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  • As Burnout Rises Across India, AiR Calls for a Return to Stillness Through Pause for Happpiness 

    Backed by national stress and anxiety data, the initiative runs through January 2026 and promotes short, intentional pauses as a response to India’s widening mental health gap.

    India enters the new year carrying a growing burden of stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue that cuts across age groups and professions. Against this backdrop, AiR, also known as Atman in Ravi, has introduced “Pause for Happpiness”, a nationwide initiative that asks a simple but increasingly rare question: what happens when people intentionally stop, even for a few seconds, in the middle of their day.
    The campaign emerges at a time when multiple indicators point to a widening mental health gap in the country. India’s ranking in the World Happiness Report remains low, while surveys continue to highlight high levels of chronic stress, workplace burnout, and anxiety among students and urban professionals. Despite this, access to care remains uneven, and conversations around everyday emotional well-being are often overshadowed by productivity-driven narratives.

    Rather than positioning happiness as an end goal tied to success or external achievement, “Pause for Happpiness” reframes it as a behavioural practice rooted in daily awareness. Central to the initiative is AiR’s concept of happpiness, intentionally spelled with three Ps to reflect pleasure, peace, and purpose. In this framing, pleasure relates to achievement, peace to fulfilment, and purpose to inner clarity, with balance across all three seen as essential to sustained well-being.
    The initiative draws on research suggesting that short mindful pauses, including conscious breathing and moments of stillness, can reduce stress responses and improve emotional regulation. By focusing on brief, repeatable actions rather than extended retreats or specialised practices, the campaign positions mental calm as something accessible within ordinary routines, whether in traffic, at work, or between daily responsibilities.

    At the heart of the movement is the idea of what AiR describes as creating an inner atmosphere. This involves stepping out of habitual reactivity and tuning into internal cues that often go unnoticed. The approach does not advocate withdrawal from daily life but encourages individuals to engage with it more deliberately, allowing decisions and responses to emerge from steadiness rather than pressure.
    “Pause for Happpiness” will run through January 2026 and is designed to reach people through digital platforms, educational institutions, podcasts, and community networks. A central launch film narrated by AiR illustrates everyday scenarios where a moment of pause alters the emotional tone of an experience. These moments, portrayed not as dramatic transformations but as subtle shifts, underline the campaign’s emphasis on realism over idealism.

    Speaking about the philosophy behind the initiative, AiR has emphasised that happiness is not something to be chased but experienced when the mind and heart are aligned. According to him, even a brief pause can disrupt cycles of stress, creating space for gratitude, clarity, and emotional resilience. The campaign’s messaging consistently returns to this idea, positioning stillness as a skill rather than an escape.
    The urgency of such interventions is underscored by data showing rising anxiety levels among urban youth and professionals, alongside persistent stigma surrounding mental health support. By encouraging self-regulation through simple practices, the initiative seeks to complement, rather than replace, clinical approaches, offering a starting point for individuals who may otherwise remain disengaged from conversations around mental health.
    Over the coming weeks, AiR plans to expand the initiative through workshops, digital challenges, and collaborations with wellness advocates. The broader aim is to normalise the act of pausing as part of daily life, shifting the perception of well-being from an occasional pursuit to a continuous practice.
    As India grapples with the social and emotional consequences of constant acceleration, “Pause for Happpiness” introduces a counter-narrative. It suggests that amidst noise, pressure, and expectation, the most meaningful change may begin not with doing more, but with learning when and how to stop.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTub

  • What India Is Choosing to Build Is Quietly Changing the Country’s Architectural Language

    From Thal Sena Bhawan for the Indian Army and ONGC’s International Convention Centre to Technocity Kerala, American Embassy School, Rashtrapati Udyan Dehradun, Taj Lucknow, and Queen Elizabeth School Gurugram, projects by CP Kukreja Architects reflect how institutions, cities, and public life are being reshaped across India.

    India’s built environment is undergoing a shift that is less visible in skylines and more evident in institutions, campuses, landscapes, and civic spaces. As the country moves beyond rapid expansion toward consolidation and long-term capacity building, architecture is increasingly being asked to serve systems rather than symbols. The choices being made today, often away from the spotlight, are beginning to reshape how cities function, how institutions operate, and how public life is experienced.
    Across defence infrastructure, educational campuses, technology districts, hospitality developments, and public parks, a common thread is emerging. The emphasis is moving away from visual dominance toward clarity, durability, and contextual response. This transition reflects a broader understanding that architecture must now operate at scale while remaining sensitive to ecology, access, and everyday use.

    One of the clearest expressions of this shift can be seen in large national institutions such as Thal Sena Bhawan, the upcoming headquarters of the Indian Army in Delhi. Rather than presenting itself as a singular monument, the project translates organisational logic into spatial structure. Circulation efficiency, internal connectivity, security, and landscape integration drive the planning approach. The architectural language draws meaning from institutional values rather than decorative assertion, signalling a move toward purpose-led design in state infrastructure.
    A similar institutional clarity is visible in the International Convention and Expo Centre being developed for ONGC in Goa. Conceived as a composite environment for training, knowledge exchange, and large-format public engagement, the campus prioritises functional separation, operational flow, and adaptability. Its architectural expression responds to Goa’s coastal context without resorting to pastiche, indicating how large public-sector projects are beginning to balance identity with restraint.

    Education architecture is also undergoing recalibration. At Queen Elizabeth School in Gurugram, historical lineage is acknowledged through proportion, materiality, and spatial rhythm, while contemporary requirements are addressed through planning and infrastructure. The project reflects a growing recognition that schools are no longer just academic facilities but environments that shape social behaviour, movement, and learning culture over decades.
    This rethinking extends to international education environments as well. The phased redevelopment of the American Embassy School in New Delhi demonstrates how architecture can evolve without disrupting daily life. The project’s careful sequencing allows learning to continue uninterrupted while gradually transforming the campus into a more flexible and future-ready environment. Here, architecture acts as an enabler rather than a disruption, a principle increasingly central to large institutional projects.

    Technology-driven urban development offers another lens into this changing architectural language. Technocity and Technopark Phase IV in Thiruvananthapuram represent a shift from isolated IT buildings to integrated urban districts. The masterplan prioritises pedestrian movement, ecological corridors, and mixed-use interaction, reframing the idea of a technology park as a lived environment rather than a purely commercial enclave. Sustainability, mobility, and public access are embedded at the planning level, suggesting a more mature approach to economic infrastructure.
    Public landscapes, too, are being reimagined as essential urban systems. The redevelopment of Rashtrapati Udyan in Dehradun places ecology, recreation, and cultural memory on equal footing. Instead of functioning as ornamental green space, the park is designed as an active public environment with layered experiences, biodiversity strategies, and everyday accessibility. Such projects indicate a renewed understanding of public parks as civic infrastructure rather than aesthetic additions.

    Hospitality architecture is responding to similar pressures. The expansion of Taj Lucknow demonstrates how legacy brands are choosing continuity over spectacle. The design extends the existing architectural vocabulary through proportion, spatial organisation, and contextual orientation, reinforcing the idea that luxury today is increasingly defined by calm, coherence, and spatial quality rather than visual excess.
    Taken together, these environments reveal a broader pattern. Architecture in India is becoming less about individual statements and more about systems that must endure. Institutions are demanding buildings that can adapt, landscapes that regenerate, campuses that function seamlessly, and cities that support everyday life without constant reinvention.
    This quiet shift may not dominate headlines, but its impact will be lasting. As these projects move forward, they collectively suggest that India’s architectural language is evolving toward one that values longevity over immediacy, responsibility over display, and context over imitation. What the country is choosing to build today is setting the tone for how it will live, work, and gather for decades to come.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTub

  • Turmeric Farmers’ Interests Take Centre Stage at Hyderabad Meet Backed by Telangana Government

    Agriculture Minister Shri Tummala Nageswara Rao spoke at a summit organised by CII Telangana with the National Turmeric Board

     Issues related to farmer income, market access, quality standards, and long-term sustainability in turmeric cultivation were discussed at the Turmeric Value Chain Summit 2025, held in Hyderabad. The maiden edition of the summit was organised by CII Telangana in collaboration with the National Turmeric Board.
    Addressing the inaugural session, Agriculture and Cooperation Minister Shri Tummala Nageswara Rao said the Telangana government would extend full support to the National Turmeric Board and stressed that all interventions in the sector must be designed with farmers’ interests at the centre. He said regular income, access to appropriate technology, and protection of traditional practices were essential to ensure that farmers continue cultivating turmeric rather than shifting to other crops.

    The Minister noted that factors such as soil conditions, profitability, and farmers’ ability to manage risk play a significant role in crop selection. He also pointed out that turmeric could be cultivated as an intercrop in palm oil plantations and said there was a need to strengthen horticulture and vegetable farming alongside forest revival efforts. Describing turmeric as a crop closely linked to Indian culture and tradition, he said the decision to establish a separate National Turmeric Board in Telangana was a positive step expected to further strengthen turmeric production.
    Chairman of the National Turmeric Board, Mr Palle Ganga Reddy, said turmeric was the only spice among the country’s 53 spices to have a dedicated board. He stated that turmeric is cultivated across nearly eight lakh acres in India, with Telangana accounting for around 48,000 acres officially, though actual cultivation could be closer to 60,000 acres. He added that turmeric cultivation continues to expand in several states and said scientific studies were needed to document and promote the multiple uses of turmeric.

    Mr Reddy emphasised the role of market committees in improving farmer awareness about quality enhancement, particularly in major trading centres such as Nizamabad, Metpally, and Mahaboobabad. He said improving facilities at these markets would directly benefit turmeric farmers.
    Mr K Surendra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of Telangana, said the State’s Vision 2047 places farmer welfare as a priority, with twelve focus areas identified to achieve this objective. While economic growth remains important, he said increasing farmer incomes must receive equal attention. He noted that Telangana contributes around ten percent of global turmeric production and said farmer producer organisations and value addition would play a key role in strengthening exports.

    Ms N Bhavani Sri, IAS, Secretary, National Turmeric Board, said India currently meets over seventy percent of global turmeric demand but faces increasing competition from countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, and several African nations. She highlighted the need to improve turmeric quality to global standards, particularly by increasing curcumin content and reducing moisture levels below ten percent. Continued engagement between farmers and food processing companies, she said, would help address quality challenges.
    Highlighting the importance of Telangana’s turmeric markets, Mr R Sivaprasad Reddy, Chairman, CII Telangana and Managing Director of Rachamallu Forgings Ltd, said Nizamabad remains a key trading centre and that the establishment of the National Turmeric Board in the State is expected to provide a significant boost to turmeric production.

    Dr V Praveen Rao, Adviser to the CII Telangana Agri and Food Processing Panel and Vice Chancellor of Kaveri University, described turmeric as the “Golden Spice of India” due to its preventive, therapeutic, and curative properties. He said the sector must transition from bulk commodity trading to higher-value, quality-driven and compliance-led supply chains.
    Mr M Jayasankar M, Head of Strategic Sourcing, Agronomy and Sustainability at Synthite Industries Pvt. Ltd., said stable and high curcumin production remains a key challenge. He pointed to pesticide residue as a concern, particularly for pharmaceutical and export markets, and said public–private partnerships and backward integration would be important to build credible turmeric supply chains.
    The Turmeric Value Chain Summit 2025 saw participation from over 200 policymakers, industry representatives, farmers, and stakeholders from across the turmeric value chain, including representatives from the Spices Board.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Compliance Alone Will Not Build a Capable Hospital Workforce

    Insights from Mr. Deepak Sharma, Co-Founder and CEO, MedLern, on rethinking healthcare training

    The way hospitals train their staff has long been shaped by regulatory requirements. Training calendars are often designed around inspections, audits, and accreditation cycles. While compliance is necessary, relying on it as the primary driver of workforce training is increasingly proving insufficient. Rapid technological change, persistent staffing shortages, and rising patient expectations demand a more thoughtful and sustained approach to learning.
    When training is treated mainly as a regulatory obligation, it often sends the wrong signal to employees. It suggests that learning is something to be completed rather than something to be valued. Over time, this can create disengagement and a culture where development feels transactional instead of purposeful. In contrast, hospitals that view training as an ongoing investment in competence are better positioned to adapt to changing clinical, operational, and technological realities.

    Market consolidation and operational pressure
    Across India, healthcare delivery models are changing. Private equity–led consolidation has increased pressure on large multispecialty chains to improve operating performance, while other providers are building focused models around specific demographics, specialties, or cost efficiency. Regardless of the segment, there is a growing recognition that operational gains eventually depend on the quality and preparedness of the workforce. Systems and processes can only go so far if teams are not adequately trained to avoid errors, adapt to change, and deliver consistent care.

    Upskilling and continuous learning
    India continues to face a significant shortage of skilled healthcare workers. With only around 11 skilled health workers per 10,000 people actively practising, the gap compared to global benchmarks is evident. As a result, hospitals are increasingly focusing on developing existing staff rather than relying solely on new hiring. Structured upskilling and reskilling programs are becoming more common, particularly those that help staff transition into new roles, specialties, or leadership positions. These efforts reflect a shift away from one-time training sessions toward learning pathways that support long-term growth.

    Engagement and retention
    Training quality has a direct link to how employees feel about their work. Studies consistently show that well-designed training programs improve engagement and commitment. In healthcare, where attrition among skilled professionals can reach 25 to 30 percent, this connection becomes critical. Hospitals that create an environment where learning is continuous and relevant are more likely to retain experienced staff and reduce turnover-related disruption. This is especially important for groups that are more likely to exit the workforce, including women and older professionals.

    Responding to regulatory and technological change
    Regulatory requirements continue to evolve alongside advances in medical technology. Meeting compliance standards is no longer limited to documentation and protocols. Staff must be capable of using new devices, digital platforms, and data-driven tools effectively. Training in areas such as telemedicine, cybersecurity, and AI-supported clinical decision-making is now part of maintaining safe operations and patient trust. Competence in these areas supports both accreditation and quality of care.

    Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration
    Healthcare delivery increasingly relies on coordinated, team-based models. When doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative teams train in isolation, communication gaps are more likely to emerge. Interdisciplinary training helps reduce these silos by improving shared understanding and collaboration. Hospitals that invest in joint learning experiences often see better coordination and smoother care transitions.

    Building competence as a culture
    Moving beyond mandatory training sessions requires a broader cultural shift. Many hospitals are now exploring clinically led training models, mentorship, and peer learning to make development more relevant and practical. Leadership development is also gaining attention, as strong leaders play a central role in sustaining learning cultures. These approaches place responsibility for learning closer to clinical practice rather than treating it as a purely administrative function.

    Impact on efficiency and patient outcomes
    Competence-focused training has implications beyond individual performance. Hospitals are adopting digital tools to streamline credentialing, personalise learning paths, and assess performance more effectively. The healthcare sector’s recent growth has been closely tied to technology adoption and increased service demand. Better training supports faster onboarding, reduces administrative burden, and helps ensure that staff are prepared to deliver safe, evidence-based care.

    Looking ahead
    For hospitals, shifting from a compliance-driven mindset to one centred on competence is no longer optional. As care delivery becomes more digital and complex, workforce capability will increasingly determine operational resilience and patient outcomes. National policy directions and workforce studies have consistently highlighted the need to improve not just the number of training institutions, but the relevance and quality of training, particularly for nurses and mid-level care providers. Treating training as a strategic investment in people is essential for building healthcare systems that are prepared for the future.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTub

  • Global Design Jury Honours NAMO Grand Central Park With Top Architecture MasterPrize Award 

    The Kalpataru-developed public park in Thane wins Best of the Best in the Public Landscape category at the 2025 edition.

    NAMO Grand Central Park in Thane has received international recognition after being awarded the “Best of the Best” honour in the Public Landscape category at the Architecture MasterPrize 2025. The project was developed by Kalpataru Limited and designed by landscape architecture firm L49, earning distinction from a global jury that evaluates design quality, innovation, and long-term urban impact.
    The Architecture MasterPrize is regarded as a leading international platform that recognises excellence across architecture, interior, and landscape design. Projects selected under the “Best of the Best” category represent the highest tier of achievement within their respective disciplines. For NAMO Grand Central Park, the award marks the third consecutive year in which the broader project ecosystem has received international acknowledgement, reinforcing its position on the global design stage.

    Located in the heart of Thane, the park is conceived as a large-scale public landscape rather than a conventional urban green space. Its design places emphasis on accessibility, ecological balance, and everyday public use. Spread across a significant urban footprint, the park accommodates diverse plant species and bird habitats while remaining deeply integrated into the city’s social fabric.
    The jury citation highlights the park’s inclusive planning approach, which prioritises people-first design without compromising environmental sensitivity. Pathways, open lawns, shaded areas, and gathering spaces are arranged to encourage interaction across age groups, transforming the site into a shared civic environment rather than a passive recreational zone.

    For Kalpataru, the recognition reflects a sustained focus on contributing to public infrastructure beyond private development. The company’s involvement in NAMO Grand Central Park aligns with a broader commitment to creating urban spaces that respond to the evolving needs of growing cities. Rather than positioning the park as a landmark in isolation, the project is framed as part of Thane’s long-term urban experience.
    The landscape design by L49 plays a central role in shaping this experience. The firm’s approach blends ecological planning with urban usability, allowing natural systems to coexist with active public movement. Native vegetation, open sightlines, and adaptable zones support both biodiversity and daily civic life, reinforcing the idea of the park as a living, evolving environment.

    Urban planners and design professionals have increasingly pointed to the role of well-designed public landscapes in improving quality of life in dense cities. NAMO Grand Central Park’s recognition at the Architecture MasterPrize reflects this shift, placing emphasis on how large-scale public projects can shape social interaction, environmental awareness, and urban identity.
    As cities across India grapple with rapid urbanisation, projects such as NAMO Grand Central Park are being viewed through an international lens. The award situates Thane within a broader global conversation on public space design, demonstrating how Indian urban landscapes are gaining recognition for thoughtful planning and long-term relevance.
    The 2025 honour adds to the park’s growing profile as a civic space that balances scale, ecology, and community use. Rather than focusing solely on aesthetics, the project’s recognition underscores the value of public landscapes that are accessible, inclusive, and deeply connected to the cities they serve.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Filmfare Shorts 2025 Shortlists CHOICE as The Visual House Earns People’s Choice Nomination 

    The Delhi based Creative Communication agency short film explores intimacy, autonomy, and unspoken conflict through performances by Anupriya Goenka and Karan Singh Grover.

    The short film CHOICE, produced by Delhi based Creative Communication agency, The Visual House, has been shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award at the Filmfare Shorts Awards 2025. The nomination places the film among a select group of works recognised for resonating strongly with audiences while engaging with contemporary social themes through cinematic storytelling.
    Written and directed by Deepmala, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Visual House, CHOICE explores the emotional terrain of modern relationships, focusing on personal agency, unspoken expectations, and the subtle pressures shaped by social norms. The film relies on restraint rather than spectacle, allowing silence, pauses, and minimal dialogue to carry much of its emotional weight.

    The narrative centres on a meeting between Meera and Kabir, portrayed by Anupriya Goenka and Karan Singh Grover. What begins as a seemingly straightforward visit unfolds into a layered exchange shaped by hesitation, guarded vulnerability, and quiet confrontation. The film avoids dramatic escalation, instead drawing viewers into the uneasy space where personal truth collides with internalised judgement.
    Anupriya Goenka’s portrayal of Meera is marked by composure and clarity, conveying resolve without overt declaration. Karan Singh Grover brings an introspective stillness to Kabir, allowing uncertainty and reflection to surface through expression rather than dialogue. Together, their performances create a dynamic built on what remains unsaid, lending the film a contemporary realism that feels intimate and grounded.

    CHOICE uses domestic space and measured pacing as narrative tools, gradually revealing how societal ideas around gender, autonomy, and desire influence even the most private conversations. The film resists moral conclusions, instead inviting viewers to sit with ambiguity and examine the grey areas that define many modern relationships.
    Reflecting on the nomination, Deepmala said the recognition holds particular significance because the film was conceived as a conversation starter rather than a definitive statement. She noted that being shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award affirms the collective effort of the cast and crew and reinforces the value of stories that engage audiences on an emotional and reflective level.

    For The Visual House, the Filmfare Shorts nomination represents more than an individual accolade. Known largely for structured and brand-led visual narratives, the studio’s selection signals a growing commitment to independent storytelling that prioritises cultural relevance and emotional honesty. CHOICE demonstrates the studio’s intent to extend its creative practice beyond commercial frameworks and into narrative cinema that challenges, questions, and connects.

    The film is currently available to view on Filmfare’s official platform, where audiences can engage with the work as part of the People’s Choice selection for Filmfare Shorts Awards 2025.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Regional Business Control Moves to Bengaluru as Cellecor Reorganises Operations

    Cellecor’s Co-founder and Managing Director Ravi Agarwal confirmed the move covering five states

    Cellecor Gadgets Limited has reorganised its regional operations with the establishment of a South India regional office in Bengaluru, positioning the city as the base for managing business across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. The move marks a structural shift in how the company oversees its southern markets as part of its national operations.
    The Bengaluru office will function as the operational centre for Cellecor’s activities in the region, bringing regional leadership and cross functional teams under one roof. According to the company, the setup is intended to support closer coordination across sales, operations, marketing, finance and service functions, enabling smoother execution across South India.

    Bengaluru was selected for its location advantages and its role as a major centre for technology, trade and organised retail. The city’s connectivity and access to modern retail networks are expected to support Cellecor’s engagement with distributors, large format retail partners and service operations across the southern states.
    Commenting on the development, Ravi Agarwal, Co-founder and Managing Director of Cellecor Gadgets Limited, said South India represents an important growth market for the company. He stated that the Bengaluru office will allow Cellecor to engage more closely with channel partners, improve execution speed and respond more effectively to market requirements while strengthening the customer experience.

    The regional office will oversee Cellecor’s multi category portfolio, which includes televisions, home appliances, mobile accessories and consumer electronics. With demand rising across both urban and semi urban markets in South India, the company expects the Bengaluru base to play a key role in managing operations and supporting business growth across the region.

    Cellecor Gadgets Limited has continued to invest in operational infrastructure, talent and retail partnerships as it scales its presence across India. The company has positioned the regional reorganisation as part of its broader effort to maintain closer proximity to trade ecosystems and improve on ground coordination in key markets.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • RIZE 2025 Brings Together 1,400 Students as Kotak Education Foundation Marks a Milestone in Scholarship Support 

    Scholars from economically disadvantaged families across Mumbai were recognised under the Kotak Junior and Graduate Scholarship Programmes.

    RIZE 2025 brought together students, educators, and mentors in Mumbai as Kotak Education Foundation marked a significant moment in its long-running scholarship work. The annual gathering recognised over 1,400 students from economically disadvantaged families who have been selected under the Kotak Junior and Graduate Scholarship Programmes to pursue higher education across diverse academic streams.
    Organised by Kotak Education Foundation, the education-focused CSR arm of Kotak Mahindra Group, the event reflected the scale the scholarship programmes have reached over the years. The newly inducted scholars come from schools and colleges across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and represent a wide range of academic aspirations, from science and engineering to commerce, law, and professional certification courses.

    The ceremony was attended by students who will be entering higher secondary education, undergraduate programmes, and professional courses. For many of them, the scholarship represents not only financial assistance but access to structured academic support, mentoring, and long-term guidance through critical years of study. The foundation has consistently positioned education continuity as central to social mobility, particularly for students whose families face financial constraints.
    A key moment at the event was the presence of Rinku Hooda, Indian para-athlete and World Champion in javelin, who interacted with the scholars and shared his personal journey. His address focused on perseverance, discipline, and the importance of sustained effort in the face of barriers. Students responded with visible enthusiasm, engaging with his experiences and drawing parallels with their own academic journeys.

    The event also featured an address by alumnus Vishal Nevge, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax with the GST Department, Government of Maharashtra. As a former beneficiary of the Kotak Junior Scholarship Programme, he spoke about the role structured support played in his career progression. His remarks resonated strongly with students and parents, offering a tangible example of how early educational backing can translate into professional outcomes.
    Senior leadership from Kotak Mahindra Group and Kotak Education Foundation addressed the gathering, reflecting on the growth of the scholarship programmes over time. Devang Gheewalla, Group Chief Financial Officer at Kotak Mahindra Bank, spoke about the importance of sustained investment in education as a long-term commitment rather than a one-time intervention. He highlighted how the scale of the programme has expanded while retaining focus on individual student outcomes.

    Paul Parambi, Trustee at Kotak Education Foundation, encouraged scholars to approach their academic paths with consistency and resilience. He emphasised that the scholarship is designed to support students beyond tuition costs, with an ecosystem that includes mentoring, skill development, and exposure to real-world opportunities.
    Arati Kaulgud, Director of Scholarship Programmes at Kotak Education Foundation, said the newly inducted scholars reflect the transformative potential of education when combined with access and guidance. She noted that the foundation’s approach is centred on enabling students to explore opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach due to economic circumstances.

    The ceremony also included cultural and creative performances by scholars, offering a glimpse into talents that extend beyond academics. Each student received a scholarship certificate, marking the beginning of a structured engagement with the foundation that will continue through their years of study.
    RIZE 2025 brought together students, parents, educators, and Kotak Education Foundation’s leadership, creating a shared space to reflect on progress and possibility. As the scholarship cohort grows, the foundation continues to build on its long-term focus of supporting education pathways that lead to stable livelihoods and professional independence.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • A Year of Scale and Cost Discipline Put Hotelogix Into EBITDA Positive Territory 

    Under the leadership of Mr. Aditya Sanghi, the hospitality tech firm scaled room coverage across India and Southeast Asia while adding AI features, hourly booking and wider compliance support

    Hotelogix closed 2025 with a key financial milestone, turning EBITDA positive, as the hospitality technology company expanded its market footprint, strengthened its product platform, and deepened regulatory readiness across regions. The performance covered both Hotelogix and its distribution brand, AxisRooms, marking a defining year for the group.
    Reflecting on the year, Mr. Aditya Sanghi, Chief Executive Officer of Hotelogix, said 2025 was focused on disciplined execution. He noted that the company expanded across priority markets, improved platform efficiency and achieved EBITDA positivity, reflecting the scalability of its cloud-based hospitality technology business.

    During the year, Hotelogix strengthened its leadership position in India’s mid-market and emerging enterprise hotel segment. The company reported that it now powers more than 400,000 rooms across the country, representing an estimated 15 percent of India’s hotel inventory. This expansion reinforced its presence among independent hotels and growing hotel groups seeking cloud-based property management solutions.
    In Southeast Asia, Hotelogix crossed 15,000 keys in the Philippines and recorded more than 10,000 active users. Adoption increased across both independent properties and regional hotel chains, adding to the company’s presence in the market. The enterprise segment also emerged as a key growth driver, with revenue from enterprise customers rising 35 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year. According to the company, this growth was driven by hotel groups in South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa migrating from on-premises systems to Hotelogix’s multi-property cloud platform.

    EBITDA positivity was achieved through a combination of AI-driven efficiencies, a focused approach toward mid-market hotels in select geographies, and continued investment in customer support. The company also reported improvements in net revenue retention as existing customers added new properties, adopted additional services and expanded their operations. Referrals from existing clients contributed further to growth during the year.
    On the product front, Hotelogix introduced several enhancements aimed at improving operational efficiency for hotel operators. These included a multi-property dashboard designed for hotel groups and chains, allowing consolidated tracking of key performance indicators across properties. The company also launched an hourly booking feature, enabling hotels to sell rooms by the hour in response to rising short-stay demand.

    Artificial intelligence was integrated into the Hotelogix property management system to support dynamic pricing, forecasting, upsell recommendations, guest sentiment analysis and workflow automation. The company stated that these additions were intended to help hotels optimise revenue and operations while managing leaner teams.
    Hotelogix also expanded its compliance coverage across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. In Malaysia, the platform implemented e-invoicing capabilities, allowing hotels to generate verified electronic invoices directly from the system. In the Philippines, Hotelogix achieved Bureau of Internal Revenue certification to support audit-ready financial reporting. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the platform was integrated with the Shomoos Security System to automate guest data reporting.

    The company further strengthened its third-party ecosystem during the year, expanding its marketplace to more than 200 integrations spanning distribution, booking engines, revenue management, loyalty tools and accounting solutions. This enabled hotels to build tailored technology stacks around the core Hotelogix platform.
    Industry engagement was another focus area in 2025. Hotelogix hosted the second edition of the “Hotelogix and AxisRooms Connect” event in India, bringing together mid-market hoteliers, technology leaders and industry stakeholders. In the Philippines, the company organised the “Tech and Tonic” hospitality meetup to discuss sector trends and technology adoption.

    Looking ahead to 2026, Hotelogix stated that it plans to expand its product roadmap with AI-native solutions while accelerating internal AI adoption to improve enterprise-wide efficiency. The company said it aims to expand its enterprise footprint by more than 50 percent across Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with the mid-market hotel segment remaining its core focus.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Year End Auto Offers Gather Pace as Kia India Launches ‘Inspiring December’ Sales Campaign 

    The campaign spans models including Seltos, Sonet, Carens, Carnival, and EV offerings with customer benefits available nationwide.

    Year end automobile offers have gathered momentum as Kia India announced the launch of its nationwide sales initiative titled Inspiring December. The campaign is valid through December 2025 and offers customer benefits of up to ₹3.65 lakh across multiple models in the company’s Indian portfolio.
    The pan India campaign covers a wide range of Kia vehicles, including the Seltos, Sonet, Syros, Carens, Carens Clavis, Carnival, and select electric vehicle offerings. The initiative is designed to provide customers with value driven purchase options as the calendar year draws to a close, while supporting both new bookings and upgrades.

    Under the Inspiring December campaign, Kia India is extending a mix of cash benefits, exchange offers, loyalty bonuses, and corporate schemes. These benefits vary by model and variant and are subject to stock availability at dealerships. The company stated that the offers have been structured to make its vehicles more accessible during the year end buying period.
    Customers can book their vehicles through multiple channels, including the Kia India website, the My Kia mobile application, or by visiting authorised Kia dealerships across the country. The company has positioned the campaign to allow customers to complete bookings digitally from their homes or through physical retail touchpoints, depending on preference.

    Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said the campaign reflects the company’s continued focus on customer experience as it concludes a significant year in the Indian market. He stated that the initiative is intended to acknowledge customer trust while offering an opportunity to experience Kia’s design, technology, and ownership ecosystem.
    Kia India noted that the Inspiring December campaign applies across its nationwide dealer network and remains valid for a limited period. Customers are encouraged to check model wise applicability and detailed offer structures at authorised dealerships or through official digital platforms.

    The company continues to strengthen its market presence through a combination of product expansion, digital engagement, and retail reach. With a growing mix of internal combustion engine and electric vehicle offerings, Kia India has positioned itself across multiple customer segments in the Indian automotive market.
    Since commencing operations in India, Kia has expanded its manufacturing footprint at its Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh and built a wide sales and service network across urban and emerging markets. The company’s portfolio currently includes nine models for the Indian market, catering to both personal mobility and family oriented segments.

    As the year end buying season intensifies, Kia India’s Inspiring December campaign adds to a competitive landscape where manufacturers are seeking to attract customers through value focused offerings, flexible booking options, and broad product availability across regions.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.