible healthcare, and reliable public services. In this context, Ambattur is emerging as a compelling example of how consistent, localized, and people-focused governance can transform an urban ecosystem.

KN Sekar | Ambattur | For Ambattur | A Leader With Purpose

Over the past few years, Ambattur has witnessed a series of coordinated developments spanning infrastructure, environmental sustainability, social welfare, and long-term planning. What sets this transformation apart is not merely the scale of projects executed but the way these initiatives collectively enhance the quality of life for residents.

One of the most visible aspects of this transformation is the revival of public spaces. Parks such as MMM Park, Asif Colony Park, Mangal Lake Park, and Mugappair Park have been upgraded to provide cleaner, safer, and more accessible environments for recreation. In rapidly urbanizing regions, such spaces are often neglected or encroached upon. Their restoration reflects a governance approach that prioritizes community well-being alongside infrastructure growth.

Environmental sustainability has also been a key focus area. A notable initiative includes the conversion of a garbage dumping yard in Kallikuppam into a functional public park, signaling a shift from reactive waste management to proactive urban renewal. Additionally, the implementation of a rainwater management system linking Ambattur Lake with Korattur Lake demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to water conservation, an essential need for a city like Chennai, which frequently faces water scarcity.

At the core of Ambattur’s development lies systematic infrastructure improvement. Road networks have been enhanced through planned execution rather than temporary fixes. The construction of the SIDCO to Aavin Road stretch following proper soil testing highlights a focus on durability and long-term usability. Key roads, including Kachinapakkam Road, Karukku Road, and the Industrial Estate Bus Stand to Mugappair West stretch, have been widened to ease congestion and improve connectivity.

Critical junctions, such as the Ambattur Estate Road intersection, have been expanded to address traffic bottlenecks, while the relocation of electric poles along Chozhapuram Road has facilitated efficient road widening. These seemingly small but crucial interventions reflect the level of detail involved in effective urban planning.

Encroachment removal has been another significant milestone in Ambattur’s transformation. While often considered a sensitive issue, addressing encroachments is essential for improving mobility and public access. Key areas, including Korattur Signal, Padi Market, and major connecting roads, have undergone systematic clearance. The redevelopment of the Ambattur Uzhavar Sandhai has improved accessibility for both vendors and consumers, while the restructuring of the Ambattur O.T. Bus Stand into an organized depot has strengthened public transportation infrastructure.

Importantly, socially conscious policies have complemented these enforcement measures. The decision to abolish tax collection from roadside vendors along the Ambattur, Padi stretch reflects a balanced approach that supports livelihoods while enhancing public infrastructure. This alignment between economic inclusion and urban order is critical in sustaining long-term development.

Strategic bridge upgrades and construction have further improved connectivity across regions. The enhancement of the Padikuppam Road bridge and the development of a new bridge on Water Canal Road have strengthened links between key localities such as Villivakkam and Anna Nagar. Meanwhile, larger infrastructure efforts, including the Karukku flyover developed with the Union Railway Ministry, highlight how important intergovernmental collaboration is for achieving impactful outcomes.

Future-focused planning continues to drive Ambattur’s growth trajectory. Proposed initiatives such as the Ambattur subway, underground drainage systems, Metro Water supply expansion, and the Korattur Agaram subway support infrastructure indicate a long-term vision aligned with evolving urban needs.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Ambattur has also made notable progress in strengthening social infrastructure. The establishment of a primary health center in Padi has improved access to essential healthcare services, particularly for underserved communities. The upgradation of the maternity hospital in Venkadapuram further enhances maternal and child healthcare, contributing to broader social development goals.

Education has also seen meaningful improvements, with several schools upgraded to include higher secondary levels. This enables students to continue their education within their locality, reducing dropout rates and supporting long-term community growth.

Additional initiatives, including the expansion of Ambattur Market, the development of parks and play areas in the ICF Colony, and improved road connectivity within residential zones, contribute to a more integrated and accessible urban environment.

What emerges from these combined efforts is a comprehensive model of governance that addresses multiple dimensions of urban life simultaneously. Ambattur’s development demonstrates that impactful transformation does not always rely on large, high-visibility projects. Instead, it is driven by sustained, coordinated actions grounded in local needs and priorities.

Equally important is the visibility of these improvements. When citizens experience smoother roads, cleaner public spaces, improved healthcare access, and better connectivity, it strengthens trust in governance systems. This trust becomes a foundation for continued progress and civic engagement.

While challenges associated with rapid urbanization remain, including pressure on infrastructure and resources, Ambattur’s trajectory reflects a clear and positive direction. Its transformation highlights the importance of proactive, inclusive, and consistent governance in shaping sustainable urban growth.

As Indian cities continue to expand, Ambattur stands out as a practical example of how localized interventions, when executed effectively, can create meaningful and lasting impact. It reinforces a critical insight: true development is not defined by scale alone but by how deeply it improves everyday life.

To mitigate the prevailing severe heat and ensure public welfare, tree-planting initiatives are currently underway in key areas such as Ambattur, Mogappair, and Avadi. Furthermore, the planting of over 5,000 saplings across all areas within the Ambattur Assembly constituency is set to commence shortly.

Published by Birth Marque, the Creative Advertising agency in Chennai and also branding and strategy agency, serves as the tech force behind this grand inauguration. The agency not only excels in ideation but also innovates and executes decisions that surpasses the standards of other branding companies in Coimbatore.