Archives April 2025

Davangere, April 28, 2025 — Grace Cancer Foundation, a Hyderabad-based non-profit organisation committed to alleviating the burden of cancer through education, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, and research, in collaboration with Maximus India, a Bangalore-based diversified organisation, launched a major initiative aimed at eradicating cancer.

The effort was marked by a free HPV vaccination and cancer screening camp held at Mayur Global School, Davangere, Karnataka.

At the camp, 350 HPV vaccinations were administered and 200 cancer screenings conducted. The HPV vaccine plays a pivotal role in eradicating or significantly reducing HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer. By preventing infections caused by specific HPV types, the vaccine can avert a large proportion of these cancers.

The program underscored the critical importance of collective action in fighting cancer, with influential voices calling for greater community involvement. This collaborative effort between Grace Cancer Foundation and Maximus India stands as a testament to their shared commitment to public health and cancer prevention. The initiative not only raised awareness but also actively engaged the community in safeguarding their health.

In a press note issued today from Hyderabad, Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli, Founder of Grace Cancer Foundation, Senior Robotic Surgical Oncologist, and Clinical Director at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, made a heartfelt appeal to the public: “Let’s come together to ensure every girl child gets vaccinated,” mphasising the critical role of vaccination in preventing cervical cancer.

P.N. Lokesh, Deputy Commissioner of Davangere, Government of Karnataka, highlighted the vital role of community participation in the success of health campaigns.

Ms. Praveena Bhimavarapu, Senior Vice President and Country Head of Maximus India, stressed the importance of early intervention: “Early intervention is key in the fight against cancer,” noting that timely vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women globally.

The initiative marks an important step towards the vision of a cancer-free nation, and the collaboration between Grace Cancer Foundation and Maximus India serv.es as a model for future health initiatives.

28 April 2025, Fiji: On Friday the 25 April, world-renowned humanitarian leader, Sri Madhusudan Sai, was conferred Fiji’s highest honour, the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’, by the President of Fiji His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. The function was held at the State House of Fiji and attended by dignitaries from Fiji and around the world. The previous recipients of Fiji’s highest honour include the Prime Minister of India Hon. Shri Narendra Modi and the President of India H.E. Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

In accepting his award, Sri Madhusudan Sai stated: “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this recognition from His Excellency The President of Fiji. I accept on behalf of our entire global team of the One World One Family mission. Fiji has always held a special place in my heart, it is truly a second home to me. This honour is a testament to the collective efforts of so many who have worked tirelessly to uplift and support communities across the country as well as the entire Pacific region. Through establishment of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital as well as a multitude

of humanitarian efforts in the fields of healthcare, education and nutrition, we remain committed to the betterment of Fijians. It has been an immense pleasure to collaborate closely with the Government of Fiji, the vibrant community of former Fijians abroad and our extensive global network of Foundations. Together, we continue to strive for a more compassionate, inclusive, and healthier Fiji”.

Sri Madhusudan Sai’s influence in Fiji is most notably reflected through the creation of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, the first state-of-the-art, fully free children’s hospital in the South Pacific. This facility stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of children and their families, offering advanced medical care that is otherwise inaccessible due to financial constraints.

The hospital’s work focuses on providing cutting-edge treatment to children, regardless of their background, and has already saved countless lives. The establishment of this institution represents a monumental leap forward in healthcare for the region, providing a foundation for future generations to thrive.

In addition to the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, Sri Madhusudan Sai founded the Sai Prema Foundation in Fiji, which has become a leading force for social welfare and humanitarian service across the nation. Through the Foundation, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at addressing key areas of need, such as healthcare, education, disaster relief, and food security. Under His guidance, the Sai Prema Foundation has become a critical partner in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in Fiji, organising mobile medical camps, offering health screenings, providing scholarships, and extending aid during natural disasters.

The Foundation’s work is a testament to Sadguru’s deep love and commitment to the people of Fiji, and it serves as a beacon of compassion and service that embodies the spirit of unity, solidarity, and community. Beyond Fiji, Sri Madhusudan Sai’s humanitarian efforts have spanned across over 80 countries, impacting millions of lives. His ability to reach the farthest corners of the world and provide aid where it is needed most has garnered global recognition. One of the most notable aspects of his work is his commitment to addressing hunger and malnutrition, particularly through his globally

renowned feeding program, where over 10 million children are fed every single day. This program not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also instils in the communities a sense of empowerment, dignity, and hope for the future.

Sadguru’s contributions to healthcare are equally profound. He has founded more than a dozen hospitals in India and abroad, all of which provide free healthcare to individuals who would otherwise not have access to life-saving treatment. These hospitals are equipped with modern medical facilities, staffed by highly trained professionals, and offer a wide range of specialised services in fields such as cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, and paediatrics. These institutions have saved thousands of lives and provided relief to communities in urgent need of medical care.

Perhaps one of Sadguru’s most remarkable accomplishments is the establishment of the world’s first free medical college, located in India, which trains the next generation of doctors with a focus on selfless service. This college, where students are given free education, aims to produce compassionate and highly skilled medical professionals who provide free healthcare to underserved populations. By breaking down financial barriers to medical education, Sri Madhusudan Sai is ensuring that the healthcare system remains accessible to all, irrespective of their financial background.

Furthermore, Sadguru’s reach extends to various other humanitarian causes globally. His global network of volunteers provides timely assistance and resources to communities in distress, including food, shelter, and medical aid, thereby offering much-needed relief in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. His focus on values-based education also includes schools, vocational training programs, and initiatives aimed at empowering young people with the tools they need to build better futures.

Sri Madhusudan Sai’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Serve others as you would serve yourself.” This guiding principle has shaped his life’s work and has inspired millions of individuals across the world to adopt selfless service as a way of life. His humanitarian initiatives emphasise not only material assistance but also the fostering of spiritual and emotional well-being. His teachings remind all that service to others is the highest form of living, and that true success lies in the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Through his personal example, Sri Madhusudan Sai has demonstrated what it means to live a life of compassion, humility, and service. His tireless efforts to address pressing global challenges, such as poverty, hunger, and lack of access to healthcare and education, have had an immeasurable impact. His work serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals, communities, and nations to come together for the greater good.

More about ‘One World One Family’: The ‘One World One Family’ is a unique humanitarian movement of Sri Madhusudan Sai, a social and spiritual leader, who is treading the road less travelled to reach the unreached, serve the unserved and do the undone in unimaginable ways.

The movement proclaims the survival of the weakest in society to create equitable societies, thus aligning with the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – ‘Leaving no one behind.’ By taking strides across sectors of Nutrition, Education, and Healthcare, the Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission has transformed the lives of over 13 million individuals across the world over the last 12 years.

‘Let no child go to school hungry ever’ was the call, and it galvanised into a morning nutrition movement. From feeding just 50 children in the outskirts of Bangalore, the programme has today grown to become India’s largest morning nutrition programme. More than 10 million children receive fresh multinutrient supplement drink every morning, eradicating their hidden hunger through more than 1 billion servings to date.

‘Erase affordability from the equation of education’ was the message which promulgated the expansion of the educational arena into 28 campuses that provide values-based integral education completely free of charge from Grade 6 to Doctoral Studies to over 3,700 students. A one-of-a-kind free medical college was inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi in March 2023. More than 200 students from the rural strata of society are being trained at the medical college to be moulded into capable and compassionate healthcare professionals who will serve in rural areas.

‘Compassion without Commercialisation’ is at the core of the healthcare services provided by the mission as single-speciality services for paediatric cardiac care, mother and child hospitals, multi-speciality services, outreach programmes, and diagnostic and wellness centres for preventive primary care. Over 3 million outpatient consultations and screenings, and 100,000 inpatient treatments including surgeries have been performed thus far. The world’s largest chain of complete free of charge paediatric cardiac hospitals have been set up in India, Fiji and Sri Lanka with the motto ‘Sirf Dil Bina Bill’, healing more than 34,000 little hearts.

Note-worthy Achievements

• India’s largest morning nutrition programme

• India’s one-of-a-kind completely free of charge chain of residential schools

• India’s first completely free of charge University with a self-sustainable model

• World’s first completely free medical college

• World’s largest chain of completely free of charge paediatric cardiac hospitals

A wave of transformation is surging forth continuously creating a ripple effect of gratitude, servitude, and sacrifice in the society through these acts of compassion that gives more and takes nothing.

National, April 28 2025 – Logitech today announces significant progress in eliminating plastic clamshell packaging from its hallmark mice categories, with the transition to paper now nearly complete. The magnitude of this initiative is estimated to remove 660 tons of plastic and reduce 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the air, equivalent to eliminating over 37 million single-use plastic water bottles annually. The global transition to paper packaging across tens of millions of products continues across various retailers, with expected completion dates by the end of 2025.

“Shifting away from plastic clamshell packaging marks a significant step toward our goal of completely eliminating single-use plastics from our portfolio. This milestone is about 90% complete and is our largest packaging endeavor to date,” said Delphine Donné, GM of the Personal Workspace Solutions business group at Logitech. “Before this transition, we successfully eliminated 1,800 tons of packaging material by implementing design modifications in other areas across our packaging. Every step forward brings us closer to saying goodbye to single-use plastic.”

A custom study conducted in partnership with GlobeScan’s Healthy & Sustainable Living report identified that 61% of consumers globally say they are interested in choosing recyclable packaging in the coming year. Single-use plastics and mixed-material packaging contribute to significant waste, as well as confusion about recyclability. While Logitech advocates 100% recycling of all materials, current waste management methods across geographical areas fall short. Instead, Logitech is proactively eliminating single-use plastics at the source.

“People increasingly value and actively seek out packaging less harmful to the environment. Using paper instead of single-use plastic enhances the customer experience by making packaging easier to open, visually appealing, and informative,” said Bliss Buter-Thompson, head of packaging at Logitech. “At the same time, we can optimize the weight and size of the package and lower the product carbon footprint – all in alignment with meeting our customers’ needs.”

Nearly 80% of a product’s environmental footprint can be influenced during its design process, impacting material choices and efficiency. As part of its Design for Sustainability initiative, Logitech has implemented packaging solutions that minimize environmental impact, including an FSCTM-certified paper packaging program introduced in 2019 and a Single-Use Plastics Policy introduced in 2021. The company also removed plastic shrink wrap in its Logitech G gaming division, and implemented recyclable materials like paper pulp hang tabs and wood fiber bags for many products.

New Delhi, April 28, 2025: FSSAI’s recent guidelines on use of r-PET as a food contact material, is set to give a huge fillip to circular economy in India. This guideline also aligns well with The Plastic waste Management Rules 2016 (as amended from time to time), which mandates the use of 30 per cent recycled content in rigid plastic packaging and is already effective from April 1, 2025.

Commenting on the recently released guidelines by FSSAI, Shailendra Singh, Director General of Association of PET Recyclers (Bharat) – APR Bharat, said, “It is a significant move by the regulator and is expected to fast track the adoption of recycled PET in food-contact packaging in a big way thereby giving a huge boost to the country’s circular economy.”

According to Mr. Singh, a combined investment of Rs 7500-8000 crores has been made into world class PET recycling plants, capable of making the safest grade of r-PET to be used as a food contact material. This investment is estimated to generate 10,000 new jobs and also benefit the rag picker community of over 2 million people who collect post-consumer PET bottles and send them for recycling.

The industry, which has already created a capacity of close to 4 lakh MT (commissioned), is hopeful of taking it up to 7.5 lakh MT by 2027 and further increase the installed capacity to 11 lakh MT by 2030. These capacities are being built across the country.

The current mandate requires using 30 per cent recycled content for rigid packaging, and there is more than adequate capacity available to meet emerging demand for r-PET, he said and also added that with the guidelines being notified by FSSAI a significant chunk of capacities will also be made available very soon, thereby enabling producers and brand owners to meet their targets of use of recycled PET content.

Hyderabad, April 28, 2025: UGRO Capital, a leading DataTech NBFC focused on MSME lending, today announced its robust financial performance for the quarter and financial year ended 31st March 2025. Continuing its journey toward becoming the largest small business financing institution driven by data and technology, the Company reported Assets Under Management (AUM) of INR 12,003 crore as of March 2025, reflecting a 33% year-on-year growth.

UGRO Capital recorded its highest-ever quarterly loan origination of INR 2,436 crore, compared to INR 1,554 crore in the same quarter last year — a growth of 57% YoY and 16% QoQ. Its Emerging Market LAP (formerly the Micro Enterprises business) also witnessed strong performance, with disbursements reaching INR 669 crore for Q4’FY25, up from INR 203 crore for Q4’FY24, marking a 230% YoY and 23% QoQ increase. UGRO’s embedded finance platform, MSL, continued its upward trajectory, crossing an AUM of INR 700 crore as on March 31, 2025. This reflects strong traction and reaffirms UGRO Capital’s commitment to empowering small businesses.

In terms of financials, Total Income for FY25 stood at INR 1,442 Cr (up 33% YoY), with FY24 reporting INR 1,082 Cr (up 58% from FY23). Additionally, the Company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 144 Cr for FY25, marking 21% YoY growth. For Q4’FY25, PAT was reported at INR 41 Cr, indicating 24% YoY growth.

On the liability side, UGRO Capital mobilized its highest-ever debt of INR 1,500+ crore during Q4’FY25, bringing its total debt to INR 6,904 crore as of 31st March 2025. These robust quarterly figures, along with GNPA/NNPA metrics of 2.3%/1.6% on the total AUM, underscore the sterling quality of UGRO’s portfolio, highlighting a well-structured risk management approach. UGRO Capital’s distinctive co-lending approach, off-book accounts for 42% of AUM, and its strategic partnership with 17 Co-lending partners, 59 lenders, over 10 green anchors, and 730+ GRO partners, facilitates data-driven, tailored financial solutions for more than 150,000 MSMEs across India.

Speaking on the performance, Mr. Shachindra Nath, Founder and Managing Director of UGRO Capital, said, “Our FY25 performance underscores the strength of our DataTech-driven business model and the progress we have made in reaching underserved MSME segments. With record quarterly originations and robust AUM growth, we remain on track to expand our Emerging Markets portfolio, driving both yield enhancement and greater financial inclusion. Our diversified liability mix, and industry-leading collection efficiency demonstrate the resilience and scalability of our risk-management framework. As we set ambitious targets for FY26, backed by continuous innovation and a growing branch network, UGRO Capital is more committed than ever to empowering MSMEs across India with tailored, high-impact financial solutions.”

INDIA– APRIL 28, 2025 – Juniper Networks, a leader in secure, AI-Native networking, today announced that St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) has implemented its AI-Native Networking Platform across SLEC nursing homes, active ageing centres and senior care centres, with the rollout expected to be completed by end of 2025. Leveraging purpose-built AIOps, Juniper’s AI-Native networking solutions helped SLEC unify wired, wireless, WAN and firewalling with a common cloud to modernize and secure SLEC’s network, while providing superior user experiences for its staff, elders and IT administrators.

 Transforming elderly care with a future-ready network
With Singapore’s rapidly aging population and a forecast of around one in four Singaporeans to be aged 65 years or older by 2030, SLEC has expanded from four to over 30 locations in the last 25 years, with more care centres and nursing homes on the horizon. To support this growth, the organization required a highly secure, scalable and AI-native network to deliver seamless operations, protect sensitive healthcare data and enhance the overall user experience.

 With the need for a centralized, cloud-first approach, SLEC transitioned from an IT infrastructure with 17 disparate systems to a fully integrated Juniper AI-native network. The deployment of Juniper wired access, wireless access, WAN and firewall solutions – all driven by Mist AI ensures highly-secure, measurable and high-quality connections with end-to-end visibility into the user experience, while network and security operations are managed through Juniper Mist Cloud for scalability and performance even as SLEC’s growth continues. The solution has allowed SLEC’s lean IT team to manage the organization’s expanding infrastructure with greater ease, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

 This transformation has delivered significant improvements, including enhanced operational efficiency, seamless connectivity across its care centres and nursing homes while strengthening cybersecurity to ensure a secure and resilient network.

 Enabling the secure implementation of innovative elderly care services
With Juniper’s high-performing AI-native network and advanced threat detection capabilities, SLEC was able to securely introduce advanced innovations like virtual reality for immersive travel experiences, advanced robotics for more effective rehabilitation and a smart transport management system to enable real-time tracking of its vehicle fleet to optimize routes and ensure the safe transportation of elders between care centers and their homes.

 Digitally empowering the future of elderly care
The successful implementation of Juniper’s AI-native networking solutions coupled with its robust security capabilities, has allowed SLEC to safely and confidently adopt emerging innovations, reinforcing its commitment to providing safety, well-being, and an enhanced quality of life for Singapore’s elderly population.

 Supporting Quotes:

“St Luke’s ElderCare’s goal is to provide holistic, high-quality care experiences that enhance the well-being of Singapore’s elderly community. By modernizing our network with Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform, we have transformed how we deliver care – ensuring seamless connectivity, strengthening cybersecurity and enabling innovative services for our elderly. This transformation has also empowered our caregivers with the tools they need to provide more personalized and efficient care, allowing us to future-proof our care services.”

Dr Alan Wong, Chief Operating Officer, St Luke’s ElderCare

“As we face the challenges of an aging population in Singapore, we are proud to partner with St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) on its journey of transformation and innovation. Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform will enable SLEC to cater progressively to the growing demands of elder care through the seamless scaling of its infrastructure. We look forward to continue playing a key role in SLEC’s progress they enhance their services, creating a secure, future-ready environment that benefits caregivers, staff and elders alike.”

– Perry Sui, Area Vice President, ASEAN, Hong Kong & Taiwan, Juniper Networks

Mumbai April 29, 2025 – HMD in collaboration with Free Stream Technologies (incubated at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur) and other D2M partners announces launch plans underway to meet mass consumer demand for Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) phones ahead of large-scale field trials in India. The announcement will be made at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 held at Jio World Centre, Mumbai.

Direct-to-Mobile is a breakthrough Next-Generation Broadcasting technology that delivers OTT & live TV, video, audio, and text messages directly to mobile phones without requiring Wi-Fi or internet service. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat (economic transformation of India) and supports the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Design in India’ initiatives.

Giving a boost to the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Design in India’ efforts, low cost feature phones, smartphones and tablets are powered by Tejas Networks. This technology has undergone extensive testing in live networks by Prasar Bharati in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Tejas Networks for several years.

 On this occasion, Ravi Kunwar, VP and CEO, HMD India and APAC expressed, “HMD has always been committed to staying ahead of the innovation curve and delivering the best consumer experience. With this philosophy at the core of our mission, we’re excited to be a part of the D2M journey. This groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind platform worldwide enables our consumers to access a vast array of multimedia content”

 “Sumeet Nindrajog, Director of FreeStream Technologies said, D2M is a technology that can transform how content & data gets consumed by the end users and the commitment from companies like HMD to establish the foundation for a robust device ecosystem is instrumental for our nationwide deployment strategy. Their ability to supply devices at scale demonstrates strong confidence in D2M’s future success.”

 Parag Naik, co-founder of erstwhile Saankhya Labs and Executive Vice President, Tejas Networks, said, “The phones are powered by Saankhya Labs’ award winning SL-3000 chipset, which is the foundational D2M enabler. We have also developed the Core Network platform that will enable delivery of targeted Ads, CDN offload, educational content, emergency alerts and other apps that will empower the consumers furthering PM Modi’s vision of a digitally empowered India. Our collaboration with HMD has truly been path breaking and we truly expect the best out of it.”

 Chris Ripley, President and CEO, Sinclair, Inc. expressed, “Large scale adoption of ATSC 3.0 in affordable mobile devices vindicates Sinclair’s forethought in leading US and global deployment of this broadcast standard as “mobile first” and in investing in Made by India technology.  To meet future 6G goals, we are spearheading the next release of the standard – “Broadcast to everything” (B2X) which will unleash next generation broadcast apps for numerous verticals. We are proud to have companies like HMD as our partners in this initiative.”

The implementation of D2M technology will enable Indian consumers to access entertainment, sports, educational programming, and emergency alerts directly on their mobile devices through terrestrial TV broadcast airwaves. This technology has been under development and testing in India for several years, with HMD now positioning itself as one of the first device manufacturers ready to bring this capability to market.

New Delhi, 28th April 2025: FUJIFILM India, a leader in printing excellence, has officially launched a new range of Four A4 Multifunction Devices and Two A4 Printers at the Dehradun Partnership Summit 2025, comprising four multifunction devices and two printers available in both colour and monochrome options. Engineered to deliver high performance in compact space, the new series is tailored for space-conscious environments such as retail counters, offices, and customer-facing service points. Available in the market from April 25, 2025, these new devices combine productivity, efficiency, and advanced features, making them ideal for businesses that demand performance without sacrificing workspace.

Equipped with the newly introduced Fast Boot Mode technology, users can use the products within seven seconds after power-on, and the control panel can be activated within one second from low power mode. Printing is enabled almost simultaneously, and they are ideal for users who have customers waiting for the printouts at receptions or counter operations. These products provide the same operability and major functions as A3 multifunction devices to contribute to business process optimisation.

Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, stated, “At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to delivering innovative products and solutions that embody our Group purpose of ‘Giving our world more smiles.’ By blending diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people, we aim to create solutions that bring joy and smiles to the world. We are constantly innovating to provide high-performance, and reliable printing solutions that cater to the growing demands of businesses in India.”

Mr. Priyatosh Kumar, Associate Director and Head of Graphic Communications and Device Technology, FUJIFILM India, further commented, “These devices offer high-speed printing, secure document handling, and seamless print management capabilities, making them ideal for a wide range of business environments. With Fast Boot Mode and automatic duplex scanning, we are confident that these solutions will significantly improve business productivity and contribute to smoother operations. We are excited to bring these advanced solutions to India, where they will help businesses optimize their processes.”

The A4 multifunction devices, Apeos C4030 / C3530 and Apeos 5330 / 4830, streamline operations to support diversified workstyles. For example, scanned data can be converted to PDF format with OCR (optical character recognition) processing, allowing easy search and edit on the Excel or Word documents. Users can also print from anywhere with Universal Print by Microsoft, a cloud-based print solution eliminating print servers and printer drivers’ installation.

Bangalore, India – April 28, 2025: Knowledgeum Academy, one of Bengaluru’s leading IB World Schools, marked the Graduation Day of its IBDP cohort (2023–2025) with a grand ceremony in Jayanagar Called Transcendence 2025, the event represented not only the completion of a chapter but the beginning of a new journey—one where learners step forward as thinkers, leaders, and global citizens.

This year’s theme, ‘The Beginning of Becoming’, reflects Knowledgeum Academy’s belief that education is an ongoing journey of growth, curiosity, and purpose. It mirrors the core of the IB Diploma Programme, which encourages learners to explore deeply, think independently, and lead with confidence.

The ceremony welcomed Dr Ramya Sethuram, a distinguished astrophysicist and Project Senior Scientist at the India-TMT Centre, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru. With an illustrious career spanning India, China, and France, Dr Sethuram’s work in galaxy formation and astronomical instrumentation resonated deeply with the learners’ own journeys of exploration and discovery. Her presence and address inspired the graduating cohort to pursue their ambitions with curiosity, courage, and clarity.

The event was further enriched by the presence of the Academy’s founders, Dr Chenraj Roychand and Ms Aparna Prasad, whose vision has helped establish Knowledgeum Academy, backed by the JAIN Group, an educational leader with over 30 years of legacy as a forward-thinking, learner-centred international school. Sharing her thoughts at the ceremony, Ms Prasad stated:

“Transcendence is about more than academic success – it is about resilience, reinvention, and readiness for the unknown. Our learners have grown not just in knowledge, but in character, and today they stand ready to make meaningful contributions to the world. This is the beginning of who they are becoming.”

The event included a ceremonial procession, the lighting of the lamp, the transfer of leadership from the graduating cohort to their juniors, award felicitations, the yearbook reveal, and a surprise musical performance. Educators, families, and well-wishers joined in the celebration, capturing the pride and promise of the moment through heartfelt reflections.

While the graduating cohort was the focus, the Academy also celebrated its academic achievements from the previous year. In 2024, Knowledgeum Academy recorded an 81.25% pass rate, a top score of 39/45, and most learners performing above the global IB average. These results show the strength of the Academy’s academic framework, personalised learning environment, and the dedication of both learners and educators.

The graduating cohort, too, has much to celebrate. Several learners have secured early placements at prestigious institutions across the USA, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Europe, and India. From Ivy League universities to premier design, liberal arts, and technology schools, these pre-admissions affirm the Academy’s commitment to academic and career readiness. Knowledgeum’s dedicated University Guidance Programme and personalised mentorship have played a pivotal role in shaping this success.

Knowledgeum Academy continues to redefine accessibility in international education. Located in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, it offers a robust IBDP framework rooted in inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and global citizenship. With small cohorts, experienced IB educators, and a values-driven approach, the Academy nurtures critical thinkers who are equipped not only with knowledge but with the empathy, adaptability, and leadership skills needed in the 21st century.

Transcendence 2025 was not only a celebration of what has been achieved – it also marked the beginning of what lies ahead. As the graduates step into the world, they carry forward the Knowledgeum Academy spirit: a love for learning, a sense of purpose, and the drive to help shape a better future.

Covestro has announced the launch of Desmopan® FLY, an advanced Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) series specifically engineered for supercritical fluid (SCF) foaming technology. This high-performance material solution addresses the growing demand for lightweight, performance, and sustainable footwear design while expanding possibilities across sport gears, furniture and electronic products.

Desmopan® FLY features an advanced formulation that enables superior supercritical fluid dispersion during the molding process, resulting in uniform fine-cell structured foams with outstanding mechanical properties. For footwear applications, this translates into midsoles with superior cushioning and energy return properties, and long-lasting comfort performance. The absence of chemical blowing agents and crosslinking additives ensures recyclability of the midsole; when combined with soft TPU outsole, the whole sole system supports circular economy initiatives.

“Leading sports brands are driving unprecedented demand for materials that combine elite performance with strong environmental credentials,” says Wilson Chan, Head of Business Development TPU Asia Pacific at Covestro. “Desmopan® FLY brings exceptional lightweight and resilience properties while maintaining dimensional stability and durability throughout the product lifecycle. Its optimized processing enables efficient production through automated injection molding, allowing brands to create high-performance, recyclable footwear that meets demanding consumer expectations.”

In a pioneering industry move, Covestro has installed the advanced SCF injection foaming system at its TPU Asia-Pacific R&D Center in Taiwan. This state-of-the-art facility enables Covestro to provide comprehensive R&D support and rapid application services for customers’ specific requirements, demonstrating Covestro’s ongoing commitment to advancing footwear material solutions and supporting the industry’s evolution.

“Our investment in the SCF injection foaming system marks another milestone in Covestro’s continuous innovation journey,” explains Dr. Christian Haessler, Head of Global Innovation TPU at Covestro. “This in-house capability enables us to optimize TPU material properties with precise SCF processing parameters. By being among the first in the industry to integrate this advanced technology within our R&D center, we can effectively combine TPU material and SCF injection expertise to accelerate customers’ development from concepts to commercial production.”

The combination of SCF foaming technology and Desmopan® FLY delivers an energy-efficient manufacturing process that reduces the overall carbon footprint. The automated injection process integrates multiple components in a single step, enabling substantial production efficiency while maintaining consistent, high-quality output.

Desmopan® FLY is now commercially available, supported by Covestro’s comprehensive technical expertise and advanced in-house facilities. This integrated material and technology platform empowers sports brands in their journey toward advanced footwear solutions, combining performance, sustainability and production efficiency.