20, May 2025
Request for listing Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra presents ‘Kendra Dance Festival’ reference May 25th, 27th and 29th, 2025

Sunday, May 25th, 2025 : MEERA, a journey of Liberation and Enlightenment
An embodiment of fearless devotion and unwavering inner strength, Meera brings to life the spiritual odyssey of the poet-saint who defied societal norms in pursuit of divine truth. Through evocative Rajasthani and Gujarati folk movements, this production draws from the meticulous documentation of folklorist Komal Kothari, capturing not just a woman’s voice but a nation’s inner compass—resilience rooted in faith.
Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 : PARIKRAMA, the journey of the Atman
Choreographed in the martial and expressive styles of Mayurbhanj Chhau and Kalaripayattu, Parikrama delves into the elemental cycle of existence—life, death, and rebirth—mirroring the nation’s capacity to regenerate with strength after every trial. Inspired by the Panch Tattvas and layered with insights from the Padma Purana, the production is a meditative journey that resonates deeply in times of renewal and reflection.
Thursday, May 29th, 2025 : KARNA, the Marginalised Hero of Mahabharata
A deeply layered portrayal of honour and identity, Karna revisits the life of one of Mahabharata’s most tragic heroes, who struggled between duty, loyalty, and truth. Drawing from Rashmi Rathi by National Poet Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’, and choreographed in the raw intensity of Chhau and Kalaripayattu, Karna finds new resonance today—as it embodies the virtues of courage, sacrifice, and complex morality, qualities India has demonstrated on and off the battlefield.
The above productions are Produced and Directed by Padmashri Shobha Deepak Singh (Chairperson – Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra).
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- By Neel Achary
20, May 2025
HCG Hospitals Ahmedabad promotes Preventive Heart Health with a Week-Long BP & ECG Free Screening Camp
Ahmedabad, May 20, 2025: HCG Hospitals Ahmedabad, organized a week-long free BP and ECG free Check-up Drive from May 17 to May 24, 2025, along with a special awareness Health Talk Session on Blood Pressure and Its Complications to support the objectives of World Hypertension Day 2025. The drive, conducted within the hospital premises, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring for everyone above the age of 20 and the imperative need to prevent cardiovascular complications—a silent and growing health concern, observed across age groups, in recent years.
This initiative featured dedicated booths for comprehensive blood pressure and ECG screenings. The initiative aimed at raising awareness and encouraging the public—particularly those with risk factors, or a family history of heart disease—to proactively assess their cardiovascular health.
Leading interventional cardiologists from HCG Dr. Bhupesh R. Shah and Dr. Jay Shah were the Chief Speakers at the Health Talk Session held as part of the initiative. They provided valuable insights and guidance on the theme, “Blood Pressure and Its Complications” and stressed the importance of ‘knowing your numbers’. Hypertension has emerged as a silent threat, accompanied by negligible or no noticeable symptoms, but fraught with significant risks to health and the potential to trigger serious conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.
Dr. Bhupesh R. Shah, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, said: “Hypertension isn’t just a medical condition—it’s a wake-up call. In today’s fast-paced urban scenario, stress, improper diet, and inactivity have become part of lifestyle routines. Unless we make conscious health-monitoring choices and stay aware of our numbers, high blood pressure will continue to silently erode our health. Awareness is only the first step; taking charge through regular check-ups and healthier habits is what will induce a tangible difference.”
At HCG Hospital, preventive care is the cornerstone of our commitment to community health. Recognizing that conditions, such as hypertension often go undiagnosed until they cause severe complications, the hospital believes in taking proactive steps to educate the public. By conducting informative awareness initiatives and offering accessible screening programs, HCG aims to empower individuals to take charge of their health before problems arise—especially in fast-paced urban environments, where lifestyle-related health risks are on the rise.
Dr. Jay Shah, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad shared: “Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it shows no clear symptoms until serious damage has occurred. That’s why early detection through regular screenings is not just important, but life-saving. The large turnout for this initiative demonstrates growing awareness, and we hope it will encourage more people to proactively monitor their heart health before complications arise.”
Participants who attended the free health screening camp and health talk are eligible for an exclusive discounted Cardiac Health Check-up package, valid for a period of one week following the event.
HCG Hospitals Ahmedabad
HCG Hospitals Ahmedabad has dedicated itself to the goal of providing quality healthcare services to patients to restore their health, as holistically as possible. This multispecialty hospital unit was established in 2007, inspired by the principles of compassion, caring, and community partnership. HCG Hospitals strive to find innovative ways to elevate the quality of patient care by setting exceptional standards, implementing optimal and advanced treatment protocols, and ensuring both compassion and comfort, while leveraging the latest technology in executing every aspect of patient care.
At HCG Hospitals, our six Centers of Excellence — Cardiac Sciences, Spine Surgery, Neurosciences, Bone & Joint Care, Emergency & Critical Care, and Internal Medicine — reflect our unwavering commitment to quality healthcare. Every step we take is centered around patient care and comfort, ensuring excellence in every experience.
20, May 2025
Innova Captab Delivers Strong Q4 and FY25 Performance with Rs314.7 Cr Revenue, Rs29.6 Cr PAT
Mumbai 20th May 2025: Innova Captab Limited is a leading integrated pharmaceutical company committed to delivering high-quality healthcare solutions through a robust presence across the entire pharmaceuticals value chain, including research and development, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and exports. The company is pleased to announce its financial results for the quarter and financial year ending March 31st, 2025.
Key Highlights
Q4 FY25 vs Q4 FY24
- Revenue from Operations registered robust growth of20%, reaching₹ 314.7 crores vs ₹ 262.6 crores in Q4 FY24, driven by strong performance across all business areas
- Overall EBITDA registered stellar growth of17%, reaching₹ 51.1 crores vs ₹ 43.8 crores in Q4 FY24. EBITDA margins were 16.2%
- PAT rose by3%year-over-year to ₹ 29.6 crores after absorbing the impact of depreciation and finance costs associated with Kathua, Jammu plant (commercialized in January 2025). PAT margins stood at 9.4%
FY25 vs FY24
- Revenue from Operations grew15%to ₹ 1,243.7 crores vs ₹ 1,081.3 crores in FY24, led by volume growth across business areas
- EBITDA registered robust growth of19%to ₹ 198.2 crores vs ₹ 166.9 crores in FY24. EBITDA margin increased by 50 basis points to 15.9%
- PAT witnessed strong growth of36%to ₹ 128.3 crores vs ₹ 94.3 crores in FY24, driven by higher EBITDA and reduced finance costs. PAT margins improved by 160 basis points to 10.3%
Commenting on the results, Mr. Vinay Lohariwala, Managing Director – Innova Captab Limited said “We ended the year on a strong note, with all business areas performing in line with expectations. Strategic decisions taken over recent years are now delivering clear, measurable results—reflected in both our financial and operational performance. This momentum underscores the strength of our business model and the disciplined execution by our teams. We remain focused on our core priorities—growth, innovation, and customer centricity—despite a dynamic and evolving market environment.
Operationally, we deepened our CDMO partnerships, broadened our product portfolio, expanded further in global markets, and strengthened our domestic reach. The commissioning of our Kathua, Jammu facility is a major milestone, enabling scaled production of new products and dosage forms—fueling our next growth phase.
All these enabled us to deliver stellar performance, and we closed the year at ₹ 1,243.7 crores, up 15% from last year. Profitability also improved with PAT increasing by 36% to ₹ 128.3 crores.
These achievements reaffirm our long-term strategy. With sharper focus, enhanced capacity, and strong execution, we are well-positioned to drive sustainable growth and create lasting value.”
20, May 2025
Portworx Collaborates with Red Hat to Unlock Cost Savings and Operational Simplicity with Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine
Bengaluru, India and Sydney, Australia – May 20, 2025 – Pure Storage®, the IT pioneer that delivers the world’s most advanced data storage technology and services, today announced at the Red Hat Summit 2025 the launch of Portworx® for KubeVirt – the first software-defined storage, virtualization-centric offering that provides a more cost-effective, low-risk approach for running VM workloads on Kubernetes using Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine.
By combining Portworx by Pure Storage with Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine, enterprises can deploy and manage virtual machines (VMs) to containers more easily to optimize functionality, while lowering total cost of ownership.
With the new VM-only offering from Portworx, customers can address their modern virtualization challenges with an optimized solution that makes migrating and operating applications in Kubernetes more accessible and provides a pathway to long-term application modernization.
Cost optimization – Portworx customers using Red Hat OpenShift and Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization have seen approximately 30% to 50% cost savings in the past year compared to their existing virtualization spend.
Modernization on your timeline – Instead of needing to move everything to cloud-native, enterprises can continue to run applications in VMs on Kubernetes, while refactoring or creating net new cloud native applications based on their existing resources and transformation timelines.
App & Data Flexibility – Portworx for KubeVirt, with Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine, allows customers to plan their VM migration to Kubernetes infrastructure anywhere that Red Hat OpenShift runs, on-premises, on public cloud, at the edge, or in a hybrid deployment.
Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine is a streamlined solution that focuses exclusively on VM workloads, providing the proven virtualization functionality of Red Hat OpenShift to deploy, manage and scale VMs with greater ease. Portworx by Pure Storage brings enterprise-grade data management capabilities that, when combined with Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine, help further simplify VM workload migration and management on a single, optimized platform.
Executive Insight
“Red Hat is the perfect partner for our mission as more companies are looking to go cloud-native. Many companies are leveraging Portworx with OpenShift to not only migrate and manage their workloads, but also power innovative application development. We are proud of the success from this Red Hat partnership and look forward to what the next year holds.” – Ajay Singh, Chief Product Officer, Pure Storage
“While organizations are increasingly migrating to cloud-native containerized workloads, many still rely heavily on virtualization solutions to support their public and private cloud environments. With Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine, we are able to meet organizations where they are, to modernize at a pace that best suits their business requirements, with a more cost-effective, streamlined solution. We are pleased to collaborate with Portworx to bring their expertise and data management capabilities to Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine as an optimized offering, making it even easier for organizations to deploy and manage virtualized workloads.” – Ashesh Badani, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Red Hat
20, May 2025
“What struck me most about the story is how it speaks to anyone who’s ever dared to dream,” Mihir Ahuja speaks about the universal appeal of Amazon MX Player’s latest youth-centric series, Pyar, Paisa, Profit
Mumbai, India- 20 May 2025: Amazon’s free streaming service, Amazon MX Player, has sparked excitement with its latest fresh and compelling youth-centric series, Pyar, Paisa, Profit. Adapted from Durjoy Dutta’s bestselling novel Now That You’re Rich, Let’s Fall in Love, and helmed by director Prashant Singh, the show follows the story of Abhijeet—played by Mihir Ahuja—a bright, young man from Delhi navigating the cutthroat corporate world of Mumbai. Entangled in ambition, complicated relationships, and ethical dilemmas, Abhijeet’s journey mirrors the trials faced by a generation caught between heart and hustle. With Mihir Ahuja in the lead role, the series also boasts an ensemble cast featuring RJ Mahvash, Pratik Yadav, Shivangi Khedkar, Nitish Sharma, and Naman Upadhyaya in lead roles.

Reflecting on what drew him to the project, Mihir shared, “I remember reading just the logline and immediately thinking, I have to be a part of this. But before diving in, I wanted to understand the director’s vision. When I sat down with Prashant and heard his perspective, everything aligned. What excited me even more was discovering that it’s based on Durjoy Dutta’s novel Now That You’re Rich, Let’s Fall in Love. I hadn’t read it myself, but friends who had vouched for it. They insisted it was a story I couldn’t pass up—and they were right. Once I saw the full picture, it felt like a journey I was meant to take.”
Speaking about the show’s universal appeal, he added, “What struck me most about the story is how it speaks to anyone who’s ever dared to dream. It’s about the fire people bring to big cities– the ambition, grit, and hope. While the second half dives into the world of corporate politics, it’s ultimately about people— Abhijeet, Garima, Saurav, and Shruti, all of whom represent different kinds of dreamers. If I talk about my character, Abhijeet, he comes from a small place in Delhi, someone who wants to make it big in Mumbai, but ends up choosing a path that challenges his morals. That conflict between ambition and morality— that’s what will resonate with audiences the most. These are choices we all face in different ways, which is why the story connects across age groups and genders.”
Pyar, Paisa, Profit is now streaming for free exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available through its apps on mobile, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.
20, May 2025
Axis Bank signs MoU with the Indian Army and Common Service Centre e-Governance for supporting Project NAMAN
May 20, 2025: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited to support Project NAMAN, a dedicated initiative for Army veterans and their families. The MoU was signed in the presence of Lieutenant General Ranjeet Singh, DG DC&W; Brigadier Mandeep Singh, SM, Brig DIAV; Mr. Mohit Jain, Executive Vice President- Bharat Banking, Axis Bank and Mr. Harish Oberoi, Vice President, CSC e-Governance Services India Limited. Under this project, Axis Bank will support establishment of facilitation centres, to provide essential services to Army veterans, war widows and NOK, ensuring easier access to welfare and pension-related assistance.
Launched in 2023, Project NAMAN focuses on implementing SPARSH (System for Pension Administration – Raksha), a digital pension system launched by the Ministry of Defence to streamline pension-related processes for defence personnel. Under this partnership, CSCs will be set up at 25 DIAV locations across 13 states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, J&K, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Rajasthan and others. These facilitation centres will be equipped to handle various queries and concerns, offering comprehensive support for those who have served the nation.

Each CSC centres will be managed by a VLE, selected from army veterans or NOKs, by the Local Military Authorities (LMA). The CSC e-Governance Services India Limited will onboard these VLEs and train them to serve the veterans and their families. The centres will also act as a single-window platform for SPARSH-enabled pension services, Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services, and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) offerings.
Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Munish Sharda, Executive Director, Axis Bank said, “At, Axis Bank, we are deeply honoured to partner with the Indian Army and CSC e-Governance for supporting Project NAMAN. This collaboration underscores our unwavering commitment to nation-building and our heartfelt gratitude to the defence personnel who have served the nation selflessly. We believe that this partnership will help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Army veterans and their families.”
Speaking about the occasion, Brigadier Mandeep Singh, SM, Brig DIAV, said, “This partnership is a significant step towards strengthening the welfare ecosystem for our veterans and their families. With the support of Axis Bank and CSC e-Governance, we are committed to delivering seamless and dignified services to those who have served the nation.”
Mr. Sanjay Rakesh, MD & CEO, CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, said, “At CSC, we are proud to contribute to Project NAMAN, a reflection of our shared vision to empower Army veterans and their families through digital inclusion. By setting up facilitation centres at DIAV locations, we aim to ensure that vital pension and welfare services reach even the remotest parts of the country.”
This collaboration under Project NAMAN stands as a symbol of gratitude and progress, bringing essential financial services closer to those who have served the nation with pride and courage.
20, May 2025
Dulquer Salmaan’s Multilingual Line-up Promises a Stellar Year Ahead

Dulquer Salmaan is all set to light up screens across the country with a power-packed slate of films in three different languages—each offering a fresh glimpse into the ever-evolving world of one of India’s most versatile stars.
First up is Aakasam Lo Oka Tara in Telugu—a film that explores love, longing and destiny through a poetic, romantic lens. Known for his effortless charm and emotional depth, Dulquer returns to Telugu cinema in a role that promises to tug at the heartstrings.
Next, he makes a much-awaited return to Malayalam cinema with Kaantha. This marks his comeback to his home industry after a significant gap, and the anticipation is sky-high. Early buzz suggests Kaantha is shaping up to be a gripping, layered drama that may well be his next big multilingual hit in 4 different languages.
Rounding off the trio is I’m Game, a bilingual Tamil-Hindi project that dives into the world of high-stakes action and thrill. It’s a genre shift that perfectly fits Dulquer’s ability to adapt, surprise, and completely own the screen—no matter the language.
Three industries. Three unique narratives. Dulquer Salmaan is not just acting—he’s transcending borders and storytelling styles, reminding us once again why he’s one of Indian cinema’s most exciting leading men.
20, May 2025
Discovery Channel to Premiere Documentary on Coca-Cola India’s ‘Maidaan Saaf’ Campaign at Kumbh Mela
New Delhi, May 20, 2025 — Coca-Cola India’s landmark ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign, which helped reimagine waste management and recycling at one of the world’s biggest events, the Maha Kumbh 2025, is set to be featured in an upcoming documentary premiering on Discovery Channel on 19th May 2025 at 7PM and discovery+ on 20th May 2025. Filmed on location at the Kumbh Mela grounds in Prayagraj, the documentary captures Coca-Cola India’s on-ground efforts to transform one of the largest events in the world into a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive space by leveraging technology, partnerships, and purpose.
“Maidaan Saaf reflects our commitment to translating intent into impact,” said Devyani RL Rana, Vice President – Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability for Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia. “As we work towards our goals of designing more recyclable packaging, increasing the use of recycled materials, and supporting collection at scale, initiatives like Maidaan Saaf help raise awareness about how this is coming to life in deeply local and culturally resonant ways. The Maha Kumbh offered a unique opportunity to showcase how responsible design, and collective action can create meaningful change, anchored in community, collaboration, and care for the environment.”
“We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change” said, Tanaz Mehta, Head of Advertising Revenues, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery. “The Maidaan Saaf campaign is a compelling testament to what can be achieved when cultural legacy, community participation, and modern sustainability practices come together. This documentary shines a light on the collective will that helped make one of the world’s largest gatherings more environmentally responsible.”
The documentary features Akanksha Rana, IAS Officer on Special Duty at Maha Kumbh 2025, who played a critical role in managing on-ground sanitation efforts. “Every day, nearly 1 to 2 crore people used to visit the Kumbh, generating over 500 to 600 metric tonnes of waste. In such dense crowds, where road access is limited and deploying machinery becomes difficult, maintaining sanitation is a major challenge. It is encouraging to see private companies like Coca-Cola India come forward and support such a massive event. Their contributions toward promoting responsible behavioural change, and the reuse of materials have significantly helped make this Kumbh more sustainable.”
From deploying Reverse Vending Machines and using recycled PET materials in public utilities to engaging local communities in waste segregation and raising awareness on recycling, Maidaan Saaf showcases how public-private partnerships can enable large-scale behavioral change.
Coca-Cola’s extensive engagement at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 was also spotlighted in the company’s recent earnings report, which recognized the event as a significant brand activation milestone. The report detailed the deployment of hundreds of refreshment zones, approximately 1,400 mobile stations, and a world-record-long 100-door cooler wall, culminating in over 180 million servings during the festival. This acknowledgment underscores the company’s commitment to integrating cultural relevance with community engagement on a global scale.
20, May 2025
Assagao Emerges as Goa’s Goldmine for High-End Villa Investments
Once a quiet village nestled in the greenery of North Goa, Assagao is quickly becoming one of India’s most coveted luxury real estate hotspots. Renowned for its ancient Portuguese-style houses, tree-lined roads, and serene ambiance, the village is now drawing significant attention for a new reason: an unprecedented demand for ultra-luxury villas.Industry stakeholders and recent figures attest that Assagao is turning into a game changer in Goa’s fast-appreciating real estate sector. Grade A villa rates in Goa have increased by 33% over the past two years, rising from ₹15,667 per sq. ft. during Q2 2022 to ₹25,504 per sq. ft. during Q2 2024, according to a Savills India report. Assagao and its adjacent area, Siolim, now have rates comparable to prime areas in South Delhi and satellite Mumbai. A lot of national developers are now turning towards this location to launch luxury and super luxury villas.
Developers such as Vianaar Homes, Isprava, Sun Estates, and The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) have spotted the potential in Assagao. All of these developers are bringing a new idea of luxury, from modern Mediterranean architecture to villas that focus on sustainable and wellness-based design. Conscient, a Delhi NCR-based developer, is also reportedly planning to launch a project in Assagao shortly.
The post-pandemic quality-of-life shift has played a major role in this trend. Remote work, online business, and desires for quality of life over urban gridlock have transformed serene but well-networked places like Assagao into desirable locations. Villas here tend to be defined by expansive floor plans, wellness-driven design, private pools, concierge, and seamless indoor-outdoor living features, once the domain of five-star hospitality but now standard in luxury residential.
Rajesh Jain, Director, Conscient Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. Over the years, Assagao has quietly become one of Goa’s most desirable places to own a home. Once known for its lush surroundings, old-world charm, and laid-back lifestyle, it has now transformed into a well-loved neighbourhood that attracts all kinds of people families, investors, and those looking for a peaceful second home. With its green surroundings, old-world charm, and relaxed lifestyle, Assagao offers a rare mix of calm and comfort. It’s no surprise that it has become one of the top spots for luxury villas in India.
According to the “Tier 2 Cities Outshine Metros in Real Estate Appreciation: Magicbricks Report”, Goa — in addition to Kanpur and Lucknow, is leading the Tier-2 real estate boom. But with demand overall in Goa increasing, the hub of exclusivity is Assagao. Local builders report that inventory turnover is high despite the premium pricing, with most of the villas already sold out even before the projects are completed.
The attraction of Assagao is that it offers the best of both worlds — a peaceful, culturally rich village environment that is minutes from Goa’s best restaurants, boutiques, and beaches,” said Jahan Tahiliani of Tahiliani Homes, one of the developers involved in the area. Yet another reason for the boom in the real estate market is the high rental yield. As the Savills report points out, coastal Goa’s gated villas are returning 5% to 8% per annum, which is a tempting offer to investors. The yields are not only based on tourist visitation but also on long-term residents from cities seeking seasonal or permanent retreats.
While Assagao’s rapid growth is driving property values to record levels, stakeholders claim that the village’s identity remains intact, thanks to strict design controls and a growing number of like-minded residents. A real estate expert said, ‘People are not just buying villas here; they are buying a lifestyle—one that values privacy, community, and heritage, all in one of India’s most scenic settings.”
With rising prices, low stock levels, and ongoing buyer demand, Assagao is well placed to continue being the gold standard in Goa’s luxury villa market in the coming years.
20, May 2025
NCPEDP, Mphasis F1 Foundation and IIIT-Bangalore Host High-Impact Multistakeholder Consultation on Assistive Technology and Ecosystem Building
Bangalore, May 20, 2025 The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), in partnership with Mphasis F1 Foundation, convened a landmark two-day multi-stakeholder consultation titled “Re-Imagining Pathways for Assistive Technology” on 23rd – 24th April at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B). This event, in collaboration with IIIT-B’s Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS), united policymakers, corporates, startups, academia, civil society, and persons with disabilities to forge innovative, inclusive AT solutions for India.
Designed to accelerate inclusive innovation, the event showcased thought leadership and action in the AT sector. A key highlight was NCPEDP’s presentation of a comprehensive policy paper on India’s AT landscape, along with panel discussions, a roundtable, and startup pitches focused on scalable, inclusive solutions.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Pradeep Gupta, Chairperson of NCPEDP, emphasized “India’s Assistive Technology ecosystem holds immense potential to transform lives and livelihoods—but realizing this potential requires a vibrant startup ecosystem supported by enabling policies, academic collaboration, and active participation from incubators. At NCPEDP, we believe the time is ripe for the emergence of dedicated AT hubs across the country. Through collaborative efforts, we can unlock this market and ensure AT becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth.”
Panel discussions explored key challenges in the assistive technology value chain, including import dependency, high production costs, and limited access. Experts emphasized the need for local AT manufacturing, policy support, subsidies, CSR initiatives, and integration into healthcare. They also highlighted how AT can promote inclusive education, workforce inclusion, skilling, and independent living for persons with disabilities.
Mr. Arman Ali, Executive Director, NCPEDP, in his welcome address remarked, “At NCPEDP, we envision a future where inclusive design is not an afterthought but a foundational principle of technological innovation. This consultation is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration—bringing together technologists, researchers, and persons with disabilities to co-create solutions that are accessible by default.”
“At Mphasis, we believe technology should drive inclusion, not barriers. Through our partnership in this consultation, we are proud to support the exploration of practical and impactful assistive technologies. As a global leader, Mphasis is committed to fostering inclusive innovation that empowers people with disabilities and creates a more accessible future.”
—said Ms. Deepa Nagaraj, Global Head of Communications, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem, ESG, and CSR, Mphasis in her keynote address.
A multistakeholder roundtable explored innovative financing models—ranging from government subsidies and insurance coverage to ESG-aligned venture capital investments. A three-tiered framework was proposed, linking the innovation ecosystem, lived experience of persons with disabilities, and the market ecosystem to create meaningful policy impact. Speakers highlighted the widespread lack of awareness and called for urgent investment in information access, data systems, and inclusive infrastructure.
Reflecting on the vision behind the initiative, Prof. Amit Prakash, Professor and Convener of CAGS at IIIT-Bangalore, stated, “At CAGS–IIIT Bangalore, we are committed to fostering an ecosystem where policy, technology, and lived experiences intersect to create solutions that are not only accessible but also equitable. This consultation reflects our belief that true impact lies in co-creation—with persons with disabilities as central contributors in shaping the future of AT.”
The final day of the consultation spotlighted innovative startup pitches presenting cutting-edge assistive technology (AT) solutions. A distinguished jury from NCPEDP, ICMR, IvyCap Ventures, Mphasis, IIIT-Bangalore, and STPI evaluated the pitches, awarding the NCPEDP-Mphasis AT Hub Seed Grant to seven promising startups, providing them with crucial seed funding to scale their impactful solutions. The pitch day showcased cutting-edge assistive technology solutions, evaluated by an esteemed jury: Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of Cyber Media Group and Chairman, NCPEDP; Anju Gupta, President of IvyCamp; Sumit Chauhan- Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Mphasis; Darshitha Niranjan, Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Mphasis; Prof. Amit Prakash, Convener of CAGS at IIIT-Bangalore; Dr. Nishant Peddagopu, COO of Software Technology Park of India, Bangalore; and Dr. Ravinder Singh, Senior Scientist at ICMR.
The following innovators won grants from the investors:
Subtlebotic Private Limited: Wearable neuro-motor robotic system enhancing mobility for individuals with physical disabilities.
- Aumeesh Tech Pvt Ltd: Cost-effective, lightweight mechanical orthotic device aiding those with spinal injuries and gait issues.
- Exobot Dynamics Pvt Ltd: Lightweight, affordable bionic hand designed for arm amputees.
- Curacraft Designs Pvt. Ltd.: High-activity prosthetic foot tailored for Indian transtibial amputees.
- Lifespark Technologies Private Limited: Wearable mobility aid reducing gait issues and falls for Parkinson’s patients.
- Akumen Artificial Intelligence Pvt Ltd: Affordable AI-powered solutions for the visually impaired.
- Grailmaker Innovations Private Limited: Web-based platform enabling home-based therapy for cerebral visual impairment.
NCPEDP and Mphasis F1Foundation are redefining India’s Assistive Technology (AT) frontier with the launch of a groundbreaking AT Hub, a visionary initiative to forge an inclusive future. This strategic endeavor confronts persistent challenges like insufficient awareness, siloed efforts, and constrained funding by uniting key players, including the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Mircosoft, STPI, AssisTech Foundation and others as a vital force in assistive device production and distribution. The consultation also drew prominent attendees, including Aditya Srivastava and Gautam Narayan from Kalaari Capital, Barath Thangaraj from MakeMyTrip & Goibibo, Tom Sebastian from Seedstars, and Rajnish Kapur from IAN Fund, reinforcing the consultation’s impact.