25, Jul 2025
SBI General Grows 2.4 times Faster Than Industry with 21.5 Percentage Q1 FY26 Growth
Mumbai; July 25th, 2025: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, today announced its financial results for Q1 FY26, posting a topline growth of 21.5%, significantly higher than the industry (Private & SAHI) growth of 6.2%, marking the Company as one of the fastest-growing general insurers in the country. The Company reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 3250 crores, maintaining its upward momentum. Excluding the impact of 1/n accounting norm, the GWP of the Company grew by 25.6% for Q1FY26.
The Company gained 78 basis points improvement in private market share, i.e. 6.19% reflecting growing customer preference and an expanding footprint across key markets. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at INR 249 crores, while the loss ratio improved significantly from 86.2% to 81.7%, indicating stronger portfolio quality and disciplined underwriting. Continuing to outpace industry growth, the company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 188 crores. The solvency ratio stood at 2.08, well above the regulatory requirement demonstrating strong financial stability.
SBI General Insurance continues to lead the Personal Accident (PA) segment, maintaining its position as the No. 1 private insurer. The company gained market share in the key categories of Health by 72 bps , Motor by 47 bps and Personal Accident by 49 bps. The Health and Motor Insurance lines of business remain key growth drivers, while other segments, such as Fire, Engineering, and Liability, have also contributed significantly to the growth. This growth has been propelled by rising awareness, increased demand for comprehensive coverage, growing digital adoption, and supportive government policies.
Commenting on the Company’s quarterly performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “We have started FY26 on a strong note with sustained growth across all key parameters. Our GWP stood at INR 3250 crores, reflecting focus on balanced growth and profitability, backed by customer trust and agile execution. The insurance industry is evolving rapidly, shaped by rising awareness, regulatory momentum, and increasing adoption of digital platforms. Our performance is a reflection of our steadfast dedication to customer-focused innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. We remain committed to further strengthening our capabilities and delivering on our promise of protecting what matters most to our customers.”
Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added, “Our Q1 FY26 performance reflects a strong improvement across key financial metrics. Despite growing at 3.5X compared to private industry growth, our Loss ratio has shown significant improvement demonstrating disciplined underwriting, risk management, strong business portfolio and cost efficiency. The significant increase in profitability and solvency highlights our robust business fundamentals and our ability to foresee and adapt to a dynamic market environment. We will continue to focus on delivering value to all stakeholders while sustaining our growth momentum.”
With a clear focus on customer-centricity, innovation, and operational strength, SBI General Insurance remains well-positioned to drive responsible growth and create long-term value in the evolving insurance landscape.
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- By Neel Achary
24, Jul 2025
STAAH tech fortifies online business operations of Bhopal-based Amer Group of Hotels
“STAAH’s range of solutions is designed to serve every kind of hotel, homestay, resort and budget establishment. In just five months, we’ve seen a turnaround in their online bookings and inventory with our systems in place. The enhanced guest booking experience has also led to higher consumer engagement across all their online platforms,” said Shoaib Ali – National Sales Head India, STAAH.
24, Jul 2025
Satin Creditcare Network Ltd. to Launch Women-Led AIF Fund to Foster Inclusive Growth
New Delhi, July 24th 2025: Reinforcing its long-standing commitment to financial empowerment and inclusive growth, Satin Creditcare Network Ltd. (SCNL), one of India’s leading microfinance institutions, has announced the launch of an MSME-focused debt fund helmed by women. To be structured as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) under SEBI regulations, the platform is designed to provide vital debt capital to viable but underfunded micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a strong focus on those based in rural and semi-urban India.
At a time when access to capital remains a persistent barrier for small enterprises, SCNL’s new fund emerges as an essential, debt-driven solution. Championed by women, with an all-women Board of Directors and investment leadership team, this fund places women at the center of financial decision-making, capital deployment and economic inclusion.
Leading this initiative, Ms. Aditi Singh, Chief Strategy Officer, ESG Head, Satin Creditcare, commented on the vision behind this: “This is more than just a fund. It’s a platform for systemic change, by placing women at the helm financially, institutionally, and socially – we are not only unlocking small enterprise potential, but reshaping the future of finance itself.”
The fund will prioritize investments in sectors that are central to grassroots livelihoods, including agri-tech, manufacturing, health-tech, rural services, education and infrastructure. Built on ESG principles and shaped by a gender intentional lens, the fund is not a standalone initiative, it is a direct extension of SCNL’s broader mission of inclusion across the length and breadth of the nation.
From enabling last-mile borrowers to designing forward-looking financial structures, Satin continues to move beyond intention into tangible, scalable impact and rewriting the narrative around access, equity, and representation in Indian finance.
Dr. HP Singh, Chairman cum Managing Director of Satin Creditcare, said, “At Satin, inclusion is not a vertical; it’s the lens through which we build everything. This fund is a natural extension of our mission to create financial systems that truly serve the people they’re meant for, by being responsive to their needs, accessible in their contexts and inclusive by design. We are not simply bridging funding gaps, we are intentionally building systems where representation, resilience, and opportunity are built into the core of how capital flows. By entrusting women to lead investment, we are translating our values into action and shaping a more balanced, resilient, and representative economy.”
24, Jul 2025
Bharat Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Showcases India’s Design and Sustainability Leadership
Mumbai, 24 July 2025: Ecofirst Services Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Consulting Engineers, has delivered the “Bharat Pavilion” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The Pavilion highlights India’s cultural heritage, technological innovation, and engineering skill. Located in the “Connecting Lives” zone, it reflects India’s vision of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” through a careful blend of tradition, sustainability, and modern infrastructure.
Ecofirst Services team, engaged by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), under Ministry of Culture, Government of India and India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) under Ministry of Commerce, successfully completed the entire project in just 90 days in highly compressed timelines and meeting multiple regulatory frameworks of the country of Japan. Ecofirst’s scope covered concept development, planning, design, curation, execution, technical operations, and creating an experience for visitors. The Pavilion stands as a testament to India’s ability to deliver complex, high-quality projects swiftly and efficiently.
The Ecofirst team designed and executed the entire project in the most sustainable manner, with meticulous planning. For this achievement, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) conferred the Platinum Plaque for Sustainable Interiors, making it the first of its kind in India and one of the very few temporary Expo structures in Japan to achieve this prestigious recognition.
Adding to the accolades, the CMD of ITPO, Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola, stated: “The Bharat Pavilion has emerged as one of the most visited pavilions of the Osaka World Expo. This moment of success has been achieved through excellent designs and curation by Ecofirst along with their strong execution capabilities, for which they were selected to execute the project. I truly appreciate the professionalism and dedication of the entire Ecofirst team in realising this important national representation at a global forum.”
Speaking on the success of the Pavilion, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, remarked: “The Pavilion is a remarkable outcome of teamwork, creativity, and strong coordination. I commend Ecofirst for their innovative ideas, thoughtful selection of materials, and effective management of multiple agencies in Japan. The speed of work, attention to detail, and quality of content and exhibits are noteworthy. The Pavilion has been recognised as the best in its X-box category and is counted among the top few pavilions across all categories.”
Amit Sharma, MD & CEO of Tata Consulting Engineers, said, “Delivering the Bharat Pavilion within such tight timelines and in challenging site conditions shows not only our technical skill but also our commitment to representing India on a global stage. We are honoured to contribute to this symbol of national identity, sustainability, and forward-looking design.”
Expo 2025 Osaka runs until 13 October 2025, with participation from over 160 countries and nine international organisations. The India Pavilion has already become one of the five most visited in OSAKA World Expo 2025. This edition of Expo in OSAKA also marks the fifty-fifth anniversary of the 1970 Osaka Expo, offering a moment to reflect on the evolution of global priorities, from the 1970 theme of “Progress and Harmony for Mankind” to today’s focus on inclusivity, resilience, and sustainable development. The Bharat Pavilion captures this progression through its collaborative and environmentally conscious design.
Architecturally, the Pavilion is inspired by the Padmapani Bodhisattva, represented as a blue lotus; an enduring symbol of purity, wisdom, and spiritual harmony. Spanning 18,000 square feet, its petal-like form invites visitors to engage with India’s philosophy of interconnectedness, resonating with the ancient Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or “The World is One Family”.
The Pavilion features several immersive zones:
· The Innovation Bharat Zone, showcasing achievements in space exploration, Ayurveda, digital transformation, clean energy, and smart urban development
· Heritage and ODOP Zones, celebrating traditional crafts, regional textiles, and entrepreneurship
· The Cultural Courtyard and Oneness Lounge, hosting live performances, yoga sessions, and interactive experiences
· The Bharat Bazaar and family zones, offering Indian cuisine, handicrafts, and folk art
· State and Ministry Zones, presenting models of governance and regional showcases
From the outset, the Pavilion was envisioned as a model of green construction and responsible design. Built using modular and recyclable materials, it incorporates low-flow fixtures, high-efficiency HVAC systems, occupancy sensors, CO₂ monitors, and real-time energy tracking. Sustainability has been central to every stage, from material sourcing to day-to-day operations.
Overcoming a range of challenges, including global logistics, compliance with Japanese structural codes, and integration of multilingual technical systems, the Pavilion was delivered on time due to disciplined project management and cross-border collaboration.
Chitranjan Kaushik, CEO of Ecofirst Services Limited, said: “Representing India at a global event of this scale is about more than cultural display. The Bharat Pavilion invites the world to connect with India’s living traditions and its ongoing transformation into one of the world’s top four economies. It is a space where legacy and innovation meet seamlessly.”
The successful delivery of the Bharat Pavilion reflects India’s capabilities in global design, engineering, and delivery. The project has drawn significant attention from Expo organisers, local media, and other national delegations for its impactful content and high-speed execution. Through this project, Tata Consulting Engineers and Ecofirst Services have exemplified India’s integrated design approach, cultural depth, and commitment to sustainability on the world stage.
As Expo 2025 Osaka continues to attract millions of visitors, the Bharat Pavilion stands as a vibrant and compelling representation of India’s design leadership, cultural narrative, and forward-looking spirit.
24, Jul 2025
Real Estate Sector Sees Luxury Homes Designed for Generation, Not Just Residents
The Indian luxury real estate market is no longer defined solely by high-end finishes or exclusive amenities; instead, buyers are looking beyond immediate grandeur and embracing a deeper, more lasting vision. Today’s luxury homes are being seen as enduring assets that carry emotional resonance, financial value, and familial heritage. This shift marks a new paradigm where real estate is designed not just for residents, but for generations—an investment in continuity, comfort, and identity that stands the test of time.
The luxury home has become an epitome of legacy. Affluent buyers are shifting their focus from lifestyle-driven ownership to lineage-driven purpose, viewing their residences as timeless heirlooms rather than transient assets. These homes are being crafted not just to serve the present, but to grow in emotional and material value with each passing generation. There’s a profound psychological satisfaction in passing down a thoughtfully designed space, one that holds memories, milestones, and meaning.
Moreover, as luxury homes evolve into multi-generational sanctuaries, developers are reimagining every square foot with longevity and adaptability in mind. Flexible layouts that evolve with shifting family dynamics, dedicated zones for both elders and children, and multi-use spaces that transition seamlessly from home offices to leisure lounges are becoming essential. Meanwhile, future-ready features like smart home ecosystems, EV charging infrastructure, renewable energy support, and sustainable materials are being integrated to ensure these homes remain relevant and resilient. This new wave of architecture blends comfort with foresight, creating residences that are as enduring as the legacies they’re meant to uphold.
This intergenerational approach to luxury living is gaining strong momentum across India’s key real estate hubs. In Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, leading developers are increasingly embracing designs that blend heritage with modernity, creating homes that serve both present needs and future legacies.
At the heart of this generational shift lies the philosophy of visionary developers like Prateek Group, who see luxury not as a fleeting aesthetic but as a legacy carefully crafted over time. Their approach to residential design blends timeless elegance with intuitive functionality, ensuring that each home remains relevant across decades. Prateek Group’s projects exemplify this ethos through thoughtful design, timeless appeal, and enduring functionality. With sprawling green landscapes, smartly planned residences, and a host of wellness and lifestyle amenities, Prateek Grand City in Siddharth Vihar creates a self-sufficient environment where families can thrive, grow, and stay connected through the years. Prateek Canary, set in the upscale Sector 150 of Noida, represents the pinnacle of refined living. Its low-density design, resort-style club amenities, and expansive balconies overlooking lush greens reflect a deep understanding of modern, multi-generational lifestyles. These are not just residences, but living ecosystems where generations find comfort, connection, and continuity.
As families evolve, so must the spaces they inhabit. Developers are prioritising flexible floor plans that adapt to shifting family dynamics. Dedicated areas for both elderly and young members ensure comfort and inclusivity across age groups, while multi-functional zones seamlessly transition between work-from-home nooks, reading corners, or leisure lounges. The result is a living environment that supports continuity, connection, and adaptability; now and for generations ahead.
Therefore, as homes transition from being symbols of status to sanctuaries of legacy, a deeper narrative is unfolding—one rooted in emotional continuity, architectural foresight, and generational value. Developers are no longer just building for the present moment; they are shaping spaces that resonate across time, adapting to the evolving rhythms of family life while standing resilient amid shifting trends.
24, Jul 2025
Intel and Times of India Launch ‘The Learning Curve’ to Bridge Digital Trust Gap in Education
NEW DELHI, India – July 24, 2025 – Intel, in partnership with The Times of India, today announced the launch of The Learning Curve, a landmark campaign focused on reshaping how Indian parents and educators view the role of technologyparticularly PCs and AIin school education. With over 248 million school students across the country (Economic Survey 2024-25) and persistent gaps in digital infrastructure, this initiative takes on the urgent task of rebuilding trust in technology as an enabler of responsible, personalized learning.
The campaign draws attention to stark disparities in India’s educational ecosystem: only 57.2% of schools have functional computers (UDISE Plus, 2023-24), and a mere 53.9% (UDISE Plus, 2023-24) have internet access. Yet, the pressure on students to succeed academically continues to rise. The Learning Curve leverages real stories, expert insights, and survey data from over 100,000 Indian parents and educators to tackle common fears around screen time, distraction, misinformation, and the perceived replacement of teachers by machines.
The campaign takes root in a significant mindset gap: while many parents acknowledge the benefits of technology, 55% still view AI as potentially risky or harmful to critical thinking. Nearly one in three cite academic stress as a top concern, while 43% are actively seeking expert guidance on how to use technology effectively for their children’s education.
To address these concerns, The Learning Curve is built around three core pillars:
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Empowerment Through Education: Positioning the PC as a personalized tutor and productivity partner in a child’s learning journeyfrom discovery to mastery.
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Ethical, Safe Technology Use: Advocating for Intel-powered PCs with parental controls, privacy safeguards, and secure learning environments.
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Cultural Relevance & Local Stories: Featuring parenting voices across India, from celebrities like Soha Ali Khan and Kranti Redkar to regional teachers transforming classrooms with tech.
One of the defining features of The Learning Curve is its emotionally grounded storytelling. The campaign features well-known parenting voices such as Soha Ali Khan, Kranti Redkar, and Prithi Ashwin, who reflect on their own children’s evolving learning journeys. From watching their kids engage with interactive educational content to navigating questions around screen time and online safety, these mothers bring authenticity and vulnerability to the conversation. Their stories strike a chord with Indian parentsbalancing curiosity with caution, and change with care.
In fact, a striking 66% of parents surveyed believe technology can be a powerful educational allyif guided well. This highlights that the barrier isn’t belief in tech itself, but a lack of clarity and trusted direction. The Learning Curve aims to bridge this gap with credible voices and real-world stories that show what responsible, effective tech use can actually look like.
These stories will include voices from the education frontlines, such as Ranjitsinh Disale, the Global Teacher Prize 2020 winner known for transforming rural classrooms through innovative, tech-enabled teaching methods. Disale, who famously introduced QR-coded textbooks in a government school in Maharashtra, lends his expertise to advocate for meaningful tech integration in classrooms. His participation underscores the campaign’s belief that the right toolsused mindfullycan democratize learning, boost accessibility, and empower both teachers and students to achieve more.
Aligned with national policy frameworks such as the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and global calls for digital inclusion, The Learning Curve complements India’s push toward future-ready education. With the AI-in-education market expected to grow at around 40% CAGR in Asia-Pacific, Intel is investing in campaigns that not only address access but also perception and trust.
From expert-led videos to myth-busting explainers and regional-language guides, The Learning Curve offers a dynamic mix of content in English, Hindi, Marathi, and Tamilcrafted to challenge assumptions and spark fresh thinking about tech in education. Now streaming across TOI’s digital platforms and social channels, these stories and insights invite audiences to explore how AI-powered PCs are quietly transforming learning across India. Dive into the conversation at www.thelearningcurve.ai.
Santhosh Viswanathan, Managing Director of Intel India, emphasizes the urgent need for both infrastructural and attitudinal change in education:“Technology is now the bedrock of education. It’s democratising access to learning, enabling personalised experiences, and connecting students and educators like never before. At Intel, we align with UNESCO’s view that digital technologies are evolving into integrated networks, forming the infrastructure of modern learning.To truly harness this power, we must prioritise areas like digital infrastructure, AI-based learning tools, and intelligent tutoring systems. However, we also need a critical mindset shift. Computers are still seen as distractions, and rote learning is deeply ingrained. With only 57% of Indian schools equipped with functional computers and 53% with internet access (as per the UDISE report), this gap must be urgently addressed.”
Intel’s long-standing commitment to inclusive innovation and ecosystem development continues to drive its work in India. Through collaboration with local partners and institutions, the brand aims to build the infrastructure, awareness, and capabilities needed to make every child’s learning journey truly limitless.
Intel’s vision for education in India is rooted in the belief that technology, when thoughtfully deployed, can be a powerful equalizer. With only about half of the schools having functional computers, Intel is committed to bridging this digital divide while transforming mindsets around tech-enabled learning. The company envisions a future where every child has access to an AI-powered PCserving not as a distraction, but as a personalized tutor and productivity partner. By fostering digital literacy, enhancing infrastructure, and championing safe, responsible use of technology, Intel aims to unlock every student’s potential and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the AI age.
24, Jul 2025
N. Ramchander Rao Outlines Vision for Inclusive Industrial Growth at FTCCI Meet
“I Will Be the Bridge Between Telangana Industry and Union Government”: BJP State President N. Ramchander Rao Assures FTCCI Members
Railway Ministry is considering Regional Railway Ring Road to complement RRR: TG BJP Chief
Hyderabad, July 24, 2025: In his first non-political public interaction after taking over as the President of the Telangana unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mr. N. Ramchander Rao addressed over 300 industrialists at a special interactive meeting organized by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) on Wednesday till late evening.
Themed “Roadmap for Inclusive Industrial Growth in Telangana” with a focus on the MSME sector, the meeting served as a platform for dialogue between industry and political leadership.
“I will be the bridge between the Telangana industry and the Union Government,” declared Mr. Rao, emphasising his commitment to raise the state’s industrial issues with the Centre and ensure necessary policy support and attention.
“BJP has often been labelled as a corporate-friendly government. But can a country grow without its industries and entrepreneurs? Industries, both big and small, are nation builders. They generate employment, produce goods and services, pay taxes, and create wealth,” he stated.
Highlighting the global success of Non-Resident Indians, he remarked, “Indians thrive abroad but not always in India. This gap is often a result of policy and governance. However, in the past 11 years under the NDA regime, India has seen substantial progress — particularly in MSME growth and skill development. A dedicated Ministry for Skill Development was a landmark step,” he added.
On Telangana’s Industrial Landscape, Mr. Rao called for decentralisation of industrial development in Telangana. “Development is concentrated in and around Hyderabad. Tier-II and Tier-III cities must also grow. Inclusive growth is the need of the hour.”
He shared that the Railway Ministry is considering a Regional Railway Ring Road to complement the proposed Regional Ring Road (RRR), creating new connectivity corridors for industry.
Mr. Rao urged youth to shift from a job-seeking mindset to becoming job creators and called for healthy competition among states and companies to drive growth.
“There’s no discrimination by the Union Government based on ideologies. Initiatives like UPI are transforming the nation and proving our collective strength,” he said.
Welcoming the gathering, FTCCI President Mr. R. Ravi Kumar stated, “This is the first time a state party president is addressing our members — and it won’t be the last. We believe continuous engagement between industry and political leaders is essential for progressive governance.”
Mr. Srinivas Gabriella, Chairman of FTCCI’s Industrial Development Committee, emphasized the disparity in district-wise development. “Just five districts around Hyderabad are developing. Local sourcing must be promoted. Women’s employment is still in single digits — this needs urgent attention.”
Mr. Shekhar Reddy, CMD, CSR Estates Ltd and former CII President, said, “We have the potential to outcompete China. Our long-pending concerns like GST and Stamp Duty must be resolved.”
Mr. K. Sudhir Reddy, President, Telangana Industrialists Federation, highlighted the absence of mega industries in the state over the past 16–17 years. “MSMEs thrive when large industries co-exist.”
The interactive session concluded with an engaging Q&A, reflecting the stakeholders’ hope for more such open platforms.
24, Jul 2025
Red Carpet, Dhol Beats & Desi Glam: Ammy Virk’s Sarbala Ji Premiere Lights Up Dubai with BNW & Ankur Aggarwal
24, Jul 2025
Flebo.in Launches Free AI-Powered Digital Health Record Storage
GURUGRAM, 24 July, 2025: Flebo.in, a one-stop destination that allows convenient booking of both radiology and pathology tests from any lab of the customer’s choice, has launched a new free AI-powered digital health vault, enabling users to upload, store, and analyze lab reports from any diagnostic lab. The new service allows patients to consolidate scattered medical records, track health trends over time, and receive AI-driven insights and doctor suggestions—all without any cost.
Backed by Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, in his personal capacity, Flebo.in now lets users upload their health reports from any lab, including third party, and secure them in an online data vault free of cost. They can access these reports anytime, anywhere on their mobile phones by simply logging into their Flebo.in account.
As soon as a report is uploaded, Flebo.in uses artificial intelligence to instantly and automatically analyze the report. It shows users the parameters that are out of range, provides an AI based analysis, which includes recommendations for lifestyle and doctor recommendations. It adds all major tested parameters to the Health Trend Graphs to see all the values for that parameter across all tests, conducted at different times in one graph, without needing to look through multiple reports. Flebo.in then sends recommendations for future tests at the appropriate time, thus ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.
Ashish Vikram, Co-founder & CEO, Flebo.in, said, “Most people that get tested, find it difficult to interpret their reports or relate it to their previous test results. Keeping track of older reports and finding the right one to compare with when needed is a pain that I have personally faced. We’re changing that by offering a 100% free health platform that goes beyond booking lab tests. We help users keep track of all their older reports and easily search for reports that contain the test results they want to look at. Health trend graphs are automatically created for every parameter tested so you can see the trend at a glance without even needing to look at older reports. Our AI provides an instant analysis of your report as soon as you upload it and provides doctor recommendations if needed. Automatic AI based reminders when a re-test is needed make sure that you are not neglecting your health.”
24, Jul 2025
Kamats Legacy Unveils New Outlet in Mira Road, Thane with a Wholesome South Indian Feast for All Ages
Addressing the launch, Dr. Vikram Kamat, Chairman and Managing Director of Kamats Legacy, outlined his vision “Each new outlet, we wish to bring families closer with the love of soulful South Indian cuisine. Mira Road is a young and emerging area, and we’re excited to serve this community with the same virtues of purity, tradition, and taste that characterize Kamats Legacy. Our new Kids Menu is a step toward making the experience accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding for every age group.”
