15, Jun 2026
WSO2 Appoints Tanmaya Das as CFO to Support Continued Global Expansion
Mumbai – June 15 – WSO2 announced the appointment of Tanmaya Das as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), further strengthening its executive leadership team as the company continues to build on its momentum and position itself for its next phase of growth.
The appointment comes as WSO2 expands its platform strategy for the agentic enterprise, helping organizations securely integrate AI capabilities into complex technology environments while maintaining control over governance, data sovereignty, and digital infrastructure.
To support this opportunity, WSO2 has continued to invest in product innovation, leadership, and go-to-market capabilities across key industries including banking and financial services, telecommunications, government, and healthcare. This is further supported by WSO2’s long-standing commitment to open source, which continues to shape our approach to building flexible, interoperable, and community-driven enterprise platforms.
“What attracted me to WSO2 was the combination of deep technical innovation, a strong open-source heritage, a global customer footprint, and significant opportunity ahead. I’m excited to join the team and contribute to the company’s next stage of growth,” said Das.
Das joins WSO2 following a decade as CFO of RateGain, where he played a key role in scaling the company into a globally recognized travel technology platform. During his tenure, he helped drive business growth, strengthen financial operations, execute strategic acquisitions, and support the company’s successful public listing.
“Tanmaya joins WSO2 at an exciting time in our journey. His experience in leading organizations through growth and transformation will support our long-term growth,” said Devaka Randeniya, Chief Revenue officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer of WSO2. “Over the past two decades, we have built a strong technology foundation, a global customer base, and a culture of innovation that continues to differentiate us in the market. As we look ahead, we are focused on scaling the business while continuing to invest in the technologies that help our customers succeed.”
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- By Neel Achary
15, Jun 2026
De Beers Group Introduces Desert Diamonds Icons
LAS VEGAS, US – 15 June 2026 – At the annual JCK Las Vegas Show – the largest jewellery event in the global calendar – De Beers Group today set out its view on the way forward for the natural diamond sector, calling on the trade to work together to capitalise on the early success of the Desert diamonds ‘beacon’ campaign with the introduction of Desert diamonds Icons.
The Desert diamonds beacon campaign launched in late 2025 and has already succeeded in shaping consumer demand for both natural diamonds in general and coloured diamonds in particular, with natural diamond sales at US independents increasing 4% in Q4 2025 and 9% in Q1 2026, while those in the K to Z colour range have seen even stronger growth, up 15% in Q4 2025 and 19% in Q1 2026.
Following the launch of Desert diamonds Bridal earlier this year, Desert diamonds Icons will focus on bringing a sense of newness and individuality to four iconic jewellery design classics – stud earrings, the eternity band, the tennis bracelet and the halo pendant – which between them comprise 70% of diamond jewellery acquisitions. Launching in September, the campaign will include training and marketing support for all retailers.
During a keynote presentation, De Beers Group executives stated that while demand has performed well for larger natural diamonds and this has supported stable retail sales value for natural diamond jewellery, it is critical for industry participants to work together on the campaign to drive demand across the natural diamond category as a whole.
With the campaign benefitting from the diamond industry’s biggest natural diamond marketing budget in 15 years, Desert diamonds is expected to deliver enhanced retail impact in 2026, based on a range of positive data points from its initial run. Growth in natural diamond desirability, online searches for natural diamonds, and increased coloured natural diamond sales across independent jewellers all highlight that the momentum behind the campaign is building. Noting that the 2026 campaign run will also benefit from a geo-targeting approach that directs consumers to specific retailers carrying Desert diamonds, De Beers executives encouraged the entire trade to support the fast-growing trend by stocking Desert diamonds Icons products and by signing up to Promoboxx to access marketing materials and participate in geo-targeting.
The presentation also included a summary of key consumer and industry insights published today in The Diamond Report, highlighting how commercial dynamics are evolving at pace for US jewellery retailers as the synthetic lab-grown diamond sector matures while consumer interest in natural diamonds grows.
Speaking at the presentation, Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, said: “Consumer desire for natural diamonds is strong – but we need to work together as an industry in support of Desert diamonds to unlock the full value of the opportunity. The results from the campaign’s initial run demonstrate how it is already stimulating demand, and with Desert diamonds Icons we are doubling down at a critical moment.
“The jewellery retail landscape is evolving at pace. With the sustained falls in price of synthetic lab-grown diamonds, and large falls in demand for larger synthetic lab-grown diamonds, there may be challenges ahead for retailers who focus on synthetic lab-grown diamonds.”
“However, with challenge comes opportunity, and the growing success of the Desert diamonds campaign is evident. As we head into the campaign’s second year, with the industry supported by the largest category marketing budget in 15 years, the natural way forward is clear to see.”
De Beers Group also reported in its presentation how collaboration continues deliver progress in other areas, with GIA’s purchase of an equity share in Tracr supporting the platform’s path to independence and providing the potential for it to scale faster across the sector. Meanwhile, the Natural Diamond Council has put in place a compelling new strategy on the back of its growing budget, as more diamond producing countries and trade bodies have provided funding, and will introduce a new natural diamond trust mark to support consumer confidence through visible differentiation between natural diamonds and synthetic lab-grown diamonds.
14, Jun 2026
Uber Celebrates Egypt’s Opening Match with a Special 90% Ride Discount for Fans
Cairo, Egypt — June 14, 2026 — Football has always held a special place in the hearts of Egyptians. From packed cafés and family gatherings to friends coming together to cheer for the national team, match days create moments that unite millions across the country.
As Egypt prepares to face Belgium in its opening match on 15 June, Uber is launching a special limited-time promotion, making it easier for riders to get together and enjoy the game with those who matter most.
Beginning two hours before kick-off, riders can enjoy 90% off their ride fare, up to EGP 90, for a limited two-hour window. The offer is inspired by the 90 minutes that bring Egyptians together, whether they are heading to a local café, gathering with friends and family, or joining supporters to cheer on the national team.
As communities across Egypt prepare to rally behind the team, Uber is marking the occasion by giving back to riders and helping them be part of the match-day atmosphere.
The promotion will be available exclusively during the two hours leading up to the match and can be redeemed directly through the Uber app.
13, Jun 2026
Perseverance, Focus and Discipline Are the Foundation of My Success: World Champion Esha Singh
Lifespan Pays Tribute to Legendary Shooting Coach Jaspal Rana
Hyderabad, June 13: Lifespan Private Limited organized a grand felicitation ceremony in Hyderabad to honour its Brand Ambassador, Esha Singh, for her remarkable performance at the ISSF World Cup 2026 held in Munich, Germany. Esha brought immense pride to the nation by winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s 25m Pistol event and setting a new World Record.
To celebrate this historic achievement, Lifespan felicitated Esha Singh in the presence of distinguished dignitaries and guests.
The event was attended by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, as the Chief Guest. Soni Bala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG), and Gareth Wyn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Narendra Ram Nambula, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Lifespan Private Limited, congratulated Esha Singh on her historic accomplishment.
“Esha Singh’s extraordinary achievement is a proud moment for the entire nation. As Lifespan’s Brand Ambassador, she embodies perseverance, dedication and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We are delighted to celebrate her success and remain committed to encouraging sporting talent that inspires future generations,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Esha Singh expressed her gratitude to her coaches, family members, supporters and well-wishers who stood by her throughout her journey. She encouraged young athletes to pursue their goals with focus, discipline and unwavering commitment.
“Perseverance, focus and discipline have been the foundation of my success. I hope my journey inspires young sportspersons to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals,” she said.
As a mark of respect, the gathering observed a one-minute silence in memory of Jaspal Rana, the legendary shooting coach whose immense contribution to Indian shooting has inspired generations of athletes. The attendees fondly remembered his invaluable role in the development of the sport and his lasting legacy in nurturing young talent.
The felicitation ceremony reflected Lifespan’s continued commitment to promoting health, fitness and sporting excellence while supporting athletes who bring glory to the nation.
13, Jun 2026
From Swings to Trade Fairs: Raja Parba 2026 Transforms Odisha into a Festival of Earth, Culture, and Economy
As the first monsoon showers touch the parched land of Odisha, the state comes alive with the vibrant celebration of Raja Parba 2026, a unique four-day festival that blends ecological awareness, cultural tradition, and social joy. Unlike many festivals centered on deities, Raja Parba stands apart as a deeply symbolic celebration of Mother Earth and womanhood.
The word Raja comes from Rajaswala, meaning a menstruating woman. In Odia tradition, it is believed that Bhudevi (Mother Earth) undergoes her menstrual cycle during this period, resting and rejuvenating before the agricultural season begins. The festival therefore becomes a time of respect, rest, and renewal for nature.
Earth in Rest: The Core Philosophy
During Raja Parba, Odisha symbolically halts agricultural activity to honor the Earth’s resting phase. Farmers avoid ploughing fields, cutting trees, or disturbing the soil. People treat the ground with care, reflecting a deep environmental ethic rooted in tradition.
Household routines also change significantly. Women and young girls are traditionally exempted from daily labor, especially cooking and heavy chores, marking a rare social pause that celebrates womanhood and rest.
The Four Days of Raja Parba 2026
The festival in 2026 continues to follow its structured four-day cycle:
1. Sajabaja (June 13) – The Preparation Day
The day before the festival is dedicated to preparation. Homes are cleaned, ingredients are stored, clothes are arranged, and all heavy work is completed in advance so that the coming days remain free of labor.
2. Pahili Raja (June 14) – The First Day
The festival officially begins. Girls wear new traditional attire, apply alata (red dye) to their feet, and gather for swings tied to mango and banyan trees. The atmosphere fills with Raja Geeta folk songs and community bonding.
3. Raja Sankranti (June 15) – The Main Celebration
Also known as Mithuna Sankranti, this is the peak day of festivities. Families prepare elaborate feasts, community gatherings are held, and traditional games and cultural performances take place across villages and towns.
4. Basi Raja / Basumati Snana (June 16) – The Closing Ritual
The final day marks the ritualistic conclusion of the festival. The Sila (household grinding stone symbolizing Mother Earth) is bathed with turmeric, decorated with flowers and fruits, and worshipped, signifying the Earth’s rejuvenation and readiness for cultivation.
Swings, Songs, and Culinary Heritage
The most iconic image of Raja Parba remains the decorated swings (doli) suspended from banyan and mango trees become centers of joy, where young women swing high while singing traditional Raja Geeta folk songs.
Food is central to the celebration. The festival is synonymous with rich traditional delicacies like poda pitha, slow-cooked overnight in a clay oven, along with arisa pitha, manda pitha, and chakuli. These dishes reflect Odisha’s deep culinary heritage.
Another cherished tradition is the Raja Paan, a festive betel leaf preparation filled with sweet spices, coconut, and cherries, widely sold in markets and stalls during the festival.
Raja Parba 2026 Meets Modern Odisha: Trade Fairs and Economic Energy
In 2026, Raja Parba is not only a cultural celebration but also an economic driver in urban Odisha. In Janata Maidan Exhibition Ground, a large Raja-themed trade fair has been organized, bringing together artisans, entrepreneurs, and self-help groups from across the state.
Similarly, exhibitions and commercial stalls at the IDCO Exhibition Ground Trade Fair have strengthened seasonal economic activity. These platforms showcase handlooms, handicrafts, rural products, food industries, and local enterprises, generating income opportunities during the festive season.
This blending of culture and commerce has significantly boosted Odisha’s local economy, particularly benefiting small traders, artisans, and women-led self-help groups.
A Festival Rooted in Ecology and Humanity
Raja Parba 2026 is a reminder of Odisha’s unique cultural philosophy—where human life is seen in harmony with nature’s cycles. It celebrates rest for the Earth, dignity for women, and joy for communities, all while adapting to modern economic realities.
From rural swings under mango trees to bustling trade fairs in Bhubaneswar, Raja Parba continues to evolve—yet remains deeply rooted in its timeless message: the prosperity of humans is inseparable from the well-being of nature.
13, Jun 2026
Humanscale Debuts Diffrient Lounge, eFloat Quattro Studio, and M/Charge at Fulton Market Design Days
Chicago, Illinois, June 13: Humanscale, the leader in high-performance ergonomic design, will return to Fulton Market Design Days 2026 with a showcase centered on the future of adaptable, human-centered environments. Presented during the industry’s leading commercial interiors event, Humanscale’s exhibition will highlight solutions designed to support flexibility, wellness, and productivity across today’s evolving workplaces as well as hospitality and residential environments. Guided by the theme “Body. Planet. Materials.,” the presentation will explore the interconnected relationship between human wellbeing, sustainable innovation, and the future of materiality in design.
A major component of the presentation will be a museum-style exhibition exploring Next Generation Materials and the future of sustainable manufacturing. Centered on the belief that the future of design depends on materials that support both human wellbeing and planetary health, the installation will showcase emerging innovations that transform waste into resources and biology into manufacturing. The exhibit will examine how these advanced materials can reduce reliance on virgin extraction while opening new possibilities for high-performance, environmentally responsible design. Expanding on the “Body. Planet. Materials.” concept, the exhibition will also feature conversations and activations developed in collaboration with leading sustainability organizations including the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), Design for Freedom, and mindful MATERIALS, further reinforcing Humanscale’s commitment to transparency, material health, and ethical manufacturing practices across the built environment.
Among the featured products will be Diffrient Lounge, one of the final concepts envisioned by legendary designer Niels Diffrient and recently honored with a Red Dot Design Award in Product Design. Blending residential comfort with advanced ergonomic engineering, the lounge chair reimagines how people work, relax, and connect within hybrid environments. Motorized adjustments, integrated power, and an adaptable worksurface create a seamless experience that responds intuitively to the body while maintaining a refined, minimalist aesthetic while enabling smooth transitions between seated work, rest, and informal collaboration.
Building on this platform, Humanscale will debut eFloat Quattro Studio, a purpose-built meeting table designed specifically for today’s hybrid collaboration environments. Optimized for small-group meetings of two to seven people, eFloat Quattro Studio integrates connectivity, power, and display support directly into the table itself, simplifying meeting environments while enabling organizations to deploy collaborative spaces quickly and efficiently without complex AV infrastructure, permanent room builds, or extensive installation requirements. Designed to support both seated and standing collaboration, the solution creates flexible meeting environments that adapt seamlessly across open-office huddle spaces, executive offices, project review areas, and hybrid meeting rooms.
The presentation will also feature M/Charge, Humanscale’s new modular 2-in-1 magnetic wireless charging solution designed to integrate with the M/Connect 3 ecosystem while also functioning as a standalone charging dock. Supporting simultaneous dual-device charging through Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible technology, M/Charge delivers fast, efficient charging with magnetic alignment, flexible viewing angles, and a weighted metal base engineered for stability and effortless one-handed use. Designed for modern workspaces, hospitality settings, and residential environments alike, the solution reflects Humanscale’s continued focus on intuitive functionality, seamless integration, and reduced desktop complexity.
Humanscale’s presence at Fulton Market Design Days will further underscore its broader commitment to sustainability and purposeful innovation. As the only major commercial furniture manufacturer in the United States certified as a B Corp, Humanscale will continue to develop products and processes that prioritize both human health and environmental responsibility through a net positive design approach that integrates material transparency, reduced environmental impact, and long-term product longevity.
In addition to the showroom presentation, Humanscale will host a series of Fulton Market Design Days events and activations throughout the week designed to foster conversation around design, sustainability, and the future of work. Programming will include a Morning Walk/Jog Meet-Up on Monday, June 8 from 7:00–7:45 AM, followed by a Happy Hour with mindful MATERIALS from 5:00–6:00 PM and a Party at Federales from 6:00–9:00 PM. On Tuesday, June 9, Humanscale will host a Happy Hour with Living Future and Design for Freedom from 5:00–6:00 PM. The showroom, located at 345 N Morgan St., Suite 150 in Chicago, will remain open daily from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM throughout Fulton Market Design Days from June 8-10, 2026, with coffee and light fare available at The Emily Hotel café adjacent to the showroom. These events and activations will bring together designers, architects, sustainability leaders, brand partners, and members of the broader creative community for networking opportunities and discussions centered on innovation, wellbeing, and material transparency.
13, Jun 2026
IN-SPACe Announces Winners of Space Technology Use-Cases Under Seed-Fund Scheme
Ahmedabad, India June 13: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN SPACe) has announced the Grantees for five space technology use-cases under its Seed Fund Scheme for Use-Case Demonstration by Indian Non-Government Entities. The initiative aims to foster innovative and scalable space-enabled solutions addressing national priorities in agriculture, disaster management, water security, critical infrastructure monitoring, and other sectors.
Following technical evaluations of 92 proposals received, by a distinguished panel comprising domain experts, representatives from key user agencies, and experts from ISRO and IN SPACe, 15 respondents were selected for pilot demonstrations.
The selected grantees will undertake pilot demonstrations under the five use-cases announced by IN-SPACe. Infosys Limited, Bhoomicam Pvt. Ltd. and AgCane Science & Services Pvt. Ltd. have been selected for pest and disease forewarning and early detection of biotic stress in major crops. JalViks Pvt. Ltd., Nansei Restoration LLP along with Semantic Technologies and Agritech Services Pvt. Ltd. Will be working on SAR applications using NISAR data.
Biosky Space Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Quantasip Geomatic Informative Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Vassar Labs IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd. have been selected for decision support systems for power sector installations and Right of Way management. Reservoir rim slope stability monitoring will be undertaken by Vassar Labs IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd., EarthSense Labs Pvt. Ltd. and Suhora Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Additionally, Vassar Labs IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Prithvi Anusandhan Pvt. Ltd., and Infosys Limited have been selected for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) monitoring and Early Warning Systems (EWS). These demonstrations are expected to showcase scalable space-enabled solutions addressing key national priorities.
Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, said, “This initiative marks a defining moment for India’s space economy. The downstream sector represents the most direct interface between space capabilities and citizen benefit, a large share of our projected $44 billion space economy. What makes this milestone truly transformative is the pathway it creates: successful pilot demonstrations are positioned to receive operational orders from user agencies, turning today’s proofs-of-concept into tomorrow’s national programmes. IN-SPACe is proud to connect India’s world-class space capabilities to those who need them most – first at home, and increasingly, across the world.”
Shri Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical Directorate), IN-SPACe, said, “The announced use-cases are the result of extensive stakeholder engagement conducted by IN-SPACe with user agencies (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Power), ISRO, and domain experts, wherein, the user requirements were translated into focused problem statements, forming the basis of the five Announcements of Opportunity (AOs). Submitted proposals underwent multi-stage technical evaluation by ISRO experts and the user agencies. The selected grantees will now proceed to pilot demonstrations using satellite data, AI/ ML techniques and ground based IoT devices to validate the effectiveness of their proposed solutions.”
Building on the strong response to this initiative, IN-SPACe plans to launch additional use-cases and opportunities for Indian Non-Government Entities, further expanding the role of private industry and startups in delivering impactful space-enabled solutions for national priorities and contributing to India’s growing space economy.
13, Jun 2026
Horse owners’ personality and attachment style shape how they interact with and care for their horses
A new study shows that horse owners’ psychological characteristics, including their attachment styles and personality traits, are systematically linked to how frequently they ride, train, and spend quality time with their horses, as well as the equipment they choose to use. The findings offer new insights into how human psychology shapes horse welfare and management.
Attachment theory, originally developed to describe emotional bonds between humans, has increasingly been applied to human–animal relationships. Attachment style describes how individuals relate to others emotionally: those with high avoidant attachment tend to distance themselves emotionally and rely less on others, while those with high anxious attachment tend to seek closeness and fear rejection or abandonment.
“We were interested in whether these psychological tendencies, which are well-studied in human relationships, would also manifest in how people interact with their horses — and indeed they do,” says lead author of the study, Postdoctoral Researcher Océane Liehrmann from the Department of Biology at the University of Turku, Finland, and the Department of Biosystem and Technology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden.
The international research group conducted an online survey, gathering responses from 2,239 horse owners worldwide. The survey assessed their attachment styles using the Horse Attachment Questionnaire (HAQ) validated by the research group, and their personality traits using the Short Five Questionnaire.
Owners reported how often they rode, did groundwork training, and spent quality time with their horses, as well as what type of headgear — bit, bitless, or both — they used.
More emotionally distant owners interact less with their horses
The results showed a clear pattern: owners who spent more time with their horses, whether riding, training, or simply being with them, tended to be more emotionally connected to their horses. In contrast, owners who kept more emotional distance to their horse also tended to interact with them less frequently, spending less time riding and engaging in hands-on activities.
“This mirrors what has been found in companion animal research, where people with higher avoidant attachment tend to be less attentive and less engaged in caring for their pets. Our findings suggest the same dynamic extends to horse ownership,” notes Liehrmann.
Interestingly, the type of interaction and relationship length also mattered. Owners who regularly spent informal, unstructured quality time with their horse, simply being present with them without a specific training goal, tended to show stronger emotional bonds. Owners with longer relationships with their horse showed progressively lower avoidant attachment, with those knowing their horse for over 10 years being about 15 percent less avoidant than those in relationships of under one year.
Owners’ personality also played a role in how they engaged with their horses, though differences between groups were subtle. Those who rode more frequently tended to be slightly more organised, outgoing, and emotionally stable. In contrast, owners who practised groundwork more often tended to score higher in openness to new experiences, which may reflect a greater curiosity and willingness to explore non-traditional, horse-centred training methods.
“These are not dramatic differences, but they are consistent and meaningful. Personality shapes the way people approach activities across many domains of life, and equestrian practice appears to be no exception,” Liehrmann explains.
Equipment choice linked to emotional distancing
The study also found subtle links between headgear choice and owner psychology. Owners who used bitless equipment or alternated between bit and bitless tended to score slightly lower in emotional distancing than those who rode exclusively with a bit. Owners open to using both types of headgear also tended to score higher in openness to new experiences, suggesting a greater willingness to explore different approaches to riding.
The researchers note that these are modest tendencies observed across a large group of owners, and that equipment choice is shaped by many factors, including riding discipline, training background, and the individual horse’s needs.
Rather than pointing fingers at any particular practice, the findings suggest that reflecting on our own psychological tendencies could be a valuable step toward more conscious, horse-centred decision-making.
Implications for horse welfare and training
The researchers emphasise that even modest psychological differences may carry practical importance when they consistently influence how horses are managed and cared for over time.
“Understanding the psychological characteristics of horse owners could help tailor training programmes, improve human-horse communication, and ultimately support better horse welfare. Designing tools that give equestrians greater awareness of their own psychological tendencies could be a meaningful step in that direction,” concludes Liehrmann.
13, Jun 2026
West Bengal Needs Statewide Sports Medicine Network, Says Dr. Indranil Khan at ICC SportsMed 2026
Kolkata, June 13: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted SportsMed 2026 under the theme ‘From Performance to Prevention: Integrating Science, Medicine & Technology’, bringing together leading healthcare professionals, sports medicine experts, policymakers, hospital leaders and sports practitioners to discuss the future of sports healthcare in India. The summit was attended by eminent speakers including Mr. Prashant Sharma, Chairman, ICC National Healthcare Committee and Managing Director, Charnock Hospitals; Dr. Sankar Sengupta, Vice President, CAHO, and Medical Superintendent & Professor, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute; Mr. Sibananda Mishra, Regional Director-in-Charge, NSERC Kolkata, Sports Authority of India (SAI); Mr. Ranadeep Moitra, former cricketer and sports performance specialist; Ms. Richa S. Debgupta, Co-Chair, ICC National Healthcare Committee and Executive Vice President, Fortis Hospitals; Dr. Abhijit Sen, Consultant Orthopaedic, Joint Replacement and Sports Injury Surgeon; Dr. Khawer Naveed Siddiqui, Head of Preventive Cardiology, B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre and Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Youth Services & Sports, Government of West Bengal. The summit served as a platform for deliberations on preventive care, injury management, rehabilitation, nutrition and technology-driven innovations, while emphasising the importance of stronger collaboration between healthcare, sports science and policy stakeholders to enhance athlete wellbeing and build a more resilient sporting ecosystem in India.
While welcoming the audience to the Opening Session: Future of Sports Medicine in India, Mr. Prashant Sharma, Chairman, ICC National Healthcare Committee and MD, Charnock Hospitals, said,
“Sports medicine is a very potent and relevant subject today as healthcare evolves beyond curative care towards prevention, rehabilitation and enabling healthier lifestyles. As our country continues to grow in the field of sports, what is required is a very active ecosystem to support these initiatives through healthcare services in sports medicine covering preventive care, rehabilitation, sports injury fixation, advanced surgeries, post-surgical care and treatment of chronic ailments that enable sportspersons to perform better. While we have become very good at treating illnesses, we also have to become better at preventing them. The convergence of longevity, wellness, preventive medicine and sports medicine will play the central role in providing a healthier life to individuals, be it sportspersons or non-sportspersons.”
Dr. Sankar Sengupta, Vice President, CAHO, Medical Superintendent & Professor, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Regional Cancer Centre, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, while delivering his theme address said,
“Accreditation marks the initiation of quality, but that is not the end. The process and outcome become better once you methodically propagate the essence of quality and imbibe the culture of safety in your healthcare system. CAHO’s vision for sports medicine is focused on promoting standardized clinical practices, evidence-based care pathways, patient safety culture, continuous quality improvement, and outcome measurement benchmarking indicators. Our key areas of focus include injury prevention programs, safe rehabilitation protocols, infection prevention and control, athlete-centered safety, risk assessment, and rehabilitation and return-to-play frameworks. Driving improvement through evidence through clinical audits, outcome measurement indicators, registries, research collaboration, and benchmarking against best practices will be critical for the growth of sports medicine in the country.”
Mr. Sibananda Mishra, Regional Director – In charge, NSERC Kolkata, SAI, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, added,
“The Government of India has introduced a new national sports policy after a gap of two and a half decades — Khelo Bharat Niti — with a wider vision of harnessing the power of sports not only for excellence and winning more medals, but also for promoting fitness, inclusion, empowerment, and leveraging the latest developments in science and technology, including artificial intelligence, sports medicine, and big data analytics. The policy places emphasis on sports science, technology and medicine, athlete-centric development, collaboration between coaches and sports science staff, and stronger participation of multiple stakeholders including government, private sector, research and international bodies. As India aspires to host the Olympics in 2036 and expand its sports ecosystem, the need for sports medicine, injury prevention, rehabilitation and sports science services will become increasingly significant in supporting athletes and promoting healthier and more active communities.”
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Ranadeep Moitra, Former Cricketer, Golf Instructor, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Golf Biomechanist and Corrective Exercise Coach, highlighted his expertise on The Rationale for Preventive Medicine in Sports and said, “For me, corrective is almost synonymous with prevention, particularly in preventing musculoskeletal injury and trauma. Over the last twenty years, there has been a paradigm shift from a performance-oriented mindset to a more corrective and prehabilitative approach, where prevention of injuries has become a major part of strength and conditioning protocols. In my clinical practice, most injuries occur when the principles of mobility and stability are compromised. Corrective exercise is a systematic process of identifying musculoskeletal dysfunction, developing a plan of action and implementing corrective strategies to restore normal movement. The objective is to foresee the red flags, prevent impairment of the human movement system and ensure injuries do not happen.”
Speaking during the session Plenary Session I: Advancing Care, Elevating Performance, Dr. Abhijit Sen, Consultant Orthopaedic, Joint Replacement and Sports Injury Surgeon, highlighted on Sportsperson’s Health & Performance and said,
“The human body is no different from a high-performance system — performance depends not only on talent, hard work and training, but on a body that moves freely, recovers early and remains injury-free. Orthopaedics is not only about fracture surgery; it is about the complete movement system where strong bones, stable and mobile joints, and healthy muscles improve performance. Prevention is the best treatment, and prevention itself improves performance. Recovery is a part of training, because growth comes after rest, not during training. Pain ignored becomes injury, and injury ignored becomes lost performance. The goal is not to perform today, but to perform for many years.”
Speaking during the same session, Dr. Khawer Naveed Siddiqui, Head – Preventive Cardiology, B M Birla Heart Research Centre, highlighted his vision on Cardiac Care for Sportsperson and said,
“Cardiac health is of paramount importance for athletes because the heart is responsible for maintaining overall physical performance, yet cardiovascular diseases can lead to sudden cardiac death even in young and very fit individuals. While sports offer profound cardiovascular benefits, safe participation in sports is very important and pre-checkup is most vital in today’s era. Regular screening, pre-sports evaluation, awareness of warning signs and preparedness on the field through Basic Life Support can play a critical role, because prevention is always better than cure and cardiac health should be given utmost importance.”
In this occasion, Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Youth Services & Sports, Government of West Bengal, said,
“With Khelo India, our state of West Bengal is going to witness a fundamental change in sports infrastructure, sports manpower and the overall performance of our sportspersons. We have to groom and support our players during their formative years through professional support ranging from coaching to sports medicine, fitness coaching and injury management. Sports medicine is going to witness a major change for the better and will not be restricted to Kolkata — it will be decentralized so that players across West Bengal receive opportunities and support. The government will lead this change, but I would also like to encourage entrepreneurs and stakeholders to come and invest in sports and be a part of this transformation.”
13, Jun 2026
Tourism Secretary extols PHDCCI platform for creating a new synergy for Simhastha 2027–28
SHIRDI June 13 : With preparations gathering momentum for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28, policymakers, tourism leaders, temple administrators, hospitality stakeholders and spiritual organizations came together in Shirdi to chart a long-term vision for Maharashtra’s spiritual tourism future at रूहmantic: PHDCCI’s 3rd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave.
Organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Maharashtra Tourism; Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC); and Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, the conclave brought together more than 300 delegates from across the country to deliberate on strengthening India’s spiritual tourism ecosystem and leveraging major pilgrimage destinations as engines of sustainable economic growth.
Inaugurating the conclave, Mr. Bhuvnesh Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, emphasized that spiritual tourism is not merely a tourism segment in India; it is deeply embedded in our civilizational identity and way of life. Maharashtra, with its unique concentration of Jyotirlingas, Shakti Peeths, pilgrimage centres and sacred destinations, possesses immense potential to emerge as a globally recognized spiritual tourism destination. The need of the hour is to connect these destinations through integrated circuits that combine spirituality, heritage, culture and local experiences, enabling visitors to experience the full richness of the region,” he said.
“India’s rapidly growing domestic tourism market presents immense opportunities for local communities, entrepreneurs, homestay operators and tourism stakeholders. Technology, ranging from virtual experiences and live-streamed religious ceremonies to seamless digital travel solutions, will play an increasingly important role in making spiritual tourism more accessible, inclusive and engaging,” he said.
He further added,
“As visitor numbers continue to rise, sustainable destination management becomes critical. Cleanliness, crowd management, carrying-capacity planning and quality civic infrastructure must remain central to our development strategy. Supported by initiatives such as the PRASHAD scheme and significant improvements in national connectivity, India has built a strong foundation for tourism growth. The next phase will require greater collaboration between government and industry to create world-class spiritual tourism experiences while preserving the authenticity and sanctity of our sacred destinations.”
Mr. Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC, said,
“MTDC will soon partner with Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust to further enhance visitor experiences and strengthen destination development initiatives in Shirdi. We are actively upgrading tourism infrastructure through public-private partnerships and developing curated pilgrimage circuits that assure quality, reliability and seamless services for devotees. Spiritual destinations must evolve beyond darshan by creating meaningful experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer, engage with local culture and contribute to local economies.”
Welcoming delegates to Shirdi, Mr. Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust highlighted Shirdi’s growing stature as a global spiritual destination, noting that devotees from more than 61 countries visit the sacred town inspired by the teachings and legacy of Shri Sai Baba. He emphasized that the Sansthan has developed extensive infrastructure and visitor facilities, including a modern darshan queue complex, dedicated services for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees, large-scale accommodation facilities and a Prasadalaya that serves tens of thousands of devotees daily. He called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to further enhance pilgrim experiences and strengthen the growth of spiritual tourism in the region.
Mr. Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director – Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said Maharashtra is preparing for Simhastha with a long-term vision extending beyond the event itself. “Our objective is not only to successfully host millions of pilgrims during Simhastha, but also to create lasting tourism assets and experiences that continue to benefit local communities for decades. Shirdi, Nashik and Trimbakeshwar have the potential to emerge as an integrated spiritual tourism circuit of international significance.”
Mr. Abhay Shelke Patil, Vice President, Shirdi Nagar Parishad, emphasized the importance of civic infrastructure, cleanliness and community participation in supporting the sustainable growth of spiritual tourism destinations.
Delivering the theme address, Mr. Anil Parashar, Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, said,
“India’s spiritual heritage is among its greatest competitive advantages. The challenge before us is to transform pilgrimage movements into opportunities for destination development, livelihood generation, cultural preservation and visitor experience enhancement. Simhastha offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate how faith-based tourism can become a driver of inclusive economic growth.”
Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, remarked that the conclave had brought together a unique blend of policymakers, destination managers and industry leaders to create actionable recommendations for the sector.
The inaugural session, moderated by Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, brought together senior government officials to deliberate on the opportunities emerging from Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28 and the future of faith-based tourism in India.
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the PHDCCI-KPMG Report on Spiritual Tourism, titled ‘From Darshan to Destination: The Transformation of Spiritual Tourism in India’. The report examines evolving pilgrim behaviour, technology adoption, sustainability imperatives, destination planning frameworks and emerging opportunities for creating integrated spiritual tourism ecosystems across the country.
Delivering a virtual keynote address, Mr. Amrit Abhijat (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary – Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh, shared lessons from Uttar Pradesh’s successful transformation of destinations such as Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj. “The success of spiritual tourism lies in balancing faith, infrastructure, heritage conservation and visitor experience. Large religious events should be viewed as opportunities to create long-term tourism assets and destination value. The transformation witnessed in Uttar Pradesh demonstrates how strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration can create lasting impact.”
The day-long deliberations featured a series of thought-provoking sessions:
·Simhastha 2027 – From Kumbh to Spiritual Tourism Corridor: Moderated by Mr. Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, Founder, Temple Connect, the session featured Mr. Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), CEO, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust Shirdi and Mr. Shekhar Singh (IAS), Commissioner, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority. The discussion focused on leveraging Simhastha as a catalyst for regional development through improved connectivity, visitor infrastructure, destination branding, crowd management systems and integrated tourism circuits. Speakers emphasized that the true legacy of Simhastha would be measured not by the event itself, but by its ability to transform Nashik, Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi into vibrant year-round spiritual destinations.
·Creating Round-the-Clock Spiritual Experiences: Chaired by Mr. Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism and moderated by Mr. Aalap Bansal, Partner, KPMG India, the session explored how pilgrimage destinations can enhance visitor engagement through evening aartis, cultural performances, digital interpretation, sacred food streets and immersive tourism experiences. Panelists Dr. Kiran Shinde, Professor – Planning, La Trobe University Australia; Mr. Prasad Ajgaonkar, Managing Director, iRealities; Mr. Vikash Mishra, Founder & CEO, Trip to Temples; and Mr. Sameer Bajaj, Head – Corporate Communications & Corporate Affairs, MakeMyTrip highlighted the importance of creating experiences that encourage longer stays and deeper destination engagement.
·The Architecture of Faith: Hosted by Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, this conversation featured Mr. Kiran Kalamdani, Conservation Architect and Prof. Manoj Mathur, Architect.The discussion highlighted how India’s temples represent a unique confluence of architecture, science, symbolism and storytelling. Speakers stressed the need for heritage conservation, interpretation centres and immersive storytelling initiatives that enable visitors to better appreciate the cultural significance of sacred spaces.
·Roohmantic Reflections: In a deeply engaging session, Sister Deepa of Brahma Kumaris reflected on the growing convergence of spirituality, wellness and mindful travel. She noted that modern travellers are increasingly seeking journeys centred on self-discovery, emotional well-being and inner transformation, creating new opportunities for meditation retreats, wellness tourism and conscious travel experiences.
The conclave concluded with delegates participating in darshan at Shri Saibaba Temple, a devotional Bhajan Sandhya and a familiarization visit to Nashik and the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, providing firsthand exposure to destinations that will play a pivotal role during Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28.
The conclave was supported by Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board; Jharkhand Tourism; IRCTC; DigiDevalaya; Vama; Ramalaya; Hotel Radisson Individuals, Shirdi; Mann Fleet Partners; KPMG; Temple Connect; Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI); Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO); and Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).
