Author: Neel Achary

Boost for Indian Sports: Telangana Announces Professional Basketball League

Hyderabad, Dec 21: Telangana has etched its name in Indian sports history with the launch of the Telangana Pro Basketball League (TPBL)—the first professional basketball league of its kind in the state and only the second official state-level pro basketball league in India.

Season 1 of TPBL is currently underway at the iconic K.V.B.R. Indoor Stadium, Yousufguda, till 24th December, transforming Hyderabad into the epicentre of elite basketball action. Featuring high-octane matches, fierce rivalries, and championship ambitions, the league promises a thrilling spectacle for fans and players alike.

This is an exclusive league for players from Telangana, showcasing homegrown talent from across the state. The league features over 72 players and engages nearly 200 supporting professionals, including coaches, technical officials, medical staff, and event personnel. Players have been selected from diverse districts of Telangana, reflecting the depth and reach of basketball talent in the region.

Each team comprises 12 players, acquired through a competitive player auction. Mr Akash of the Hyderabad Hawks emerged as the highest-valued player, secured for a record bid of ₹2.5 lakh. The players represent a wide age spectrum, ranging from 15 years to 36 years, and include students as well as working professionals, highlighting the league’s inclusive and developmental nature.

The league is scheduled to be conducted twice every year and is projected to generate over ₹100 crore in business activity, both directly and indirectly. The winning team will receive a prize money of ₹20 lakh, along with an MVP award featuring an R15 motorcycle.

Matches are hosted daily between 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, ensuring prime-time visibility for fans and broadcasters. Standing tall among all participants is Srinivas Reddy of the Medchal Mavericks, the tallest player in the league, with an impressive height of 7 feet.

The opening matches have already delivered electrifying performances and a vibrant atmosphere, as fans cheered loud and proud. The joy of witnessing top-tier basketball live, surrounded by friends and fellow supporters, has made TPBL Season 1 a truly memorable sporting experience.

Every match of the league is being broadcast LIVE, bringing Telangana’s basketball revolution to audiences. More than 20,000 people are watching it live.

Ahead of its inaugural season, TPBL completed its franchise auction in November. All six franchises were sold for a combined value of ₹1.27 crore, underlining strong investor confidence and growing interest in professional basketball in the state.

The Franchise Ownership details for 4-Year Rights is as follows. Hyderabad Hawks is owned by Deepti Akki of N Sports Pvt Ltd and bagged it for ₹27.5 lakh

Ranga Reddy Risers is owned by Srujana of Destiny World got it for ₹26 lakh. Karimnagar Kings – Avinash & Raghuveer / Fitbee for ₹20 lakh; Warangal Warriors —Dr. Chandrashekar / Sowbhagya Bharti – for ₹18.5 lakh; Nizamabad Nawabs – Laxmi Motors for ₹18 lakh, and Khammam Titans – Charan / SCL Infratech for ₹16.5 lakh. Each franchise carries an annual fee equal to the bid amount, with a 5% yearly escalation.

The league is the brainchild of A. Prudhvishwar Reddy, General Secretary of the Telangana Basketball Association and a former Indian national player. Inspired by international professional leagues, TPBL is designed to create a structured pathway for young talent while strengthening grassroots basketball across Telangana.

Player development took centre stage with state-wide tryouts held at Dream Basketball Academy, followed by the Player Auction in the same month, allowing franchises to build competitive squads featuring the best local talent.

The unique feature of the ownership is women taking centre stage and owning and managing the teams. A salute to their leadership and Women in Sports. Special is Deepti Akki of Hyderabad Hawks and Srujana of Ranga Reddy Risers; Sowbhagya Bharti of Warangal Warriors and their entire TPBL organising teams for their inspiring leadership, passion, and commitment. Their efforts stand as a powerful example of women driving change in sports, setting new benchmarks for inclusivity and professionalism in Indian basketball.

TPBL is considered a new chapter in particular to Telangana and in general in Indian Basketball. With soaring crowds, professional execution, and a clear long-term vision, the Telangana Pro Basketball League is redefining the future of the sport in the state. As Season 1 unfolds, TPBL is not just hosting matches—it is building a legacy. Indian Basketball has found a bold new home in Telangana.

According to Srujana, a similar league for Women and Children is around the corner.

Basketball in Telangana is not yet a mass sport like cricket, but it is one of the fastest-growing organised sports in the state, with strong institutional backing, rising youth participation, and—most importantly—the launch of a professional league, said R Sridhar Reddy, President of Telangana Basketball Association

Mr. A. Prudhvishwar Reddy, General Secretary, Telangana Basketball Association, further adds that Basketball in Telangana has seen steady and meaningful growth over the years. Today, we have more than 10,000 active players participating across schools, colleges, academies, universities, and district associations. The sport enjoys a strong footprint in regions such as Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam, and Nizamabad, with players regularly competing in platforms like the School Games Federation of India, Khelo India, inter-university tournaments, and district championships. Basketball has particularly found resonance in urban schools, private institutions, and universities, where access to indoor facilities has helped nurture talent.

Adding further, he stated that at the grassroots and institutional level, Telangana is well-positioned. The state has over 30 structured basketball academies and training centres, supported by robust school programs in CBSE, ICSE, and international schools. The Telangana Basketball Association continues to play an active role in organising competitions, identifying talent, and creating pathways for young players. Hyderabad remains the hub of basketball activity in the state, thanks to better infrastructure, experienced coaches, and consistent exposure to competitive play.

In terms of infrastructure, Mr A. Prudhvishwar Reddy adds, facilities such as the K.V.B.R. Indoor Stadium, the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, and several university and institutional indoor courts form the backbone of basketball development in Telangana. While we acknowledge that infrastructure is still limited compared to the growing demand, the progress is encouraging. With sustained investment, structured leagues, and community support, basketball in Telangana is moving in the right direction and holds immense potential for the future.

The launch of the Telangana Pro Basketball League (TPBL) has significantly elevated the sport’s stature. The first professional basketball league in Telangana and the second official state pro basketball league in India secured a ₹1.27 crore franchise valuation in Season 1 itself, marking a very good beginning.

The highest scorer of the League to date has been Tejendra and Raju Bhai of Ranga Reddy Risers (RRR) team

Live broadcasts, packed indoor crowds, and professional execution are helping to increase the fan base, stated Srujana. And it will ultimately contribute to cultivating a sports culture among future generations. She says it’s an Incredible feeling to own a team, it’s pride, responsibility and constant buzz. In the long run, we are instrumental in cultivating sports culture for the current and future generations.

Mr A. Prudhvishwar Reddy states that his goal is to take the league and local players national and international level. He, being a national player himself, thus this is his best way to give back to the sport.

Oldest Indian Diaspora FCCI FCCI International Conference 2025: “Ready to Invest” in India’s Developmental Goals

New Delhi, Dec  20: One of the oldest Indian diaspora-led organisations, the Foundation for Critical Choices for India (FCCI), on Friday reached out to the Government of India, offering its expertise and global research capabilities to support evidence-based policymaking aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The outreach came as FCCI inaugurated the first day of its two-day International Diaspora Conference at the India Habitat Centre, bringing together policymakers, government representatives, sectoral experts and Indian diaspora leaders from across the world. The conference focused on how India can accelerate its transformation into a developed nation by 2047, the centenary year of Independence.

Addressing the forum, FCCI leaders underlined the organisation’s readiness to partner with Indian institutions in research, strategic thinking and global best-practice inputs for policymaking. The discussions revolved around the central theme of how the 35-million-strong Indian diaspora can play a decisive role in India’s development journey.

Dr Pramod Agrawal, Vice President of FCCI and CEO of SaXcell Ltd, highlighted the economic and intellectual strength of the diaspora.

“The Indian diaspora is larger than the population of most countries, and the remittances they send exceed the GDP of many nations. As highly skilled and entrepreneurial global citizens, we recognise both our responsibility and our privilege to contribute meaningfully to India’s future,” he said.

Member of Parliament Vamsi Krishna Gaddam, representing Peddapalli in Telangana, said the diaspora acts as India’s informal global ambassador.

“Their engagement supports technology, sustainability and green growth. With progressive policies and rising investor confidence, we are witnessing stronger FDI flows and even a reverse migration of professionals. It is a shared responsibility to project India’s capabilities and actively contribute to its growth story,” he noted.

The first day of the conference focused on “The Developed Nation (Viksit Bharat): Roadmap to India’s Future by 2047,” with sessions on economic acceleration, institutional reform, education, technology, defence and infrastructure.

Agricultural and rural concerns were also raised. Bharatiya Kisan Union (Haryana) President Guni Prakash urged greater use of new-age technology in agriculture and dairy, pointing out that productivity still lags behind countries like Japan. From a global labour perspective, NRI Club Russia President Devdathan Nair observed that Russia’s demand for skilled manpower presents long-term opportunities for India in engineering, construction and allied sectors.

FCCI members noted that while the International Monetary Fund projects India to reach a USD 5 trillion economy by 2030, achieving developed-nation status would require scaling up to a USD 30 trillion economy. They stressed the need for improved urban-rural connectivity, digital cities and a more holistic healthcare approach that includes both physical and mental well-being.

Defence and cybersecurity also featured prominently, with speakers highlighting the growing importance of technological capabilities amid rising cyber threats and technology-driven military operations. The consensus was that India must better leverage its intellectual capital, particularly through its global diaspora, as warfare increasingly shifts from traditional arsenals to digital and technological dominance.

The second day of the conference will focus on “The New World Order: Democratic India’s Role as Global Consensus Builder,” examining India’s expanding influence in global governance, diplomacy and international development partnerships.

Tata Power Hosts National Urja Mela 2025, Unites 1,000+ Young Sustainability Champions Across 15 States

Tata Power hosts National Urja Mela 2025 bringing together over 1000 young sustainability champions and educators from 15 states

Chandigarh, Dec 20: Marking National Energy Conservation Week, Tata Power hosted the National Urja Mela 2025 at the Tata Power–DDL Learning Center (CENPIED), Rohini, Delhi. The national-level event brought together over 1,000 students and educators from 200 schools across 15 states, creating a vibrant platform for young minds to showcase innovative ideas and practical solutions focused on clean energy and conservation.

Organised under Tata Power’s flagship Club Enerji School initiative, Tata Power’s decade-old school engagement programme, the National Urja Mela serves as the culmination of year-long learning and student-led action. The 2025 edition brought together young participants from across India to present STEM-based solutions focused on this year’s theme, “Clean Energy, Greener Tomorrow.” The confluence featured a range of interactive engagements, including a Science Model Exhibition, Poster-Making Competition, and Quiz Competition, enabling students to translate classroom learning into practical, real-world applications. These activities encouraged curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving, giving participants the opportunity to apply concepts, collaborate with peers, and demonstrate responsible thinking around energy conservation and environmental care.

Adding to the energy and enthusiasm of the day, the National Urja Mela 2025 was graced by Brigadier Atulya Bamjai, Deputy Director General, NCC, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Pramod Katiyar, Deputy Director of Education, New Delhi, as the Guest of Honour. Senior Tata Power leaders present included Mr. Himal Tewari, CHRO and Chief – Sustainability & CSR, Tata Power, Mr. Dwijadas Basak, CEO, Tata Power-DDL; Mr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Chief – Community Impact; and Mr. Bharat Kumar Chhabra, Chief – SIG & and Chief Ethics Counselor, who motivated students to continue exploring, learning, and leading in clean energy and sustainability initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Himal Tewari, CHRO and Chief Sustainability & CSR, Tata Power, said:

“At Tata Power, we believe the transition to a cleaner energy future can only be sustained when it is driven by informed, responsible citizens. Platforms like the National Urja Mela, under our Club Enerji initiative, are instrumental in shaping this mindset from an early age. It is inspiring to see young students apply scientific thinking, collaborate across regions, and engage meaningfully with real-world energy and conservation challenges. When learning moves beyond the classroom and finds expression in everyday choices, that is when lasting change truly begins.”

The event featured interactions with leading voices from the science and education ecosystem. Mr. Gopal Jee, popularly known as “Banana Boy” and recognised as India’s youngest scientist, inspired students with his journey of innovation using waste to develop clean energy solutions. Mr. Akhilesh Aggarwal, Founder of I Love Science and Director – Technology, NIIT University, highlighted the importance of experiential learning in strengthening STEM foundations among young learners.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dwijadas Basak, CEO, Tata Power DDL, said:

“This platform brings together students from diverse regions across the country, fostering meaningful learning, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. Through Urja Mela, we are moulding young students from an early age to build awareness about climate change, sustainability, and clean energy. By nurturing a new generation of informed and responsible leaders, we aim to empower them to drive sustainable change within their communities. Encouraging peer learning and the sharing of best practices further strengthens their commitment to resource conservation and a greener tomorrow.”

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the cover page of the ‘Gaja Sanrakshana’ comic book, developed in collaboration with Amar Chitra Katha, aimed at building awareness on wildlife conservation and reducing human-animal conflict among young audiences. The Amar Chitra Katha team also conducted a design and storytelling workshop, using creative narratives to deepen students’ understanding of biodiversity and coexistence. Extending learning beyond the mela, students participated in exposure visits to the National Science Centre, National Museum, and Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Since its inception, Club Enerji has reached over 10 lakh students across more than 2,500 schools in 15 states and 15 aspirational districts, including rural and government schools. Over the years, Urja Melas and Mini Urja Melas have engaged more than 50,000 students, encouraging responsible practices at home and fostering a culture where children influence families toward greener choices.

With the continued expansion of Eco Crew, now engaging over 1,000 schools and 3.5 lakh students across 24 cities in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Tata Power continues to strengthen its efforts to shape informed and responsible citizens. The National Urja Mela 2025 reflects this ongoing commitment to empowering young changemakers and advancing India’s clean energy future.

Tata Motors’ Integrated Village Development Programme Empowers Chandrakant to become a Lakhpati Kisan

In India agriculture remains a cornerstone of employment and sustenance, particularly in rural and tribal regions. Chandrakant Sonya Andher, a farmer from a tribal hamlet of Jawhar, in Maharashtra, once lived the harsh reality shared by thousands of farmers across India. With only matriculation education and two acres of rainfed cultivable land, his livelihood was dictated by erratic rainfall and chronic water scarcity. Chandrakant’s remaining land remained uncultivable, forcing him into seasonal migration to neighbouring cities for manual labour—leaving his family behind with little income security and no clear path to progress.

Tata Motors’ Integrated Village Development Programme (IVDP) brought a hope of holistic development to the remote hamlet and in Chandrakant’s life. The essence of IVDP lies in the implementation of multi-layered sustainable framework tailored to the unique challenges faced by the local communities keeping convergence of Government schemes as core.

Tata Motors became a facilitator for leveraging various government schemes to help Chandrakant augment his livelihoods. He built a farm pond for water harvesting, drip irrigation systems for efficient use of scarce water, and a bio‑gas unit to reduce fuel expenses. IVDP also helped him in crop and income diversification through agro-forestry plantations, fish farming, installation of solar panel, bamboo cultivation, and a nursery unit for high‑value crops.

The results of these efforts have been transformational. With assured water, improved farming practices, and diversified income streams, Chandrakant’s farm productivity surged. He now meets household needs comfortably, sells surplus produce, and has more than doubled his annual income. He has invested in his children’s education, improved healthcare access for his family, and constructed an additional house on his land—marking his journey to becoming a “lakhpati kisan.”

Reflecting on his transformation, Chandrakant shared,

 “The lack of water meant most of my land was useless, and I had to leave my family behind for months every year. But Tata Motors gave us hope and a practical path forward. Today, I don’t have to migrate anymore. This support has completely rewritten my family’s destiny.”

Vinod Kulkarni, Head of CSR at Tata Motors, explains,

“Chandrakant’s journey from a seasonal migrant labourer to a confident, self‑reliant farmer illustrates the power of community‑centric  rural development approach. As Chandrakant and the farming community breaks the cycle of vulnerability, it strengthens our resolve of leveraging government schemes to scale and replicate our sustainable social development models.”

Chandrakant’s inspirational success has motivated other farmers to transform their livelihoods, embrace innovative farming techniques, thus mitigating the challenge of migration.

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