Category Archives: News

The Future of Eco-Friendly Decorative Lighting: Trends, Tech and Challenges

Jaipur: “Sustainable lighting is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’—it is the new standard,” says Naman Jain, Founding Member of Lumeil, the premium e-commerce platform that curates’ decorative fixtures for India’s top architects and interior designers. “Designers today want clear information on material origin, repairability, and delivery timelines. Our role is to make that data visible—so a studio in Mumbai can confidently choose a bamboo-and-brass pendant just as easily as a classic crystal chandelier.” 

As the decorative lighting industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, clients continue to demand bold, expressive designs. Global regulations are speeding up the transition: according to the International Energy Agency, replacing all remaining incandescent bulbs with LEDs could cut lighting-related electricity use by up to 90%. But sustainability is not just about energy savings—it is also reshaping the aesthetics of lighting design.

From bamboo and rattan to recycled glass, today’s showrooms highlight organic forms and eco-conscious materials. Some experimental studios are even crafting lampshades from mycelium, a fungus-based material that naturally biodegrades. These new materials appeal to modern sensibilities but also require strict supply-chain oversight to guarantee quality and ethical sourcing.

Another layer of sustainability is emerging through smart lighting. The latest luminaires are equipped with occupancy sensors and machine-learning technology that automatically adjust brightness and color temperature. This not only enhances ambience but significantly reduces energy consumption. Early adopters—including hotels and office spaces—are already reporting double-digit savings and faster WELL certification approvals. Still, designers must balance the environmental cost of embedded electronics with the long-term efficiency gains they provide.

Yet, challenges persist. Sustainable materials often cost more than traditional plastics, recycling systems for mixed-material fixtures are still developing, and reliable sourcing information remains difficult to find.

Jain believes that collaboration and transparency are the way forward. “When manufacturers openly share product lifecycle data, and platforms display it clearly, adoption rises quickly,” he notes.

Lumeil is doing just that. Every eco-conscious product on its platform now includes detailed information like carbon emissions, modularity ratings, and verified delivery timelines. By offering such data at the point of selection, Lumeil helps designers make responsible choices—without slowing down procurement.

The road ahead still has hurdles: bio-material production needs to scale, LED efficiency can improve further, and reverse logistics systems require investment. But the convergence of material science, smart technology, and transparent platforms is creating a real shift.

“The future of decorative lighting won’t be measured in just lumens,” Jain says. “It will be judged by life-cycle impact. Designers who embrace that now will define the aesthetic of tomorrow.” 

With its data-first approach and commitment to highlighting sustainable innovation, Lumeil is turning eco-conscious lighting from a niche preference into the new industry norm—and shaping the next era of interior design in the process.

ITC Maurya Celebrates International Yoga Day with a Soulful Morning of Movement and Mindfulness

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, ITC Maurya hosted a revitalising morning of wellness on 21st June 2025, bringing together guests for a serene Aqua yoga experience at the hotel’s tranquil poolside venue. 

Nestled in the Capital’s exclusive Diplomatic Enclave, offering an enviable view of the green ridge, the experience offered a harmonious blend of moments and mindfulness adding to the sense of calm and rejuvenation. 

With this year’s global theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” — encouraging a deeper connection with oneself, community, and planet, the event had the attendees including wellness enthusiasts social media figures and in-house guests. 

The morning commenced with a grounding Aqua yoga, performed in the hotel’s serene pool, designed to awaken the senses. In synergy with the experience at Kaya Kalp blending timeless traditions with our expertise to leave you in a state of pure tranquility. Offering a blend of movement and stillness surrounded by natural elements and under gentle light, the experience fostered a sense of harmony between body, breath, and environment. 

The session concluded with special breakfast creations by master chefs, highlighting seasonal, local, and nutrient-rich ingredients. From energising cold-pressed juices and antioxidant-packed smoothies to handcrafted granola bowls and traditional delicacies made with millets and healing spices—the menu was a celebration of nourishment rooted in sustainability. 

Aligned with ITC Hotels ethos of Responsible Luxury, the celebration reflected a conscious approach to well-being- one that nurtures the self while remaining rooted in sustainable and mindful living. Rooted in traditional Indian philosophies of health, wellness and inner calm, Kaya Kalp – the Spa opens its doors to the world of Ayurvedic and holistic therapies designed to de-stress and detox while relaxing and rejuvenating every guest. ITC Maurya facilitates the pursuit of holistic well-being & fitness by offering a conducive sleep environment, healthy cuisine offerings, personalized fitness regimes, and exclusive amenities & facilities.

Vedanta Champions Indian Art and Culture with London Debut of ‘We The Women’

New Delhi, June 21, 2025: In a powerful celebration of voice, courage, and culture, We The Women – India’s premier women-led festival will make its landmark UK debut at the iconic Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios in London. Backed by Vedanta Founder & Chairman Anil Agarwal, this milestone edition highlights the group’s steadfast commitment to promoting Indian art & culture, talent, and inclusive storytelling on a global stage.

Curated by acclaimed journalist and author Barkha Dutt, We The Women has, over the years, become one of India’s most impactful cultural movements, spotlighting extraordinary individuals across cinema, public service, science, literature, and more. Following successful editions in Dubai and across India, the London chapter promises a compelling confluence of dialogue, performance, and inspiration.

Anil Agarwal’s vision to transform Riverside Studios into a thriving cultural hub for global Indian voices has now found new resonance through this festival. His long-standing commitment to nurturing talent and giving Indian art a world platform mirrors the essence of We The Women – a celebration of both heritage and progress.

This year’s London edition will feature an extraordinary lineup of speakers- former Union minister Smriti Irani, one of India’s most influential women in public life; to acclaimed filmmaker Karan Johar, the creative force behind some of India’s biggest cinematic hits and a trailblazer in mainstream storytelling; Shashi Tharoor, Indian politician, author, and former diplomat; megastar Kareena Kapoor Khan, an icon of Indian cinema known for redefining female stardom; and beloved actor Rashmika Mandanna, one of India’s fastest rising stars with pan-India appeal.

Cultural icons like Anoushka Shankar, Grammy-nominated sitar virtuoso and composer; Sudha Murthy, acclaimed author, philanthropist, and the first woman engineer at TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company; and Meera Syal, celebrated British Indian writer, comedian, and BAFTA-winning actor, will also bring their unique voices to the stage, bridging heritage, creativity, and empowerment.

The festival will also spotlight stories of grit and patriotism, such as the women officers behind India’s recent Operation Sindoor, and recognise Changemakers of 2025 – trailblazers from the British Indian community and beyond.

“At Vedanta, we believe that progress must be inclusive, and stories have the power to transform societies. By bringing ‘We The Women’ to Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios London, we’re building bridges between cultures and empowering voices that deserve to be heard across borders,” said Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta and a passionate advocate for inclusion and equity. She added, “We are committed to a future where every voice matters and every story inspires change, and we hope we can bring many such stories to Riverside”

Barkha Dutt, curator of the festival, added “This will be an amazing day of conversation, community, celebration and inspiration. We have an absolutely stellar line-up of speakers- the best line-up of its kind – and I am delighted to partner with Vedanta in bringing this day of glamour, gravitas and grassroots to London. We are so looking forward to celebrating women and the men who champion women for a day of fun, festivity and food”.

We The Women is not just a festival – it is a movement that unites generations, geographies, and genders. With Vedanta’s support and Anil Agarwal’s cultural vision, this edition marks a significant step in taking India’s stories to the world.

Vedanta supports a variety of ancient art forms and grassroot artists in India including Dhokra and Saura arts in Odisha, and Ajrak block printing in Rajasthan. In addition, it extends support to various cultural and literary festivals in India such as the Jaipur Literature Festival and the Udaipur World Music Festival.

Vedanta Limited is a global leader in critical minerals, energy and technology operating a diverse portfolio of world-class assets. It is the world’s largest integrated producer of zinc, the fourth-largest global producer of silver, amongst the world’s top aluminium producers, India’s only private oil and gas producer, and one of its largest private power producers. With an eye on the future, the company is strategically expanding its business portfolio by venturing into rare earths, other critical minerals, and renewable energy.

The spirit of ‘Me to We’ is the very soul of India: Prime Minister

Ghaziabad/NCR June 21, 2025: On the occasion of International Yoga Day 2025, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in collaboration with Yashoda Medicity and with the support of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, organised a grand yoga session under the banner “Yoga Sangam” at Yashoda Medicity, Indirapuram.

The session commenced with the live broadcast of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address and yoga session, which was joined by millions from across the globe. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, “After 11 years, we are witnessing people doing yoga even in space. Be it the steps of the Opera House or the heights of Mount Everest, one message echoes everywhere: yoga is for all and belongs to all. Yoga transcends boundaries, age, and ability.”

He further added, “This spirit of public participation is the foundation of a developed India. When citizens take ownership of a movement, set their own goals, no force can stop them from achieving success. The will and effort of the people are visible everywhere.

The idea of ‘Me to We’ is the soul of India. When an individual rises above self-interest to think of society, that is when the welfare of humanity becomes possible. Indian culture teaches us ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’. This journey from ‘me to We’ is the essence of service, dedication, and co-existence. Such a mindset promotes social harmony.”

At Yashoda Medicity, around 500 participants attentively followed the Prime Minister’s lead, performing asanas and breathing exercises together. This was followed by a Common Yoga Protocol session conducted by certified trainers.

Aligned with this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event witnessed large-scale participation at Yashoda Medicity. Citizens turned out in impressive numbers for the early morning session, demonstrating their commitment to health and conscious living. Among the dignitaries present at the event were Prof. R.M. Acharya, from Swami Vivekananda Yoga University, and Shri. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Former Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises of India, who graced the occasion with their presence.

Dr. Upasana Arora, Managing Director of Yashoda Group of Hospitals, said, “Yoga is a powerful way to support mental well-being. It helps reduce stress and brings a sense of calm and balance. It was heartening to see so many participants, from our doctors and staff to residents from nearby societies, and passionate yoga enthusiasts, come together at Yashoda Medicity for this meaningful session. The collective energy and intent with which everyone participated truly reflected how deeply people value preventive care and mindful living.”

Mr. Jaison Chacko, Secretary General, FHRAI, added,“It was an honour to be part of Yoga Sangam 2025. Yoga today is a symbol of India’s cultural leadership and commitment to global wellness. We are grateful to the Ministry of Ayush  for making this event possible. The enthusiastic response from Ghaziabad reflects the growing public awareness around health, harmony, and sustainability.”

Suzlon Powers Ahead with Third Successive 170.1 MW Order from AMPIN Energy Transition

India: In a major boost to India’s clean energy ambitions, two of the country’s leading Make in India champions—Suzlon Group and AMPIN Energy Transition—have come together once again to fast-track the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy by decarbonizing DISCOMs. Suzlon has secured its third successive order from AMPIN for a 170.1 MW project to be developed in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

This continued collaboration reflects a shared vision to enable Indian industry to transition towards a cleaner, more self-reliant energy future, driven by locally manufactured renewable energy solutions. Together, Suzlon and AMPIN are playing a pivotal role in making green power both accessible and affordable for Indian businesses.

As part of the contract, Suzlon will supply 54 of its advanced S144 wind turbine generators (WTGs) with Hybrid Lattice Towers (HLT), each with a rated capacity of 3.15 MW. The scope includes full project execution — from equipment supply and installation to commissioning and long-term operations and maintenance services.

JP Chalasani, Chief Executive Officer, Suzlon Group, stated, “India’s decarbonization journey will be won or lost at the distribution level. DISCOMs are the critical link between renewable energy generation and everyday consumption—from industries to households. To empower them with reliable, cost-efficient clean power is not just a goal—it’s a national imperative. Together, we’re proving that clean energy isn’t just viable—it’s vital, scalable, and transformative for the power sector.”

Vivek Srivastava, Chief Executive Officer, India Business, Suzlon Group, added, “Three orders from AMPIN reflect the power of shared mission. Together; we’re committed to a self-reliant, affordable and sustainable energy future by blending innovation, local manufacturing, and deep sectoral expertise in promoting decarbonization of India’s power distribution infrastructure.”

Pinaki Bhattacharyya, Founder, Managing Director & CEO, AMPIN Energy Transition Limited, said, “Our continued partnership with Suzlon reflects our confidence in their deep expertise in wind energy and their alignment with India’s self-reliance goals through local manufacturing. This project is a strategic step forward in AMPIN’s journey toward a 25 GW renewable energy portfolio by 2030, reinforcing our commitment to delivering clean, dependable power to India’s growing Commercial and Industrial sector.”

Compass Group India’s New Central Kitchen in Gurgaon Sets New Standard in Scale, Speed and Sustainability

20^th June, 2025: Compass Group India, the market leading food and facility management services provider, announces the launch of another one of its state-of-the-art Central kitchen in Gurgaon. Spanning an impressive 30,000 sq. ft., this culinary hub is designed to operate at scale, powered by technology and guided by sustainability, a kitchen that truly never sleeps.

Strategically located to serve the dynamic demands of Gurgaon, the new CPU has a production capacity of over 40,000 meals per day, making it one of the largest and most efficient of its kind in India. Equipped with five dedicated docks for high speed dispatch of vehicles, it ensures speed, precision, and freshness in food delivery across corporate, healthcare, education, and industrial sectors.

“This facility marks a defining moment in our journey to reshape India’s food services landscape with meals that are deliciously nutritious and purposefully served. We have established an operation of extraordinary scale and precision, one that harnesses advanced culinary technologies while preserving the essence of quality that our clients depend on. The integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and sustainable practices positions us at the forefront of industry transformation. This is not merely expansion; it is a strategic evolution. I am confident this facility will serve as the cornerstone for our continued leadership in the market,” said Vikas Chawla, Managing Director & CEO, Compass Group India.

Innovation is at the core of this new facility. From AI-powered ‘Compass Eye’ systems that monitor operational efficiencies in real time to advanced food automation and smart bakery systems, every corner of this kitchen is engineered for excellence. The facility uses Piped Natural Gas with a standby LOT system for uninterrupted cooking. Its intelligent electrical backbone includes PLC-based control panels with auto changeover features for seamless operations.

Sustainability has been woven into every aspect of the CPU’s design. A 135-kW rooftop solar plant generates up to 30% of the unit’s daily power requirement, while a 100 KLD water treatment plant and rainwater harvesting system ensure responsible water usage. The centralised HVAC system with VRF and energy-efficient plug fans, along with RO & UV water filtration, further reduces environmental impact without compromising on performance.

This is more than just a kitchen – it’s a people-first space designed to foster well-being, learning community. The CPU houses a dedicated training zone to continuously upskill culinary talent, a ladies’ lounge, and a spacious community dining area. Employees can also enjoy an in-house badminton court, an innovative approach to workplace wellness.

Safety and hygiene are paramount, with over 100 smart CCTVs, centralised hot water systems, a hydro-pneumatic water distribution network, and best-in-class fire protection protocols ensuring a secure, sanitised environment at all times. The launch of this CPU marks a bold step forward in redefining food production for Compass Group India. It reflects the brand’s deep-rooted dedication to smart innovation, sustainable practices, and compassionate service, bringing to life the true spirit of the Compass Way.

JioStar takes TATA IPL 2025 to a Billion Viewers

Chandigarh, June 19, 2025: JioStar, the official broadcast and streaming partner for TATA IPL 2025, shattered multiple records and delivered a landmark event, reaching an unprecedented one billion viewers across TV and digital. The highly anticipated 18^th edition, which witnessed the spirited rise of ‘Generation Bold’ alongside the iconic ‘Generation Gold,’ recorded the highest-ever cumulative watch-time of over 840 billion minutes.

JioHotstar, the league’s digital home, set new benchmarks with over 23.1 billion views and 384.6 billion minutes of watch-time, reflecting a 29% year-on-year surge in digital viewing. This momentum was driven by a sharp rise in Connected TV (CTV) consumption, which alone grew by 49%, underscoring the growth of large-screen digital viewing in India, in parallel with the existing penetration of linear large-screens.

On linear television, the league set a new benchmark for live broadcast viewership, with Star Sports powering 456 billion minutes of watch-time and recording the highest average TVR (rating) across the viewing universe and key demographics on the network.

The TATA IPL 2025 Final amassed an unprecedented 31.7 billion minutes of watch-time across JioStar’s platforms (Star Sports and JioHotstar), making it the most-watched match in the history of T20 Cricket. Across linear and digital platforms, the final set new benchmarks in the history of T20 Cricket. On TV, powered by Star Sports, it registered the highest ever reach for a T20 match at 169 million viewers and watch-time at 15 billion minutes. On JioHotstar, the match rewrote digital history, emerging as the biggest T20 match ever with 892 million video views, 55 million peak concurrency, and 16.74 billion minutes of watch-time.

This season will be remembered as one of the most iconic in the league’s history, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifting the trophy among the many firsts which included Virat Kohli finally clinching an IPL title and 14-year old Vaibhav Suryavanshi becoming the youngest centurion at this level. It will also be remembered for firsts in viewing experiences offered on JioStar’s platforms including MaxView 2.0 – the native mobile experience now enriched with intuitive “swipe” navigation for clips, dedicated FAST channels serving key fan tribes, voice-based video search and VOD content in 12 Indian languages.

Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports and Live Experiences, JioStar, said, “The incredible viewership numbers are reinforcement of our belief in the commitment to serve fans and the potential for growth of even a scaled property like the TATA IPL.”

“We had a two-pronged approach this season. We wanted to widen the consideration for the tournament experience, by focusing on key viewer cohorts which had a light-touch relationship with IPL while also offering a deep, navigable consumer journey to grow engagement with committed fans. From non-viewers and fringe viewers co-viewing the IPL to deeply immersed fanatics, JioStar offered customized offerings for a wide spectrum of distinct cohorts defined by age, consumption profile and region. From the invite and proposition to the broadcast, we were committed to delivering hyper-personalized experiences that are inclusive, intuitive, interactive, and immersive. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the fans, whose passion and love for the game inspires us. We would also thank BCCI and our partners, whose support is critical in our endeavor to constantly raise the bar on industry-defining experiences we offer on our platforms,” he added.

The season also opened strong, with the first weekend (three matches) clocking 49.56 billion minutes of watch-time across platforms, which is an all-time IPL record.

TATA IPL 2025 raked in record viewership and engagement despite suspension of the league mid-season, reaffirming the core thought behind the season – ‘Yahaan Sab Possible Hai’.

JioStar delivered an unmatched presentation of the world’s biggest T20 league, with over 25 feeds in 12 languages across TV and digital. The coverage came alive through 170+ experts, including former TATA IPL champions, Indian and international cricket legends, and some of the most trusted voices in the game. Live match action was further enriched by a compelling line-up of content building into Season 18, featuring interviews with league icons, team owners, commentators, and former mentors.

The presentation was made more inclusive and immersive and engaging for fans with options and experiences such as 4K with Dolby Atmos audio, VR 360 Live, Live Audio Descriptive, Indian Sign Language, and a Multi-Cam feed among other features. Engagement for core fans was bolstered via enhanced interactivity features such as popular free-to-play contest, Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan.

With another benchmark season of the TATA IPL successfully completed, JioStar will now bring India’s tour of England to fans as Shubman Gill’s ‘generation bold’ prepares to take on Ben Stokes’ ‘ruthless Bazball’, live on JioHotstar from June 20.

NTPC Hands Over Five Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses to Leh Administration

Boosting its decarbonization efforts, NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated power utility, handed over 05 Hydrogen fuel cell buses to SIDCO (Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation, a wholly owned corporation of Leh Administration) for operation and use on 18th June 2025.

This initiative marks India’s first commercial deployment of hydrogen fuel buses and sets a global benchmark for green mobility by operating at the highest altitude in the world.

Last November, NTPC launched world’s first hydrogen fueling station and first-of-its kind Green Hydrogen Mobility Station in Leh. The station at an altitude of 11,562 ft is co-located with dedicated Solar plant of 1.7 MW for providing renewable power for its entire operational requirements.

The hydrogen fuel is dispensed at 350 bar (India’s first high pressure hydrogen dispensation system) in 05 fuel cell buses, designed for operation in sub-zero temperature in rarefied atmosphere, typical to such altitude locations. The hydrogen mobility project shall mitigate the carbon emissions of approx. 350 MT/year and contribute 230 MT/year of pure oxygen into the atmosphere equivalent to 13000 tree plantations.

The buses were handed over in the esteemed presence of Shri Bhupesh Chowdhry, IAS, MD (SIDCO) & Secretary Transport, Shri K K Hota, GM & CEO (NUGEL) and other senior officials from NTPC and Leh Administration. Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT of Ladakh congratulated NTPC for setting up Nation’s First Hydrogen Mobility Project at Leh.

The Chief Secretary, UT of Ladakh appreciated the innovative technology and efforts of NTPC and requested to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen applications for achieving Carbon Neutral Ladakh. He also advised to document the precious learnings and findings from the project for insights in execution of similar projects in Ladakh.

NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing one-fourth of the India’s power requirements and has an installed capacity of over 81 GW, with an additional capacity of 29.5 GW under construction, including 9.6 GW of renewable energy capacity. The company is committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation. The company is committed to adopting the best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.

Gadkari Receives Collector’s Edition Books on Parrot Conservation, Gandhi’s Legacy from Ultra Media Founder

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari was presented Collector’s Edition books on Parrot Conservation and Gandhi’s Legacy by Shri Sushilkumar Agrawal Founder Ultra Media and Mintage World

National, 19 June 2025: Shri Sushilkumar Agrawal, the Visionary CEO of Mintage World, Founder of Ultra Media and Entertainment Group, Author and a life member of the Bombay Natural History Society recently met and presented Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, with exclusive Coffee table books from Mintage World titled Endangered Parrots of the World on Stamps, Coins & Banknotes and Global Collectibles of Mahatma Gandhi through Stamps, Coins and Banknotes. “Mintage World”, is world’s first online museum dedicated to vintage and modern coins, stamps, and currency notes, promoting numismatics and philately in younger generation.

Shri Nitin Gadkari was genuinely intrigued by the concept and engaged in a detailed conversation about the countries represented in the parrot collectibles. When he asked why the book focuses exclusively on parrots, the author explained it’s just the beginning — future editions featuring other bird species are already in the pipeline. Shri Nitin Gadkari also mentioned the Mumbai roadside bird park project — a publicly announced initiative by the government, which resonates well with the book’s theme of conserving and appreciating birds. He recognized the potential synergy between the park and such collectible editions in spreading awareness about conserving endangered species and their habitats.

Endangered Parrots of the World” is being launched to celebrate the captivating beauty of these Colorful Parrots from all over the Globe. This Collectible is a unique & a rare Compilation of the various legal Coins, Stamps & Bank Notes issued by various Countries globally on the threatened & endangered species of Parrots worldwide.

It compiles, chronicles, and combines all the legal stamps, coins, and banknotes issued on threatened and endangered parrots, along with their historical and geographical importance globally. It brings to light the various serious issues faced by these adorable pets & the challenges being faced for their sustenance & conservation.

This coffee table book is a well-researched collection that was initiated by identifying endangered parrot species worldwide & determining the scope of data collection, including the period, geographic region, and types of collection. Mintage World engaged with collector communities, online forums & social media groups to source rare and unique information. They also partnered with conservation organizations to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the collection. Additionally, they collaborated with organizations specializing in stamps, coins, and banknotes to access their expertise and resources. Furthermore, Mintage World also teamed up with  Bombay Natural History Society(BNHS), one of the largest non-governmental organisations in India, engaged in conservation and biodiversity research & took their support in research & statistics.

“Global Collectibles of Mahatma Gandhi through Bank Notes, Coins & Stamps” is the only book in the world which showcases & explains the various Stamps, Coins & Notes issued by 144 countries around the world on Gandhiji from 15th August 1948 .  This Compilation Chronicles & combines in a sequential order along with its historical importance of all the commemorative issues printed and legally minted by different countries and post offices around the world to honour Mahatma Gandhi. Each Coin & Stamp issued in India & Globally on Mahatma Gandhi portrays a significant historical journey of him & India. Starting from the 1st Stamp issued with his figurine on India’s first Independence Day in 1948 to the 50th & 75th anniversary of Indian independence. It also showcases the 75th anniversary of Gandhi’s Dandi March & The Non Violent moment. Also collections on more than 40 countries joining hands to celebrate Gandhi’s glorious legacy of 100 & 150 years & many more

“The Godfather of Metals” Meets “The Godfather of Cinema” – Anil Agarwal’s Full-Circle Moment with Francis Ford Coppola

Chandigarh, June 18, 2025: Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal recently met iconic filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola in London, marking a personal milestone decades in the making. The two spoke about India, storytelling, Sanskrit, and the timeless influence of cinema. What caught everyone by surprise? Francis Ford Coppola wants to learn Sanskrit — a rare cultural connection between two masters of their craft.

In a social post that has since gone viral, Mr. Agarwal reflected on how The Godfather shaped his early years. “I was around 20 when The Godfather released. A boy from Bihar, new to Bombay, I didn’t know English then. A friend got hold of the film, and 9–10 of us crowded into a small room to watch it on VHS,” he wrote. “We didn’t understand every word, but we felt every scene.”

That first encounter turned into a lifelong influence. “’I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse’ — a line I once didn’t understand, now one I live by,” he added.

Decades later, from that crowded Bombay room to Riverside Studios in London, Mr. Agarwal’s journey with The Godfather came full circle — culminating in a one-on-one conversation with the man behind the film.

He recalled a line that stayed with him through the years, “Great men are not born great, they grow great.” A line, he says, that mirrors his own journey.

“Koi bhi ek din mein bada nahi banta. Mehnat, niyat aur waqt — yeh teen cheezein sahi ho, toh kuch bhi mumkin hai.”

The meeting was a celebration of cinema’s ability to inspire across generations and geographies. Mr. Coppola’s work not only reached a small-town boy in India, but accompanied him on his journey — from the bylanes of Bihar to the global stage.

When The Godfather became his guru — Anil Agarwal met the man whose art unknowingly shaped his journey.