27, Mar 2026
Innovation Paradox at Work: 41% of U.S. Employees Fear Job Loss for Mistakes Despite Pressure to Innovate

New INTOO/Harris Poll Study Reveals Innovation Paradox in the American Workplace: Employees Are Expected to Innovate — Yet 41% Fear Being Fired for Making a Mistake

 
Innovation is no longer optional in today’s workplace. According to a new study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of INTOO, nearly three out of four full/part-time employed Americans (74%) say they are expected to bring new ideas to improve things at work, like processes, strategies, or results.
 
The good news: employees are rising to the challenge. More than three-quarters (78%) report that they regularly contribute new ideas for improvement at work. Yet the study reveals a striking tension at the heart of workplace culture. Despite strong expectations—and strong participation—nearly two-thirds (64%) of employees say they wish they were more innovative at work. At the same time, 41% admit they are afraid of being fired if they make a mistake, such as giving incorrect information or forgetting to complete a task.
 
The findings point to what INTOO calls an “innovation perception gap,” in which formal encouragement to experiment coexists with lingering fear of the consequences of failure.
 
Encouragement and Anxiety Coexist
 
On the surface, many organizations appear to be fostering supportive environments:
 
82% say they would feel safe admitting they don’t know something at work, without worrying about being fired.
 
81% of employees say they feel safe trying new things to improve business results at their organization.
 
79% say mistakes are typically treated as learning opportunities at their organization.
 
77% say their manager is always receptive to their new ideas.
 
Yet the fear of termination suggests emotional safety has not been fully internalized across the workforce.
 
“So many organizations are sending the right messages about innovation and learning,” said Mira Greenland, Chief Revenue Officer at INTOO. “But this data shows that policy and perception are not always aligned. When employees are expected to innovate while simultaneously fearing the consequences of missteps, creativity can stall. Leaders must go beyond encouraging experimentation and consistently demonstrate that smart risk-taking is truly safe.”
 
Younger Professionals Better Understand the Importance of Contributing New Ideas
 
The study also found that employees ages 35–44 are significantly more likely than older employees (ages 55+) to agree that their manager is receptive to their new ideas (83% vs 73%), and those ages 18-44 are more likely than those 65+ to say they regularly contribute innovative thinking at work (81% vs. 62%).
 
This suggests that the newer generation of employees understands that they need to innovate to succeed, but also raises a question on whether leaders are equally empowering employees to contribute. Implications for Leaders and HR
 
The research underscores a critical opportunity for senior leaders and HR decision-makers: closing the perception gap between stated cultural values and lived employee experience.
 
Innovation does not fail because employees lack ideas. It falters when employees feel they must calculate the career risk of every bold move.
 
“To unlock innovation at scale, organizations must ensure that psychological safety is not just communicated, but consistently experienced,” Greenland added. “That means creating space for honest conversations about mistakes and, more importantly, the lessons that come from them. When leaders openly discuss missteps, model vulnerability, and frame setbacks as learning moments, employees stop worrying about whether a mistake could cost them their job. That’s when creativity accelerates.”
 
Survey Method:
 
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of INTOO from February 17-19, 2026 among 1,223 full/part-time employed adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 3.4 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.
27, Mar 2026
Lamp of Unity Illuminated at IFFCO, New Delhi, Signaling Global Commitment to Unity and Sustainability

Lamp of Unity Illuminated at IFFCO, New Delhi, Signaling Global Commitment to Unity and Sustainability

 

New Delhi, Mar  27: In a symbolic and powerful ceremony, the Lamp of Unity was lit at IFFCO, Saket, marking a significant milestone in the global movement We Are the New World, a vision dedicated to promoting unity, humanity, and sustainability worldwide.

The ceremonial lamp was illuminated by Dileep Sanghani, Chairman of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, highlighting a shared commitment to dispel ignorance and foster collective consciousness.

The Lamp of Unity has previously been lit by several revered spiritual and humanitarian leaders, including Pope Leo at the Vatican, the Mother Teresa Foundation, Sudarshan Maharaj ji (ISKON), Mata Amritanandamayi AMMA, Aushim Khetarpal, and the Sai Baba Peace Foundation. Each act underscores a timeless message: One World. One Humanity. One Shared Future.

Commenting on the event, Dileep Sanghani said:

“Lighting this lamp is not merely symbolic—it is a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility towards unity, sustainability, and collective progress. In alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we stand together as one global family working towards a better future.”

Dr. Sanjaanaa Jon, Founder of PACT & H2OMovement, added:

“From India to the world, this movement carries forward the profound vision of Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi—Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Each lamp lit across continents is a reminder that humanity is interconnected, and that peace, sustainability, and consciousness must guide our collective journey forward.”

The Lighting of the Lamp of Unity serves as a beacon of hope in uncertain times, uniting leaders, institutions, and communities to inspire awareness, action, and transformative change. This initiative is part of a growing global movement committed to shaping a future rooted in collective responsibility and human solidarity.

Created & Curated by:
Dr. Sanjaanaa Jon
PACT | H2OMovement | GIVE LIFE FOUNDATION – We Are the New World

27, Mar 2026
VST Tillers Tractors Showcases Advanced Farm Mechanization Solutions at Rashtriya Krishi Uday Expo 2026

 

 

Power tiller discussion

 

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan Visits Stall

Budni, Madhya Pradesh, Mar 27: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., a pioneer in farm mechanization in India, an undisputed leader in the power tiller segment and a pioneer in 4WD compact agricultural machinery, showcased its comprehensive range of advanced farm mechanization solutions at Rashtriya Krishi Uday Expo 2026, held at the Central Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute (CFMTTI), Budni.

VST was privileged to welcome Shri. Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, to its stall at the expo. The interaction provided an opportunity to showcase VST’s innovative mechanization solutions, including its distinctive power tiller and 4WD compact tractor, both designed to deliver affordability and ease of operation for small and marginal farmers. Backed by a legacy of nearly six decades, VST products have consistently supported farmers in addressing complex mechanization needs in a simple, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

VST Tillers Tractors also presented its diverse portfolio of products, designed to meet the evolving needs of Indian farmers across varying landholding sizes. The display highlighted the company’s innovation-driven approach, offering solutions that enhance productivity, reduce labour dependency, and promote sustainable farming practices.

VST Tillers Tractors

The Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute, Budni (commonly known as FMTTI Budni) plays a critical and foundational role in strengthening farm mechanization in India. It drives inclusive farm mechanization by validating affordable solutions for small and marginal farmers, promoting region-specific technologies, bridging manufacturers with end users, standardizing machinery for quality assurance, and enabling sustainable, efficient agricultural practices. Rashtriya Krishi Uday 2026 Hosted at CFMTTI, Budni is a unique initiative by the Agriculture Ministry, bringing together farmers, agri-tech professionals, manufacturers, policymakers, institutions, and international stakeholders. The event serves as a premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, facilitating knowledge exchange, and enabling high-impact business collaborations within the agricultural sector.

Through its participation at the expo, VST Tillers Tractors reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Indian agriculture through smart mechanization and innovation to enable a more productive, profitable, and future-ready agricultural ecosystem in India.

 

27, Mar 2026
Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Rising Oil Prices and Stronger Dollar

The Indian rupee weakened sharply on Friday, dropping 74 paise to touch a new record low of 94.70 against the US dollar in intra-day trading. The decline comes amid rising global crude oil prices and a firm US dollar, with ongoing tensions in West Asia showing no signs of resolution.

The currency opened at 94.18 and continued to fall through the session, slipping past the 94.50 level before hitting its lowest-ever mark.

Market participants say the rupee is under pressure from multiple fronts. Strong demand for dollars from oil-importing companies, coupled with continued foreign investor outflows from Indian equities, has weighed heavily on the local currency. Exporters, meanwhile, are delaying conversions in anticipation of more favorable rates, further tightening dollar supply.

The weakness in the currency also coincides with a downturn in domestic stock markets, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

In the previous session on Wednesday, the rupee had already fallen to 93.96, which was its closing record low at the time. Financial markets remained shut on Thursday due to Ram Navami.

Experts note that sustained demand for the US dollar—especially from importers—continues to keep the rupee under pressure.

Globally, the US dollar remains firm, with the dollar index edging higher, indicating strength against major currencies. At the same time, Brent crude prices climbed significantly before easing slightly, hovering around $107 per barrel. Elevated oil prices are particularly impactful for India, which depends heavily on imports to meet its energy needs.

27, Mar 2026
Digital Science Announces Altmetric Attention Digest to Transform Research Impact Communication

Digital Science, a leading technology company serving stakeholders across the research ecosystem, is pleased to announce a new AI-powered feature for Altmetric that makes it easier to understand and communicate research impact.

The new Altmetric Attention Digest streamlines the process of demonstrating research value by automatically generating concise, narrative summaries of a research output’s attention and influence.

This capability moves beyond simply quantifying mentions – it provides a deeper understanding of who’s engaging with the research, how it’s being received, and the nature of its real-world impact across diverse channels.

Available to users of Altmetric Explorer, this innovative feature is designed to address the growing challenge of translating complex research attention metrics into clear, credible, and actionable narratives.

Altmetric Attention Digest is ideal for researchers or research admin teams, medical affairs teams, pharma professionals, publishers assessing article performance and editorial strategy, and governments and funders who need to track the reach and influence of funded research.

The new tool enables users to:

  • Save time and maximize efficiency
  • Demonstrate impact effectively
  • Enhance reporting
  • Assess content performance
  • Make smarter, data-driven decisions

Miguel Garcia, VP of Product, Digital Science, said:

“We’re all interested in understanding how research impacts society, and although we already have solid ways of assessing academic impact, societal impact analyses could be improved.

“Altmetric has been counting mentions from multiple sources but it has been hard to explain how the research conversation proliferated, what were the main triggers and what real impact happened, especially at scale. Our dream at Altmetric has always been to provide a clean narrative for this.

“The new Altmetric Attention Digest leverages artificial intelligence to cut through data complexity, offering instant, comprehensive insights that empower users to understand the impact of research at a glance, gain strategic insights and make smarter decisions. It gets us much closer to that dream.”

27, Mar 2026
Silver Prices Drop Sharply in Bhubaneswar Amid Global Uncertainty

Silver Prices Drop Sharply in Bhubaneswar Amid Global Uncertainty

Pic Credit: Pexel

Bhubaneswar: Silver prices witnessed a significant decline in Bhubaneswar today, falling by ₹15,000 per kilogram. As a result, the price of silver now stands at ₹2,45,000 per kg.

In recent days, both gold and silver prices have shown noticeable fluctuations. Market experts attribute this volatility to ongoing global uncertainties, particularly concerns related to geopolitical tensions and the possibility of war.

Meanwhile, gold prices have moved in the opposite direction. The price of 22-carat gold increased by ₹150, reaching ₹1,32,650. Similarly, 24-carat gold rose by ₹160 and is now priced at ₹1,44,710.

The current trend reflects an unstable market, with precious metal prices continuing to react to global developments.

27, Mar 2026
IMS Noida Students Win First and Second Prizes at National-Level Hackathon

Noida, Mar 27: Students of IMS Noida’s BCA program showcased exceptional talent at the exclusive GeeksforGeeks Classroom All India Level Grand Finale Hackathon, bringing laurels to the institute. The event was held in Sector-63, Noida, and witnessed participation from 50 teams representing prestigious institutions from Delhi-NCR and across the country.

IMS Noida Students Win First and Second Prizes at National-Level Hackathon

 The hackathon challenged participants to develop an AI-based fact-checking engine, incorporating key components such as claim extraction, real-time evidence retrieval, and accuracy reporting. Demonstrating remarkable innovation, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities, IMS Noida students impressed the judges with their impactful solutions.

Congratulating the students, Mr. Rajeev Kumar Gupta, President, IMS Noida, stated that this outstanding achievement reflects the students’ dedication, perseverance, innovative mindset, and strong technical skills. He emphasized that securing both first and second positions at a national-level competition is a matter of immense pride. He further added that such hackathons provide students with opportunities to solve real-world problems while strengthening their creativity, teamwork, and industry-ready skills.

IMS Noida Advisor, Professor (Dr.) J.K. Sharma, highlighted that the institute remains committed to providing a dynamic learning environment where students can apply their knowledge practically and prepare themselves to tackle global challenges. He expressed confidence that IMS students will continue to excel and contribute significantly to the fields of technology and innovation.

Dr. Ajay Kumar Gupta, Head of IMS School of IT, remarked that this achievement reflects the institute’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence. He congratulated the students and wished them continued success in their future endeavors.

Dr. Jyoti Kumari Tripathi, Coordinator of the IMS Coding Club, informed that in the GeeksforGeeks Classroom Hackathon, Team “Stack Sprinters” (Mudit Tyagi and Shubh) secured the First Position, winning a trophy along with a cash prize of ₹25,000. Meanwhile, Team “Jha Himanshu” (Himanshu Jha, Shivkant Mishra, and Nitin Prakash) secured the Second Position, winning a trophy along with a cash prize of ₹15,000.

This remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to IMS Noida’s continuous efforts to nurture innovation, technical excellence, and industry-oriented learning among its students.

27, Mar 2026
Nykaa Brings the Ingredient-First Revolution to India with Exclusive Launch of Q+A Skincare

Nykaa Brings the Ingredient-First Revolution to India with Exclusive Launch of Q+A Skincare

 

~ UK’s iconic brand joins Nykaa’s global skincare portfolio, offering transparent, hero-ingredient-led solutions for India’s informed beauty consumer~

Mumbai, Mar 27: In today’s beauty landscape, skincare has become more than just a routine, it’s a conscious ritual. Indian consumers are increasingly curious about what goes into their products, seeking out formulations that are transparent, ingredient-led, and designed to deliver real results. From decoding actives like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to building personalised routines, skincare today is as much about knowledge as it is about results.

At the forefront of this shift is Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and lifestyle destination, which continues to shape how consumers discover, learn about, and experience skincare. Expanding its portfolio of globally loved brands, Nykaa now introduces Q+A Skincare exclusively, the fast-growing UK-based brand known for its ingredient-first philosophy and refreshingly straightforward approach to skincare.

Built on the belief that skincare should be simple, transparent and effective, Q+A Skincare has earned a loyal global following for its no-fuss formulations that spotlight hero ingredients directly in the product name. By making actives easy to identify and understand, the brand removes the confusion often associated with complex routines, helping consumers build skincare rituals that are both effective and easy to navigate. The brand’s entry into India reflects a larger evolution underway in the market. Ingredient literacy among Indian consumers has grown dramatically in recent years, fueled by access to information, digital communities, and a deeper interest in skin health. This has created a demand for brands that combine efficacy with transparency, an intersection where Q+A Skincare naturally fits.

Commenting on the launch,  Nykaa spokesperson said, “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a clear shift in how Indian consumers approach skincare. The conversation has moved from brand-led discovery to ingredient-led decision making, with consumers actively seeking transparency, efficacy, and education before they purchase. This evolution is shaping the next phase of the beauty industry in India, where informed choices and personalised routines are becoming central to the skincare journey.

At Nykaa, our role has always been to stay ahead of these shifts, whether by educating consumers, building access to global brands, or investing in technology that helps people make better choices for their skin. Q+A Skincare fits perfectly into this new ingredient-first mindset with its simple, transparent and efficacy-led approach. We see this as a brand that can grow meaningfully in India as consumers continue to become more knowledgeable, more experimental, and more invested in understanding their skin.”

“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Nykaa to bring Q+A to India – a market that is fast becoming one of the most sophisticated and dynamic in global beauty. What’s been particularly striking to us is the pace at which Indian consumers have embraced ingredient-led skincare. There is a clear shift toward informed decision-making, with customers actively seeking transparency, efficacy, and products that genuinely deliver on their claims – which sits perfectly at the heart of what we’ve built with Q+A. Our mission has always been to simplify skincare without compromising on performance creating high-quality, British-made formulations that are both accessible and easy to understand. We believe this approach resonates strongly with the modern Indian consumer. Nykaa has built an exceptional platform and deep connection with its audience, and we see this as a long-term partnership to grow the brand meaningfully in the region. We’re just at the beginning, and we’re excited about what we can build together,” saysFreddy Furber, Founder & CEO, Q+A / Ellipsis Brands

True to its ethos of simplicity, Q+A Skincare also encourages consumers to better understand their own skin before building routines. Its product ecosystem is designed to address key concerns such as hydration, exfoliation, balance, and barrier support, allowing users to mix and match solutions that suit their individual needs without unnecessary complexity. The formulations are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and built for everyday use, reflecting the values of a new generation of conscious beauty consumers.

Shop the bestsellers now:

  • Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cleanser A gentle gel cleanser that removes impurities while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance, leaving skin refreshed and comfortably hydrated

  • Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturiser A lightweight everyday moisturiser that delivers lasting hydration and supports soft, smooth and balanced skin

  • Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum A hydration-focused serum designed to help boost moisture levels and improve skin suppleness for a plumper, healthier-looking complexion

  • Glycolic Acid Daily Toner An exfoliating toner formulated to help refine skin texture and reveal a smoother, brighter-looking complexion with regular use

  • Niacinamide Daily Toner A balancing toner designed to help refine the appearance of pores while promoting a more even-looking complexion

Nykaa’s Next Frontier: Personalising Skincare Through Education and AILong before personalised skin diagnostics became a buzzword, Nykaa invested in educating and empowering beauty consumers – creating rich content across expert guides, ingredient explainers, how‑to tutorials and step‑by‑step routine frameworks that turn curiosity into confidence. Through initiatives like Stepification of Beauty, Nykaa simplified what once felt complex, breaking skincare down into easy, actionable routines that helped consumers adopt comprehensive regimens with clarity and purpose.Nykaa has also been investing in technology that helps consumers better understand their skin and make more informed product choices. As part of this vision, the platform recently launchedSkin Scan, an AI-powered diagnostic tool on the Nykaa app that transforms a simple selfie into a personalized skin consultation.

Powered by deep-learning technology trained on over 70,000 medically graded images, Skin Scan evaluates multiple parameters—from hydration levels and texture to pores, dark spots and redness – within seconds. The results appear as a visual map directly on the user’s photograph, offering clear insights into skin health alongside curated product recommendations tailored to individual concerns.

Together, initiatives like Skin Scan and the introduction of ingredient-led brands such as Q+A reflect Nykaa’s larger ambition: to move the skincare conversation beyond product discovery toward data-led, personalised beauty experiences.

Q+A Skincare is now available exclusively on Nykaa.com and the Nykaa app.

27, Mar 2026
IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Colombo, Strengthening India–Sri Lanka Connectivity

Mar 27: IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has announced the launch of new direct flights connecting Delhi and Colombo. Effective March 29, 2026, the airline will operate six weekly flights on this route using its A320 aircraft, offering enhanced convenience and seamless travel for passengers.

The new route is expected to significantly boost connectivity between India and Sri Lanka, further strengthening longstanding cultural, economic, and tourism ties between the two neighboring nations.

With this addition, IndiGo will now operate over 55 weekly flights to Colombo from five Indian cities—Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Delhi. The airline also connects Chennai and Tiruchirappalli to Jaffna with 10 weekly flights, reinforcing its strong network across Sri Lanka.

This expanded connectivity underscores IndiGo’s commitment to providing affordable, reliable, and hassle-free travel experiences while catering to growing passenger demand for regional and international travel.

Flight Schedule (Effective March 29, 2026):

  • Delhi to Colombo (Flight 6E 1169):
    Operates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
    Departure: 18:40 | Arrival: 22:20
  • Colombo to Delhi (Flight 6E 1170):
    Operates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
    Departure: 23:20 | Arrival: 02:55 (+1 day)

Passengers can book tickets via IndiGo’s official website, mobile app, or authorised travel partners. The airline also offers a range of add-on services, including pre-booked meals and beverages, preferred seating options, and flexible booking plans such as UpFront and Flexi for enhanced comfort and convenience.

With this new launch, IndiGo continues to expand its international footprint while strengthening regional connectivity and supporting tourism and trade growth across South Asia.

27, Mar 2026
La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by novelist of Indian origin Nathacha Appanah wins the Goncourt Choice of India 2026

Ambassador of France to India

L TO R Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Gregor Trumel Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Action, French Embassy in India H.E. Mr. & Mrs. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India

New Delhi, Mar 27: La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by Nathacha Appanah has been awarded the Goncourt Choice of India 2026. The winner was announced by a jury of Indian students following a day of deliberations held in New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished guests including Ms Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited and H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.

The prize honours a work of French literature from the shortlist of the prestigious Goncourt Prize. The winning title is subsequently translated into at least one Indian language. The jury members formally announced the winner for the 2026 edition: La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by Nathacha Appanah.

The Goncourt Choice of India, supported by Apeejay Surrendra Group Director Priti Paul through the Apeejay Trust, aims to foster cultural exchanges and strengthen ties between Indian readers and French authors. 

In La Nuit au cœur (Night in the Heart, 2025), Nathacha Appanah examines the unbearable enigma of intimate partner femicide, when the dark night takes the place of love, through the intertwined stories of three women who are victims of their partner’s violence. The book won the prestigious Prix Femina in France and has now become the Goncourt Choice of India.

 

Nathacha Appanah

Nathacha Appanah is a prize-winning French-Mauritian novelist of Indian origin. Born in Mauritius, she is descended from Telugu-speaking Indian indentured labourers who immigrated to the island. Her writing often addresses themes of identity, displacement, and the memory of her Indian heritage in a Mauritian context. Her debut novel, The Rocks of Gold Dust (Les Rochers de Poudre d’Or, 2003) traces the journey of Indian indentured labourers to Mauritius, and Washed-Out Memory (La Mémoire délavée, 2023) recounts the story of her grandparents.

Programme Expansion & Future Initiatives

Under a new partnership with the Apeejay Trust, the programme will expand with additional initiatives. A translation competition will be launched this month, inviting translators to submit excerpts of the winning title in languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, and Marathi.

The winning translator will receive a publication contract supported by Institut Français India and Apeejay.

Event Highlights

The jury members, literature lovers, publishers, and authors gathered at The Park Hotel for a distinguished literary soirée. A thought-provoking conversation between Meena Kandasamy, Prayaag Akbar, and Gautam Bhatia, moderated by Amrita Tripathi, on the theme, “In literature, are we always writing about ourselves?”

The theme reflects a growing trend in contemporary literature, particularly in France, where recent selections increasingly foreground intimate, personal narratives. The latest shortlist for the Prix Goncourt features works that intertwine family histories with broader historical events, prompting reflection on the autobiographical nature of writing.

A student jury member with H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou Ambassador of France to India

About the Jury & Selection Process

For the fifth consecutive year, students of French from across India participated in the International Goncourt Prize programme, run by the Académie Goncourt and extended to more than forty countries by the French cultural network.

The Indian jury was composed of students from eight universities — The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Pondicherry University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Rajasthan, Banaras Hindu University, and University of Punjab — along with students from the network of Alliances françaises in India.

Over four months, the jurors read and discussed four shortlisted books in original French:

  • Nathacha Appanah’s La Nuit au Cœur

  • Emmanuel Carrère’s Kolkhoze

  • Caroline Lamarche’s Le Bel Obscur

  • Laurent Mauvignier’s La Maison Vide

A series of online sessions helped familiarise participants with the Goncourt Prize, literary criticism, and the publishing journey behind the titles.

This edition was particularly special as it was patronized by eminent Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun, member of the Prix Goncourt jury and winner of the prize in 1987.

The presidents of each of the nine juries met at the Embassy of France in Delhi on the morning of March 17, where they debated their choices before a lunch hosted by the Ambassador — following a tradition established by the Goncourt Academy over a century ago. The jury arrived at their decision early in the afternoon.