Author: Team

Centre for Spine and Sports Health Pioneers Preventive Spine Care with ‘Her Healthy Spine’ Program for Women

Hyderabad, March 08, 2025: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Center for Spine and Sports Health (CSSH), a unit of nSure Healthy Spine, launched ‘Her Healthy Spine’ an exclusive one-of-its-kind preventive health program focusing on women’s spinal health for the first time in India, which is enabled by state-of-the-art Musculoskeletal (MSK) health technology platform at Kotak Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy. As part of the launch, the Spine and Sports Health Center hosted an exclusive panel discussion on women’s spinal health.

Among the 3,000+ clients assessed for spine health at the CSSH, we found that nearly 75% of women are suffering from spine-related problems. It underscored the urgent and tailored care for women’s spine health. To address this at the earliest, CSSH has launched ‘Her Healthy Spine’, a long-term initiative to raise awareness and empower women to take charge of their spinal health. As part of the event, CSSH hosted an exclusive panel discussion at the Kotak Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy on 05th March and shed light on the critical issue of spinal health among women. The event, held in celebration of International Women’s Day, brought together experts from various fields to discuss the often-overlooked challenges women face regarding spinal well-being.

Moderated by Dr. Sushmitha Sundar, Head of Life Sciences Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH), the panel featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:

– Kiranmai Pendyala, Head of Human Resources and Site Administration at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) India;

– Sangeetha Rani Gummi, Managing Director of iCatch Communications India Ltd;

– Dr. Vedha Sampath, Early Stage Investor in Healthcare Tech and Life Sciences;

– Mrudula Korada, Asian Track & Field Medalist and Income Tax Officer; and

– Swapna Arelli, Technology Lead at Infosys Ltd Hyderabad

Opening the discussion, Kiranmai Pendyala highlighted how women’s spinal health often takes a backseat due to multiple factors, ranging from lack of awareness to lifestyle choices. “Women, by nature, tend to prioritize family and work over their own well-being. Many are unaware of the gradual damage they inflict on their spines due to prolonged sitting, incorrect posture, and hormonal changes during pregnancy and post-maternity. If we do not take preventive action today, the problem will escalate tomorrow,” she explained. She stressed the importance of awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to help women recognize early warning signs and take proactive measures.

Adding to the discussion, Sangeetha Rani Gummi reflected on the grueling work schedules in the media industry, emphasizing how irregular hours and constant stress contribute to spine-related ailments. “Many of us dismiss back pain as a temporary discomfort, but over time, it turns into a chronic issue. A spine assessment should be as routine as an annual health check-up, yet it remains an afterthought for most working professionals,” she noted. She encouraged women to seek regular spinal evaluations and corrective interventions to prevent long-term complications.

Dr. Vedha Sampath pointed out that while women’s healthcare has seen significant advancements over the past decade, spinal health still doesn’t receive the specialized attention it requires. “Women tend to ignore their bone density and spinal strength until a serious issue arises. What we need is a cultural shift where spinal health is prioritized as early as adolescence. Simple practices like maintaining good posture, engaging in strength-building exercises, and undergoing routine check-ups can go a long way in preventing spinal disorders,” she advised.

Sharing her experience as an athlete, Mrudula Korada emphasized that spinal health is not just a concern for working professionals but also for sportspersons. “During my career, I suffered multiple injuries, and I’ve seen how easily spine-related issues can cut short an athlete’s journey if not addressed in time. Back then, awareness was limited, but today, we have better diagnostic tools and treatment options. The key is for athletes, especially women, to be proactive in managing their spinal health,” she explained.

Bringing in a perspective from the IT sector, Swapna Arelli highlighted how women in technology often struggle with spinal health post-pregnancy. “Many women return to work without paying attention to the strain pregnancy places on their spine. The combination of long working hours, poor ergonomics, and lack of physical activity only worsens the situation,” she remarked. She emphasized the importance of nutrition, exercise, and corporate wellness programs in supporting women’s spinal health, urging companies to take employee well-being more seriously.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees discussed preventive strategies, ergonomic solutions, and the role of AI-driven healthcare in personalized spinal care. Speaking on behalf of CSSH, a proactive purpose-driven, AI-powered PhyGital platform focused on preventive spinal health, Naresh Kumar Pagidimarry, CEO and Co-founder of CSSH, expressed the organization’s commitment to empowering women with the knowledge and tools needed to take charge of their spinal well-being.

“Our goal at CSSH is to bridge the gap between awareness and action. Women’s spinal health is not just an individual concern—it affects families, workplaces, and communities. By integrating cutting-edge technology with personalized care, we are ensuring that spinal health solutions are accessible to all,” Naresh Kumar Pagidimarry stated.

Himalaya Wellness Celebrates Women’s Empowerment with the Launch of the 1derwoman Project

Bengaluru, 08 March 2025: This International Women’s Day, Himalaya Wellness, India’s No.1 face wash brand, proudly announced the launch of the Himalaya 1derwoman Project, an initiative dedicated to empowering young girls to rise above challenges and aspire to be #1 in their chosen fields.

To bring this vision to life, Himalaya partnered with the 2024 WPL champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women’s Team, providing aspiring young cricketers with an exclusive training and mentorship session led by their sporting idols. The Himalaya 1derwoman Project aims to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity by connecting young girls and real-life female role models, particularly in sports and other fields. Through mentorship, access to resources, and tangible long-term support, the initiative is set to inspire and nurture the next generation of women leaders and athletes.

As part of the launch event, 15 young female cricketers from a Bengaluru-based cricket academy were invited to a special training session with RCB’s top players, including Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Shreyanka Patil, and other team members. More than just a coaching experience, the session served as a transformative mentorship platform, where these young athletes had the privileged opportunity to interact with successful female role models in sports—a field where women’s visibility has historically been limited. Beyond skill building, the session was about building confidence, instilling self-belief, and showing these aspiring athletes that they belong on the field just as much as anyone else. Recognizing that financial limitations often restrict access to sports, Himalaya Wellness has also sponsored cricket kits for these young players, ensuring they have the tools to pursue their passion.

Commenting on this initiative, Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director, Himalaya Wellness, said, “We believe every girl has the potential to be a trailblazer, a leader, a wonder woman in her own right. For over 25 years, Himalaya has been the most trusted skincare brand for young women in India, standing by them through every challenge—big or small. This initiative is particularly close to my heart because I’ve seen firsthand how the right mentorship and encouragement can transform lives. Through the 1derwoman Project, we want to inspire young girls to dream big, break barriers, and pursue their ambitions with confidence.”

Expanding its reach beyond this event, Himalaya Wellness is set to take the Himalaya 1derwoman Project to over 500,000 girls across schools in India this year, equipping them with the resources and encouragement needed to chase their dreams.

Ragini Hariharan, Marketing Director for Beauty and Personal Care at Himalaya Wellness, added, “Confidence and the right support can transform a young girl’s aspirations into reality. Growing up, I’ve always believed in the power of role models and how they shape our dreams. The Himalaya 1derwoman Project is not just about mentorship—it’s about creating a movement that empowers young girls to see themselves as future leaders and achievers. Through this initiative, we aim to provide them with the guidance, opportunities, and inspiration they need to break barriers and achieve their full potential.”

Abhishek Ashat, General Manager, Face Care at Himalaya Wellness, said, “Skincare is more than just a routine—it’s about confidence, and confidence fuels ambition. With the Himalaya 1derwoman Project, we are going beyond products to actively support young girls in their pursuit of excellence. By combining our expertise in personal care with a commitment to mentorship, we are enabling them to put their best foot forward—whether on the field or in life.”

Pratheep Kumar, Media Manager at Himalaya Wellness, added about Himalaya’s association with RCB on the project “RCB has always been our trusted partner for years. With RCB’s vision of empowering young women in sports, which is in coherence with the Himalaya 1derwoman Project’s vision, we felt this would be the best way to launch the first step of our initiative.”

Rajesh V Menon, Chief Operating Officer, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said, “We are proud to extend our partnership with Himalaya Wellness for the Himalaya 1derwoman Project. At RCB, we believe in nurturing talent and creating opportunities to pursue their dreams in sport. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to empowering women in sports, and we are thrilled to continue supporting a program that provides mentorship, inspiration, and tangible support to the next generation of female athletes.”

Hindustan Zinc Leads the Industry with 25% Women in Workforce, Plans for 30% Participation

Udaipur, 7th March 2025: In a landmark achievement ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has reached 25% women representation in its workforce, a milestone aptly termed ‘25 on 25’. This milestone reinforces the company’s commitment to gender diversity in the traditionally male-dominated industries of metals, mining and heavy engineering. Furthermore, Hindustan Zinc remains on track to achieve 30% women representation by 2030, aligning with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hindustan Zinc’s gender diversity ratio surpasses industry benchmarks, positioning it ahead of several global and domestic peers in metals & mining. Notably, Hindustan Zinc is home to India’s first women underground mine managers and has established the country’s first and second all-women underground mine rescue teams.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson – Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “For any business to thrive, equal representation is not just important – it’s essential. A truly successful organization values every voice and ensures that diverse perspectives shape its future. At Hindustan Zinc, we take pride in championing gender diversity in the traditional metals and mining sector. Today, over 700 talented women are driving our transition toward a low-carbon economy, breaking barriers and redefining industry norms. Our vision is ambitious yet clear – to significantly accelerate this momentum and achieve 30% diversity within the next five years. The growing number of women choosing careers in mining and metallurgy is a testament to this shift – one fueled by our industry-first, people-centric policies and a wealth of opportunities designed for holistic professional growth. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in Hindustan Zinc’s DNA. We are committed to building a workplace where every individual—regardless of gender – has a voice, access to opportunities, and the support to excel.”

As the metals, mining & manufacturing sector emerges as a key driver of India’s economic transformation, Hindustan Zinc is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that empowers women at every stage of their careers. What is truly unique is the company’s ability to provide rich job content to its employees across high-growth businesses. Employees enjoy the best of both worlds – the stability of a global conglomerate with the agility of a start-up. Talent mobility across functions allows them to explore diverse roles and seamlessly transition across different domains. Progressive workplace policies, such as spouse hiring policy, physical & mental health leaves, year-long sabbaticals for childcare, flexible-working hours, monthly no-questions-asked leaves for women further enhance opportunities, ensuring that gender is never a barrier to career advancement. The company is also integrating women in backshifts (up to 10 PM) across mines and plants beyond the general shift timings, ensuring women have access to equal career growth opportunities available to their male counterparts.

Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Industry 4.0, digitalization, robotics, and automation, Hindustan Zinc is revolutionizing operations, eliminating manual intervention, and dismantling outdated perceptions of the sector being physically demanding. The company’s digital mines, featuring tele-remote underground mining (where underground mining equipment is operated remotely from the surface) and real-time analytics, provide exciting and inclusive career pathways for all. This has resulted in more than 34% women joining Hindustan Zinc through campus recruitment drives in FY24, making Hindustan Zinc the top choice for women in metals.

Dr. Kavita Bhardwaj, Head of Exploration – Hindustan Zinc Limited, shared her experience, stating, “At Hindustan Zinc, talent—not gender—defines success. The company’s inclusive culture, strong mentorship, and leadership opportunities have empowered me to take on diverse and challenging roles, giving me the confidence to push boundaries and excel in ways I never imagined.”

Sakshi Gupta, member of India’s First All-Women Underground Mine Rescue Team & Assurance Manager, added, “Women are no longer just participants in change we are leading it. Mining, once considered a male-dominated field, is now witnessing a revolution. At Hindustan Zinc we are not just given opportunities; we are encouraged to innovate, break barriers, and redefine the future of metals. The culture of support and empowerment has enabled us to challenge conventions and set new industry benchmarks.”

Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond employment. The company’s world-class townships, located near its plants, provide modern amenities such as schools, hospitals, daycare centres, creches, places of worship, and sports and recreational facilities, fostering a vibrant social life for employees and their families.

Beyond direct employment, Hindustan Zinc’s social impact initiatives are driving economic independence for women in rural communities. Through Zinc Kaushal Kendra, over 500 women have been trained in science-based vocational courses like nursing and electrical work, enhancing their employability and financial independence. Additionally, the company’s Sakhi initiative nurtures women-led micro-enterprises, empowering women entrepreneurs in rural Rajasthan by facilitating e-commerce sales for their products.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, reflecting its operational excellence, innovation, and leading ESG practices. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 2.41 times Water-Positive company. As a world leader in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for the global energy transition for a sustainable future.