22, Sep 2025
SSEN Bids For FIFA World Cup 2026 & 2030 Broadcasting Rights
Kolkata, 22nd September, 2025: In a move that underscores both ambition and vision, Shrachi Sports Entertainment Network (SSEN), a dedicated sports OTT platform, has officially placed its bid for the broadcasting rights of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030. Valued at approximated USD 2 Million (INR 18-20 crores), the bid reflects SSEN’s ambition to redefine how global football reaches audiences across India and the subcontinents.
If awarded, SSEN intends to stream both the tournaments entirely on a free to view basis. This pioneering model would ensure that millions of fans across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives can watch the world’s greatest sporting event without subscription fees or barriers to entry.
“The bid is more than a business move – it is a commitment to inclusivity and reshaping the future of football consumption in the region. By offering the FIFA World Cup streaming free to fans, we are democratising access to the game and laying the foundation for a long-term legacy that inspires generations” said Mr Tamal Ghosal, Chairman, Shrachi Sports.
The bold proposal builds on SSEN’s expanding portfolio of premier sports properties. The network already streams marquee tournaments including the Calcutta Football League and the I-League. In addition, SSEN is the first to stream the Women’s Bundesliga and the German Handball Bundesliga, underscoring its credibility as a platform delivering both Indian and international sporting action to mass audiences.
By taking these decisive steps, SSEN signals its determination not only to challenge conventional sports broadcasting models but also to position India as a central hub in the global football narrative.
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- By Neel Achary
22, Sep 2025
AIIGMA Celebrates 50 Years with Regional Safety Seminar on Gas Cylinder Rules in Hyderabad
AIIGMA marks 50 years with ‘Regional Safety Seminar on Gas Cylinder Rules and Industry Standards’ at Hyderabad!
Hyderabad, 22nd September 2025: The All India Industrial Gases Manufacturers Association (AIIGMA), the apex body representing the interests of the industrial and medical gases industry in India, commemorated its 50th anniversary by hosting the Regional Safety Seminar on Industrial and Medical Gases, with reference to Gas Cylinder Rules 2016 & SMPV (Unfired) Rules 2016; today at the Hotel Westin, Mindspace, Hyderabad. The Seminar was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri V. K. Mishra, Jt. Chief Controller of Explosives – Hyderabad Circle, PESO, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India; and delivered the Keynote address at the Seminar and was graced by Mr Saket Tiku, President, AIIGMA; Mr Rajiv Guptha, General Secretary AIIGMA and Shri Shankar Ghosh, Director, Shell-N-Tub Pvt Ltd,; among others. Over 200 delegates from all over India attended the one-day Seminar.
Established in 1975, AIIGMA serves as a common platform for manufacturers, suppliers, and equipment providers in the gas industry, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy for safe practices, innovation, and growth in the sector. AIIGMA continues to be actively engaged in policy discussions, industry seminars, international collaborations, and safety initiatives. The upcoming seminar in Hyderabad is part of its ongoing efforts to reinforce safety, technology, and sustainability in the gases industry.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Guest Mr. V K Mishra, Jt. Chief Controller of explosives-Hyderabad Circle, PESCO, Ministry of commerce & Industry, Government of India; in his keynote address said, “congratulations to AIIGMA on completion of 50 years and during this period, AIIGMA has grown by leaps and bounds. Some excellent work was done by the industry during the crisis like COVID; however, we need to retrospect if we had done our best or was there space to do better, such introspection helps to handle future crisis more efficiently. During that period, liquid oxygen storage and cryogenic cylinder installation, were two major issues which could have perhaps facilitated better management. Reflect on such issues and ensure better management in future. AIIGMA did a wonderful work in supporting the industry and entrepreneurs. To maintain high safety standards, need to rigorously emphasis on identification of cylinders, periodic testing and condemnation of unused cylinders.”‘
Mr. Saket Tiku, President, AIIGMA; said, “over the last five decades AIIGMA has emerged as the voice of the Indian Gas Industry, working tirelessly for the growth of our sector, while ensuring the safety, compliance, innovation remain at the forefront. Here, I would like to touch upon a very important development, in the light of the recent trade tariffs imposed on India, it has become imperative for all of us to focus on manufacturing more within India, of course we also recognize the practical reality, as there are certain products which are not manufactured in India. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister has been emphasizing on manufacturing of Semi-conductor chips within India, for producing these semi-conductor chips, we need specialty gases with ultra-high purity, rare gases etc., which are not available in India. Many of which may not have so much demand in India to make it viable to produce here. Till the volumes of such gases become viable to produce, they will continue to be imported. Going forward AIIGMA will be emphasizing increasingly on make in India products, to become self-reliant. At the heart of this entire thing lies safety, which becomes non-negotiable. We conduct regular trainings on safety, which are subsidized by AIIGMA. Safety is crucial in our industry, therefore depute your technical staff for these trainings, benefit from them and avoid mishaps.”
Mr. Rajiv Guptha, General Secretary AIIGMA; “our gas industry carries a significant responsibility to ensure the highest standards of safety, today’s seminar is a testament to that commitment. As we focus on the crucial Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016 and Assembly Rules, 2016; a thorough understanding and sincere adherence to these rules are not just regulatory requirements but are the foundation of our safety culture and a pledge to protect lives and property. Let’s use this opportunity to share insights and collectively raise the bar for safety in our sector.”
22, Sep 2025
IHM Hyderabad Hosts 4th Season of Budding Events, Showcases Exceptional Talent
The Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad, hosts the 4th Season of the Budding Events, unearths exceptional talent!
Hyderabad, 22nd September 2025: The Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad (IHM-Hyderabad), a central government institute under the Ministry of Tourism, ranked the third best institute, successfully; hosted the 4th Season of the Budding Events, comprising of National Budding Professional Competition (Manager) and National Budding Chef Competition, at its premises at DD Colony, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad. The four-day mega event, which concluded today, witnessed the participation of 8 teams in the Budding Professional and 13 teams in the Budding Chef from leading IHMs, SIHMs, and private hospitality institutes from across India and Hyderabad.
The grand inaugural ceremony was graced by Chef Sudhakar N. Rao – Director/Principal, Culinary Academy of India and a proud Alumnus of IHM-Hyderabad; Mr. Anirban Kundu, Food & Beverage Manager, Taj Deccan, Hyderabad; Mr. Sanjay Thakur, Principal/ Member Secretary, IHM-Hyderabad; Ms. Rachna Agashe, HoD, IHM-Hyderabad; Mr. Puneet Razdan, HoD, IHM-Hyderabad and other dignitaries. The inaugural also set the tone for the competitions with inspiring addresses and enthusiastic participation from students across the country.
Participants in the National Budding Professional (Manager) 2025 category competed across diverse and industry-relevant events, testing their problem-solving, creativity, and operational skills. The categories included Online Test; Pitcharest- F&B Business Plan; SoP Detective – Error Detection & Correction; Floresque – Ikebana Competition; Front Desk Showdown – Service Recovery Skills; Takeoff – Product Launch Competition; Hotel Ecothon- Digital Junior Suite Designing; Sell Me This Pen – Selling Tactics and Hustle – Cocktail Making Competition. Based on cumulative scores from these events, the prestigious titles of Mr. Budding Professional (Manager) and Ms. Budding Professional (Manager) were awarded to the most deserving candidates.
National Budding Chef 2025 – Competitions & Awards
The Budding Chef Competition featured intense rounds across multiple cuisines and themes, bringing out the best of India’s culinary student talent in Regional Indian Authentic Cookery; International Surprise Basket and Cake Decoration Competition. The rigorous competitions tested participants’ culinary creativity, technical precision, and ability to work under pressure, culminating in the announcement of the National Budding Chef 2025 Champion Team.
Valedictory Ceremony of National Budding Events 2025
The Valedictory ceremony hosted today, was attended by eminent industry stalwarts including Guest of Honour Celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi; Mr. Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC; Mr. Rohan George, Resident Manager, Green Park Hyderabad; Mr. John Biswas, Hotel Manager, Radisson Blu Banjara Hills; Chef Manpreet Singh Malik, Executive Chef, Taj Deccan and Mr.Sanjay Thakur, Principal/ Member Secretary, IHM-Hyderabad and gave away the prizes to the winners in the various categories. A key highlight of the event was the release of a Research Book on AI Trends in the Hospitality Industry, reinforcing IHM-Hyderabad’s commitment to innovation in hospitality education.
A series of vibrant cultural performances, including the recitation of mantras, Ganesh Vandana, soulful flute recitals, a Telangana folk dance (Bathukamma), and a thought-provoking Nukkad Natak on the theme of Swachhata added grandeur and depth to the evening, blending tradition, culture, and social awareness.
Awards & Felicitations
The following awards were given to winners across competitions, during the Valedictory Ceremony, today.
Special Felicitations
As a part of the International Housekeepers Week, the institute felicitated the following, for their exceptional role in Housekeeping
- Mr. Manikandan, Executive Housekeeper, Taj Deccan
- Mr. Bilbin K. Babu, Head of Department, Housekeeping, Taj Vivanta
National Budding Professional (Manager) 2025, Awards
- Ms. Budding Professional (Manager): Ria Shirookar, IHM Goa.
- Mr. Budding Professional (Manager): Sai Manish, Regency College of Hotel Management.
- Ms. Budding Professional (Manager) – Runner-up: Shreyshy, IHM-Chennai.
- Mr. Budding Professional (Manager) – Runner-up: Carlos Frank Marcas R., IHM-Chennai.
- Participant with the Most Contagious Smile: Roel Saldanha, IHM-Goa.
- Participant with the Best Demeanour: Abhishek Sahoo, SIHM Balangir.
- Participant with the most pleasing personality: Harsimran Singh Sodhi, SIHM Jabalpur.
- The Best Seller (Sales & Marketing Topper): Rashmeet Kaur, IHM Bhubaneswar.
- Topper – F&B Service: Shubhi Rajbhar, SIHM Jabalpur.
- Topper – Front Office: Athiya Khan, Regency College of Hotel Management.
- Topper – Accommodation Operations: Ariba Siddiqui, Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad.
National Budding Chef 2025, Awards
- Champion of the National Budding Chef 2025: Andrea Vaz & Aditya Nair, IHM-Goa.
- Consolation Prize – Regional Authentic Indian Cookery: Andriyas Topno & Sinthia Horo, SIHM Balangir.
- Runner-up – Regional Authentic Indian Cookery: Rakesh Rout & Romit Pradhan Shiksha O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneshwar.
- Winner – Regional Authentic Indian Cookery: Radhika Rajwade & Badal Sahu, SIHM Raipur.
- Consolation Prize – International Surprise Basket: Vikruthi Sarangan & Saahas Reddy, Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad.
- Runner-up – International Surprise Basket: Rajbir Rana & Sanoop Wilson, IHM-Chennai.
- Winner – International Surprise Basket: Ayush Agarwal & Mohit Gurjar, SIHM Jabalpur.
- Consolation Prize – Let the Cake Tell Your Story: Andrea Vaz & Aditya Nair, IHM-Goa.
- Runner-up – Let the Cake Tell Your Story: Shrutika Sharma & T. Chandu, Regency College of Hotel Management, Hyderabad.
- Winner – Let the Cake Tell Your Story: Cibidaran & Abhishek Krishna, Indian Culinary Institute, Tirupati.
- Chef’s Hygiene Excellence Award : Janhavi Daiv & Souvik Das, IHM Ahmedabad.
- Chef with the Best Demeanour : Pooja Kha, IHM-Bhubaneshwar.
- Chef with the Best Smile : Mohit Gurjar, SIHM Jabalpur.
- Chef with the Most Pleasing Personality : Vikruthi Sarangan, Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad
The event concluded with resounding applause, celebrating not just the winners but also the spirit of learning, collaboration, and hospitality excellence that IHM-Hyderabad proudly fosters.
22, Sep 2025
SBI strengthens presence in Tamil Nadu with the inauguration of 14 new branches
Chennai, September 22, 2025: State Bank of India (SBI), the nation’s largest bank, has further strengthened its presence in India’s second largest state economy, Tamil Nadu, with the inauguration of 14 new branches, 2 Home Loan Centers, 2 modern Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), and a Special Currency Administration Branch (SCAB). These initiatives, inaugurated by SBI Chairman, Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty during his visit to the Bank’s Local Head Office in Chennai, underline SBI’s focus on expanding its reach while supporting community development across the State.
Further to this, as part of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) campaign for the saturation of Financial Inclusion schemes, SBI Chairman virtually inaugurated 110 Gram Panchayat Camps aimed at bringing essential banking and financial services directly to rural communities. Senior officials from the bank, business correspondents were present at these camps where a large number of customers participated.
Additionally, under the bank’s CSR initiative, a cheque for INR1.47 crore was handed over to Shri Sudhan R, Retired IAS and the Member Secretary of the Namma School Foundation for the upgradation of 30 Government Primary Schools throughout Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the Bank’s dedication to improving the Educational Infrastructure.
Speaking on the occasion, SBI Chairman, Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty said, “SBI may already be India’s largest bank with over 22,980 branches, yet we see clear opportunities to deepen our presence where banking access is still limited. The new branches in Tamil Nadu are part of our effort to strengthen this physical connect while complementing it with initiatives like Gram Panchayat camps to drive financial inclusion at the grassroots. At the same time, we remain committed to giving back to society, and our support towards upgrading government schools reflects that responsibility. Our focus is to keep expanding in ways that create both economic and social value for the communities we serve”
“These initiatives are a reaffirmation to the Bank’s commitment to making banking more accessible and inclusive. By such undertakings, SBI is not just growing as a Bank but also contributing to the holistic development of the communities it serves”, he said.
22, Sep 2025
Housing Sales Dip in Nine Indian Cities in Q3 2025; New Launches Steady: PropEquity
New Delhi, September 22, 2025: Housing sales in India’s leading nine cities fell by 4% and consecutive declined for the 10th quarter, in Q3 (July-September) 2025, settling just above the 1 lakh unit mark at 1,00,370 units, according to a report by NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity. New launches, however, remained flat, coming in below the 1 lakh mark at 92,229 units declining by 10% on Q-o-Q basis.
The top 9 cities are Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Kolkata and Delhi-NCR.
The Y-o-Y decline in sales across the top 9 cities during Q3 2025 was primarily led by the Maharashtra region – including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune – which experienced a contraction ranging from 6% to 28%.
Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata, however, witnessed a rise of 21%, 16% and 25% respectively in Q3 2025. Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, too, saw 4% YoY each rise in sales in Q3 2025.
On a Q-o-Q basis, sales in top 9 cities fell marginally by 1% with only Delhi-NCR (24%) and Thane (11%) seeing a drop. The other 7 cities witnessed a rise.
Samir Jasuja, Founder and CEO, PropEquity said, “The reason why we feel that the housing market remains healthy even though the new launches are coming down consecutively is because the sales continue to be higher than the new launches. We anticipate that 2025 will mirror 2024 with approximately 4 lakh unit launches and approximately 4.5 lakh sales, which is marginally lower than the 2024 numbers.”
On the new housing supply front, the report said that new launches in India’s top 9 cities remained flat YoY, remaining below the 1 lakh unit mark, at 92,229 units in Q3 2025.
Jasuja noted, “While the current quarter has seen subdued activity, we anticipate a rebound in the upcoming quarter due to the festive season, which is expected to drive stronger demand, leading to improved launch momentum and a higher absorption level.”
There is a YoY rise in new launches in Chennai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata, and there is a decline in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Thane, and Delhi-NCR.
However, new supply fell 10% Q-o-Q with a 31% decline in Delhi-NCR, followed by 15% in Pune and 29% in Chennai.
However Hyderabad, Kolkata and Navi Mumbai saw a rise of 14%, 24% and 6%.
22, Sep 2025
World Alzheimer’s Day Sun, 21 Sept, 2025
World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 Highlights the Urgency of Early Diagnosis and Supportive Care
Mumbai, September 22, 2025: World Alzheimer’s Day, observed globally on September 21 each year, serves as an important reminder of the growing burden of Alzheimer’s disease and the urgent need for collective action. This year’s theme emphasises the importance of early awareness, timely diagnosis, and building strong community support systems for individuals and families affected by the condition. By focusing on these aspects, the campaign seeks to ensure that families, carers, and healthcare systems are better equipped to face the challenges of dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that slowly destroys memory, cognitive abilities, and the capacity to carry out simple daily activities. It remains the most common cause of dementia worldwide and affects millions of families, often placing a tremendous emotional and physical strain on caregivers. With the number of cases steadily rising in India as well as across the globe, experts stress that timely medical intervention and greater awareness are key to managing the disease more effectively.
Sharing his perspective on the occasion, Dr. Pavan Pai, Consultant Interventional Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, said, “Alzheimer’s is not simply about age-related memory loss—it is a serious neurological condition that needs to be identified early. Too often, families dismiss the initial symptoms, which include frequent forgetfulness, disorientation, or difficulty in managing everyday tasks. Recognising these signs early allows us to intervene in time, provide therapies that may slow progression, and prepare caregivers to offer better support. On World Alzheimer’s Day, it is vital that we strengthen public awareness so more people seek help without fear or stigma.”
The 2025 theme also underscores the importance of moving beyond stigma. Misconceptions and denial often delay medical consultations, preventing patients from receiving timely diagnosis and appropriate care. Improving access to diagnostic facilities, treatment options, and community-based support services is essential to reducing the burden on patients and their families. Collaborative efforts from governments, healthcare providers, and society at large are crucial in creating an environment where both patients and carers feel acknowledged and supported.
World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 is more than a day of observance—it is a call to action. By raising awareness, encouraging early medical attention, and building a culture of community support, society can take meaningful steps toward easing the burden of Alzheimer’s disease while ensuring dignity and compassion for those living with it.
22, Sep 2025
Varun Khanna Honoured as ‘Visionary Healthcare CEO’ at AHPI Leadership Summit 2025
“Healthcare is Service, Not Industry,” says Telangana Governor at AHPI Leadership Summit
Hyderabad, September 22,2025: The 3rd AHPI Leadership Summit, a two-day national conference on “Leadership in the Age of High-Tech Healthcare”, concluded today at Hotel Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills. The event brought together senior leaders from healthcare, policy, and industry to deliberate on people-first leadership, financial sustainability, and strategic planning for the future of healthcare. Chief Guest: His Excellency Shri Jishnu Dev Verma Ji, Honourable Governor of Telangana, graced the valedictory session and emphasised the importance of visionary leadership in strengthening India’s healthcare system.
His Excellency Shri Jishnu Dev Verma Ji, Honourable Governor of Telangana, underscored the ethos of service in healthcare, stating, “Healthcare should never be viewed as an industry; it must always be seen as a service. The true strength of our healthcare system lies not only in technology and innovation but also in compassion, empathy, and integrity. As the youngest nation in the world, India’s future depends on building a healthcare model that cares for every community and every citizen with dignity and trust.”
In a moment of pride for the healthcare fraternity, Mr. Varun Khanna, Group Managing Director, Quality Care India Limited (QCIL), was honoured with the prestigious award of ‘Visionary Healthcare CEO’. This recognition was based on a rigorous selection process, with nominations put forward by more than 20 State Presidents of AHPI, ensuring that leaders were evaluated by experienced and respected voices from across India. Mr. Khanna’s recognition reflects his exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing patient-centric and innovative healthcare solutions through continuous investment in talent, technology and infrastructure, making him stand out among leaders in the national healthcare ecosystem.
The summit recognised other distinguished leaders in healthcare, chosen through the same meticulous jury evaluation process. Dr. G. Bhaktavatsam, Renowned Surgeon, received the award for “Healthcare Luminary of India”. Dr. Phalaxmi Majrekar was honoured as “Emerging Nurse Leader”. Dr. Sarvesh Agarwal, Neuro Physician, was recognised as “Emerging Healthcare Leader”. These awards highlight the immense contribution of professionals across diverse areas of healthcare who are shaping India’s future of medicine and care delivery.
Mr. Varun Khanna expressed gratitude and reinforced his commitment to the sector, “This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective efforts of every doctor, nurse, and healthcare professional who tirelessly works to heal lives. The sustainability of healthcare in India cannot be built overnight; it must be shaped by lessons from our past and bold reforms for the future. Our mission is to ensure accessibility, dignity, and trust for every patient. At QCIL, our approach is clinically biased, outcome focused, and digitally enabled—this award motivates me and my team to continue building a healthcare system that India can be proud of.”
The summit was organised by the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Thomas, Founder-President; Dr. M.I. Sahadulla, National President; Mr. Vishal Bali, Chairman, Health Policy Committee; and Dr. Girdhar J. Gyani, Director General. The organisers reiterated AHPI’s commitment to advancing patient-centred and sustainable healthcare models across India through leadership development, policy advocacy, and knowledge sharing.
The summit concluded with renewed commitments from leaders and institutions to create sustainable, technology-driven, and people-centred healthcare models for India’s future.
22, Sep 2025
Manappuram Finance Honoured at Hurun-Barclays Family Business Awards 2025
Manappuram Finance Ltd honoured at Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Excellence in Family Business Awards 2025
Valapad, Thrissur, September 22 2025: NBFC major Manappuram Finance Ltd received the 2025 Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Leadership and Excellence in Revolutionising India’s Financial Sector Award. The honour was bestowed on the company on September 18 for exemplary leadership and ground-breaking contributions to India’s financial sector. The award was accepted on behalf of the promoter family by Mrs Nini Suhas, daughter-in-law of Mr V P Nandakumar, Chairman of Manappuram Finance Ltd.
On receiving the award, Mrs Nini Suhas said: “We are delighted to receive this honour, which recognises the journey and impact of Manappuram Finance Ltd. This award reinforces our commitment to driving inclusive financial growth while upholding the legacy of trust built over the years.”
The ceremony brought together more than 30 of India’s most respected business families, each with decades of history and leadership across diverse sectors. These enterprises have not only grown with India but have also shaped communities, strengthened economies, and passed down both purpose and leadership across generations. The year 2025 marks the second consecutive year that Barclays Private Clients and Hurun India have come together to showcase the evolving dynamics of Indian family businesses.
The evening featured a panel discussion on the theme “From Wealth Creation to Stewardship The Evolution of Family Business Leadership”, with participants including Mr Parthiv Neotia (Ambuja Neotia), Mr Krishna Dushyant Rana (Platinum Industries) and Mr Mirik Gogri (Aarti Industries), moderated by Mr Adrish Ghosh of Barclays Private Clients. Fireside conversations with Mr Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG Group) and Mrs Harshbeena Zaveri (NRB Bearings) added further perspective on the challenges and opportunities of leadership in family businesses.
22, Sep 2025
IIM Sambalpur Inaugurates First-Ever Batch of B.S. Programme
22 Sept, 2025; Sambalpur: Following the announcement made in May 2025, IIM Sambalpur launched these two cutting-edge programmes in Delhi, and has now welcomed the inaugural batch of its first-ever B.S. Programme in Data Science & AI and B.S. Programme in Management & Public Policy at the Sambalpur campus in Odisha.
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, IIM Sambalpur has launched its two cutting-edge new undergraduate programmes: “Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy” and “Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” in May 2025. The course curriculum is aligned with the world’s top universities such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon University, all of which offer BS programs with similar names.
The inaugural batch welcomed 178 students across the two programmes, 88 in Data Science & AI and 90 in Management & Public Policy. Representing more than 20 states of India, including Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Lakshadweep, the batch reflects strong regional diversity. The B.S. in Data Science & AI programme has enrolled 69 male and 19 female students, while the B.S. in Management & Public Policy has 51 male and 39 female students, ensuring a healthy gender balance.
Admission Process
Admissions were made through JEE (Main) 2025 for Data Science & AI, with the highest admitted rank being 44,645, and through CUET (UG) 2025 for Management & Public Policy, where the top scorers achieved a 99.80 percentile. The academic credentials of the cohort are equally impressive, with an average Class 12th score of 90.5% for Data Science & AI students and 88.2% for those in Management & Public Policy.
Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network India graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Amit Sareen, Managing Director, Accenture and Anjan A, Vice President, North Trust were present as the Guests of honour. Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur along with faculty and students were also present during the event.
The event also featured expert speaker sessions in which the esteemed speakers were Vivek Agarwal, Country Director, Tony Blair Institute; Harpreet Singh, Head –Counterparty Credit Risk, BFSI Sector; Gangadhar Yasam, Head of IT Strategy, Ford Motor Company; Divay Pranav, Business Strategy & Partnerships, Hyundai Motors; Arpit Bajpai, Co-Founder, Neurosensum, were present as key note speakers in the event.
During his inaugural address, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “This is a historic step for IIM Sambalpur. By launching these B.S. programmes, we are investing in young minds who will become leaders in technology, policy, and society. These programmes will not only prepare students with academic excellence but also instil in them the values of integrity, innovation, and responsibility towards nation-building. Anchored in the core values of Integrity and Innovation, the programmes provides strong roots in data analysis, critical reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making. The cross-functional courses are designed to develop responsible leaders who can address intricate societal and industrial challenges with innovation, compassion, and a global perspective. This degree program is pioneering and will be adopted by other top management institutes.”
Apart from that, Prof. Jaiswal advised students and said, “Students need to nurture four kinds of intelligence for holistic growth. First is IQ, which sharpens the intellect. Second is EQ, which teaches them to manage their emotions effectively. Third is PQ, which emphasizes the importance of good health, physical fitness, and preferring naturopathy. And Finally, SQ – the spiritual quotient – which helps them reflect on the deeper purpose of life”.
While addressing the students, Chief Guest, Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network, said, “Congratulation to IIM Sambalpur for excellent NIRF rankings 2025 and for successful inauguration of the first batch of the B.S. Programme. IIM Sambalpur continues to be a hub of creativity and inspiration, opening new avenues for the younger generation. The four-year B.S. Programme holds immense potential to transform students into accomplished professional, well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the nation. He further emphasized that, while striving for academic excellence, ratings and rankings, it is equally important not to overlook spiritual growth and physical well-being. He added that students must focus on the four Cs, as the absence of any one of them makes progress incomplete and less fulfilling”.
The Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy programme is designed to meet national managerial aspirations in terms of Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and community-led development. This programme aims to equip a new generation of change-makers to close the gap between policy and practice at the grassroots level.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is focused towards developing India’s digital capability and global competitiveness. The programme, co-designed with industry leaders builds future ready skill set among young students and encourages the use of ethical AI, reaffirming the institution’s pledge to innovation with integrity.
The inaugural marks a new chapter in IIM Sambalpur’s journey to shape responsible leaders with a balance of academic rigor, innovation, and social responsibility. Notably, IIM Sambalpur is the first IIM to offer admissions to its B.S. in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence programme through IIT JEE Main, and to its B.S. in Management & Public Policy programme through CUET, both prestigious national-level entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency.
IIM Sambalpur has reached a significant milestone this year, climbing 16 positions in the NIRF ranking 2025. Speaking on the institute’s accreditation journey, Prof. Soumya Guha Deb, Dean (Ranking & Accreditation), highlighted the strategic initiatives and sustained efforts that have contributed to this remarkable achievement.
Prof. Diwahar S Nadar and Prof. Rohit Gupta introduced the B.S. Programmes. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Diptiranjan Mahapatra, Dean, (Academics), while the vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. Diwahar S Nadar.
21, Sep 2025
16th Convocation at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS)
Chennai, 21th September 2025: The 16th Convocation of The Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) was held at the Bay Range Campus. H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam, Ambassador of Eritrea and Dean of Diplomatic Corps (India), graced the event as the chief guest. Mr. Rajesh Nambiar – NASSCOM president, Dr. Abraham Varughese- Director, Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), DRDO, and Dr. C. Emmanuel – Director, Academics and Research, Gleneagles Health City, Chennai, were the guest of honours for HITS’s most prestigious event of the year. The celebration was presided over by the Chancellor, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese. The event was also attended by esteemed officials of HITS.
More than 2500 graduating students received their UG, PG degrees and Ph.Ds in multiple streams including Engineering, Architecture, Law, Management, Basic and applied sciences, liberal arts, Health Science and Hindustan online – CODE. The prizes were awarded to 88 rank holders, underlining their exceptional achievements. The Chief Guest and Chancellor conferred the awards and the degrees to the recipients, with immense pride and honour.
During the convocation ceremony, the University awarded the chief guest H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam with Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for his boundless contribution in humanities, culture, peace and society. The University awarded the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) to Mr. Rajesh Nambiar, for his three decades of excellence in digital transformation, and to Dr. Abraham Varughese for his outstanding achievements in technology and global research, and to Dr. C. Emmanuel for his contribution and leadership in healthcare development.
On the 16th Convocation Day, HITS also inaugurated CPSL (Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory), in partnership with iHub – AwaDH, IIT Ropar, National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), DST, Government of India. The Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science offers hands-on training and research experience for Undergraduate Research Interns & Junior Research Fellows across interdisciplinary areas at the intersection of Agriculture Automation, Information Systems, and Water Treatment Technologies. The program is designed to equip students and researchers with cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience in developing sustainable, AI-enabled cyber-physical solutions for agriculture and water systems.
HITS also inaugurated the TANCAM Spoke Centre at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science giving students direct access to world-class facilities and hands-on training in advanced manufacturing using the acclaimed 3D EXPERIENCE platform from Dassault Systèmes. Through this collaboration, students will gain practical experience, industry-relevant skills, and exposure to leading-edge technology to make them career-ready and globally competitive.
During the convocation ceremony, the Founder Dr. K.C.G. Verghese Award for Best Research was conferred by Ms. Swathi N, Ph.D. Scholar ECE for her exemplary contributions towards research, growth and development. Founder Chancellor, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Verghese Award for best academic proficiency was presented to Mr. Vishnu Priyan J, B.Tech IT (CS), in recognition of his academic excellence. Chancellor Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese award for best outgoing student was bagged by Ms. Shivaranjeni from B.Tech, Aero in recognition of her excellent performance in academic curricular and co-curricular throughout her journey at the campus.
Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor of HITS and Chairman of the Hindustan Group of Institutions, addressed the students, offering words of encouragement and empowerment. He congratulated the degree holders on their academic accomplishments and urged them to continue their pursuit of knowledge for decades to come. Dr. Anand, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, curiosity, research and innovation irrespective of challenges and opportunity in life.
During his address, the chief guest H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam, shared life altering instances from his own academic and professional journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities, encouraging the graduates to embrace a spirit of curiosity, learning, and the compassion to follow their passions with uncompromised determination.
Vice-Chancellor (I/C), Dr. S. Ganesan presented his Annual Report on the occasion of 16th Convocation, highlighting the milestones and achievements of the year 2024 -2025, the wide opportunities created, benchmarks accomplished, global MOUs, one-of-a-kind infrastructure, mapping the hard work and dedication from every individual involved to mark such a historic year at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science.
The event epitomized the mission of HITS to empower the next generation leaders, researchers, innovators, market trend-setters and beyond.
