Archives July 2025

AWL Agri Business Elevates Rath Yatra Celebration with a Multi-Sensory Experience of Devotion and Culture

Puri, Odisha, 03rd July 2025AWL Agri Business Ltd. (formerly Adani Wilmar Ltd.), one of India’s largest Food FMCG companies, is set to transform the Rath Yatra 2025 experience by blending culinary traditions with ambitious multi-element technology. This year, the company is launching a large-scale campaign featuring a comprehensive seven-element strategy that offers both digital and physical experiences. The initiative aims to engage millions of devotees through immersive technology, live cooking demonstrations, personal care installations, and visually compelling anamorphic outdoor and transit branding throughout Puri.

Speaking about the upgradation of the Rath Yatra 2025 campaign, Mr. Mukesh Mishra, Joint President, Sales and Marketing, AWL Agri Business Ltd, stated, “At AWL, we value the local nuances which help us connect with our audience better. Our hyper-local approach is based on a deep understanding of regional cultural and culinary preferences, enabling us to engage with consumers in more authentic and meaningful ways through brands. This philosophy also guides our presence at spiritually significant events like the Jagannath Rath Yatra. Our goal at Rath Yatra 2025 is to honour this incredible cultural event by blending tradition with innovation. That’s why we’ve expanded from a single VR experience to a complete multi-sensory journey for devotees, along with other immersive experiences such as virtual bhog cooking sessions, temple-inspired recipe zones, and live kitchens, we offer devotees a chance to interact with our brands like Fortune and Alife, celebrating their faith in a personal, traditional, and heartfelt way.”

This year, the company’s flagship brand Fortune will anchor its presence through a 40-foot installation at the heart of the celebration on Grand Road. The Fortune Zone will house three distinct experiences — a Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) zone, a live kitchen demonstration with sampling, and a large LED screen for engaging consumers with brand content. A devotional highlight of the zone allows participants to cook traditional mahaprasad items like khichdi using actual Fortune products in mixed reality, donning the Oculus. The participants then transition to a virtual reality environment to offer the prasad in the Jagannath Temple. This experience of mahaprasad ends with them receiving a sample of the same made with Fortune products.

The zone shall also celebrate the joy of home cooking through a live kitchen experience, where participants compete to make the Odia traditional Kakara Pitha.

In addition, Alife, the company’s personal care brand, will extend thoughtful, utility-based experiences. A Changing Station will be set up near the beach to provide a clean, dedicated space for devotees to refresh after their dip. Complementing this, a fleet of Fortune-branded e-rickshaws will ferry visitors across the town, ensuring comfort and convenience.

Visibility on Puri beach will be maintained by a large LED screen displaying engaging anamorphic content, thus elevating the overall festive atmosphere.

This multi-dimensional campaign reflects AWL Agri Business Ltd.’s evolution from traditional advertising to culturally integrated, consumer-first festival marketing. By weaving together elements of devotion, innovation, convenience, and service, the company redefines how brands can authentically engage with India’s spiritual and cultural landscape.

Experience the Serenity of Rural Andhra at Club Mahindra Dindi

Chandigarh, July 02, 2025: Nestled in the quiet village of Dindi, in the lush Konaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, lies a serene riverside retreat where the majestic Godavari river meanders gracefully. Surrounded by just 250 homes and a population of around 2,000, the resort is set at the edge of India’s second-largest river, just before it merges with the Bay of Bengal. Originally a coconut grove, the land has been beautifully transformed into this tranquil getaway.

Set amid coconut groves, paddy fields, and aquaculture farms, Dindi is renowned for its calm ambiance, verdant scenery, and authentic rural charm. Visitors often come here to experience the simplicity of village life. Conveniently located near the towns of Narasapur and Palakollu, Dindi is accessible via Rajahmundry Airport (around 95 km away) and Narasapur railway station (just 15 km from the resort). While Vijayawada and Vizag are within driving distance, Hyderabad lies approximately 500 km away. Although Club Mahindra’s Puducherry and Mysuru resorts are closest in terms of network presence, they are accessible only via Chennai and not directly connected to Dindi. The ideal time to visit Dindi is from October to February. The summer months span from March to May, while the monsoon season lasts from June to October.

Spread across nearly six acres, the Club Mahindra Dindi resort features 50 rooms thoughtfully designed around a central lily pond. The architecture embraces a traditional village style, with terracotta-tiled sloping roofs reminiscent of homes in Kerala and coastal Andhra. Inside, the décor blends modern comforts with regional character, highlighted by soothing hues of parrot green and milky white.

Accommodation is divided into two main categories—35 hotel-style rooms and 15 BRS-style units—each offering serene views of lily ponds or landscaped lawns. The built-up area covers 49,000 sq. ft., while the surrounding land is adorned with manicured lawns, tranquil water bodies, and flourishing greenery. The resort’s standout features are its three lily ponds. All 50 rooms are built around the central pond, evoking a courtyard-like setting. Another pond hosts the rare Victoria Amazonica lilies, known for their giant leaves that can grow up to 8 feet in diameter. A third pond, adorned with water lilies, houses two exclusive water villas. These water features elevate the property’s natural appeal and are central to its unique identity.

Dining at Dindi is both comforting and locally inspired. The in-house restaurant, Spice, serves multi-cuisine fare alongside regional Konaseema delicacies, which are rich in local spices and feature seafood like prawns, crab, and river fish. The restaurant can seat up to 76 guests and welcomes them with traditional drinks such as buttermilk or badam milk. While ragi sangati is not part of the regular menu, it can be prepared on request, especially for guests from Rayalaseema or Telangana who enjoy it with country chicken or pappu (dal). For events and meetings, the resort also offers a compact banquet hall, Celebrations, which can accommodate up to 100 guests in theatre-style seating or 50 in cluster arrangements.

The resort provides a vibrant mix of outdoor activities for families and leisure members. Guests can relax by the scenic riverside pool, enjoy complimentary horse cart rides around the property (9 AM to 5 PM), or take part in sports like sand volleyball, shuttle badminton, Greenlong cricket, and table tennis. For those keen on rural experiences, the resort can organize visits to paddy fields, a rice mill, a jaggery-making unit, a mango jelly processing unit, and aqua farming sites showcasing practices such as fish ponds and prawn cultivation.

Given its riverside location, the resort offers easy access to boat rides operated by AP Tourism. These scenic cruises take guests through lush mangrove islands and onward to Antarvedi, where the Godavari meets the Bay of Bengal—a peaceful and rare confluence of river and sea. The area is also home to the revered Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple and offers panoramic views from its lighthouse.

Spiritual travelers can further explore temples across Palakollu and Bhimavaram or visit the Penugonda Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Temple. For nature enthusiasts, the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary offers a rich mangrove ecosystem and diverse birdlife. About 70 km from the resort lies the Koringa Mangrove Forest, India’s second largest, which features a 5-km-long elevated plank walk and guided boat rides. On the way to Rajahmundry, a stop at Kadiyam Nursery Village—home to over 400 plant nurseries—adds a unique experience to the journey.

Sustainability is at the core of Club Mahindra Dindi’s operations. The resort uses solar energy for water heating and recycles treated water from its sewage treatment plant (STP) for landscaping. Organic produce is cultivated on-site to support the kitchen’s needs.

With its soulful mix of riverside serenity, cultural immersion, and immersive experiences, Club Mahindra Dindi is more than just a vacation—it’s a journey into the heart of Andhra’s countryside. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a rich cultural exploration, Dindi welcomes you with open arms and an experience you won’t forget.

Telangana, Kazakhstan Officials Explore Business Collaboration

Deputy CM of Telangana Sri Batti Vikramarka Mallu & H.E. Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan; explore business collaborations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Government of Telangana! 

Kazakhstan-Telangana Ties Set to Soar: Direct Flights and Business Collaborations on the anvil. 

Sri Batti Vikramarka Mallu & H.E. Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan

Sri Batti Vikramarka Mallu, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Telangana; flanked by (L-R) Sahendra Vikramaditya Mallu, S/o Sri Batti Vikramarka Mallu; Surya Vikramaditya Mallu, sons of Sri Batti Vikramarka Mallu; Ainan Ali Khan, son of Dr. Mir Nasir Ali Khan; Smt Nandini Mallu, spouse of Sri Batti Vikramarka Mallu; Begum Meher Fatima Khan, spouse of Dr Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan; Dr Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad for the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh & Rooshna, Daughter of Dr. Mir Nasir Ali Khan; at the dinner hosted by Sri Batti Vikramarka Mallu and his family in honour of Dr. Khan and his family, at the Deputy CM’s official residence, today.

Hyderabad, 2nd July 2025: In a significant step towards deepening economic and cultural ties, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Sri Batti Vikramarka Mallu, and His Excellency Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, met at the Deputy CM’s official residence, today to explore collaborative opportunities between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of Telangana.

The high-level meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade, healthcare, education, and connectivity. Dr. Khan apprised the Deputy Chief Minister of the recent MoU between Hyderabad-based MSN Laboratories and Kazakh Invest for establishing a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Kazakhstan, a milestone in Indo-Kazakh cooperation.

Another key highlight was the discussion on proposed direct flight services between Hyderabad and Almaty, Kazakhstan, which are currently under consideration. Dr. Khan shared updates from his recent meeting with Mr. Ananda Acharya, Head of Airline Marketing and Route Development at GMR Airport, to initiate this direct air route, expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

In the healthcare and education sectors, Dr. Khan mentioned ongoing discussions with Dr. Srinivas Rao, CEO of Apollo Hospitals Group, to establish a medical education institution and a world-class hospital in Kazakhstan.

Impressed by the growing ties and potential, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister extended the Government of Telangana’s full support to all such initiatives. He also accepted Dr. Khan’s formal invitation to visit Kazakhstan.

To mark the occasion, Sri Batti Vikramarka Mallu and his family hosted a special dinner in honour of Dr. Khan and his family, underlining the warmth and goodwill between both sides.

The evening concluded on a high note, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to building a dynamic partnership between Kazakhstan and Telangana. Dr. Khan expressed heartfelt gratitude for the gracious hospitality extended by the Deputy Chief Minister and his family.

ONGC enhances Public Infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir

ONGC enhances Public Infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir – local communities and Amarnath Yatris to benefit

New Delhi/ Kashmir:

Energy major Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is developing Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas complexes at four key locations in Jammu & Kashmir, viz.  Baltal, Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. These assets will be operated by Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board under the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

ONGC Baltal Yatri Niwas

These facilities will provide safe lodging, sanitation, and emergency support to people undertaking Amarnath Yatra. Over five lakh people undertake this Yatra every year. This permanent infrastructure will also benefit the local population throughout the year.

The Baltal Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management Complex, spread across 6,315 square metres, is now fully operational and includes a Yatri Niwas, VIP guest house, security infrastructure, and disaster-response facilities. The Baltal facility will be formally inaugurated on 4 July 2025 by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, in the presence of ONGC Chairman and CEO Shri Arun Kumar Singh.

Construction is progressing at Nunwan (8,500 sq. m) and Bijbehara (7,640 sq. m), with both sites expected to be completed by September 2025. The Sidhra complex in Jammu, designed to serve as a vital hub for boarding, emergency management, and logistical coordination, is targeted for completion by September 2026.

In 2024, ONGC also constructed permanent 100-bed hospitals at Baltal (Ganderbal) and Chandanwari (Anantnag), in collaboration with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. These facilities, which include ICUs and staff accommodations, replace the earlier temporary medical camps and now serve as year-round Primary Health Centres for yatris and local residents alike.

Kaya Expands its Bengaluru Presence with 12th Clinic in Yelahanka

KAYAA

Kaya, India’s most trusted chain of dermatologist-led clinics, has launched its 12th clinic in Bengaluru, marking a key milestone in its citywide expansion. The newest location in Yelahanka, one of Bengaluru’s most historic localities, blends convenience with clinical excellence. With this launch, Kaya continues its mission to make expert dermatological care accessible across every corner of the city, ensuring no neighbourhood is left behind.

The Yelahanka clinic offers a premium, state-of-the-art environment, where clients can experience a wide spectrum of signature services, ranging from US-FDA cleared laser hair reduction and rejuvenating MediFacials to advanced pigmentation correction, scar and acne solutions, PRP hair therapy, Botox, fillers, and non-invasive body contouring. Each service is delivered under the guidance of Kaya’s board-certified dermatologists and is customised for visible, lasting results.

The launch was graced by Kannada film star Sapthami Gowda, whose belief in honest, expert-led self-care beautifully echoed Kaya’s values and added star power to the occasion.

“Bengaluru is India’s innovation capital and a natural fit for Kaya’s continued growth,” said Nishant Nayyar, Head of Marketing at Kaya. “With a discerning, high-net-worth audience that values quality, visible results, and ease of access, the demand for expert-led skin and hair solutions is only growing. Yelahanka’s rich heritage and growing momentum, made it a natural choice for Kaya’s next chapter in Bengaluru.”

Sapthami Gowda added, “In an era of filters, Kaya enhances our unique features rather than masking them. Their honest, expert-driven approach resonates with me, and I know Yelahanka will embrace it wholeheartedly.”

Dr. Veena Praveen, Head Medical Advisor (South) at Kaya Clinics, noted, “Every client’s concerns tell a story. Our goal is to decode that story with compassion and evidence-based care, bringing global standards to this vibrant part of Bengaluru. With this new launch, we are also bringing new technologies like MCT – targeted to supercharge hair restoration, Aerolase – targeted to transform skin conditions like acne, anti-ageing, pigmentation etc. and Artiqa – a non-invasive technology that combines thermal shock & electro muscle stimulation and helps in skin firming and toning.”

HGH India 2025 opens with a grand inaugural ceremony in Mumbai

Mumbai, July 2, 2025: The 17th edition of HGH India, the country’s foremost bi-annual trade show dedicated to Home Textiles, Home Décor, Home Furniture, Houseware, and Gifts, was officially inaugurated on 1st July at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Mumbai.

HGH

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr. M. Beena, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. ID. Ketan Sheth, Chairman, IIID MRC, attended as the Guest of Honour, alongside an esteemed lineup of special guests, including K N Srikanth OHL, Home & Kitchen, Amazon India, Ar. Dilip Parmar (Associate & Architect), Ar. Alpa Shikre (SSA Architects), Ar. Hemanti Sutaria (Prashant Sutaria Architects), and ID. Akif Habib (Atelier Habib).

The grand opening marked the beginning of a four-day showcase featuring over 700 Indian and international brands from 32 countries, including 100 debut exhibitors.

Organised by Texzone, HGH India 2025 embodies the evolving vision of the Indian home sector, driven by sustainability, design foresight, and innovation. The show brings together 45,000+ trade buyers from 650 cities and 33 countries, offering an ecosystem for meaningful engagement across every tier of the value chain.

This year’s highlights include:

  • The Green Shift & Sustainability Pavilion: Eco-conscious innovations, from biodegradable tableware to organically dyed textiles.
  • Trends 2025-26 Pavilion: A showcase of the latest design directions under the theme Emotion in Motion.
  • Gen Next Retail Leaders Forum: Spotlighting 10 under-30 changemakers shaping the future of Indian homes.
  • H-Circle Awards: Celebrating innovative product design, functionality, and sustainability.
  • Indian Heritage Pavilion: Bridging traditional crafts with contemporary retail.

With 90% buyer and 80% exhibitor retention, HGH India remains a vital business enabler and thought leader for India’s home and lifestyle industry.

HARTEK Secures ?138 Crore contract from PGCIL under TBCB route

Mumbai2nd July, 2025 — HARTEK, a leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company in the power & renewable infrastructure sector, has been awarded a significant contract worth ?138 crore.

The award pertains to the development of the 400kV AIS Substation Package SS-66T, associated with the Transmission Scheme for integration of Davanagere/Chitradurga and Ballari Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in Karnataka, through the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route.

 Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (POWERGRID) awarded the contract, underlining Hartek’s leadership and execution capabilities in India’s critical transmission infrastructure projects. The scope of work involves design, engineering, procurement construction, testing at the manufacturer’s works, supply (including transportation and insurance), unloading, storage, erection, testing, and commissioning—ensuring turnkey delivery of the 400kV AIS Substation.

 “We are honored to be entrusted with this critical infrastructure project by POWERGRID. The development of the 400kV AIS Substation under the TBCB route reinforces Hartek’s expertise in delivering high-voltage transmission projects and aligns with our commitment to supporting India’s renewable energy integration goals. This project will strengthen the national grid and accelerate the green energy transition, contributing meaningfully to the nation’s sustainable growth story,” said Simarpreet Singh, Executive Director & CEO, Hartek Group.

This substation will play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy from the Davanagere, Chitradurga, and Ballari REZ into the national grid, aligning with India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030. The infrastructure represents a critical building block in India’s quest for a sustainable, flexible, and secure grid capable of accommodating massive renewable generation additions and industrial electrification demands. It will enhance grid stability and enable the seamless flow of green energy across Karnataka, while significantly reducing transmission losses and lowering operating costs, making clean electricity more affordable for millions of consumers.

With this win, Hartek reinforces its commitment to powering India’s clean energy transition and enabling sustainable infrastructure growth. Contributing to such projects enhances credibility and positions Hartek among top-tier transmission infrastructure players. 

Hartek Group continues to expand across power systems, renewables, and power distribution products, offering end-to-end solutions aligned with India’s energy transition goals. With a focus on innovation, timely delivery, and operational excellence, the company remains a trusted partner in building reliable, future-ready energy infrastructure. Through its growing portfolio, Hartek is actively contributing to a cleaner, more resilient power ecosystem for the country.

India Celebrates Historic Milestone with First Freediving Judges

Mumbai, India July 2, 2025: – In a landmark achievement for Indian watersports, the country now proudly welcomes its first-ever certified AIDA freediving competition judges – Akshay Thatte and Archana Sankaranarayanan. Their certification marks a pivotal moment for the Indian freediving community, as the sport gains official recognition and the ability to host nationally sanctioned competitions.

Both Akshay and Archana are already trailblazers in the sport. Akshay Thatte, a former Indian Army Major and India’s first PADI Instructor Trainer, currently holds the national record in Dynamic with Fins (DYN). Archana Sankaranarayanan, a practicing lawyer-turned-athlete, made history as the first Indian woman to break nine national freediving records in a single year, and the first to hold all national depth records.

Their recent certification as AIDA Judge Level E – Depth & Pool, awarded by the Association Internationale pour le Développement de l’Apnée (AIDA), positions them at the forefront of competitive freediving in India. The training, conducted by renowned freediving pioneer Jean Pol Francois at Kaizen Freediving in Koh Tao, Thailand, emphasized safety, rule enforcement, and hands-on judging across pool and depth disciplines.

With the appointment of two certified judges, India can now host official AIDA competitions, particularly pool disciplines. This is a big step forward for the Indian freediving community.

This achievement not only showcases the expertise and commitment of Thatte and Sankaranarayanan but also opens the door for Indian freedivers to compete within the country—removing the challenges of international travel, visas, and logistical constraints. Their presence ensures adherence to AIDA rules, bringing transparency, fairness, and global standards to Indian competitions.

Archana reflected on the personal significance of this milestone, noting, “My parents always envisioned me as a judge in a courtroom. Today, they take equal pride in seeing me judge a freediving competition—a sport that has become my true passion.”

Akshay, a veteran of the Indian Army, also follows the sporting footsteps of his father, Captain Sanjay Thatte (Indian Navy), an international-level shooter and ISSF Judge (International Sports Shooting Federation). As an Instructor Trainer, Competitor, and Judge, he plays an important part in developing the sport of freediving in India.

With their certification, the duo not only represents India on the international freediving stage but also lays the foundation for a new era in Indian aquatic sports—one defined by opportunity, regulation, and a strong spirit of adventure.

University of Leeds Strengthens Academic Ties in India

New Delhi, July 02, 2025 – In a significant step towards deepening academic engagement with India, during a visit led by Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Shearer West, the University of Leeds has signed six strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with premier Indian academic institutions.

These agreements span a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, engineering, biotechnology and social sciences, reinforcing the University’s commitment to building long-term, sustainable and equitable international partnerships.

The MoUs include both new and renewed agreements with institutions such as the Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), the Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS Pilani), the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), and the University of Delhi (DU).

Commenting on these collaborations, Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said, “My visit to India marks an exciting milestone in our work to foster long-term, global partnerships. The collaborations formed and renewed here are built on mutual respect, academic excellence, and a commitment to tackling shared global challenges.

These agreements reflect the breadth of our academic expertise and our commitment to engage deeply with partners across the world. India’s leadership in research, innovation, and education makes it a natural ally as we collaborate to have an impact.”

The MoU with the Regional Centre for Biotechnology which will stimulate joint research in fundamental science is complemented by a potential parallel agreement between RCB’s Bio-incubator and the University of Leeds – Nexus hub to foster industry engagement.

The MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee paves the way for deeper collaboration across sustainable energy, biotechnology, AI, and other research frontiers, while the ‘Joint Supervision Agreement’ with Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth focuses on doctoral research and clinical collaboration in medicine, allied health sciences, and health professions education.

The MoU with the University of Delhi is grounded in a series of ongoing academic interactions led by the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Leeds, which was preceded by a successful joint workshop on social science research methods held in New Delhi in April 2025.

The Leeds delegation’s visit also marked the renewal of the longstanding agreement with BITS the Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani (first initiated in 2016) which is now expanding under the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences to develop plans for both research collaboration and student education.

Professor Nora de Leeuw, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds commented, “BITS Pilani is a fantastic institution sharing many common interests with ourselves in student education and research. Deepening our collaborations will bring significant benefits to academic faculty staff and students from both institutions and we look forward keenly to developing our joint plans for impactful research and innovative student education.”

Renewed MoU with the Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research supports the ongoing collaboration with the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Leeds in the areas of antimicrobial resistance, public health, and community engagement.

Professor Piruthivi Sukumar, Pro Dean International for the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds said, “India is a research powerhouse and a key partner for the University of Leeds, not just in terms of academic collaboration, but also in co-producing research that is globally relevant and locally impactful. These MoUs represent our commitment to increase joint research activities with Indian partners and our continued investment in building equitable, sustained partnerships that span disciplines, institutions, and borders.”

The University of Leeds continues to develop strategic alliances in India that extend far beyond traditional student recruitment, placing collaboration, co-creation, and global impact at the heart of its international strategy. Further announcements about collaborative projects and academic exchanges are expected in the coming months.

Galgotias Students Launch ‘Artistica’ to Connect Artists Globally

Galgotias iOS Development Students Build “Artistica” — A Creative Platform that Connects Artists Worldwide

Noida, 2nd July 2025:- For four B.Tech CSE students of Galgotias University — Aditya Kumar Gupta, Aida Sharon Bruce, Prateek Kumar Rai, and Roshan Karn — the desire was extended beyond just writing code. It was about building a community. Their app, Artistica, was created out of a personal desire to support other artists and provide a platform for artists to connect, inspire, and grow.

Born From Shared Passion, Built to Inspire

Artistica began as a class project at Galgotias University’s iOS Development Centre but quickly evolved into something far greater. Rooted in personal journeys, the team drew from their own lives — from rediscovering forgotten passions to celebrating family legacies — to build a platform that transforms the belief in the power of art into a vibrant digital canvas.

For Aditya, Artistica was a way to give back by building something meaningful. Sharon envisioned a creative sanctuary where hidden talents could emerge and flourish. Prateek, inspired by his mother — a school principal and once an aspiring artist — was driven to ensure that talent, no matter how long dormant, would always have a stage. And for Roshan, Artistica became the perfect bridge between his love for technology and his desire to make a lasting, practical impact.

The spirit behind Artistica perfectly echoes the vision of Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, who believes in empowering students to think boldly, innovate, and create solutions that truly make a difference in the world.

A Home for Every Creator

More than just an app, Artistica is a thriving, welcoming community that supports artists from all walks of life as they showcase their work, network with other creatives who share their interests, and develop their craft. The well-thought-out features of Artistica, such as the Explore section for finding new artists, the Community area for networking, and the Weekly Challenges to inspire creativity, tackle the actual issues that up-and-coming artists face: undervaluation, isolation, and creative blocks.

Supportive Mentorship at Every Step

Under the direction of Galgotias University’s iOS Development Centre, which was founded in February 2024 in collaboration with Apple and Infosys, the team was given hands-on training, continuous guidance, and rigorous direction. From early ideation to optimising UI/UX and getting ready to scale the platform after launch, faculty assisted them in navigating the technical and creative processes.

More than an App — a Movement

With the support of their startup, Artistico Nest Pvt. Ltd., the four founders hope to transform Artistica into a movement that honours creativity rather than merely an app. Each brushstroke, drawing, or design that is shared on Artistica is a narrative, a challenge, and a moment of happiness. And all users will find their people, whether they are seasoned pros or aspiring artists.

A Platform Powered by Purpose

As they keep improving Artistica, these young founders embody Galgotias University’s overarching goal of equipping students to have an impact in the real world. Artistica is evidence that when passion, skill, and mentoring are combined, the outcome can spur change well beyond the boundaries of the university — perfectly aligning with Dr Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University vision of empowering students to innovate with purpose and drive positive change across communities.