22, Jan 2026
Agora Partners with Sentino to Advance Physical AI Through Customizable, Retentive AI Agent Experiences
Bangalore, Jan 22: Agora, Inc. (NASDAQ: API), a global leader in real-time engagement and conversational AI, today announced a strategic partnership with Sentino to create a new AI Agent Platform for Physical AI—designed to help AI brands and device makers build long-term, emotionally engaging AI companions.
Built using Agora’s Conversational AI Engine, the platform combines real-time conversation with memory, emotion, and multimodal expression—moving AI beyond simple chat and toward daily companionship.
“The next frontier of AI isn’t just about intelligence; it’s about presence. By combining Sentino’s expertise in emotional depth with Agora’s real-time Conversational AI Engine, we are enabling developers to move beyond transactional interactions. We’re building the infrastructure for AI that doesn’t just answer questions, but connects with people in a meaningful, long-term way,” said Tony Wang, Agora’s Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer.
From Chatbots to Companions
Most AI agents are designed to respond. Few are designed to stay.
Agora and Sentino are addressing this gap by enabling AI agents to maintain presence, remember shared moments, and express emotion over time. The result is AI that users don’t just try once—but return to again and again.
A Simple, Scalable Ecosystem
- Agora provides the real-time AI infrastructure and overall platform design
- Sentino AI delivers agent personas and companion features on top of Agora’s conversational AI
- Customers can quickly launch AI-powered products without building core systems from scratch
This approach reduces complexity and speeds up time to market.
Four Core Features That Create Long-Term Engagement
- Agent “OS” (Inner Thoughts): Always Present
AI agents automatically generate short, context-aware inner thoughts based on user interaction and idle time. These reflections give the agent a sense of ongoing presence—even when no conversation is happening.
Why it matters
- Agents feel alive, not silent
- Users form stronger emotional bonds and return more often
- AI Diary: Remembering Shared Moments
AI Diary turns daily interactions into a short, persona-consistent diary entry—capturing meaningful events and emotions without any user effort.
Why it matters
- Builds a shared history between user and agent
- Encourages users to revisit past moments, increasing retention
- Diary Illustration: Making Memories Visual
Each diary entry can include an automatically generated, crayon-style image that reflects the agent’s personality and the day’s story.
Why it matters
- Adds emotional depth without extra interaction
- Especially engaging for children, families, and lifestyle devices
- Music Diary: Turning Memories into Sound
Music Diary transforms diary content into emotion-driven music that users can replay and revisit.
Why it matters
- Deepens emotional connection through sound
- Creates opportunities for premium content and subscriptions
Why Scenario-Based AI Works
Task-based AI solves problems. Scenario-based AI builds habits.
By focusing on daily experiences—memories, reflections, visuals, and music—the platform keeps AI agents emotionally relevant and continuously engaging.
Built for Real-World Use Cases
The platform supports a wide range of Physical AI applications, including:
- AI companions and lifestyle devices
- Education and language learning
- Fandom and brand avatars
- Meditation, reflection, and emotional guidance
Shared building blocks allow brands to expand their features quickly and easily.
Executive Perspective
“We are dedicated to building human-centric AI,” said Chris Chen, CEO of Sentino. “By transforming static characters into living assets, we are enabling IP holders to move beyond simple interactions and build sustainable, emotional economies with their fans.”
A Platform Designed to Grow Over Time
With ongoing updates and new companion scenarios, the Agora × Sentino platform is built to evolve—without disrupting existing products.
Shaping the Future of Physical AI
Together, Agora and Sentino are redefining Physical AI as AI that feels present, personal, and worth coming back to.
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- By Neel Achary
22, Jan 2026
Kenvue Strengthens Hydration Portfolio in India with ORSL™ and eRZL™ for Complete Hydration ORSL™ for Diarrheal Dehydration, eRZL™ for Everyday Hydration
Kenvue today announced a dual brand strategy with ORSL™ and eRZL™, reinforcing its leadership in India’s hydration category. This move offers consumers scientifically backed solutions for both diarrheal and everyday hydration, addressing dehydration as an increasingly important public health concern.
Under its “Double Power for Complete Hydration” strategy, Kenvue will now provide two distinct, science-driven brands:
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ORSL™: The rebranded ORS portfolio, formulated according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, targets diarrheal dehydration. It is available in Ready-to-Drink and Powder formats.
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eRZL™: Previously part of the ORSL electrolyte drink portfolio, eRZL™ is now a standalone brand for everyday hydration and recovery, catering to tiredness, exhaustion, heat stress, and mild to moderate dehydration.
eRZL™ – New & Improved Composition
The new eRZL™ formula delivers faster hydration than water, with 1.4x more electrolytes and 8x less sugar than the previous version, combining Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Vitamin C, and real fruit juice for a tasty, guilt-free hydration experience. Designed for daily hydration, eRZL™ helps consumers replenish fluids, restore electrolytes, and recover from physical stress or fatigue.
Commenting on the dual brand strategy,
Manish Anandani, Managing Director – India, Kenvue, said:
“For years, we have led India’s hydration category by understanding consumer needs and leveraging science. With dehydration emerging as a key health concern, we are proud to introduce a two-brand strategy—ORSL™ for diarrheal hydration and eRZL™ for everyday hydration. These brands will strengthen awareness about proper hydration and complement broader public health efforts.”
Prashant Shinde, Business Unit Head – Self Care, Kenvue India, added:
“As health and wellness trends accelerate, consumers are seeking low-sugar, low-calorie, science-backed hydration options. The all-new eRZL™ with its improved composition offers a healthier solution to feel better faster when depleted or fatigued.”
Dr. Nikhil Bangale, Head of Medical & Safety Sciences, Kenvue India, highlighted:
While diarrheal dehydration is widely recognized, everyday dehydration often goes unnoticed, particularly under rising heat and physical stress. Rehydration today goes beyond water and home remedies, requiring scientifically formulated electrolyte solutions. Consumers should choose drinks based on optimal electrolyte concentration, key nutrients, and energy to ensure faster and effective hydration.”
With ORSL™ and eRZL™, Kenvue continues to innovate and expand its hydration portfolio, delivering scientifically validated solutions for consumers across India, whether addressing illness or supporting daily hydration needs.
22, Jan 2026
Standard Chartered launches the second phase of “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” campaign with CIO insights
Standard Chartered has announced the launch of the second phase of its “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” global wealth campaign, reinforcing its role as the strategic partner for global-minded investors who want insight and confidence across markets, cycles, and every decision that shapes their financial future. In India, the campaign is aimed at the growing wealth and affluent segment, including ‘Global Indians’.
This second phase of the campaign introduces a suite of CIO-powered intelligence through content formats designed to give investors direct access to the bank’s high-frequency market outlooks, expertise-backed sector calls, and timely cross-market guidance. This includes new editorial partnerships, digital content releases aligned to market movements, amplifying the CIO’s views to a wider affluent audience. At the heart of the campaign is a bold delivery of real-time, world-class investment insight, when it matters most.
The campaign calls out three key pillars Cross Border Wealth, Wealth Expertise, and Navigating Volatile Times, highlighting Standard Chartered’s strengths as a global wealth partner.
This 360° Integrated Marketing Campaign will run across various touchpoints: Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, Linear TV and Connected TV, Digital Media (Google Search, Programmatic buys and Social Media platforms), and Owned Media, targeting and engaging different investor audiences, in more personalised ways.
Haymans Fung, Global Head of Marketing for Wealth and Retail Banking at Standard Chartered, commented,
“Investors today are navigating a far more complex landscape, with geopolitical developments and market shifts influencing decisions across borders. With this next phase of our ‘Now’s Your Time for Wealth’ campaign, we aim to give clients clearer access to the insights and connections that matter most. By combining our international network with our 170 years of expertise, and timely perspectives from our Chief Investment Office, we are committed to supporting clients in making confident, well-informed decisions wherever they are in their wealth journey.”
Aditya Mandloi, Managing Director, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, India and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, said,
“At Standard Chartered, we empower our affluent clients with deep market insights and expertise to invest confidently. Through Standard Chartered Group’s extensive international network and four wealth hubs, timely intelligence from our Chief Investment Office, and tailored investment opportunities, we help our clients take advantage of the right opportunities at the right time.”
The first rollout of the “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” campaign in January 2025 ran in a mix of out-of-home advertising across airports and in-city sites, print advertising, film and content partnerships with leading international, regional and local media across seven key markets – Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, Taiwan, UAE and India.
22, Jan 2026
IIT Roorkee Signs Strategic MoU with AccelESG to Strengthen Innovation, Start-ups and Global Technology Collaboration
IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India, Jan 22: Reinforcing its commitment to innovation-driven growth and global collaboration, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AccelESG India Private Limited, a leading platform focused on accelerating technology commercialization, start-ups, and industry-academia partnerships.
The MoU aims to foster collaborative engagement in areas such as deep-tech innovation, start-up mentoring, technology transfer, capacity building, and market-oriented research. Facilitated under the guidance of Prof. Abhyanand Singh Maurya, IIT Roorkee, the partnership will enable IIT Roorkee and AccelESG India Private Limited to support early-stage ventures, facilitate industry-linked research outcomes, and strengthen pathways for translating academic innovation into scalable solutions with societal and economic impact.
The collaboration aligns closely with national initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, Make in India, and Digital India, while also contributing to global priorities around sustainable innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge-based economic development.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said,
“This partnership with AccelESG reflects IIT Roorkee’s strategic focus on transforming cutting-edge research into real-world impact. By strengthening industry and start-up linkages, we aim to create an ecosystem where innovation seamlessly transitions from laboratories to society, contributing to national development and global technological progress.”
Mr. Sanjay Commera, Chief Executive Officer, AccelESG India Private Limited, said,
“The signing of this MoU with IIT Roorkee marks an important milestone in our mission to build strong, outcome-driven innovation ecosystems. Partnering with a premier academic institution enables us to accelerate the translation of research-led ideas into scalable technologies and startups. This collaboration will foster meaningful engagement between academia, industry, and entrepreneurs, aligned with India’s national priorities and the global innovation landscape.”
Under the agreement, joint activities may include start-up acceleration programs, innovation challenges, mentorship initiatives, collaborative research projects, and knowledge-exchange platforms. The partnership is also expected to provide IIT Roorkee students, researchers, and start-ups access to wider industry networks, global best practices, and commercialization support.
This strategic association further strengthens IIT Roorkee’s role as a leading institution driving innovation-led growth, supporting India’s transition towards a knowledge-based and globally integrated economy, and addressing complex societal challenges through technology and entrepreneurship.
22, Jan 2026
Vedanta ESOPs Create INR 2,500 Crores in Employee Wealth Over 5 Years, Empowering Freshers and Young Professionals
New Delhi, Jan 22: Vedanta Limited (NSE: VEDL), India’s leading metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power, and technology conglomerate, has generated a cumulative financial impact of nearly ₹2,500 crores for employees through sustained Employee Stock Option (ESOP) grants over the past five years. The most recent ESOP 2025 cycle, worth over ₹500 crores, has empowered nearly 1,200 first-time recipients, including freshers, highlighting one of India’s most inclusive and broad-based wealth creation initiatives.
Vedanta’s ESOP program covers nearly 40% of its workforce across plants, functions, and career levels, making it one of the most inclusive schemes in the country. For more than 20 years, ESOPs have been a core part of Vedanta’s culture, extending grants even to freshers and early-career professionals—eligible for allocations worth up to 30% of fixed pay over a standard three-year vesting period. This makes Vedanta one of the few conglomerates in India offering equity ownership from the start of a career.
A key differentiator of Vedanta’s ESOP structure is that shares are allotted at a deeply discounted price of Re 1, reinforcing the company’s commitment to shared ownership and long-term value creation. With Vedanta’s shares reaching all-time highs, ESOPs have enabled employees to achieve significant milestones such as buying homes, funding higher education, purchasing vehicles, supporting family needs, and building long-term savings.
Employee Stories Highlight Impact
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Neeraj Kumar, Manager, Smelting Operations, Hindustan Zinc, shared,
“When my family was registering our home in Patna, my ESOPs became our biggest support. Granted three years ago, they vested at the perfect time as Vedanta’s share price hit record highs. It allowed me to support my family and made my father immensely proud. Very few organisations offer such inclusive wealth-creation opportunities for middle management.” -
S M Rahaman Kasim, Associate GM, Quality Management, BALCO, Vedanta Aluminium, said,
“Vedanta ESOPs gave me the confidence to fund my children’s education—one son pursuing MBBS in Russia, the other studying in Guwahati—without financial stress.” -
Nilesh Bhor, Associate Manager, Finance, Sterlite Copper, added,
“When my father’s car met with an accident and insurance was rejected, my ESOP savings helped us manage the situation with dignity. It was truly a lifeline for my family.”
The recent ESOP 2022 vesting cycle delivered over 80% share value appreciation, generating more than ₹300 crores in wealth for employees, demonstrating the strong link between Vedanta’s performance and employee rewards.
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal’s vision underpins this approach—empowering employees, accelerating career progression, and creating equitable financial opportunities, particularly for young professionals and women. The program also rewards contributions in areas critical to Vedanta’s future, including automation, digitalisation, AI-driven innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.
By placing equity ownership in the hands of engineers, young professionals, plant teams, and middle management, Vedanta is reshaping compensation norms in Indian manufacturing. This democratization of wealth creation ensures that employees directly benefit from the value they help generate, reinforcing Vedanta’s commitment to shared success and long-term growth.
22, Jan 2026
Healthcare Experts and Industry Leaders Urge Stronger Investment Ahead of Union Budget 2026–27
New Delhi, Jan 22: As India gears up for the Union Budget 2026–27, healthcare experts and industry leaders have called on the government to significantly scale up public spending on healthcare, highlighting persistent gaps in infrastructure, workforce capacity, and access to affordable care across the country.
In FY 2025–26, the government allocated ₹99,858.56 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, an 11% increase over the revised ₹89,974.12 crore in FY 2024–25. While this rise was welcomed, the Association of Healthcare Providers – India (AHPI) noted that public health expenditure remains well below the National Health Policy target of 2.5% of GDP and lags behind benchmarks in comparable developing economies.
India’s healthcare system faces mounting pressure from a dual disease burden—communicable and non-communicable conditions—alongside growing demand for specialty, preventive, and long-term care services. AHPI emphasised that Budget 2026–27 should prioritise strengthening healthcare delivery in rural, semi-urban, and underserved regions, advancing the nation’s goal of universal health coverage.
According to National Health Accounts, households still bear nearly 48% of healthcare costs out-of-pocket, exposing families to financial vulnerability during medical emergencies. AHPI has urged higher public investment to expand medical and nursing education, establish training institutions, accelerate adult immunisation programmes, and scale up mental health, geriatric care, emergency services, and telemedicine networks. The association also highlighted the need to rationalise GST on healthcare services and reform insurance regulations to improve affordability and coverage.
Key Voices from the Healthcare Sector:
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Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General, AHPI, said,
“To secure a healthier future for India, it is imperative to invest in robust health systems today. Budget 2026–27 must enhance funding to expand infrastructure, strengthen the workforce, and ensure equitable access to quality services, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.” -
Mr. Probal Ghosal, Founder & Managing Partner, GCV; Co-Founder and former Chairman, Ujala Cygnus, commented,
“The upcoming budget is a pivotal moment for India’s healthcare. Sustainable public healthcare schemes, digital integration under Ayushman Bharat, rational package rates, and prompt reimbursements are critical to maintain quality care in the hinterlands and expand patient access nationwide.” -
Dr. Sunil K. Khetarpal, Deputy Director General, AHPI, added,
“India’s healthcare demands are evolving faster than current systems can support. The budget must accelerate investments in technology-driven care, quality assurance, and hospital capacity-building to create a resilient, future-ready ecosystem.” -
Dr. V. K. Gupta, Founder-Director, Silverstreak Superspeciality Hospital, stated,
“Budget 2026–27 offers a crucial opportunity to bridge regional healthcare disparities. Targeted fiscal incentives and easier access to long-term capital can encourage hospitals to expand into tier 2 and tier 3 cities, improving care access and easing pressure on metropolitan healthcare systems.”
AHPI further emphasised that private sector participation in healthcare infrastructure development will be key to complement public investment. With India’s doctor-to-patient ratio still below WHO norms, the association views Budget 2026–27 as a decisive moment to strengthen healthcare system resilience, improve preparedness for future public health challenges, and ensure equitable access to quality care nationwide.
22, Jan 2026
Pocket FM launches 36 exclusive Marvel audio story titles in India
Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has collaborated with Disney Publishing APAC to bring 36 iconic Marvel audio series in Hindi to listeners in India.
Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers, and Wolverine will be featured across 36 Hindi audio series, produced as high-quality audio content for on-the-go listening. These stories will unfold across multi-episode arcs, bringing the power of Disney’s storytelling to a new, mobile-first generation of listeners.
“We’ve always believed in the power of Disney storytelling, proving that stories can travel anywhere when they connect with audiences,” said Veronica Cabalinan, VP – Publishing and Experiences, APAC, Disney Publishing. “Pocket FM is turning listening into a deeply emotional and almost cinematic experience. We are excited to see how Marvel’s Super Heroes will inspire a new generation of fans in India by harnessing the power of audio.”
From mythology-inspired series to supernatural thrillers and dark fantasy sagas, listeners in India are embracing worlds that stretch the imagination. Pocket FM, a leading platform for fantasy audio series, sees fantasy as an emerging genre blending tradition, technology, and creativity.
“Our cultural DNA is built on imagination, and larger-than-life storytelling.” said Rohan Nayak, Co-Founder and CEO, Pocket FM. “Together with Disney, we’re turning the epic stories of Marvel Super Heroes into serialized audio journeys that feel native, emotional, and accessible. Fantasy and super-hero series have always been one of Pocket FM’s strongest genres and continues to grow exponentially. With this collaboration, we are ensuring that premium fantasy entertainment is inclusive and deeply relatable so that anyone, anywhere in India, can feel like they are truly part of the story.”
22, Jan 2026
ASUS Records Strongest Growth Momentum in South India, Posts 25 Percent YoY Growth in 2025 and 40% Cumulative Growth
Bangalore, India, Jan 22: ASUS, the Taiwanese tech giant, today announced robust performance in South India, achieving sustained growth over the last three years and reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing PC brands in the region. Between 2023 and 2025, ASUS recorded ~40% cumulative growth, maintaining a strong upward trajectory despite a challenging and volatile market environment.
In 2025 alone, ASUS delivered 25% year-on-year growth across South India, significantly outperforming the broader PC market. According to GfK, even as the overall market declined post-pandemic, ASUS strengthened its market share, reflecting strong brand pull, channel execution, and category leadership.
“Each region in India requires a tailored go-to-market strategy, but our vision remains unified: to make state-of-the-art technology accessible to more consumers. From AI PCs to premium gaming and consumer notebooks, our focused efforts have driven consistent growth in southern India, even in a volatile market. As we move into 2026, our priority will be scaling further, with a sharper focus on AI PCs and the premium segment,” said Arnold Su, Vice President, Consumer & Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India.
Among southern states, Tamil Nadu led the growth, contributing 35% of the region’s expansion, driven by strong offline presence and exclusive store performance. Kerala followed with 25% YoY growth, supported by festive demand and channel execution, while Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka delivered steady gains of 23% and 8% YoY, respectively.
From a category perspective, consumer notebooks (NB) remained the primary growth driver, contributing 57% of total volumes, followed by gaming PCs (NR) at 40%. Gaming notebooks, in particular, performed strongly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, reinforcing ASUS’ leadership in high-performance and enthusiast segments.
The quarter’s performance was further boosted by robust festive demand and ASUS’ extensive retail network, which helped capture higher share across regional markets. Recognizing the importance of experiential retail in India, ASUS also launched the ROG Labs gaming-first premium experience format in Bengaluru, enhancing brand engagement with consumers.
Despite a declining overall market, ASUS’ consistent outperformance demonstrates its ability to grow faster than the industry and strengthen market share, solidifying its position as one of South India’s fastest-growing PC brands.
22, Jan 2026
Vergo Makes National Debut on Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz, Flags the Productivity Cost of Poor Seating in India
New Delhi, Jan 22: Ergonomic furniture startup Vergo made its national television debut on Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz, the reality show featuring India’s most disruptive startups, by drawing attention to one of the most overlooked workplace health challenges—prolonged sitting and poor seating ergonomics.
During the episode, Vergo highlighted the hidden costs associated with traditional office seating. Studies cited revealed that over 56% of Indian office workers sit for more than eight hours daily, while musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) impact nearly 72% of IT professionals, leading to absenteeism rates almost three times higher than in ergonomically optimised workplaces. Research further indicates that Indian businesses lose over ₹8,500 crore annually due to productivity losses linked to poor seating, while poor sleep alone costs organisations ₹2.1 lakh per employee per year. For every 100 employees using suboptimal seating, losses can reach ₹28 lakh annually due to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare expenses.
The founder explained that most conventional chairs are designed around static postures, restricting natural spinal movement and causing back, neck, and shoulder discomfort within minutes. According to studies, 68% of office workers report lower back pain, 52% experience neck pain, and 45% suffer shoulder pain—largely attributed to rigid backrests and fixed lumbar support that prevent essential micro-movements.
Vergo’s approach centres on adaptive seating that responds to individual body movement rather than forcing the user to adapt to the chair. Active seating solutions that support dynamic posture have been shown to improve body engagement and reduce attention-task errors by 20%. However, 77% of Indian offices continue to rely on static seating. The brand showcased three key solutions: adjustable ergonomic chairs, active stools that encourage movement, and dynamic chairs using springs or elastomers to absorb and return force—making extended sitting healthier and more productive.
Harsh Wadhwani, Founder, Vergo, said,
“People tend to normalise discomfort because the damage occurs gradually. Once individuals experience seating that supports natural movement, their expectations shift permanently. Our mission is to make ergonomics preventive rather than reactive. Chairs are not merely furniture—they are tools for health, productivity, and long-term well-being.”
The episode also addressed the broader challenge of ergonomic adoption in India. Despite 68% of employees reporting musculoskeletal pain and more than half sitting over eight hours daily, workplace seating remains underinvested due to cost sensitivity and limited awareness. Research shows that organisations save ₹289 in healthcare costs and ₹241 in absenteeism for every rupee invested in workplace wellness, demonstrating a strong return on investment.
Vergo challenged the misconception that ergonomics is a luxury, illustrating how poor seating contributes to stress, fatigue, and reduced efficiency. The founder explained how design innovations—such as a 120-degree anterior hip tilt, split-seat pans, elastomer lumbar ribs, and dynamic armrests and footrests—can reduce gluteal pressure by up to 30%, support natural spinal alignment, and promote healthy micro-movements.
Vergo’s appearance on IdeaBaaz resonate strongly with viewers, reflecting a growing shift among younger professionals who increasingly view ergonomic seating as a long-term investment in health, comfort, and productivity.
22, Jan 2026
MentorCloud Celebrates 1st Anniversary of Amritkaal Mentors Movement inspired by Viksit Bharat
Gurugram, India, Jan 22: MentorCloud, the world’s leading Human+AI mentoring and coaching platform, today celebrated the first anniversary of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement, a nationwide initiative aimed at democratizing access to career and life mentorship for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs across India.
Conceptualised by Dr. Ravishankar Gundlapalli, Founder & CEO, MentorCloud, the movement draws inspiration from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Amritkaal Mentors was formally launched on 12 January 2025, marking Swami Vivekananda’s 163rd birth anniversary, celebrated nationally as National Youth Day—a fitting tribute to youth empowerment and nation-building.
Over the past year, seasoned mentors from India and the United States, spanning disciplines such as Engineering, Technology, AI, Entrepreneurship, Consulting, Manufacturing, Public Policy, Finance, and Human Resources, have delivered impactful sessions to thousands of students from 1,340 degree and engineering colleges across the country. More than 85% of participating students rated the sessions as extremely relevant and valuable, with 1,482 students receiving certificates of attendance, strengthening their employability and interview readiness.
“Equipping students with the right vocabulary and confidence to articulate their skills during job interviews is one of the core objectives of this movement,” said Dr. Ravishankar Gundlapalli, Founder of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement and Founder & CEO of MentorCloud.
Distinguished Speakers and Topics
The first year of Amritkaal Mentors featured an impressive lineup of thought leaders and practitioners, including Sadhguru (Founder, Isha Foundation); Dr. Velumani Arokiaswamy (Founder, Thyrocare); Navi Radjou (Author and Frugal Innovation Expert); MR Rangaswami (Founder, Indiaspora); Ramesh Vaswani (Serial Entrepreneur, IIT Madras); Sanjeev Sharan (CHRO – Director HR, ZTE); Geetha Murthy (Ex-HR Head, Collins Aerospace); Geetha Kannan (Ex-HR Head, Infosys), among several others from industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem.
These mentors delivered engaging, hour-long sessions covering a wide range of topics, including Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Career Mapping, Interview Skills, Personal Finance, Mental Health, Smart Manufacturing, Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Skills for Employability, India as Vishwa Guru, and crafting a 100-year life journey.
“Amritkaal Mentors showcases the true democratization of mentoring and knowledge-sharing by ensuring every aspiring Indian youth has access to the wisdom of global experts,” Dr. Gundlapalli added. “By breaking jargon and sharing real-life experiences, the movement is helping ignite the potential of our youth to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by or before 2047.”
Sharing their experience, Sanjeev Sharan, CHRO – Director HR, ZTE, said,
“Amritkaal Mentors is a powerful initiative democratizing knowledge by connecting learners with experienced mentors. I was honoured to be part of the movement as a launching mentor.”
Geetha Murthy, former HR Head at Collins Aerospace, added,
“I am honoured to contribute to the Amritkaal Mentors talk series by addressing mental health and hustle culture, in support of India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”
Voices from the Student Community
Students across institutions highlighted the practical impact of the sessions. One participant shared,
“The session offered valuable perspectives on robotics, automation, and future career opportunities. It was both insightful and inspiring. I am grateful to the Amritkaal Mentors initiative for creating such meaningful learning experiences.”
Tilak M. K., a student from The National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, added,
“It was an insightful webinar on wealth creation, long-term value thinking, and aligning skills with market needs. I’m grateful to Amritkaal Mentors and MentorCloud for enabling such impactful learning.”
Looking Ahead
As the movement enters its second year, MentorCloud, along with key partners Pod.ai, Become.Team, and Verbinden.ai, plans to significantly scale the initiative. The goal is to onboard 100+ experienced mentors from leading organizations and academic institutions and reach over 10,000 students across Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities and towns.
MentorCloud extends its sincere gratitude to all mentors, students, and partners who contributed to making the first year of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement a resounding success.
