The Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) commemorated the completion of 10 years of its journey with a special gathering of leaders from philanthropy, civil society, academia, and the development ecosystem in New Delhi. The event also marked the unveiling of ISDM’s new brand identity, signalling its evolution into a national institution advancing the discipline of Development Management in India.

Founded in 2016 to address systemic challenges in how social purpose organisations are led and managed, ISDM was established with a clear intent, to build the theory and practice of management for the social sector, enabling organisations to sustain and scale their impact. 

At its core, ISDM was created to strengthen a critical gap by complementing the efforts of government and other stakeholders, while business and public systems benefit from well-established management disciplines, the social sector has historically had limited access to a similarly structured framework tailored to its unique complexity and context. 

Over the past decade, ISDM has worked to build this foundation, developing leadership, strengthening organisations, and catalysing a broader ecosystem for Development Management.

The evening brought together ISDM’s extended community of founders, trustees, alumni, partners, and sector leaders, reflecting on the institution’s journey, its growing influence, and the road ahead.

The programme featured reflections from key stakeholders associated with ISDM’s journey, alongside a special showcase of its milestones, a musical performance by Manzil Mystics, and the premiere of a film capturing the institution’s evolution over the last decade.

Speaking on the milestone, Ravi Sreedharan, Founder, ISDM, said, “Ten years ago, ISDM was founded on a simple but urgent belief — that India’s development challenges require not just intent, but strong, thoughtful management. Over the years, that belief has only strengthened. We have seen our alumni and partners demonstrate what becomes possible when leadership is grounded in both rigour and empathy. This anniversary is a moment of gratitude, but also of responsibility. The next decade calls on us to expand our reach, strengthen the discipline of Development Management, and build institutions that can carry impact further, deeper, and longer.”

A key highlight of the evening was the unveiling of ISDM’s renewed brand identity reflecting both its evolution and its ambition for the future.

Today, ISDM defines its role through a sharper narrative, “Preparing purpose-driven professionals to lead India’s social sector, supported by a rigorous, practice-led discipline of Development Management.”

The new identity is anchored in its mission, “To create leaders for organisations driving India’s social development.”

Since its inception, ISDM has grown into a national platform for leadership development in the social sector, with:

• 8+ graduating cohorts of its flagship Post Graduate Programme in Development Management

• 475+ alumni working across NGOs, foundations, social enterprises, and policy institutions

• 75+ practitioners and academics contributing as faculty and mentors

• Multiple research initiatives and sector reports shaping leadership and organisational practice

• Leadership programmes for social purpose leaders, women leaders, CSR professionals, and philanthropists

Beyond individual programmes, ISDM has played a critical role in advancing Development Management as a distinct discipline, integrating management science, public policy, social theory, and field practice to strengthen how organisations in the sector are led.

Reflecting on ISDM’s next phase, Ashish Dhawan, Founder and CEO, The Convergence Foundation said, “ISDM’s journey over the last ten years is a powerful reminder that real change begins with investing in people who combine competence with deep conviction. Through its programs, it has nurtured leaders who are choosing to work where they are needed most, creating meaningful impact across the country. As its alumni network expands and the ecosystem matures, the next decade holds immense potential for ISDM to deepen its influence and catalyze a stronger, more resilient development sector in India.”

As ISDM looks ahead, it remains focused on three interconnected priorities: strengthening leadership development, advancing Development Management as a field, and building organisational capacity across the ecosystem.

The evening concluded with a shared call to action—inviting the broader ISDM community to continue building a stronger, more capable social sector for India.

International mind fitness app Give Me Five (GM5) has deepened its India presence with a showcase event in Hyderabad, highlighting the nation’s increasing focus on accessible mind fitness solutions.
 

International Mind Fitness App Give Me Five Strengthens India Presence with Hyderabad Event

Distinguishing itself from conventional wellness apps, GM5 serves as a trusted digital companion for everyday mind fitness. Available on both Android and iOS, the app offers simple check‑ins, guided reflections, and intuitive wellbeing dashboards that empower users to pause, reconnect, and identify early signs of stress or fatigue. Rather than replacing therapy, GM5 provides consistent, accessible support whenever individuals need a moment of clarity.

Early response has been encouraging, with over 500 registrations in the first weeks and interest from corporate organizations keen to integrate GM5 into employee wellbeing programs. This reflects a broader shift in India toward prioritizing emotional health in workplaces, schools, and communities.

Founded by Brendan Fahey, Dr. Lisa Fahey OAM, and Phil Dymock, GM5 combines decades of expertise in psychology, trauma recovery, community solutions, and technology development. The app has already expanded across Australia, the United States, and Canada, and now turns its attention to India.

The event held at The Park Hotel, Somajiguda, brought together actors, creators, students, professionals, and journalists for an evening focused on dialogue rather than technology. A traditional lamp‑lighting ceremony set the tone, followed by interactive sessions where attendees explored GM5’s purpose, its relevance to India, and its vision for mind fitness as part of everyday life.

The founders emphasized GM5’s guiding principle, “No one should have to navigate their thoughts and emotions alone. By blending clinical insight with human‑centered design, the app seeks to normalize proactive mindl fitness and make support approachable for all.”

With awareness of mind health steadily rising in India, GM5’s Hyderabad pilot signals the beginning of a larger movement, one that aims to embed mind fitness into daily routines and strengthen supportive environments across the country.

About Give Me Five

Give Me Five – is a global digital app designed to support early detection and proactive monitoring of mind fitness Built by experts across psychology, human services, and technology, Give Me Five focuses on preventive mind fitness support, enabling institutions and communities to create stronger systems of care through early awareness and timely intervention.

Website: gm5.io.

SOLIZE PARTNERS India Pvt. Ltd. (Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka; CEO & Director: V.S. Mahadevan; hereinafter referred to as SOLIZE) has successfully achieved the globally recognized ISO/IEC 27001:2022 – Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification. This certification reinforces the company’s strong commitment to protecting sensitive information and maintaining high standards of data security across its operations.

SOLIZE PARTNERS India achieves ISO/ IEC 27001:2022 ISMS certification

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is the current international standard for establishing, implementing, and continually improving an Information Security Management System. The certification validates that SOLIZE has implemented a structured and risk-based approach to safeguarding client data, intellectual property, engineering designs, digital assets, confidential business information, and internal operational systems.

As engineering and manufacturing industries become increasingly digital and interconnected, data protection has become a critical priority. Most engineering and industrial programs today involve distributed teams, cloud-based platforms, and cross-border collaboration. In such an environment, strong cybersecurity practices are essential to protect product designs, proprietary technologies, and strategic business information.

With this certification, SOLIZE ensures robust access controls, continuous risk monitoring, defined incident response mechanisms, and business continuity planning. The company has also established clear policies, regular internal audits, employee awareness programs, and structured governance frameworks to strengthen information security at every level of the organization.

The certification further strengthens SOLIZE’s commitment to its work with OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and enterprises across automotive, manufacturing, industrial, aerospace, defense, transportation, and technology sectors. Many global clients operate under strict international security compliance requirements, and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification provides assurance that their data is handled with the highest level of protection and responsibility.

“Information security is fundamental to modern engineering collaboration,” said V.S. Mahadevan, CEO & Director, SOLIZE PARTNERS India. “Achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification validates our commitment to protecting client intellectual property through structured and process-driven operations. As digital transformation accelerates, strong governance and secure systems are essential to building long-term trust.”

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification represents an ongoing commitment. SOLIZE will continue to review, monitor, and improve its security practices to address evolving cyber threats and regulatory expectations. By aligning with global best practices, the company reinforces its focus on operational excellence, compliance, and trusted engineering partnerships.

About SOLIZE PARTNERS India Pvt. Ltd.

SOLIZE PARTNERS India, a key entity of the SOLIZE Group, provides engineering and technology services across transportation, aerospace and defense, and other manufacturing and industrial sectors. The company supports enterprise-level digital transformation through the design and delivery of efficient, future-ready, end-to-end engineering solutions, anchored by secure and globally aligned practices.

For more information, please visit www.solizepartners.in or contact Archana (archana.bh@solize.com).

• L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) partnered with Aatm Nirbhar and provided professional training on two-wheeler riding at K.L.E. Society’s Jagadguru Gangadhar College of Commerce, Hubballi

• Beyond two-wheeler riding skills, the initiative integrated road safety modules and learner’s licensing support

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, successfully concluded its ‘Pillion Rider to Rider’ program at the K.L.E. Society’s Jagadguru Gangadhar College of Commerce, Hubballi. In a partnership with Aatm Nirbhar, a social enterprise and women’s mobility training organisation, LTF empowered over 100 women to achieve true independence and mobility.

L&T Finance’s ‘Pillion Rider to Rider’ program’s felicitation ceremony at the K.L.E. Society’s JG College of Commerce, Hubballi

The initiative serves as a strategic touchpoint for LTF, reinforcing its commitment as a trusted enabler for the next generation. By facilitating the shift from public transit to personal two-wheeler mobility, the program instilled lasting independence and self-reliance among young commuters.

The program saw its women participants transform into confident and independent riders. Beyond the mechanical skill of riding, LTF assisted every participant in securing their official learner’s licenses.

To ensure a safe, sustainable, and modern learning experience, the program utilised popular, beginner-friendly models for hands-on training. Beyond physical riding skills, the curriculum prioritised responsible citizenship; the felicitation ceremony was preceded by an intensive Road Safety & Driving module. This session educated women on traffic regulations and the ethics of the road, ensuring they are not just mobile but also safety-conscious. Upon completion, participation certificates were presented to the learners. 

Mr. Jinesh Shah, Chief Executive – Urban Secured Assets & Third-Party Products at LTF, shared, “At LTF, our role extends far beyond traditional lending; we are the architects of enablement. The ‘Pillion Rider to Rider’ initiative serves as a powerful testament to our commitment to driving mobility and empowering the next generation to take control of their own journeys. By training over 100 women for two-wheelers, we are ensuring they hit the road as disciplined, safety-conscious drivers.”

“This commitment to responsible mobility is mirrored in our business excellence. Our Two-Wheeler Finance business is one of our top three fulcrum products, and as a leading financier in this segment, we take pride in maintaining a prime-dominant portfolio with a superior zero DPD (Days Past Due) record compared with the industry. We extend this same level of empowerment to all our customers through our broader Two-Wheeler Finance offerings, featuring instant approvals, maximum loan eligibility, and competitive EMIs starting at Rs. 2,199 per lakh. This industry-leading underwriting speed is driven by ‘Project Cyclops,’ our proprietary Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning three-dimensional credit risk assessment engine that evaluates creditworthiness in real-time.”

In the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26), LTF’s Two-Wheeler Finance business achieved an all-time high quarterly disbursements of Rs. 3,217 Crore, representing a significant 33% Year-on-Year (YoY) growth. Consequently, the total book size reached Rs. 13,913 Crore, marking a 10% YoY increase.

K.L.E. Society’s Jagadguru Gangadhar College of Commerce, Hubballi is a premier, NAAC A++ accredited institution established in 1947. Affiliated with Karnataka University, the college offers B.Com. and M.Com. programs, with a focus on comprehensive education in commerce, including specialised training in taxation and computer applications. The college is known for a strong, experienced faculty and active placement support for students.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)
L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies.  In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook.  It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women’s empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

X: x.com/LnTFinance

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LnTFS

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lntfinance

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance

India’s leading tiles and bathware manufacturer Kajaria has unveiled its latest television commercial under the tagline ‘Log Toh Poochenge Hi’, starring Indian cinema’s superstar Ranveer Singh and pan-India star Rashmika Mandanna. The new brand film is already generating strong attention, further amplifying the campaign’s growing popularity among consumers and design enthusiasts alike.

Rashmika and Ranveer in the new TV Commercial by Kajaria

Built on the insight that thoughtfully designed homes naturally attract admiration, the commercial positions superior tiles and bathware as effortless conversation starters. The film features Ranveer Singh and Rashmika Mandanna as an accomplished Army couple hosting a senior Brigadier and his wife at their picturesque hillside home. Through understated moments of appreciation — from outdoor pathways and elegant living spaces to refined kitchen finishes and Kerovit bath fittings — the narrative subtly highlights Kajaria’s design excellence.

Log Toh Poochenge Hi | New TVC Featuring Ranveer Singh & Rashmika Mandanna

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lidmgWzL2yk

Blending warmth, pride, humour and relatability, the TVC concludes with a powerful message: when you choose Kajaria Tiles and Kerovit bathware, appreciation is inevitable — because “Log Toh Poochenge Hi”.

Conceptualized as a high-visibility brand push, the campaign continues Kajaria’s strategy of combining celebrity-led storytelling with sharp consumer insight to reinforce aspiration, recall and product credibility across India’s rapidly preimmunizing housing market. By seamlessly integrating both tiles and bathware within one cohesive narrative, the film further strengthens Kajaria’s positioning as a comprehensive premium home solutions brand.

Commenting on the association, Mr. Chetan Kajaria, Vice Chairman at Kajaria Ceramics Ltd. said, “At Kajaria, we are constantly evolving to stay aligned with the aspirations of modern Indian consumers. Bringing Rashmika Mandanna on board alongside Ranveer Singh reflects our commitment to building a strong cultural connect with homeowners across regions, We look forward to leveraging this powerful partnership to further strengthen our engagement with customers and inspire beautiful living spaces across the country.”

Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Rishi Kajaria, Managing Director at Kajaria Ceramics Ltd. said, “With ‘Log Toh Poochenge Hi,’ our objective is to elevate the brand conversation towards emotion and brand ownership while showcasing modern design and uncompromised quality. Today’s consumers see their homes as an expression of identity, and Kajaria’s tiles and Kerovit bathware play a central role in enabling that aspiration. Bringing Indian cinema’s force Ranveer Singh and Rashmika Mandanna together in a relatable, story-led narrative allows us to strengthen Kajaria’s positioning as a complete premium home solutions brand while expanding our reach across every corner of the country, especially in the southern markets.”

Ranveer Singh added: “What I love about this campaign is how relatable the insight is — when you build a home with care and great design, it naturally becomes special. The film showcases that pride in a very fun, slice-of-life way. Shooting this with Rashmika was great, and I think audiences will really enjoy how the campaign put smiles on faces.”

Rashmika Mandanna said, “This phase of life makes the idea of ‘home’ feel even more special to me, which is why this film felt very close to my heart. It beautifully captures how a home isn’t just about how it looks, but how it reflects your journey and the life you’re building together. The story has a lovely warmth to it, and shooting it with Ranveer brought such fun and easy chemistry that I think audiences will truly feel on screen.”

The TVC is being rolled out across television and digital platforms, supported by outdoor, print and cinema amplification. Kajaria expects the campaign to further strengthen brand salience in the premium category while driving cross-category adoption between tiles and bathware as it scales its integrated home solutions strategy. 

Entrepreneur Abhishek Middha has announced the launch of Middha Ventures, the investment arm of Middha Global, marking a formal entry into India’s early-stage startup ecosystem. 

Based in Mumbai, Middha Ventures will operate as a family office focused on backing high-potential startups across consumer and emerging sectors, combining patient capital with hands-on strategic support.
 

Abhishek Middha- Founder Middha Ventures

Signaling immediate deal momentum, the firm has announced investments in two early-stage startups- Ruskle and Fitreak.
 

Middha Ventures invested in Ruskle, valuing the company at INR 14 crore. Ruskle is India’s first flavored rusk brand, reimagining a traditional $600 million category with innovative flavors targeted at younger consumers.
 

What stood out during the pitch was the brand’s experiential approach, the founders invited the audience to taste the product before presenting, creating an immediate and memorable connection.
 

“They were very intentional in how they built conviction, letting the product speak before the narrative.That kind of clarity, paired with fast execution, is what we look for in early-stage founders,” said Abhishek Middha. “They built belief before they built the story.”
 

In a separate transaction, Middha Ventures led a round of INR 70 lacs in Fitreak, an emerging fitness and wellness marketplace.
 

Fitreak Founders – Dipti Gupta and Arth Gupta

Fitreak is building a curated, integrated marketplace for fitness, nutrition, and wellness products, addressing fragmentation and trust gaps in the category through curated commerce, AI-led recommendations, and expert-backed content.
 

The investment reflects Middha’s conviction in strong founder-led execution. Middha ventures believe the Fitreak founder returned with rapid validation after initial feedback, onboarding notable brands within weeks and demonstrating clear market demand.
 

“The clarity of thought and bias toward execution stood out. I am not just backing the idea, but a founder willing to build,” Middha added.
 

The launch of Middha Ventures, alongside these investments, signals a clear strategy to back founders who combine strong product thinking with differentiated go-to-market approaches.
 

“India is entering a powerful decade of entrepreneurship. We want to partner with founders who are not just building products, but creating experiences and redefining categories,” Middha said.
 

Industry observers note that this move reflects a broader trend of traditional business families entering the startup ecosystem through structured investment platforms, bringing long-term capital and operational expertise to early-stage companies.
 

About Abhishek Middha

Abhishek Middha is an entrepreneur-turned-investor who has spent over a decade and a half building businesses in global trade and logistics. As Managing Director of Middha Global and CEO of QShip Worldwide, he has worked closely with international markets, supply chains, and real-world execution challenges.
 

He now supports early-stage founders through Middha Ventures, by backing people first those driven by conviction, consistency, and the ability to build through uncertainty. Abhishek invests with a long-term lens, shaped by the lessons, setbacks, and discipline of building businesses from the ground up.