Author: Rabindra

Manasija’s SAMASRAVA Revives the Glory of Indian Classical Dance with a Stunning Fusion of Three Traditions

On December 12th, 2024, the Stein Auditorium at India Habitat Centre came alive with the ethereal beauty of Indian classical dance forms performed by renowned artists from across India – Odissi by Arunima Ghosh & troupe and YSNA Awardee Vinod Kevin Bachan, Bharatnatyam by Arohi Munshi and Kathak by Diksha Rawat.

Presented by Manasija, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting timeless art forms, “SAMASRAVA: An Ode to Classical Heritage” was also an opportunity to felicitate Shri Avinash Pasricha, a legendary performing arts photographer, and Vidushi Kamalini Nagarajan Dutt, a distinguished scholar and cultural advocate, with the prestigious Manasija Samman 2024, recognizing the two legends for their extraordinary contributions to the realm of culture and arts.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, this captivating evening was hosted by Sadhna Shrivastav.

“SAMASRAVA” was more than just a performance; it was a cultural odyssey that took the audience on a journey through time. Each dance form, with its unique style, rhythm, and expression, told a story of love, devotion, and the human experience. The festival aimed to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, showcasing the timeless relevance of classical dance in today’s world.

Arunima Ghosh’s Odissi performance, inspired by Adi Shankaracharya’s Jagannath Ashtakam, evoked the spirit of Lord Jagannath through a tapestry of devotional scenes, from serene morning prayers to the vibrant energy of Rathayatra. This performance was a tribute to both her personal heritage and the timeless devotion to the Lord.

Her second performance, Yahi Madhava, was a poignant composition by the 12th-century saint-poet Jayadeva from the Gita Govinda. Arunima portrayed the emotional turmoil of Radha, expressing her anguish and frustration as she confronted Krishna’s infidelity. This emotionally charged abhinaya piece, choreographed by Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, beautifully portrayed Radha’s love, sorrow, and vulnerability through subtle facial expressions and graceful gestures.

In her third performance, NrittaLeela, an evocative Odissi choreography, celebrated the dance form’s sculptural beauty and lyrical flow. Set to the mesmerizing melodies of Rageshri raga, it unfolded from serene stillness to dynamic expressions of joy, paying homage to Odissi’s timeless elegance and spiritual depth.

Vinod Kevin Bachan performed a solo dance drama titled “Devi Mahamaya: The Rise of the Divine Shakti.” This piece explored the divine energy that gave birth to Durga. Born from the collective wrath and strength of the gods to defeat the demon Mahishasura, Durga embodied the essence of their divine attributes. Her ten arms, each wielding a celestial weapon, symbolized her multifaceted power. Riding a lion, she represented the ultimate feminine power, an unstoppable force against evil.

This piece, specially choreographed by Guru Ranjana Gauhar for Kevin, was taken from a larger dance drama. The concept and choreography were by Guru Ranjana Gauhar, while the music composition was by Acharya Bamkin Sethi.

Arohi Munshi presented two traditional compositions choreographed by her mother, Guru Dr. Lata Munshi. The first composition, “Shringara Lahiri” by Lingaraj Urs, was set in the Raagam Neelambari to Adi taalam. It described the goddess as the embodiment of art and music, holding a veena and representing beauty and rhythm. The second composition, “Krishna ni begane baro” by Vyasatirtha, was set in the Raagam Yamuna Kalyani to Mishra Chaapu taalam. It portrayed Mother Yashoda calling out to Krishna, describing his divine beauty and playful nature.

The performances were accompanied by renowned musicians: Vidushi Sudha Raghuraman on vocals and nattuvaangam, Vidwan M. V. Chandrashekhar on mridangam, and Vidwan G. Raghuraman on flute.

Diksha Rawat began with Taal Ashtamangal, a crucial 11-beat Kathak cycle. Choreographed by Guru Uma Dograji, this piece featured uthaan, thaat, and aamad in Vilambit laya, set to Raag Bhinna Shadaj.

Her second presentation was an abhinaya piece, a traditional Banaras Gharana thumri titled “Dagar beech kaise chalu mangdado kanhaiyyabe beer.” Radha pleaded with Krishna to let her go, expressing mixed emotions when he didn’t. Guru Uma Dograji had integrated lines from Dharamveer Bharati’s “Kannupriya” to deepen the emotional impact. The thumri was set in Raag Mishra Khamaj, Dadra Taal, and was sung by Shailendra Bharati ji.

“Odissi is not merely a dance form; it’s a profound journey through India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Each movement, each expression, is a testament to the rich panorama of our traditions,” shared Arunima Ghosh, the renowned Odissi exponent and founder of Manasija. “Through ‘SAMASRAVA,’ we aimed to ignite a passion for classical dance in the hearts of our audience.”

Joining Arunima Ghosh and her troupe was the talented Vinod Kevin Bachan, who mesmerized the audience with his Odissi virtuosity. “Odissi is my life, my breath, my soul. It’s a divine language that transcends words, connecting the dancer to the cosmic rhythm,” he said.

The evening also witnessed the graceful performances of Arohi Munshi, a renowned Bharatnatyam dancer from Bhopal. “Bharatnatyam is a celebration of femininity, a journey of self-discovery, and a communion with the divine. It’s a dance that speaks to the soul,” she shared.

The Kathak maestro, Diksha Rawat from Mumbai, concluded the evening with a scintillating performance. “Kathak is a symphony of rhythm, a kaleidoscope of stories, and a celebration of life. It’s a dance that empowers, inspires, and uplifts,” she said.

To make this event even more memorable, Sandeep Dutta (SNA awardee) was appointed as the Technical Director. Pawan Gusain handled the video recording of the event, while Krishna Chakraborty took care of the photography. This team of talented artists collectively made the event an unforgettable experience.

Through “SAMASRAVA,” Manasija sought to not only entertain but also educate and inspire. By showcasing the diverse beauty of Indian classical dance, the organization hoped to foster a deeper appreciation for these timeless art forms and ensure their legacy for future generations.

Revolutionizing Beauty & Wellness: Worthy Cart Launches AI-Driven Platform with Quality-Checked Products

New Delhi, 12th December 2024: Worthy Cart, an Expert-Driven, AI-powered e-commerce platform offering a comprehensive range of expert-validated, quality-checked beauty and wellness products, launched its operations today with 214+ onboarded brands and 800+ products. Driven by a consumer-first philosophy, all the products undergo an unbiased, rigorous validation process carried out by a dedicated team of Doctors, Experts and a quality control team.

The platform is targeting a Pre-Series A round of USD 10 million in the coming months, for which it is currently in discussions with VC funds and strategic investors. Leveraging the rapid growth of the beauty and wellness sectors, it aims to scale its business through B2B and B2C channels as well with a 1st year revenue target of INR 20 crores. Worthy Cart is also planning to expand its presence into the physical retail space by the end of the year with carefully designed 400-1000 sq.ft stores which will also serve as customer experience centres. The company targets 100 such stores in three years, especially in Tier 2 cities.

Products that achieve the highest safety and effectiveness get certified exclusively under ‘Worthy for You’ – a mark trusted for quality, efficacy and reliability. The 4-step product validation system includes (1) Decoding ingredients, (2) Physical examination, (3) Verifying legal compliance and (4) Quality check. Worthy Cart ensures that only the best and safest beauty and wellness products make it to your cart, with just 7% of over 12,000 products getting listed for sale with strict safety standards and quality checks.

“In today’s rapidly exploding beauty and wellness landscape, the challenge isn’t product availability anymore —it’s identifying products that truly have efficacious ingredients and meet quality standards. At Worthy Cart, we strive to deliver a hyper-personalized shopping experience that places Quality ahead of Quantity. More than just a marketplace, Worthy Cart represents a movement towards informed, conscious self-care investments. This is the Foundational Pledge on which Worthy Cart was founded,” said Sonya Sahni, Co-Founder, Worthy Cart.

The launch was attended by eminent personalities like Revant Himatsingka (Food Pharmer), Dr. Ishi Khosla (Nutritionist), Rajiv Makhni (Tech Guru), Sanjeev Kakkar (Ex Regional Head, HUL) and Malika Sadani (Founder, The Moms Co.), who honoured the platform’s launch with their presence along with Key Opinion Leaders including Manisha Khungar (Triathlete swim coach) and Nriti Shah (Beauty and Fashion Trendsetter) and Ranjan Relan (Founder Agent Analytics.AI). The launch was also attended by 30 + brands whose products have made the selection and they were also felicitated by advisors and industry leaders as Worthy Makers.

“This certification is not just a label, but a pledge and promise that the product has been thoroughly assessed and is the best product of today”, said Varun Suri, Co-Founder, Worthy Cart. “In addition to quality assurance, our investment prospects are particularly strong because of our unique positioning in the market with Expert Intelligence and WorthyAI coming together. We call upon all brands and customers to participate in this journey and make Worthy Cart even better with their inputs,” he added.

WorthyAI, a revolutionary conversational shopping assistant

Another standout feature of the platform is its AI-driven shopping comparison tools, which present the user with recommendations based on individual requirements. Worthy Cart has launched WorthyAI, a revolutionary conversational shopping assistant in its beta phase that combines cutting-edge AI technology with expert-curated selections. Consumers get personalised and need specific health and beauty products for their overall self-care. WorthyAI leverages #VectorLake multi-agent technology, ensuring seamless product recommendations and precise customer engagement.

At Worthy Cart, consumers can shop by concern for curated products. Worthy Cart also believes in making people try the best of the handpicked products, so each customer gets a Worthy Sample. For members, there are special offers on hand-picked, value-added services for lab tests, pregnancy and baby care, weight management, in-house loyalty points and many other membership benefits.

Besides redefining consumer trust, Worthy Cart is championing a shift in industry practices by promoting transparency and accountability among brands. As India continues to be on the move toward healthier, safer beauty and wellness options, government tightening norms in health, beauty, labelling and branding, Worthy Cart is positioned to take the lead with its high standards and advanced technology. With Worthy Cart, it’s time for India to do better for their body and family and #ChooseWise. #ChooseWise is a movement initiated by Worthy Cart with key industry leaders for raising awareness on weak or bad quality products in self-care.

Tata Soulfull Honored with Golden Spoon Award for Excellence in Brand and Retailer Partnership

National, India, December 11, 2024 – Tata Soulfull, a pioneer in the millet based wholesome Snacks and Breakfast Cereals segment, is pleased to announce its win at the prestigious Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards 2024. The brand was presented the title of Best Brand and Retailer Partnership for Launch for its collaboration with Reliance Smart Point. This recognition highlights the success of a synergistic partnership that has set new benchmarks in the Indian food and grocery retail industry.

The Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards, held annually as part of the India Food & Grocery Forum recognize industry leaders for their efforts to improve consumer experiences and highlight excellence in food retail. The collaboration between Tata Soulfull and Reliance Smart Point amalgamates innovation, accessibility, and customer engagement to encourage mindful/wholesome eating through their millet-based food products.

The partnership leveraged the strengths of both brands where Tata Soulfull brought its vast portfolio of millet-based offerings, while Reliance Smart Point provided its extensive distribution network and deep consumer insights. The collaboration saw the creation of innovative food festivals like the Maha Millet Mela, which highlighted the nutritional benefits of millets, engaging customers through promotions and in-store experiences. Through this partnership, Tata Soulfull also introduced new category disruptions, including products like Masala Oats+ Dal Shakti, Masala Muesli and Corn Flakes+ with Millet Shakti, catering to the evolving preferences of consumers. The focus on affordability and trial generation was key, with over 2 lakh trials facilitated, making wholesome breakfast options accessible to a wider spectrum of audience.

Mr Prashant Parameswaran, President – Tata Soulfull, expressed his delight about winning the prestigious award, stating, “We are honoured to win the coveted Golden Spoon Award for our collaboration with Reliance Smart Point. This recognition reinforces our commitment to making millets a household staple through our ‘Desh ke Millets’ proposition. By combining Tata Soulfull’s expertise in millet-based offerings with Reliance’s strong retail network, we are making these super-grains an integral part of modern diets and reaching many more households.”

ASSOCHAM Collaborates with Sharjah Government for Interactive Session on Boosting Global Business Through the UAE

New Delhi, 11 December 2024: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) is set to host an exclusive interactive session with a high-level delegation of senior officials from the Government of Sharjah, UAE on 13 December 2024 at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi.

Under the theme “Expanding Global Business through the UAE,” this initiative will provide industrialists and business leaders from Delhi NCR with valuable insights into the vast business and investment opportunities in the UAE and the broader Middle East region.

The session will highlight the unique benefits and incentives offered by the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), renowned as one of the world’s fastest-growing free zones. Participants will learn about SAIF Zone’s strategic importance as a gateway to markets in the GCC, Africa, and the U.S., positioning it as a prime hub for expanding global trade networks. Key discussions will also delve into industry trends, challenges, and emerging opportunities within the GCC region.

ASSOCHAM extends an open invitation to representatives from all industry sectors to participate in this impactful business forum. While participation is free, prior registration is mandatory.

MoU Signed Between Genius Foundation and Ascensive Edu Skills to Boost Banjara Artisan Empowerment in Kashmir and Maharashtra

National, 11th December 2024: – Genius Foundation, the CSR wing of Genius Consultants Limited, has successfully signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ascensive Edu Skills Foundation to launch a groundbreaking CSR initiative titled Entrepreneurship Development & National and International Market Linkage Programme – Hand Embroidery & Art of Kashmir & Banjara Embroidery of Maharashtra Artisans. The program aims to empower artisans specializing in the hand embroidery and art forms of Kashmir and Banjara embroidery of Maharashtra by fostering grassroots entrepreneurship and developing national and international market linkages.

The project places a special emphasis on training the artisans with modern product marketing techniques and modern packaging techniques, facilitating them to directly sell their products through e-commerce platforms on the local and global market. The program will tackle critical issues faced by artisans, including the lack of proper up-skilling ecosystems and over-dependence on middlemen, which significantly reduce their profit margins. Artisans often struggle with limited knowledge of market-driven products and designs, inadequate infrastructure development, and the absence of direct market linkages through e-commerce platforms. Additionally, insufficient exposure to international markets further restricts their ability to compete globally and achieve sustainable growth.

Genius Foundation will fund the program as per the MoU’s provisions, while Ascensive Edu Skills Foundation will implement the initiative, ensuring comprehensive support for artisan development.

The MoU was signed at the prestigious Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in the presence of several eminent dignitaries. Key attendees included Mr. R P Yadav, Chairman & Managing Director of Genius Consultants Limited; Mr. Abhijit Chatterjee, Chairman of Ascensive Group of Companies; Shri. Bikram Das, SEO, NSDC, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India; and Shri. Sudharshan Das, Assistant Director (H), Office of DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textile, Government of India. The event also saw participation from other distinguished personalities from the industry, industry associations, and representatives from print and television media.

Several embroidery artisans from Kashmir joined virtually to share their experiences and voiced the urgent need for such initiatives. They expressed their excitement and gratitude, recognizing the transformative potential of this program.

Mr. R P Yadav, Chairman & Managing Director of Genius Consultants Limited, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Artisans are the custodians of our rich heritage, but they face significant challenges that hinder their growth and recognition. Through this program, we aim to empower them with the skills, resources, and market access they need to thrive. This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving traditional art forms while enabling artisans to compete in global markets.”

The distinguished guests and delegates emphasized the need for innovative programs like this to support artisans and promote local heritage globally. This collaboration between Genius Foundation and Ascensive Edu Skills Foundation aims to build an ecosystem where artisans can evolve into entrepreneurs, collectively manage their businesses, and sustain their craft for future generations.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in preserving India’s cultural heritage while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for artisans across regions.

CREDAI Hyderabad turns 25

Hyderabad: 11th December, 2024 – CREDAI Hyderabad, a cornerstone of the city’s real estate evolution, celebrates its silver jubilee, commemorating 25 years of reshaping the sector into an ethical, professional, and innovation-driven industry. Since its inception in 1997, from Builders Forum with 28 members to CREDAI Hyderabad with 330+ members, it has been at the forefront of driving positive change in the city’s urban development, fostering trust, and elevating construction practices.

On this milestone occasion, the organization honored its founder members for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment, which have turned Hyderabad into a hub for real estate investment. Their efforts have transformed the city into a national leader in residential, commercial, and retail real estate.

CREDAI Hyderabad has consistently collaborated with the government to establish forward-thinking policies, including frameworks like GO-86. It has also introduced innovative measures such as adopting advanced technologies to streamline approval processes, enhancing the ease of doing business, and ensuring transparency across the sector.

According to Mr. V Rajashekar Reddy, President of CREDAI, Hyderabad, said, “As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of CREDAI Hyderabad, it is appropriate that we recognise the inspiring and steadfast contribution of our founding members and past leaders, who motivated the developers to adopt fair and transparent dealings with the customers and bring repute to the real estate sector. Their proactive work in encouraging developers to adopt new technologies and increase efficiencies in construction activities has enabled developers to sustain and scale up with the growth in the city. CREDAI Hyderabad also worked with the governments of the state to develop a forward-looking policy framework that protects the interests of both the customers and developers, advocating the adoption of technology to streamline the approval processes and many other initiatives that acted as an enabler for the growth of the city.”

On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary, CREDAI Hyderabad honoured the founder members. They have played a pivotal role in steering the city’s real estate sector from being a laggard to becoming the most preferred destination for investments in residential, retail, and commercial real estate in the country.

Mr. N. Jaideep Reddy, President Elect of CREDAI Hyderabad, stated, “The 25-year celebration is not just recognition of CREDAI Hyderabad’s achievements but a testament to its members’ commitment to excellence and innovation. We understand and appreciate the fact that purchasing a home is possibly the biggest investment of a person; therefore, we enforce a strict code of ethics for our member developers to ensure the rights and investments of the home buyers are safe. We conducted several campaigns to caution the home buyers against the purchase of UDS or pre-approved projects available for sale and advise them to only purchase RERA-approved projects. This will safeguard the interests of home buyers and keep their investments safe.”

Adding to this, Mr. B. Jagannath Rao, General Secretary of CREDAI Hyderabad, stated, “In the last 25 years not only have we worked to ensure a more trustworthy and transparent real estate sector, but, we have also taken initiatives to educate customers on the important checks required while purchasing the property. In addition to that CREDAI Hyderabad has also been a positive contributor to the community and environment of the city. We helped to revive the Lotus Pond and implemented rainwater harvesting systems across residential and commercial buildings to conserve water. This was the first ever public private partnership that happened. We actively contributed to Mission Kakatiya by adopting and maintaining some of the lakes in the city. Under the Harithaharam, CREDAI Hyderabad contributed to improve the green cover in the city and planted and maintained 1 lakh saplings at the University of Hyderabad campus. We regularly conduct training programs for our member developers to get access to skilled manpower. Not only this we also keep a thorough check on the registration of labour and providing aid to them on our sites, medical camps and creche facilities to their kids. CREDAI Hyderabad in association with Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, facilitated the construction of a Fire Station in Nanakramguda. We believe in sustainability and preserving the mother earth, hence, I am proud to announce that CREDAI Hyderabad is awarded the IGBC Platinum Rating under Green Interior ratings. We have also come forward to support the community during the subsequent floods in the state and time again contributed to the CM relief fund. As CREDAI Hyderabad steps into its next phase, the focus remains steadfast: building trust, delivering value, and continuing its legacy of transforming the real estate sector into a driving force for India’s growth story.”

IFF Fashion Expo 2025 Kickstarts with Grand Campaign Launch at Kochi’s Marine Drive

Kochi, December 11th 2024: Marking the commencement of the IFF Fashion Expo 2025, one of Kerala’s largest and most anticipated fashion events, a special campaign was flagged off at Cochin Marine Drive. As part of the campaign, specially branded cars will travel across all districts of Kerala, led by a team of 55 members.

Key industry figures including Sameer (Wedland Weddings), Khidash Ashraf (Grand Tejas), Nawab Jaan (Prince Pattupavada), Johnson Paravoor (Number 1 Wedding), Saakkir (Fiza), Sajeer (Kasavu Kendra Wedding), Ashraf (Charutha Silks) ,Anil (Suvarnaragam Weddings),Noushad (Dress World) and Chintan K Bhatia, GH Agencies

The IFF Fashion Expo 2025 will be inaugurated by the Honorable Minister Shri Muhammad Riyas on January 7th at 11:00 AM. Members of the IFF organizing committee, including Sadik (Chairman), Sameer Mooppan (Convener), Shanavas (Joint Convener), Shanir (Vice Chairman), and Shafeek (Program Director), were also present at the flag-off ceremony, marking a significant step toward the success of the Fashion Expo.

The third edition of the Fashion Expo, under the Indian Fashion Fair banner, is scheduled to take place on January 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2025, at the Adlux Convention Centre, Angamaly. The IFF Fashion Expo 2025 will feature over 180 stalls showcasing more than 130+ brands, including international names.

OnePlusBrewmance: Third Wave Coffee Joins OnePlus Anniversary Festivities with Special Campaign

Mumbai, December 11, 2024: Two beloved brands synonymous with quality and innovation, Third Wave Coffee and OnePlus India are coming together to mark OnePlus’ 11th brand anniversary with a celebration of creativity, community and craftsmanship. This unique collaboration, aptly named #OnePlusBrewmance, is designed to bring together the passionate communities of both brands through a series of exciting initiatives. Starting 7th December, the campaign promises to leave a lasting impression – because that’s what you get when great coffee meets smart tech!

Telling us more about this partnership, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “At Third Wave Coffee, we believe in creating meaningful connections through shared experiences. The #OnePlusBrewmance collaboration is about more than just celebrating milestones – it’s about an opportunity to explore the intersection of coffee and technology in fresh, exciting ways. This campaign brings together two communities, united by a passion for quality and innovation. We wish OnePlus India continued success and are thrilled for our customers to engage with both brands in a truly unique and inspiring way.”

Both Third Wave Coffee and OnePlus India have long been committed to enhancing their communities’ experiences, offering opportunities to engage in creative and meaningful ways. This partnership is a testament to their shared values of innovation, quality, and bringing joy to their loyal followers.

“Innovative tech and a steaming cup of coffee are two things that fuel a great start to most of our days. And that is why we’re thrilled to celebrate 11 years of OnePlus’ ‘Never Settle’ journey in collaboration with Third Wave Coffee”, says Ishita Grover, Director of Marketing, OnePlus India. She further adds, “This partnership embodies the shared values of quality, innovation, and a strong sense of community that both our brands are built upon. Through #OnePlusBrewmance, we’re bringing together our passionate communities to create memorable experiences that unite them over groundbreaking technology and exceptional coffee. We’re confident that this collaboration will leave a lasting impression and redefine how the OnePlus Community connects with their favorite Third Wave brew.”

As part of this celebration, OnePlus India and Third Wave Coffee’s communities can partake in experiences like #TakeAShot through a social media contest inviting the OnePlus Òcommunity to capture & share moments of them enjoying their favorites at Third Wave Coffee. For photography enthusiasts, there is an exclusive Phone Photography workshop, designed to let participants capture their moments better with high-performance OnePlus smartphone devices. There are a lot more exclusive offerings designed especially for the brands’ communities. From limited-edition co-branded merchandise that reflects unique aesthetics of both brands, to offers and more – there’s something for everyone. Stay tuned for updates on both OnePlus and Third Wave Coffee’s social media pages, as more surprises will be revealed throughout the month.

NielsenIQ Highlights 2024 Innovation Winners and the Top Trends Driving India’s Market Growth

Mumbai, India – December 11, 2024: NielsenIQ (NIQ), the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, is proud to unveil its latest insights, showcasing how innovation remains the cornerstone of business growth. During an exclusive event in India, NIQ BASES celebrated the winners of the 2024 Breakthrough Innovation Awards, honoring brands that have disrupted the market and captivated consumers with exceptional new product launches.

These award-winning products launched between 2022 and 2023 and have successfully navigated an ever-evolving consumer landscape.

Driving Growth Through Innovation

According to NIQ BASES, top innovators in India achieve four times higher velocity and double the distribution in their launch year compared to category averages for new launches. This demonstrates how strategic innovation can propel brands ahead of the competition.

“In today’s fast-evolving marketplace, where consumer expectations are constantly shifting and market conditions remain unpredictable, innovation continues to be the driving force behind sustainable growth,” said Vijay Udasi, Strategic Analytics & Insights Leader – India, NIQ. “Innovation is not just a moment; it is a long-term strategy. Launching successful innovations in the market is a highly effective way to keep your brand competitive and relevant by fostering consumer-driven growth and securing retailer support, even during challenging economic conditions.

Emerging Innovation Trends

The 2024 Breakthrough Innovation analysis highlights significant opportunities for brands in Indian markets across FMCG and Tech & Durables to drive growth in the future, including:

• Health & Wellness: Low-calorie, low-fat, and gut-health-focused products dominate, with 1 in 5 snacks linked to health. Millets and mindful snacking are on the rise, alongside health-oriented consumer tech.
•  Cultural Influence: Korean-inspired personal care and food innovations gain traction, emphasizing unique flavors and textures.
• Local & Sustainable: Demand grows for sustainably sourced FMCG, and energy-efficient consumer tech tailored to local needs.
• Performance & Convenience: Urbanization drives demand for innovative, high-quality products that simplify life.
  Celebrating Breakthrough Innovators

This year’s winners of the Breakthrough Innovation Awards exemplify excellence in execution, with products that not only broke through the marketplace clutter but also addressed evolving consumer needs. Winning products in India saw on average a remarkable 90% increase in sales during their second year compared to their first—a testament to the power of purposeful innovation.

Vidya Sen, Executive Director, Customer Success – BASES, NielsenIQ​said, “India’s innovation landscape reveals a clear path to growth. In 2022, the launch period for this analysis, Foods dominated successful product launches, with Biscuits, Salty Snacks, and Confectionery leading the charge, while Skin Creams and Toilet Soaps stood out in non-Foods.

NIQ Consumer Survey reveals that 34% of urban consumers prioritize new product availability and 40%—especially Gen-Z and women—actively seek innovation claiming to shop for new products before the others did. The appetite for novelty is undeniable. For brands, this presents a strategic opportunity to capture consumer interest and drive sustained growth through meaningful and timely innovations.”

Since 2012, more than 900 FMCG brands globally have been recognized with this prestigious honor, including ~140 innovations in India across categories like Food & Beverages (48%) and Personal & Home Care (52%). This year, NIQ also recognized Tech & Durables brands in India for their groundbreaking achievements in product development and market success.

FMCG Breakthrough Innovation Award Winners in 2024 are:

• ​CIPLA: Prolyte ORS (Mixed Fruit + Nimbu Paani Flavors)
• The Coca-Cola Company: Predator Energy Drink Gold Strike
• The Coca-Cola Company: Charged by Thums up – Berry Bolt
• Colgate-Palmolive: Colgate Visible White O2 Toothbrush
• Dabur​: Odonil Gel Pocket (Citrus Bloom, Floral Valley & Wild Forest)​
• Himalaya Wellness: Himalaya Baby Massage Oil – Mustard​
• Hindustan Unilever Limited: Sunsilk Hairfall Shampoo with Onion & Jojoba Oil​
• Hindustan Unilever Limited: Knorr Cream of Broccoli Soup​
• ITC: Savlon Powder-to-Gel Handwash​
• L’Oréal: L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron 72 H Moisture Filling Range​
• Perfetti Van Melle: Center Fruit Pineapple Tennis Ball Shape Chewing Gum
• Reckitt Benckiser: Dettol Original Pine Powder to Liquid Hand Wash​
• Reckitt Benckiser: Dettol Lather Shaving Cream – Fresh – Citrus Pine
• RSH Global Pvt Ltd: Joy Fresh Mornings Shower Gel​
• RSPL Limited: Pro-ease Lovingle Luxury Diaper Pants​
• Tata Consumer Products Limited: Tata Coffee Grand (Classic & Premium)​
• Tata Consumer Products Limited: Tata Salt Immuno​
• Tata Consumer Products Limited: Tata Gluco Plus Jelly Energy Drink​

 Tech & Durables Breakthrough Innovation Award Winners in 2024 are:

• POCO M6 Series 5G Smartphones
• Samsung S24 Ultra Smartphone
• Mediatek Dimensity Series
• Haier Side-by-Side (3 Door+) Refrigerators
• LG Washer Dryer

 The Wavemakers category recognizes promising new product launches that have demonstrated strong market velocities and potential for future success.

FMCG Breakthrough Innovation Wavemakers in 2024 are:

• PepsiCo India: Sting Blue Current​
• ITC Sunfeast YiPee Wow Masala​
• Nestle India: Maggi Korean Range​
• Mondelez India: CDM Silk Ganache​
• Ferrero India: Kinder Schoko Bons Crispy​
• Nestle India: Kit Kat – Rich Chocolate​
• Nestle India: Nestle A+ Tangy Tomato Masala + Veggie Masala Millets​
• PepsiCo India: Kur Kure Sizzling Hot​
• ITC: Bingo Hot & Spicy (Korean 2X)​
• TTK Healthcare: Eva Splash Deo Roll On​
• Hindustan Unilever Limited: Indulekha Svetakutaja Oil for Dandruff Treatment​

 Tech & Durables Breakthrough Innovation Wavemakers in 2024 are:

• Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G​
• acer​Aspire Vero​
• vivo X Fold3 Pro​
• Dyson Airstrait​
• LG: 617L, French Door, MoodUP​
• HP: Envy Move All in One Portable Desktop​

 Each winner showcases how a Good Idea, a Good Product, and Effective Activation—the three guiding principles of NIQ BASES—can deliver exceptional marketplace success.

NIQ BASES empowers brands with cutting-edge insights to fuel product development, brand renovation, and go-to-market activation. With over 100 patents and a database of 500,000 evaluated innovations coupled with significant R&D investment in AI, Neuro, and Agile platforms, NIQ offers unparalleled expertise in market dynamics and actionable strategies for success.