Author: Neel Achary

Delhi Grooves to Support Building a Permanent Home for Abandoned Elders at Jashn-e-Qawwali

 Delhi, 15th September 2025 – Over 650 Delhiites came together for a soulful music, dance, and compassion at Jashn-e-Qawwali 2025, a fundraising concert organized by Wishes and Blessings, NGO at Kamani Auditorium on 12th September evening. What began as a traditional qawwali event quickly turned into a lively celebration, as attendees joined in, clapping, singing, and dancing in support of building a permanent Mann ka Tilak, a home for neglected, abandoned and abused elders.

The spotlight was on the world-renowned Niazi Nizami Brothers, torchbearers of the Hapur Gharana and resident qawwals of the Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah. Their soulful renditions such as – Chaap tilak, Khwaja mere Khwaja, Kali Kali Zulfon Ke, Hasta hua Noorani chehra, and Dama Dam Mast Kalandar, that filled the auditorium with energy, creating a “Dance Qawwali” experience that blurred the line between performers and audience. Cheers of “once more” and thunderous applause brought them back on stage for a spirited encore.

Amid the joy, the evening never lost sight of its purpose. Since 2018, Mann ka Tilak has provided shelter, food, medicine, and counselling to abandoned senior citizens who have been neglected, abused and later abandoned by their own family. Limited space, however, restricts the number of elders the home can serve. All funds raised during the event will help establish a larger, permanent facility, ensuring that every elder can live with dignity, care, and love.

Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, Founder of Wishes and Blessings, shared a heartfelt message with the residents, who were special guests, “It doesn’t matter if your own blood has abandoned you—we will never abandon you.” 

“As we complete the fourth edition of this fundraiser, the proceeds will directly contribute towards building a permanent home for the elderly residents of our old age home-Mann Ka Tilak. We are deeply grateful to the Niazi Nizami Brothers for their support and to everyone who attended and contributed to this cause” added Dr. Geetanjali.

The success of Jashn-e-Qawwali underscores Wishes and Blessings NGO’s unwavering commitment to creating a meaningful difference in the lives of marginalized communities and exemplifies the power of music to inspire social change.

“Music has the power to bring people together, and it gives us immense joy to know that our music performance is contributing to a meaningful initiative.” shares Niazi Nizami Brothers troupe.

By the end of the evening, one message resonated throughout the auditorium: Together, we can create a home that will outlast us all and will serve the elders for generations to come.

The event was supported by – District by Zomato platform, Uniparts India, Mark Exhaust Systems Limited, PowerSpack Automotives, AIMIL ltd., Roadzen Technologies, Ena J Singh fine jewellery. 

SG Pipers Announce Player Retentions Ahead of Hockey India League Season 2

Bengaluru, 15th September: SG Pipers have unveiled a formidable list of 17 retained players ahead of the Hockey India League (HIL) 2025 auctions, showcasing a balanced mix of Indian stars as well as international stalwarts. The retained roster underlines the franchise’s commitment to nurturing domestic talent while strengthening global pedigree across all positions. The SG Pipers coaching staff worked closely with the Director of Hockey, Padma Bhushan Sreejesh PR, to finalize the list of retained players.

The Pipers have also completed the acquisition of the Welsh International Jacob Draper, who has been traded in from Team Gonasika after appearing in all 10 games last season.

The full list of retained players is given below:

1. Tomas Santiago, Goalkeeper, Argentina
2. Pawan, Goalkeeper, India
3. Jarmanpreet Singh, Defender, India
4. Varun Kumar, Defender, India
5. Rohit, Defender, India
6. Manjeet, Defender, India
7. Gareth Furlong, Defender, Wales
8. Shamsher Singh, Midfielder, India
9. Jacob Draper, Midfielder, Wales (Trade)
10. Rajkumar Pal, Midfielder, India
11. Ankit Pal, Midfielder, India
12. Kingson Singh, Midfielder, India
13. Ky Willott, Midfielder, Australia
14. Tomas Domene, Forward, Argentina
15. Aditya Lalage, Forward, India
16. Sourabh Anand Khushwaha, Forward, India
17. Dilraj Singh, Forward, Indi

The retained players delivered memorable moments for fans last season as well as on the international stage. Two-time Olympic medallist Shamsher Singh returns as a symbol of resilience and belief. Jarmanpreet Singh will bring solidity to the defence, fresh from playing a vital role in India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph. Varun Kumar, a bronze medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will further strengthen the backline with his pace and aggressive tackling. Rajkumar Pal offers a proven ability to stay calm under pressure—a trait he showcased on multiple occasions, including penalty shootout goals against Team Gonasika last season and against Great Britain at the last Olympics. Argentine goalkeeper Tomas Santiago adds further pedigree between the posts.

Speaking on the squad’s balance after the retention, Padma Bhushan Sreejesh PR, Director of Hockey at SG Pipers, stated, “Retaining the core men’s team was crucial. Last season, missing six key players disrupted our rhythm. This time, the retained squad knows each other well and brings the hunger and attitude needed for a strong season. With Olympic medallists like Shamsher, Jarman, Rajkumar, and Varun alongside hungry youngsters, we have a balanced mix of experience and ambition. The seniors will lead by example, the juniors are eager to prove themselves, and we will complete the squad thoughtfully with the expertise of our coaches.”

The Pipers will also benefit from the leadership of newly appointed men’s team Head Coach Tim Oudenaller. Oudenaller is widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest coaching minds and boasts a proven track record of building successful squads in the Dutch Hoofdklasse and the Euro Hockey League. Working in tandem with Sreejesh, an icon of Indian Hockey, the coaching and leadership group will provide both strategic vision and mentorship as the franchise prepares for the upcoming season.

Looking forward to coaching the team, Head Coach Tim Oudenaller said, “The players we have retained will bring balance, depth, and ambition qualities that can take us far this season. Together with the management, I truly believe we have the foundation to challenge for the title.”

Having set the tone with their early moves, the Pipers now head into the HIL Auction with clarity on what it will take to round off the squad.

IIM Jammu hosts Mumbai Roundtable Conference

Mumbai, 15th Sept 2025:The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu hosted a landmark Mumbai Roundtable Conference on 12th Sept 2025 at Hotel Orchid, Mumbai bringing together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders. The Roundtable Conference focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, addressing workforce evolution, and leveraging technology to prepare students for future employment.

The Roundtable Conference was graced by Padmashri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, and Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, along with other eminent dignitaries from the industry. The event commenced with participant registration, a lamp-lighting ceremony, and an introductory video on IIM Jammu, setting the tone for a series of insightful discussions.

Padmashri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, in his address, emphasized that the Mumbai Roundtable Conference represents a significant step in IIM Jammu’s efforts to foster purposeful collaboration between academia and industry. He noted that in today’s fast-evolving global landscape, academic institutions must not operate in silos but engage proactively with industry leaders to co-create solutions that are innovative, inclusive, and sustainable. He highlighted that such platforms are instrumental in aligning education with the needs of the economy, preparing students for emerging challenges, and driving national development. He further urged both academic and industry stakeholders to work together on areas of critical importance such as climate change, digital transformation, and equitable growth, reiterating that the strength of such partnerships lies in their ability to bring diverse perspectives to a common table. He concluded by underlining that such joint efforts will play a pivotal role in realizing the clarion call of Viksit Bharat 2047 given by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, underscored the Institute’s impressive growth journey and its steadfast focus on integrating academic excellence with practical, real-world exposure through strong industry linkages. He stressed that such partnerships are vital in creating a dynamic and future-ready education ecosystem, one that nurtures graduates who are both intellectually robust and industry-prepared. Reflecting on India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, he emphasized the significance of initiatives like Project YUVA, launched in collaboration with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in fostering employment generation through entrepreneurship. He urged all stakeholders to align their personal and institutional aspirations with the broader mission of national growth and nation building. He reiterated that IIM Jammu has achieved the rare distinction of securing two prestigious international accreditations, BGA Institutional Accreditation and EFMD Programme Accreditation for its MBA programme in the same year. He highlighted that this milestone places IIM Jammu among the top five IIMs nationwide and makes it the only second-and third-generation IIM to hold both rare achievements, reinforcing its position as an emerging global hub of excellence in management education.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, in his introductory remarks, outlined the Roundtable Conference as a pivotal platform for bridging academic insights with industry practices. He stressed the importance of such forums in aligning educational frameworks with the dynamic and evolving demands of the workforce.

The Mumbai Roundtable Conference held on 12th Sept 2025 featured three insightful panel discussions that brought together industry leaders and experts to address critical issues shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

Panel One focused on the theme “The Power of Networking: How Industry Interactions Can Open Doors” and brought together leading industry experts who shared insights on how strategic networking and active engagement with professionals can create opportunities, foster collaborations, and expand career horizons. The panel featured Ms. Pallavi Khot, CHRO, ICICI Lombard; Mr. Manoj K. Prasad, VP HR, Digital Transformation & Organization Change Management, Reliance Industries Limited; Ms. Surya Saraf, Global Alliance Manager, Tech Mahindra; Mr. K.R. Venktadri, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Chemicals; Mr. Devang Ved, VP, State Street; Mr. Manoj Upadhyaya, Director – Transformation & Operations, Morningstar; and Mr. Prakash Lakhiani, Head HR – Vice President – People Experience, Prime Focus Technologies and was moderated by Ms. Anushri Verma, VP HR, Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Panel Two centered around the theme “Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow: Industry Needs in Young Talent”, where eminent industry leaders discussed the evolving expectations from young professionals and highlighted the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation in meeting industry demands. The panel featured Ms. Kanika Garg, COO, Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited; Ms. Gauri Desai, HR Lead-India (HRBP), Seaspan Corporation; Dr. Indu Nair, DSO, Bayer; Mr. Yogesh Udhoji, CFO, Muthoot Housing Finance Company Limited; Dr. Brillian S.K. DTM, PRA, Chief People Officer, Times Pro; Ms. Amruta Borlikar, Associate Director TA, Astaguru; and Dr. Srikanth Dahagam, CHRO, Go Apptiv Private Limited. The session was moderated by Mr. Kalpesh S. Dave, Deputy CEO, Bajaj Capital.

Panel Three, on the theme “Learning Beyond Books: Role of Industry in Making Education More Practical”, brought together distinguished industry leaders who emphasized the value of experiential learning, real-world exposure, and industry-academia partnerships in bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application. The panel featured Mr. Ramakrishna Vyamajala, CHRO, Home First India; Dr. Mukund Kamath, Vice President –Sales and Marketing, Consumer Health Care, Torrent Pharma; Mr. Lavita Theroth, Head HR, Essens Renewable Pvt. :Ltd; Shri Shiv Kumar, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, L’Oréal; Mr. Mukesh Jain, Executive Vice-President and CTO, Capgemini; Ms. Bhoomi Ahuja; Talent Acquisition & Development, Strategist, Reevooy; Ms. Poonam Chandok, Vice President & Head-HR, L&T Energy (Hydrocarbon); Dr. Vithal V. Kamat; Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Kamat Hotels; and Mr. Kunjvihari Jandhyala, Chief Strategic-HR, Tata Power. The session was moderated by Ms. Mugdha Kolhatkar, Country HR Lead, Glencore.

The event culminated with the National Anthem. Present on the occasion were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, Dr. Garima Saini, Assistant Professor, IIM Jammu and Dr. Manu Bansal, Assistant Professor IIM Jammu along with industry experts and students from the Industry Interaction Cell and Placement Committee of IIM Jammu.

The Mumbai Roundtable Conference further strengthened academia-industry collaboration, paving the way for actionable outcomes benefiting students and the corporate world. IIM Jammu remains committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and shape the future of education and professional development.

Under-40 Consumers Skip Life Insurance Amid Delayed Marriage and Parenthood Trends

Mumbai, September 15, 2025 – The World Life Insurance Report 2026, conducted jointly by the Capgemini Research Institute and LIMRA, shows that even though 68% of adults under the age of 40 see life insurance as essential for a healthy financial future, current offerings do not align with their financial priorities, hindering adoption. The report finds that young consumers[1] seek near-term gratification through easy-to-access benefits throughout their life, which are often not included in a traditional life insurance policy. While some carriers offer these benefits, 1-in-4 consumers are still turning down life insurance due to confusing processes and complex jargon that make policies difficult to understand and use.

An industry in transition: a need to demonstrate relevance to next-gen policyholders

The life insurance industry is facing a critical challenge as its next generation of customers redefines their major life milestones. The Capgemini-LIMRA study reveals consumers under the age of 40 today are delaying or skipping the traditional triggers for purchasing life insurance: 63% have no immediate marriage plans and 84% of both single and married people have no immediate plans to have a child.

The report, which polled over 6,100 individuals aged 18-39 across 18 markets, highlights a notable paradox as the great wealth transfer gets underway over the next 15-20 years. With millennials and Gen Z expecting an average inheritance of US$106,000 per person, life insurance remains an important destination for these funds. In fact, forty percent of under 40 adults rank life insurance and annuities as the third most important pillar for their inheritance investment plan, behind stocks and cash savings.

“As the next generation accumulates wealth and pursues a less traditional life path, their expectations around financial protection are evolving. The life insurance industry cannot rely solely on traditional death protection to sustain its future. Life insurers need to demonstrate value to include near-term gratification — delivering tangible benefits that customers can access during their lifetime,” said Samantha Chow, Global Leader for Life Insurance, Annuities and Benefits Sector at Capgemini. “Fortunately, life insurers can bridge this gap by deploying innovative products and articulating their value in ways that resonate with tomorrow’s policyholders.”

Revamping the life insurance value proposition for the Under-40s

Life insurers are beginning to recognize how the needs and expectations for the under-40 market differ from older customers. Global life insurance executives identify factors such as aging populations and rising longevity (64%), delayed life milestones (53%), and continued economic uncertainty (51%) as key drivers of their long-term strategies.

However, perceptions about life insurance remain a hurdle for carriers. When asked about barriers to purchasing life insurance, younger consumers cite a misalignment with their current stage in life (32%), high premium costs (28%), and lack of immediate benefits (25%). Instead, these younger adults demand easy access to ‘living benefits’ that support their changing life journeys, seeking everything from wellness rewards for healthy behaviors to coverage for fertility treatments.

“Carriers need a different playbook when marketing life insurance to the younger generations,” said Bryan Hodgens, Senior Vice President and Head of LIMRA Research. “Our joint research shows that the price misconceptions, coupled with competing financial priorities, positions life insurance at a disadvantage with younger adults. Carriers must not only demonstrate the accessibility and affordability of life insurance but also need to reimagine the product to address younger adults’ current financial priorities while adapting to meet their future financial goals as they age.”

Consumers also want life insurance that isn’t contingent on their current employer. Despite 44% of employees with a group policy seeking coverage that moves with them when they change jobs, only 19% of life insurers currently offer it. A complex conversion process limits portability and prevents many benefit providers from keeping long-term customers. Therefore, many consumers have no choice but to change policies when they switch jobs, even if they are happy with their previous coverage.

Technological capabilities are essential for under 40s

Delivering the living benefits and seamless experiences that younger consumers demand requires a richer value proposition, channel innovation, and a technological transformation. According to the report, 59% of under-40s want direct digital engagement, but just 31% of insurers surveyed offer the platforms to enable it. This shortfall is even more pronounced when it comes to advanced technologies, as 77% of consumers expect comprehensive, data-driven recommendations, but only 16% of insurers that participated in the survey provide them at scale, largely due to outdated legacy systems.