19, Aug 2025
Re Sustainability Launches Twin Green Initiatives to Advance Circular Economy and Responsible Living
Hyderabad, 19th August 2025: Re Sustainability Limited (ReSL), Asia’s leading provider of circular economy solutions, today announced the launch of two impactful sustainability initiatives this festive season. These include the 18th edition of its award-winning Green Ganesha campaign (#ReBIGGreenGanesha), in collaboration with 92.7 BIG FM, and the introduction of its smart, app-based waste collection platform, Aakri – Powered by Re Sustainability. The twin initiatives were launched at My Home Bhooja, in the presence of residents who actively participated in the celebrations. Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen the circular economy and inspire eco-conscious responsibility among citizens.
Reimagining Festive Celebrations with Green Ganesha
The stakes for sustainable celebrations are high, as evidenced by last year’s Ganesh festivities in Hyderabad, which generated more than 6,000 tonnes of post-immersion waste from Hussain Sagar Lake alone. Traditional idols made from Plaster of Paris (POP) and coated with toxic paints fail to dissolve fully, releasing heavy metals, depleting oxygen levels, and harming aquatic ecosystems.
To counter this environmental impact, ReSL and 92.7 BIG FM are spearheading the “Green Ganesha 2025” campaign. Last year, over 10,000 eco-friendly seed Ganesha idols made of natural clay were distributed across India. This year, the campaign is scaling up with the distribution of 15,000 seed Ganesha idols. Embedded with seeds and organic fertilizer, these idols can be immersed at home in flowerpots, symbolizing new life while directly safeguarding water bodies.
The campaign once again receives strong backing from acclaimed Indian actor Tanikella Bharani & Madhu Shalini, a passionate advocate for the cause, who joined the launch event to rally citizens toward responsible celebration.
Community engagement is central to the campaign, with a city-wide used paper collection drive recycling paper into large eco-friendly Ganesha sculptures, alongside interactive on-ground and on-air initiatives led by BIG FM RJs from Aug 19th to Sept 02nd.
Aakri – Powered by Re Sustainability: One Platform to Handle Everything You Throw Away!
Alongside Green Ganesha, ReSL introduced Aakri – Powered by Re Sustainability, a smart, app-based waste collection platform designed to simplify everyday waste disposal.
Backed by Re Sustainability’s three decades of expertise in integrated waste management, recycling, and circular economy solutions, Aakri enables doorstep pickup of sanitary waste, used diapers, recyclables, and domestic hazardous waste through a seamless digital experience. Currently active in the southern region of the country, Aakri serves individual homes, gated communities, apartment complexes, and institutions. With a rapidly growing customer base of over 1 lakh users, the platform is transforming how Indian households manage regulated waste, recyclables and is now poised to scale its impact nationwide.
All waste collected through Aakri is processed via Re Sustainability’s robust network of material recovery facilities, advanced recycling units, and state-of-the-art incineration plants. This includes the specialized treatment of sanitary and domestic hazardous waste, handled with the highest levels of safety, hygiene, and environmental compliance.
Aakri – Powered by Re Sustainability isn’t just about disposal. It empowers citizens to take part in India’s journey toward cleaner cities, healthier communities, and a zero-waste future. By combining technology, operational excellence, and trusted environmental infrastructure, Aakri brings sustainability right to every doorstep.
“Our vision is to empower every citizen to become a custodian of the environment,” says Mr. Masood Mallick, Managing Director & CEO of Re Sustainability. He further elaborates, “Through Green Ganesha, we offer a tradition-friendly yet eco-conscious alternative that safeguards our water bodies. With Aakri powered by Re Sustainability, we are making responsible waste management simple, safe, and accessible for every household. Sustainability is a shared duty, and together, small actions can create extraordinary impact.”
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sunil Kumaran, Chief Executive Officer of 92.7 BIG FM, said “BIG FM has always believed in the power of entertainment to drive social impact. With #ReBIGGreenGanesha, we are not only celebrating one of India’s most beloved festivals but also inspiring communities to embrace sustainability in meaningful ways. By bringing together music, culture, and environmental responsibility, we hope to create a movement where every celebration leaves behind not waste, but life. Our collaboration with Re Sustainability is a testament to our shared commitment towards a greener, cleaner future.”
Resident Endorsement
Speaking at the event, a resident of My Home Bhooja shared:
“It is heartening to see initiatives like Green Ganesha that preserve tradition while protecting our environment. The eco-friendly seed idols give us a way to celebrate responsibly and leave behind something positive. At the same time, the launch of Aakri powered by Re Sustainability feels like the missing piece. One platform to handle everything we throw away, it makes waste management so much simpler, and now it’s not only easy to discard waste but also rewarding, as we can even earn from recyclables. It’s truly a step toward making sustainability part of everyday life.”
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- By Neel Achary
19, Aug 2025
RapidShyp Unveils Its App for Seamless eCommerce Shipping
National, 19th August 2025: RapidShyp, a tech-enabled shipping aggregation platform built to streamline logistics for D2C and eCommerce brands, has launched its platform on both Google play store and iOS mobile app. With 15+ courier partners, exciting shipping discounts, and coverage across 29,000+ pin codes, the app is designed to make eCommerce shipping faster, smarter, and digital. Backed by the decades of on-ground expertise of its parent company, Om Logistics, RapidShyp is set to deliver fulfillment capabilities that go beyond what traditional aggregators can offer.
One of the standout features of the RapidShyp app is Scan to Manifest, designed to make pickups faster and more efficient. Traditionally, couriers scan each package label individually during handovers, slowing down the process when dealing with multiple shipments.
With Scan to Manifest, sellers can now generate a single manifest barcode summarizing all their shipments and scan it directly from the app, no external scanner is required. This not only reduces pickup time but also ensures smoother, error-free bulk handovers, making shipping more effortless than ever before.
Some of its additional features include Smart Order Management, Next-Day Deliveries, Dedicated Shipping Advisors, RapidCOD, Multi-Courier Integration, Shipment Security Cover, etc. which are aimed at enhancing the user’s experience.
Commenting on the launch, Ravi Goel, CEO, RapidShyp said, “We’re thrilled to introduce the RapidShyp Mobile App, built for today’s SME sellers who manage everything from their phones. From booking to tracking to returns, we’ve made shipping as simple as sending a message. This launch isn’t just about convenience, it’s about empowering sellers to focus on growth while we take care of logistics. With an intelligent dashboard and advanced features like Scan to Manifest, we’re making shipping easier, smarter, and more accessible for businesses across India.”
18, Aug 2025
Masqati Dairy Products collaborates with American Pecans for its New Summer Delights.
Hyderabad, 18 August 2025: American pecans, known for their rich taste, buttery texture, and impressive nutrition profile, take centre stage in an exciting new collaboration with Masqati Dairy Products Limited. This partnership introduces a delicious twist on classic desserts and snacks, all infused with the nutty goodness of premium American pecans.
From indulgent frozen treats and drinks to savoury innovations, this launch showcases the remarkable versatility of pecans in Indian cuisine. The newly introduced line-up includes:
- Chocolate Pecan Ice Cream
- Banana Pecan Shake
- Pecan Curd/Yogurt Raita
- Pecan Biscuit Sticks
- Butter Pecan Ice Cream
- Caramel Roasted Pecan Nuts
Promotion will be carried out across Masqati outlets in Hyderabad, allowing consumers to experience these innovative offerings first-hand and discover the unique flavour of American pecans.
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Khalid Masqati, Masqati Dairy Products Limited, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with American Pecans to bring our customers a premium and innovative sweet and savoury experience. The natural richness and crunch of American pecans perfectly complement the creamy indulgence Masqati’s product range is known for. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to quality and excellence.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sumit Saran, India Representative for the American Pecan Council, said, “With their natural goodness and versatility, pecans have become an integral part of modern diets across the globe. We envisage similar trends in India and foresee immense potential for pecans. The demand is only going to increase as more discerning Indian consumers discover this amazing nut, its health benefits, its taste, and ways to incorporate pecans into their daily routines. We are delighted to be partnering with Masqati Dairy Products Limited, known for their high-quality offerings. These new creations beautifully showcase the adaptability of pecans in Indian food formats, both sweet and savoury.”
This collaboration marks an important step in expanding pecan awareness and availability in India, especially among young, health-conscious consumers, culinary innovators, and wellness-focused brands.
18, Aug 2025
IIM Bodh Gaya launches ambitious EMBA programme
Mindful leaders for the fastest-growing economy: IIM Bodh Gaya launches ambitious EMBA programme
Bodh Gaya, August 18, 2025: The Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya, inaugurated its first-ever Executive MBA (EMBA) programme with a grand orientation ceremony held on the campus for the 2025-27 batch.
The EMBA program extends IIM Bodh Gaya’s key differentiator of developing mindful and socially responsible leadership to working professionals through a specially crafted curriculum and pedagogy that blends academic rigour with the flexibility for the industry.
Mr. Ninad Gadgil, CEO of Wendt India, and Mr.Siddharth Balakrishna, Senior Partner at BOD Consulting, along with Prof. Vinita S Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya, were the key speakers at the inaugural function who shared valuable perspectives on leadership, innovation, and navigating the ever-changing global business landscape.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof.Sahay emphasised the institute’s commitment to designing future-ready programs that balance academic excellence with industry relevance. She noted that the launch of the EMBA reflects IIM Bodh Gaya’s mission to nurture mindful leaders for the global economy who can drive meaningful impact in organisations and society.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ninad Gadgil urged everyone to define themselves not by their titles, but by their work, habits, and the impact they have on others’ growth, while Mr.Siddharth Balakrishna hailed the importance of clarity and precision in bringing greater impact.
Prof. Manoj Kumar, Chairperson of the Executive MBA programme, further elaborated that the EMBA programme has been tailored to empower working professionals to accelerate their leadership journeys by gaining holistic business insights, strategic perspectives, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. He reiterated that Bharat, being the world’s fastest-growing economy and now the fourth largest, needs a new generation of visionary business leaders.
The first EMBA cohort comprises a diverse mix of professionals with 3 to 21 years of work experience, representing industries across various sectors, including Deloitte, PwC, Accenture,
Tata Consultancy Services, NTPC, Ultratech Cement, Godrej Properties, Warner Bros. Discovery, Apollo Tyres, Siemens Technologies, Indian Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and Hilton.
The orientation also witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty as well as students of IIM Bodh Gaya’s MBA, MBA-Digital Business Management, and MBA-Hospital & Healthcare Management program, who gained exposure to the insights shared by senior industry leaders and the accomplished professionals of the first EMBA batch, fostering cross-learning and collaboration.
With this milestone, IIM Bodh Gaya has entered a new era of growth, reaffirming its role as a dynamic bridge between academia and industry, and further positioning itself as a hub for nurturing visionary leaders of tomorrow.
18, Aug 2025
Fairmont Udaipur Palace Appoints Rajan Malhotra as Director of Sales and Marketing
Udaipur, 18th’2025 – With over two decades of experience across India’s leading luxury hospitality brands, Rajan Malhotra brings a refined commercial acumen and destination-first mindset to his role as Director of Sales & Marketing at Fairmont Udaipur Palace.
Throughout his career, Rajan has been instrumental in building revenue strategies for some of the country’s most prestigious hotels, with a proven track record across the high-growth segments of destination weddings, MICE, and experiential luxury travel. His strength lies in translating a property’s physical grandeur into strong market positioning—developing storytelling-led sales strategies that connect deeply with clients and evolve brand perception.
At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, Rajan is leading a dynamic commercial vision that positions the hotel not just as a palace, but as a landmark destination for extraordinary celebrations and business gatherings. With the largest room inventory in Rajasthan’s luxury segment, two grand banquet halls, scenic terraces, and four expansive gardens, the hotel offers a level of scale and flexibility that few properties in the country can match.
Under his leadership, the sales and marketing function is expanding its focus across multiple verticals—luxury weddings, intimate private celebrations, high-end leisure, and business events—while ensuring that each guest experience remains bespoke and flawlessly executed. With Fairmont’s global legacy, Accor’s strength in distribution, and Udaipur’s inherent charm, Rajan is crafting a narrative that’s as emotionally resonant as it is commercially compelling.
A central pillar of his strategy is the repositioning of Udaipur as a serious MICE contender on the global stage. Historically celebrated for its romantic weddings, the city is now being reintroduced as a premium business destination through Rajan’s efforts—backed by infrastructure that supports gatherings from 50 to 2,000 delegates, expansive indoor-outdoor venues, and partnerships that enable seamless integration across neighboring properties.
Rajan’s leadership also extends to reimagining guest journeys through thoughtful programming—such as Fairmont Udaipur Palace’s signature arrival rituals, curated in-room experiences, and elevated service touchpoints. His approach prioritizes not just operational efficiency, but emotional connection—ensuring that every guest, whether a bride, delegate, or celebrant, feels deeply cared for.
With a focus on personalization, brand-led storytelling, and strategic segmentation, Rajan Malhotra is set to shape Fairmont Udaipur Palace into one of India’s most iconic luxury destinations—where grandeur is matched by warmth, scale is balanced by service, and every event becomes a timeless memory.
18, Aug 2025
The Dos and Don’ts of Choosing the Right Pet Boarding Centre
By – Rinky Gupta & Pratik Sheth, Founders – Barker and Meowsky
If you’ve ever packed your bags for a trip and felt those guilty puppy eyes (or the slow blink of your cat), you know the emotional tug of leaving your pet behind. The choice of where they’ll stay while you’re away can make all the difference for them and for you.
At Barker and Meowsky, we’ve cared for pets who trot in like they own the place and others who arrive a little nervous, unsure of what’s ahead. Over time, we’ve realised that the right boarding centre is not just about four walls and a food bowl it’s about creating a second home.
Start with a visit. A walk through the facility will tell you more than any Instagram post ever could. Notice how clean it is, how the staff interact with the animals, and whether the space feels welcoming.
Ask about the little things. Feeding schedules, playtime routines, and even nap arrangements can impact your pet’s comfort.
Match the environment to your pet’s personality. An active Labrador might thrive in a playful, social space, while an introverted cat may prefer a quiet corner with minimal disturbance.
And yes never compromise on health and safety. Updated vaccinations and trained staff should be non-negotiable
“Pet boarding is not just about a place to sleep it’s about creating a safe, engaging, and loving environment that mirrors the comfort of home,” says Pratik Sheth, Co-Founder of Barker and Meowsky. “Your pet should return to you happy, healthy, and maybe even with a few new friends.”
Because when it comes to our furry family members, peace of mind for you starts with the right choice for them.
18, Aug 2025
QNET Expands Wellness Portfolio in India with the Launch of Premium Nutriplus Monofloral Honey – Ramtil & Tulsi Variants
Hyderabad, 18th August, 2025: QNET, one of the leading global direct-selling company, has announced the launch of its premium Nutriplus Monofloral Honey range in India, introducing two exquisite variants – Ramtil (Guizotia abyssinica) and Tulsi (Holy Basil). Ethically and sustainably sourced from rural beekeepers, both honeys are 100% pure, natural, and unprocessed, offering consumers authentic taste and potential wellness benefits.
Derived predominantly from a single nectar source, Nutriplus Monofloral Honey retains its natural nutrients and enzymes, which may help boost immunity, combat daily fatigue, and support overall well-being. Each batch undergoes Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) testing the globally recognised gold-standard for verifying honey purity, authenticity, and origin.
Nutriplus Ramtil Monofloral Honey is harvested from nectar collected by bees from Ramtil flowers, native to Ethiopia and cultivated in parts of India. This oilseed plant lends the honey a rich, dark amber hue with a robust, mildly nutty taste and earthy notes. The nectar is valued for its distinctive flavour and wellness potential.
Nutriplus Tulsi Monofloral Honey is derived from the nectar of Tulsi flowers, carrying the sacred essence of a plant revered in Indian wellness traditions. With a gentle herbal sweetness and soothing aroma, it is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, and may help support immunity, respiratory wellness, and stress relief.
Priced at INR 4,160, this exclusive variant is presented in a set of three (500 g each)
Unlike many commercially processed honeys, Nutriplus Monofloral Honey is completely unprocessed.
18, Aug 2025
ITM University Hosts “Creativity and Inclusion” Exhibition by Special Children from Aakanksha Lions Institute
Raipur, August 18, 2025 – In a heartwarming celebration of Friendship Day, the Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, ITM University, Raipur, hosted “Creativity and Inclusion”, a unique exhibition showcasing the artistic talents of special children from the Aakanksha Lions Institute of Learning and Empowerment.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, graced by the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Gunjan Mishra, Head of the Department of Psychology and Event Coordinator, along with Mr. Sourav Chatterjee, Registrar, ITM University. The visiting delegation was led by Ms. Pratistha Shukla, Principal of Aakanksha Lions Institute, accompanied by 11 talented children and 5 dedicated faculty members.
The exhibition featured an impressive array of handcrafted items including friendship bands, Rakhis, decorative lamps, pooja thalis, Janmashtami-themed matkis, and creative envelopes. The vibrant display reflected not only the children’s creativity but also their enthusiasm and joy, which resonated throughout the university campus.
Students from the Department of Psychology played a key role in organizing the event, ensuring smooth coordination and meaningful interactions between the visiting children, university students, and faculty. Tokens of appreciation were presented to the children as a gesture of gratitude and encouragement.
“This exhibition is a testament to the power of inclusion and creativity. The joy these children bring through their art is inspiring, and it reminds us all that true education embraces every voice and every talent,” said Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, Pro Vice Chancellor, ITM University.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity, empathy, and artistic expression. It reinforced ITM University’s unwavering commitment to promoting inclusive education, nurturing creativity, and upholding social responsibility.
The “Creativity and Inclusion” exhibition left a lasting impact on all attendees, celebrating not just Friendship Day, but also the spirit of togetherness, acceptance, and shared joy.
18, Aug 2025
Demand for Washer Dryer Combos on the Rise across seasons as Consumers Turn to Smarter Laundry Routines for Convenience & Performance
GURUGRAM, India – August 18, 2025:– Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, is witnessing strong consumer interest in washer dryer combos across seasons, driven by the growing demand for smarter, space-efficient, and multi-functional laundry appliances.
According to a recent consumer study by Samsung, the demand for washer dryers is growing due to fear of dust and germs contamination on clothes across seasons. Using washer dryers for washing and drying clothes as compared to drying them outside saves on the manual effort of hanging clothes to dry. Another key reason is the fear of dust and germs contamination on clothes increasing due to pollution across all seasons. Additionally, clothes will be odour free and bacteria free due to the uniformly transmitted heat of a dryer.
This shift reflects the growing need for appliances that combine performance with convenience, particularly for families managing larger loads and limited drying space. Samsung’s range of washer dryers is tailored to meet these evolving preferences, offering a blend of capacity, intelligent wash care, and modern design suited to today’s space-conscious homes.
The problem of unpredictable monsoons, rising humidity levels in urban homes, and shrinking drying spaces have made traditional laundry practices no longer viable. Consumers, especially young families and millennial homeowners, are seeking solutions that offer faster drying, better capacity, and minimal manual effort. Samsung’s washer dryer combos are engineered to meet these modern-day challenges, offering drying and fabric care in all seasons, efficient use of space, and the power of AI to elevate fabric care.
More than just being functional, a washer dryer range needs to align with the lifestyle of modern Indian consumers. For the Gen Z and millennials, laundry is no longer just a household task, it’s a step toward smarter living. Samsung’s sleek and compact design is perfect for urban homes with limited space. From simplifying daily chores to enabling smart home integration, these innovations reflect a cultural shift where appliances are central to convenience, comfort, and everyday efficiency.
18, Aug 2025
India’s Most Anticipated Literary Awards, the Crossword Book Awards
Mumbai, August 18th, 2025: Crossword Bookstores, the country’s most cherished literary destination, has announced the jury for the Crossword Book Awards 2025. Continuing its legacy as India’s most respected celebration of literature, this year’s edition brings together a stellar 15-member jury panel of acclaimed writers, editors, journalists, business leaders, and cultural commentators, setting the stage for an exciting literary season.
Talking about the jury and the Awards, Aakash Gupta, CEO of Crossword Bookstores, said: “For over 25 years, the Crossword Book Awards have been a benchmark for literary recognition in India. This year’s jury embodies the passion, integrity, and deep literary insight that define the Awards. We look forward to celebrating the voices that shape our stories and, in turn, our world.”
Jury Panel – Crossword Book Awards 2025
FICTION
Navtej Sarna – Navtej Singh Sarna is an acclaimed Indian author and retired diplomat, having served as India’s Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and Ambassador to Israel during his 36-year career in the Indian Foreign Service. He is the author of three novels, which include The Exile and Crimson Spring, as well as several works of translation, short stories, and literary criticism. His writings span history, culture, and politics, with contributions to leading publications in India and abroad.
Sunil Sethi—Sunil Sethi is a renowned journalist, columnist, and television presenter who has been a regular columnist with Business Standard since 2000. He hosted the weekly literary show Just Books on NDTV from 2005 to 2013 and authored ‘Indian Interiors’ and other acclaimed works. He has also scripted documentaries for the BBC and Channel 4.
Vaishna Roy – Vaishna Roy is an accomplished journalist and editor with over 30 years of experience leading editorial teams and crafting compelling narratives. She currently serves as the editor of Frontline magazine. Vaishna is a prominent columnist, contributing to the fortnightly columns “Woman, Uninterrupted” and “Speech Melba” in The Hindu’s Weekend section.
NON-FICTION
Satish Padmanabhan – Managing Editor at Outlook, Padmanabhan brings 25 years of experience in journalism and literary criticism. He has also taught journalism at the Times School of Journalism and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. He has also worked with Sunday, BusinessWorld, Economic Times, NDTV, and CNBC and is deeply engaged in book journalism and literary programming.
Mandira Nayar – Mandira Nayar is an accomplished journalist and former Deputy Bureau Chief at The Week, with over two decades of experience covering culture, history, foreign policy, and books. A Charles Wallace Fellow (2015), she is also the Co-founder of Agla Varka, a cultural platform which aims to spark meaningful conversations on Punjab and has reported for The Hindu and The Telegraph.
Milan Vaishnav – Milan Vaishnav is a Senior Fellow and Director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. An expert on the political economy of India, he is also the award-winning author of When Crime Pays and host of the “Grand Tamasha” podcast.
TRANSLATIONS
Poonam Saxena –Poonam Saxena is a journalist, writer and translator. She has had a distinguished career with The Hindustan Times, where she launched and edited the HT Sunday magazine, Brunch. She translates from Hindi to English, and her translations include Dharmvir Bharati’s ‘Gunahon ka Devta’ (Chander & Sudha, Penguin Viking), Rahi Masoom Raza’s ‘Scene: 75’ (HarperCollins), and ‘The Greatest Hindi Stories Ever Told’ (Aleph). She was also the co-author of filmmaker Karan Johar’s memoir ‘An Unsuitable Boy’(Penguin).
S. Prasannarajan – Prasannarajan, Editor of Open magazine, is a seasoned journalist with senior editorial roles at The Times of India, Indian Express, and India Today. A prolific essayist and cultural critic, he writes widely read columns and shapes public discourse through his incisive political, literary, and international analyses.
Fathima E.V. – Fathima E.V. is an acclaimed writer and translator from Kerala, and the co-recipient of the 2021 JCB Prize for Literature for ‘Delhi: A Soliloquy’ by M. Mukundan. Her debut translation, ‘A Preface to Man’ by Subash Chandran, won both the Crossword Prize for English Translation and the V. Abdulla Translation Award in 2017. She has also translated ‘Baby Doll: Stories of Gracy’ and poetry for ‘Indian Ink’, and was shortlisted for the inaugural “PEN Presents” UK translation grant in 2022.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Anita Nair –Anita Nair, acclaimed Indian author, is celebrated for adult and children’s literature. Her books include ‘Ladies Coupé’, the ‘Inspector Gowda’ series, and ‘The Puffin Book of Magical Indian Myths’. A Sahitya Akademi and Crossword Award winner, her work appears in 30+ languages. She mentors writers through Anita’s Attic.
Deepak Dalal –Deepak Dalal is a renowned children’s author known for adventure stories that explore India’s wildlife and landscapes. His Vikram–Aditya series spans Ladakh, the Andamans, and the Western Ghats, while Feather Tales engages younger readers.
Deepa Agarwal –Deepa Agarwal writes for both children and adults and has over 60 books published. A frequent contributor to magazines and journals in India and abroad, she has edited and compiled several anthologies. Among various other awards, she has received the N.C.E.R.T. National Award for Children’s Literature for ‘Ashok’s New Friends’, while her historical fiction ‘Caravan to Tibet’ was on the prestigious IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) Honour List 2008.
BUSINESS and MANAGEMENT
Mitali Mukherjee – Mitali Mukherjee is the Director of the Reuters Institute and the Director of the Journalist Programmes at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford. She is a political economy journalist with more than two decades of experience in TV, print and digital journalism.
Sonu Bhasin – Sonu Bhasin is an award-winning business author, family business historian, and one of India’s senior women leaders with over three decades of experience across financial and non-financial sectors. Sonu has written six bestselling business books, including ‘Lala Shri Ram: The Man Who Saw Tomorrow’, winner of the 2024 Gaja Capital Business Book Prize. She is also a columnist for The Economic Times and has been recognised among the Global 100 Most Influential for family enterprises.
Sruthijith KK – Sruthijith KK is an Executive Editor at The Economic Times, who has worked in leading roles across business media platforms. He joined ET in late 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including Editor-in-Chief at Mint. He is known for his deep understanding of the evolving media landscape and his ability to navigate the challenges of digitalisation.
First presented in 1998, the Crossword Book Awards have championed the finest Indian authors, celebrating their work and inspiring countless new voices. At the heart of this celebration lies the jury panel. From acclaimed writers and seasoned editors to leading journalists and thought leaders, this diverse jury panel reflects the depth and breadth of India’s literary landscape, ensuring that the awards remain a true representation of the country’s creative brilliance. Across five categories, Fiction, Non-fiction, Translations, Children’s Books, and Business and Management, each panel of three jurors will longlist ten books from publisher submissions across India, before narrowing them down to a shortlist of five, from which the final winner will be chosen.
Alongside the Jury Awards, the Crossword Book Awards also feature the Popular Choice Awards, where readers across the country vote to decide the winning book across different categories. With its blend of expert judgment and public participation, the Crossword Book Awards is poised to celebrate India’s contemporary literary scene, building excitement and anticipation in the lead-up to this year’s grand celebration.
