International Samarpan of Shri Krishna Leela Collection Held at Nehru Centre, London

Kathak, Cinema, and Fragrance Come Together in a Spellbinding Tribute to Shri Krishna

London, October 10, 2025: In a memorable and soulful evening at the Nehru Centre, London, the International Samarpan of the Shri Krishna Leela Collection was held in the august presence of Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Nehru Centre, London, and renowned Kathak artist Richa Srivastava. The evening gracefully wove together art, fragrance, film, and devotion, celebrating Krishna—a tribute to India’s timeless cultural and spiritual heritage.

 Shri Krishna Leela Collection

The evening commenced with a divine invocation of “Om Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane,” invoking Lord Krishna’s boundless grace. This was followed by the screening of a short film on the Shri Krishna Leela Collection, showcasing the artistic journey, craftsmanship, and spiritual inspiration behind the fragrances that translate divine stories into sensory experiences.

Following the film, Mr. Prashant Kumar, CMD, Mode Retails Sales and Marketing Pvt. Ltd., and Founder of Ramalaya & JPSR Prabhu Shriram, addressed the gathering. In his inspiring speech, he shared how fragrance can become a form of prayer and philosophy, connecting people with India’s cultural consciousness.

“Each of our creations is not just a product; it is a living story — a confluence of bhava (emotion), bhakti (devotion), and sugandha (fragrance),” said Mr. Kumar. He further added that as India reclaims its place as Vishwa Guru, it offers the world pathways of harmony, sustainability, and consciousness through its ancient wisdom and culture.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Nehru Centre, London, remarked, “This International Samarpan beautifully represents India’s cultural diplomacy, where fragrance, art, and dance together communicate the universality of Krishna’s message of love and harmony.

The highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing Kathak performance by Richa Srivastava, themed “Krishna in Kathak.” Her dance depicted three divine Leelas:

1. Kaliya Mardan – symbolizing the victory of purity and nature over evil,
2. Vastra Haran – representing Krishna as the compassionate protector and eternal Nayak, and
3. Radha Krishna Thumri – expressing the divine union of love and consciousness.

Her performance enthralled the audience, bringing alive the spiritual essence of Krishna’s eternal play through movement, rhythm, and expression.

The Shri Krishna Leela Collection, unveiled during the event, is a fragrant tribute to Lord Krishna’s divine wisdom and joy. Each fragrance embodies a distinct Leela – Makhanchor’s innocence, Govardhan’s gratitude, Sudama’s humility, and Raas Leela’s transcendental love. Curated under the Ramalaya initiative by JPSR Prabhu Shriram, the collection serves as an artistic confluence of India’s devotion, craftsmanship, and sensory storytelling.

The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of the Shri Krishna Leela Collection to the Nehru Centre representatives, symbolizing India’s offering of love, balance, and harmony to the world.

The event reaffirmed India’s growing leadership in cultural diplomacy and soft power, where fragrance, film, and performance together create a universal dialogue of peace, devotion, and consciousness.

KLM Marks 106 Years of US Ties with Special Delft Blue House in Leiden

KLM celebrates 106 years of connection with the US with a special Delft Blue house in the heart of Leiden

India, 10th Oct 2025: KLM marked its 106th anniversary by unveiling a new Delft Blue house: the former sexton’s residence, Villa Rameau, located next to the Pieterskerk in Leiden. The Pilgrims stayed here for twelve years before they set sail on the Mayflower to America in 1620.

106 years of transatlantic ties: from pilgrims to Joint Venture

The Pilgrims’ journey began a lasting connection across the Atlantic, one that KLM has proudly continued for 106 years. As the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name, KLM has played a key role in linking the Netherlands and Europe with the United States. As part of the Air France-KLM Group and in Joint Venture with Delta Air Lines, KLM carries millions of passengers each year between Europe and the US, serving a network of fifteen US destinations. These connections support the economies and prosperity on both sides of the ocean.

“With the unveiling of Villa Rameau as our 106th Delft Blue house, we’re not only celebrating our birthday, but also the importance of connection and resilience,” said Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM. “These values are reflected in the story of the house and the Pilgrims, and they’re also at the heart of KLM. For 106 years, we’ve been building global connections. Especially in challenging times, this house reminds us how vital it is to stay connected. It’s a small symbol with a big story about how we keep innovating and shaping the future of aviation.”

A rich Leiden history

Villa Rameau, now home to the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, has a storied past. The Pilgrims’ first harvest festival here, inspired by the Relief of Leiden, eventually became what Americans know as Thanksgiving, a tradition still honored every year at the Pieterskerk. Later, the Rameau family, residents of the house, played a crucial role in the local resistance during World War II. This spot in Leiden stands for perseverance in turbulent times and forging new bonds, values KLM holds dear.

Peter Heijkoop, Mayor of Leiden, said: “It’s an honor that Villa Rameau, with its unique history and central place in Leiden, is now part of the KLM miniature house collection. This house tells an important part of Leiden’s story, from the Pilgrims to the resistance. We’re proud to see this story shared with the world in this special way.”

Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil Onboards Cricket Icon Rahul Dravid as Brand Ambassador

Hyderabad: October 10th 2025: Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil, one of India’s leading edible oil brands, has signed the legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador. Rahul Dravid, popularly known as ‘Mr. Dependable’ for his disciplined lifestyle, a reputation of reliability, and consistency which resonates perfectly with Freedom Oils core values of consistent quality, trust, and dependability. 

Rahul Dravid with Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil.

Through this association, Rahul Dravid will feature in innovative campaigns across television, digital, and social media, inspiring families to embrace healthier cooking practices using ‘dependable’ Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil. The brand’s philosophy of ‘Eat Healthy and Live Healthy’ aligns seamlessly with Dravid’s belief in diligence, poise, conscious choices, and balance—values that not only shaped his cricketing career but also guide his personal way of life.

Freedom Healthy Cooking Oil and Rahul Dravid both embody what it means to be truly unique and trustworthy—each inspiring millions in their own right. Just as Dravid’s dedication and quiet resolve earned him the nation’s heart, Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil brings that same spirit into every home, promising purity and nourishment with every drop encouraging people to eat healthy and live an active life. 

“I have always believed that discipline and mindful habits are the cornerstones of a fulfilling life. Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil brings those values into the kitchen—inspiring people to lead an active and healthy life, without losing out on taste or nourishment. In my own home, ‘Freedom’ has become a trusted part of our meals, encouraging healthier and happier living. What we eat directly shapes how we feel, and I’m proud to partner with a brand that motivates families to eat consciously and enjoy every bite together,” said Rahul Dravid.

Mr. P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Gemini Edibles and Fats India Ltd, added: “We are honoured to welcome the Rahul Dravid to the Freedom family. His diligence, balance, and consistency mirror the values we uphold as a brand. We provide oils that are nutritious, light, and flavourful — helping families adopt healthier habits. Rahul’s presence will inspire households across the country to embrace mindful cooking, ensuring that everyday meals become a source of joy, balance, and well-being.”

According to Mr. Chetan Pimpalkhute, Head Marketing, Gemini Edibles and Fats India Ltd. “Having Rahul Dravid as the face of Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil is truly special. His dedication, balance, and mindful approach to life perfectly reflect our brand’s philosophy of ‘Eat Healthy and Live Healthy.’ Through this association, we hope to inspire families across India to adopt healthier cooking habits, make conscious choices in the kitchen, and enjoy meals that nourish both body and mind.”

Spices Board to Cancel Koko Spices’ Licence Over Repeated Cardamom Auction Violations

Kochi, 10th October 2025:  The Spices Board has decided to cancel the Cardamom E-auctioneer licence of M/s Koko Spices Pvt. Ltd. (Registration No. 50013), citing repeated violations of the Cardamom (Marketing & Licensing) Rules, 1987.
Spices_Board_of_India_Logo
The 2023–2026 licence is being revoked as the firm ignored multiple regulatory notices. The violations disrupted lawful trading and affected authorised auctioneers and cardamom growers.
Before the cancellation, the Board has invited cardamom growers and dealers with pending dues or claims against the firm to submit them in writing to the Director (Marketing), along with supporting documents, within 15 days. Claims received after the deadline will not be considered. Authorities will cancel the licence and release the company’s bank guarantee after reviewing the submissions.

Comviva Fintech Hits USD 1B Daily Transactions, Boosting Global Leadership

Global Fintech Fest 2025,Mumbai, India 10 October 2025: Comviva, a global leader in digital transformation solutions, specializing in customer experience management, data monetization, and digital financial services, today announced a remarkable milestone of processing over USD 1 billion in a day through it’s fintech platforms at the sidelines of Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai. Comviva reported, processing over 7.5 billion transactions,  with total value of transactions crossing USD 400 billion annually, a value surpassing the GDP of Finland.

According to the GSMA Mobile Money Report 2024, Comviva commands an impressive 24% share of the global mobile money market, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s most trusted and widely deployed digital financial platforms.

Built for the next era of digital payments, Comviva’s fintech platforms deliver AI-led, cloud-native digital payments experience – which is secure, scalable, and frictionless across a wide financial ecosystem. The fintech capabilities of Comviva include Payment orchestration, tokenization, mobile wallets, QR codes, and USSD-based payments, which converge to deliver seamless and real-time transactions for individuals, businesses, and governments—from everyday retail payments to large-scale social and government disbursements.

Speaking on the milestone, Srinivas Nidugondi, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, FinTech solutions at Comviva, said, “This achievement underscores Comviva’s unwavering commitment to enabling inclusive, intelligent, and secure financial experiences at scale. At Comviva, we are not just processing payments—we are driving economic growth, fostering financial inclusion, and helping transform how billions of people engage with digital finance globally.”

With 80+ deployments across more than 55+ countries, Comviva continues to redefine digital payments by ensuring agility, reliability, compliance, and rapid deployment in an ever-evolving digital economy. Trusted by large digital merchants, E-commerce players, telecom operators, financial institutions, and FinTechs, Comviva is shaping the future of payments with AI-driven innovation and user-centric design.

Child Care Aware of Missouri Welcomes Community Leaders to Board of Directors

Three new board members bring expertise in law, workforce development and nonprofit leadership.

(St. Louis, Mo., October 9, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently announced the appointment of Ruth Binger, Sarah Kirschner, and Megan Price to its board of directors. Board members are eligible to serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.

Ruth Binger

Ruth Binger is President and Principal Attorney at Danna McKitrick, P.C., a mid-sized law firm, where she has served as a partner for 30 years. As a private practice attorney, she brings deep expertise in legal strategy, business management, and organizational leadership. Binger has been a board member of the Associated Industries of Missouri (AIM) for 23 years and facilitates multiple peer advisory boards for independent business owners.

Sarah Kirschner

Sarah Kirschner recently served as Executive Director of Central Reform Congregation. She brings knowledge of the nonprofit sector and of CCAMO when she previously served as a board member and Board Chair in 2009. Additional prior experience includes leadership positions as Vice President of Human Resources and Vice President of Operations at technology startups, where she oversaw management training, compensation strategy, and recruiting. Kirschner also contributes her time to the community as secretary for MERS/Goodwill and as a board member for the National Council of Jewish Women.

Megan Price

Megan Price is Executive Director of the Missouri Works Initiative, a nonprofit sponsored and supported by the Missouri AFL-CIO. She leads five Apprenticeship Ready Programs that have successfully placed more than 400 individuals into sustainable careers in the skilled trades through Registered Apprenticeships. Price previously served as Chief of Staff in the Missouri State Senate.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ruth, Sarah, and Megan to our board,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri. “Each of them brings a wealth of talent and experience that will strengthen our mission to ensure all Missouri families have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality child care.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

Family Businesses Power Over 70 Percentage of India’s GDP, Finds Great Lakes Study

Chennai, October 9, 2025: A new report released by Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai “Building Entrepreneurial Legacies: Understanding the Role of Family Offices”, reveals that family-owned businesses contribute to nearly 70% of India’s GDP and over 60% of national employment, underscoring their indispensable role in India’s economic growth story.

glim

The report was unveiled at the Family Business Conclave 2025, jointly hosted by Great Lakes Institute of Management and the Madras Management Association (MMA), on the theme “Creating Entrepreneurial Families – The Role of Family Offices.”

The study, authored by Dr Raj Krishnan Shankar, Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship at Great Lakes, highlights how family offices are emerging as critical enablers for governance, legacy planning, and intergenerational entrepreneurship. With India witnessing a rapid rise in private wealth and generational transitions, family offices are increasingly becoming the nerve centres that balance tradition with transformation.

Key findings from the report include:

  • Family-owned businesses contribute 70% of India’s GDP, with projections suggesting this could rise to 80–85% by 2047.
  • Family enterprises account for over 60% of national employment, particularly within MSMEs.
  • India’s top 300 business families hold a combined net worth of ₹134 lakh crore (US$1.6 trillion), employing over two million people.
  • The number of organised family offices in India could cross 1,000 by the next decade, reflecting the increasing need for structured wealth and succession management.

Said Dr Raj Krishnan Shankar, Lead Author of the report and Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship at Great Lakes Institute of Management: “Family businesses are the invisible backbone of India’s economy. They don’t just create wealth, they create continuity. As India’s business families collectively manage over a trillion dollars in private wealth, the real challenge is no longer growth, but governance. That’s where family offices come in, as strategic engines that preserve values, professionalise decision-making, and ensure that entrepreneurship doesn’t fade with succession but strengthens through it.”

The conclave featured Mr C.K. Ranganathan, Chairman & Managing Director, CavinKare, who delivered a powerful keynote address on creating entrepreneurial legacies. Drawing from his own experience, he emphasised that meritocracy must triumph over hierarchy in family-run businesses and that the value of money must be deeply understood, not merely enjoyed.

Said Mr C.K Ranganathan: “Money is a responsibility, not just a privilege.” He added: “Business acumen is about common sense, emotional intelligence, and sound math. Success matters, but learning matters more, because when families handhold too much, they take away the opportunity to learn. The real mantra is simple: fail fast, fail cheap, and keep learning.”

The conclave also hosted dynamic discussions with leaders from Mehta Hospitals, TSM Group, Sargam Metals, and Maya Appliances, among others, who shared their perspectives on succession planning, governance frameworks, and preparing the next generation to lead with purpose and accountability.

Said Sam Mehta, Director of Mehta Hospitals, sharing his perspective on evolving family business structures: “A family business is about stewardship, not just ownership. A family office isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for structure and longevity. You must prove yourself outside the family name, bring that experience back, and earn credibility as both an entrepreneur and an investor.”

Said Yash Merchant, Director – Brand Marketing & Alumni Relations, Great Lakes Institute of Management, in closing remarks: “At Great Lakes, we are building a community of family business owners and next-gen leaders through research, dialogue, and education. The goal is to help families professionalise, innovate, and stay entrepreneurial across generations.”

The event featured the launch of the Great Lakes Insight Dossier and engaging discussions on succession planning, family constitutions, and the evolving role of the next generation in business leadership.

Women in Aviation India Celebrates 10th Girls in Aviation Day in Gurugram

New Delhi, October 9, 2025: Women in Aviation India, a dynamic movement for the women, by the women, driven by a shared passion to share their valuable insights & experiences and break gender barriers, continue their efforts to create a more inclusive aviation world by empowering the next generation.

Capt. Anushree Varma, Chief Advisor, Top Crew Aviation and Ms. Sonia Kapila, Senior Soft Skill & Aviation Instructor, Bird Academy distributing merchandise to the girls at Diksha School

Women in Aviation India (WAI) celebrated the 10th edition of its flagship initiative Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) with an inspiring event in Gurugram. The landmark occasion marks a decade of empowering young girls to explore careers in aviation and aligns with the  Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, and his powerful belief that “When women prosper, the world prospers.

Since its inception in 2016, GIAD has grown into a transformative movement, reaching over 50,000 girls across 30+ cities, from metros to remote towns, with the invaluable support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The initiative continues to bridge the gender gap in a sector long dominated by men by fostering awareness, education, and mentorship.

The Gurgaon program featured motivational sessions by women leaders including Capt. Anushree Varma, Chief Advisor, Top Crew Aviation and Capt. Poonam Gaur, Co-founder & Director, Air Taxi, and Ms. Sonia Kapila, Senior Soft Skill & Aviation Instructor, Bird Academy who inspired students from Diksha School with enriching stories of determination and success, and shared interesting insights about the opportunities in the industry. The interactive program introduced participants to aviation’s diverse career paths, highlighting the importance of STEM education, skill development, and mentorship. Watching the young students aglow with enthusiasm and curiosity was a heartwarming moment indeed as they penned their thoughts and dreams into essays.

Similar successful outreach programs were also recently in Noida and Hyderabad, and the GIAD 2025 series will continue to spread its wings across the length and breadth of the country in the coming weeks. The 10th anniversary celebrations of GIAD will culminate in December 2025 with the iconic ‘Giving Wings to Dreams Awards’, a national platform to recognize women who have made significant contributions in the field of aviation and have also helped empower other women.

Speaking on the milestone, Mrs. Radha Bhatia, President, Women in Aviation India said, “In the last decade, we have moved ahead, one determined step at a time and have grown from strength to strength every year. Our work is a testimony of great teamwork by our invaluable members, their unwavering passion and commitment to see women flying high and achieving milestones that once seemed impossible! I am eternally grateful for the constant support of Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu (Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India), the Secretary, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, GoI and all its affiliated stakeholders. I am also grateful to the schools and colleges who welcomed us warmly to inspire and engage with their students. I am also very grateful to each and every member of Women in Aviation India, who stood by us and worked shoulder to shoulder. Today GIAD celebrations are not just events, they are a movement. We are proud that thousands of young girls across India have now met role models, flown drones, experienced an airport ecosystem and most importantly discovered that aviation is not a distant dream, it is a career within easy reach. Let’s together work towards breaking the barriers and advancing gender parity within the aviation industry. Tomorrow looks bright and promising for our young girls who will be a part of India’s epic growth story!”

With the invaluable support of likeminded partners like Millenium Aero Dynamics, Make My Trip, Bangalore International Airport, GMR Hyderabad International Airport, Blue Dart Aviation, Top Crew Aviation and TravTalk and the constant support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, the banner of Girls in Aviation Day will fly across more than 15 cities this year! We wholeheartedly invite aviation experts, institutions, corporate entities, students, teachers and academic institutions to come together to be a part of this mission.

Amit Badlani Honoured by CM Bhupendra Patel for Sustainability Contributions

Amit Badlani, Managing Director of Vihaan Clean & Green Tech and Go Green Mechanisms Pvt. Ltd., Honoured for his contribution towards sustainability by  Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel

Ahmedabad, 9th October 2025: Amit Badlani, Managing Director of Vihaan Clean & Green Tech and Go Green Mechanisms Pvt. Ltd., has been felicitated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, for his outstanding contribution to environmental protection and sustainable industrial growth.

 Vihaan Clean & Green Tech and Go Green Mechanisms Pvt. Ltd.

This honour acknowledges Mr. Badlani’s 17-year legacy of advancing cleaner, greener industrial ecosystems through innovative wastewater management and pollution control technologies. Under his leadership, Vihaan Clean & Green Tech, a subsidiary company of HyFun Foods, has developed world-class Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems that have set new benchmarks in environmental responsibility and operational excellence.

The recognition also comes on the back of Vihaan’s consistent community-driven initiatives  including afforestation programs, sustainable infrastructure projects, and clean technology integration  all aimed at fostering environmental balance alongside industrial progress. Earlier this year, the company’s World Environment Day initiative, which saw the plantation of 400 trees in collaboration with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), was lauded by GPCB officials for its tangible environmental impact and long-term commitment to green development.

Speaking on the recognition, Amit Badlani, Managing Director of Vihaan Clean & Green Tech and Go Green Mechanisms Pvt. Ltd said, “This honour is a collective achievement  it belongs to every engineer, operator, and visionary who believes in building industries that coexist responsibly with nature. At Vihaan, we see sustainability not as a goal, but as a practice. Every project we execute is a step toward a cleaner tomorrow, where progress and preservation move together in harmony.”

The award ceremony, attended by senior government officials including Hon’ble Minister of State for Home, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Shri Harsh Sanghvi, along with policy-makers and industry leaders, underscored Amit Badlani’s leadership in championing sustainable industrialization, aligning closely with India’s Vision 2070 for Net-Zero Emissions.

Through his ventures, Amit Badlani continues to redefine how industries approach environmental management — turning sustainability from a compliance mandate into a strategic growth driver for the future.

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Calls for a Self Reliant and Value Driven Agriculture

From Food Security to Global Leadership: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Calls for a Self-Reliant and Value-Driven Agriculture

phdcci summit

9th October 2025, New Delhi: Addressing the 120th Annual Session of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Addressing the 120th Annual Session of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan,Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, said that the Indian ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family” continues to guide the country’s approach to global development. This spirit of universal goodwill defines our civilization. It is not a philosophy of selfishness, but of collective well-being,” Shri Chouhan said.

“India has always believed that the entire world is one family. Yet, in this interconnected and volatile geopolitical environment, we must chart our own course — one that balances global friendship with national interest,Shri Chouhan said.

Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is not being constructed — it is being reconstructed — as a proud, prosperous, powerful, and self-reliant nation,” the Minister affirmed.

He stressed that every citizen and institution must contribute to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047, adding that agriculture will remain the backbone of India’s economic and social fabric.

Highlighting that nearly 46% of India’s population is engaged in agriculture, the Minister underlined the Government’s focus on self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in food production and farmer welfare.

“Food security must go hand in hand with farmer prosperity,” he said. “We must ensure that our farmers not only feed the nation but also earn with dignity and stability.”

To achieve this, he emphasized the need to enhance per-hectare productivity, strengthen seed quality through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and accelerate mechanisation to empower small and marginal farmers.

Highlighting the Government’s agricultural priorities, Shri Chouhan said the nation’s goal must go beyond food security to encompass nutrition security and Atmanirbharta in all aspects of agriculture. While India has achieved surplus production in rice and wheat, he said, the next frontier is achieving self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds.

He noted that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Indian scientists are working on advanced research in genome editing, hybrid seeds, and high-yield varieties to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

He identified food processing and value addition as national priorities and invited the Chamber to collaborate with the Ministry in this effort.

“I urge PHDCCI to partner with us in identifying models for value addition, Mechanisation suited for small and marginal farmers, Storage and shelf-life enhancement technologies and agri-startups tailored to the needs of small farmers,” he said, suggesting that a joint working team be formed between the Ministry and PHDCCI to develop actionable solutions.

The Minister also highlighted the Government’s continued support for initiatives such as the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission (Chana–Masoor) to strengthen pulse production, and reaffirmed that Indian farmers will be protected from unfair external pressures.

Encouraging innovation, Shri Chouhan said the Government has a strong policy framework to promote agri-startups and entrepreneurship, recognizing agriculture, commerce, and trade as key drivers of India’s economic growth.

He praised the Chamber’s proactive role in supporting India’s development agenda:

“PHDCCI and Indian industry are our true partners in growth. I deeply value the Chamber’s contribution to nation-building over the past 120 years,” Shri Chouhan said.

The Minister also urged industry support for the Government’s proposal on ‘One Nation, One Election’, noting that synchronized elections will enhance administrative efficiency and policy continuity.

He concluded with a call to embrace ‘Swadeshi’ with quality, blending indigenous strength with global competitiveness.

“Let us adopt Swadeshi, but with the highest standards of quality. Together, we can make India the food basket of the world,” he said, congratulating PHDCCI on completing 120 years of service to the nation.

Welcoming the Minister, Shri Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI and Group Managing Director, KLJ Group of Industries, said, that Shivraj ji embodies the spirit of leadership rooted in service. His vision of rural empowerment and agricultural prosperity reflects the very essence of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ — where every farmer is an entrepreneur and every village a center of growth.

Proposing the Vote of Thanks, Shri Rajeev Juneja, Senior Vice President, PHDCCI & Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mankind Pharma Ltd., expressed gratitude to Shri Chouhan for his inspiring address and reaffirmed PHDCCI’s commitment to working closely with the Government of India to strengthen India’s agricultural ecosystem and global competitiveness.

The session was also graced by Shri Anil Gupta, Vice President, PHDCCI & Chairman-cum-Managing Director, KEI Industries Ltd.; Shri Sanjeev Agrawal, Immediate Former President, PHDCCI & Group Chairman, MMG Group; Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI; former Presidents; members of the Managing Committee; and distinguished dignitaries from industry, academia, and the diplomatic corps.

Marking 120 years of legacy, leadership, and partnership, the Annual Session of PHDCCI, themed “India’s Rise as a Trusted Global Partner,” reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to advancing India’s economic transformation through innovation, inclusion, and collaboration.