In this editorial selection, Prittle Prattle News reviews five refined gestures chosen for how they quietly shape Diwali within India’s business and media circles.
Author: admin
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Gestures of Leisure for the Inner Circle: Consortium Gifts’ Diwali 2025 Boardroom Edition
There are gifts that carry sentiment. And then there are those that carry intent, unspoken but deeply considered. This Diwali, as corporate gifting moves from the expected to the exceptional, a handful of artefacts from Consortium Gifts signal a quieter form of celebration. Not festive excess, but private appreciation. These aren’t just objects, they’re gestures. Offered with care, chosen for a boardroom, a corner desk, a den, or a winter retreat.
The Boardroom Dome Candle
I lit it at 8:15 p.m. on a quiet evening, the kind when no tasks remain, but the mind still turns. By midnight, it had carved a small circle of calm in the room. No wax spill. No flicker panic. Just the quiet consistency of light, soft enough to think, bold enough to notice.
The Boardroom Executive Golf Putting Set
The Boardroom Poker Set
The Boardroom Bamboo Chess & Wine Tool Set
I placed this set in the conference lounge on a Friday evening. By 6:45 p.m., a quiet game had begun, not over competition, but as a gesture. A bottle opened. Two glasses set. A discussion that had ended hours ago found a second wind. No grand reveals. No fuss.
The Boardroom Bamboo Wine Tool Set
Conclusion
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Automobile Studies to Be Introduced in Karnataka’s Public School Classrooms Under Toyota Kirloskar Motor-Led Education
Over 800 students across 7 districts will study automotive skills as part of a values-based technical programme for Grades 9 to 12
A new academic development in Karnataka’s secondary school system will introduce hands-on automotive learning to students across government schools. Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) has formalised an agreement with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka, the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Government of Karnataka, to establish structured automobile studies as part of the vocational curriculum in Grades 9 through 12.
The learning model is being rolled out in eight schools across seven districts, covering rural and semi-urban zones such as Kudur, Kanakapura, Peenya, Bagepalli, Byadagi, Harapanahalli, Turvihal, and Haliyal. Over 800 students are expected to participate, engaging with both technical content and civic values as part of a broader development framework.The official memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of senior state education officials including Ms. K. Vidya Kumari, IAS, State Project Director, and Mr. M.R. Maruti, KAS, Director (Quality) at Samagra Shikshana Karnataka. Representing TKM was Mr. A. Ramesh Rao, Vice President External Affairs (Karnataka) & Corporate Social Responsibility.
This model of education extends beyond mechanical theory. Toyota Kirloskar Motor will oversee the installation of skill laboratories within the selected schools, designed to simulate basic automobile assembly and diagnostics. These facilities will allow students to engage with real-world industry practices and safety protocols from an early age.Faculty members in the selected schools will undergo formal training under a “Train the Trainer” model. Educators will be exposed to Toyota’s industry methods, giving them the capacity to teach technical modules while incorporating life skills, discipline, and respect for occupational health standards.
Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, emphasized the long-term vision:We are privileged to work alongside the Government of Karnataka to support students in this critical learning stage. This model introduces them to the basics of the automotive sector, but more importantly, it builds civic responsibility, ethical practices, and safety consciousness. Our goal is to see these students grow into capable, thoughtful, and responsible professionals.
The curriculum will merge vocational skills with foundational values such as hygiene, civic sense, sustainable living, and teamwork offering a layered education experience that moves beyond the conventional classroom.Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s broader education efforts are aligned with national frameworks such as the Skill India Mission and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Its education-focused CSR programme, initiated in 2001, takes a “Child to Community” approach, spanning primary education, road safety, healthcare, and environment.
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 YouTube.
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DL Appointed Jacob George as CMD, Mathew Chandy Continues to be Executive Director
Duroflex Limited announces an internal leadership transition after reporting a five-year CAGR of nearly 22%, focusing on operational continuity and innovation across product, retail, and digital platforms
DL, the parent company of leading sleep and comfort brands Duroflex and Sleepyhead, has announced a senior leadership transition within its board. Jacob George has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), following board approval. Mathew Chandy, who has served as CMD for the past decade, will continue in his role as Executive Director. The move reflects a continuation of the company’s growth trajectory and commitment to internal succession, signalling no change to its long-term operational strategy.
Duroflex Limited reported a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.97%, expanding across product categories, manufacturing locations, and retail markets. The company’s decision to transition leadership internally comes after a decade of consistent performance under Chandy, who helped reposition Duroflex from a regional mattress manufacturer to a nationally recognised brand with a strong digital presence and a broad consumer-facing product portfolio.
During his tenure, Mathew Chandy led Duroflex through a series of strategic shifts, including digital transformation, increased R&D investment, and the launch of health-backed sleep solutions. He was also instrumental in the creation of Sleepyhead, the group’s D2C lifestyle brand, which has scaled with younger audiences. On stepping down as CMD, Chandy said the company’s momentum was built not just on product or retail expansion but on clear governance, internal alignment, and a long-view on market building. He noted Jacob George’s contributions as critical to those outcomes and expressed confidence in the transition.
Jacob George, now CMD, has been a key member of Duroflex’s leadership team for over a decade. He previously served as Whole-Time Director Growth & Strategy and played a vital role in scaling Duroflex’s presence in western India. He was also instrumental in the acquisition and operationalisation of the company’s central India manufacturing plant. Beyond operations, George has led digital strategy, consumer research initiatives, and brand partnerships, including IPL collaborations that expanded the company’s visibility among new market segments.
Speaking on his appointment, George said he was honoured to take charge at a time when the company was financially and structurally strong. He reaffirmed Duroflex’s commitment to investing in product innovation and operational depth, highlighting consumer needs as the anchor of future planning. He also thanked Mathew Chandy and the board for their trust, noting the unique advantage of leadership continuity in a high-growth consumer category.
Duroflex has emerged as one of India’s most recognised brands in the sleep solutions market. Its product innovations include the Neuma mattress the country’s first firmness-adjustable mattress with in-house technology and the Duropedic Back Magic range, which is approved by the National Health Academy and used by cricketer Virat Kohli. The company recently introduced the Wave Twin smart bed and relaunched its Energize mattress series with Arctic Ice cooling technology tailored for Indian climatic conditions.
Alongside product expansion, Duroflex continues to invest in distribution. Its presence now includes 73 company-owned outlets and over 5,000 trade partners, supported by a growing digital ecosystem via duroflexworld.com and mysleepyhead.com. The company’s D2C efforts have broadened to include recliners, sofas, and multi-functional furniture, positioning it as a full-spectrum comfort brand.
The leadership announcement also confirms the operational role of CEO Sridhar Balakrishnan remains unchanged, maintaining organisational alignment as Duroflex enters its next fiscal cycle.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 YouTube.
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Global BPM and Digital Leader, HGS Expands in Philippines with New 3,000-Employee Hub
Part of the Hinduja Group, Hinduja Global Solutions strengthens its APAC footprint with a next-gen Intelligent Experience Hub in Manila’s prime business district
Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS), a global leader in business process management (BPM), digital experience, and digital media services, has announced the opening of a new Intelligent Experience Hub in the heart of Manila, Philippines. The move marks a major expansion of HGS’s APAC operations and is poised to generate over 1,000 new jobs in the region across business services and digital transformation over the next two years.
With an initial capacity of 1,500 seats, the state-of-the-art facility can accommodate up to 3,000 employees in two shifts, consolidating HGS teams from across Manila into one modern, tech-forward workspace. Located in one of the city’s prime business districts, the hub has been designed to power future-ready delivery models while enhancing collaborative capabilities and team performance.
The Philippines has been an integral part of HGS’ growth story for over two decades, and this new intelligent experience hub marks yet another important milestone in our commitment to this region, said Giridhar GV, CEO – APAC and Global CHRO, HGS.
He added that the center reflects the synergy of human expertise, AI, and empathy-driven innovation to deliver high-impact solutions for global clients. It’s not just a technology investment but a strategic move toward orchestrating meaningful, intelligent experiences that resonate with our clients and their customers, he said.Earlier this year, HGS signed a Letter of Intent with the Philippines government to significantly scale its presence in the country, reinforcing its role as a long-term partner in regional economic development.
The Manila hub becomes HGS’s sixth facility in the Philippines, joining its existing network of delivery centers. The new hub is built to support evolving technology-enabled service models, offering clients seamless, personalized customer experiences backed by a globally distributed workforce.As HGS continues to expand globally, the launch of this new center not only supports its digital-first vision but also further anchors the Philippines as a critical node in its global delivery network.
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 YouTube.
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IIM Raipur Launches Public Policy MBA, Celebrates ₹43.4 LPA Placement on 16th Foundation Day
Institute marks milestone with academic announcements, student achievements, and keynote addresses from national leaders
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur celebrated its 16th Foundation Day with industry and academic leaders joining the occasion. The institute also announced the launch of a new MBA in Public Policy and Management during the event.
Prof. Sanjeev Prashar, Director-in-Charge of IIM Raipur, welcomed the dignitaries and reflected on the journey of the institute since its inception in 2010. The event highlighted the institution’s strides in management education, innovation, and industry engagement.Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIM Ahmedabad and Chief Guest for the event, spoke about the evolution of the management education ecosystem in India. He emphasized that the focus should now shift from “education” to “learning” to better prepare leaders of the future.
The guest of honour, Mr. Sambasivan G, CFO of Tata Play, addressed the students on the relevance of adaptability, innovation, and self-awareness. He noted that success in a fast-evolving business environment requires more than just technical skills.Mr. Rajeev Jain, Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing at DS Group and an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, also joined as a speaker. He urged students to take ownership of their decisions and not let failures define their careers.
The new MBA in Public Policy and Management was also announced as part of the celebrations. This two-year full-time program aims to build leaders equipped to handle the complexities of public governance and policy-making in a dynamic economic environment.The Foundation Day concluded with reflections on the institute’s growth and its ongoing commitment to academic excellence, policy innovation, and inclusive development.
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 YouTube.
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On World Sight Day 2025, IAPB Report Reveals ₹3.6 Lakh Cr Annual Gain If India Prioritises Eye Health
Backed by Seva Foundation and Fred Hollows Foundation, the report urges urgent investment in school eye tests, cataract care, and glasses distribution
On the occasion of World Sight Day 2025, a landmark report by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), supported by the Seva Foundation and the Fred Hollows Foundation, revealed that India could unlock a staggering ₹3.6 lakh crore annually by prioritising cost-effective eye care interventions.
The report, titled Value of Vision, was launched at the United Nations General Assembly and presents a compelling case for investment in basic eye health infrastructure. It emphasises that interventions such as school eye tests, on-the-spot reading glasses, and improved cataract care could transform millions of lives while delivering one of the highest returns on investment in public health. For every ₹1 invested, India could receive ₹16 in economic return.
The findings are grounded in India-specific data showing a potential ₹2.27 lakh crore boost in occupational productivity, ₹78,700 crore from increased employment, and ₹40,800 crore in averted caregiving costs. The education sector also stands to benefit with gains equivalent to 9.6 lakh additional years of schooling.
India is home to over 70 crore people living with avoidable sight loss, a condition that severely impacts employment, education, mental health, and quality of life. The new data places eye health at the centre of inclusive growth, calling for early detection through community screenings, expanded access to reading glasses, enhanced surgical productivity, and systematic cataract care.Elizabeth Kurian, Chief Functionary and Trustee of Mission for Vision, India, said,
Investing in vision is not just charity; it is smart economics. We see every day how a pair of glasses or a simple cataract surgery restores livelihoods and uplifts families. For India’s growth and equity to be sustained, eye health must move to the core of national policy.
The report also highlights stories like that of Tula Ughada, a 19-year-old from Phangulgavhan, Maharashtra. Living with polio and poor vision, Tula was forced to drop out of college. After receiving a pair of glasses at a local eye camp, he resumed his studies, secured employment, and now lives a fulfilling life with his family.Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, reinforced the urgency:
Sight loss affects every aspect of life. But the solutions are clear and affordable. On this World Sight Day, we call on schools, governments, and businesses to act decisively and invest in vision for a stronger future.
With over 1 billion people globally suffering from preventable vision loss, the call to “Love Your Eyes” this World Sight Day is more than symbolic. It is a call to action rooted in hard data, human potential, and the opportunity to build a more productive and compassionate world.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 YouTube.
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Sugee Group to Host Maharashtra’s Grandest Diwali Pahat 2025 at Ravindra Natya Mandir
Morning concert on October 20 brings together Padmashri Suresh Wadkar, Rahul Deshpande, Vaishali Samant, and other legendary voices
As Mumbai prepares to usher in the festive season, the Sugee Group has announced the return of its annual Diwali Pahat 2025, set to take place on October 20 at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi. This year’s edition will once again spotlight some of India’s most celebrated voices, reinforcing the group’s commitment to cultural patronage.
Organised as part of the Narak Chaturdashi morning tradition, the Sugee Group’s Diwali Pahat 2025 will bring together more than 50 renowned artists in a musical celebration of heritage and joy. Leading the lineup are musical legends Padmashri Suresh Wadkar, classical icon Rahul Deshpande, and acclaimed singer Vaishali Samant, alongside a host of talented performers.Known for infusing real estate with community spirit, Sugee Group has transformed this initiative into one of the most anticipated cultural fixtures on Mumbai’s calendar. The Diwali Pahat 2025 is expected to draw music lovers from across Maharashtra, celebrating the dawn of the festival with melody and devotion.
The event will be held at 5:30 AM on the morning of October 20, aligned with the auspicious timings of Narak Chaturdashi. It continues Sugee Group’s tradition of uniting generations through art, music, and shared celebration a cultural commitment as integral to their identity as their urban development projects.Sugee Group has long played a prominent role in Mumbai’s urban and cultural landscape. By curating platforms like Diwali Pahat 2025, the group reinforces its belief that progress and tradition must move together, not apart. The event echoes the group’s wider philosophy of community-first development, where each project, initiative, or gathering adds value to the social fabric of the city.
Now in its latest edition, Diwali Pahat 2025 is not just a concert, but a musical homage to Mumbai’s evolving yet deeply rooted cultural identity. The lineup of performances reflects the range and richness of Indian classical and contemporary music, with this year’s roster promising to leave audiences in awe.
The event is open to all, free of charge, and supported by enthusiastic public participation. For attendees, Diwali Pahat 2025 serves not just as an artistic indulgence, but also as a spiritual beginning to the festival of lights.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 YouTube.