All posts by Neel Achary

Bengaluru, Mar 07: Mia by Tanishq has officially launched its 275th store in Kamanahalli, Bengaluru. The event was inaugurated by Ms. Shyamala Ramanan, Business Head, Mia By Tanishq and Mr. Ajay Dwivedi, Regional Business Head- South, Titan Company Ltd.

 The new, flagship store celebrated this incredible milestone with irresistible offers and an exciting launch. The curtain raiser was followed by a cultural performance and the Pink Drive where women rode fifteen pink scooters through the streets of Kammanahalli in a vibrant 3.5 km-long convoy, finally meeting at the Mia by Tanishq store. The all-women ride featured influencers and models, who came together for a spirited journey filled with music, energy, and celebration as they made their way to the store.

Conveniently located at 509, 4th main, HRBR layout, 3rd Block, Kammanahalli Main Road, Bengaluru, the store spans across 1200 sq. ft. further solidifying the brand’s presence across the city. This expansion reflects the brand’s commitment to being a go-to destination for stylish, contemporary jewellery.

Customers can explore a wide range of elegant pieces, including rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, neckwear, and mangalsutras, crafted in gold, diamonds, silver, and vibrant gemstones. Customers can also invest in the Golden Harvest Scheme with instalments starting at just Rs.2000/- and avail exclusive discounts of up to 75% of their monthly investment value on stunning jewellery purchases at any Mia store across the country.

 To mark the grand store launch, Mia announced its special Joy of Gifting offer where customers can get up to 20% off on select diamond jewellery – and on purchases of ₹10,000 and above, receive a complimentary 5-gram silver coin.

In celebration of the 275th store milestone, the brand also gave away 275 exclusive gifts, available for customers to claim at the flagship store. These offers are valid from 6th March 2026 to 8th March 2026, making it the perfect time for customers to add vibrant and stylish pieces to their collection.

The new store features ‘Bee my Valentine’, the latest Valentine’s collection, inspired by nature’s sweetest symbols of love – turning bees and honeycomb geometry into delicate, modern designs made for everyday romance. The store also houses ‘Manifest’, a collection that reimagines classic motifs like palace arches, paisley and the lotus in gold and natural diamonds, accented with pearls, multi-coloured sapphires and aventurine quartz.

The store brings together a diverse mix of classic Mia pieces, from the ‘Fiora’ collection’s floral, filigree-inspired designs reflecting spring and personal growth, to the ‘Cupid Edit 3.0’ collection’s chic gifting pieces. It also features the bold ’70s-inspired ‘Disco’ range and the symbolic ‘Evil Eye’ collection, offering something for every style and sentiment.

Speaking at the launch, Shyamala Ramanan, Business Head, Mia By Tanishq, said,

“The launch of our 275th store in Kammanahalli marks a significant milestone in Mia’s growth journey. Bengaluru has been Mia’s hometown, and has always embraced contemporary design and self-expression, which makes it the perfect city for this landmark expansion. At Mia, we are committed to making fine jewellery approachable, versatile, and deeply personal for the modern woman. With thoughtfully curated collections, clutter breaking activations like the Pink Ride and engaging, fun in-store experiences made even sweeter with the Joy of Gifting launch offer, we aim to create more than just a retail space – we’re aiming to build a vibrant community around style, confidence, and everyday elegance.”

DGT, MSDE Signs Flexi-MoU with Bajaj Auto Ltd. to train Youth in Advanced Automotive Manufacturing Under Industry-Integrated Skilling Model

Chandigarh, Mar 7: In a significant step towards strengthening industry-driven skill development and deepening Government–industry collaboration, the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, has signed a Flexible Memorandum of Understanding (Flexi-MoU) with Bajaj Auto Ltd., one of India’s leading automotive manufacturers, under the revised Flexi-MoU Scheme (June 2024).

 The partnership will enable Bajaj Auto Ltd. to operate as an Industry Training Partner (ITP) and deliver NSQF-aligned, industry-integrated training programs at its manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. In the first year, Bajaj Auto has proposed an intake of 1,000 trainees, with structured training programs of up to 24 months combining classroom instruction with intensive shopfloor exposure using advanced manufacturing systems.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India said:

“I welcome this partnership as an important step towards strengthening industry-linked skilling in India. Initiatives like these reflect how our skilling ecosystem is evolving to become more closely aligned with the needs of industry. When training is connected to real production environments and modern technologies, it helps young people gain practical experience and become truly job-ready. Such collaborations play a vital role in building a strong pipeline of skilled talent for the country and will be instrumental as India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and positions itself as a global hub for skilled workforce.”

The signing ceremony was graced by Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, Shri Dilip Kumar, Director General, Directorate General of Training (DGT) and Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director General, DGT who attended the event and emphasized the importance of deepening industry partnerships to strengthen demand-driven skilling. The event was also attended by Shri Pranav Choudhary, Director (Curriculum Development), DGT, and Shri Hemant D Ganjare, Director (CFI) DGT, along with officials from the DGT. From Bajaj Auto Limited, Shri Ravi Kyran Ramasamy, Chief HR Officer, along with other representatives of the company, participated in the ceremony, marking a significant step towards expanding industry-integrated training opportunities for India’s youth.

The Flexi-MoU Scheme, implemented by DGT under MSDE, provides industries the flexibility to design customized training programs aligned with emerging technologies and sectoral demands while maintaining alignment with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The scheme mandates a minimum annual training capacity of 100 trainees, industry-led practical and formative assessments, and centralized Computer-Based Theoretical (CBT) examinations conducted by DGT. Successful candidates are awarded a National Trade Certificate (NTC), making them eligible for apprenticeship opportunities.

Under the proposed implementation plan, trainees will receive exposure to advanced automotive manufacturing systems, production dojos, quality control systems, plant maintenance technologies, mechatronics systems, welding technologies, assembly operations and logistics management, among others. All courses will be NSQF-aligned and delivered through a structured industry-integrated model leveraging Bajaj Auto’s existing training infrastructure.

The collaboration aims to strengthen industry-aligned skill development within the automotive manufacturing ecosystem while enhancing employability and placement outcomes through exposure to real-time production environments. It is expected to help create a sustainable pipeline of skilled technicians, suppliers, and vendor networks, while also expanding structured career pathways through apprenticeships and long-term employment opportunities.

As per Flexi-MoU Scheme guidelines, Industrial Training Partners are required to ensure placement of at least 50% of successful trainees and may leverage CSR funds to support training costs and stipends. Bajaj Auto has demonstrated a strong commitment to skill development, with nearly 70–80% of its CSR expenditure focused on skilling initiatives. Through initiatives such as Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST), Bajaj Manufacturing Systems (BMS) and Bajaj STEP (Service Technician Excellence Program), the company is already impacting over 90,000 students annually across India.

The Flexi-MoU signed between DGT and Bajaj Auto will remain valid for ten years, extendable subject to performance outcomes in enrolment, learning achievements and placements, in line with the scheme provisions.

This collaboration with Bajaj Auto Ltd. marks another milestone in MSDE’s mission to create a future-ready workforce, aligned with India’s manufacturing growth ambitions and the larger national objective of building a skilled, self-reliant and globally competitive India.

The visit builds on an MoU signed between Venezuelan petroleum authorities and the African Energy Chamber in February 2026, representing the next step in this collaborative initiative

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Mar 7 — Following the historic visit by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) to Venezuela in February 2026, Venezuela responded by sending its Deputy Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Productive Efficiency on Hydrocarbons Arturo Gil to South Africa to advance energy ties.

A high-level meeting was held in Cape Town, featuring Deputy Minister Gil and Carlos Feo Acevedo, the Venezuelan Ambassador to South Africa, alongside an AEC team led by Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk and a team from Energy Capital & Power, led by CEO James Chester. Discussions centered on strengthening investment flows, leveraging Venezuela’s expertise to support Africa’s energy resilience and identifying avenues for collaboration across the energy value chain.

The meeting follows a high-level visit by the AEC to Caracas in late February, which included meetings with Delcy Rodríguez, Interim President of Venezuela as well as the state-owned oil corporation Petróleos de Venezuela SA and the ministries of Hydrocarbon Geopolitics and Gas. The outcome of these meetings was a signed MoU, aimed at strengthening investment and collaboration across the oil, gas and broader energy sectors. The Cape Town discussion represents the next step in this collaboration, underscoring Venezuela’s commitment to establishing resilient ties with African nations.

Workforce Development and Technical Cooperation

A key outcome of the meeting was a commitment to strengthening workforce development across Africa’s energy sector. Under the initiative, the AEC will engage between 10 and 15 African stakeholders to participate in specialized technical training programs at Venezuela’s University of Hydrocarbons, supporting skills development and knowledge transfer between the two regions.

The Venezuelan delegation emphasized the importance of building long-term technical partnerships, noting that structured training programs would allow African professionals to gain hands-on expertise while fostering deeper institutional cooperation between Africa and Venezuela.

“We believe it would be valuable to organize a working visit to South Africa and bring a Venezuelan delegation to explore cooperation and investment opportunities,” stated Deputy Minister Gil.

Leveraging Venezuelan Oil and Gas Expertise

The meeting also examined how Africa can benefit from Venezuela’s more than 100 years of oil and gas production experience. Ayuk highlighted geological similarities between Venezuela and key African producing countries such as Namibia and Angola, suggesting that knowledge exchange on basin geology and data interpretation could accelerate exploration and production across both regions.

“We need to strengthen collaboration between Africa and Venezuela. I hope to see more African stakeholders leveraging your cooperation, particularly in the area of data sharing and trade,” stated Ayuk.

He also underscored Venezuela’s unique role as a member of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization, emphasizing the importance of increased participation in continental initiatives such as the African Energy Bank to address both the continent and the south American nation’s investment challenges.

Unlocking Investment and Market Opportunities

Investment opportunities within Venezuela’s hydrocarbon sector was also a central focus of the meeting. The Venezuelan delegation highlighted the country’s extensive geological database, built over more than a century of exploration and production activity, which provides investors with detailed insights into untapped resources and development opportunities.

With 1,000 wells planned for development and over 20,000 wells already drilled – including many yet to be optimized – the country presents substantial and highly lucrative investment opportunities across its upstream sector.

Gas Development and Energy Access

Venezuela’s vast natural gas resources were also discussed as a potential solution to Africa’s growing energy access challenges. With approximately 600 million people in Africa lacking access to electricity and nearly one billion living without access to clean cooking solutions, Ayuk highlighted the potential role of Venezuela’s flared gas in strengthening the continent’s energy supply while also supporting economic growth for the South American nation.

“Venezuela has significant onshore gas resources that can be further developed, but unlocking this potential will require greater investment to support both national development and the needs of our people,” stated Deputy Minister Gil. “LPG is not only an energy resource but also a social solution with strong economic and societal value. There is substantial potential for expansion in both our onshore and offshore gas sectors.”

Role of African Independents in Upstream Expansion

During the meeting, the parties emphasized the growing influence of African independent oil companies, noting their success in expanding production across the continent after decades of experience working alongside international majors. Drawing parallels with markets such as Nigeria, he suggested that independent operators could also play a role in supporting Venezuela’s efforts to increase oil output through brownfield redevelopment and mature asset optimization.

“Outside the U.S., Africa – especially Nigeria – has one of the largest populations of independent oil producers, with many operators producing from as little as 1,000 barrels per day,” stated Ayuk.

As both regions seek to expand production and address energy access challenges, deeper collaboration between African and Venezuelan stakeholders could unlock new opportunities across the global energy landscape.

Milestone Gears Limited (“the Company”) filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), on November 18, 2025. The company has received SEBI’s nod to raise funds through an offer of equity shares (face value ₹2 each) via an Initial Public Offering (IPO) aggregating up to ₹1,100 crore.

The offer comprises a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to ₹800 crore (the “Fresh Issue”) and an Offer for Sale (OFS) by selling shareholders aggregating up to ₹300 crore.

Milestone Gears is a manufacturer of high-precision, complex engineered transmission components with applications across multiple sectors, including tractors, construction equipment, electric vehicles (EVs), locomotives, windmills, and other heavy industries. The company supplies its products to Indian and global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers, including their affiliated entities.

Between April 1, 2022, and June 30, 2025, the company supplied products to more than 50 customers, including all the top nine OEMs in the tractor sector in India (Source: 1Lattice Report), and has established long-standing relationships with the majority of them.

The equity shares proposed to be offered through the Red Herring Prospectus are intended to be listed on BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE).

JM Financial Limited, Axis Capital Limited, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) to the issue.

Disability is not inability. If your mind is strong, your body will follow: Arpita Roay,  a double amputee Yoga trainer

Hyderabad, Mar 6: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) hosted a special programme titled “SheRise – Give to Gain” to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday at the FTCCI Surana Auditorium, Federation House, Hyderabad.

Organised by the FTCCI Ladies Wing Committee, the event aimed to recognise the achievements of women leaders and foster meaningful conversations around leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience, and inclusive growth.

The programme featured inspiring personal journeys of grit and determination.

One of the keynote speakers, Arpita Roy, a double amputee yoga instructor working with Amazon, as well as a yoga instructor with one of the Yoga Academies in the city shared her story of extraordinary courage and indomitable willpower. Though she hails from West Bengal, she lives in the city since 2019 at Hafeespet.

“I have no legs, but no limits,” she said while narrating her inspiring journey.

Never ask Why me? — instead ask ‘What next?’ Life is about moving forward with courage, she said.  Disability is not inability. If your mind is strong, your body will follow.I want young girls to know that no obstacle is bigger than your dreams, she said speaking to 150 plus audience. 

Arpita can bend her body like a rubber band and perform yoga postures that even regular gym-goers find difficult — yet she has no legs.

Despite losing both legs in a scooter accident in 2007, she performs advanced Hatha Yoga asanas, including a perfect headstand, proving that determination can overcome any physical limitation. She now works as a yoga instructor at a yoga school in the city.

Sharing her emotional journey, Arpita said that initially she did not feel the impact of losing her legs as strongly as she did when she experienced society’s indifferent attitude towards differently-abled individuals.

“I never asked ‘Why me?’ But when society least cared about people like us, that is when it hurt the most,” she said.

Arpita now walks with the help of artificial limbs. Having lost her parents, she lives independently in Hafeezpet, occasionally receiving support from close friends.

“I am not different from others — I am differently abled. But it is still difficult to make ends meet,” she shared.

She expressed her aspiration to dedicate herself fully to yoga training and motivational speaking.

“I want to visit schools and colleges to share my journey and inspire young girls,” she said.

Another speaker, Keerthi Priya Odapalli, Founder and CEO of Koh! Foods, shared her entrepreneurial journey. Koh! Foods is a Telangana-based brand offering healthy vegetable powders and mixes designed to make urban diets more nutritious.

Hailing from a small village in rural Telangana, Keerthi completed her B.Pharm from BITS Pilani and later earned an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. Her story inspired the audience of over 150 attendees.

Inspired by her mother, who used to send dehydrated vegetable powders while she was working in the corporate sector, Keerthi identified a clear entrepreneurial opportunity.

With financial support through the Stand Up India scheme and a ₹50 lakh debenture under Startup India, she established a 6,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility.

Koh! Foods procures fresh vegetables and converts them into powders using electrical dehydration technology. The company’s product range includes Spinach Powder, Beetroot Powder, Carrot Powder, and Dehydrated Tomatoes.

Leaving behind a corporate career, this IIM graduate now works alongside her mother to build a brand focused on 100% residue-free products, targeting ₹1 crore in revenue and beyond.

The event also featured an interaction session with Keerthi Priya Odapalli and Rohini Deepthi Natti, Co-Founder of Koh! Foods, where they shared deeper insights into their entrepreneurial journey.

Harika Varma, Global Technology Leader and Serial Entrepreneur, shared insights from her professional journey marked by innovation, leadership, and perseverance.

Smt. Uma Devi Chigurupati, Executive Director of Granules India Limited, attended the event as the Chief Guest.

She emphasised that despite technological progress and economic development, women still face many challenges.

“There is a need to celebrate Women’s Day because women must be recognised for their strength and contribution. If given equal opportunities, women often outperform men in many areas,” she said.

She also shared her inspiring personal story of participating in marathons with her husband across seven continents, including Antarctica, despite having no previous running background.

“A fit woman in the family means a fit family. Everyone must prioritise fitness and lead an active lifestyle,” she added.

R. Ravi Kumar, President of FTCCI, spoke about the theme ‘Give to Gain.’ “Give whatever you can without expecting anything in return. The moment you expect returns, the purpose of giving is lost. Every human being has strengths and something valuable to contribute,” he said.

Dr. Tasneem Shariff, Chairperson of the FTCCI Ladies Wing Committee, highlighted the importance of women’s participation in economic growth.

“According to a United Nations study, if women participate in economic activity at the same level as men, the global economy could grow 26% faster,” she noted.

A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Tasneem Shariff, Co-Founder of The Diplomatic Club, featured prominent speakers including Rashida Adenwala (TiE Hyderabad), Vinita Surana (Surana Group), Bobby Azmeera (Telangana’s first tribal woman pilot), Sheetal Mondkar (Founder, Asvira Consulting), and Radhika Yuvraj (Country Director, Women in Tech India).

K.K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President of FTCCI, and Srinivas Garimella, Vice President of FTCCI, also graced the occasion and addressed the gathering.

Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu to Speak at Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi; To Highlight Technology-Driven Governance and Position AP as Global Innovation Hub

Amaravati, Mar 6: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will address a high-level session at the prestigious Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi tomorrow, where he will speak on the theme “Technology, Governance & the Future.”

The Raisina Dialogue is widely regarded as India’s premier global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, bringing together heads of state, ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, academics and strategic thinkers from across the world. Organized annually by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Dialogue has emerged as one of the most influential policy forums globally, often compared to platforms such as the Munich Security Conference and Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue.

The 2026 edition of the Dialogue is being inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with participation from global leaders, senior policymakers and technology innovators from across continents.

During his address, Chief Minister Naidu will speak about the transformational role of technology in governance, drawing on Andhra Pradesh’s experience in deploying digital tools for public service delivery, real-time governance, and data-driven policy making.

He is also expected to outline Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to emerge as a global destination for innovation, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure, highlighting initiatives such as the state’s push for AI ecosystems, data centers, clean-energy manufacturing, and next-generation technology corridors.

Chief Minister Naidu, widely recognized for his pioneering role in integrating technology with governance in India, is expected to emphasize how technology-enabled governance can accelerate economic growth, enhance transparency, and improve citizen services at scale.

The session will bring together international policymakers, technology leaders and strategic experts to discuss how governments worldwide can leverage emerging technologies to address complex governance challenges while shaping the future of economic growth and global cooperation.

Naidu’s participation at the Raisina Dialogue underscores Andhra Pradesh’s growing engagement with global policy conversations and its ambition to position the state as a forward-looking hub for innovation, technology and investment in the Indo-Pacific region.

Amazon India Signs MoU with Army Women’s Welfare Association to Boost Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Women from Military Families

Bengaluru, Mar 6: On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, Amazon India announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Army Women’s Welfare Association to expand entrepreneurship opportunities for women from Army families. The partnership aims to support hundreds of women entrepreneurs associated with AWWA in launching and scaling their businesses on Amazon marketplace Amazon.in by 2029.

The announcement was made during Amazon’s annual ElevateHER event, a platform dedicated to celebrating and supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals. Through the collaboration, women entrepreneurs registered with AWWA—including spouses of serving Army personnel, veterans’ spouses, Veer Naris, and widows—will receive structured support to build sustainable online businesses and reach customers across India.

As part of the initiative, Amazon will provide onboarding support and training on e-commerce and marketplace best practices. Entrepreneurs will also gain access to Amazon’s fulfilment and logistics network, enabling them to efficiently manage and deliver products to a nationwide customer base. Their products will be showcased through the Amazon Saheli storefront, which promotes women-led businesses across the country.

The Amazon Saheli program provides entrepreneurs with comprehensive support, including training sessions covering key aspects of online selling such as inventory management and customer experience. Participants also receive assistance with product photography, cataloguing, and access to analytics tools and business reports that help them make informed business decisions. These capabilities empower entrepreneurs to focus on innovation, product development, and brand growth.

Commenting on the collaboration, Sunita Dwivedi, President of AWWA, said

“We are excited to work with Amazon and help our members turn their entrepreneurial aspirations into sustainable, scalable businesses. Through this MoU, we aim to create new opportunities for women from Army families. We hope this collaboration will enable them to pursue entrepreneurship with greater confidence and connect with customers across the country.”

Deepti Varma, Vice President, PXT, Amazon Stores India, Japan and Emerging Markets, added,

“We are honoured to partner with AWWA to support women from military families in pursuing entrepreneurship opportunities. At Amazon, we are committed to providing access to markets and the support needed to build sustainable businesses online. Through this collaboration, women entrepreneurs will be able to access Amazon.in along with structured onboarding and guidance to help them establish and grow their business.”

ElevateHER 2026 Event Highlights

ElevateHER 2026 brought together women professionals and leaders for meaningful discussions on career growth and leadership. More than 150 participants engaged in small-group mentoring sessions with Amazon leaders, focusing on emerging sectors such as AI, fintech, and technology-driven careers.

The event also featured a fireside chat on “Navigating Career Resilience” with acclaimed actor and author Kalki Koechlin alongside Deepti Varma. Additionally, fintech entrepreneur Aly Hajiani conducted a workshop on financial independence, sharing insights on managing finances and building financial confidence.

Aye Finance, India’s leading NBFC specialising in micro-enterprise lending, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2025-26. Building on the momentum of its recent successful IPO, Aye reported robust year-on-year (YoY) growth across its key performance indicators, driven by deep penetration into India’s “missing middle” MSME segment.

Business Highlights Q3FY26

• 35% YoY Growth in Disbursement from INR 973 Crores to INR 1310 Crores
• 23.5% YoY Growth in AUM from INR 5145 Crores to INR 6356 Crores
• 41,015 new borrowers added in Q3FY26
• Branch network growth by 9% YoY from 523 to 571 branches

Financial Highlights Q3FY26

• Profit After Tax (PAT) grew 87.1% YoY from INR 23 crore to INR 43 Crore, resulting in RoA of 2.4% and RoE of 9.74%
• GNPA was 4.94%, and NNPA was 1.98%
• Four quarters of continuous reduction in Credit Cost, which stood at 4.67% in Q3FY26.
• Credit Rating: A (Stable) by ICRA & India Ratings

Financial Highlights: 9M FY26

•Total income increased by 18.54% YoY to INR 1282 crore

•Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at INR 108 crore

Commenting on the performance, Mr Sanjay Sharma, Managing Director, Aye Finance Ltd, said,

“Our Q3 results demonstrate the resilience of the micro-enterprise sector and our ability to bridge the credit gap for underserved businesses. Disbursals are accelerating, and we remain firmly on track to deliver the 29-30% AUM growth in FY26 and beyond. With asset quality improved to normalised levels, we have cleared the runway for a sharp, sustained uptick in profitability over the coming quarters. Our focus remains on sustaining this trajectory through disciplined underwriting and a customer-centric approach enabled by technology & data science”

Hisar | March 6, 2026

A three-day PM Vishwakarma Exhibition-cum-Trade Fair opened on Friday at Aggrasen Bhawan near Green Square Market in Hisar, providing traditional artisans with a platform to showcase and sell their products directly to customers. The exhibition is being organised under the PM Vishwakarma initiative of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, and will run from March 6 to March 8, 2026.

The event was inaugurated by Srinivas Goyal, Vice Chairman of the Vyapari Kalyan Board, Hisar, in the presence of Rachna Tripathi, Assistant Director, MSME Development Office, Bhiwani, and Sanjeev Chawla, Additional Development Commissioner, MSME Development Office, Karnal, along with other dignitaries and participating artisans.

Addressing the gathering, Goyal said that India’s artisans and craftspeople continue to preserve the country’s cultural heritage through their skills and products while adapting to modern market demands. He appreciated the efforts being made by the Government of India to empower traditional artisans through targeted schemes and institutional support.

₹13,000-crore scheme to strengthen traditional artisans

The PM Vishwakarma scheme aims to strengthen traditional artisans and craftspeople through a range of measures, including skill upgradation, toolkit support, credit facilitation, and marketing assistance. The Government of India has earmarked ₹13,000 crore for the scheme for the period 2023–24 to 2027–28.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjeev Chawla said the main objective of the exhibition is to provide a strong market platform for traditional artisans and craftspeople, enabling them to sell their products directly to customers without intermediaries. He added that such initiatives aim to link traditional skills with business opportunities, thereby enhancing artisans’ income and improving their overall livelihoods.

50 stalls showcase traditional crafts

The exhibition features 50 stalls displaying products made by beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma scheme. Participating artisans include potters, tailors, cobblers, masons, goldsmiths, and garland makers, as well as craftspeople engaged in making dolls, mats, baskets, and toys.

During the exhibition, artisans will also receive guidance on selling their products through online platforms, helping them expand their reach beyond local markets and access digital marketplaces.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were Sadhu Ram Bansal, Ravindra Jangra, and Pradeep Sharma.

The exhibition is being coordinated by the MSME Development Office, Bhiwani, which is facilitating participation of beneficiaries under the PM Vishwakarma scheme and supporting efforts to connect traditional artisans with wider markets.

To support the participants, the government has provided free stalls to all beneficiaries taking part in the exhibition, along with complimentary tea and meals during the event.

The three-day exhibition will continue until March 8, offering visitors an opportunity to explore a wide range of handcrafted products from artisans across the region. The fair highlights traditional craftsmanship while helping artisans connect with wider markets under the PM Vishwakarma initiative.
Sh. Rahul Dhingra, Director of the firm ADKMAKERS which is the implementing agency for this event told us that any conscious effort is made to link these artisans with prospective business buyers and a separate training is organised for marketing, branding and labeling efforts to bring uniformity and consistency in products. A detailed catalogue is beingbprepared and sent to various galeries and life style stores for better placing of these products.

Sony SAB’s mythological saga Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki – Ganesh Kartikey now moves into one of its most intense phases as the story builds to Lord Shiva’s fierce Tandav, performed by Avinesh Rekhi. After the emotional turn in Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva’s journey, the track reaches a powerful breaking point where grief transforms into divine fury. Known for its grand visuals and spiritual depth, the show now presents a moment that is both emotionally heavy and visually explosive and bringing this energy to screen demanded deep physical and emotional preparation from Avinesh.

 The Tandav sequence was planned as one of the biggest moments in the current track. The narrative builds slowly toward this breaking point, showing how pain turns into divine fury. The scene was shot on a large scale with dramatic lighting, strong background music and powerful camera movements to capture the intensity. The choreography was designed to reflect both destruction and emotion, while the heavy costume and long jata added to the visual impact. Every detail, from the sound design to the set atmosphere, was created to make this moment feel larger than life and true to the spirit of the show.

Sharing his experience, Avinesh Rekhi, said, “Preparing for the Tandav was one of the most intense experiences for me. It is not just about dancing with force; it is about feeling Lord Shiva’s pain and letting it come through your body. The rehearsals were physically demanding, especially with the costume and the heavy jata, but that helped me stay in the moment, the energy on set,  changed when I was performing the Tandav sequence. There is a certain fire you have to hold inside. I wanted viewers to feel that this is not just anger, it is heartbreak turning into strength.”

Tune in to watch Ganesh Kartikey, every Monday to Saturday at 8 PM, only on Sony SAB