Archives August 2025

Ms. Surya Pillai with Smt. Bhagyalakshmi

Trivandrum, August 21, 2025: Bhuvanam BotaniX, a homegrown brand rooted in purity, tradition, and holistic wellness, proudly launched its Onion Flax Seed Hair Oil at the Maitri Onam Fest, organized by NSS Vanitha Samajam, Sasthamangalam, Trivandrum.

The much-awaited two-day festive exhibition, taking place on August 21 & 22, 2025, brought together a diverse collection of stalls that beautifully blended tradition, artistry, and entrepreneurship. From handmade linens, sarees, and apparel for children and adults to artisanal bags, jewelry, plants, pots, and mouthwatering homemade delicacies and pickles, the fest offered something for every visitor, creating an atmosphere of celebration and community spirit.

The grand inauguration was graced by renowned dubbing artist and writer Smt. Bhagyalakshmi, who lit up the occasion with her presence. In a warm gesture of encouragement, she purchased the Bhuvanam BotaniX Onion Flax Seed Oil, applauding the brand’s initiative to bring pure, handcrafted, and nature-inspired wellness solutions to the public. Her support underscored the importance of celebrating local entrepreneurship and nurturing sustainable wellness traditions.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms, Surya Pillai, Founder of Bhuvanam BotaniX, expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“At Bhuvanam BotaniX, we believe purity should meet purpose. Our products are crafted in small batches with care, love, and tradition, because nature always knows best. We are truly grateful to NSS Karayogam and NSS Vanitha Samajam, Sasthamangalam, Trivandrum, to President Smt. Rama Vijay Kumar, and to all the distinguished members for giving us this wonderful opportunity to launch at Maitri Onam Fest. I am also deeply thankful to the team from Shreyas Webmedia for their constant support and encouragement in making this launch a success. Above all, I remain grateful to my friends and family for their unwavering support, which has been the foundation of this journey.”

The event, hosted at the NSS Karayogam Hall, Sasthamangalam, Trivandrum, runs from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM on both days, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural experience. Beyond shopping, the festival is a celebration of Onam’s spirit of togetherness, creativity, and sustainability—a platform where communities come together to honor tradition while embracing innovation.

For Bhuvanam BotaniX, the launch marks not only a milestone debut but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to delivering products that combine the wisdom of nature with modern wellness needs, ensuring that every creation carries both purpose and purity.

New Delhi, August 21, 2025:

Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Deputy Chairman of the People Forum of India (NBSS), today met Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, at his New Delhi office.

The meeting highlighted the Forum’s commitment to advancing social justice at the grassroots, with a particular focus on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, and community welfare. Dr. Mallappa stressed the importance of strengthening support systems for marginalised groups, noting, “Social justice cannot remain a policy discussion alone—it must translate into real, measurable change in the lives of women, youth, and disadvantaged communities. The People Forum of India is determined to act as a bridge between government initiatives and ground realities.”

Dr. Athawale welcomed the Forum’s vision, commending its approach of blending civic participation with policy execution. He underlined the crucial role that organisations like the People Forum of India can play in ensuring government welfare schemes reach those who need them most.

Dr. Mallappa also shared the Forum’s plan to expand its footprint in Maharashtra, mobilising volunteers and coordinators to promote awareness of social justice schemes and women-centric empowerment initiatives. “Our grassroots work in the state will focus on enabling self-reliance, dignity, and opportunity for every section of society,” Dr. Mallappa added.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that collaboration between government and people-led forums will be critical to ensuring that social justice and empowerment programmes are impactful at the community level.

Mumbai, 21st August 2025: VBJ Since 1900, Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, India’s most trusted heirloom jewellery proudly unveiled its signature line – The Florals Collection, a wide range inspired by the graceful arcs of LysiMachia clethroides, a delicate Japanese bloom. This collection embodies the design story that began with VBJ’s diamond ring that received the prestigious ‘Ring of the Year’ accolade at the National Jewellery Awards in 2023.

Drawing cues from this delicate nature of the flower, the collection explores floral design through a refined architectural lens. While jasmine flower remains deeply rooted in South Indian traditions, LysiMachia clethroides provides a fresh emotional resonance offering a dynamic shift from ornamental to sculptural, from conventional to contemporary.

“The Florals Collections is built on the belief that jewellery can hold both memory and movement, said Amarendran Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ Since 1900. VBJ has crafted few iconic pieces and some ceremonial. We understand the responsibility that comes with design. This collection reflects our commitment to evolve while remaining anchored in meaning”.

Crafted in rose gold, the pieces feature elements such as round diamonds, Luxart enamel and pearls strikes a fine balance between craftsmanship and everyday functionality. The use of culet-top diamond settings enhance brilliance with fewer stones, giving space to form, line and finish. The designs are flexible and convertible allowing women to wear them across without compromising on comfort and expression.

“Our design approach values versatility in styling, said Jithendra Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ Since 1900. The natural fall of the flower has been used to create silhouettes that are fluid and precise. Each piece is intended to feel personal and intentional. This is a collection for women who appreciate jewellery for who they are and not just what they wear.

This thoughtfully curated collection comprises of necklaces, earrings, bangles, chains, brooches and head ornament. Each piece captures the gentle curves and cascading form of the flower that has drawn its inspiration from. Designed for the modern woman, the pieces are lightweight yet impactful, offering both comfort and statement equally. The collection embraces versatility and style, making it ideal for college-goers, working professionals, and women across all age group who seek elegance with meaning.

Speaking about the creative process, Anupam Karmakar, Creative Head at VBJ Since 1900 and World Skills Expert, said, “This collection is very personal to us. It represents a fusion of Indian heritage with modern artistry. The white floral inspiration felt sacred and serene – much like how jasmine holds meaning in every South Indian woman’s life. And yet, we have reimagined it for the global stage. Whether it’s a boardroom meeting or a festive gathering, these pieces adapt effortlessly.”

Rightly capturing the everyday functionality appeals to women who embrace luxury and sophistication, making it a desirable piece beyond traditional markets gives it an international standard. The Floral Collection will be available at all VBJ stores and online platforms. Select customisation options will be available upon request, further elevating the bespoke experience VBJ is known for. As one of a fifth-generation family-run brand, VBJ Since 1900 takes immense pride in being the makers of the historic Sengol, a sacred symbol of India’s democratic journey. Rediscovered after 72 years, the Sengol was unearthed by the VBJ team, who meticulously researched and identified it. This significant discovery culminated in the Sengol being installed in India’s new Parliament building, right beside the Speaker’s chair—marking the brand’s deep connection to India’s rich cultural and national heritage.

By – Nikhil Barshikar, Founder and CEO, Imarticus Learning

The World Entrepreneurs Day celebrates the visionaries who dare to walk the difficult path, innovate, and create. It’s a day to pay tribute to the unwavering passion of entrepreneurs who bring ideas to life, sometimes in the face of daunting obstacles. Entrepreneurship is more often than not romanticized as a path of bold vision and overnight success. But seasoned founders emphasize that it is really important to prioritize the immense discipline and the commitment entrepreneurship demands.

Nikhil Barshikar, Founder & CEO, Imarticus Learning said, “World Entrepreneurs Day isn’t about celebrating the idea of entrepreneurship — it’s about celebrating the discipline it demands. In my 12+ years of building Imarticus Learning, I’ve seen that great ideas are abundant, but great execution is rare. The data backs it, over 90% of Indian startups shut down within five years, and globally, only 1 in 12 ever scale. The reason? Too many founders chase growth at all costs while ignoring fundamentals like unit economics, gross margins, and cash flow discipline.

Success in entrepreneurship isn’t about chasing flashy headlines or vanity metrics like user counts or social media buzz. It’s about building a business that can stand the test of time. “My advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs: build a business that can survive without external funding. When you do seek capital, treat it as a partnership, not a lifeline. Be crystal clear about the problem you’re solving, and test if your pitch makes sense from an investor’s point of view before you walk into the room. The future belongs to founders who master their craft, delegate effectively, and measure success in outcomes, not vanity metrics. Scale is meaningless if the business beneath it isn’t built to last,” he added.

Hyderabad, 21st August 2025: Duracell, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, specialty cells, and rechargeables, has launched its new range of Duracell Lithium Coin Battery in India, available in three sizes — CR2025, CR2016, and CR2032. With this launch, Duracell now also offers bitter coating along with child resistant packaging into some of its lithium coin batteries, combining trusted performance with a safety-first approach designed for modern households in order to help reducing battery ingestions by young children.

Accidental ingestion of button batteries can pose a serious health risk to young children requiring immediate medical attention. These small, shiny batteries are commonly found in household devices, making them easily accessible to curious young children. Despite growing safety concerns, most products available in the Indian market still lack protective features that could reduce the risks.

Duracell is addressing this issue head-on with a solution that prioritizes both performance and protection. The range of lithium coin batteries features a safety-first design:

• A unique non-toxic bitter coating on the battery surface specifically developed to discourage ingestion with release of bitter taste when in contact with saliva.

• A tamper-proof double blister packaging that requires scissors to open, making it virtually impossible for children to access the battery on their own for kids below 6 years.

These child safety features are reinforced through visual safety identifiers, such as the “child spitting out” symbol, “bitter coating” label and clear on-pack warnings, enabling parents to instantly recognize the specific range of Lithium coin batteries reaffirming Duracell’s position as a brand that not only provides products which deliver long lasting power but also leads in helping to prevent accidental child ingestion.

Duracell offers two ranges of child-safe lithium coin batteries across CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016

Range with Child-Resistant Packaging – We already started the path of child security by supplying a battery that comes in a tamper-proof double blister pack that can only be opened with scissors. Designed to be difficult for children to access, the packaging is clearly marked with safety warnings and is available across key battery sizes.

Range with Bitter Coating along with Child Resistant packaging – A new innovative range of lithium coin batteries that combines child-resistant packaging with a non-toxic bitter coating on the battery surface itself to discourage swallowing.

Both ranges are suitable for a wide variety of devices including key fobs, small remotes, scales, wearables, sensors, and medical devices like glucometers and thermometers, as well as sports gear and home security systems. With an in-storage guarantee of up to 10 years, it’s a dependable choice for both everyday and essential electronics.

Speaking about the new range, Sunil Gadgil, General Manager, Duracell India said, “At Duracell, safety and performance go hand in hand. As a brand trusted by families across the world, we are constantly innovating to meet real-life challenges. The accidental ingestion of lithium coin batteries is a serious concern for parents, and as the number of devices that require lithium coin batteries rises, the child safety risk associated with coin battery ingestion also grows accordingly. Parents/caregivers should ensure that Lithium coin batteries are kept out of reach of young children at all times and battery compartment of devices are safely secure. To prevent children from getting their hands on the Lithium coin batteries out from the packaging, all Duracell Lithium coin batteries are packed in child resistant packaging. For additional layer of defense against accidental lithium coin ingestion, we’ve designed our new Lithium Coin Battery range by pairing a non-toxic bitter layer with tamper-proof packaging. It’s a category defining launch in India’s battery segment — one that reflects our proactive approach to helping consumer safety along with the long-lasting power Duracell is known for.

We’re also proudly partnering with European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) since 2023 to raise awareness of the dangers related to battery ingestion. The partnership comprises of prevention campaigns for parents, and we are also addressing paediatricians, particularly EAP members, and other health care professionals to improve their knowledge about detection, treatment and cure.”

Sania Mirza, Indian Former Tennis Player said, “As a parent, the safety of our children is always top of mind. That’s exactly why I’m supporting the #BunnyKids campaign by Duracell— because spreading awareness is the first step towards building safer homes. It’s about being more mindful, more informed, and helping fellow parents take small but significant actions that help keeping their little ones safe.”

The new Duracell Lithium Coin Battery range is currently available exclusively on Amazon India. With a strong focus on child safety, innovative packaging, and trusted performance, Duracell is not just delivering power but leading a safety-first movement in India’s lithium coin battery space. By prioritizing protection in product design, the brand is raising awareness and setting a new benchmark for innovation in the battery industry.

21 August 2025: Nemetschek India, a subsidiary of the Nemetschek Group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Veermata Jijabhai Technological Institute (VJTI) on August 20, 2025, to establish an Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Centre of Excellence. The signing was followed by the inauguration of a state-of-the-art AEC Lab at the VJTI campus.

The collaboration aimed at fostering innovation, research, and skill development in the construction and design domain brought together industry and academia on a common platform. The Centre of Excellence is expected to empower students and faculty with hands-on experience in the latest digital technologies for AEC, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.

The MoU signing and lab opening ceremony were graced by Dr. Sachin Kore, Director, VJTI, Sunil Pandita, Chief Division Officer and an alumnus of VJTI, Nemetschek Group, and Prof. A. S. Wayal, Head of Civil Engineering Department, VJTI.

Speaking about the occasion, Sunil Pandita, CDO, Nemetschek Group, said, “Through this collaboration, Nemetschek India reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and architects by providing access to world-class tools and practices. As an alumnus, it is deeply gratifying to contribute back to my alma mater in such a meaningful way. This initiative would strengthen industry-academia ties and help create future-ready professionals.”

Dr. Sachin Kore, Director, VJTI, added, “The AEC Centre of Excellence and the newly inaugurated lab reflected VJTI’s commitment to equipping students with the skills required to meet the evolving demands of the construction and infrastructure sectors. We were pleased to join hands with Nemetschek India to advance digital learning and research opportunities for our students.”

The AEC Lab is equipped with advanced software solutions from the Nemetschek portfolio, enabling immersive learning in Building Information Modelling (BIM), structural engineering, design, and project management. The Centre is also expected to host joint research projects, faculty development programs, and student-led innovations in collaboration with industry experts.

This partnership marked a significant milestone in Nemetschek India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen academic alliances in the country, following similar collaborations with leading technical universities.

Hyderabad, August 21, 2025: To address the pressing issue of Trump-era tariffs impacting Indian exports, the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) organised a roundtable on “Navigating Trade Headwinds: US Tariff Impact on Telangana Exporters” on Wednesday till late evening at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad.

The event saw participation from over 35 exporters across diverse sectors such as textiles, quartz, gems & jewellery, chemicals, engineering goods, and agriculture. Notable attendees included: Mr. Mahesh Desai, Past Chairman, EEPC (Engineering Export Promotion Council); Manoj Kasyap, Executive Director, Mahi Granites; D. Pedda Swamy, Business Development Manager, APEDA; Kamal Jain, Chairman, Logistics & Shipping Committee, FTCCI; Mr. Vineet Darda, Co-founder, Darda Advisors LLP; Prashanth, Head of Business Development, SAM Agritech Ltd; I.N. Shetty, GM, Ravi Foods; Abhinva Reddy, Wellspun …and many others from Telangana’s export ecosystem.

Mr. Madhukar Babu, Joint Director (MSME), Commissioner of Industries, Government of Telangana, was the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he encouraged exporters to “build on your inherent strengths” and look beyond traditional markets like the USA. Drawing comparisons from the success stories of Hero Motors and Bajaj in Africa, he urged businesses to research and target new geographies.

He assured exporters that all feedback from the roundtable will be conveyed to the Government of Telangana, especially regarding logistical challenges. He also mentioned that the state’s Logistics Policy is ready, with guidelines under development, and exporter inputs will be incorporated.

Mr. R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, emphasised the importance of strategic preparedness. Today it is the USA; tomorrow, it could be another country. We must build resilience into our export operations.

Mr. AVPS Chakravarthy, Chairman of FTCCI’s International Trade Committee, highlighted the broader economic implications of the tariffs. He noted: The U.S. accounts for 18% of India’s exports and supports 2.2% of GDP. Sectors such as chemicals, rice, textiles, engineering goods, and gems & jewellery are heavily impacted. For example, Indian textiles are now 35% costlier in the U.S. market compared to Bangladesh or Vietnam.

Chakravarthy reiterated that FTCCI had already submitted a memorandum to Telangana’s Minister for Industries & Commerce, Sri Duddilla Sridhar Babu, requesting: Exemption from trade license fees for manufacturing units, Reduction of commercial establishment fees to ₹7,000/year, Faster release of pending incentives, Subsidies to reduce shipping and logistics costs

He proposed a three-step action plan. Mr. Chakravarthy also outlined a simple yet powerful roadmap to find new markets. Target Europe, Canada, Latin America, and ASEAN. Utilise FTAs, including the upcoming UK agreement, expected to save £400 million/year.

FTCCI will support exporters with buyer connections and tools like the Indian Trade Portal. But we must work on to Improve Products & Processes; Adopt automation and data-driven production; Build local supply chains and reduce costs; Leverage FTCCI’s upcoming workshops for SMEs; Push for Government Support; Advocate for central and state-level interventions; Improve infrastructure such as cold storage for Agri-exports; Engage in diplomatic dialogue using strong India–US ties.

Mr. Mahesh Desai, Past Chairman, EEPC, stressed that different export categories require tailored strategies. He discouraged overreliance on subsidies and encouraged: Economizing raw materials, import substitution, using embassies and delegations to explore African and other new markets and adopting Japanese models in sourcing and logistics

Exporters impacted by the tariffs collectively recommended a strategic shift that includes: Focusing on core strengths, Diversifying export markets, Exploring new international opportunities, Cost innovation and operational efficiency and Government Support & Policy Assurance

Almost all speakers advocated for a multi-pronged approach—encompassing market diversification, government engagement, cost innovation, and legal preparedness—to make Indian exporters resilient to global protectionist shocks, including those from the U.S.

 By – Dr. Birbal Jha

Across continents and civilizations, the elderly have been revered as the custodians of wisdom, the bearers of culture, and the moral compass of society. Their experiences form the backbone of our collective identity, reminding us that while youth may power the present, it is age that safeguards the future. As an old African proverb wisely says, “When an elder dies, a library burns.” This eternal truth reminds us that every elderly person embodies an archive of history, lessons, and values that no book alone can preserve.

In India, the tradition of “Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava”—seeing parents as divine—emphasizes the sacred duty of respecting and caring for our elders. Similarly, the Chinese say, “One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade.” This proverb beautifully reflects how the sacrifices of one generation provide comfort and progress to the next. Indeed, the elderly, through their struggles and endurance, plant the trees of opportunity under which the youth sit today.

Every culture, in its own idiom, celebrates the dignity of age. In Greece, there is a saying: “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” It underlines how the elderly embody selflessness, thinking beyond themselves to nurture future generations. In Africa, people wisely observe, “The youth walk faster, but the elder knows the road.” This reminds us that progress is not a matter of speed alone, but of direction—and it is the wisdom of the elderly that keeps society from losing its way.

The strength of communities lies in their intergenerational bonds. A Kenyan proverb says, “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” Just as families and societies thrive when young and old stand together, so too does the world become stronger when it honours the wisdom of the past while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. In Scandinavian culture, we hear, “A shared joy is a double joy; a shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” Elders play this vital role of multiplying joy and soothing sorrow within families, creating emotional resilience in communities.

Even in modern times, nations that value their senior citizens are those that thrive. Japan, with its deep-rooted practice of Keiro no Hi (Respect for the Aged Day), provides a model for the world. The Japanese proverb, “The old age of an eagle is better than the youth of a sparrow,” conveys how age brings refinement and depth of character. Meanwhile, Native American wisdom teaches us: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” This bridges the wisdom of the past with the responsibility of the present, highlighting how elders are the link between history and destiny.

Caring for the elderly is not merely an act of kindness—it is the ethical foundation of society. If we neglect our elders, we impoverish ourselves. For, as the Igbo of Nigeria put it: “What the elders see while sitting, the young cannot see standing on tiptoe.” It is their insight that helps societies navigate crises and preserve continuity.

On this World Senior Citizens’ Day, let us reaffirm the truth that the elderly are not a burden but a blessing. They are the roots that nourish our family trees, the storytellers who keep culture alive, and the guardians of ethical values that prevent societies from drifting into chaos. By honouring them, we are not only paying respect to their past contributions but also securing a wiser and more compassionate future for ourselves.

My guiding belief has always been: Language for livelihood, culture for identity, and ethics for society. Let us live by this ethos by speaking to our elders with respect, celebrating the cultural wisdom they pass on, and upholding the ethics of care and solidarity across generations.

For in the words of a timeless Chinese proverb, “Filial piety is the root of virtue.” The way we treat our senior citizens is the clearest reflection of our humanity. Let us, therefore, honour wisdom, strengthen bonds, and build a future-ready society—hand in hand with those who walked before us.

Senior citizens are the living libraries of our civilization, the guiding lights who have walked the long road of life with courage, sacrifice, and wisdom. Their contributions—whether in nurturing families, building institutions, preserving culture, or shaping the nation—are the very foundation on which our society stands today.

As we celebrate Senior Citizens’ Day, let us honor their toil and treasure their wisdom. In respecting and caring for our elders, we are not merely repaying a debt of gratitude but also safeguarding the values that define our humanity. They are the roots that keep us grounded and the beacons that show us the way forward.

On this day, I call upon every citizen, young and old alike, to rise in respect, express gratitude, and pledge support for our seniors, for a society that reveres its elders is one that secures its future.

21 August 2025: Umiya Buildcon Limited a publicly listed dual-sector company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with A2000 Solutions Private Limited (A2K) to launch structured drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) training infrastructure under the Tamil Nadu Future Technology Hubs (TNFTH) initiative. This game-changing approach supports the Tamil Nadu government’s vision to position the state as a global hub for next-generation technologies and skilled talent. By embedding industry-aligned drone training within TNFTH, the partnership marks a strategic step in advancing skilling, innovation, and regional economic growth.

TNFTH is potentially Asia’s first integrated hub to unite seven cutting-edge emerging technologies: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber security, Drone technology, Electric Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT) & sensors, 5G, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Under the partnership, hubs will be set up across 10 key locations in Tamil Nadu, starting with Tirunelveli. The vision behind TNFTH is to build a unified platform that fosters next-generation skilling, innovation, and entrepreneurship across emerging technologies. By integrating multiple high-impact domains into a single ecosystem, the initiative aims to equip India’s young workforce with practical, future-ready capabilities. The goal is to expand access to advanced technology education, strengthen regional talent pipelines, and support the development of a knowledge-driven economy, beginning in Tamil Nadu and with a potential for broader national impact.

Each specialised drone training lab will deliver immersive, industry-ready learning through a 100-hour blended programme that combines classroom instruction, live demonstrations and practical sessions along with soft skills equipping learners with market-relevant competencies and applied expertise in drone and UAV technology. The training initiative is tailored to meet the workforce needs of several industries where drones are becoming indispensable. The primary applications of drone and UAV technologies span agriculture mapping and measurement, construction and infrastructure monitoring, energy and utility inspection, security and surveillance, search and rescue operations, insurance risk assessment, logistics and delivery, real estate and media aerial videography, manufacturing and warehousing, environmental conservation, and telecommunications. These growing use cases are reshaping operational efficiencies and creating new roles that require both technical acumen and regulatory awareness.

“Drone and UAV technologies are moving quickly from niche to necessity across industries. Through this initiative, we’re creating a strong training foundation that focuses on real-world skills and practical deployment. If the model works well in Tamil Nadu, it can grow into something much larger, both geographically and across sectors. It also opens the door to working more closely with academic and government partners who are aligned on building future-ready capabilities,” said Aniruddha Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Umiya Buildcon Limited.

The TNFTH drone labs will contribute to Tamil Nadu’s larger vision of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2030. The Department of Information Technology and Digital Services aims to expand information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITeS) into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by leveraging local talent and infrastructure. The tech hubs are expected to support the creation of 25 lakh high-income jobs, foster a technology-savvy workforce, catalyse the start-up ecosystem, and drive innovation-led economic activity across local and regional markets.

“These drone labs are more than training facilities; they are gateways to producing a high-quality tech-enabled workforce for economic growth. The engagement is a clear reflection of our strategic focus on contributing to India’s technology and talent transformation. By aligning with the Tamil Nadu Government’s TNFTH initiative, we’re strengthening our presence in high-impact sectors and actively supporting the creation of future-ready infrastructure. This collaboration will enable us to deliver long-term value through capital-efficient, socially relevant initiatives that complement our diversified business strategy,” said Group Captain CS Krishnadas (Retd), Chief Operating Officer, Umiya Buildcon Limited.

Umiya Buildcon’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to building a strong presence in high-growth, technology-led sectors. Aligned with the company’s long-term focus on education and skilling, the partnership will enable Umiya to contribute meaningfully to India’s growing need for specialised talent. The drone training labs exemplify Umiya’s approach to value creation, delivering measurable impact through capital-efficient initiatives, while also strengthening its hybrid strategy and powering the company’s diversified business roadmap.

By fostering closer collaboration between stakeholders, government bodies, and academic institutions, this initiative will help create a high-impact ecosystem for applied research, innovation, and workforce readiness. It aims to lay the foundation for a scalable model of skill development in high-demand technology sectors. It will also reinforce Tamil Nadu’s leadership in technology education and advanced industrial capabilities, in line with the state’s broader vision to become a regional nucleus for next-generation industry growth.

Kerala, August 21, 2025: Zero Debt Hospitality Pioneer Country Club Hospitality and Holidays Ltd., a leading hospitality and holiday company, today announced its plans to invest ₹100 crores in Kerala over the next 4-5 years. The investment will be spread across key tourist destinations in the state, including Alappuzha, Munnar, Wayanad, Wagamon, and Kumarakom.

This strategic expansion is expected to further strengthen Country Club’s presence in Kerala, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The investment will enable the company to tap into the growing demand for luxury hospitality and holiday experiences in the region.

Launch of VIP Gold Card

In conjunction with its expansion plans, Country Club is also launching its prestigious VIP Gold Card, designed to offer exclusive benefits and privileges to its loyal members. The card comes with attractive perks, including a gold coin and 3 free nights at Gangtok for new members, and a gold coin for existing members upon introduction.

“We are thrilled to announce our ambitious investment plans in Kerala, a state that has always been a favorite among travelers,” said Mr. Y. Rajeev Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, Country Club Hospitality and Holidays Ltd.

The launch of the VIP Gold Card has received an overwhelming response, with members and travel enthusiasts eager to experience the exclusive benefits and privileges that come with it.