All posts by K S Krishna

16 January 2025: Warivo Motor India Pvt. Ltd., one of the leading players in India’s electric mobility sector, has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its dealership network by adding 200 outlets across the country by 2026.

With a nationwide network of 100 dealerships, Warivo Motor has been instrumental in making green transportation accessible to diverse customer segments. This expansion will not only double the company’s reach but also align with its mission to contribute meaningfully to India’s rapidly evolving green mobility ecosystem.

With this expansion, Warivo Motor focuses on empowering local entrepreneurs, creating job opportunities, and penetrating Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to meet the rising demand for cost-effective and eco-friendly commuting options.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Yuvraj Garg, Director of Warivo Motor commented, “Our journey to achieving 100 dealerships reflects the trust and support of our customers and partners. With this new phase of expansion, we aim to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility in India and contribute significantly to the nation’s vision of carbon neutrality”.

The phased rollout of the additional 200 dealerships will be supported by comprehensive training programmes, marketing initiatives, and after-sales service enhancements to ensure seamless customer.

experience. Additionally, we are setting up mega service centers across the country to enhance the ownership experience for our customers. This is a significant step towards making sustainable mobility more accessible and customer-centric.

As India advances toward sustainable transportation, Warivo Motor is committed to playing an important role in the green mobility revolution. With its extensive expansion plans, the company is poised to make electric vehicles more accessible, affordable, and reliable for consumers nationwide.

16 JANUARY 2025 – Mercure, dedicated to celebrating local experiences since 1973, proudly announces the opening of Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights, the brand’s first hotel in Nepal. Located in the heart of Kathmandu, this new hotel reflects Mercure’s commitment to unveiling the treasures surrounding each address, while providing a warm and inviting stay for all travellers.

Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights offers a range of thoughtfully designed accommodations, each infused with the spirit of Kathmandu. Guests can choose from a range of room configurations, all featuring modern amenities, natural light, and panoramic views of the city, the surrounding mountains, or the majestic Himalayas. The interiors harmoniously blend contemporary design with traditional Nepali accents, creating an environment that is both welcoming and reflective of the region’s rich heritage.

At the heart of the hotel’s offerings is a diverse culinary experience. DYNE, the all-day dining restaurant, showcases a menu that journeys from international classics to authentic local flavours. Sopra Italian offers authentic Italian cuisine while Zaiqa celebrates the vibrant spice of traditional Indian cuisine. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, Sukra Bar provides a sophisticated rooftop lounge setting with both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying breathtaking vistas.

Guests are invited to unwind in the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool, with its sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley, or recharge at the state-of-the-art fitness centre featuring steam and sauna facilities. These amenities ensure that guests can unwind during their stay.

Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights also boasts exceptional venues for events and gatherings, from weddings to corporate meetings, and social celebrations. The dedicated events team ensures that every occasion is tailored to perfection, delivering a seamless and memorable experience.

“The opening of Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights is a key milestone in Accor’s expansion journey across Asia. This hotel reflects our commitment to bringing distinctive and immersive experiences to travellers while celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the destinations we serve. Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights perfectly embodies our mission to unveil the treasures of each locale,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Asia at Accor.

“We are proud to collaborate with Mercure to bring this esteemed brand to Nepal,” said Desh Bandhu Basnet (Ajit), Chairman, The Metropolitan Hotel Private Limited.

“This partnership signifies our shared vision of delivering exceptional hospitality while embracing Nepal’s vibrant culture and traditions. Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights is a true embodiment of our commitment to creating extraordinary guest experiences that celebrate both international standards and the rich heritage of Nepal”.

Inspired by Mercury, the Roman god of travellers, Mercure hotels offer far more than just a place to sleep – they are a portal to the destination, a warm invitation to discover and explore the locale. Since its founding in 1973, Mercure has been dedicated to unveiling the treasures surrounding each address, creating an immersive experience for guests. With a global portfolio of over 1,000 hotels across 60+ countries and more than 220 additional properties in development, Mercure remains dedicated to unveiling the unique stories of every destination.

Agra, Uttar Pradesh (16 January 2025) – The UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025, hosted by the Badminton Association of Agra, concluded today with great enthusiasm and energy at the Prakhar Agarwal Memorial Academy. The three-day event (10th–12th January) brought together over 300 veteran players from every corner of the state, showcasing their dedication, talent, and love for the sport.

This year’s championship was dedicated to the memory of Shri Vijay Sharma Ji, whose contributions to badminton continue to inspire countless players. Participants competed across age categories, ranging from 35+ to 70+, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to passion for the game.

Grand Closing Ceremony with Esteemed Dignitaries

The closing ceremony held this afternoon was graced by Shri Deepak kumar I.G (I.P..S) as the Chief Guest. Shri Deepak kumar lauded the participants for their stellar performances and praised the organizers for fostering a culture of sports in Uttar Pradesh.

The event also saw the presence of esteemed Guests of Honor, including Shri Ajay Mishra, Additional Commissioner; Dr. D. K. Gupta, CMD of Felix Hospital; and Smt. Madhu Baghel, wife of Shri S. P. Singh Baghel. Their support and encouragement added warmth and grandeur to the occasion, inspiring participants and audiences alike.

Agra’s Journey to Becoming a Sports Hub

Dr. Beena Lawania, the President of the Badminton Association of Agra, shared her dream of making Agra as famous for sports as it is for the Taj Mahal. She expressed her determination to nurture local talent and turn Agra into a hub for national and international sports events.

“Agra has the potential to shine not just for its heritage but also for its contribution to sports. Our aim is to create opportunities for players and bring Agra to the forefront of India’s sporting map,” said Dr. Lawania during the event.

Her tireless work to promote badminton and encourage participation from all age groups reflects her vision of empowering athletes and building a vibrant sports culture in the city.

Key Highlights of the Championship

– Over 300 veteran players participated across multiple age categories (35+ to 70+), competing with remarkable zeal and energy.
– The event witnessed the participation of renowned Arjuna awardees and national players, who inspired athletes and audiences alike with their presence.
– Shri Ajay Mishra, Dr. D. K. Gupta, and Smt. Madhu Baghel, applauded the players and praised the organizers for their dedication to the sport.

A Thank You and the Path Ahead

The Badminton Association of Agra extends heartfelt gratitude to all the players, dignitaries, sponsors, and media personnel who made this event a grand success. Their support and participation have reinforced Agra’s commitment to becoming a leading name in the world of sports.

As the championship concludes, the Association looks forward to building on this momentum, fostering talent, and organizing more events that bring pride to the city and state. Agra’s journey as a hub of sports excellence has only just begun!

January 16th, 2025: Access Healthcare, a leading technology-enabled platform for revenue cycle management (RCM), today announced a strategic investment from affiliates of New Mountain Capital, LLC (“New Mountain”), a leading growth-oriented investment firm with approximately $55 billion in assets under management. This investment will support Access Healthcare’s next phase of growth, focusing on advancing its capabilities in artificial intelligence, workflow automation, product development, and expanding into new markets. The Access Healthcare leadership team will continue to steer the organization and lead this next stage of growth and innovation.

Access Healthcare partners with many of the largest U.S.-based healthcare organizations to deliver best-in-class revenue cycle operations allowing providers to drive operational efficiency, reduced costs, and improve care for patients. Access Healthcare has built one of the most efficient RCM platforms in the industry processing more than 400 million transactions annually. The platform combines data, proprietary workflow automation, and deep healthcare domain expertise to drive value for healthcare organizations.

Serial-entrepreneurs Anurag Jain and Vardhman Jain founded Vision Healthsource in 1997, a leading provider of billing and claims solutions for healthcare organizations. Vision Healthsource was later acquired by Perot Systems and subsequently by Dell Services in 2009. This pioneering model of leveraging technology and automation at scale alongside exceptional talent, was embedded in the DNA of Access Healthcare. Access Healthcare’s global delivery centers, domain expertise, and technology platform are among its most valuable differentiators.

“Healthcare organizations are facing unprecedented challenges in navigating complex reimbursement systems and the need to maintain financial sustainability,” said Anurag Jain, Chairman and CEO of Access Healthcare. “New Mountain has a strong track record of partnering with founder-led businesses, and I am confident that, together, we can accelerate our efforts to support clients to overcome these obstacles. By delivering innovative, technology-driven solutions to clients, our platform not only improves their financial performance but also enhances the overall patient experience.”

“This is an exciting announcement that marks a significant milestone for Access Healthcare. Through our partnership with New Mountain, we are positioned to scale more rapidly, invest in next-generation technologies, and continue providing the platform upon which our clients rely. By combining our strengths, we will drive innovative solutions and create even greater value for the healthcare industry,” said Vardhman Jain, Vice Chairman of Access Healthcare.

“Since inception, we have focused on delivering exceptional service quality and building a world-class workforce,” said Shaji Ravi, President and Managing Director of Access Healthcare. “This partnership brings strategic support to accelerate growth and cement our position as a market leader. Most importantly, unparalleled professional development opportunities will be unlocked for the very people who have been central to our success from the beginning.”

Kumar Shwetabh, President and Chief Growth Officer of Access Healthcare added, “We have experienced exceptional growth by prioritizing our client and consistently exceeding their expectations. This partnership with New Mountain will accelerate growth opportunities for our employees and bring transformative outcomes to our clients.”

“We have long admired the Access Healthcare business, its leadership team, and the company’s reputation for world-class service quality, client outcomes, and innovation in the healthcare revenue cycle management space,” said Matt Holt, Managing Director and President, Private Equity at New Mountain. “New Mountain’s deep experience in healthcare and provider technology, as well as its philosophy of building great businesses will help accelerate Access Healthcare in this next phase of growth. We are excited to support Access Healthcare as the company advances its strategic vision of becoming a leading revenue management platform for healthcare providers by investing in cutting-edge technology and AI capabilities, while building on its strong market reputation and client relationships.”

Jan. 16, 2025 — Cisco , the leader in security and networking, today announced Cisco AI Defense, a pioneering solution to enable and safeguard AI transformation within enterprises. As AI technology advances, new safety concerns and security threats are emerging at an unprecedented speed which existing security solutions are unprepared to protect against. Cisco AI Defense is purpose-built for enterprises to develop, deploy and secure AI applications with confidence.

“Business and technology leaders can’t afford to sacrifice safety for speed when embracing AI,” said Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Cisco. “In a dynamic landscape where competition is fierce, speed decides the winners. Fused into the fabric of the network, Cisco AI Defense combines the unique ability to detect and protect against threats when developing and accessing AI applications without tradeoffs.”

The stakes of something going wrong with AI are incredibly high. According to Cisco’s 2024 AI Readiness Index, only 29% of those surveyed feel fully equipped to detect and prevent unauthorized tampering with AI. The security challenges are also new and complex, with AI applications being multi-model and multi-cloud. Vulnerabilities can occur at model or app level, while responsibility lies with different owners including developers, end users and vendors. As enterprises move beyond public data and begin training models on proprietary data, the risks only grow.

To unlock AI innovation and adoption, enterprises need a common layer of safety and security that protects every user and every application. AI Defense enables enterprises’ AI transformations by addressing two urgent risks:

Developing and Deploying Secure AI Applications: As AI becomes ubiquitous, enterprises will use and develop hundreds if not thousands of AI applications. Developers need one set of AI security and safety guardrails that work for every application. AI Defense helps developers move fast and unlock greater value by protecting AI systems from attacks and safeguarding model behavior, across platforms. The capabilities of AI Defense include:

Discovering AI: Security teams need to understand who is building applications and the training sources they use. AI Defense detects shadow and sanctioned AI applications across public and private clouds.

Model Validation: Model tuning can lead to toxic and unexpected outcomes. Automated testing checks AI models for hundreds of potential safety and security issues. This AI-driven algorithmic red team identifies potential vulnerabilities and recommends guardrails in AI Defense for security teams to use.
Runtime Security: Continuous validation safeguards against potential safety and security threats such as prompt injection, denial of service and sensitive data leakage on an ongoing basis.

Securing Access to AI Applications: As end users rush to adopt AI applications like summarization tools to improve their productivity, security teams need to prevent data leakage and the poisoning of proprietary data. AI Defense enables security teams with:

Visibility: Provides a comprehensive view of shadow and sanctioned AI-enabled apps used by employees.

Access Control: Implements policies that restrict employee access to unsanctioned AI tools.

Data and Threat Protection: Continuously safeguards against threats and confidential data loss while ensuring compliance.

Unlike safety guardrails built into individual AI models, Cisco delivers consistent controls for a multi-model world. AI Defense is self-optimizing, leveraging Cisco’s proprietary machine learning models to detect ever-evolving AI safety and security concerns based on threat intelligence data from Cisco Talos. Splunk customers that are using AI Defense will receive enriched alerts with additional context from across the entire ecosystem. AI Defense integrates seamlessly with existing data flows for unparalleled visibility and control and is built into the Security Cloud, Cisco’s unified, AI-driven, cross-domain security platform. It leverages Cisco’s extensive mesh of enforcement points to perform AI security at the network level in a way only Cisco is optimized to deliver. Accuracy and trustworthiness are essential for protecting enterprise AI applications, and Cisco has been actively involved in developing AI security industry standards, including those from MITRE, OWASP, and NIST.

“The adoption of AI exposes companies to new risks that traditional cybersecurity solutions don’t address,” said Kent Noyes, Global Head of AI & Cyber Innovation at World Wide Technology. “Cisco AI Defense represents a significant leap forward in AI security, providing full visibility of an enterprise’s AI assets and protection against evolving threats.”

16th January 2025–It was a perfect wintery morning, with just the right amount of sunshine. Against this backdrop, a niche group of artists gathered with their paints and canvas against the backdrop of Peninsula Land Ltd.’s AshokVistas. These artists arrived to draw a bridge between real estate and art at the pre-launch event that saw local talent contributing their skills to help create a striking visual for a new and bustling community. In an event for imagination and artistry, it was part of the highly anticipated campaign #YourCanvasYourEden. It served as a testament to the power of creativity and its connection to the essence of personalized living.

The event unfolded against the tranquil and picturesque backdrop of AshokVistas, where artists transformed a massive flex canvas into a vibrant tapestry of visions. Their creative expressions brought the tagline #YourCanvasYourEden to life, illustrating the beauty of individuality and the freedom to design a dream home. This inspiring activity underscored Peninsula Land’s philosophy of empowering homeowners to craft their unique sanctuaries amidst nature.

The event also spotlighted the invaluable contributions of local artists; whose creative brilliance added a soul-stirring dimension to the campaign. Their work not only enriched the event’s visual appeal but also deepened its impact, connecting the spirit of artistry with the aspirations of future homeowners. These talented individuals exemplified the importance of art in fostering a sense of belonging and identity, making them an integral part of Peninsula Land’s vision.

The heart of the campaign resonated throughout the event with its central message: Design Your Home as Per Your Imagination. With the plotted developments at AshokVistas, Peninsula Land invites homeowners to build their legacies their way, blending luxury, freedom, and nature in perfect harmony. The development promises a rare opportunity to craft bespoke homes amidst lush greenery, complemented by modern amenities and the vibrancy of city life nearby.

The interactive painting session showcased participants’ dreams, with each stroke reflecting their vision of a perfect home. The completed artworks will become an integral part of the #YourCanvasYourEden campaign, which celebrates the fusion of art and real estate. This event even boosted social media momentum, as its creative energy was shared widely through collaborative posts, amplifying its impact and engagement across digital platforms.

“This event was a true celebration of creativity, individuality, and the power of imagination. The contributions of local artists not only elevated the event but also reinforced the idea that art and architecture are intrinsically linked in shaping meaningful spaces. The plotted developments at AshokVistas represent a canvas for homeowners to create their masterpiece, just as these artists have done today.” said Siddharth Setia, President – Business Development, Project Design and Revenue, Peninsula Land Limited.

“Being a part of this event was truly inspiring. The concept of #YourCanvasYourEden resonated deeply with me as an artist. It’s rare to see a real estate campaign that strongly emphasises individuality and creativity. Through my painting, I wanted to capture the harmony between nature and personal expression, which is exactly what AshokVistas offers to future homeowners. It’s exciting to think that our artwork will contribute to a legacy of unique and beautiful homes.” said one of the participating artists.

Located in the serene environs of Gahunje, Pune, AshokVistas is a beacon of luxury and tranquillity. The upcoming plotted developments promises a unique opportunity for homeowners to design their dream homes surrounded by natural beauty and modern conveniences. The creative event marked a significant milestone in the journey towards redefining personalised living.

January 16, 2025: Emaar India the Indian business entity of the globally renowned brand Emaar, famous for developing Burj Khalifa, announced today that it has secured the prestigious ‘Great Place to Work™’ certification for the period of January 2025 to January 2026, awarded by the Great Place to Work Institute, India. The company has been recognized for its commitment to nurturing a positive, inclusive and empowering workplace culture, driven by trust, innovation, employee well-being & respect. This certification is a true recognition of the dedication, passion, and commitment that the Emaar India employees truly represent.

This achievement is a hard-fought significant milestone for Emaar India and also the result of a focused people agenda, collaborative efforts, and continuous efforts towards improvements over the last 2 years by the entire Emaar India HR team supported by all its employees, specially through the mentorship and advocacy by its department heads, across all functions. This certification is both well-deserved and symbolic of the special focus Emaar India has laid on bespoke talent management programs, regular employee engagement initiatives, leadership meets for timely communication, consistent & transparent compensation philosophy, best-in-class HR practices & policies, rolling out a strong employee recognition program and integrating a robust performance management system including mentoring programs and regular development feedback.

The certification is a validation of Emaar India’s focus on its commitment of creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, respected, empowered & inspired to achieve excellence. With a resilient and energetic workforce in India, Emaar is deeply committed to ensuring that employees’ voices are heard, recognized and acted upon, fostering enhanced experiences and empowering them to achieve their business objectives in sync with the Emaar core values – ‘Customer First, Fast Paced, Ownership Mindset, Winning Together & One Emaar’.

Commenting on this accomplishment, Ms. Madhuri Mehta, Chief Human Resource Officer of Emaar India, said: “We are thrilled to share that Emaar India is officially certified as a Great Place to Work. As a ‘People Centric’ organisation we strongly believe in a people-first culture and this highlights our ongoing commitment to build an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered. This accomplishment is a testament of the passion, collaboration and commitment to excellence demonstrated by our employees. This is a significant achievement and reflects Emaar India’s commitment in meticulously sculpting a safe, collaborative, and inclusive workplace. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and excellence and are confident that together we will maintain our position as a Great Place to Work.”

The Great Place to Work Certification is a globally recognized standard of excellence, awarded to organizations that prioritize creating a high-trust, high-performance culture. This certification is based on rigorous assessment, including employee feedback and workplace practices. Emaar India’s recognition is a result of its focus on employee-centric initiatives, a culture of inclusion, and opportunities for professional growth. With this milestone, Emaar India reinforces its position as an employer of choice in the real estate sector

Pantherun Technologies

Srinivas Shekar, CEO and Co-Founder, Pantherun Technologies: With over 1,40,803 startups flourishing across India as of June 2024, the entrepreneurial landscape has never been more vibrant. From groundbreaking innovations to new-age tech disruptions, India is emerging as a global startup powerhouse. Yet, this rapid expansion comes with its own set of challenges—none more pressing than the rising tide of cyber threats, which have the potential to undermine the very foundation of innovation and trust. In 2024 alone, 12 tech startups went public, raising over INR 29,070.57 Cr through IPOs, showcasing the immense potential of our ecosystem while underscoring the need for robust safeguards, for the data they use, as well as personal data that such large, rapidly growing enterprises have access to.

We believe that also safeguarding ideas is as critical as nurturing them. As a cybersecurity innovator, we are committed to empowering startups with cutting-edge solutions that protect their digital assets and enable them to focus on what they do best—transforming industries and creating impact.
Today, we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and determination that define the Indian startup ecosystem. These qualities have not only driven Pantherun’s journey but have also inspired us to push boundaries and contribute meaningfully to a culture of innovation. Startups are the lifeblood of progress, and by fostering collaboration and delivering scalable, future-ready solutions, we aim to create an environment where bold ideas can thrive and shape a better tomorrow.

Edupull

Rohan Rai, Co-Founder, Edupull: “India is home to one of the largest higher education ecosystems in the world, with over 58,000 institutions and millions of students seeking opportunities to learn and grow—many even looking abroad for better prospects. But beneath these impressive numbers lies a more complex reality. Students in smaller cities and towns often find themselves navigating their educational journey with limited resources and guidance. They’re bright and ambitious, but the traditional classroom experience doesn’t always give them the practical skills today’s world demands. It’s like having a map without the key landmarks marked – they know where they want to go, but aren’t always sure of the best route to get there.

This disconnect hits harder in rural and underserved areas, where a student might have the talent and drive to become the next great engineer or entrepreneur, but lacks the mentorship and tools to transform that potential into reality.

As an education startup, stepping into this dynamic and competitive landscape has been a tough yet fulfilling journey. Balancing innovation with sustainability while staying true to our mission pushes us to adapt quickly, embrace cutting-edge technologies like AI, and create solutions that resonate with students’ needs. From simplifying access to personalized learning resources to demystifying the path to global education, we aim to empower every learner, not just with degrees but with skills that truly matter.

The road is not easy. Building trust in a crowded market, navigating the rapid pace of technological advancements, and ensuring our solutions remain both impactful and inclusive have tested our resilience time and again. But what keeps us going is the unwavering belief that education can be a catalyst for change—not just for individuals but for communities and the nation at large. Today, we reflect on this journey of growth, learning, and impact. We celebrate not just how far we’ve come but also the collective effort of every startup daring to reimagine education and create a future where learning knows no boundaries.”

MedRabbits Healthcare

Mr. Amol Deshmukh, CEO and Founder of MedRabbits Healthcare: “On National Startup Day 2025, we celebrate how India’s startups are reshaping industries and driving meaningful change. Beyond making the country self-sufficient, the startup ecosystem has created countless opportunities, providing jobs for the youth and fueling economic growth. The healthcare sector stands out, with startups bridging gaps in accessibility and redefining quality care for millions.

India’s home healthcare market is projected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 17.36% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven by an expanding aging population, rising cases of chronic diseases, and a growing emphasis on patient-centric care. For an aging population and a growing nation, this shift isn’t just timely—it’s necessary.

At MedRabbits, our journey reflects the transformative power of innovation in healthcare delivery. By integrating advanced technology with compassionate care, we’ve created a scalable model that not only meets current healthcare demands but also anticipates future needs.

We see tremendous potential in leveraging India’s technological prowess to create healthcare solutions that are not just accessible and affordable, but also uniquely tailored to our country’s diverse requirements. We’re proud to be part of India’s startup revolution, working towards a future where quality healthcare is within everyone’s reach.”

Ennoventure Inc.

Mr.Padmakumar Nair, Founder & CEO of Ennoventure Inc. : “Innovating for India’s Growth is not just a theme—it is a reality driven by the vibrant startup ecosystem that fuels our economy and transforms industries. With over 1,12,718 DPIIT-recognized startups spread across 763 districts, India has firmly established itself as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, showcasing the immense potential of innovation and entrepreneurship.

National Startup Day 2025 is a moment to reflect on how startups are not just creating economic value but also addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by society. From driving technological advancements to generating employment and promoting a culture of innovation, startups are at the forefront of India’s growth narrative.

At Ennoventure, we are proud to contribute to this journey by leveraging our covert brand protection technology to combat counterfeiting and ensure product integrity. Our solutions not only protect brands but also build trust and transparency in the global supply chain—key elements of a sustainable and inclusive future.

This year, we renew our commitment to aligning our innovation with India’s growth priorities. By collaborating with stakeholders across industries, we aim to position India as a global leader in skills and technology, contributing to a future that celebrates progress, integrity, and innovation.”

16th January 2025: The Calcutta Heritage Collective proudly launched its ambitious Chaitanya Library restoration and revival initiative with a spectacular evening of music and art at the Hyatt Regency Kolkata, on 12th January 2025. Dedicated to the restoration, revival, and reuse of Kolkata’s built heritage, the Collective unites thought leaders, students, senior citizens, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, heritage experts, developers and concerned citizens, all bound by a shared passion for preserving the city’s rich history.

The cornerstone of the initiative, The Chaitanya Project, aims to restore the 135-year-old Chaitanya Library to its former glory. A Treasure Trove in Need of Revival, The Chaitanya Library has witnessed the passage of time and history, serving as a sanctuary for intellectual discourse and reflection. Established in 1889 by intellectual stalwarts such as Gaur Hari Sen, Kunj Behari Datta and Rabindranath Tagore, the library houses over 150,000 rare books and journals, including invaluable works on Indian history, philosophy and culture. However, decades of neglect have left it in urgent need of restoration and digitization to preserve its priceless collection for future generations.

The Calcutta Heritage Collective’s initiative will involve the restoration of the building, the conservation of its invaluable resources, and the digitization of its rare publications. Ayan Sen, a member and a leading national heritage conservation architect, offered to assist in the restoration process. His plans include provisions for potential adaptive reuse to ensure the entity’s future self-sustainability. These efforts aim to make the library’s collection accessible to a global audience while preserving its physical legacy.

The event was a celebration of art and music, graced by the presence of renowned percussion maestro and cause ambassador, Bickram Ghosh, who enthralled the audience with an exclusive live concert celebrating 25 years of fusion music and offering a preview of his latest album, Rhythmscape 2.0. Joining him were Pt. S. Sekhar on mridangam, Pulak Sarkar on keyboard, Abhishek Mallick on electric sitar, Nirmalya Roy on vocals, and Satyajit Mukherjee on drums. Together, they created a spellbinding synergy that captivated the audience and made the evening truly unforgettable.

Shuvaprasanna, with his 73 years of experience, created a stunning painting live in front of the audience in just half an hour. His brushstrokes moved in perfect rhythm with the tabla beats of the percussion maestro. The evening was made even more special by the creation of the ‘Chaitanya Heritage Baithakkhana’, a beautifully designed space that truly captured the essence of the program bringing Chaitanya Library’s legacy to life.

• Speaking about his contribution, Shuvaprasanna shared, “I was honored to be part of Chaitanya, an exclusive evening by Calcutta Heritage Collective to support the restoration of the historic Chaitanya Library. This priceless heritage, housing over 1 lakh books and 25,000 journals, deserved to be preserved for generations to come. While restoration deserved government attention, CHC’s initiative is truly commendable. Their efforts are preserving a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiring a renewed spirit of learning in our community.” This blend of art and music perfectly reflected the meaning of ‘Chaitanya’ – awakening, knowledge and the revival of Kolkata’s cultural soul.

Speaking about his participation, Bickram Ghosh shared, “I am deeply passionate about the incredible work this organization is doing to preserve Kolkata’s rich heritage. My performance offered a preview of our upcoming album, Rhythmscape 2.0. The concert featured pieces from the original album as well as new compositions. It was a privilege to share the stage with the legendary Shuvaprasanna and I invite everyone to support this noble cause and celebrate the cultural legacy of our beloved city.”

At the helm of the movement, Mukul Agarwal, Founder Trustee of Calcutta Heritage Collective, remarked: “The Chaitanya Library stands as a symbol of Kolkata’s intellectual and cultural legacy. The challenge of restoring the past glory of Chaitanya Library is daunting. Both by way of restoring the large collection of its rare books and to restore the building. Calcutta Heritage collective has taken up the challenge to re-establish it as a hub for education and culture, making it a center of learning and inspiration for generations to come.”

This transformative effort is led by the trustees of the Calcutta Heritage Collective: Gaurav Gupta, Munish Jhajharia, Dr. Rupali Basu and Sangeeta Dudhoria, whose vision and commitment drive the initiative forward. The Chaitanya Library restoration initiative is more than a preservation effort; it is a call to action for all who cherish Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage. The Calcutta Heritage Collective invites individuals, organizations, and institutions to join hands in this endeavor to safeguard a symbol of knowledge and consciousness for generations to come.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is all set to host World Forum of Accountants (WOFA) 2025, from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at the Yashobhoomi, India International Convention and Exhibition Centre (IICC) in New Delhi.

The theme of the event “Accountability Meets Innovation (AI): For A Sustainable Planet,” aligns with the visionary goals of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, emphasizing on development, economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability and good governance. WOFA 2025 event will host over 8000 national and international delegates from the International Accounting Organizations, Firms, Regulators, Economists, Academicians, Commerce Groups, Business Leaders, Policymakers, Standard Setters and esteemed global leaders from Accountancy Profession.

WOFA 2025 will be inaugurated on 31st January 2025 by the Hon’ble Minister of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, as the Chief Guest.

CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President ICAI, emphasised that WOFA 2025 offers a unique and timely opportunity for professionals to come together and engage in critical discussions surrounding the evolving challenges and opportunities in the accounting profession. “As the global financial landscape continues to undergo rapid transformation, WOFA 2025 serves as an essential platform for learning, sharing best practices, and fostering collaborations that will help shape the future of the financial sector. The event will provide valuable insights into emerging trends and innovations, with a focus on digital transformation, sustainability landscape financial reforms, and the crucial role of accountants in driving positive change and stability in global financial systems. This event is a celebration for India for its step towards making India an accounting hub of the world.”

The 3-days mega convention will have 40+ insightful sessions addressed by galaxy of speakers like:

· CA. Suresh Prabhu, Chancellor, Rishihood University

· Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Comptroller and Auditor General of India

· Shri Arun Singh, Member of Parliament

· Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member of Parliament

· Shri Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament

· Ms. Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairperson, SEBI

· Shri Debasish Panda, Chairman, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

· Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, Competition Commission of India

· Shri Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Chairperson, National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)

· Shri K Rajaraman, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)

· Shri Anand Mohan Bajaj, Deputy Comptroller & Auditor General (Commercial)

· Shri Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary Ministry of External Affairs

· Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairperson, SBI

· Mr. Tom Seidenstein, Chairperson, International Auditing and Assurance Standards Boards (IAASB)

· Mr. Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, President, South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA)

· Mr. Jean Bouquot, President, International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)

· CA. Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL (India) Limited

· Mr. Ritesh Tiwari, ED and CFO Hindustan Unilever Limited

· CA. T V Mohandas Pai, Chairman Aarin Capital, Chairman, Manipal Global Education

· CA. Krishna Kishore Maheshwari, Vice-Chairman & Non-Executive Director Ultratech Cement (Aditya Birla Group)

· Mr. George Alexander Muthoot, Managing Director, Muthoot Finance Ltd.

· Mr. Rajesh Kumar Dwivedi, Director Finance, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

· CA. Sumit Sanghai, National Head: Large Clients Group, ICICI Bank

Key discussions will cover topics such as India’s Banking sector and Rise of Digital Economy, Integrating ESG Metrics into Financial Statements: Fostering Sustainable Economic Growth, Navigating the AI Era: Adapting Regulatory landscape for the Next Decade, Union Budget 2025 Insights, India as the Global Capability Centers (GCC): Challenges and Opportunities, Evolution of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in India, India’s Investment Ki Pathshala: Strategies for Wealth Creation and Rise of India as Global Accounting and Auditing Hub and many more insightful session.

With panel discussions, technical sessions, and expert talks, WOFA 2025 aims to shape the future of finance by promoting innovative solutions for shaping the future of the profession.

CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, Vice President of ICAI, emphasised the need to adapt to the fast-evolving digital landscape. “WOFA 2025 will provide a critical platform for professionals to engage in impactful discussions on digital transformation, financial reforms, and sustainability. As we embrace technologies like AI, it’s essential that we stay rooted in our core values of trust, accountability, and ethical conduct, ensuring these innovations align with the principles of transparency and responsible growth,” he said.

The WOFA 2025 will feature an awards ceremony recognising exceptional contributions of ICAI’s regional councils, branches, overseas chapters, and top-ranking professionals.