A ceremony held this week in Chennai has shed light on the contributions of postdoctoral researchers, as senior academics and policy leaders emphasised the need for clearer and more sustainable career pathways in global higher education. Universities and research councils welcomed the initiative, noting that global rankings, national innovation output, and long-term economic competitiveness depend heavily on the success and retention of high-calibre postdoctoral talent.

EduTech Power India Awards 2025 Honour India’s Rising Global Postdoctoral Researchers

Hosted by the Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Engineering and Technology, Chennai in association with RAISE Global Innovation Forum, UK; MSME Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India; MIT Square Welfare Foundation; and MIT Square, London, the Postdoctoral Fellow Honouring Ceremony brought together scholars from leading institutions from India who completed their research across the UK, Europe, Australia, Thailand and many other asian countries. The event recognised fellows whose research spans priority areas including AI-driven healthcare, clean energy systems, advanced materials, biotechnology, digital education and sustainable development.

The postdoctoral fellow researchers who received the honours are Dr. Phani Kumar Polasi, Dr. Kapileswar N, Dr. Judy Simon, Dr. Amirthalakshmi T M, Dr. Pavithra Guru R, Dr. Mythili R, Dr. Ancy Micheal A, Dr. Annie Micheal A, Dr. Maniraj S P, Dr. Vani R, Dr. Sumathy G, Dr. Maheshwari A, Dr. Vijayalakshmi K, Dr. Sylvia Grace J, Dr. Vigneshwari S, Dr. Prabha B, Dr. Chandu P.M.S.S, Dr. Pravin A, Dr. Refonaa J, Dr. Jany Shabu S. L, Dr. Dhamodaran S, Dr. Janani N, Dr. Nafeza E, Dr. Bakkialakshmi V S, and Dr. Veena R S.

In addition, senior academic leaders were also recognised: Dr. G. R. Suresh, Principal of the Year; Dr. R. Madhusudhanan, Dean of the Year; Dr. Anandavel Vadivel, Dean of the Year; and Dr. Muthukumaran K, Social Service of the Year.

As the event concluded, fellows described the recognition as “encouraging,” “humbling,” and “a powerful motivator to continue pushing boundaries at a global level.” Many expressed hope that such platforms will become more common across the UK research landscape.

Awardees were selected for both research excellence and broader contributions to open science, industry partnerships and policy impact. Organisers confirmed the ceremony will become an annual event, with plans to expand participation globally and strengthen dialogue around improving postdoctoral support across the higher education sector.

For Raju Chekuri, the Silicon Valley entrepreneur who built his fortune in cybersecurity and AI, volleyball has always been more than a game. It’s a memory of long rallies under the scorching Ahmedabad sun, of poorly marked courts and a burning ambition that sometimes propels small-town youth to dream big. Nearly four decades after leaving India to chase his technology dreams, Chekuri, a former amateur volleyball player, has returned to invest in a sporting vision through the newly put-together Goa Guardians, the 10th franchise in the Prime Volleyball League (PVL).

Raju Chekuri, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor, founded Netenrich, a security and digital operations company, where he serves as Chairman and CEO

Chekuri, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of the California-based Netenrich, brings his trademark execution-first philosophy to this new play. “People talk too much about vision,” he said in an interview. “But the key is staying in the game; being resilient, making good decisions every day. That’s true for business and for sport.”

Goa Guardians owner Raju Chekuri sharing a moment with energized fans at PVL 2025 in Hyderabad

The Goa Guardians are his latest experiment in staying in the game. Co-owned by Indian cricketer KL Rahul, the team debuted this October with a plan to nurture volleyball talent across the Konkan and coastal belt. “Volleyball is one of the most athletic, non-contact sports. If done well, it’s exhilarating,” said Chekuri. “We have some amazing talent. If we treat players as crown jewels, we’ll do well.”

In their maiden season, the Goa Guardians reached the semi-finals of the Prime Volleyball League, marking an impressive debut. “I think we are a pretty mature team, a very strong team,” Chekuri said after the campaign. “We made a couple of mistakes early in the game, but the players showed up and played through. Some of our early matches went to five sets, and that showed our resilience.”

The idea for Goa Guardians took shape while he was spending time in the coastal state, having invested in a local media outfit, the Department of Lore, promoted by filmmakers Anand Gandhi and game designer Zain Memon. “Goa has a spirit like no other; energy, culture, festivity. People around the world know Goa. It’s the perfect base for something new-age like volleyball,” he said.

But Chekuri’s ambitions extend beyond a single franchise. Through Chekuri Sports Ventures, he plans to create a fund focused on sports infrastructure, grassroots training and media innovation. “It’s more emotional than strategic,” he admitted. “I’ve been away for 40 years. Now it’s time to come back and invest in India.”

Chekuri’s own journey traces back to the alleys of old Ahmedabad, where he first picked up a volleyball in school under the watch of coach Varshambhai. He went on to represent Kakatiya University at the South Zone Championships, captaining teams and even earning a call-up for India before academics took over. “There were no leagues then,” he recalled. “The only dream was to play for the country. No money, just pure love for the sport.”

His return through the PVL, he says, is an attempt to give today’s athletes the professional stage he never had. “Until 10 or 11, kids should play whatever they like. But from 12 onwards, that’s when you can shape them. If we can support that age group, we’ll not only produce athletes but stronger human beings.”

Looking ahead, Chekuri says his goal is to turn Goa into a volleyball powerhouse over time. “We love volleyball and we’re invested in the grassroots,” he said. “Winning a couple of tournaments will be great, but what really matters is building a culture that makes Goa India’s favourite team. We want to give our fans every reason to cheer for us.”

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, marked a memorable beginning to its 33rd Convocation with the launch of a unique commemorative postal cover celebrating the 90th birthday of its Chancellor, Dr. Ramdas R. Pai, a visionary leader whose contributions have profoundly shaped Manipal’s educational and healthcare ecosystem.

Special Postal Cover Launched at MAHE’s 33rd Convocation to Honour Chancellor Dr. Ramdas R. Pai

The event was held on Day 1 of the Convocation in KMC Greens in Manipal, in the presence of senior leadership, distinguished guests, faculty, graduates, and their families. The convocation venue witnessed a heartfelt tribute as the MAHE community celebrated not only academic achievements but also the remarkable legacy of its Chancellor.

The special postal cover was formally unveiled by Sri. Ramesh Prabhu, Superintendent, Indian Postal Service, Udupi Division, who graced the ceremony along with MAHE’s First Lady Mrs. Vasanti R. Pai, Pro-Chancellor Dr. H. S. Ballal, and other esteemed dignitaries. The initiative was organized in close collaboration with India Post, symbolizing the significance of Dr. Pai’s service to society and his transformative leadership.

The idea behind the commemorative cover was to honour Dr. Pai’s lifelong dedication to advancing education, healthcare, and community development. The tribute also highlighted the visionary foundation laid by Dr. T. M. A. Pai, whose goals of eradicating ill health, illiteracy, and poverty formed the bedrock of Manipal’s growth. Dr. Ramdas Pai’s leadership further propelled MAHE into a globally recognised institution, earning accolades including the Institute of Eminence status in 2020.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sri. Ramesh Prabhu expressed deep admiration, stating, “It is the privilege of India Post to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of a great personality and reformer of Manipal. Dr. Ramdas Pai’s contributions have elevated the city and MAHE to national and global prominence. We feel truly blessed to be a part of this historic moment.”

The launch of the postal cover underscores MAHE’s commitment to celebrating its heritage, strengthening institutional identity, and enhancing its visibility on national and international platforms. As MAHE continues its journey as one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities, the event stood as a symbolic reminder of the values, legacy, and leadership that continue to inspire its growth.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life.

Scaling Impact from the Ground Up: Marwari Catalysts’ startups secure strategic funding across emerging sectors from SIG Tattva (Home to Hindware), GVFL, Antler, 35North, Vitalis Capital, IPV & Malpani Venture.

50cr raised by Marwari Catalysts portfolio startups 

MCats Accelerator and Venture Studio continue to drive investor confidence in founders across healthcare, sustainability, AI, and consumer brands — a positive signal for India’s evolving startup landscape.

Funding Across High-Impact Sectors

The raise spans a diverse set of emerging industries, each addressing pressing challenges and opportunities in India’s heartland:

• Affordable Fertility Care (Elara IVF) – designed for aspirational Tier II markets.

• Fintech-Enabled B2B E-Commerce Platform for Building Materials (Mad Over Building).

• Insurtech (Inka) – redefining insurance access for India’s underserved communities through digital innovation and simplicity.

• Healthtech (Sarathi Healthcare) – elderly care platform enhancing dignified, last-mile access to healthcare and assisted living.

• Consumer Brands (TURMS) – intelligent wear engineered with advanced fabric technology, designed for comfort, performance, and the Indian lifestyle.

• Mobility & Logistics (DOCO) – overcoming non-metro transport and supply-chain gaps.

More details will be announced soon. Investors include angel investors, family offices, impact funds, and corporate innovation teams — signalling broad cross-sector confidence in the MCats approach. This is also a strong validation that family offices and HNIs are increasingly interested in the venture studio model.

Founder’s Perspective

“This is not just capital—it’s validation,” said Sushil Sharma, Founder of Marwari Catalysts Group. “These startups are solving real problems, building for real India, and showing that innovation isn’t confined to geography.”

A Larger Shift in the Ecosystem

This consolidated raise reflects a wider shift in investor mindset—from chasing valuations in metros to backing sustainable, scalable ventures emerging from India’s smaller cities. For MCats, it reaffirms its mission to bridge the gap between opportunity and origin, ensuring talented founders are discovered, funded, and scaled.

About Marwari Catalysts

Marwari Catalysts Group (MCats) is one of India’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem player (Accelerator and Venture Studio), with mentors with skin in the game supporting 100+ early-stage ventures across 20+ cities backed by SEBI-approved CAT-I AIF. MCats provide capital, mentorship, and global market access to founders. Its portfolio has already created 5,000+ jobs while driving inclusion through 35% women-led startups and successfully done 11+ exits. We are headquartered in Jodhpur with regional offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Jaipur.

Welcome to MCats Family!

Navanc, set to become India’s pioneering AI-native banking infrastructure company, has raised close to ₹6 crore in its Pre-Series A round led by GrowthCap Ventures, an operator-led early-stage VC fund founded by ex-BharatPe executive Pratekk Agarwaal. The round also saw participation from leading bankers and technologists, including Navin Kukreja (Founder, Paisabazaar), Gaurav Aggarwal, former CXO at Paisabazaar , Prasanna Rao a Co-founder of Arya.ag, and a diverse group of Bay Area and UAE based angels.

Navanc raises its Pre-Series A round, led by GrowthCap Ventures; to create AI native underwriting infrastructure for Secured Lending

The investment comes at a pivotal time as India’s financial services sector undergoes a fundamental shift in the adoption of AI across secured lending, risk assessment, and underwriting. With secured lending and Micro-LAP emerging as strategic priorities for Banks, HFCs, and NBFCs, AI-driven infrastructure is rapidly becoming a necessity rather than an option.

Navanc is a real-estate credit underwriting and intelligence platform built for secured lending products including LAP, home loans, and MSME credit. Its product stack digitizes and standardizes property diligence, enabling faster, compliant loan origination, revaluation, and portfolio monitoring. Anchored in an AI-first architecture, Navanc’s offerings — including VALLE, nLite, nAI and nRERA — are redefining how financial institutions assess property-led loans including Home Loans, Secured Working Capital Loans and Loan Against Property.

With a long-term vision to build India’s first AI-native lending infrastructure ecosystem, Navanc is moving beyond traditional software to deliver intelligent, self-improving infrastructure that transforms how institutions understand risk, make decisions, and serve customers.

“India is entering a decisive decade where AI will become the backbone of credit infrastructure,” said Nagachethan SM, Co-Founder and CEO of Navanc.

“Our mission is to build the AI infrastructure layer that financial institutions can trust as the foundation of their loan journey across business-credit-risk functions,” added Byom Kesh Jha, Co-Founder and CT&DO.

Navanc currently a B2B product and works with 30+ customers across the financial ecosystem, including Small Finance Banks (SFBs), NBFCs, and HFCs — demonstrating the platform’s versatility and depth across secured lending.

GrowthCap Ventures, known for its operator-first investment approach, brings deep domain expertise in building financial infrastructure businesses. The fund’s team has spent decades shaping risk, underwriting, collections, and credit technology stacks across India’s leading financial institutions.

“Secured lending is undergoing a structural reset, and AI-native infrastructure will define the next leap of efficiency, speed, and compliance,” said Pratekk Agarwaal, Founder & General Partner at GrowthCap Ventures.

“Navanc is solving a problem we’ve experienced firsthand as operators. Their AI-first property intelligence stack can become the default standard for Banks, HFCs, and NBFCs. At GrowthCap, we back founders who build with purpose and precision — and Navanc is leading this transformation.”

The newly raised capital will be deployed to accelerate product development, expand Navanc’s AI capabilities, strengthen the team, and deepen market penetration as demand surges across the secured credit ecosystem.

Agrasheel Infratech Pvt. Ltd. has grown quietly but steadily over the past few years, building its identity around something that many buyers today value more than glossy brochures, clarity, discipline and a sense of responsibility in how land is developed. The company began with a straightforward intention: to create spaces that feel grounded, modern and legally sound, without cutting corners or over-promising.
 

Preksha Singh, CEO, Agrasheel Infratech Pvt. Ltd.
 

Although Agrasheel works across residential and mixed-use formats, the team’s real strength lies in planning communities that hold up over time. Their internal processes, from approvals to design to sustainability considerations, are treated less as paperwork and more as the core of the brand. This has shaped a work culture that is deliberate and method-driven, supported by architects, engineers and planners who favour practical, future-ready layouts over cosmetic detailing.

What keeps the company anchored today is the leadership at the top. Chairperson Abhishek Singh has consistently pushed for a development style where transparency becomes a habit rather than a marketing line. His focus on clean documentation, adherence to regulations and a measured pace of expansion has helped Agrasheel steadily build trust among buyers, especially in markets where clarity is rare.

At the operational end, CEO Preksha Singh brings a different layer of experience. Having previously worked in consulting and brand strategy, she approaches real estate with an unusual mix of analytical rigour and customer intuition. Her background, from Lady Shri Ram College to FORE School of Management and later training at NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, shapes her belief that good development is not only about land and layouts but also about building confidence among end users. With over 15 years in the sector, she has helped Agrasheel maintain a development approach that is both compliant and respectful of the buyer’s long-term expectations. As CEO, her role involves supervising all departments and making key strategic decisions to ensure a superior customer experience and reinforce trust in the brand.

“Real estate rewards consistency more than anything else. At Agrasheel, we try not to rush decisions or chase trends. Our effort is to build communities that feel stable, honest and thoughtfully planned. Aashrayam is an example of that approach; it grew out of disciplined approvals, careful design and a respect for the end user’s trust. If we can keep delivering developments with this clarity, the brand will grow the right way,” said Ms. Preksha Singh, CEO, Agrasheel Infratech Pvt. Ltd.

Agrasheel’s ongoing township, Aashrayam Phase-1, on New Jail Road in Lucknow, reflects this philosophy more than it tries to showcase it. The project is LDA-approved and registered under UPRERA, and its early reception shows that demand naturally follows when fundamentals are strong. Even details like the township’s connectivity, road width and green planning emerge from the company’s internal emphasis on functionality rather than marketing-friendly buzzwords. Within the first few months, the project delivered notable investor returns, an outcome the brand attributes to compliance and clarity rather than aggressive sales tactics.

Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited (“Zaggle”), India’s leading spend management and SaaS-driven FinTech company, has been selected among the Top 10 companies in the prestigious Forbes India DGEMS 2025 Select 200 Companies group. Chosen from thousands of applicants, the recognition underscores Zaggle’s innovation, scalability and exceptional readiness for global expansion.

Zaggle Recognised Among the Top 10 Companies in Forbes India DGEMS 2025 

The DGEMS (Digital Global Expansion of Market-Ready Startups) 2025 initiative by Forbes India identifies high-potential Indian companies poised to scale internationally. The evaluation considered key criteria including scalability, defensibility, innovation capability, technology maturity, business model strength and global market potential.

Forbes India noted that this year’s selected companies represent a growing wave of Indian enterprises expanding into new geographies and reshaping global industries through technology-led disruption. In its official remarks on Zaggle’s selection, Forbes India stated, “Zaggle’s vision, impact, and offerings align strongly with our Global Business Potential criteria. We look forward to amplifying its international success through global recognition and cross-border collaboration opportunities.”

Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Avinash Godkhindi, MD & CEO, Zaggle, said, “We are honoured to be selected among the Top 10 companies in the Forbes India DGEMS 2025 program. This recognition reinforces our commitment to building a world-class, innovation-driven business that delivers meaningful value to enterprises. As we accelerate our global expansion journey, this acknowledgment strengthens our confidence and validates our strategy of combining intelligent spend management, deep technology and robust financial products to serve diverse markets across the world.”

The recognition further positions Zaggle as a globally competitive SaaS Fintech Player, ready to leverage new international opportunities, strategic partnerships and high-growth markets. Backed by a strong technology foundation, deep domain expertise and a proven track record of large-scale enterprise execution, Zaggle is well placed to navigate global expansion with speed and confidence. The company continues to advance its mission of transforming how organisations manage spends, automate financial workflows and drive business efficiency through intelligent, digital-first and highly scalable solutions. As Zaggle broadens its global footprint, it remains committed to delivering innovation-led value and empowering enterprises worldwide to operate with greater transparency, control and agility.

About Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited (Zaggle)

Founded in 2011, Zaggle (BSE: 543985 & NSE: ZAGGLE) is a category-leading spend management company with a strong technology-led value proposition and a diversified user base. Operating in the business-to-business-to-customer (B2B2C) segment, Zaggle is among a select group of players with a comprehensive suite of financial technology products and services.

Zaggle is one of the largest issuers of prepaid cards in India through its banking partners and offers a robust portfolio of SaaS solutions spanning tax, payroll and rewards management. As of September 30, 2025, the company has issued more than 50 million prepaid cards, serving more than 3.5 million users across industries. Zaggle’s enterprise network spans banking and financial services, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, FMCG, infrastructure and automobiles.

For more information, please visit: www.zaggle.in

Writer and creative professional June Roshni Lobo unveiled her deeply personal debut, My Father’s Earthen Vessel, at an intimate evening at Title Waves, Bandra West. The launch was honoured by singer, author, & actress, who is popularly known for her role in ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’ Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, Madhoo, Shah (Actress known for iconic performances in Roja and Phool Aur Kaante) & Indrani Malkani. Chairman Trustee. V Citizens Action Network (VCAN) and created a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that perfectly suited the book’s themes.

From L To R: Actress Madhoo Shah, Indrani Malkani, June Roshni Lobo & Suchitra Krishnamoorthi at the book launch of My Father’s Earthen Vessel

The book and its unveiling were brought to life in partnership with Midnight Media Solutions, a leading integrated media consultancy with over three decades of experience in advertising, print, radio, television, outdoor, brand storytelling, communication strategy, and purpose-driven narratives.
 

My Father’s Earthen Vessel is a lyrical meditation on the father–child bond, a gentle, evocative exploration of love, loss and inheritance. Moving between prose and poetry, June traces the small, everyday moments that form a life’s worth of memory: the silent strengths, the habits that linger, and the tender rituals that keep a presence alive.

Speaking at the launch, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi said, “Supporting this book today feels deeply personal. As someone who has always been a father’s girl, I connected instantly with June’s theme and the emotional honesty in her writing. In a world where being an author takes immense courage, with rewards that are more soulful than material, her work stands out for its sincerity and heart. The parts I read moved me, because they speak to how our parents shape us long after they’re gone. I’m truly happy to be here and to celebrate this beautiful tribute.”

Madhoo Shah said, “I’m honoured to be part of this launch. When Shobha shared the synopsis of My Father’s Earthen Vessel, I immediately connected with its themes of discipline, resilience and the quiet strength we inherit from our parents. These are values that have shaped my own journey as an artist. In a world driven by constant validation, this book is a reminder of the grounding forces that keep us focused, committed and true to our craft. I’m grateful to support a work that speaks so meaningfully to the professional and personal foundations that guide us all.”

Indrani Malkani added further, “Curiosity brought me here this evening, the name June and the name Roshni instantly struck a personal chord. And when I spoke to the author early this morning, I felt an immediate connection to the spirit of the book. As someone who works closely with communities and believes deeply in values passed down through generations, the theme of a daughter’s relationship with her father resonated strongly with me. Our fathers shape our conscience, our courage and the way we serve the world. This book is a heartfelt reminder of those roots, and I’m glad to stand here in support of it.”

June Roshni Lobo shared, “We were raised to understand the value of gratitude, to recognise the people, moments and lessons that shape us. And that is the essence I wanted to express today while speaking about My Father’s Earthen Vessel. The book is a reminder of how our upbringing, especially the values passed down by our parents, quietly guide us through life. I’m grateful to have been part of this moment and to honour a story built on love, memory and heartfelt gratitude.”

The evening unfolded with heartfelt readings, reflections, and warm exchanges, as guests resonated with the universal emotions that the book evokes. The atmosphere at Title Waves was intimate and moving, a celebration of family, memory, and the stories that live on within us.

With its lyrical voice and universal appeal, My Father’s Earthen Vessel stands as a timeless reminder that love, like clay, can be shaped, broken, and remade, yet never truly lost.

About the Author

June Roshni Lobo is a writer and creative professional whose work explores memory, belonging and emotional inheritance. My Father’s Earthen Vessel is her debut book.