Category Archives: News

Imtiaz Ali, Huma Qureshi, Ali Fazal & More Shine at Indian Telly Streaming Awards 2026

Mumbai Mar 2: The landscape of entertainment in India has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, with streaming platforms redefining how audiences consume content. The Indian Telly Streaming Awards 2026 celebrated this revolution in spectacular fashion on 27th February at NESCO, Goregaon in Mumbai, bringing together the biggest names and brightest forces shaping the OTT ecosystem today.

Now in its fourth edition, ITSA 2026 delivered its grandest and most successful night yet – a landmark celebration that firmly cemented its position as India’s definitive awards platform for streaming entertainment. The evening witnessed an extraordinary turnout, with the biggest stars, leading creators, top executives, and key decision-makers from across the OTT and digital entertainment ecosystem gathered under one roof.

The red carpet sparkled with unparalleled glamour as marquee names including Huma Qureshi, Manoj Bajpayee, Ali Fazal, Ishaan Khatter, Boman Irani, Rasika Dugal, Imtiaz Ali, Soha Ali Khan and Munawar Faruqui led an unforgettable night of celebration. They were joined by an exceptional roster of winners such as Tanya Maniktala, Anand Tiwari , Vineet Kumar Singh, Deepak Dobriyal, Harman Baweja, Surya Sharma, Rahul Bhat, Sufi Motiwala, Rajat Bedi, Abhishek Sharma and many more – making it a night defined by excellence, recognition, and industry-wide celebration.

Hosted by the charismatic and dynamic duo Nakuul Mehta and Mukti Mohan, the ceremony delivered an electrifying atmosphere that perfectly reflected the scale, energy, and cultural impact of India’s streaming boom.

Beyond the talent in front of the camera, the evening also honoured the vast creative and technical ecosystem powering the OTT revolution – including directors, writers, editors, cinematographers, production designers, and technicians whose contributions continue to elevate Indian content onto the global stage.

The industry’s most influential streaming platforms – including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar, ZEE5 and Amazon MX Player – had a commanding presence, with their shows and talent winning across major categories. Leading production houses such as Abundantia Entertainment, Applause Entertainment, Hoichoi, Pocket Aces, Pritish Nandy Communications, Ultra, Shemaroo and many more were also present, underscoring the awards’ importance as the premier gathering point for India’s streaming industry.

The scale of the event extended far beyond Hindi entertainment, with strong representation from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Odia, and Gujarati content – highlighting ITSA’s commitment to celebrating the full diversity and depth of India’s OTT ecosystem.

Media presence at ITSA 2026 was equally unprecedented. From national television networks and leading digital publishers to top paparazzi agencies and entertainment portals, the red carpet and ceremony received extensive coverage, reinforcing ITSA’s standing as one of the most significant and widely followed entertainment events in the country.

The evening was made possible with the support of our esteemed partners. Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers joined as the Presenting Partner, adding timeless elegance to the celebrations, while DS Spice came on board as the Official Spice Partner. 

As the IP Owner, Anil Wanvari contributed to the Indian Telly Streaming Awards 2026 as the primary organizers and visionary leaders behind the event.

Mishaal Wanvari and Prerna Wanvari, as directors of the ITV group, oversee the operational execution and integrity of the 4th edition’s IP, ensuring it remains the “gold standard” for the industry.

ITSA 2026 was more than an awards ceremony it was a defining industry moment. With its scale, star power, industry participation, and cultural significance reaching new heights, ITSA 2026 has firmly established itself as the biggest and most influential awards platform dedicated exclusively to India’s OTT and streaming ecosystem.

App aids Substance Use Recovery in Vulnerable Populations

By Mark Reynolds

Although drug overdose deaths declined in the U.S. last year, the rate of substance use disorder is rising, and the problem remains undertreated: Fewer than one in five people with substance use disorder report that they’ve received any treatment for it. An especially vulnerable group are those who use substances and do not have stable housing, who research shows are both far more likely to experience overdose and much less likely to receive treatment for their condition compared to those who have secure housing.

A new study has shown that a mobile app developed by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is effective at helping this at-risk population take steps toward recovery. Among people who misused opioids or other substances and lacked stable housing, those who used the app reported significant reductions in their opioid and non-opioid substance use after a month compared to those who did not engage with the app. App users also improved their health literacy and showed improvements in key mental health measures associated with successful treatment compared to their baseline measurements.

The study was published Feb. 1 in Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Vidya Eswaran, MD, an assistant professor in the WashU Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine and lead author on the study, knows firsthand from her work in the Barnes-Jewish Hospital emergency department that patients struggling with housing insecurity have distinct needs, including inconsistent access to care and greater mental health burdens, that can make substance-use treatment harder to sustain than for patients in stable living situations.

“There is a lot of overlap with people who are experiencing housing insecurity and have substance use disorders, so it is important to make sure that the interventions that we provide are addressing the needs of this specific subpopulation,” said Eswaran. “Some people might think that these groups would not have a mobile phone or the digital literacy to use an app like this, but the results show people were not only using it, but also getting benefit from it.”

App inspired by online addiction-support communities

The uMAT-R (pronounced “you matter”) app was developed and launched in 2018 by a team led by Patricia Cavazos-Rehg, PhD, a professor in the WashU Medicine Department of Psychiatry and senior author of the new study. It was designed to provide free, easy-to-access support for people with any substance use disorder, including misuse of opioids, stimulants and hallucinogens, with the goal of reducing overall overdose deaths. It works on iOS and Android smartphones.

uMAT-R provides information on treatment options and social support resources within the user’s community, as well as user-specific tools such as a sobriety tracker. It also provides educational content on managing withdrawal, maintaining sobriety and improving mental health. Participants can communicate through a chat function with trained coaches (called “e-coaches”) who are available Monday through Friday and offer advice and encouragement.

The app is not yet publicly available; participants are generally enrolled while receiving care for substance use disorder at a treatment center or other health care facility in Missouri, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where patients are screened and enrolled through the WashU Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine’s Emergency Care Research Core staff. Other participants have requested enrollment through the research team after learning of the app through word of mouth. Cavazos-Rehg, who is also on the faculty of the WashU School of Public Health, noted that such peer-to-peer information sharing is characteristic of the online substance use disorder communities that provided the initial inspiration for the app.

“I observed how folks use social media venues to support each other, even during times when they were feeling most alone or stigmatized,” said Cavazos-Rehg. “They would ask questions on social media about clinical care and seek out resources for mental health help. This inspired me to develop a tool for people who are going through mental health problems or are in recovery support.”

Cavazos said that a long-term funding commitment from the Missouri Department of Mental Health brought the project to life. “They recognized that a lot of life happens outside of traditional in-person mental health and substance use treatment settings, and that mobile apps can be affordable, accessible tools that can improve the health and wellbeing of people, especially during critical times when other types of help may not be readily available,” she said.

The new study included data from a subset of uMAT-R users who were enrolled in the app between 2020 and 2024. Of 972 initial enrollees, more than 70% self-identified as having insecure housing — which could include living in shelters or on the street, living in a treatment facility or hospital, or staying in someone else’s home. Of those individuals, 378 completed a follow-up survey after a month of using the app, forming the study’s sample.

Participants completed an intake survey to assess substance use patterns, cravings and baseline level of health literacy — defined as the ability to find appropriate health information and resources in order to make health care decisions. The survey also included two measures of mental health, both correlated with depression: perceiving themselves to be a burden to those around them, and having a sense of not belonging. One month later, participants completed a new survey to identify any changes in these measures, and this information was correlated with patterns of app usage.

The researchers found that participants who used uMAT-R were about 50% less likely to have used non-opioid illicit drugs after a month compared to those who didn’t log on. And participants who messaged with the e-coach were about 50% less likely to report opioid use than those who did not use the function. Higher levels of app use were associated with greater reductions in illicit drug use overall. uMAT-R use was also associated with reduced substance cravings and lower perceived burdensomeness, and using the chat function was associated with improving health literacy and reducing feelings of social alienation and isolation, when compared to the baseline intake survey.

“These results speak to the promise of what mobile health and digital health technologies can bring to the treatment of hard-to-reach populations,” said Eswaran, who is planning a similar study for recently incarcerated people with substance use disorders. Going forward, “there’s potential to think creatively about how we adapt and refine tools like this even more to support vulnerable populations.”

Eswaran V, Dong F, Li X, Szlyk HS, Dell NA, Kasson E, Williams J, Cavazos-Rehg PA. Leveraging a digital health intervention to improve recovery outcomes among people with substance misuse experiencing housing insecurity. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Feb. 1, 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2026.113022

The uMAT-R app is funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services. Funding for this study was provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant 1H79TIO80271, the National Institute on Drug Abuse grants R34DA050453 and R44DA055161 and the National Institute of Nursing Research grant T90NR021683. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

Hiranandani Group’s Regalia Business Parks Partners with Grav8 Sports to Launch India’s First CXO Pickleball League

Mumbai, Feb 27: In a landmark development for corporate sporting culture in India, Hiranandani Group’s Regalia Business Parks has partnered with Grav8 Sports, founded by RJ Anmol, to launch India’s first-ever CXO Pickleball League, now titled the Regalia CXO Pickleball League. This collaboration positions Regalia Business Parks as a pioneer in blending business leadership with the rising popularity of pickleball, creating a premium platform where business meets sport.

 Conceptualised and created by Grav8 Sports, the league brings together the dynamism of business executives and the fast-paced energy of pickleball, encouraging active lifestyles while fostering meaningful professional connections. After a successful debut in Mumbai last year, the league is set to expand into a multi-city tour, covering Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and culminating in a grand finale in Goa. The inaugural edition generated significant buzz, highlighted by an exhibition match featuring Saina Nehwal, RJ Anmol, and Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani.

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder, Hiranandani Group, said

“At Regalia Business Parks, we believe future-ready workplaces go beyond office walls to create thriving business ecosystems. Our association with the CXO Pickleball League, powered by Regalia Business Parks and Grav8 Sports, with Saina Nehwal as Brand Ambassador, reflects this vision—bringing leaders together, encouraging active lifestyles, and blending business, sport, and wellness to strengthen professional connections.”

Olympic medalist and former World No. 1, Saina Nehwal, said

“CXO Pickleball League is the first of its kind in India, and I am thrilled to be part of this India tour. RJ Anmol’s vision for premium sports networking, now joined by the Hiranandani Group, is a winner for Grav8 Sports. Pickleball is inclusive, dynamic, and perfect for fostering connections in corporate communities.”

RJ Anmol, Founder, Grav8 Sports, added:

“Grav8 Sports is revolutionising the Indian corporate sports landscape with the CXO Pickleball League. Partnering with Regalia Business Parks, we are creating a game-changing platform where sport meets business, fostering connections, wellness, and growth. We aim to make pickleball the preferred networking sport over golf within 18 months.”

Manish Gupta, Director – CRE, Regalia Business Parks, said:

“By integrating business networking with sport and wellness, Regalia Business Parks is reinforcing its commitment to holistic growth. Our association with the Regalia CXO Pickleball League, with Saina Nehwal as Brand Ambassador, brings this philosophy to life—creating spaces where productivity, engagement, and community spirit coexist seamlessly.”

Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports globally, has gained popularity within corporate communities due to its accessibility, low impact, and social nature. Often compared to golf for its networking potential, pickleball is emerging as a powerful tool for executive wellness, engagement, and strategic relationship-building in India.

The Regalia CXO Pickleball League aims to combine sport, networking, and wellness, creating a transformative experience for business leaders across the country.

Ekrang 2.0 Unites 800 Participants to Celebrate Inclusivity in Pune

Hunaaan Marks Women’s Day with a Simple, Sweet Gesture

This Women’s Day, Hunaaan invites guests to celebrate the occasion with a relaxed, thoughtfully crafted dining experience at its Indiranagar restaurant. To mark the day, Hunaaan will be offering a complimentary dessert to all women diners, adding a small yet meaningful touch to the celebration. The gesture reflects the restaurant’s approach to Women’s Day, simple, sincere, and centred around good food and shared moments rather than spectacle.

 At Hunaaan, Women’s Day is seen as an opportunity to acknowledge women in everyday spaces and routines. It’s a day that naturally lends itself to catching up with friends, stepping out with colleagues, or simply taking a moment for oneself. The restaurant’s calm, welcoming atmosphere allows guests to enjoy the day at their own pace, making it an easy choice for those looking to celebrate without formality. The complimentary dessert serves as a subtle nod to appreciation, woven seamlessly into the overall dining experience.

The food remains at the heart of the celebration, with a menu that showcases Hunaaan’s flavour-forward Pan-Asian identity. Guests can begin with the Avocado Garden Sushi, followed by favourites like Chicken Satay and BBQ Pork Spare Ribs. Mains such as the Chicken Thai Red Curry bring warmth and depth, while the signature Dragon Shrimp Hunaaan delivers bold, satisfying flavours. The meal can be rounded off with Hunaaan’s dessert offerings, which typically range from rich, chocolate-forward creations to lighter Asian-inspired finishes like crisp, golden darsaan paired with ice cream, comforting, indulgent touches that complete the experience.

Located in the heart of Indiranagar, Hunaaan is known for its contemporary take on Pan-Asian cuisine and thoughtfully designed interiors. With warm lighting, modern textures, and an inviting layout, the restaurant encourages lingering meals and easy conversations. Rooted in consistency, flavour, and atmosphere, Hunaaan continues to be a preferred dining destination for guests seeking Asian cuisine that feels both familiar and elevated

One Rep Global Crowned ‘Best Travel Representation Company of the Year’ at SATTE India Awards 2026

Feb 27: One Rep Global has once again reinforced its leadership in the travel representation landscape by winning the prestigious ‘Best Travel Representation Company of the Year’ at the 2026 edition of the SATTE India Awards. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey and stands as a testament to its expanding global portfolio, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Organised alongside SATTE (South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange), Asia’s leading travel and tourism exhibition, the awards celebrate outstanding contributions across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. The platform brings together domestic and international buyers, National and State Tourism Boards, hoteliers, airlines, and industry leaders to drive meaningful collaborations and progressive dialogue within the industry.

Over the past year, One Rep Global has witnessed exponential growth, with an impressive roster of new international luxury and ultra-luxury brands entrusting the company with their representation in the Indian market. This continued expansion underscores the industry’s confidence in One Rep Global’s ability to deliver strategic market penetration, high-impact visibility, and measurable commercial success.

Hemant Mediratta, Founder and CEO of One Rep Global, shared his thoughts on the achievement:

“We are incredibly proud to receive the ‘Best Travel Representation Company of the Year’ award at SATTE 2026. This honour reflects not just our achievements, but the trust our global partners place in us and the relentless dedication of our team. Our growth story is fuelled by strong relationships, innovative thinking, and an uncompromising focus on quality representation. As we continue to welcome new brands into our portfolio, this recognition further strengthens our resolve to set new benchmarks in the industry.”

Adding to the industry acclaim, Loveleen Arun, Founder-Director of Panache World, said:

“One Rep Global’s recognition as ‘Travel Representative Company of the Year’ at the SATTE India Awards 2024 is exceptionally well deserved. In an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving outbound landscape, they have consistently demonstrated strategic clarity, market intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to delivering tangible value for their partner brands. What truly differentiates them is their ability to translate global hospitality narratives into meaningful engagement within the Indian market. This award not only celebrates performance, but also leadership, credibility, and long-term vision.”

The award celebrates One Rep Global’s continued impact on India’s outbound travel segment—driving awareness, fostering strategic trade partnerships, and delivering bespoke market solutions for some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality and tourism brands.

With momentum building year after year, One Rep Global remains committed to elevating its partners’ presence in India while expanding its own global footprint. As the company looks ahead, it does so with renewed confidence, deeper partnerships, and an unwavering ambition to redefine excellence in travel representation.

Roblox Launches Inaugural Global Parent Council and Announces Parent Champions Program

Last year, continuing Roblox’s efforts to empower families with the information and tools they need to confidently navigate online interactions, the company opened applications for its first Parent Council. Roblox launched the council to hear directly from parents and caregivers about various safety features, policies, and educational resources. Today, Roblox is thrilled to share that it has kicked off its  inaugural Global Parent Council. The diverse and talented group of parents and caregivers that makes the Global Parent Council comes from 32 countries and will serve as vital advisers to help inform its products, policies, and partnerships. Thanks to the exceptionally high number of qualified applicants, Roblox has  created a second new program: the Parent Champions. Together, these groups will help Roblox promote a positive, healthy online experience for children and teens.

Global Parent Council

After reviewing applications from passionate, dedicated parents and caregivers, Roblox is  incredibly excited to welcome the inaugural council, featuring 80 parents from 32 countries. This global perspective is crucial to Roblox’s mission of championing civility, safety, and well-being for all users. These members bring a diverse set of experiences to the council, including psychology, gaming, caregiving, education, digital well-being, law enforcement, and more. 

“I am inspired by the caliber of parents who stepped forward to partner with us,” said Dr. Elizabeth Milovidov, Roblox Global Head of Parental Advocacy. “The launch of the Global Parent Council demonstrates our commitment to parental partnership, where we intend to listen and learn from these individual parents and caregivers. With their support, we will be able to better respond to parental challenges and we look forward to co-creating a safe and relevant experience for families everywhere.”

The Global Parent Council met for the first time earlier this month. Members will meet quarterly to share insights and perspectives about what they want to see on the platform, and to advocate for parents and families in their regions. Members will also be invited to join monthly Q&A sessions on specific topics. 

Vineeta Garg, IT Head, SRDAV Public School, has been appointed as a member of the Global Parent Council. Talking about the announcement, she shared, “Child safety must always come before engagement or growth. I’m joining the Roblox Parent Council to help ensure that children are protected, heard, and respected while they play, create, and connect online. ”

Parent Champions

Impressed with the experience of  Parent Council applicants, Roblox created the Parent Champions group to include more voices from its community. Champions will regularly receive email about Roblox-related updates and topics of interest. This will help the company to continue to learn from the diverse voices across Roblox’s global community.

The Global Parent Council and Parent Champions are a vital step in Roblox’s  ongoing journey to build a safe and civil digital world. Roblox encourages all parents whose children play on Roblox, or who are considering letting their child use Roblox, to visit its  Safety Center for information and resources. There, parents can learn how to set up Parental Controls that let them block specific games or users, set screen-time and spending limits, and manage their child’s access to chat.

Hidden Dangers Behind Holi Colors: Wockhardt Expert Warns Parents to Protect Children from Serious Health Risks

Mumbai, Feb 27: As the vibrant festival of Holi approaches, children eagerly look forward to playing with colors and water. The excitement is real. But while the festival brings joy, it can also pose serious health risks if basic precautions are ignored. Dr. Nitu Mundhra, Consultant Neonatologist, Paediatrician and Lactation Consultant at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, urges parents to stay alert. According to her, many Holi colors sold in local markets contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and synthetic dyes that can damage a child’s delicate skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

 “Holi colors available in the market often contain harmful chemicals that can severely affect children,” says Dr. Mundhra. “We commonly see cases of painful rashes, itching, allergic reactions, and eye irritation after Holi.” In more serious situations, chemical exposure can lead to conjunctivitis, breathing difficulties, asthma flare-ups, and even temporary vision problems. Children with sensitive skin or pre-existing respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable.

Another common concern is accidental ingestion. While playing, children may unknowingly swallow small amounts of color. Toxic substances can cause nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, and stomach infections. Forceful application of colors, water balloons, or high-pressure water guns may also result in eye injuries, ear infections, and bruises.

Experts at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road emphasize prevention as the best protection. Dr. Nitu Mundhra strongly advises parents to choose natural or organic colors made from flowers or food-grade ingredients. Before children step out to play, apply coconut oil or a thick moisturizer to their skin and hair. This creates a protective barrier and makes it easier to wash off colors later. Clothing also matters. Dress children in full-sleeved cotton outfits to reduce direct skin exposure. Protective glasses can help shield their eyes from harmful particles. Parents should also ensure children stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.

After the celebrations, children should bathe using mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as it can worsen skin irritation. If symptoms such as persistent redness in the eyes, breathing trouble, swelling, or severe rashes appear, seek medical care immediately.

Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road encourages families to celebrate responsibly. With simple precautions and awareness, Holi can remain a festival of happiness and color without putting children’s health at risk.

The Park Navi Mumbai Unveils Dual Holi Celebrations with Colour Festival & Exclusive Pool Bash

Mumbai, Feb 27 : This Holi, The Park Navi Mumbai is turning up the celebration quotient by hosting two distinct and high-energy experiences simultaneously on 3 March from 10 AM onwards, offering the city a choice between a large-scale colour festival and an exclusive poolside bash.

The highlight of the day is the much-anticipated Boom Colour Festival – Holi Party, celebrating seven successful years of vibrant festivities. Conceptualised in association with Boom Entertainment, the event has evolved into one of the city’s most premium Holi gatherings. Designed for those who want to celebrate in grand festival style, the experience promises top DJs, immersive colour play, large-format production, and curated food and beverage offerings all set against the backdrop of luxury hospitality.

Running alongside is the Aqua Holi Bash – Balam Pichkari Edition, an exclusive couples-only celebration crafted for guests seeking a more intimate yet equally dynamic setting. Hosted by the poolside, this edition blends vibrant music, premium ambience, and curated hospitality to create a stylish and sophisticated Holi experience. With controlled entry and a refined guest profile, the bash caters to those who prefer exclusivity while still embracing the festive spirit.

By offering two distinct formats under one roof, The Park Navi Mumbai continues to position itself as a trendsetter in experiential hospitality maintaining it’s brand ethos of Anything but Ordinary. Whether guests choose the high-energy festival atmosphere or the upscale poolside celebration, 3 March promises to be one of Navi Mumbai’s most anticipated Holi events.

“CRF Conference 2026 Spotlights Women-Led Development as Key to Viksit Bharat 2047”

New Delhi, Feb 27:  The consensus around women-led development is pivoting, away from merely being a social obligation, towards an economic and strategic imperative for a truly developed India. PM Modi has hailed this transformative role of women across India, as he states “…the mantra of Women-Led Development is giving India a new direction, a new future. Our mothers, sisters and daughters are today changing not only their own lives but also that of the society at large…”.

 Under this backdrop the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF), Delhi convened the “Sashakt Nari, Viksit Bharat: Women-Led Development @2047” Conference 2026 on February 26, 2026, in New Delhi. The conference advanced a solution-oriented national dialogue on women-led development and its centrality to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The day-long conference brought together constellation of policymakers, industry leaders, jurists, diplomats, media voices, grassroots changemakers, and women from various sectors to deliberate on the evolving role of women in India’s socio-economic and political transformation. The conference translated the national momentum around women’s empowerment into structural, measurable, and policy-relevant outcomes, aligned with India’s long-term developmental vision.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Priti Adani reiterated “a deeper question—Viksit Bharat—for whom, and by whom?” Drawing from her extensive practical experience in scaling social impact initiatives and advancing community-led development models, Dr. Priti underscored that “women empowerment is not about giving power,” rather it is about giving opportunities and unlocking power that already exists.

Smt. Annapurna Devi, Minister for WCD, Govt of India while delivering her special address articulated the government’s perspective on women development. While highlighting policy priorities and institutional commitments towards strengthening women-led development in India, she further emphasised that “Sarkar, Samaj, and the corporate sector must come together to build an ecosystem where every woman’s dream finds opportunity, every talent finds a stage, and every effort earns respect. This is the right time”.

Earlier welcoming the delegates, Mr Shishir Priyadarshi, President, CRF, asserted that Viksit Bharat is about GDP, but it is also about who participates, who benefits and who shapes the direction of the growth of a society.

Over the past decade, policy initiatives aimed at expanding women’s access to finance, education, digital tools, and entrepreneurship have laid the groundwork for a more inclusive growth model. Yet, persistent structural barriers—ranging from low labour force participation to the invisibility of unpaid care work—continue to constrain the full realisation of women’s economic potential. In this context, the idea of women-led development represents a strategic shift towards harnessing Nari Shakti as a foundational pillar of India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. The daylong conference also featured launch of the book “Sashakt Nari, Viksit Bharat: Women-Led Development @2047,” a compilation of contributions on India’s evolving gender-development scholarship.

The discussion explored institutional pathways for expanding women’s presence in strategic sectors, whereby it was reinstated that growth was the strongest when women are equal stakeholders, innovators and decision-makers. One of the special features of the day was grounded insights shared by women from rural India during the session ‘Daughters of the Soil: Voices from Rural India.’ It was highlighted that grassroots transformation in villages is achievable with appropriate professional support, while underscoring that rural women are converting local skills into sustainable livelihoods.

During the special panel ‘Listen to Her,’ celebrated author and director Shri Nandita Das explored the responsibility of the artist in turbulent times; the intersection of gender, identity, and storytelling; and the role of empathy in shaping public discourse.

A panel of Women Ambassadors deliberated on the pathways to leadership, the evolving role of women in foreign policy decision-making, inclusive diplomacy, and how gender perspectives enrich strategic thinking in trade, development cooperation, peacebuilding, and climate action.

The day’s rich discussion highlighted both the urgency of dismantling persistent structural barriers and the immense opportunity that lies in unlocking the full potential of Women.

The conference rounded off with the evening keynote address delivered by Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister, NCT of Delhi, who participated as the Guest of Honour.