22, Sep 2025
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.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
22, Sep 2025
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.
22, Sep 2025
IIM Sambalpur Inaugurates First-Ever Batch of B.S. Programme
22 Sept, 2025; Sambalpur: Following the announcement made in May 2025, IIM Sambalpur launched these two cutting-edge programmes in Delhi, and has now welcomed the inaugural batch of its first-ever B.S. Programme in Data Science & AI and B.S. Programme in Management & Public Policy at the Sambalpur campus in Odisha.
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, IIM Sambalpur has launched its two cutting-edge new undergraduate programmes: “Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy” and “Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” in May 2025. The course curriculum is aligned with the world’s top universities such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon University, all of which offer BS programs with similar names.
The inaugural batch welcomed 178 students across the two programmes, 88 in Data Science & AI and 90 in Management & Public Policy. Representing more than 20 states of India, including Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Lakshadweep, the batch reflects strong regional diversity. The B.S. in Data Science & AI programme has enrolled 69 male and 19 female students, while the B.S. in Management & Public Policy has 51 male and 39 female students, ensuring a healthy gender balance.
Admission Process
Admissions were made through JEE (Main) 2025 for Data Science & AI, with the highest admitted rank being 44,645, and through CUET (UG) 2025 for Management & Public Policy, where the top scorers achieved a 99.80 percentile. The academic credentials of the cohort are equally impressive, with an average Class 12th score of 90.5% for Data Science & AI students and 88.2% for those in Management & Public Policy.
Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network India graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Amit Sareen, Managing Director, Accenture and Anjan A, Vice President, North Trust were present as the Guests of honour. Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur along with faculty and students were also present during the event.
The event also featured expert speaker sessions in which the esteemed speakers were Vivek Agarwal, Country Director, Tony Blair Institute; Harpreet Singh, Head –Counterparty Credit Risk, BFSI Sector; Gangadhar Yasam, Head of IT Strategy, Ford Motor Company; Divay Pranav, Business Strategy & Partnerships, Hyundai Motors; Arpit Bajpai, Co-Founder, Neurosensum, were present as key note speakers in the event.
During his inaugural address, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “This is a historic step for IIM Sambalpur. By launching these B.S. programmes, we are investing in young minds who will become leaders in technology, policy, and society. These programmes will not only prepare students with academic excellence but also instil in them the values of integrity, innovation, and responsibility towards nation-building. Anchored in the core values of Integrity and Innovation, the programmes provides strong roots in data analysis, critical reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making. The cross-functional courses are designed to develop responsible leaders who can address intricate societal and industrial challenges with innovation, compassion, and a global perspective. This degree program is pioneering and will be adopted by other top management institutes.”
Apart from that, Prof. Jaiswal advised students and said, “Students need to nurture four kinds of intelligence for holistic growth. First is IQ, which sharpens the intellect. Second is EQ, which teaches them to manage their emotions effectively. Third is PQ, which emphasizes the importance of good health, physical fitness, and preferring naturopathy. And Finally, SQ – the spiritual quotient – which helps them reflect on the deeper purpose of life”.
While addressing the students, Chief Guest, Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network, said, “Congratulation to IIM Sambalpur for excellent NIRF rankings 2025 and for successful inauguration of the first batch of the B.S. Programme. IIM Sambalpur continues to be a hub of creativity and inspiration, opening new avenues for the younger generation. The four-year B.S. Programme holds immense potential to transform students into accomplished professional, well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the nation. He further emphasized that, while striving for academic excellence, ratings and rankings, it is equally important not to overlook spiritual growth and physical well-being. He added that students must focus on the four Cs, as the absence of any one of them makes progress incomplete and less fulfilling”.
The Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy programme is designed to meet national managerial aspirations in terms of Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and community-led development. This programme aims to equip a new generation of change-makers to close the gap between policy and practice at the grassroots level.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is focused towards developing India’s digital capability and global competitiveness. The programme, co-designed with industry leaders builds future ready skill set among young students and encourages the use of ethical AI, reaffirming the institution’s pledge to innovation with integrity.
The inaugural marks a new chapter in IIM Sambalpur’s journey to shape responsible leaders with a balance of academic rigor, innovation, and social responsibility. Notably, IIM Sambalpur is the first IIM to offer admissions to its B.S. in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence programme through IIT JEE Main, and to its B.S. in Management & Public Policy programme through CUET, both prestigious national-level entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency.
IIM Sambalpur has reached a significant milestone this year, climbing 16 positions in the NIRF ranking 2025. Speaking on the institute’s accreditation journey, Prof. Soumya Guha Deb, Dean (Ranking & Accreditation), highlighted the strategic initiatives and sustained efforts that have contributed to this remarkable achievement.
Prof. Diwahar S Nadar and Prof. Rohit Gupta introduced the B.S. Programmes. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Diptiranjan Mahapatra, Dean, (Academics), while the vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. Diwahar S Nadar.
21, Sep 2025
16th Convocation at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS)
Chennai, 21th September 2025: The 16th Convocation of The Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) was held at the Bay Range Campus. H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam, Ambassador of Eritrea and Dean of Diplomatic Corps (India), graced the event as the chief guest. Mr. Rajesh Nambiar – NASSCOM president, Dr. Abraham Varughese- Director, Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), DRDO, and Dr. C. Emmanuel – Director, Academics and Research, Gleneagles Health City, Chennai, were the guest of honours for HITS’s most prestigious event of the year. The celebration was presided over by the Chancellor, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese. The event was also attended by esteemed officials of HITS.
More than 2500 graduating students received their UG, PG degrees and Ph.Ds in multiple streams including Engineering, Architecture, Law, Management, Basic and applied sciences, liberal arts, Health Science and Hindustan online – CODE. The prizes were awarded to 88 rank holders, underlining their exceptional achievements. The Chief Guest and Chancellor conferred the awards and the degrees to the recipients, with immense pride and honour.
During the convocation ceremony, the University awarded the chief guest H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam with Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for his boundless contribution in humanities, culture, peace and society. The University awarded the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) to Mr. Rajesh Nambiar, for his three decades of excellence in digital transformation, and to Dr. Abraham Varughese for his outstanding achievements in technology and global research, and to Dr. C. Emmanuel for his contribution and leadership in healthcare development.
On the 16th Convocation Day, HITS also inaugurated CPSL (Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory), in partnership with iHub – AwaDH, IIT Ropar, National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), DST, Government of India. The Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science offers hands-on training and research experience for Undergraduate Research Interns & Junior Research Fellows across interdisciplinary areas at the intersection of Agriculture Automation, Information Systems, and Water Treatment Technologies. The program is designed to equip students and researchers with cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience in developing sustainable, AI-enabled cyber-physical solutions for agriculture and water systems.
HITS also inaugurated the TANCAM Spoke Centre at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science giving students direct access to world-class facilities and hands-on training in advanced manufacturing using the acclaimed 3D EXPERIENCE platform from Dassault Systèmes. Through this collaboration, students will gain practical experience, industry-relevant skills, and exposure to leading-edge technology to make them career-ready and globally competitive.
During the convocation ceremony, the Founder Dr. K.C.G. Verghese Award for Best Research was conferred by Ms. Swathi N, Ph.D. Scholar ECE for her exemplary contributions towards research, growth and development. Founder Chancellor, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Verghese Award for best academic proficiency was presented to Mr. Vishnu Priyan J, B.Tech IT (CS), in recognition of his academic excellence. Chancellor Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese award for best outgoing student was bagged by Ms. Shivaranjeni from B.Tech, Aero in recognition of her excellent performance in academic curricular and co-curricular throughout her journey at the campus.
Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor of HITS and Chairman of the Hindustan Group of Institutions, addressed the students, offering words of encouragement and empowerment. He congratulated the degree holders on their academic accomplishments and urged them to continue their pursuit of knowledge for decades to come. Dr. Anand, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, curiosity, research and innovation irrespective of challenges and opportunity in life.
During his address, the chief guest H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam, shared life altering instances from his own academic and professional journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities, encouraging the graduates to embrace a spirit of curiosity, learning, and the compassion to follow their passions with uncompromised determination.
Vice-Chancellor (I/C), Dr. S. Ganesan presented his Annual Report on the occasion of 16th Convocation, highlighting the milestones and achievements of the year 2024 -2025, the wide opportunities created, benchmarks accomplished, global MOUs, one-of-a-kind infrastructure, mapping the hard work and dedication from every individual involved to mark such a historic year at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science.
The event epitomized the mission of HITS to empower the next generation leaders, researchers, innovators, market trend-setters and beyond.
20, Sep 2025
Austrian Ambassador Highlights TU Austria–VFS Education Tie-Up to Boost Indo-Austria Academic Collaboration
In a landmark event held in New Delhi, H.E. Ms. Katharina Wieser, Austrian Ambassador to India, and Mr. Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, showcased the collaborative programme between Austria’s leading Technical Universities — TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben — and VFS Education Services, to boost Indo-Austria educational collaboration and mobility.
The event on 19 September 2025 was also graced by Mr. Karl August Lux, Consul at Austria Embassy in New Delhi; Prof. Peter Moser, Rector, TU Leoben; Mr. Clemens Weihs, Team Lead Strategic Partnerships, International Relations and European University; Mr. Bernard Martyris, Chief Culture Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global; Mr. Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global; and Mr. Anirudh Singh, COO – Education & Migration Services, VFS Global.
This landmark public-private partnership aims to support Indo-Austrian mobility for skilled engineering and technology students. It is specifically designed for students from recognised colleges across India, providing them with access to quality higher education in TU Leoben, TU Wien, and TU Graz. Under this agreement, Indian engineering and technology graduates* from recognised colleges under the ANABIN list will be able to pursue higher education in these institutes.
H.E. Ms. Katharina Wieser, Austrian Ambassador to India, said, “Austria looks forward to further enhancing Austria–India cooperation by deepening academic ties, creating new opportunities and warmly welcoming talented Indian students into our world-class public technical universities. This partnership represents a significant step in bridging India’s bright STEM talent with Austria’s globally recognised centres of research, innovation, and academic excellence. By combining Austria’s higher education strengths with the cutting-edge EdTech solutions of VFS Education Services, we are establishing a transparent and robust framework that strengthens institutional trust, empowers students and deepens cultural and academic exchange. Indian students bring immense creativity, knowledge, and diversity to our campuses, and we are proud to support their journey towards shaping a shared global future.”
Prof. Peter Moser, Rector, TU Leoben, said, “We deeply appreciate the support and leadership of the Indian and Austrian governments in making this opportunity possible for eligible Indian engineering students aspiring to pursue higher education in Austria. We are also excited to have VFS Education Services as our partners in this endeavor, helping us identify and connect with talented and deserving engineering students. It is both an honor and a responsibility to welcome these bright minds, nurture their potential, and guide them toward a promising future—one where they can meaningfully contribute to Austria’s workforce and society at large.
Mr. Bernard Martyris, Chief Culture Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global said, “At VFS Education Services, we are proud to be the bridge that connects eligible Indian engineering students with Austria’s world-class technical universities. Our mission goes beyond facilitating admissions — we are shaping futures, fostering innovation, and strengthening global partnerships. The enthusiastic response from students and institutions across India is a testament to the programme’s relevance and promise. We believe that by offering specialised programmes, Austria is poised to become a top destination for Indian engineering talent. This partnership not only empowers students but also contributes to building a skilled, future-ready workforce that will drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness. We are honoured to support this vision and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Austria’s leading universities.”
The programme comprises a two-year Master’s degree, entailing theory as well as industry work experience as part of the course component. The Universities will also support on-campus placements and career open day engagements with industry experts. As part of the academic programme, the students will be eligible for a one-year post study visa extension upon graduation, supporting their transition into the international workforce.
Pursuing a master’s degree at a Technical University in Austria offers a truly enriching academic and cultural experience. Known for its historic contributions to art, music, science, and engineering, Austria provides students with a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Cities like Vienna, Graz, and Leoben not only host globally respected technical institutions such as TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben, but also serve as vibrant cultural hubs.
Eligible students interested in pursuing a Master’s degree at Austria’s leading Technical Universities can submit their B-Tech degree certificates and academic transcripts to, email austria@vfsedu.com The selection process is comprehensive, evaluating candidates based on academic performance, English language proficiency, one-on-one assessments, and document verification.
To ensure a seamless and student-centric experience, VFS Education Services has introduced a robust digital admissions portal with real-time data capture, enabling support to students right from initial outreach through to pre-departure guidance. Vfsedu.com
VFS Education Services employs advanced verification protocols, including blockchain-enabled academic authentication via Docswallet and live interview-based English proficiency assessments. This approach helps in shortlisting the most qualified and motivated students, ensuring a high-quality intake for Austrian universities and a clear, supportive pathway for the selected students.
20, Sep 2025
Greenply Expands Manufacturing Footprint with 600 Crore Semiliguda Industrial Project in Odisha
Mumbai, 20th September 2025: Greenply Industries Ltd, one of India’s leading interior infrastructure companies, announced its new integrated wood panel production at Semiliguda industrial project, Koraput district, Odisha.
Greenply Launched Semiliguda Industrial Project at Odisha
The virtual inauguration of the project was held in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, and Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for the Department of Industries, Government of Odisha, alongside senior government officials. Mr. Rajesh Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, Greenply Industries Ltd underscored the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term partnership with the Government of Odisha.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajesh Mittal said, “We are honoured to join hands with the Government of Odisha on this milestone project. The state’s support in land allotment, single-window clearances and approvals has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Our plywood and MDF units will not only generate employment but also anchor sustainable agroforestry-based growth, ensuring value creation for both the local community and the industry.”
“Primarily aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, this project resonates with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Make in India initiative. The implementation of quality control standards in the plywood and panel sector has given a strong boost to Indian products, resulting in manyfold increase in employment opportunities across the country.”, He further added.
Advancing Manufacturing with Community Impact
Greenply’s Semiliguda industrial project, developed through its wholly owned subsidiary Greenply Sandila Private Limited, combines strategic location advantages with a strong focus on community development. The site offers proximity to abundant plantation-grown timber, ensuring a sustainable and cost-efficient raw material supply, while excellent road and rail connectivity enables efficient access to domestic and international markets. Supported by Odisha’s conducive policy environment and a skilled local workforce, the project represents an investment of over INR600 crore and is set to generate over 1,200 direct jobs, alongside significant indirect opportunities. Beyond employment, it will drive regional economic growth by fostering local suppliers, SMEs, and skill-building initiatives, strengthening Greenply’s leadership in advanced manufacturing while creating long-term value for the community.
Driving Sustainable Growth Through Agroforestry
Aligned with its guiding principle of giving back to nature and its commitment to responsible, eco-friendly manufacturing, Greenply continues to pioneer sustainable practices in the sector. The company has already planted over 75 million seedlings in more than 1 lac acres of land near its existing plants. This structured agroforestry model not only secures a reliable raw material supply but also drives income growth for farmers, contributes to India’s 33% green cover target, and supports a carbon-neutral growth pathway for the industry.
20, Sep 2025
DFS secretary awards Hackathon winners in BOI FinShield conclave
Mumbai, 20 September 2025: The Grand Finale of FinShield Hackathon 2025 organised by Bank of India in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad as part of PSBs Hackathon Series 2025, was concluded at the Head office of BOI. Mumbai. Shri M Nagaraju, Secretary DFS, Govt of India, Sh. Manoj Ayappan, Jt. Secretary, Govt of India & Nominee Director on BOI Board, Sh. Rajneesh Karnatak, MD & CEO, Sh. Shoban, Asst Prof. & in charge Centre of Excellence for FinTech IIT Hyderabad, All the Executive Directors of Bank of India and Senior Management and staff of BOI have attended this function.
20, Sep 2025
Monolithisch India Commissions Capex-I at Purulia, Boosts Capacity to 206,000 TPA
New Delhi | September 20, 2025 – Monolithisch India Limited today announced the successful commissioning of Capex-I, the first phase of its ongoing capital expenditure programme, at its manufacturing plant in Purulia, West Bengal. With this milestone, the Company’s installed manufacturing capacity has expanded to 206,000 Tonnes Per Annum (TPA), further strengthening its leadership in the unshaped refractory materials segment.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the Company adhered to its planned commissioning schedule. To ensure seamless operations and consistent product quality, pre-runs and quality checks will be conducted over the next 10 days.
This capacity addition is designed to meet the rising demand for premium ramming mass products, supporting the growth of India’s steel industry. It also aligns with Monolithisch India’s strategy to enhance operational scale, adopt next-generation technologies, and reinforce its commitment to sustainability and customer-centric innovation.
Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Harsh Tekriwal, Managing Director, Monolithisch India Limited, said: “Capex-I marks a new chapter in Monolithisch India’s journey of growth and innovation. By investing in technology, infrastructure, and talent, we are positioning ourselves to enable more efficient and sustainable steel production in India.”
Monolithisch India remains dedicated to advancing the refractory materials industry through innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. The Company extends heartfelt gratitude to its customers, channel partners, investors, and stakeholders for their unwavering trust and support, which continue to be the cornerstone of its progress
20, Sep 2025
Baker’s Artisanal Recipes Partners with Siolim Coffee for Exclusive ‘When Chocolate Meets Coffee’ Tasting Experience
September 20, 2025: Baker’s Artisanal Recipes (BAR), India’s premier bean-to-bar chocolate artisan, announces an exciting collaboration with Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters for “When Chocolate Meets Coffee,” an exclusive guided tasting experience set for September 21, 2025. This unique partnership brings together two passionate craft brands in an intimate workshop limited to 20 participants, offering guests a rare opportunity to explore how two of the world’s most beloved ingredients complement and enhance each other through expertly curated pairings. The event will take place at Siolim Coffee’s atmospheric venue, creating an unforgettable sensorial journey that celebrates the art of origin, roast, fermentation, and flavor.
The immersive experience will showcase four distinct chocolate varieties, each expertly paired with complementary coffee preparations to highlight their unique flavor profiles. Be it your cappuccino, cortado, espresso or Vietnamese brew; BAR has a solid variant to pair with each of your palette. Participants will discover the sweet and creamy notes of Milk 38% chocolate from Mangalore origin with its rich, buttery finish, explore the tropical complexity of Dark 60% Idukki chocolate bursting with pineapple and black currant undertones, savor the sophisticated Darker 70% chocolate with its distinctive caramelly sweetness and woody depth, and experience the bold intensity of Seriously Dark 90% chocolate with its deep, nutty character and robust cocoa finish. Beyond simple tasting, guests will engage with the International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting flavor wheel, explore the tactile elements of cocoa beans, nibs, and pods alongside coffee beans, and participate in a live pairing activity where they can create their own perfect coffee-chocolate combinations.
Founded in 2021, Baker’s Artisanal Recipes has established itself as a leader in premium couverture chocolate production in India, specializing in single-origin chocolates from Kerala’s Idukki region and Karnataka’s Mangalore area. Their commitment to pure cocoa butter, precise tempering techniques, and celebrating the unique terroir of Indian cocoa through their bean-to-bar process has made them a favorite among professional bakers, confectioners, and chocolate enthusiasts. This collaboration with Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters represents a perfect meeting of craft-driven philosophies, as both brands share an unwavering dedication to quality, origin stories, and the artisanal processes that transform raw ingredients into exceptional experiences.
Each participant will receive comprehensive educational materials including a Certificate of Participation, detailed pairing sheets, the IICCT Flavor Wheel, and access to exclusive retail offerings from both brands. The event promises to be more than just a tasting session – it’s an educational journey that explores the stories behind two craft-driven brands, from farm to cup and bean to bar. Given the intimate nature of the experience and limited seating, tickets will be available through Siolim Coffee’s booking channels with early booking strongly recommended. This inaugural collaboration marks the beginning of what both brands hope will be an ongoing series of experiences exploring the beautiful intersection of coffee and chocolate craftsmanship.
19, Sep 2025
Purple Finance Scales New Ground in Bharat Lending, Targets 500 Crore AUM by FY27
September 19th 2025: With its loan portfolio tripling in FY25 and its assets under management surpassing INR155 crore, Purple Finance continues to deliver an impressive growth. With 40 plus branches spread across 6 states, the company has amassed a clientele of over 2,500 MSME borrowers majorly spread across the tier III & IV cities & district towns. Through a hybrid model of digital origination and local feet on street network, Purple Finance, which focuses on small-ticket secured business loans, income-generation credit, and customized products for micro-entrepreneurs, has expanded its reach while maintaining asset quality.
Purple Finance as its long-term plan aspires to become a Small Finance Bank & is in the process of building an institution catering to the MSME segment spread across non-urban markets of Central India. In a recently held discussion Mr. Amitabh Chaturvedi, Founder & Executive Chairman emphasized the company’s focus on sustainable expansion and strengthening its asset base. As part of this journey, Purple Finance is actively exploring strategic In-Organic growth opportunities that align with its long-term objectives and support accelerated market penetration—particularly in smaller towns and districts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
“When we started Purple Finance, the mission was clear to unlock credit for the millions of underserved and un-served MSME customers in the non-urban geographies who struggles to access timely & fair credit. The response so far proves this isn’t just a large market, it’s an essential one for India’s real economic growth. Bridging this credit gap is both a huge opportunity and a responsibility that we’re proud to take on,” reiterates Amitabh Chaturvedi, Founder and Executive Chairman.
