A Tale of Modern Indian Flavors at Sunset Story, Westin Gurgaon

Modern Cuisine Pop Up

February 2025, Gurgaon – Westin Gurgaon presents A Tale of Modern Indian Flavors, an exclusive three-day pop-up at Sunset Story, running from 21st to 23rd February 2025. Curated by the acclaimed Chef Ankit Malhotra, this immersive dining experience redefines Indian cuisine by blending traditional flavors with modern techniques, offering an innovative and artfully crafted culinary journey. Drawing inspiration from India’s rich gastronomic heritage, Chef Malhotra has meticulously designed a multi-course menu that seamlessly weaves together flavors, textures, and aromas from different regions of the country.

The adventure begins in the vivid gullies of Banaras, where chaat reigns supreme. Diners will begin their experience with an Amuse Bouche, where the sweet and tangy Melon Terrine Chaat meets the creamy richness of Mascarpone Yogurt, elevated with Chutney Caviar and Smoked Chaas, setting the stage for a journey of bold flavors.

As the journey ascends into the snow-laden valleys of Kashmir, warmth embraces diners with a selection of soulful Shorbas. The First Course brings a warming selection of soups, balancing earthy and nutty notes—guests can choose between the velvety Broccoli Almond Shorba, paired with a crisp and tangy Blue Cheese Kulcha, or the Kashmiri classic Yakhni Shorba, slow-cooked to perfection and served with the same delightful bread.

From the heartland of India’s most indulgent flavors, Punjab comes an unexpected fusion of Italian craftsmanship and North Indian soul. The Tandoori Paneer Tortellini, nestled in a silky Makhani Sauce and topped with a delicate Parmesan Cracker, offers a bold yet familiar taste. Alternatively, the Charcoal Chicken Ravioli, infused with smoky flavors and bathed in the same rich sauce, reimagines comfort food with finesse.

From the spice-laden kitchens of Maharashtra, the Bridging the Feast course brings together Puneri Potato Wada, topped with a crunchy Bakarwadi Crumble, and the unexpected yet comforting pairing of Tapioca Khichdi. For those craving a meatier option, the fiery Kolhapuri Chicken Drumstick makes a striking impression, complemented by the same textural contrast of the Bakarwadi crumble.

The journey reaches a crescendo in the coastal paradise of Kerala, where the fragrance of coconut and curry leaves lingers in the air. Chef Malhotra draws inspiration from the Malabar Coast, offering a fragrant Malabar Paneer Curry, paired with crispy Urlai Roast, or a beautifully Grilled Sea Bass, immersed in the same aromatic curry and plated with vibrant Green Asparagus. These mains are accompanied by comforting South Indian staples—Tomato Dal, flaky Malabar Paratha, Kerala Red Rice, and crispy Appalam—adding layers of flavor and authenticity to the meal.

The journey ends on a sweet note with The Finale, where tradition meets elegance. A decadent Milk Almond Tart, adorned with Gold Leaf and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, creates a luxurious conclusion, while handcrafted Aniseed 72% Dark Chocolate Bark and Sweet Boondi Macarons provide a final flourish of indulgence.

Chef Amit Dash, Multi-Property Executive Chef, Westin Gurgaon & Sohna Resort & Spa said, “At Westin Gurgaon, we are not just redefining dining; we are pioneering a culinary revolution in the heart of the city. Our philosophy is rooted in innovation, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to crafting experiences that celebrate India’s rich gastronomic heritage while embracing contemporary techniques. ‘A Tale of Modern Indian Flavors’ is a testament to this vision—a journey through India’s diverse culinary landscapes, thoughtfully curated to surprise and delight our guests. Through such unique dining experiences, we continue to push boundaries, making Westin Gurgaon a destination for food connoisseurs who seek both tradition and innovation on their plate.”

Koteshwaram Opens Doors to Exquisite Pure Vegetarian Dining Experience

Koteshwaram

Bengaluru – 17th February 2025 – Koteshwaram, a new haven for vegetarian cuisine, is thrilled to announce its grand opening. Located at Devanahalli – right on the Highway from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Koteshwaram offers a diverse menu of delectable pure vegetarian dishes, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and culinary expertise.

Koteshwaram aims to redefine the vegetarian dining experience, offering an artistic ambiance and pure Vegetarian dishes that cater to all palates. From traditional Indian delicacies to global vegetarian favorites, the menu features an array of flavorful options, including pizzas, pasta, and Chaats.

“We are passionate about creating a culinary experience that celebrates the richness and diversity of vegetarian cuisine,” says Udaya Mogaveera – Founder – Koteshwaram “Our menu is designed to showcase the versatility of Pure vegetarian food, offering dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying.”

The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect pitstop for anyone who likes to go on a long drive to Nandi Hills, or travel to Hyderabad and back with friends and family. Koteshwaram has ample parking space, (up to 200 cars can be parked easily) Play area for the kids, Lots of open space, and is surrounded by greenery.

Koteshwaram is committed to providing exceptional service and creating a memorable dining experience for every guest.

SPJIMR & Emeritus Launch ‘AI for Business’ to Bridge Skills Gap

SPJIMR - Logo

Mumbai, February 17, 2025: The world of business is rapidly transforming under the influence of artificial intelligence (AI). Organisations are seeking leaders who can utilise AI to drive innovation, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge. In response to this need, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), ranked India’s #1 Business School (FT ‘Masters in Management’ Rankings 2024), in collaboration with Emeritus, has announced the launch of its ‘Executive Certificate Programme in AI for Business’.

Designed to address the growing demand for AI expertise in India, this programme empowers professionals with the skills to implement AI-driven strategies, aligning them with organisational goals to promote innovation and efficiency. According to PwC’s 2024 Global AI Jobs Barometer, the demand for AI-related roles is surging, with job postings in this field increasing 3.5 times faster than the average across sectors. A study by BCG and NASSCOM indicates that India’s AI market, growing at an estimated CAGR of 25–35%, is expected to reach $17 billion by 2027, highlighting the urgent need for strategic AI leadership.

Prof. Ashish Desai, Associate Professor and Programme Director for the Executive Certificate Programme in AI for Business at SPJIMR, while commenting on the programme launch, said, “This seven-month online programme is designed to help mid-to-senior-level professionals and business leaders unlock AI’s transformative potential to drive innovation, optimise operations, and achieve sustainable growth. With live online sessions from our faculty and an advanced curriculum, participants will gain practical and strategic insights to leverage AI for business advantage.”

The Executive Certificate Programme in AI for Business offers live online sessions delivered by SPJIMR’s esteemed faculty. Its curriculum includes hands-on projects, case studies, and a focus on practical applications. Participants will also benefit from a cohort-based learning approach, promoting collaboration and networking opportunities.

Through this programme, participants will be able to:

  •  Utilise AI-powered solutions to drive business innovation and competitive advantage.
  •  Align AI-driven strategies with organisational objectives to gain a competitive edge
  •  Improve decision-making through data-driven insights and predictive analytics.
  •  Solve complex business challenges using supervised and unsupervised learning techniques.
  •  Master advanced AI applications, such as Generative AI, recommender systems, and natural language processing.
  •  Build and manage AI teams and projects to promote innovation and streamline operations.
  •  Implement AI strategies effectively while addressing scalability and resource allocation challenges.
  •  Gain hands-on experience with real-world case studies and applied AI projects.
  •  Optimise business processes through digitisation and automation for sustainable growth.

The programme provides optional on-campus immersion at SPJIMR, Mumbai, enabling participants to engage with faculty and peers in person. Key modules include AI Ecosystem, AI and Deep Learning, Generative AI, AI Strategy and Deployment, and AI Applications in Business.

Programme Details:

  •  Start Date: March 30, 2025
  •  Duration: 7 months
  •  Eligibility: Graduate/diploma holder (10+2+3) in any discipline with at least 2 years of work experience as of March 30, 2025.
  •  Programme Fee: INR 1,25,000 + GST
  •  Learning Mode: Live online sessions by SPJIMR faculty – 3 hours per week, Sundays.
  •  Certification: Upon successful completion of the programme, with a minimum attendance of 70 percent and satisfactory academic performance, participants will receive a certificate of completion from SPJIMR. Graduates also gain SPJIMR Executive Alumni status.

NSDC International Boosts Healthcare Skills for Global Needs

NSDC

Chandigarh, February 17, 2025 – India’s care sector is at a critical juncture, requiring a strong workforce to meet both national and global demands. Speaking at the summit on ‘ Transforming the Future of the Skilled Workforce in the Care Sector ’ organized by NSDC International in Chandigarh, Shri VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog emphasized the need to expand skilling initiatives beyond traditional medical education and strike a balance between quality and quantity.

Talking about skilling initiatives, Mr. Paul said that NSDC International is playing a vital role in this endeavor, ensuring that care professionals trained in India are globally employable. He highlighted the importance of developing a curriculum, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and scaling up skill-based training programs to address workforce shortages, including in specialized areas such as geriatric care. “ Private sector support is essential to bridge the skill gap. With structured policies and strong industry-academia partnerships, India can grow its healthcare skilling ecosystem and emerge as a major contributor to the global workforce,” he added.

The summit was attended by vice-chancellors of 50 institutions and about a dozen AIIMS chiefs working towards a strong healthcare ecosystem.

Mr. Paul further added , “ India’s healthcare workforce is a vital asset for both the nation and the world. With the growing global demand for skilled professionals , structured skilling initiatives play a vital role in equipping our workforce with the expertise required to meet international standards. NSDC International’s efforts in developing a highly trained care talent pool have contributed significantly to this vision , enabling professionals to excel in diverse healthcare environments. By strengthening skill development and placement pathways , we are not only meeting workforce requirements domestically , but also reinforcing India’s position as a trusted provider of skilled care professionals across the globe.”

Speaking on this , Alok Kumar, CEO, NSDC International said , “ With a projected global shortage of 15 million caregivers by 2030 , the demand for skilled professionals is at an all-time high. Countries such as Germany , Japan and Canada have seen the number of international caregivers grow by over 30% in the last two years alone. India , with its young and skilled workforce , has the potential to bridge this gap. At NSDC International , we are committed to developing a globally competent caregiver workforce by aligning skilling programmes with international recognition , streamlining certification processes and integrating cultural adaptability training. By fostering strategic global partnerships , we aim to establish India as a trusted provider of skilled care professionals , creating dignified employment opportunities while strengthening the global healthcare system.”

The summit witnessed meaningful discussions on policy recommendations and strategic initiatives aimed at building a sustainable and future-ready caregiver workforce. A major highlight was a dialogue between vice-chancellors and directors of leading healthcare institutions, which discussed the critical role of education in bridging the shortage of healthcare workers. By strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers, the summit set the stage for innovative solutions that will enhance skilling, workforce mobility, and India’s contribution to the global healthcare ecosystem.

STAAH awarded Expedia Group 2025 Elite partner status

 Elite partner

17th February 2025; Mumbai: Today we are excited to announce that STAAH has earned the status as Expedia Group’s Elite Connectivity Partner for 2025. This recognition underscores our focus on building and maintaining a high-quality software connection that empowers you to serve guests better and grow your business on Expedia Group’s travel Platform.

There are two status tiers: Elite is the top tier status, followed by Preferred. Only the top 2% of connectivity software companies are qualified for Expedia Group’s Elite status this year, and over 400 global companies are eligible.

Expedia Group offers high visibility across 200 websites and native apps, plus expanded distribution through 90,000 travel agencies and business partners around the world. Leverage your connection with STAAH to distribute rates and availability to Expedia Group, reducing complexity in your daily business operations and attracting new loyal travelers.

Apollo Hits 25,000 Transplants, Launches Perfect Match Campaign

Apollo Hospitals

National, February 17, 2025: Apollo Hospitals, Asia’s foremost integrated healthcare services provider, today announced a landmark achievement of 25,000 successful organ transplants across its hospital network. This remarkable milestone puts the spotlight on Apollo Hospitals’ unwavering commitment to saving lives and transforming healthcare through innovation, expertise, and compassionate care. The 25,000 transplants are not just a numerical accomplishment but reflect the hope, and resilience of patients and the donor families and the dedication of the Apollo Hospitals transplant team.

Building upon this legacy of excellence, Apollo Hospitals also launched the “Perfect Match” Campaign, a comprehensive initiative to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donors, dispel common myths surrounding organ donation, and inspire individuals to register as potential donors. The campaign has made a beginning in addressing the widening gap between the number of patients awaiting life-saving transplants and the availability of suitable organs.

The “Perfect Match” Campaign included a variety of outreach activities, including community health talks, educational workshops, online resources, and partnerships with patient advocacy groups. Dr. Ravichand Siddachari, Sr Consultant HPB, Liver and Pancreas Transplant at Apollo Hospitals, led an engaging and informative session with residents of the Rainbow Vistas community in Hyderabad. During the session, Dr. Siddachari addressed key questions about transplant eligibility, the organ donation process, and the profound impact that organ donation can have on individuals and families facing life-threatening illnesses.

“Reaching 25,000 transplants is a commendable achievement, but it also serves as a reminder of the immense need that exists,” said Dr. Ravichand Siddachari. “Every day, patients are added to the transplant waiting list, and sadly, many do not receive the organ they need in time. Through the ‘Perfect Match’ Campaign, we have endeavored to empower individuals to make informed decisions about organ donation and to become part of a life-saving movement.”

V. Tejesvi Rao, CEO-Telangana Region, Apollo Hospitals underlined the importance of public awareness and education, “Apollo Hospitals has always been committed to advancing the field of organ transplantation in India. With the ‘Perfect Match’ Campaign, we have taken a small but significant step forward in our efforts to increase organ donation rates and ensure that more patients have the opportunity to receive the transplants they need to live longer healthier lives.”

Dr. Ravindra Babu, Director Medical Services-Telangana Region, Apollo Hospitals said “Our team is deeply committed to providing world-class care to transplant patients. The ‘Perfect Match’ campaign is another step towards fulfilling our mission to make organ transplantation accessible to all patients who need it. We encourage everyone eligible to register to become an organ donor.”

Apollo Hospitals has been a pioneer in organ transplantation in India, establishing itself as a Center of Excellence for a wide range of transplant procedures. The hospital’s multidisciplinary transplant teams comprise highly skilled surgeons, physicians, nurses, and support staff who are dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Apollo Hospitals offers comprehensive transplant services including heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, cornea, small bowel, and bone marrow transplants. Dedicated transplant units with specialized equipment and highly trained staff provide optimal care for transplant patients. Transplants are performed for both adult and pediatric patients, with specialized care tailored to the unique needs of each age group. Apollo Hospitals utilizes cutting-edge surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches, to improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times. Advanced immunosuppression protocols prevent organ rejection and ensure long-term graft survival.

State-of-the-art facilities include dedicated transplant centers in Jubilee Hills, Kakinada, and Vizag, with dedicated state-of-the-art laboratories, operation theatres (OTs), and transplant intensive care units (ICUs), ensuring unparalleled diagnostic precision, seamless surgeries, and 24/7 critical care. The OTs are maintained following strict infection control protocols. Apollo’s transplant ICUs are supported by advanced tools such as ventilators, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), multi-parameter monitors, and more.

Apollo Hospitals also has extensive experience in performing living donor transplants, ensuring that patients have access to this life-saving option. It actively participates in national and regional organ-sharing networks, working to maximize the availability of deceased donor organs for transplant. Apollo Hospitals is actively involved in research and innovation in the field of organ transplantation, contributing to advancements in surgical techniques, immunosuppression strategies, and patient management.

The Heart Transplant program offers hope for patients with end-stage heart diseases such as congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and coronary heart disease. For those not immediately eligible for a heart transplant, circulatory support, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), is provided until a donor organ is available.

Apollo Hospitals takes immense pride in being the first hospital chain to pioneer lung transplants in India. The program also conducts combined Heart and Lung Transplantation, typically recommended for those with complex congenital heart defects.

Over 4,600 liver transplants, including 500 pediatric cases from more than 50 countries have been performed at Appollo. Organs can be procured from either living donors (Live Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT)) or deceased donors (Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation (DDLT)). In LDLT, the team works closely with donors and recipients throughout treatment to ensure the highest standards of care.

The Kidney Transplant Program offers extensive services including swap kidney transplants, ABO-compatible and incompatible renal transplants. The Apollo Cancer Centre’s Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program is known for launching the region’s first Outpatient Bone Marrow Transplant Program, providing significant benefits such as a 50% reduction in costs, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient well-being. The Corneal Transplant program at Apollo Hospitals utilizes cutting-edge technologies like the FEMTO LDV Z8 laser machine.

Urban Square Mall Announces Be Our Valentine – A One-of-a-Kind Shopping Extravaganza

Urban Square Mall

Udaipur,17th February 2025-Urban Square Mall, Rajasthan’s largest mall, is set to redefine the shopping experience with its exclusive Valentine’s campaign, “Be Our Valentine,” running from February 14 to February 28, 2025. This unique initiative brings together all retailers under one roof to offer an array of exciting freebies and special surprises for shoppers, making this Valentine’s season truly memorable.

Speaking on the occasion, Uddhav Poddar, CMD, Bhumika Group, said:
“At Urban Square Mall, we are committed to enhancing customer experiences and making shopping more exciting. Over time, we have organized several engaging campaigns that bring together our retailers and shoppers, creating a dynamic and interactive shopping environment. ‘Be Our Valentine’ is another step in this direction – a celebration of love, joy, and retail therapy, where every shopper will be treated to something special. We are thrilled to have all our retailers on board for this one-of-a-kind campaign, and we look forward to hosting many more such engaging initiatives in the future.”

Siddharth Katyal, CEO, of Bhumika Group, added:
“This initiative reflects our strong collaboration with retail partners and our dedication to providing unparalleled shopping experiences. With exclusive offers and exciting freebies, ‘Be Our Valentine’ is set to create a festive atmosphere that shoppers will truly enjoy.”

Shoppers can look forward to a series of special giveaways, discounts, and exclusive brand offerings throughout the campaign period. Stay tuned for more details on how you can be a part of this exciting Valentine’s celebration!

Reports Highlight Assistive Tech & Flexible Work for Disability Inclusion

New Delhi, India, 15th February 2025: Public policy firm, The Quantum Hub (TQH), and disability rights NGO Youth4Jobs (Y4J) released two new respective reports concerning workplace accessibility for persons with disabilities in India at the India International Centre today. Supported by Zoom, a leading AI-first work platform for human connection, the two reports delved into how the provision of reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities at the workplace, such as assistive technologies and flexible work, have proven effective in removing infrastructural barriers and enhancing workforce participation. While TQH’s report highlighted best practices emerging from a comprehensive review of Indian and global laws covering workplace accommodation provisions for persons with disabilities, Y4J provided quantitative insights into the state of employment for this demographic in India, through a detailed survey of over 200 employees with disabilities.

The launch event saw academics, civil society, bureaucrats, and the private sector come together to discuss workplace accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, and Ms. Manmeet K. Nanda, Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, were present as Distinguished Guests, with Mr. Aggarwal additionally delivering the keynote address.

A panel discussion, moderated by leading disability rights activists and the director of policy & Programs at TQH Nipun Malhotra, was also held, providing cross-sectoral perspectives on workplace inclusion. Panelists included Rahul Gambhir (Chief Manager and Digital Accessibility Specialist – Union Bank of India), Amar Jain (Co-Founder, Mission Accessibility), P.V. Madhusudhan Rao (Professor, Departments of Design and Mechanical Engineering – IIT Delhi), Jaishankar Natarajan (CEO – India Autism Center), and Madhubala Sharma (Senior Program manager Inclusive eXperiences and Technologies – Amazon). Zoom’s India Head of Government Relations Rohit Kumar also facilitated the day’s discussions.

Workspaces, both in India and internationally, have not traditionally been inclusive for persons with disabilities, often hindering their ability to access meaningful and dignified employment. For example, 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 people, experience disability, making persons with disabilities the world’s largest minority group. However, 80% of them are of working age, yet only one-third are engaged in the workforce. In India, the National Statistical Office (NSO) estimated in 2018 that 2.2% of the population experienced disability, a figure significantly below the global average. Other surveys, such as the National Family Health Survey 2019, place the proportion even lower at just 1%. The employment scenario in India is also concerning, with only 22.8% of persons with disabilities employed.

However, the provision of reasonable accommodations, such as assistive technologies and flexible work arrangements, has proven effective in removing barriers and enhancing workforce participation. The two reports deploy distinct methodologies and frameworks, to help understand the relationship between reasonable accommodations, workplace inclusion, and dignified employment for persons with disabilities, as detailed in the annexed reports and report overview.

Top leadership from Y4J, TQH, and Zoom also shared their thoughts on the launch of the reports. “These crucial reports, which shed light on workplace accessibility and the role of assistive technologies and flexible work in doing so, can pave the way for stronger, long-term inclusion. Their findings underscore the need for stronger implementation of inclusive policies both at the government and private sector levels. We look forward to the government and private sector embracing these findings to create equitable opportunities for persons with disabilities,” said Meera Shenoy, Co-Founder, of Youth4Jobs.

“We are proud to launch these reports, which highlight the importance of reasonable accommodations, assistive technologies, and flexible work in fostering workplace inclusion for persons with disabilities. By studying global best practices, we provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and businesses. We look forward to engaging with the government and private sector to implement these findings,” said Rohit Kumar, Co-Founder of The Quantum Hub.

“Zoom is proud to support these important research projects highlighting the role of assistive technologies and flexible work in fostering workplace inclusion for persons with disabilities. We believe technology can bridge accessibility gaps, and we encourage the government and private sector to consider these key findings,” said Rohit Kumar, Head of Government Relations, Zoom India.

Krystal Integrated Services Eyes Wastewater Management for Growth

Mumbai, 15th February 2025 – Krystal Integrated Services Limited (KISL), India’s fastest-growing and leading provider of integrated facility management (IFM) and staffing solutions, announced its foray into a fast-growing Waste Water Management and Effluent Treatment (WWM&ET) segment. According to the company’s growth strategy, the WWM&ET segment is estimated to generate a fresh order book of Rs 1,000 crore business in the next 18 months.

The company has executed turnkey projects since 2019 and in the beginning of FY25 started building a core team of 20+ talented members skilled with the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) process and technologies. The team comprises professionals from various IDCs (Industrial Development Corporations) and the private sector and has a combined experience of 200 years in the field.

The company met with significant success when Tindivanam Pharma Park Association (TPPA), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, awarded a multi-year contract for effluent treatment of its Central Effluent Treatment Plant for ZLD. The contract is worth Rs. 19.62 crore for the first year and paves the way for high-margin technology-led business operations that will enable the company to move up the value chain within the IFM industry.

With TPPA, the company hopes to cater to similar manufacturing clusters across the length and breadth of the country and provide sustainable waste management solutions, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative service offerings.

Commenting on this development, Mr. Sanjay Dighe, CEO & Whole-time Director at Krystal Integrated Services Limited, said, “We are excited to be awarded this significant contract from the prestigious Tindivanam Pharma Park Association in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is an honour to be chosen as the partner of choice for such a reputed organization and project.

This segment presents a tremendous opportunity for sustainable and profitable growth. With increasing regulatory focus on environmental compliance and waste disposal, we believe this business has the potential to scale rapidly. The Rs. 19.62 crore contract from TPPA is a testament to our expertise and growing footprint in this sector.”

Aukera Ropes in Taapsee Pannu & Sania Mirza to Champion Women’s Empowerment

Taapsee X Sania for Aukera

National, 15th February 2025: Aukera, one of India’s leading lab-grown diamond jewelry brands announced the onboarding of film actor Taapsee Pannu and former Indian Tennis player and six-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza to launch the platform “My Choice My Voice” – an intimate initiative to celebrate women who have stood for their individuality, purpose, have a point of view and made a mark for themselves through their decisions, without making compromises. The initiative will kick off with a nationwide movement backed by multiple media platforms, including print, digital, radio, and In-store and outdoor promotional materials.

Aukera’s unwavering dedication to the celebration of the spirit of womanhood and the pursuit of autonomous choices is the foundation of the initiative. “My Choice My Voice” will be an annual property of the company that will showcase the intimate connection the brand shares with women. Each year, it will bring together a fine selection of widely celebrated and accomplished women.

Speaking on the partnership, Lisa Mukhedkar, co-founder and CEO of Aukera, said, “Aukera is a rallying cry for all women to exercise choice as we see a strong correlation between authentic expression and genuine happiness, exercising free choice. Taapsee and Sania have both had a significant impact on the public, thanks to their unwavering confidence and fierce determination to express themselves through unconventional choices. These gifted individuals who hail from two diverse backgrounds and different disciplines have excelled in their way. They are united by a desire to achieve success, an openness to new experiences, and an appreciation for quality, which is in perfect harmony with our values. My Choice My Voice initiative with both these gifted women is designed to connect with the contemporary Indian woman and tell them that no matter what, Aukera will always stand tall to celebrate and cheer for every choice they make.”

The collaboration with Taapsee and Sania is consistent with Aukera’s overarching objective of uniting with women who persist in challenging the limits of possibility, rejecting compromises, and making clearly defined choices. The initiative is a testament to the powerful performances and fierce delivery of both women in their respective fields of work. Tapsee and Sania will be the sought-after faces of the platform this year, embodying Aukera’s ethos of defying limits and making choices.

The partnership will see Taapsee and Sania lending their voices to the brand through exclusive appearances, digital engagements, and curated storytelling that highlights the spirit of choice and empowerment.

Taapsee Pannu, speaking about the platform said, “For me, making a choice is about staying true to myself. In an industry where you are constantly judged and told what to do, choosing to follow my instincts has defined who I am today. Every role I have taken, and every project I have said no to, has all been a step towards becoming the actor and the woman I want to be. Making a choice is about owning your journey and walking a path that feels authentically yours.”

“Choosing me has always been about determination and resilience. From choosing Tennis as my passion to pushing past obstacles on and off the court, my choices have defined my journey. It’s about believing in yourself even when others don’t, and standing firm on what you know is right for you. That’s how I have shaped my identity, not just as an athlete but as a woman”, Sania Mirza added.

My Choice My Voice is a testament to Aukera’s vision of starting meaningful conversations that inspire and uplift while positioning the brand as more than just fine jewelry, a movement that champions the power of choice and self-expression.