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Asha Geetanjali 2025: BITS Pilani Hyderabad to Host Landmark Book Launch, Village Adoption

Hyderabad, 22 September 2025: BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus is proud to host Asha Geetanjali 2025 on 21st September 2025,  in its auditorium  a transformative event that celebrates grassroots action, social impact and community empowerment. The occasion will mark the launch of the book “Amma Vodi Na Telangana”, the adoption of Patha Routa Sankepalli village, and the unveiling of a dedicated website to scale these initiatives.

The event will be graced by an eminent lineup of dignitaries including The Hon’ble Governor of Telangana Sri Jishnu Dev Varma will serve as Chief Guest, joined by the former Governor of Haryana Sri Bandaru Dattatreya. Union Minister Sri Kishan Reddy, Telangana Ministers Sri Jupally Krishna Rao and Smt. Seethakka, along with local representatives such as Sri Etela Rajender (MP) and Sri K. Venkataramana Reddy (MLA), Smt Kova Laxmi (MLA), Sri Palvai Harish Babu (MLA), and other MLAs and MPs, will also be present. With an expected audience of 1,700–2,000 participants, Asha Geetanjali 2025 will be one of the most significant gatherings of community stakeholders in recent times.

This initiative is being spearheaded by the Director Prof Soumyo Mukherji and the Dean Prof Yogeeswari Perumal, of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, who have mobilized institutional, faculty, and student resources to ensure the event is not just ceremonial but rooted deeply in sustained action. Significant involvement from students is central: beyond helping organise logistics, hosting sessions, and outreach, large teams from four major student‐led clubs — NIRMAAN, BITS Embryo, SAFHAR and SPIC MACAY — are integral to how the programmes are structured and will be executed.

• NIRMAAN (BITS Hyderabad Chapter) is bringing its expertise in volunteer‐led social leadership, education outreach, and community development. Given its history at BITS Hyderabad, NIRMAAN volunteers will lead many ground-level activities in Patha Sankepalli, assist in organising school and village level sessions, coordinating with local officials, managing feedback from beneficiaries, and helping mobilize the self-employment empowerment component.
• BITS Embryo contributes its strength in knowledge-sharing, connecting students with alumni and experts. The club will manage the lecture series and interactive workshops associated with the book and website launch, curate content for the website, host panels or talks that align with Nagendra’s field journey (visits to government projects, schools, villages), and mentor students in research or documentation related to the empowerment initiatives.
• SAFHAR (Students’ Association for Heritage And TouRism) will bring a cultural, heritage, and local identity dimension to the event. SAFHAR’s involvement includes curating parts of the programme that celebrate Telangana’s culture, perhaps organising heritage walk elements or displays, helping contextualize the villages visited, ensuring the events are inclusive of local narrative, and making sure that the adoption of the village also respects the local heritage, traditions, and tourism potential.
• SPIC MACAY (BITS Hyderabad Chapter) will enliven the event with cultural performances, classical arts, and interactive sessions. Their role involves arranging performances, music or dance segments that draw on Telangana’s classical and folk arts traditions, bringing a sense of cultural dignity to the programme, helping in making the launch emotionally resonant, and supporting student artists in contributing.

Authored by Smt Rayapudi Asha Latha and her son, Sri Rayapudi Nagendra, a Ranji Trophy cricketer trained in the United Kingdom, Amma Odi – Na Telangana chronicles the extraordinary journey of the mother and son duo, across Telangana. During the course of this journey, they visited more than 8,000 villages, 4,000 government schools, 429 government hospitals and all thermal power plants and over 700 industries in Telangana. This experience not only shaped the book but also inspired a commitment to empower 100 Adivasis through adopting a village to encourage and empower self employment for a sustainable Telangana.

BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus: A Platform for Social Impact
As one of India’s leading higher education institutions, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus has long been committed to blending academic excellence with societal responsibility. Through student-led rural development programs, technology-driven social innovations and partnerships with government agencies, the campus continues to pioneer models of inclusive growth. Hosting Asha Geetanjali 2025 underscores BITS Hyderabad’s dedication to fostering impactful collaborations that translate ideas into tangible benefits for communities across the state.

“Sri Nagendra’s journey epitomises the power of empathy, commitment and action. By hosting Asha Geetanjali 2025, we are proud to amplify stories of transformation and strengthen our efforts to align institutional resources with the needs of society”, remarked the Dean of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus.

AIIGMA Celebrates 50 Years with Regional Safety Seminar on Gas Cylinder Rules in Hyderabad

AIIGMA marks 50 years with ‘Regional Safety Seminar on Gas Cylinder Rules and Industry Standards’ at Hyderabad!

Hyderabad, 22nd September 2025: The All India Industrial Gases Manufacturers Association (AIIGMA), the apex body representing the interests of the industrial and medical gases industry in India, commemorated its 50th anniversary by hosting the Regional Safety Seminar on Industrial and Medical Gases, with reference to Gas Cylinder Rules 2016 & SMPV (Unfired) Rules 2016; today at the Hotel Westin, Mindspace, Hyderabad. The Seminar was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri V. K. Mishra, Jt. Chief Controller of Explosives – Hyderabad Circle, PESO, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India; and delivered the Keynote address at the Seminar and was graced by Mr Saket Tiku, President, AIIGMA; Mr Rajiv Guptha, General Secretary AIIGMA and Shri Shankar Ghosh, Director, Shell-N-Tub Pvt Ltd,; among others. Over 200 delegates from all over India attended the one-day Seminar.

Established in 1975, AIIGMA serves as a common platform for manufacturers, suppliers, and equipment providers in the gas industry, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy for safe practices, innovation, and growth in the sector. AIIGMA continues to be actively engaged in policy discussions, industry seminars, international collaborations, and safety initiatives. The upcoming seminar in Hyderabad is part of its ongoing efforts to reinforce safety, technology, and sustainability in the gases industry.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Guest Mr. V K Mishra, Jt. Chief Controller of explosives-Hyderabad Circle, PESCO, Ministry of commerce & Industry, Government of India; in his keynote address said, “congratulations to AIIGMA on completion of 50 years and during this period, AIIGMA has grown by leaps and bounds. Some excellent work was done by the industry during the crisis like COVID; however, we need to retrospect if we had done our best or was there space to do better, such introspection helps to handle future crisis more efficiently. During that period, liquid oxygen storage and cryogenic cylinder installation, were two major issues which could have perhaps facilitated better management. Reflect on such issues and ensure better management in future. AIIGMA did a wonderful work in supporting the industry and entrepreneurs. To maintain high safety standards, need to rigorously emphasis on identification of cylinders, periodic testing and condemnation of unused cylinders.”‘              

Mr. Saket Tiku, President, AIIGMA; said, “over the last five decades AIIGMA has emerged as the voice of the Indian Gas Industry, working tirelessly for the growth of our sector, while ensuring the safety, compliance, innovation remain at the forefront. Here, I would like to touch upon a very important development, in the light of the recent trade tariffs imposed on India, it has become imperative for all of us to focus on manufacturing more within India, of course we also recognize the practical reality, as there are certain products which are not manufactured in India. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister has been emphasizing on manufacturing of Semi-conductor chips within India, for producing these semi-conductor chips, we need specialty gases with ultra-high purity, rare gases etc., which are not available in India. Many of which may not have so much demand in India to make it viable to produce here. Till the volumes of such gases become viable to produce, they will continue to be imported. Going forward AIIGMA will be emphasizing increasingly on make in India products, to become self-reliant. At the heart of this entire thing lies safety, which becomes non-negotiable. We conduct regular trainings on safety, which are subsidized by AIIGMA. Safety is crucial in our industry, therefore depute your technical staff for these trainings, benefit from them and avoid mishaps.”    

Mr. Rajiv Guptha, General Secretary AIIGMA; “our gas industry carries a significant responsibility to ensure the highest standards of safety, today’s seminar is a testament to that commitment. As we focus on the crucial Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016 and Assembly Rules, 2016; a thorough understanding and sincere adherence to these rules are not just regulatory requirements but are the foundation of our safety culture and a pledge to protect lives and property. Let’s use this opportunity to share insights and collectively raise the bar for safety in our sector.”

IHM Hyderabad Hosts 4th Season of Budding Events, Showcases Exceptional Talent

The Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad, hosts the 4th Season of the Budding Events, unearths exceptional talent!

Hyderabad, 22nd September 2025: The Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad (IHM-Hyderabad), a central government institute under the Ministry of Tourism, ranked the third best institute, successfully; hosted the 4th Season of the Budding Events, comprising of National Budding Professional Competition (Manager) and National Budding Chef Competition, at its premises at DD Colony, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad. The four-day mega event, which concluded today, witnessed the participation of 8 teams in the Budding Professional and 13 teams in the Budding Chef from leading IHMs, SIHMs, and private hospitality institutes from across India and Hyderabad. 

The grand inaugural ceremony was graced by Chef Sudhakar N. Rao – Director/Principal, Culinary Academy of India and a proud Alumnus of IHM-Hyderabad; Mr. Anirban Kundu, Food & Beverage Manager, Taj Deccan, Hyderabad; Mr. Sanjay Thakur, Principal/ Member Secretary, IHM-Hyderabad; Ms. Rachna Agashe, HoD, IHM-Hyderabad; Mr. Puneet Razdan, HoD, IHM-Hyderabad and other dignitaries. The inaugural also set the tone for the competitions with inspiring addresses and enthusiastic participation from students across the country.

Participants in the National Budding Professional (Manager) 2025 category competed across diverse and industry-relevant events, testing their problem-solving, creativity, and operational skills. The categories included Online Test; Pitcharest- F&B Business Plan; SoP Detective – Error Detection & Correction; Floresque – Ikebana Competition; Front Desk Showdown – Service Recovery Skills; Takeoff – Product Launch Competition; Hotel Ecothon- Digital Junior Suite Designing; Sell Me This Pen – Selling Tactics and Hustle – Cocktail Making Competition. Based on cumulative scores from these events, the prestigious titles of Mr. Budding Professional (Manager) and Ms. Budding Professional (Manager) were awarded to the most deserving candidates.

National Budding Chef 2025 – Competitions & Awards

The Budding Chef Competition featured intense rounds across multiple cuisines and themes, bringing out the best of India’s culinary student talent in Regional Indian Authentic Cookery; International Surprise Basket and Cake Decoration Competition. The rigorous competitions tested participants’ culinary creativity, technical precision, and ability to work under pressure, culminating in the announcement of the National Budding Chef 2025 Champion Team. 

Valedictory Ceremony of National Budding Events 2025

The Valedictory ceremony hosted today, was attended by eminent industry stalwarts including Guest of Honour Celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi; Mr. Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC; Mr. Rohan George, Resident Manager, Green Park Hyderabad; Mr. John Biswas, Hotel Manager, Radisson Blu Banjara Hills; Chef Manpreet Singh Malik, Executive Chef, Taj Deccan and Mr.Sanjay Thakur, Principal/ Member Secretary, IHM-Hyderabad and gave away the prizes to the winners in the various categories. A key highlight of the event was the release of a Research Book on AI Trends in the Hospitality Industry, reinforcing IHM-Hyderabad’s commitment to innovation in hospitality education.

A series of vibrant cultural performances, including the recitation of mantras, Ganesh Vandana, soulful flute recitals, a Telangana folk dance (Bathukamma), and a thought-provoking Nukkad Natak on the theme of Swachhata added grandeur and depth to the evening, blending tradition, culture, and social awareness. 

Awards & Felicitations

The following awards were given to winners across competitions, during the Valedictory Ceremony, today.

Special Felicitations 

As a part of the International Housekeepers Week, the institute felicitated the following, for their exceptional role in Housekeeping

• Mr. Manikandan, Executive Housekeeper, Taj Deccan
• Mr. Bilbin K. Babu, Head of Department, Housekeeping, Taj Vivanta

National Budding Professional (Manager) 2025, Awards

• Ms. Budding Professional (Manager): Ria Shirookar, IHM Goa.
• Mr. Budding Professional (Manager): Sai Manish, Regency College of Hotel Management.
• Ms. Budding Professional (Manager) – Runner-up: Shreyshy, IHM-Chennai.
• Mr. Budding Professional (Manager) – Runner-up: Carlos Frank Marcas R., IHM-Chennai.
• Participant with the Most Contagious Smile: Roel Saldanha, IHM-Goa.
• Participant with the Best Demeanour: Abhishek Sahoo, SIHM Balangir.
• Participant with the most pleasing personality: Harsimran Singh Sodhi, SIHM Jabalpur.
• The Best Seller (Sales & Marketing Topper): Rashmeet Kaur, IHM Bhubaneswar.
• Topper – F&B Service: Shubhi Rajbhar, SIHM Jabalpur.
• Topper – Front Office: Athiya Khan, Regency College of Hotel Management.
• Topper – Accommodation Operations: Ariba Siddiqui, Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad.

National Budding Chef 2025, Awards

• Champion of the National Budding Chef 2025: Andrea Vaz & Aditya Nair, IHM-Goa.
• Consolation Prize – Regional Authentic Indian Cookery: Andriyas Topno & Sinthia Horo, SIHM Balangir.

• Runner-up – Regional Authentic Indian Cookery: Rakesh Rout & Romit Pradhan Shiksha O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneshwar.
• Winner – Regional Authentic Indian Cookery: Radhika Rajwade & Badal Sahu, SIHM Raipur.
• Consolation Prize – International Surprise Basket: Vikruthi Sarangan & Saahas Reddy, Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad.
• Runner-up – International Surprise Basket: Rajbir Rana & Sanoop Wilson, IHM-Chennai.
• Winner – International Surprise Basket: Ayush Agarwal & Mohit Gurjar, SIHM Jabalpur.

• Consolation Prize – Let the Cake Tell Your Story: Andrea Vaz & Aditya Nair, IHM-Goa.
• Runner-up – Let the Cake Tell Your Story: Shrutika Sharma & T. Chandu, Regency College of Hotel Management, Hyderabad.

• Winner – Let the Cake Tell Your Story: Cibidaran & Abhishek Krishna, Indian Culinary Institute, Tirupati.
• Chef’s Hygiene Excellence Award : Janhavi Daiv & Souvik Das, IHM Ahmedabad.
• Chef with the Best Demeanour : Pooja Kha, IHM-Bhubaneshwar. 
• Chef with the Best Smile : Mohit Gurjar, SIHM Jabalpur.
• Chef with the Most Pleasing Personality : Vikruthi Sarangan, Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad

The event concluded with resounding applause, celebrating not just the winners but also the spirit of learning, collaboration, and hospitality excellence that IHM-Hyderabad proudly fosters.

SBI strengthens presence in Tamil Nadu with the inauguration of 14 new branches

Chennai, September 22, 2025: State Bank of India (SBI), the nation’s largest bank, has further strengthened its presence in India’s second largest state economy, Tamil Nadu, with the inauguration of 14 new branches, 2 Home Loan Centers, 2 modern Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), and a Special Currency Administration Branch (SCAB). These initiatives, inaugurated by SBI Chairman, Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty during his visit to the Bank’s Local Head Office in Chennai, underline SBI’s focus on expanding its reach while supporting community development across the State.

Further to this, as part of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) campaign for the saturation of Financial Inclusion schemes, SBI Chairman virtually inaugurated 110 Gram Panchayat Camps aimed at bringing essential banking and financial services directly to rural communities. Senior officials from the bank, business correspondents were present at these camps where a large number of customers participated.

Additionally, under the bank’s CSR initiative, a cheque for INR1.47 crore was handed over to Shri Sudhan R, Retired IAS and the Member Secretary of the Namma School Foundation for the upgradation of 30 Government Primary Schools throughout Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the Bank’s dedication to improving the Educational Infrastructure.

Speaking on the occasion, SBI Chairman, Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty said, “SBI may already be India’s largest bank with over 22,980 branches, yet we see clear opportunities to deepen our presence where banking access is still limited. The new branches in Tamil Nadu are part of our effort to strengthen this physical connect while complementing it with initiatives like Gram Panchayat camps to drive financial inclusion at the grassroots. At the same time, we remain committed to giving back to society, and our support towards upgrading government schools reflects that responsibility. Our focus is to keep expanding in ways that create both economic and social value for the communities we serve”

“These initiatives are a reaffirmation to the Bank’s commitment to making banking more accessible and inclusive. By such undertakings, SBI is not just growing as a Bank but also contributing to the holistic development of the communities it serves”, he said.

Housing Sales Dip in Nine Indian Cities in Q3 2025; New Launches Steady: PropEquity

New Delhi, September 22, 2025: Housing sales in India’s leading nine cities fell by 4% and consecutive declined for the 10th quarter, in Q3 (July-September) 2025, settling just above the 1 lakh unit mark at 1,00,370 units, according to a report by NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity. New launches, however, remained flat, coming in below the 1 lakh mark at 92,229 units declining by 10% on Q-o-Q basis. 

The top 9 cities are Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Kolkata and Delhi-NCR.

The Y-o-Y decline in sales across the top 9 cities during Q3 2025 was primarily led by the Maharashtra region – including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune – which experienced a contraction ranging from 6% to 28%.

Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata, however, witnessed a rise of 21%, 16% and 25% respectively in Q3 2025. Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, too, saw 4% YoY each rise in sales in Q3 2025.

On a Q-o-Q basis, sales in top 9 cities fell marginally by 1% with only Delhi-NCR (24%) and Thane (11%) seeing a drop. The other 7 cities witnessed a rise.

Samir Jasuja, Founder and CEO, PropEquity said, “The reason why we feel that the housing market remains healthy even though the new launches are coming down consecutively is because the sales continue to be higher than the new launches. We anticipate that 2025 will mirror 2024 with approximately 4 lakh unit launches and approximately 4.5 lakh sales, which is marginally lower than the 2024 numbers.”

On the new housing supply front, the report said that new launches in India’s top 9 cities remained flat YoY, remaining below the 1 lakh unit mark, at 92,229 units in Q3 2025. 

Jasuja noted, “While the current quarter has seen subdued activity, we anticipate a rebound in the upcoming quarter due to the festive season, which is expected to drive stronger demand, leading to improved launch momentum and a higher absorption level.”

There is a YoY rise in new launches in Chennai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata, and there is a decline in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Thane, and Delhi-NCR.

However, new supply fell 10% Q-o-Q with a 31% decline in Delhi-NCR, followed by 15% in Pune and 29% in Chennai. 

However Hyderabad, Kolkata and Navi Mumbai saw a rise of 14%, 24% and 6%.

Varun Khanna Honoured as ‘Visionary Healthcare CEO’ at AHPI Leadership Summit 2025

“Healthcare is Service, Not Industry,” says Telangana Governor at AHPI Leadership Summit

Hyderabad, September 22,2025: The 3rd AHPI Leadership Summit, a two-day national conference on “Leadership in the Age of High-Tech Healthcare”, concluded today at Hotel Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills. The event brought together senior leaders from healthcare, policy, and industry to deliberate on people-first leadership, financial sustainability, and strategic planning for the future of healthcare. Chief Guest: His Excellency Shri Jishnu Dev Verma Ji, Honourable Governor of Telangana, graced the valedictory session and emphasised the importance of visionary leadership in strengthening India’s healthcare system.

His Excellency Shri Jishnu Dev Verma Ji, Honourable Governor of Telangana, underscored the ethos of service in healthcare, stating, “Healthcare should never be viewed as an industry; it must always be seen as a service. The true strength of our healthcare system lies not only in technology and innovation but also in compassion, empathy, and integrity. As the youngest nation in the world, India’s future depends on building a healthcare model that cares for every community and every citizen with dignity and trust.”

In a moment of pride for the healthcare fraternity, Mr. Varun Khanna, Group Managing Director, Quality Care India Limited (QCIL), was honoured with the prestigious award of ‘Visionary Healthcare CEO’. This recognition was based on a rigorous selection process, with nominations put forward by more than 20 State Presidents of AHPI, ensuring that leaders were evaluated by experienced and respected voices from across India. Mr. Khanna’s recognition reflects his exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing patient-centric and innovative healthcare solutions through continuous investment in talent, technology and infrastructure, making him stand out among leaders in the national healthcare ecosystem. 

The summit recognised other distinguished leaders in healthcare, chosen through the same meticulous jury evaluation process. Dr. G. Bhaktavatsam, Renowned Surgeon, received the award for “Healthcare Luminary of India”. Dr. Phalaxmi Majrekar was honoured as “Emerging Nurse Leader”. Dr. Sarvesh Agarwal, Neuro Physician, was recognised as “Emerging Healthcare Leader”. These awards highlight the immense contribution of professionals across diverse areas of healthcare who are shaping India’s future of medicine and care delivery.

Mr. Varun Khanna expressed gratitude and reinforced his commitment to the sector, “This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective efforts of every doctor, nurse, and healthcare professional who tirelessly works to heal lives. The sustainability of healthcare in India cannot be built overnight; it must be shaped by lessons from our past and bold reforms for the future. Our mission is to ensure accessibility, dignity, and trust for every patient. At QCIL, our approach is clinically biased, outcome focused, and digitally enabled—this award motivates me and my team to continue building a healthcare system that India can be proud of.”

The summit was organised by the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Thomas, Founder-President; Dr. M.I. Sahadulla, National President; Mr. Vishal Bali, Chairman, Health Policy Committee; and Dr. Girdhar J. Gyani, Director General. The organisers reiterated AHPI’s commitment to advancing patient-centred and sustainable healthcare models across India through leadership development, policy advocacy, and knowledge sharing.

The summit concluded with renewed commitments from leaders and institutions to create sustainable, technology-driven, and people-centred healthcare models for India’s future.

Manappuram Finance Honoured at Hurun-Barclays Family Business Awards 2025

Manappuram Finance Ltd honoured at Barclays Private Clients Hurun India  Excellence in Family Business Awards 2025 

Valapad, Thrissur, September 22 2025: NBFC major Manappuram Finance Ltd received the 2025  Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Leadership and Excellence in Revolutionising India’s  Financial Sector Award. The honour was bestowed on the company on September 18 for  exemplary leadership and ground-breaking contributions to India’s financial sector. The award  was accepted on behalf of the promoter family by Mrs Nini Suhas, daughter-in-law of Mr V P  Nandakumar, Chairman of Manappuram Finance Ltd. 

On receiving the award, Mrs Nini Suhas said: “We are delighted to receive this honour, which recognises the journey and impact of  Manappuram Finance Ltd. This award reinforces our commitment to driving inclusive financial  growth while upholding the legacy of trust built over the years.” 

The ceremony brought together more than 30 of India’s most respected business families, each  with decades of history and leadership across diverse sectors. These enterprises have not only  grown with India but have also shaped communities, strengthened economies, and passed down  both purpose and leadership across generations. The year 2025 marks the second consecutive  year that Barclays Private Clients and Hurun India have come together to showcase the evolving  dynamics of Indian family businesses. 

The evening featured a panel discussion on the theme “From Wealth Creation to Stewardship The Evolution of Family Business Leadership”, with participants including Mr Parthiv Neotia  (Ambuja Neotia), Mr Krishna Dushyant Rana (Platinum Industries) and Mr Mirik Gogri (Aarti  Industries), moderated by Mr Adrish Ghosh of Barclays Private Clients. Fireside conversations  with Mr Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG Group) and Mrs Harshbeena Zaveri (NRB Bearings) added further  perspective on the challenges and opportunities of leadership in family businesses.