Category business

Gurugram, August 28, 2025: FUJIFILM India announced the opening of its new 56,000 sq. ft. facility in Gurugram, marking a significant step in its long-term growth and investment strategy in India. The new facility features 350 workstations along with product experience zones for Electronic Imaging Devices (EID), instax™, and Multifunction Printing products, enabling customers and partners to experience Fujifilm’s latest innovations, first-hand. The facility will also serve as an integrated service hub for EID, Optical Devices, and instax™ products, along with hosting a dedicated contact centre for the Medical Systems Division, which will strengthen customer service and turnaround time.

Strategically located in DLF Cyber City, the new facility of FUJIFILM India is located at Building No. 5, Tower-A, 8th Floor, DLF Cyber City, Gurugram, Haryana. Equipped with advanced infrastructure and access to modern public transport systems, the facility will support FUJIFILM India’s expanding portfolio across the 4 business segments it operates in India: healthcare, imaging, electronics, and business innovation.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said, “At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to delivering innovative products and solutions that embody our Group purpose of ‘Giving Our World More Smiles.’ By blending diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people, we aim to create solutions that bring joy and smiles to the world. India is one of the most important growth markets, and this facility represents our continued investment in its potential. By combining innovation with service excellence and creating an environment where our teams can thrive, we are positioning FUJIFILM India to deliver even greater value to our customers and partners.”

Mr. Navneet Ahluwalia, Head, Human Resources & Administration, FUJIFILM India, added, “With the new office located at the DLF Cybercity, we wanted to create more than just an office space. This facility reflects our vision for a workplace that inspires, connects, and supports our employees. The modern ambience, collaborative zones, and integrated technology are all designed to make it easier for our people to deliver their best work while enjoying a seamless work environment.”

With this expansion, FUJIFILM India continues to scale its operational capabilities, integrate services across divisions, and reinforce its position as a trusted partner delivering innovative solutions in a wide range of business segments to its customers nationwide.

August 28, 2025: Arohan Financial Services Limited, a leading NBFC-MFI and part of the Aavishkaar Group, is pleased to announce two key leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its executive team and reinforcing its commitment to financial inclusion and organizational growth.

The Board of the Company has approved the appointment of Mr. Milind Ramchandra Nare as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Milind will continue to serve as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Arohan, a role he has held with distinction for nearly nine years.

With over 30 years of experience in finance, Milind brings extensive expertise and strategic insight to his expanded responsibilities. As Deputy CEO, he will support the CEO in driving Arohan’s mission of financial inclusion, with a focus on strategic leadership, organizational development, and operational excellence. In his continuing role as CFO, he will remain responsible for financial management, treasury operations, audit and taxation, and regulatory compliance.

Milind has played a pivotal role in shaping Arohan’s financial stability and growth trajectory since joining the Company. Under his leadership, the finance function has seen significant transformation, contributing to Arohan’s position as one of the most respected entities in the microfinance sector.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Manoj Nambiar, Managing Director of Arohan Financial Services, said, “Milind has been an integral part of Arohan’s leadership team. His deep knowledge of the business and his unwavering commitment to our values make him an ideal choice for the role of Deputy CEO. We are confident that he will continue to add immense value in this expanded capacity.”

In addition, Arohan is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ketan Agrawal as Deputy Chief Financial Officer. Ketan has been associated with the Company since June 2018 and currently serves as Head of Accounts. A Chartered Accountant and Information Systems Auditor, Ketan brings over 20 years of experience in corporate accounting across various industries. His areas of expertise include corporate, business, banking and receivable accounting, as well as RBI compliances. In his new role, Ketan will work closely with the CFO in managing the finance function, bringing added depth to the leadership team as the company scales its operations.

These strategic appointments underscore Arohan’s focus on leadership continuity and operational excellence as it continues to serve underserved communities with responsible financial solutions.

New Delhi, August 28, 2025 : Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida invites food lovers on a flavorful voyage with “Purvaiya 4.0″, a specially curated food festival celebrating the traditional cuisines of Bihar and Jharkhand. The festival will be held from 29th August to 6th September 2025 at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Café On 3.

Under the guidance of Executive Chef Ashutosh Bisht, this fourth edition of Purvaiya promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience, combining rich heritage with authentic regional recipes.

Guests will be treated to a variety of regional delicacies such as Sattu ka Sharbat, Puchka, Chapra ka Mutton Chaap, Chana Ghugni, Bihari Kebab, Litti Chokha, Dal Pitha, Kachehri ka Salan, Sarson Wali Machli, Dhanbad ki Besan ki Subzi, and Hisua ki Zimikand ki Subzi, among others.

To round off the feast, indulge in an array of desserts such as Thekua, Chandrakala, Malpua, and Anarsa – sweet, rich, and steeped in tradition.

Adding to the immersive experience, Café On 3 will be adorned with themed décor, featuring elements of the regions’ art and culture, creating a vibrant yet earthy ambiance. Live instrumental folk music and servers dressed in regional attire will further transport diners to the heartlands of Bihar and Jharkhand.

“With each edition of Purvaiya, we aim to revive and celebrate the culinary diversity of Bihar and Jharkhand, which share similar cultural and culinary ties. We are proud to bring recipes passed down through generations to a modern dining table,” says Executive Chef Ashutosh Bisht at Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida.

Shashi Shankar, Food & Beverage Manager at Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida, adds, “Now in its fourth edition, Purvaiya has become more than just a food festival for us. It’s a cultural showcase that brings together heritage, flavors, and storytelling through food. We are delighted to welcome our guests to experience the warmth and authenticity of these regions, right here in the heart of Delhi NCR.”

A recent survey by Scandalous Foods, India’s fast-growing B2B innovator in preservative-free Indian sweets, has revealed that 78% of urban Indians still turn to traditional mithai as their go-to festive gift. From barfis to laddoos, mithai boxes continue to dominate celebrations across the country, proving that nostalgia and cultural pride outweigh the growing appeal of artisanal chocolates, macarons, or luxury hampers, which account for just 22% of preferences.

The findings highlight that cultural tradition and nostalgia influence 35% of gifting choices, followed by taste preferences (20%). While factors like premium appeal (18%), attractive packaging (15%), and pricing (12%) do matter, it is the emotional connection of mithai that keeps it unmatched. For most Indians, festive gifting isn’t just about flavors or presentation—it’s about memories, heritage, and the joy of sharing something deeply familiar.

The survey also captures a generational shift among younger recipients under 35 years. While mithai still holds a majority at 58%, gourmet desserts are fast catching up with 42% preference, especially in compact and trendy formats such as jars, single-serve packs, and curated hampers. This signals that while modern gifting formats are gaining popularity, they coexist rather than replace the timeless appeal of mithai.

Sanket S., Co – Founder of Scandalous Foods, said, “Festivals in India have always been about more than just exchanging gifts—they are about preserving traditions, sharing emotions, and strengthening bonds. The survey findings reaffirm that mithai continues to carry a cultural weight that modern alternatives cannot replace. At the same time, today’s consumers are embracing new formats and experiences, creating a richer, more diverse gifting landscape. For Scandalous Foods, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity: to safeguard the heritage of Indian sweets while reimagining them in formats and presentations that resonate with contemporary tastes. The goal is to ensure that mithai remains timeless while staying relevant for generations to come.”

At the same time, gifting habits have clearly evolved into a more balanced mix over the past 3–5 years. Consumers are increasingly creating blended hampers that mix mithai with gourmet desserts, dry fruits, and even non-food options. Yet, when it comes to leaving a lasting impression, desi mithai continues to shine. Regional specialties—like petha from Agra, Mysore Pak from Chennai, or dodha from Delhi—carry authenticity and stories that no imported confection can replicate, making them a cherished part of festive traditions.

Finally, authenticity emerged as a defining factor, with a majority of respondents rating it as “very important” in their gifting choices. This reaffirms mithai’s place not just as a sweet treat but as an experience steeped in cultural value—ensuring that even as trends evolve, traditional Indian sweets remain at the heart of festive celebrations.

National, August 28, 2025: Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform, in collaboration with Arthat Studio, one of India’s leading creators of anamorphic experiences, is bringing the spirit of Bappa’s arrival by showcasing a grand Ganpati idol created entirely from puja items. This one-of-a-kind, 8-ft-high, 10-ft-deep 3D anamorphic art installation, which is a large-scale artwork that creates a distorted image or sculpture, is on display at Inorbit Mall, Mumbai, from August 24 to September 4, 2025.

The immersive installation has been meticulously crafted using over 400 puja and festive essentials available on Instamart, including diyas, flowers, modaks, coconuts, fruits, and puja thalis. When viewed through a specially positioned lens on your phone, these puja items transform into a majestic Ganpati idol — symbolizing that everything required for Ganesh Chaturthi is just 10 minutes away with Instamart.

The artwork highlights how every detail of devotion and tradition can be made simple and accessible without compromise through Instamart’s wide festive assortment across categories. Ahead of the festive season, Instamart has expanded its festive assortment to include 25+ types of modaks, eco-friendly Ganesh idols, prasad blessed at Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir and Shri Siddhivinayak Chandicha Ganpati Mandir, along with a wide variety of puja essentials.

Speaking about the activation, Mayur Hola, VP – Brand Marketing at Instamart, said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is such a beautiful festival, the colours, the devotion, and the joy of seeing unique handcrafted idols come alive on the streets of Mumbai. It’s what makes this time of year so special. But while people love soaking that in, what they don’t love is running around for the little things. In today’s fast-paced world, festivals are when you want to pause, celebrate, and be with your loved ones. That’s really where Instamart steps in. Partnering with Arthat Studio gave us a chance to create something visually stunning, while also reminding people that Instamart is like their best bud during the festival — here to take care of all those small hassles, whether it’s fresh flowers or a last-minute forgotten puja essential.”

This installation is part of Instamart’s larger festive season focus, with the platform expanding its range of puja and festive essentials from Holi to Janmashtami and now Ganesh Chaturthi. Janmashtami saw demand surge for basuris, laddoo gopal idols, and poshaks, with near sellouts of white makkhan, panchamrit, and makhan mishri, while Raksha Bandhan recorded a 3.5× jump in orders, peaking at 1 lakh rakhis an hour. Building on this momentum, Instamart is widening its festive selection across Navratri, Karwa Chauth, Dhanteras, and Diwali — from flowers to fasting essentials, festive thalis, gold and silver coins, décor, sweets, electronics, and hyperlocal mithai.

The anamorphic installation, designed by Arthat Studio, reflects the growing trend of thematic Ganpatis, blending traditional puja elements with contemporary storytelling. By stepping into the experience, visitors will witness how small details, modaks, diyas, and coconuts come together to create the larger-than-life presence of Lord Ganesha, symbolising abundance and festivity. Located at Inorbit Mall, Mumbai, the installation will be open to visitors from 24^th August to 4th September, offering devotees and shoppers an opportunity to experience the spirit of the festival in a fresh, modern way.

New Delhi, August 27, 2025: The People Forum of India – National Bharat Sevak Samaj (NBSS) today announced its plans to expand grassroots initiatives in Rajasthan with a mission to uplift marginalised communities, empower women through skills, and improve access to education for children. This development follows a meeting held in Delhi between Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Deputy Chairman of the People Forum of India, and Smt. Rinku Meena, Joint Resident Commissioner of the Rajasthan Government, at Bikaner House.

The discussions revolved around aligning the Forum’s work with ongoing programmes of the Rajasthan Government. Dr. Mallappa highlighted the need to strengthen skill development initiatives that create sustainable livelihoods and to enhance educational opportunities for children. He remarked that building local capacity is essential not only for economic progress but also for long-term community empowerment. “Our mission is to enable communities to stand on their own, while safeguarding their dignity and cultural identity,” he said.

Smt. Rinku Meena appreciated the Forum’s intent and highlighted the Rajasthan Government’s continuing commitment to expanding access to education and skill-building opportunities for disadvantaged groups. She noted that partnerships with organisations like the People Forum of India can provide vital support in ensuring that government programmes achieve deeper impact at the grassroots.

Both leaders acknowledged that while various schemes have created positive change, ground-level challenges such as limited educational resources in rural areas, barriers to women’s participation in skill-based livelihoods, and persistent socio-economic inequalities continue to affect communities. The discussion concluded with a shared resolve to explore practical joint programmes that can strengthen skill development and education initiatives in Rajasthan, ensuring long-term growth and opportunities for future generations.

New Delhi, August 26, 2025: Grehlakshmi, India’s No. 1 Hindi women’s magazine and the country’s largest community of housewives, successfully hosted the grand finale of Grehlakshmi Mrs. India 2025, a spectacular celebration of beauty, talent, and empowerment. The evening was graced by legendary beauty icon Shahnaz Husain, who not only inspired the participants with her presence but also had the honour of crowning the winners, Dr. Swetha Karlapudi in the Silver Category, Amrita Kaur Sokhi in the Gold Category, and Rekha Paladee in the Elite Category.

The runners-up included Arushi Mishra, Meenu Singh, and Shweta Verma in the Silver Category; Prajakta Vaibhav Bhoir in the Gold Category; and Anupama Singh and Babita Amrohi in the Elite Category.

The distinguished jury panel for the evening comprised eminent names from diverse fields: Pavleen Gujral (actor, anchor & wellness influencer), Aashna Malani (lifestyle influencer & digital marketer), Prachi Tehlan (actor & former Indian national sports captain), and Shyam Sharma (Managing Partner, Global Lawyers & Director, DDCA). Their expertise and guidance brought immense credibility to the competition.

The contestants were groomed under the expert mentorship of Anjana and Karl Mascarenhas, Directors of Diva Pageants, with dynamic choreography by Pooja Singh, ensuring that each finalist took the stage with confidence, elegance, and grace.

The four-day journey leading up to the finale was packed with grooming sessions, talent showcases, and empowering activities. The event also saw the presence of dignitaries and achievers such as Anjum Chopra (former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team), Neelam Pratap Rudy (amateur golfer & philanthropist), Piyu Sharma (boxer & wellness coach), Soumya Khurana (visionary entrepreneur & philanthropist), Rennie Joy (corporate lawyer & founder of Aalekh Foundation), along with previous winners of Grehlakshmi Mrs. India, who inspired the contestants with their stories.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Vandana Verma, Editor-in-Chief of Grehlakshmi Magazine, shared, “Grehlakshmi Mrs. India is not just about beauty — it is about identity, courage, and empowerment. Every woman who participated is a winner, and this journey marks the beginning of a lifetime of inspiration for them and for countless women watching. What began as a simple dream to celebrate the spirit, resilience, and brilliance of married women across India has now grown into a movement — a platform where women are not only celebrated for who they are, but also empowered to become who they aspire to be.”

She further added, “Over the last three seasons, we have seen countless Grehlakshmis transform their lives, their families, and even their communities — and that, for us, has been the greatest reward. Together, you are living proof that Grehlakshmi is more than just a magazine — it is a vibrant, breathing community of strong Indian women. Through this platform, we strive to give every woman the courage, visibility, and opportunities she deserves to pursue her dreams and inspire others to do the same.”

The event was powered by major brands including Sirona, Clovia, Voylla, Indus Valley, DailyHunt, Josh, Mila Beaute, Looks Salon, La Pink, 2.OH!, Sparsh, Shahnaz Husain, Blossom Kochhar, Ayouthveda, Bio Organic, Graphis Ads, The Posh Salon, and Red FM.

The finale was attended by eminent personalities, influencers, media representatives, families of the contestants, and special guests, all coming together to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these remarkable women. As the curtain closed on yet another grand season, Grehlakshmi Mrs. India 2025 reaffirmed its position as a powerful platform that transforms lives, celebrates journeys, and redefines true beauty.

Kollam, 26 August 2025: Royaloak Furniture, India’s No 1 furniture brand expanded its store network again in Kerala with the inauguration of its new store in South Kerala’s Kollam. The grand opening ceremony was honoured by the esteemed presence of Mr. Vijai Subramaniam, Chairman, Royaloak Incorporation Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Mathan Subramaniam, Managing Director, Royaloak Incorporation Pvt. Ltd; Mr. N.K Premachandran, Hon’ble MP of Kollam Lok Sabha and Mr. M Noushad, Hon’ble MLA of Eravipuram.

This expansion emphasises Royaloak’s commitment to providing quality furniture solutions to the people of Kollam. The grand launch event also witnessed guests from the Royaloak team, including Mr. Kiran Chhabria, Franchise Head of Royaloak; Mr. Thammaiah Kotera, Head – Visual Merchandising & New Store Opening of Royaloak; Mr. Ranjith Kappatu, Regional Head – Tamilnadu & Kerala of Royaloak Furniture; Mr. Shajith, Franchise Manager of Royaloak and Franchise partners Mr. Rinson Mathew and Mrs. Jinu Joseph. The successful business expansion has ensured vast employment opportunities created by the brand over the years in the state and opened doors for future business expansion with multiple vendors and partners.

Covering an impressive 13,000 square feet, this store boasts an extensive array of furniture for every part of the home, including living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, study & office, outdoor, home decor, mattresses and more. Kollam’s residents can now discover a wide variety of both stylish, smart and functional furnishings in an affordable cost all conveniently located in their neighborhood.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Vijai Subramaniam, Chairman, Royaloak Furniture, said, “We are proud to open another store in Kerala, where we already have stores in different parts of the state and 200 stores nationwide. The new opening reflects our commitment to serving our customers better and our belief in the growing potential of this market. We look forward to continuing to provide quality products and exceptional service to our valued customers here. We are of the opinion that the people of Kollam would be keen to furnish their place with international products available at an affordable range. I extend my best wishes to the franchise owners as we eagerly anticipate serving customers and assisting them in finding, the ideal pieces to complete their dream homes.”

The store boasts a carefully curated and exclusive ‘Country Store,’ displaying the finest and most unique furniture selections from countries such as America, Italy, Malaysia, and India. Through its dedicated standalone stores, Royaloak aspires to elevate the aesthetic appeal of homes with its modern, luxurious and affordable furniture offerings. The brand has been fulfilling the lifestyle requirements of its expansive customer base, exceeding 10 million individuals. Royaloak has a presence across PAN India, including all the metro cities and the distinctive tier 2 and tier 3 cities of India. This has transformed Royaloak into a furniture brand, spanning from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Gujarat to Nagaland with 200+ stores.

26th August 2025: Bappa’s arrival and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are incomplete without the irresistible charm of modaks, and just like every year, Conrad Pune is set to make your festive season even sweeter. From 25th August to 7th September, Pune Sugar Box invites guests to experience ‘Modak Bhog’, a specially curated collection of handcrafted delights that celebrate tradition, taste, festivities, and togetherness.

Carrying forward its legacy of curating festive indulgences, Conrad Pune has designed a menu that captures the very soul of Ganeshotsav. Each modak is lovingly crafted by Chef Ramakrushna Chaskar, Chef Krutika Gawas, and their team, blending authenticity with innovation. Guests can relish an exciting variety from the timeless coconut-jaggery ukadiche modak to indulgent chocolate-filled creations, rich dry fruit variations, and several chef-special surprises that are bound to become new festive favourites.

Whether you’re gifting or indulging, it’s the sweetest way to say Ganpati Bappa Morya. So, this Ganesh Chaturthi, let every bite be an offering of joy, devotion, and indulgence with Conrad Pune as Pune Sugar Box offers the perfect setting where festive charm meets warmth and elegance.

Event Details:

· Date: 25th August – 07th September 2025

· Venue: Pune Sugar Box, Conard Pune

Mumbai, August 26: ANJ Group, one of India’s leading design and build firms, has appointed Dr Ashfaq Ul Ahad as its Chief People Officer (CPO). The appointment reflects ANJ’s commitment to building inspiring workplaces for its clients and a culture where people can thrive. 

Dr Ashfaq Ul Ahad, Chief People Officer, ANJ Group.

Dr Ul Ahad brings with him 25 years of experience, spanning across hospitality, banking, technology, telecom, logistics and education sectors. From leading HR at global organisations like ICICI Bank, GE, Hutchison and Syntel to shaping capability development for Delhivery’s 75,000-strong workforce, his career has been defined by building people-first cultures at scale. Beyond the corporate world, he has also co-founded Talent Edge Academy and CollegeDekho Academy, creating learning platforms that bridge the gap between education and employability for young professionals. 

Speaking about his new role, Dr Ul Ahad said, “ANJ for me is a Blue Ocean, and I am joining at a time when the organisation is shaping the future of workspaces in India. ANJ’s manufacturing prowess, customer centricity, coupled with a people-first culture is all poised to move it from a challenger quadrant to a leader. I am tasked to make this happen while creating meaningful impact for our customers, employees and communities alike.” 

At ANJ, he will be responsible for steering the company’s People & Culture agenda with a focus on nurturing leadership, strengthening employee engagement, driving organisational transformation and fostering a workplace that inspires creativity and innovation.