Archives 2025

Bengaluru, India, August 25, 2025 : As India’s healthcare digital revolution accelerates, Athma, the tech arm incubated under Narayana Health, today launched AIRA, a pioneering AI-powered solution designed to move AI tools from proof-of-concept to real-world clinical impact. AIRA, powered by Athma, is reimagining how clinicians interact with health records by synthesizing patient data into clear, intelligent timelines and enabling smarter, proactive care decisions. The announcement was also graced by chief guests Dr. Alexander Thomas, Former President of AHPI, and Dr. Lallu Joseph, Secretary General of CAHO, who highlighted the importance of such innovations in transforming healthcare.

Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, AIRA reads through all patient records — digital or scanned — to instantly generate clinical timelines and smart tags, ensuring no critical detail is missed. Clinicians can capture information seamlessly through touch, natural speech, or even ambient listening during consultations, with documentation completed automatically in structured, accurate formats.

“The Intelligent Hospital is no longer a future concept; it’s happening now,” said Dr. Devi Shetty, Founder & Chairman of Narayana Health. “Life after the EMR means technology and clinicians work hand-in-hand, eliminating medical error and making healthcare safer for patients. We are moving beyond systems that simply store data — to ones that interpret, connect, and act on it. With AIRA, ambient intelligence and AI-driven automation are transforming mountains of data into clear insights and fragmented workflows into seamless, patient-focused care. This is the next chapter in intelligent healthcare.”

“AIRA exemplifies how AI can shift healthcare from reactive to proactive,” said Jagadeesh Ramasamy, Head of Products, Athma, “By leveraging predictive analytics and continuous monitoring, we’re enabling hospitals to prevent crises before they happen — shifting the focus from emergency response to early intervention. This rewires the entire healthcare system by empowering clinicians with timely intelligence — a critical step toward building smarter, future-ready hospitals”, he added.

India’s Healthcare Digital Revolution and AI’s Growing Impact

India’s healthcare sector is set to grow from USD 1.10 billion in 2022 to USD 5.15 billion by 2030. While as per recent industry reports, telemedicine, AI, and digital records drive this change, doctors still spend nearly 6 hours daily on electronic health records, often exceeding their patient-facing time — with 91% report working beyond office hours, contributing to burnout.

Athma: Shaping Smarter Hospitals and Empowering Doctors

Built on the rich clinical learnings of Narayana Health, Athma is creating the digital backbone for Smart Hospitals. Its innovative solutions have reduced documentation time by 40% and accelerated lab reports by up to 80%, freeing clinicians to focus on care. With AI-driven reports and auto-generated discharge summaries, Athma makes hospital workflows faster, structured, and more efficient. Additionally, it’s flagship mobile apps – Athma Care (for patients), Aadi (for doctors), Namah (for Nurses) and Aham (for admin) are transforming how every key stakeholder experiences healthcare, making Athma a true game-changer.

As part of this journey, Athma curated AIRA, an AI layer atop its EMR. AIRA automates documentation through natural language input, real-time listening, and clinical timelines, reducing burnout and boosting accuracy. Looking ahead, AIRA will drive real-time risk predictions and proactive alerts, integrate with wearables and external health records, and offer a unified 360° patient view across the continuum of care. These capabilities will help power the precision hospitals of the future, where technology doesn’t just support care — it anticipates needs, drives outcomes, and redefines patient journeys. Together, Athma and AIRA are shaping a future-ready, patient-centric healthcare ecosystem for India.

“Healthcare is undergoing a fundamental transformation — moving from intuition-based approaches to data-augmented, intelligent care,” said Dr. Emmanuel Rupert, MD & Group CEO, Narayana Health. “At Narayana Health, we have developed Athmaas as more than just an EMR platform; it is a foundational technology that integrates advanced AI to transform how clinical data is managed and utilized.
Through Athma, we are creating an intelligent healthcare ecosystem where data flows seamlessly to support proactive, personalized care. This empowers our clinicians with deeper insights, greater efficiency, and ultimately better outcomes for our patients. We believe Athma will not only transform care delivery within Narayana Health but also lead India’s journey toward a smarter, AI-driven healthcare future.”

The announcement also witnessed gatherings from key industry players across the healthcare sector, alongside engaging panel discussions. Experts from India and abroad shared insights on overcoming barriers in healthcare data utilization and building future-proof hospital technology stacks, highlighting how AI and digital tools are bridging gaps between data availability and actionable clinical decisions -a vital part of India’s broader healthcare digital transformation.

Guwahati, August 25, 2025 — After successful editions in Chennai, Mumbai, and Lucknow, East Zone Regional Abilympics 2025 was flagged off on 22nd August at Kalakshetra, Guwahati. This marks the final regional event in Phase 2 of the Abilympics skill competitions before the nationals in Delhi this November.

The event was inaugurated by Shri. Mukesh Chand Sahu Principal Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Women and Child Development along with guest of honour Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Manta, Additional Secretary Cum Director Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Assam. The inauguration was attended by Mr. Mrityunjay Bansal, Deputy Commissioner, Income Tax (Headquarters) of North East Region at Guwahati, Dr. Jitender Aggarwal Secretary General NAAI and Founder Sarthak Educational Trust, and Shri S.K. Gupta, Advisory Board Member, Sarthak Educational Trust alongwith Mr. Siddhartha Rastogi, Advisory Board Member, Sarthak Educational Trust.

Organized by the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) in collaboration with Sarthak Educational Trust, and supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), TPCDT, and IndusInd Bank and the East Zone Abilympics welcomed over 100+ Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Participants competed across a wide range of vocational skills including Photography, Painting & Decoration, Crochet, Engineering Design, Hairdressing, Massage, and Bakery & Patisserie.

Shri. Mukesh Chand Sahu Principal Secretary Women and Child Development Assam Government shared “Disability as a subject has been evolving for years, and it will continue to do so. Each of us has abilities, none of us are complete — which is why the focus must be on creating opportunities, not discrimination. Identifying and nurturing talent from regional and local areas is a mammoth task, and Abilympics is doing it beautifully. It benefits the community at the grassroots and shines a light on hidden talent. My best wishes to all participants as they move ahead to the Nationals and Internationals.”

Shri. Bhaskar Jyoti Manta, Additional Secretary Cum Director Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Assam added, ““In Assam, we are making strong efforts to launch initiatives for PwDs which will benefit them in the long run. From competitive exams to Paralympic sports, PwDs from Assam have already excelled on national and global stages. The upcoming National University for Disability Studies near Guwahati — the first of its kind in the Northeast — will further reflect the state government’s commitment to inclusive development and prepare skilled, market-ready candidates for the future.”

Alongside the competitions, a Regional Conference on Disability Inclusion and Skilling was held on Day 1 (August 22), featuring a dynamic lineup of panels and key speakers. Sessions focused on Assistive Tech Innovations, Policy & CSR Partnerships, Inclusive Workplaces, and PwD Changemaker Stories, while also highlighting the synergy between Abilympics and Non-Profits in strengthening the skills pipeline. Leaders from government, corporates, NGOs, and the disability sector took part in the 2 day event to co-create solutions for a more inclusive future.

Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary-General of NAAI and Founder & CEO of Sarthak Educational Trust, said, “The East Zone Abilympics marks the final leg of this phase for Divyangjan to showcase their skills, secure opportunities, and take one step closer to representing India on the world stage at Finland 2027. At Sarthak, our vision goes beyond skill-building — we are building futures. By 2027, we aim to empower 10 million PwDs and create over 2 lakh sustainable jobs.”

He further highlighted the local impact, “Our Guwahati center, launched in 2022, has already trained over 900 PwDs, with nearly 70% placed in corporates. Another 300 have been upskilled in digital literacy. From districts like Baksa, Barpeta, and Morigaon, we are now expanding across the Northeast to ensure no talent is left behind.”

Participants echoed this sentiment. Snigdha Rajbongshi, a hearing-impaired participant from Guwahati, shared, “I never imagined I’d get such a platform. Abilympics showed me that my crochet skills matter, and now I dream of reaching Nationals and one day representing India at Finland 2027.” Several others like here were not just there to win, but to represent a life of quiet resilience and extraordinary creativity in various work skills.

Paving the Road to Finland 2027

The winners from Guwahati will qualify for the National Abilympics in Delhi (November 2025), where Team India will be selected to compete at the 11th International Abilympics in Finland (2027) — the global “Work Skill Olympics” for Persons with Disabilities.

The East Zone Abilympics promises to be not just a competition, but a celebration of resilience, talent, and inclusion — reaffirming that disability is not inability.

Hyderabad, August 24, 2025… The “5K Curtain Raiser” of the 14th Edition of NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, powered by IDFC FIRST Bank, was held at the Sports Expo, Hitex, on Saturday morning with over 8,000 enthusiastic runners participating.

The run, organised by the Hyderabad Runners Society—India’s first institutionalised running group—was flagged off by Mr. Vinay Kumar, Director Technical, NMDC, and Mr. Shreepad Shende, Head Business Excellence, IDFC FIRST Bank, in the presence of Mr. Rajesh Vetcha, Race Director of the marathon and senior leadership from IDFC First Bank.

Mr Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC, in a message shared on the occasion, said, “The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon returns, bigger and better than ever! With 28,000 + participants from across India and abroad, we’re set to break more records in 2025. As we gear up for the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2025 – India’s second-largest, we’re running with a purpose. We combine expertise in mining with a passion for fitness. As the largest iron ore producer, we believe fitness is the bedrock of a strong nation. Join us, and together, let’s take every step towards a sustainable, healthier India.

Mr. Vinay Kumar, who spoke before flagging off the 5K Run, highlighted that an active lifestyle does not just help people live longer but also ensures a healthier, better quality of life. “Be it walking, gardening, dancing, running, or sports—regular movement profoundly improves life,” he said.

Mr. Shreepad Shende, Head Business Excellence, IDFC FIRST Bank, remarked: “It is truly inspiring to see so many enthusiastic participants turning out for the 5K run today. While today is about movement and participation, I encourage everyone to keep pushing their limits. Let this 5K be a stepping stone—come back next year stronger and take on the 10K challenge. Growth happens one stride at a time.”

Race Director Rajesh Vetcha noted that a record 28,000 registrations were received this year. He added, “We are committed to making the Hyderabad Marathon sustainable as part of ‘Athletics for a Better World.’ We have onboarded 29 NGOs, with their representatives, kids, and youth actively participating in today’s 5K run.”

Human Stories of Inspiration

Santhosh Medipally, a two-leg amputee and software professional with Accenture, who lost his legs in a train accident at Nellore 12 years ago, ran alongside his wife Dishitha, daughter Shiva Samikhsha, and son Eshan Patel. “I lost my legs, but not my confidence. My goal is to become a CEO,” Santhosh said, earning admiration from all. His wife Dishitha added, “I married him knowingly, because he is unique and inspiring.”

Gangadhar, President of Babul NGO, dressed as Superman to spread a strong environmental message: “Say No to Single-Use Plastics, Save the Planet.” His creative act with a serious cause inspired runners and onlookers alike.

Children from Amma Social Welfare Society displayed thought-provoking placards: “If you are tired of running, run with heart,” and “In running and learning, progress comes one step at a time.”

Several participants raised cyber safety and financial awareness messages, urging people not to click on unknown links and to maintain a good credit history.

IDFC FIRST Bank promoted safe banking through creative displays at the venue with messages like: “Small wins lead to big victories—just like our Zero Fee Banking.”; “A strong password ensures security. Share your winning selfie, not your OTP. “Running a race is rewarding—just like UPI transactions on our Credit Card.”; “Frequent training brings you closer to victory—monthly interest credits bring you closer to your financial goals.”

The Running Festival main event will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025. The Full Marathon will be flagged off at 4:30 a.m. from People’s Plaza, Necklace Road, the Half Marathon at 5:30 a.m. from People’s Plaza, Necklace Road and the 10K Run – 7:00 a.m. from Hitex, Madhapur

A total of 28,000 runners, including 5,000 from 150+ Indian cities and 56 elite athletes from India, Kenya, and Ethiopia, will participate in the World Athletics Label Race.

India, 24 August 2025: The incorporation of Bondada Dynamics Private Limited marks a significant milestone in the strategic growth journey of Bondada Engineering Limited. This development represents a purposeful diversification and a forward-looking step towards the Company’s long-term vision of expanding its footprint across critical and high-potential sectors of national importance. The newly incorporated subsidiary will serve as a dedicated vehicle for the Company’s entry into the defence sector, an area of immense strategic relevance and opportunity.

With the Government of India’s continuing thrust on “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliance) and the “Make in India” initiative in the defence and aerospace domain, the Company firmly believes that the establishment of this subsidiary will enable it to actively participate in indigenisation, cutting-edge technology development, and highvalue engineering products and services in the defence sector.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Bondada Raghavendra Rao, Chairman & Managing Director Bondada Engineering Limited, said, “The incorporation of Bondada Dynamics is a defining step in our strategic journey. This initiative is not just about entering a new sector; it is about taking on a mission that aligns with our nation’s aspirations. India is at a crucial juncture where indigenisation and technological self-reliance are vital to our future. With Bondada Dynamics, we aim to contribute directly to building a stronger, self-reliant defence ecosystem. Our efforts will focus on developing indigenous capabilities, creating world-class technologies, and supporting the country’s security and strategic priorities while building sustainable value for future generations”.

Through Bondada Dynamics Private Limited, the Company aspires to:

Establish a strong presence in the domain of defence technologies, in the areas of design, development, manufacture and maintenance of defence platforms, equipment, systems, subsystems, assemblies and sub-assemblies.
Leverage its proven expertise in engineering, project execution, and innovation to deliver advanced solutions for the defence ecosystem.
Collaborate with key stakeholders, research institutions, academia and industry partners to create intellectual properties and develop manufacturing technologies, to make signification contribution toward fulfilling the nation’s strategic and security objectives.

Adding to this, Rear Admiral R. Sreenivas, VSM (Retd), Group Chief Executive Officer, Bondada Engineering Limited stated, “With Bondada’s proven engineering expertise and innovation-driven approach, Bondada Dynamics is poised to deliver cutting-edge technologies and solutions to the defence ecosystem. We are committed to fostering collaborations with industry, academia, and research institutions to strengthen indigenous capabilities and drive long-term value creation.”

This strategic move not only broadens the scope of operations of Bondada Engineering Limited but also reinforces the Company’s commitment to diversifying its business portfolio, creating new growth avenues, and aligning its corporate vision with the nation’s evolving industrial and strategic priorities.

The incorporation of the subsidiary is expected to open up vast opportunities for the Company and strengthen its positioning as a multi-domain player with the ability to serve both civilian and defence infrastructure needs.

New Delhi, August 24, 2025 – PharmEasy, one of India’s leading digital healthcare platforms, has released a comprehensive report titled ‘Dengue: The Silent Threat of the Monsoon Season’, based on over 120,000 diagnostic tests conducted between April 2022 and December 2024 across all 28 states & union territories. The findings reveal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra as India’s dengue hotspots in the said period.

According to the report, Karnataka registered 32,886 cases in 2024, followed by Tamil Nadu with 27,378 cases and Maharashtra with 19,385 cases. Kerala, despite a smaller overall caseload, reported 128 deaths, underscoring the severity of the disease in certain pockets. The surge in cases is not limited to the top three states. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat also reported significant numbers, with Delhi and Uttar Pradesh showing sharp seasonal spikes during the post-monsoon period.

A notable trend is the shift toward earlier testing, with people now getting tested in May on average, as compared to June in previous years. Data also shows that individuals aged 11–30 are most likely to test positive. Among those affected, men under 50 have higher positivity rates, while women over 50 tend to experience more severe complications.

Cases typically peak between August and October, a period marked by high humidity levels of 60-78% and temperatures exceeding 27°C, conditions ideal for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. The report also notes a correlation between rising dengue cases and increased Google search activity on the topic, indicating strong public concern during outbreak months.

“Dengue remains one of India’s major seasonal health concerns, especially during and after the monsoons. Most recover after a short illness, but for some, it can lead to complications due to a drop in platelet count, plasma leakage, bleeding, or low blood pressure. It isn’t just about case numbers; it’s also about preparedness. Not ignoring a high fever, getting tested early, focusing on prevention and timely care still remain our strongest defence.” – Gaurav Verma, CBO, API Holdings (PharmEasy)

The report emphasises preventive measures such as using repellents, wearing full-sleeved clothing, eliminating stagnant water sources, and installing protective screens or nets. It calls for targeted interventions in high-incidence states, intensified surveillance, and the prioritisation of high-risk groups identified in the data.

The report by PharmEasy is based on data patterns observed from dengue testing conducted by PharmEasy Labs during the period of April 2022 to December 2024. The insights presented are derived solely from PharmEasy’s internal data and may not be representative of broader national or regional trends. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.

Hyderabad, August 24, 2025: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) organised a one-day Global Corporate Summit on the theme Driving Resilience, Innovation & Global Collaboration at its office in Red Hills on Saturday.

The summit brought together about 200 industry leaders from across the world to collaborate on pressing global challenges and explore ways to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and international partnerships.

Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Former Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, said that one of the foremost responsibilities of modern-day diplomats is to actively support businesses. “It is not just about political dispatches or delegations; we need to help enterprises in scaling exports and accessing markets. There is no shortage of foreign investments. What investors look for are credible, investible projects,” he said.

Highlighting a key concern, Dr. Sayeed added, “The sword looming large on us now is the US Reciprocal Tariff regime. These tariffs are increasingly being used as a political instrument to pressure countries into negotiating for favourable deals. But India will not buckle down. While many countries continue to trade with Russia, India is being singled out. America is America. Our response must be to diversify and scout for new markets. We cannot put all our eggs in one basket.”

He further observed that Telangana, with its strong presence in Pharma, is relatively safe since the sector is exempted from these tariffs. However, manpower-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery would be adversely affected. “The Telangana Government should immediately form a task group with trade bodies to devise strategies. I understand that Telangana’s exports are about USD 90 billion, of which engineering goods contribute 39% and pharma 31%,” he noted.

In his welcome address, R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, said, “In today’s interconnected world, businesses face both unprecedented opportunities and daunting challenges. From navigating complex global trade agreements, embracing digital transformation, and building resilient supply chains, to fostering international collaborations, success now demands agility, foresight, and innovation.”

He added that FTCCI has always played a catalytic role in connecting industry with policymakers, fostering dialogue, and supporting enterprises in their growth journey. “This summit is another step in that direction—reaffirming our commitment to serve as a bridge between business, government, and global stakeholders.”

In his introductory remarks, Ritesh Mittal, Chair of the Corporate Laws, IBC & ADR Committee of FTCCI, said the summit had the privilege of hosting eminent thought leaders and practitioners including Sri Siddharth Vishwanathan, Ms. Mubarrakka Lokhandwala, Sri Ayub Shaikh, and Sri Kamal Jain.

The day-long summit featured high-powered technical sessions on: India–UK FTA: A New Era of Trade & Investment; Innovation & Investment Without Borders: Unlocking Growth in Emerging Global Markets; Digital Trade & Innovation: The AI Edge Redefining Business Intelligence AND Resilient & Sustainable Supply Chains: Strategies for a Volatile World.

Sultanpur, 24th August 2025: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, organized a Mega Camp at Amhat village in Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, on 23rd August 2025. The camp was held as part of the nationwide Saturation Campaign launched by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The campaign, which runs from July 1 to September 30, 2025, aims to ensure 100% coverage under financial inclusion and social security schemes at the Gram Panchayat (GP) and Urban Local Bodies (ULB) level.

As the convenor of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) in Uttar Pradesh, Bank of Baroda played a key role in organizing the event.

The programme was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri M. Nagaraju, IAS – Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance; Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Baroda; Shri Ankur Kaushik, IAS, Chief Development Officer, Sultanpur; Shri Shailendra Kumar Singh, Convenor of Uttar Pradesh State Level Bankers’ Committee & Zonal Head, Lucknow Zone and Shri Mithlesh Kumar, General Manager & Zonal Head, Varanasi Zone. Over 1,000 local citizens attended the event.

In his keynote address, Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary , DFS emphasized the importance of financial inclusion and accessibility of banking services to every citizen. He highlighted how the Government’s Financial Inclusion schemes play a pivotal role in empowering underserved segments of society by providing equitable access to formal financial services. The Government remains committed to every section of society by extending the flagship initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). He further shared that the saturation campaign reflects their resolve to reach every Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Body to ensure that all eligible citizens benefit from these schemes. He also interacted with Business Correspondents (BCs), Self Help Group (SHG) members, and other participants at the camp.

Commenting on the initiative, Shri Debadatta Chand, MD & CEO, Bank of Baroda, said,
“At Bank of Baroda, we believe that true financial inclusion goes beyond account opening—it is about empowering individuals to actively participate in the financial system and benefit from government-backed schemes. This Mega Camp in Sultanpur reflects our commitment to strengthening trust and ensuring that every household has access to essential banking services. The energy and involvement of the community here is very encouraging and motivates us to take this mission forward with greater resolve.”

As part of the programme, claim cheques under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) were handed over to beneficiaries. Certificates of Insurance under PMJJBY and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), along with enrolment acknowledgment receipts under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), were distributed to newly enrolled beneficiaries. Re-KYC process under eligible PMJDY accounts were carried out. The Chief Guest also visited the stalls. In addition, Business Correspondents (BCs) and BC Sakhis were felicitated for their excellent performance.

Representatives from all banks operating under the Uttar Pradesh State Level Bankers’ Committee actively participated in this Mega Camp.

This Mega Camp exemplifies unwavering commitment of Banking fraternity to furthering the Government of India’s vision of universal financial access and comprehensive social security coverage.

24 August 2025: The Annual IC3 Conference & Expo 2025, held at Jio Convention Centre, in Mumbai on August 20–21, brought together more than 1,500 educators, school leaders, counselors and university representatives from across 95 countries to address one of the most urgent challenges facing India’s youth: student mental health and well-being. The conference, centred on the theme “Counseling as a Culture”, marked the launch of the Student Suicides Aversion Report-Mental Health & Well-Being, Volume III: The Student Well-Being Pulse Report, an extensive survey based on responses from 8,542 students across India by the IC3 Institute.

The report reveals a crisis cutting across grades, gender, and geographies. While academic pressure remains the dominant stressor, students report persistent emotional distress, lack of access to professional support, and widespread uncertainty about their futures.
Key Findings from the 2025 Student Well-Being Pulse Report

Emotional distress among students is widespread. One in five rarely experiences calmness, motivation or excitement, and girls continue to be disproportionately affected, reporting nearly twice the rate of persistent sadness compared to boys. Forty percent of students do not know where to go in school for mental health support, while nearly half have never received structured career counseling, a key source of anxiety about their future. Three out of four Grade 12 students fall short of the recommended 7–8 hours of sleep on school nights, driven largely by academic overload and relentless overthinking. Yet, there are positive signs: more schools today acknowledge the importance of counseling, and awareness among students on where to access support has been steadily rising. The Supreme Court has also underscored the urgent need for robust school-based counseling systems, adding both momentum and legitimacy to this critical movement.

Commenting on the findings, Ganesh Kohli, Founder of the IC3 Movement, said, “This is no longer a silent problem. It is a visible and urgent crisis. While more schools are now offering counseling and students are increasingly aware of where to seek help, almost half of our students still remain unsure, and career anxiety continues to steal their sleep and peace of mind. Mental health cannot be treated as optional. Every school must make counseling and emotional support part of its core infrastructure, while expanding access, broadbasing programs, and equipping teachers and staff as trained gatekeepers. Our children deserve nothing less.”
Gendered and Hidden Struggles

The report underscores deep gender disparities. Girls are more likely to internalise stress and avoid professional help, while non-binary students report the lowest overall well-being. Friends are often the first point of contact for students in distress, yet most peers lack the training to provide effective support.

Career Anxiety and Academic Overload

Uncertainty about the future is among the top three stressors for students. Without clear and consistent career guidance, many feel adrift, compounding the academic pressure that defines much of adolescence. Sleep deprivation, especially among senior students, is at critical levels and directly linked to screen use before bedtime and chronic overthinking.

As the IC3 Movement enters its 10th year, the 2025 Annual IC3 Conference & Expo in Mumbai marked a defining moment in its journey to embed counseling into the fabric of education. Bringing together more than 1,500 educators, counselors, university representatives, and changemakers from 95 countries, the event highlighted both the progress made and the work that still lies ahead broadening access, training educators as gatekeepers, and creating systemic support structures across schools.

The conference featured over 35 expert-led sessions, pre-conference workshops, and the Inner Child Workshop, helping educators reflect on their own formative experiences and connect more deeply with students. Senior education leaders, including Dr. Indu Shahani (ATLAS SkillTech University), and Shri Sanjay Kumar (Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India), shared insights on embedding mental health and counseling into everyday school functioning, while stressing the shared responsibility of families, institutions, and communities.

As the host of this event, ATLAS SkillTech University will play a pivotal role in supporting the initiative. Sharing her thoughts, Dr. Indu Shahani, Founding President & Chancellor of ATLAS SkillTech University, India said “I am proud to support this important gathering. I feel deeply honoured to be part of a platform that is shaping the future of education and student well-being. What makes this conference meaningful is the way it positions counseling not as an option, but as a culture that must exist in every school. I look forward to joining conversations that advance this belief and help ensure that every young person receives the guidance they deserve during their formative years. For me, this is not only about education, but also about nurturing futures with care and purpose.”
Keynote reflections came from renowned voices such as Boman Irani, Devdutt Pattanaik, and Gauranga Das, while the Presidential Forum brought together Ratna Pathak Shah, Soha Ali Khan, Ronnie Screwvala, and other luminaries to discuss purpose, well-being, and the role of collaborative support for young people.

As IC3 moves into its next decade, these conversations underscore the Movement’s commitment: counseling must not only be accessible but integrated, proactive, and capable of shaping the holistic development of every student. To further this mission, IC3 has also introduced new formats such as IC3 On Demand, a customized model of engagement where events are designed in partnership with mission-aligned institutions to achieve shared goals with high impact; and the IC3 Regional Conferences, enhanced platforms that build on the Regional Forums to support educators and counselors across regions in addressing the evolving needs of students worldwide.

Hyderabad, August 23, 2025 – Dewi Collective, an exclusive community for women, celebrated a remarkable milestone with its first official meeting at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Hitex, bringing together visionaries, entrepreneurs, and dreamers for an evening of empowerment, collaboration, and inspiration.

The event was graced by Chief Guest ‘Pradhaan Dewi’ – Ananthika Sanilkumar (of 8 Vasanthalu fame) and Guest of Honor – Madhoo Nekkanti, fondly known as Bebakka (Bigg Boss fame), whose presence added glamour and encouragement to the evening.

Ananthika Sanilkumar unveiled Dewi Magazine, a platform designed to spotlight every member, celebrate their journeys, and inspire them to reach greater heights.

Speaking during the meeting Ananthika said, ” It is an honor to be part of this momentous occasion, the first official meeting of the DEWI Collective. Today, we gather to celebrate the power of women, their dreams, and their empowerment. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of women who are driving change and innovation in their respective fields. I commend the organizers and members of the DEWI Collective for their dedication and passion. Your efforts will undoubtedly inspire and empower women to chase their dreams and make a lasting impact.”

Some key highlights of the meeting include: a vibrant showcase of creativity and innovation by Dewi members and local women-led businesses, inspiring presentations by Dewi members about their ventures, encouraging collaboration and networking, hypnotherapy and past life regression sessions by Sowmya Bhas of DoubleYou Therapies, promoting mental well-being and self-discovery and the launch of Anantha – Give Wings to Your Dreams, a unique program to help women pursue long-forgotten passions and aspirations.

The founding leadership team with Honorary Chairperson: Satyavathi Prasanna Madipadige, Chairperson & Founder: Dr. Neelima Vemula, Vice Chairperson & Co-Founder: Dr. Kalyani Guduguntla, Co-Founder & Brand Custodian: Pallavi Nagalla speaking at the launch said, “This first official meeting and the launch of Dewi Magazine mark the beginning of a movement. Our vision is to celebrate every woman’s journey, give a voice to her dreams, and create a community where women inspire and uplift each other.”

The event was powered by strong partnerships and generous sponsors: Kanaka Vastra Silks, Visista Gold and Diamonds, Vasavi Ventures, TP Holidays, and SpaceQubes, all of whom share Dewi Collective’s vision of celebrating and empowering women.

Patna, August 22: A one-day seminar on ‘Job Avenues and Employability Skills’ was organized on Friday at Ganga Devi Mahila Mahavidyalaya under the chairpersonship of Principal Prof. Vijay Lakshmi. The event featured Dr. Birbal Jha, noted linguist and founder of British Lingua, as the chief speaker.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jha said that in today’s society, women play a vital dual role—within the family and in the professional sphere. In this context, education becomes not only a means of personal development but also a powerful tool for empowerment and self-reliance. “With the right guidance at the right time, and by developing appropriate skills, young women can elevate their careers to new heights,” he remarked.

Dr. Jha urged students to introspect and choose careers based on their interests and capabilities. He emphasized that career selection should not be limited to just securing a job but should be seen as a life-defining decision.

Also addressing the seminar was aviation expert and founder of Millennium Air Hostess Academy, Mr. Manish Kumar, who spoke in detail about the growing opportunities in the aviation sector. He noted that with the continuous expansion of airports and airline fleets in India, there is a significant rise in employment prospects in the industry. He highlighted career paths such as air hostess, ground staff, and travel management.

The seminar aimed to introduce students to diverse career options and equip them with the skills necessary for employment. A large number of students participated in the session and engaged in meaningful discussions with the speakers.

The seminar was held under the guidance of Dr. Urvashi Gautam, in-charge of the Placement Cell of the college. She stated that such programs help build students’ confidence and prepare them to thrive in a competitive environment.