Category Archives: News

Salesforce hosts the 3rd edition of the Trailblazing Women Summit in India

Bengaluru, India, 25 October, 2025: Salesforce, the world’s #1 AI CRM*, successfully hosted the third edition of its Trailblazing Women Summit in India, in Bengaluru. The summit, themed “Become an Agent of Change,” saw participation from 300+ in-person attendees and 300+ live virtual participants, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation of women leaders and allies.

The summit featured thought-provoking discussions with leading women professionals across industries on how AI is reshaping the future of work and leadership. Drawing from their personal journeys, the speakers shared strategies on how to adopt AI, develop future skills, mentor effectively, and cultivate inclusive leadership. They emphasized that becoming an “agent of change” means navigating transformation with resilience, driving innovation, and inspiring the next generation of leaders to thrive.

Key leaders included Soujanya Aluri, Chief Digital Officer, TVS Credit; Bhargavi Sridharan, Head of Aditya Birla Capital Digital & ABC One; Monika Phartyal, CIO, Page Industries; Carol Furtado, Executive Director, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank; and Romi Jatta, Group Chief Purchase Officer, Usha International. They highlighted personal journeys, the role of mentorship, and practical strategies to navigate AI-driven transformation while remaining agents of change in their organizations.

Salesforce leaders including Molly Q. Ford, VP, Culture & Engagement, Salesforce; Relina Bulchandani, EVP, REWS, Salesforce; Mankiran Chowhan, Managing Director & SVP, Sales & Distribution, Salesforce India; Sugi Venkatesh, SVP, ES Business Partner, Salesforce India; Sonali Kalyanikar, RVP, Sales, Salesforce India; and Parul Jain, VP, Software Engineering, Salesforce India, also shared insights on leveraging technology to empower teams, build inclusive workplaces, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Reflecting on the significance of the summit, Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO, Salesforce South Asia, said, “True impact comes when we lead with purpose, nurture talent, and create opportunities for others to shine alongside us. My advice to young women aspiring to lead is to step forward with confidence, seek mentors, and lift others as you rise. For women advancing in their careers, continue learning, challenge the status quo, and build inclusive teams that amplify diverse voices.”

Mankiran Chowhan, Managing Director & SVP, Sales & Distribution, Salesforce India, added, “It is inspiring to see so many women leaders and allies come together to share their stories and strategies for navigating change. As we embrace the agentic AI era, it is essential to leverage the full spectrum of talent and perspectives. By adopting AI with purpose and inclusivity, we can drive innovation while building more equitable and dynamic workplaces. The remarkable women participating in this summit will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our industry.”

The Trailblazing Women Summit is a celebration of talent, ambition, and the transformative power of inclusion. Key takeaways from the summit included the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and allyship in accelerating careers and building equitable organizations.

Samir Shah of Dvara Holdings selected for the 2025 Meaningful Business 100

Chennai, India, 23^rd October, 2025: Samir Shah of Dvara Holdings has been named as one of this year’s Meaningful Business 100 (MB100), the annual award programme championing leaders combining profit and purpose to tackle complex social and environmental issues.

Evaluated by a panel of expert judges representing organisations like Google, Mastercard, Unilever SAP, Temasek and the World Economic Forum, winners were selected from over 900 nominations, across 86 countries. These outstanding social entrepreneurs, sustainability leaders, Corporate CEOs and impact investors were scored across five key areas: equity, impact, innovation, leadership and scalability.

As part of the ongoing MB100 programme, now in its 7th year, winners will gain access to investment opportunities, capacity-building resources, and pro-bono services from a range of leading organisations, including EY, Hogan Lovells, Forster Communications, Green Frontier Capital, Kenya Climate Ventures, and The Portman Estate. They also join the Meaningful Business community – a global network of social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and corporate sustainability leaders.

Commenting on the 2025 MB100, Tom Lytton-Dickie, Founder & CEO, Meaningful Business, said: “Firstly, a big congratulations to Samir Shah, whose inspiring work at Dvara Holdings demonstrates how combining profit and purpose can tackle complex social and environmental issues. The calibre of this year’s applications was exceptionally high, and we’re honoured to have Samir join our global community. We are looking forward to supporting their work in the coming years, as they scale their influence and impact.”

On being selected as part of the MB100 2025 cohort, Samir Shah, Executive Vice-Chair & Co-Founder, Dvara Holdings, said “This recognition is deeply meaningful—not just for me, but for the entire Dvara ecosystem. Our journey has been about building institutions that take the long view, solve deeply entrenched problems, and prioritise customer-centricity, trust, and resilience. I’m grateful to the MB100 community for celebrating this kind of impact, and I look forward to learning from and contributing to this community. I hope it encourages more mission-driven founders to stay the course, even when the road is complex.”

As one of the MB100 judges, Stasia Mitchell, EY Global Entrepreneurship Leader, added, “Congratulations to the MB100 Class of 2025! These inspiring leaders in social entrepreneurship, sustainability, corporate innovation and impact investing show how entrepreneurial thinking can be truly transformational. Chosen from over 900 nominations across 86 countries, they are delivering scalable solutions to global challenges by aligning purpose with profit. It was an honor to serve as a judge and see firsthand how they are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Promotes Anthony Martin as Front Office Manager

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Announces Promotion of Anthony Martin to Front Office Manager

Hyderabad, 22nd October, 2025: Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad is pleased to announce the promotion of Anthony Martin to Front Office Manager, recognizing his exceptional dedication and leadership within the Marriott International family.​

Martin’s journey with Marriott spans 16 years, beginning in 2009 at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre as a Cafeteria Service Boy. His commitment to excellence led him to the Front Office department in 2013, where he progressed from Bell Boy to Front Desk Manager over a decade of dedicated service.​

In June 2023, Martin joined Fairfield by Marriott Benaulim Goa as Assistant Front Office Manager before returning to Hyderabad in 2024 to join Marriott Executive Apartments in the same capacity.​

“It has been an incredible 16-year journey with Marriott filled with learning, growth and opportunities that have shaped both my professional and personal development,” said Martin.

Beyond the desk, Martin enjoys watching cricket, listening to music, and cherishes time with his family, especially his eight-month-old son. In his new role, Martin will oversee all front office operations, leading the guest services team to ensure the signature service standards that define the Marriott Executive Apartments experience.

Five Emerging Artists Shine at 34th Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation Awards

Dhoomimal Gallery concludes its two-week exhibition celebrating India’s next generation of contemporary artists

New Delhi, October 20, 2025: Dhoomimal Gallery, India’s oldest modern art gallery, successfully concluded the 34th Annual Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation (RJMF) Exhibition with an inspiring Awards Ceremony that marked the grand culmination of the two-week-long showcase. From 60 participants selected out of over 500 nationwide entries, five exceptional emerging artists, Santanu Dey, Shuvam Sen, Naina Somani, Soumitra Das, and Ayesha Sultana Pramanik; were honoured as winners.

This year, in recognition of the extraordinary quality and diversity of submissions, the jury decided to extend the awards to five winners instead of the usual four—a reflection of the remarkable creative talent on display. Each awardee received ₹1,00,000 along with continued mentorship and opportunities to advance their artistic journey.

Speaking about the awards, Uday Jain, Director of Dhoomimal Gallery, said, “This year’s edition truly stood out for the calibre and originality of the participating artists. The jury’s decision to honour five awardees is a testament to the depth of emerging talent in India today. The Foundation remains deeply committed to nurturing these voices and continuing my father’s vision of supporting the future of Indian art.”

The winners were selected by a distinguished jury panel comprising Vibha Galhotra, Rekha Rodwittiya, Anish Gawande, Arunkumar H.G., and Ina Puri—renowned figures representing diverse perspectives across art, curation, literature, and cultural discourse.

The 34th RJMF Exhibition, held from September 29 to October 15, 2025, presented over 120 artworks spanning painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, and digital art. The showcase drew strong participation from collectors, curators, artists, and art enthusiasts, reaffirming Dhoomimal Gallery’s role as a leading platform for emerging Indian talent.

Instituted in 1991 by Smt. Uma Jain in memory of Ravi Jain (1936–2000)—the visionary gallerist who transformed Dhoomimal into a cornerstone of Indian modern art—the Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation continues to carry forward his belief that “for the art movement to perpetuate and grow, we must constantly nurture new talent.”

Over the past three decades, the RJMF Exhibition and Awards have evolved into one of India’s most respected platforms for emerging contemporary artists, offering visibility and recognition at formative stages of their careers.

Today, under the leadership of Uday and Sunaina Jain, the Foundation and Dhoomimal Gallery together remain dedicated to promoting contemporary voices, mentoring young artists, and shaping a vibrant ecosystem for Indian art.

Central bank of India Financial Results for the Quarter Ended September 30th, 2025.

India, 18th october 2025: The Bank has reported robust performance for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, reflecting strong growth across business, deposits, advances, and asset quality.

Business and Deposits
The Bank’s total business witnessed significant growth, driven by both retail and institutional segments. Total deposits showed steady expansion, with CASA deposits contributing a substantial portion, reflecting a strong and stable deposit base.

Advances and Asset Quality
Gross advances increased, supported by growth across Retail, Agriculture, and MSME sectors. Asset quality improved, with both gross and net NPAs declining, supported by a strong provision coverage ratio.

Profitability
Net profit for the quarter recorded a marked improvement. Operating profit reflected some moderation due to changes in net interest income and non-interest income, while net interest income remained healthy. Return on assets and return on equity showed positive trends, highlighting efficient capital utilization.

Capital Adequacy and Network
The Bank’s capital adequacy remained strong, with Tier I capital improving over the previous period. The Bank continues to maintain a pan-India presence, with a wide network of branches, ATMs, and business correspondent points, serving customers across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.

Outlook
The Bank remains focused on sustaining growth across deposits, advances, and profitability while maintaining strong asset quality and capital adequacy. Strategic initiatives in retail, agriculture, and MSME sectors, along with enhanced customer touchpoints, are expected to drive continued momentum in the coming quarters.

World Food Day 2025 unites experts to tackle food myths and promote food literacy

New Delhi, October 17, 2025: In a powerful demonstration of cross-sector collaboration, the Ind Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) marked World Food Day 2025 with a high-impact event focused on promoting food literacy and combating misinformation. Hosted in partnership with the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-Kundli) and the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition (IHM-Delhi), the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, food scientists, and academia to address the urgent need for science-backed food education in an era dominated by conflicting narratives and digital misinformation.

Sh. Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, said, “In today’s fast-paced world, processed foods offer unmatched convenience be it ready-to-eat meals, frozen snacks, or canned foods, helping individuals manage their time and nutritional needs effectively. However, despite the sector’s vital contribution to food safety and accessibility, public perception is often influenced by misinformation and media-driven myths”. Keeping in view of this, the Ministry has recently come out with a publication of FAQs on Processed Foods with special focus on Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs)/ High Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) Foods to help disseminate scientific based knowledge and evidence on the subject.

A central highlight was the announcement of an upcoming IFBA report aimed at debunking persistent myths surrounding palm oil, one of the most misunderstood ingredients in the global food supply chain. The report will present evidence-based insights into palm oil’s role in nutrition, sustainability, and food manufacturing, with the goal of supporting more informed consumer choices and policy decisions.

Commenting on the occasion, Sh. Satyen Kumar Panda, ED (Regulatory Compliance) and Advisor (Quality Assurance), FSSAI, said, “Food safety is a shared responsibility that extends beyond regulatory frameworks to public awareness. We welcome initiatives that use scientific discourse to clear misconceptions and promote responsible food choices. Collaboration among academia, industry, and government is key to sustaining a culture of food safety and nutritional integrity.

The program included panel discussions aimed at correcting misconceptions around palm oil, A1/A2 ghee, protein supplements, and processed foods, all of which are frequently misunderstood by the public.

• India’s food processing market is projected to more than double from ₹2,641,121 crore (US$ 307 billion) in 2023 to ₹6,022,100 crore (US$ 700 billion) by 2030. To sustain this growth, addressing myths around processed and packaged foods is crucial. Panelists emphasised that processed foods, when chosen wisely and consumed responsibly, can be powerful tools for nutrition rather than threats. Health outcomes depend on balance, ingredient quality, variety, and safe food practices, not simply the degree of processing. Many fortified and processed products play a key role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among women and children.
• India currently imports about 9 million tonnes (MT) of palm oil annually, worth nearly Rs. 40,000 crore, accounting for around 56 per cent of total edible oil imports. However, palm oilhas often been misunderstood as unhealthy. Meta-analyses and clinical studies (Harvard, WHO, AJCN, 2021) show no consistent evidence linking moderate palm oil consumption to heart disease. In fact, replacing trans fats with palm oil has contributed to a reduction in cardiovascular risk globally. Dr Varun Bansal, Senior Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals during the panel emphasized that it offers a balanced profile of saturated and unsaturated fats, along with tocotrienols that support cholesterol health. What truly matters is dietary balance, not the exclusion of any single oil. Instead of demonising palm oil, we should focus on diverse, mindful eating patterns and active living for better heart health
• India’s protein supplement market is also on the rise, projected to grow at a 6.6% CAGR.Sh. Sumit Mathur, Country Head – Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN) clarified that protein powders are typically derived from natural sources such as milk (whey, casein) and plants (soy, pea, rice), not synthetic chemicals. Adequate protein intake supports muscle maintenance, metabolic health, immunity, and the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, making it an essential nutrient, not just for athletes but for the general population as well.
• On the topic of ghee, panelist Mr. Shashank Joshi, GM – R&D Innovation and Food Regulatory, Parag Milk Foods, explained that ghee is a natural superfood, and its nutritional value depends on purity, freshness, and quality, not on the A1 or A2 classification. The A1 vs A2 debate is largely a myth, as there is no conclusive scientific evidence supporting any nutritional difference. What truly matters is how the ghee is made, handled, and preserved. When produced with care and hygiene, cow ghee offers all the essential fatty acids, vitamins, and health benefits it is celebrated for.

Talking about this initiative, Dr. H.S. Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, Mr. Deepak Jolly, Chairperson at IFBA, Mr. Kamal Kant Pant, Principal, IHM Delhi, in a joint statement said, “Today’s food challenges cannot be solved in isolation. As misinformation spreads faster than ever, partnerships between industry, academia, and regulatory bodies are essential to restoring public trust. This is a step towards enabling informed food choices through science-based, inclusive communication, especially for India’s youth and future food leaders.”

IHM-Delhi and NIFTEM-K participated in a ‘Healthy Snacking’ contest, showcasing inventive recipes that delivered sensory appeal and nutritional excellence. Judged by culinary luminaries Mr. Sudhir Sibal, (Ambassador to World Chefs Without Borders) and Mr. Madhusudan Gupta, (Treasurer of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations) along with Dr. Manjari Chandra, (Functional Nutritionist), Ms. Vaishalee Jolly (Food Blogger, Home Chef and Youtuber) and Ms. Shilpa Agrawal (Food Technologist and VP, IFBA) three winners out of 15 teams were chosen. The contest spotlighted emerging culinary leaders poised to influence the future of safe and nutritious food consumption in India.

Hidden Threats: How Climate Change is Impacting Groundwater Quality and Purification Needs

India, 17th october 2025: Groundwater has long been India’s silent lifeline, supplying majority of our drinking water and irrigation needs. Yet today, this hidden resource faces invisible challenges, many of them accelerated by climate change. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are quietly altering the quality of water we rely on, making it less safe and more vulnerable to contamination.

The shifts are subtle but significant. Heavy downpours, though dramatic, often fail to replenish groundwater effectively, leaving reserves stressed and depleted. In coastal areas, rising seas are pushing saltwater into freshwater sources, turning once-safe supplies brackish. Warmer conditions further encourage the growth of microorganisms, increasing the risk of microbial contamination. At the same time, alternating cycles of drought and sudden rain lead to the leaching of chemicals and pesticides into water reserves, creating a cocktail of impurities that cannot be seen but certainly impact health.

For generations, households assumed that water drawn from wells or borewells was naturally safe. But in the current climate, that assumption no longer holds true. Hidden pollutants are on the rise, making purification not just a choice but a necessity. Advanced purification technologies such as RO, UV, and carbon filtration now play a critical role in protecting families from contaminants ranging from heavy metals to pathogens.

As Dr. Anil Kumar, Water Scientist at Eureka Forbes, said: “Climate change is reshaping the very foundation of our water security. What looks clean to the eye may still carry invisible contaminants. This is why investing in advanced purification solutions is no longer optional it is essential for safeguarding the health of our families.”

Meeting this challenge also calls for collective awareness. Families can safeguard their health by staying vigilant, choosing purification systems designed for today’s evolving water threats, and practicing responsible water use. At a broader level, communities too must work together to protect and recharge aquifers for future generations.

Climate change may be reshaping our environment in many visible ways, but its impact on groundwater remains one of the least noticed and most consequential. By acting today-through awareness, technology, and conservation- we can protect this hidden lifeline. At Eureka Forbes, we remain committed to ensuring that, no matter how the climate changes, safe and pure water continues to flow into every home.

Gulf Oil Kicks Off Chai-Pakoda Ride 2025 in Bangalore Celebrating India’s Biking Culture

Gulf Oil Flags off Chai  Pakoda Ride 2025 in Bangalore, Celebrating Three Years of India’s Biking Culture through Association with India Bike Week

Bangalore, October 17, 2025 : Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited, one of India’s leading lubricant brands, kicked off the Bangalore edition of the much-loved Chai-Pakoda Ride 2025, marking the third consecutive year of its association as the main sponsor of India Bike Week (IBW), Asia’s biggest motorcycling festival. This year’s rides once again set the stage for a thrilling celebration of camaraderie, adventure, and community spirit through motorcycling. Over the past two years, this collaboration has drawn 12000+ riders and motorcycle enthusiasts across 20 cities, turning the rides into one of the most anticipated community-driven biking experiences in the country.

This year’s Bangalore ride saw 170+ bikers come together at Peepai Brewery & Kitchen, Bangalore, before embarking on a 42 km route to Hills Drive Cafe, Kanivepura, that blended the thrill of open roads with the spirit of togetherness. True to its focus on safety, Gulf organized a pre-ride briefing and safety drill, with experienced IBW Marshals leading the ride in groups to ensure smooth coordination. Every participant was also equipped with safety riding gear, underscoring the brand’s commitment to safe and responsible riding. The event wrapped up with interactive challenges and fun activities at the destination, and shared moments that celebrated the unifying culture of motorcycling.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Chawla, Managing Director & CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd., said, “The Chai-Pakoda Rides have become a cherished ritual for biking enthusiasts, and we are thrilled to bring Bangalore another unforgettable experience this year. Our continued partnership with India Bike Week reflects Gulf’s commitment to not just powering mobility but of creating experiences that celebrate passion, freedom, and the brotherhood of riders. As a customer-first company, these experiences also give us the pulse of the ground while enabling riders to truly feel the performance and reliability that Gulf stands for. For us, it’s about creating moments that riders will remember, while reinforcing the trust they place in us.”

Now in its 12th year, India Bike Week has firmly established itself as the country’s premier celebration of motorcycling culture, a space where riders come together to bond, share stories, and fuel their passion for the open road. Among its signature traditions, the Chai-Pakoda Rides continue to expand their footprint, offering bikers a chance to explore scenic trails, bond over chai and conversations, and immerse themselves in a shared love for motorcycles.

As a cornerstone of India Bike Week’s build-up activities, the Chai-Pakoda Rides continue to grow in scale and popularity, spanning multiple cities and creating touchpoints for Gulf to engage directly with the biking fraternity. With Gulf’s continued support, these rides have evolved into immersive journeys that blend road safety, adventure, and community engagement. By spanning multiple cities and growing in scale every year, they provide Gulf with a powerful platform to connect directly with India’s biking fraternity.

Indians Celebrate Diwali with Family Travel, Spiritual Trips, and Festive Getaways

Indians Embrace Diwali Celebrations Family Travel, Spiritual Journeys and Festive Getaways Take Centre Stage

Mumbai, 17 October 2025: Diwali 2025 marks a vibrant shift in the way Indians celebrate moving beyond traditional home gatherings to immersive travel experiences that reflect celebration, discovery, and togetherness. Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have witnessed a growing trend  in consumer preferences, with families including multigenerational groups, group of friends, couples  increasingly choosing to make travel an integral part of their Diwali celebrations.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa  Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “There is a growing trend where families, including multi-generations, are choosing to celebrate special occasions and festivals like Diwali – for bonding time and celebrations, while exploring favourite/new destinations. What’s particularly interesting is the increase in average spends, with travellers opting for longer stays—moving from traditional 3-day breaks to 6–12 day holidays. Multigenerational families are maximising school vacations for Diwali, while millennials and working professionals are combining weekends with festive holidays for extended getaways.  Top international favorites include Europe’s Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, Spain and Portugal. Australia and New Zealand remain popular for their outdoor experiences and wildlife encounters, while Japan and South Korea appeal to younger travellers with their blend of tradition and pop culture. Short-haul favourites include Vietnam, Oman, Maldives, Bali and Cambodia emerging strongly. Visa-free and easy visa destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Indonesia and the Philippines continue to drive demand. 

On the domestic front, travellers are choosing destinations like Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Andamans as well as spiritual circuits like Char Dham, Kailash Mansarovar, Ayodhya-Prayagraj and Varanasi. Based on the growing appetite from young India’s millennials for outdoor adventure, we have created unique ‘Pilgrimage Plus’ portfolio that blends darshans with adventure— river rafting in Rishikesh, trekking in Uttarakhand, paragliding in Bir and ziplining over the Ganges. 

Given the rising popularity of festival travel, there’s understandably an expected increase in rates. As a result, we have observed a trend where travellers are securing airfares by booking well in advance. At Thomas Cook, we’ve curated festive portfolios that blend tradition with exploration including our regional group tours with on-tour pujas and curated vegetarian meals. With travellers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences, our focus remains on crafting journeys that celebrate the spirit of the season.”

S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, shared, “Traditionally, Indian festivals have been centred around home rituals and family gatherings. However, we are witnessing a strong shift—families are increasingly celebrating by travelling, blending tradition with exploration, relaxation and quality time. We have designed our Diwali festive packages curated specially for families and multi-generational groups. We are seeing interest not only from India’s metros but also from regional India’s tier 2 and 3 markets, reflecting a strong, nationwide aspiration to travel. 

A growing trend among young migrant professionals is extending their weekend, travelling back home to spend quality time with family and celebrate the festive season together for a 5–6 day break. Cruises are also gaining popularity and to elevate this experience, we’ve partnered with Disney Cruise Line for exclusive sailings from Australia–New Zealand, bringing the magic of Disney closer to home; also domestic sailings like Cordelia’s festive sailings are seeing strong interest from Young India’s millennials and Gen Z, couples and working professionals looking for a quick break. 

Spiritual Tourism is a strong trend this festive season and we are witnessing interest in spiritual circuits like Char Dham, Kashi, Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Tirupati, Amritsar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Dwarka and Sri Lanka, with special themed tours such as ‘Ramayan Anant Yatra’ and ‘Ramayan Trails’—offering a deeper connection with faith and culture during the festive season. 

What is noteworthy is that Indians being value-seekers are smart planners — most having booked their holidays well in advance, recognising surge festive fares and the risk of last-minute disappointment; also coupled with BOGO offers and discounts, travellers are now maximizing their holidays.”

With travellers seeking to rediscover togetherness in new destinations, festive travel in 2025 is redefining the meaning of home and celebration. Whether through moments of devotion, adventure, or discovery, Indians are embracing travel as a heartfelt expression of festive spirit and family bonding.

International Day of Rural Women: Stories of Empowerment Through Skill-Building

India, 16th october 2025: The vision of a future-forward, inclusive, and economically vibrant India is incomplete without the participation of women in the workforce. With equal access to education, economic opportunities, and safety, women can drive social change, overcome socio-cultural barriers, and confidently run businesses. Initiatives like Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India have contributed to an increase in the Female Labour Force Participation Rate, from 23.3% in 2017–18 to 41.7% in 2023–24. However, the Economic Survey 2024–25 highlights that women still own only 22% of India’s MSMEs, most of which are micro-enterprises.

To empower aspiring women entrepreneurs, Transform Rural India (TRI), a development design organisation, is working to transform India’s bottom 100,000 villages into thriving localities. Through scalable and grounded solutions, TRI is creating entrepreneurial ecosystems that provide counselling, skill development, financial literacy workshops, and peer group meetings to foster collaboration and resource sharing within communities. Many rural women have emerged as inspiring examples of resilience and enterprise.

1. Padma Patel

Padma (35) from Kari village, Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh, is now the proud owner of Muskan Saree Shop & Silai Centre. Born into a family engaged in agricultural labour and goat herding, she initially ran a small bangle shop to support her family. Her journey took a transformative turn when she joined TRI’s Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) through the Enterprise Facilitation Hub.

With guidance from TRI’s Nari Adhikar Kendra, she strengthened her financial literacy and business skills. Padma expanded her shop to include sarees and a sewing counter. Today, she enjoys a thriving business during festive and wedding seasons and plans to establish a dedicated sewing centre on newly acquired land. She actively inspires other women to acquire skills and leverage resources to realise their dreams.

2. Anita Wagh

Anita (32), from Kansul village, Pansemal, Barwani district, could not complete education beyond Class 10. Yet, she turned her tailoring skills into a profession after marriage, starting the Jai Dasha Mata Silai Center. With support from a self-help group and guidance from TRI’s Pansemal Enterprise Facilitation Hub and Nari Adhikar Kendra, she trained under TRI’s Accelerated Entrepreneurship Development Program (AEDP) to gain marketing and strategic skills.

Relocating her centre to Pansemal, Anita serves women from nearby villages, focusing on quality, versatility, and timely delivery. Today, she runs a successful enterprise and plans to expand into a cloth shop, gaining financial independence and respect within her family and community.

3. Rukhsana Bi

Rukhsana (33) from Julwaniya, Barwani, has established her own Ayesha Collection Cloth Shop. Limited education and social constraints initially restricted her to household duties. With the support of her husband and in-laws and guidance from TRI’s Enterprise Facilitation Hub, Rukhsana developed a business plan, identified a market gap, and secured support through a self-help group.

Her shop now serves families in Julwaniya and surrounding villages, providing her with financial independence and social recognition. Rukhsana contributes to family decisions, educates her children, and plans to expand into a full-fledged shop in the near future.