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Greater Noida, June 18, 2025: In a time when urban expansion often stands at odds with ecological balance, Group 108 scripted a quiet yet impactful chapter of hope at its landmark IT Park development, Grandthum, in Techzone 4, Greater Noida (West). Themed “Plant Today, Breathe Tomorrow,” the plantation drive was not merely an environmental gesture—it was a deliberate act of reclamation, positioning nature back into the heart of real estate vision.

Organised as part of World Environment Month, the initiative saw the coming together of Group 108’s leadership, employees, project associates, and volunteers from its partner NGO, The Human Touch Foundation, in a collective effort to reintroduce green lungs into a rapidly urbanising corridor. By noon, the expansive site of Grandthum bore the first signs of transformation—not with steel or concrete, but with saplings planted in measured rhythm across designated zones within the project.

The effort aligns with Group 108’s broader Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) agenda—a roadmap that seeks not to greenwash development, but to green-root it. The saplings chosen were indigenous, hardy species, curated to thrive in the region’s climate and contribute tangibly to air purification and biodiversity recovery.

Dr. Amish Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, shared a message that encapsulates the group’s commitment to sustainability: “Urban growth and environmental integrity must not be adversaries. At Group 108, we believe that infrastructure must evolve alongside ecosystems. This initiative is not a routine formality —it is a philosophical anchor. To plant a tree is to vote for the future. And we intend to keep voting.”

The plantation drive unfolded with a quiet sense of purpose, guided by Group 108’s leadership and supported by its on-ground teams and members of The Human Touch Foundation, the NGO partner for the initiative.

The event concluded with informative sessions on urban greening, the ecological importance of native flora, and the long-term carbon offset potential of tree-lined commercial landscapes

Grandthum, known for its bold architectural language and commercial prominence, is fast emerging as a development that marries form with foresight. Beyond being a hub of retail and enterprise, the project is envisioned as a place where sustainability becomes experience—not marketing.

India, 17th June 2025: The Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon hosted another power-packed edition of its flagship startup pitch events, MDI Megaminds, on Sunday, 15th June 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Lakshya Building, 3rd Floor, Room No. 9, MDI Gurgaon campus

MDI Megaminds has established itself as a dynamic platform where visionary entrepreneurs meet seasoned investors and startup enthusiasts. The event showcased an action-packed day of high-energy pitches, vibrant networking, and opportunities for real growth.

Over the past five years, MDI Megaminds has successfully impacted more than 150 startups, serving as a launchpad for bold ideas and valuable connections within India’s growing startup ecosystem. This year’s edition aimed to build on that legacy by bringing together ambitious founders, investors seeking the next breakthrough innovation, and those eager to learn from real-world startup journeys.

Start-ups presented:

1.     INTERACTIVE RECRTUIMENTS: AI powered global edtech marketplace bridging students from Tier 2/3 cities to Education & Job Opportunity
2.    iRasus: Advanced battery analytics for e-mobility
3.     TIRTH.com: India’s first AI-powered spiritual travel platform
4.     VIKARA studios: Creating culturally rooted socially impactful 1v1 mobile games – bringing legends like Vikram-Betaal to life with a modern competitive twist

 Apart from the above startup presentation FIRE SIDE CHAT was happened 

PROBLEM FIRST or PRODUCT FIRST – Are startups solving real needs or just building what they want?

Mr. Sreejit Pillai – CBO, UTI Alternatives                    

Mr. Chitranshu Mahant – Co-founder, Primebook

Mr. Sameer Mathur – MD &CEO, Roinet Solutions

The event was open to all, whether you are a startup looking for funding, an investor scouting for the next big idea, or a student or professional interested in entrepreneurship.

Key Speakers & Jury Panel:
This year’s MDI Megaminds featured an illustrious panel of distinguished speakers and jury members, bringing together some of the most influential and visionary leaders in the world of entrepreneurship and investment. Attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from and interact with industry stalwarts such as Mr. Raj Chetan, the renowned investor and startup mentor; Ms. Sanya Duggal, an acclaimed entrepreneur celebrated for her game-changing ventures; Ms. Sanjana Agarwal, a thought leader in innovation; Mr. Arun Mehta, a trailblazer in business strategy; Mr. Mayank Bansal, a driving force behind several successful startups; Mr. Manish Verma, a respected business advisor; Dr. Ashish Singla, a leading academic and expert in management; and Dr. Paramjit Lamba, known for his impactful contributions to entrepreneurial education. Their combined expertise and insights inspired, guided, and ignited the ambitions of every participant, making this edition of MDI Megaminds an insightful event for all those passionate about the startup ecosystem present.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Leena Ajit Kaushal Chairperson MDI Accelcube (MAC)remarked,”At MegaMinds Event, we believe in the power of ideas to shape the future. Our mission is to create platforms where visionaries, innovators, and changemakers come together to connect, collaborate, and inspire”.

Adding to the event,Prof Ruchi Agarwal, Faculty Incharge MDI Accelcube (MAC)said, “We are pleased to introduce a new session within Megaminds ‘Fireside Chat’ with experts. This year, we are progressing towards formation of Acceleration cum Incubation Centre”

Chennai, June 17, 2025: Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd., a leading player in India’s crop protection and plant nutrition industry, has unveiled a powerful new initiative to empower farmers and advocate for sustainable agriculture aimed at ensuring long-term food security. Through its national campaign, #SawalKalKaHai, the company seeks to promote environmentally friendly farming practices while encouraging consumers to make conscious, responsible food choices that benefit both people and the planet.

With the central message, “The question is not just about today, but every tomorrow,” the campaign highlights the urgent need to protect soil health, preserve ecological balance, and secure the future of our food systems. It calls on both farmers and consumers to take collective responsibility—underscoring that sustainability begins in the soil and ends on our plates.

Founded in 1969 and part of the century-old Jhaver Group, Tropical Agro has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing agri-input companies. With an annual turnover of approximately USD 200 million, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio of chemical, biological, and organic solutions—ranking among the top two Indian brands in the sector.

Tropical Agro’s growing focus on sustainability is reflected in the increasing share of its biological and organic offerings, which now account for 20% of its portfolio. Alongside its comprehensive offerings across seed treatment, crop protection, plant nutrition, and post-harvest segments, the company actively trains and educates farmers to adopt judicious use of chemical inputs. This latest initiative builds on these broader efforts, aiming to enhance soil health, farm productivity, and resilience to climate change.

In line with its commitment to innovation, Tropical Agro has introduced patented solutions such as Tag Stem Lee and Tag Proxy, along with other advanced products that protect crops while revitalizing the soil.

The #SawalKalKaHai campaign aims to deepen awareness of how everyday food choices are intrinsically linked to farming practices and to spark a nationwide conversation on sustainable food systems. Through emotional storytelling and a compelling “Food to Farm” narrative, the campaign film traces the journey of food—from the soil to the plate— demonstrating how informed choices can shape the health of individuals, families, and the environment, whether it’s a child’s lunchbox or a shared family meal.

The two-minute film opens with a relatable question echoed across Indian homes — “Khaane Mein Kya Hai?” (What’s on the menu?)—and follows a mother who begins making healthier choices for her child by replacing unhealthy options with more nutritious food. The narrative emphasizes that this question isn’t just relevant today but will continue to be asked tomorrow. It then then transitions to a farm, where Tropical Argo’s sustainable farming solutions—from seed treatment to post-harvest—are helping farmers deliver better, more nutritious food choices to the consumer. The film powerfully underscores how today’s choices influence the food ecosystem of tomorrow.

Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/nPK2i8It7l4

“At Tropical Agro, we believe sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility,” said V. K. Jhaver, Founder of Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd. “ #SawalKalKaHai campaign is our call to action – for both farmers and urban consumers – to make conscious choices that ensure a better future. We are committed to promoting practices that protect our planet, our food systems, and the livelihoods of farmers across India. This is more than a campaign—it’s the beginning of a long-term movement that will inspire generations to come.”

Chandrika Rodrigues, General Manager – Branding & Communication, added: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. With #SawalKalKaHai, we aim to bridge the gap between the rural farms and what reaches the plates of urban consumers. By sparking awareness and emotional engagement, we’re nurturing a movement towards healthier, more resilient food ecosystem 

Building on the success of earlier initiatives such as the documentaries  Jai Jawan Jaivik Kisan and Jiyo aur Jeene Do, this campaign reaffirms Tropical Agro’s commitment to revolutionising the future of agriculture— by encouraging sustainable farming and conscious consumption today, for a thriving tomorrow.

Hon’ble Governor of Assam, gracesthe ICSI’s26thNationalConference of Practicing Company Secretaries in Guwahati

Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Hon’ble Governor of Assam inaugurated the 26th National Conference of Practicing Company Secretariesof the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) on 14 June 2025, in Guwahati, Assam.

Organized on the theme, Dynamic Regulatory Landscape: CS @Excelling Strategies, the two-day Conference will witness the presence of Industry Leaders, Senior Corporate Professionals, and Senior Officials from the Regulatory Bodies. 

Addressing the Company Secretaries as the backbone of the corporate ecosystem, Hon’ble Governor said, “Company Secretaries’ meticulous scrutiny and accurate reporting ensure that companies comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law. In today’s dynamic regulatory landscape, Company Secretary’s role has become more crucial, strategic, and value-adding than ever before and I am pleased to know that the conference has been designed to enhance your knowledge and skills for enabling real value creation.”

Outlining the theme, CS Dhananjay Shukla, President, the ICSI, contemplated on the role of Practicing Company Secretaries in shaping sustainable governance amidst rapidly changing regulatory environment. He said, “As guardians of compliance, architects of secretarial audit and custodians of governance, Company Secretaries are building a legacy of ensuring transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in the corporate sector.” He also highlighted ICSI’s various capacity building programmes.

Aimed at reinforcing national unity and inclusion, the Conference is set to provide a platform for meaningful dialogues on the following thematic sessions, leveraging collective expertise and fostering regional professional growth:

• Secretarial Audit and Annual Secretarial Compliance Report

• Opportunities under Taxation Regime

• Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Expanding Horizons: Leveraging Various Opportunities

On the occasion, the ICSI announced theupcomingICSI National Sustainability Conference to be held on 26-27 July in Udaipur, Rajasthan and ICSI 4th Board Mentorship Programme to be held from 18-21 September 2025, in Kalimpong, West Bengal.

The Conference also witnessed the gracious presence of Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha and Shri Dilip Saikia, Hon’ble Member of Lok Sabha.

The ICSI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)and furtherunveiled the following at the Conference: 

• Souvenir of 26th National Conference of Practicing Company Secretaries

• Publication on Corporate Governance from Compliance to Excellence (Handbook on Best Practices), Version 4.0

• Publication on Professional Reboot: Returning to Company Secretarial Roles 

• Flyer on Capacity Building Series

• Chartered Secretary Collector Series – A Compendium of Selected Articles on Direct Taxes and GST

• Publication on Registered Valuers Toolkit (For the asset class of Securities and Financial Assets-SFA)

• Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Rules and Regulations) Version 1.10 updated upto May, 2025

• Flyer on Skill Based Courses on SWAYAM /SWAYAM plus platform under MoU with IIT Madras

• Flyer of MSME & Start-up Helpline 

• Flyer of MSME & Start-up Catalyst

CS Pawan G Chandak, Vice President, The ICSI,CS Praveen Soni, Council Member &Chairman PCS Committee, The ICSI, CS Sandip Kejriwal,Council Member & Programme Director, The ICSI,CS Rupanjana De, Council Member,The ICSI,CS Anuj Saraswat, Chairman, EIRC, The ICSI, and CS Lohit Bagaria, Chairman, NE (Guwahati) Chapter, The ICSI, also addressed the gathering. CS Asish Mohan, Secretary, The ICSI, presented the Vote of Thanks.

This Father’s Day, Zeeba Basmati Rice, a premium basmati brand from the house of Supple Tek, Zeeba aims to spark heartfelt conversations & realizations about the role Fathers play in our everyday life. Conceptualised and executed by Maximus Collabs, the film aims to evoke an emotion and open up difficult yet beautiful conversations.

The campaign strikes a powerful emotional chord, sparking meaningful conversations around the often-unspoken love and gratitude we feel for our fathers. It will serve as a bridge across the emotional gap that many of us experience when trying to express affection, reminding people that showing love, even if it feels awkward, is always worthwhile.

While we all adore our fathers, we often take their silent presence and everyday sacrifices for granted. This campaign will bring that truth into sharp focus. It will encourage people to pause, reflect, and appreciate the unwavering support, guidance, and strength that fathers provide, often without seeking recognition.

Through this film, we aim to push those quiet emotions into the spotlight to move people to pick up the phone, call their dads, and say what they’ve perhaps never said out loud: “Thank you dad , I love you, and I see everything you’ve done for me.

New Delhi, June 13, 2025:  To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), HelpAge India launched the ‘Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics & Perceptions on Ageing’ report (India Intergenerational Bonds – INBO Report), a first-of-its-kind national study. Following the release, a panel discussion was held at the India International Centre with government, community, academic, and media stakeholders.

The national study was conducted across 10 metro & non-metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Nagpur, and Madurai) covering both the youth & the elderly, belonging to SEC B and C urban households. It combined both the quantitative element along with qualitative Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to explore perceptions, interactions, and emotional dynamics between youth and elders in urban India.

The study surveyed 5798 respondents, with the proportion of youth (18-30 years) – 70% and elders (60 years & above) – 30%. This study addresses the urgent need to understand emotional, relational, and psychological aspects of intergenerational ties in urban India.

“This report offers both a heartening affirmation and a timely wake-up call. While respect for elders and family ties remain deeply cherished in India—with 86% of elders feeling valued—beneath the surface lies a quieter, more concerning disconnect. Many elders still feel emotionally distant, unheard, or excluded from meaningful engagement. Expressions like ‘We are told the plan, not asked’ reflect a perception-practice gap that must be addressed. Are we truly listening to our elders—or simply assuming we are? As India moves forward with its unique demographic advantage—home to the world’s largest youth population and a rapidly growing elder segment—we must build an age-inclusive society that goes beyond the youth or longevity dividend. The real opportunity lies in unlocking the power of ‘intergenerational value.’ Through intentional collaboration across generations—in caregiving, digital literacy, lifelong learning, and volunteering—we can transform ageing from a phase of isolation into one of shared purpose, where generations are bridged not just in proximity, but in vision and co-creation”, says Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.

As of 2025, approximately 12% of the Indian population is aged 60 and above, a figure projected to rise to 19% by 2050. At the same time, India also holds the distinction of being home to the world’s largest youth population, with over 365 million individuals aged 15–29 years.

The report revealed that youth primarily associate elders as being “lonely” (56%), “dependent” (48%), but also “wise” (51%) and “respected” (43%), indicating a mix of empathy and admiration, along with the existence of stereotypical views.

“Young adults, especially those aged 18–24, share strong emotional bonds with their grandparents—particularly in multigenerational households. Interestingly, youth living apart often hold more positive perceptions of ageing, showing that distance doesn’t always mean disconnect. Despite lifestyle differences and digital immersion, youth and elders largely agree on the family’s central role in elder care. Youth acknowledge the generation gap but are willing to bridge it—volunteering to talk to lonely elders, assist with errands, and support digital inclusion. They want educational institutions to help them understand ageing and organize intergenerational activities. And while elders may sometimes feel undervalued, they still want to spend more time with youth, feel uplifted after meeting them, and prefer living in family. That’s the complexity to collectively address —by strengthening the positives and consciously addressing the gaps.” says Ms. Anupama Datta, Policy Research & Advocacy, HelpAge India.

Media greatly influences youth perceptions of the elderly, with 80% saying portrayals affect their views—often showing elders as wise and caring, but also dependent or comic.

 “HelpAge is advancing an intergenerational approach through its #GenerationsTogether initiative—connecting youth and seniors via digital empowerment, volunteering, and shared learning. Recognizing media’s influence on youth perceptions of ageing, we will collaborate with media, industry, and stakeholders to promote age-positive narratives.” says Prateep Chakraborty, COO, HelpAge India.

 Key highlights of the report:

• In non-metro cities, youth and elders report stronger traditional values and intergenerational bonds, but also greater fears about aging and wider perceived generation gaps.
• In terms of proximity to elders, a notable difference in score, is seen between metro city youth (62.52) and those in non-metro cities (65.18), with the latter showing stronger expressions of respect, possibly due to more traditional or community-oriented value systems.
• The overall ‘Value and Respect’ score among youth is 63.59 (out of 100), reflecting a broadly positive outlook on older adults and their societal role. Youth in non-metros score higher (65.18) than metro counterparts (62.52), indicating deeper respect, likely linked to community-oriented values.
• Youth mostly interact with grandparents (49%) and parents (45%), while elders connect primarily with sons (50%) and grandsons (40%), underscoring the family’s central role.
• Although 88% of intergenerational communication is face-to-face, the digital divide persists. While 71% of elders use basic phones, only 41% have smartphones. Just 13% use the internet or social media, and only 5% access services like online banking or health apps. Notably, 14% of elders use no digital tools.
• Barriers to digital adoption include 66% of elders finding technology confusing and 51% fearing errors. Youth serve as key enablers, with 54% of children and 52% of grandchildren acting as digital guides. Yet, youth perceive elders as disinterested (78%) or forgetful (66%), while elders cite youth’s lack of patience (71%) and fast explanations (49%).
• Both groups agree that youths’ busy schedules hinder interaction (elders: 76%, youth: 74%). Youth (25%) feel more judged & scrutinized during interactions than elders (22%). A “generation gap” is acknowledged by both (youth: 51%, elders: 45%).
• Disparities exist in perceived support: elders report high youth assistance with ATM withdrawals (55%) and health insurance (40%), while youth underreport their contributions (23% and 18%, respectively). While 29% of youth claim they offer no financial support, only 6% of elders say they receive none.
• On health, there’s strong mutual support: 81% of elders and 82% of youth believe youth should accompany elders to doctors, and 65% from both sides support help with medication and home care.
• Both generations share similar fears for old age: loneliness (youth: 69%, elders: 68%), poor health (67% vs. 61%), and financial insecurity (62% vs. 58%). They agree that financial security (elders: 70%, youth: 72%) and good physical and mental health are key to a fulfilling old age.
• The desire to live with family remains strong: 88% of youth expect to live with family when old, and 83% of elders currently do or plan to — reinforcing the enduring importance of family-based living.

Recommendations by HelpAge India:

• Schools based intervention – Include ‘Age Sensitization’ programmes or curriculum in schools, so the foundation for an age friendly & age inclusive society is set early in life, fostering empathy and age-respect. Government should consider creating a National Intergenerational Engagement Mission for the purpose.
• Intergenerational care – encourage youth-based community care programmes, and the immensely critical role in enabling and facilitating care system and networks for elders. Elder Care Centres in urban and rural areas with youth volunteers. Under its CSR program, corporate to encourage and incentivise young employees to participate in such activities as volunteers and support informal caregivers via HR policies.
• Sensitization awareness drives & campaigns using popular media, to transform mindsets towards being more age sensitive, caring towards elderly and as importantly valuing potential seniors have in productively contributing and co-creating. A public Awareness Campaigns Against Ageism would be very useful
• Digital inclusion through Youth-Led programmes, creating opportunities for connection, bonding & learning between generations, where tech-savvy youth are paired with elders for digital literacy support. Corporates to play a role in organizing training intergenerational workshops, giving digital devices and encouraging their teams to develop elder friendly features in digital devices and apps.

From 11 to 15 June, Moscow will host the historical festival ‘Times and epochs’.This is not just a festival, but an unforgettable journey through time, which will be a unique experience to get to know the past of Moscow and Russia a little bit better.

In the most beautiful mansions, ancient and modern parks, as well as on many city boulevards and venues of the capital, guests will be able to plunge into the past and feel the atmosphere of Russia’s historical epochs. Thanks to the festival’s numerous reenactments and immersive performances, guests will be taken back tens and hundreds of years, as if in a time machine, and learn more about the people and events of those times.

Historical venues will be located throughout Moscow, where thousands of reenactors not only from Russia, but also from abroad, will recreate the events of different eras – from ancient times to the 20th century. For example, in Moskino Cinema Park, images of key events in world history will come to life in front of the audience’s eyes. And in Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo Park there will be a performance of street theatre of the early 20th century, where each visitor will become not just an invited guest, but a member of a full-fledged participant of the performance.

A rich and informative programme has been prepared for children. For example, everyone can take part in creative and craft master-classes, try their skills at ancient folk games and even take part in historical quests. And if you want to get to know Russia even closer, spectacular horse shows and open-air museums will be perfect locations for it.

The ‘Times and epochs’ festival is a great opportunity to get a little closer to the cultural and historical past of Moscow and Russia. The festival is one of many events within the framework of the Summer in Moscow project, including at the district venues Moscow Seasons. Mesmerizing seasonal festivals of the project will be the perfect destination for a family trip or solo travel and will provide an unforgettable experience for all visitors from India.

Bengaluru, June 13, 2025 — In a remarkable demonstration of kindness, cooperation, and dedication, the Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Program, under the aegis of SMSGHM’s Annapoorna Trust, has attained a notable milestone in Telangana. At the close of the academic year 2024–25, the program was serving healthy morning meals to over 21 lakh children in the state—16 lakh school-going children and 5 lakh Anganwadi children covering all 32 districts.

What was initially a small initiative to feed merely 50 children is today a national movement reaching more than 10 million children across India, taking up the cause of morning hunger. Numerous children in rural and semi-urban areas tend to go without food for nearly 18 hours, enormously affecting their physical development as well as cognitive growth. Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Program is transforming this reality into one of providing access to healthy food that reinforces body and mind.

A milestone in this process was the state-level inauguration of the SaiSure Ragi Multi-Nutrient Health Mix for Anganwadi children on September 30, 2024. The program was launched at the Poshan Arogya Jathara at Manakondur Girls’ High School, conducted as a part of the Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Day. The occasion was graced with the attendance of various important dignitaries and stakeholders such as Smt. Dansari Anasuya (Seethakka), Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Welfare; Sri Ponnam Prabhakar, Hon’ble Transport Minister of Telangana; Dr. Kavvampally Satyanarayana, MLA, Manakondur Assembly Constituency; Smt. Vakati Karuna, IAS, Secretary, Department of Women, Children, Disabled, and Senior Citizens; Smt. A. Nirmala Kanthi Wesley, Director, Juvenile Welfare & Street Children; Shobha Rani Bandru, Chairperson, Telangana Women’s Co-operative Development Corporation; and UNICEF representatives, along with senior IAS officials.

Corporate partners have played a vital role in extending the program to government schools, reinforcing the message of shared responsibility. Amazon Web Services provided SaiSure Ragi Mix, Chikki and Multigrain Cookies to 8,866 children across the district of Rangareddy, making way for more than 16.78 lakh servings. HDFC Bank facilitated the distribution of SaiSure to 2,38,090 students at 3,401 schools in various districts including Adilabad, Hanumakonda, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Medchal Malkajgiri, and other districts during the months of January and February 2025. In parallel, Rise Against Hunger collaborated with Annapoorna Trust and corporate volunteers for packaging and distribution of thousands of pre-packaged food kits—of rice, pulses and fortified powders—to government schools and Sai Swasthya Wellness Centres in districts.

Additionally, the SaiSure Ragi Multi-Nutrient Health Mix with Jaggery, a morning drink that comprises vital vitamins and minerals, is one of the most important factors behind healthier physical and mental growth in children. Such a healthy blend of Ragi (finger millet) and jaggery has proved to tackle both visible and hidden hunger. The daily consumption of this blend has been linked to impressive improvement in school attendance, activity, and child health.

With this continued emphasis on nation-building through nutrition, the Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Program is not only serving children—it is fostering potential, diminishing inequality, and building a foundation for a healthier, more empowered generation. As the program continues to grow its reach, it stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through concerted action by government, corporate sponsors, and dedicated individuals to create lasting social change.

Royal College of Art Graduate Sonakshi Presents “Zaat” – A Sculptural Installation Exploring Women’s Hidden Histories Through Metal and Memory

Chennai,13/06/25– The Gallery at British Council, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, will present “Zaat” by Sonakshi, a powerful sculptural installation that unravels matrilineal memory through the language of heirloom, metal, and meaning. The exhibition runs from 11 June through 31 July 2025 as part of Study UK: Creative Connections II.

Born in Agra and now based in London, Sonakshi Chaturvedi brings together her expertise in painting, enamelling, and gemology to question how women’s histories are remembered—or systematically erased. The exhibition confronts the inherited roles of bride, mother, and grandmother, foregrounding untold longings encoded within craft traditions of the Indian subcontinent.

A Fresh Voice in Contemporary Art

Fresh from completing her MA in Jewellery & Metal at the prestigious Royal College of Art (2024), Sonakshi represents a new generation of artists bridging traditional craft with contemporary artistic practice. Her unique background as both a Graduate Gemologist and researcher with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (Ministry of Culture) positions her with the requisite capabilities to question the cultural significance of adornment and inheritance in South Asian societies.

“Zaat began as a way to fortify my own nostalgia, but it evolved into an act of reclamation—tracing heirloom objects that held the silent resistance of women remembered only as mothers, brides, grandmothers. Through sculpture, I archive their matrilineal inheritance as material memory—for future female ancestors to know them not just by the roles they played, but as individuals with dreams, agency, and voice” explains Chaturvedi.

Exploring Material Memory

The title “Zaat” refers to identity or the core sense of being. Visitors to Zaat will encounter a series of sculptural forms crafted in brass, white metal, cold enamel, resin-based enamel, and gemstones—each inspired by objects from the artist’s grandmother’s wedding trousseau. At first glance, these forms appear worn, metallic, and subdued—echoing the weight of tradition and domestic expectation. But within, they burst into candy-like, psychedelic interiors—revealing a hidden world of colour, desire, and youth. These contrasting surfaces act as metaphors for how generations of women, often remembered only as wives, mothers, or grandmothers, concealed vivid inner lives beneath uniform roles. Zaat transforms these heirloom-inspired forms into vessels of material memory—preserving not just what was passed down, but what was never said.

Sonakshi Chaturvedi’s professional experience spans prestigious institutions including The Gem Palace Jaipur, Zoya by TATA, recent internships at Olympia Auctions and the recently commissioned Riverside Studios by Vedanta in London, giving her deep insight into both traditional Indian jewellery-making and contemporary artistic practice.

Part of Prestigious Cultural Initiative

“Zaat” forms part of the British Council’s Best of British series, celebrating UK alumni who are shaping global cultural discourse. The Study UK: Creative Connections II programme highlights the international impact of UK education in fostering artistic innovation and cross-cultural dialogue.

Looking Forward

Currently pursuing advanced studies in gemology with Gem-A (FGA) while developing her enamelling practice with UK-based artists, Sonakshi plans to pursue doctoral studies to further her artistic  practice around cultural and gender identity on a communal level, to contribute to the larger craft based cultural dialogue.

Exhibition Details:

• What: Zaat by Sonakshi
• Where: The Gallery, British Council, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi
• When: 11 June – 31 July 2025
• Opening Reception: [DATE AND TIME NEEDED]
• Admission: Free
• Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

New Delhi, June 10, 2025— Renowned multi-genre Indian author has been recently honoured with the University of Nottingham Alumni Laureate Award. Rajesh Talwar a legal scholar, and a former senior United Nations[A1]  official has received this an award from his Alma Mater that celebrates graduates who have made an outstanding contribution to their profession, to social causes and to society .

Author Rajesh Talwar

Mr Talwar, a British Chevening Scholarship recipient pursued his LL.M in International Human Rights Law at the University of Nottingham from 1996 to  1997. Over the past two decades, he has built a distinguished career with the United Nations across three continents, serving in key roles in post-conflict and humanitarian missions in Kosovo, Somalia, Afghanistan, Kenya, East Timor and Liberia. At the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), he held the position of Executive Officer and chaired the Secretariat to the Human Rights Advisory Panel, helping shape human rights oversight in the region. He has also worked as a Legal Advisor to the Police Commissioner in the United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and has been the Deputy Legal Adviser to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Alongside his international career, Mr Talwar is also a prolific writer, having authored 42 books across a range of genres — from legal scholarship and social commentary to plays and children’s literature. His work demonstrates a consistent focus on justice, inclusion, and rights-based discourse. His widely acclaimed publications include The Third Sex and Human Rights; Courting Injustice: The Nirbhaya Case and its Aftermath, a critique of India’s legal system; and The Mahatma’s Manifesto: A Critique of Hind Swaraj, offering a contemporary and unorthodox interpretation of Gandhian philosophy.

Rajesh Talwar is also an alumnus of La Martiniere College, Lucknow and Hindu College, University of Delhi, He has also attended courses at Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge[A2] . Prior to joining the United Nations, he practised law at the courts in Delhi for many years, and also taught law at Delhi University and Jamia Millia Islamia.

In their citation, the award jury noted: “This nominee has had a global impact, contributing to human rights and sustainability through policy change and education, such as writing a play on toxic terror and a book on caste discrimination. The judges selected Rajesh for embodying the value of respect through his dedication to the cause of human rights.”

The jury’s reference to ‘toxic terror’ is about a play he has written titled ‘The Killings in November’ that is available in paperback and was staged by Delhi University students. The reference to caste discrimination refers to Mr Rajesh Talwar’s popular play for children ‘The Boy Who Wrote a Constitution’ on the childhood of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, which chronicles episodes in the great leader’s childhood where he faced severe discrimination.

Responding to the honour, Mr Talwar said, “It is deeply meaningful to be recognised by my alma mater, the University of Nottingham, which played a transformative role in shaping my values, perspectives, and career. Studying human rights law in the UK as a Chevening Scholar gave me access to world-class academic training, but more importantly, it opened up a global outlook and provided me with a perspective that continues to inform my work to this day. Whether serving with the United Nations or writing on justice and human rights, or even writing inspirational books for children, the foundation laid during my time at Nottingham has remained a constant guiding light. This award is not just a personal honour — it is a reflection of the powerful and enduring educational bridge between India and the UK, which continues to empower individuals to make a difference globally.”

He is currently working on an AI-generated animation film titled, ‘Smoky Sky Songs’ based on the issue of air pollution that continues to affect the lives of Indians.

He will receive the Alumni Laureate Award at a ceremony that will be held in July 2025 in the United Kingdom, as part of the university’s global celebrations of alumni excellence.