Category Archives: News

Pre-Budget expectation Quotes By Experts

Mr. Dhaval Barot, Managing Director of Bharat Realty

“The real estate sector has much to look forward to in FY 2025-2026. The industry expects that the government will fulfill much-needed demands for the betterment of the sector. Hopefully, the Union Budget will finally grant industry status to the real estate sector, benefiting from streamlined regulation and access to institutional funding. It would also increase investor confidence, helping sell luxury homes.

The appetite for home buyers is growing, and decreasing interest rates on home loans can encourage and nurture this hunger. The sector remains confident in the performance of the market, providing that the Union Budget 2025 benefits both real estate companies and buyers.”

Mr. S Anand, Founder and CEO of PaySprint, a fintech venture

 “India stands at a pivotal moment in its fintech revolution, with 2025 promising to be a landmark year for innovation, inclusion, and economic growth. The Union Budget offers a unique opportunity to shape the trajectory of the fintech ecosystem, which has already positioned India as a global leader in digital payments and financial technology.
In 2024 alone, India processed over 12 billion UPI transactions monthly, a testament to the growing trust and adoption of digital financial tools across urban and rural landscapes. At PaySprint, with over 5,000 partners and a robust suite of API-driven solutions, we’ve witnessed firsthand how technology can empower businesses and drive financial inclusion. However, to sustain this momentum, we need supportive policies that bridge existing gaps and fuel the next wave of innovation.

One critical area for focus is enhancing the infrastructure for open banking and API-driven platforms. A recent study by BCG indicates that India’s fintech sector could contribute $200 billion to GDP by 2030, but achieving this requires interoperability, seamless integrations, and policies that encourage collaboration between banks, fintechs, and regulators. The budget could incentivize these efforts by promoting API standardization and allocating funding for ecosystem-wide development.

Financial inclusion must remain at the heart of this vision. While over 80% of Indian adults now have a bank account, thanks to initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, only about 23% of rural users actively engage in digital transactions. Bridging this gap requires targeted investments in digital literacy programs, internet infrastructure expansion in underserved regions, and subsidies for SMEs to adopt digital payment systems. Empowering small businesses is especially critical, as they contribute nearly 30% of India’s GDP and are key drivers of employment.

Additionally, the government has an opportunity to support fintech startups and RegTech innovations through tax relief and funding programs. According to NASSCOM, India is home to over 2,300 fintech startups, yet many face challenges in scaling due to high compliance costs and limited access to capital. Incentives for early-stage innovators could unleash a wave of transformative solutions in areas like fraud detection, automated compliance, and data security.

Lastly, cybersecurity and data privacy must remain a top priority. With digital payments surpassing ₹20 lakh crore monthly, trust in secure platforms is non-negotiable. Budget provisions that establish national cybersecurity frameworks and offer grants for fintechs to invest in advanced data protection technologies will ensure that users can transact with confidence.

At PaySprint, we are committed to driving financial inclusion and delivering innovative solutions that simplify banking and payments for all. The 2025 Union Budget has the potential to catalyze the fintech sector’s growth, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of the global digital economy. Together, with the right policies and collective effort, we can build a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous future for millions of Indians.”

Mr. Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, Director Group Promoter’s Office, MD – Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE)

“We anticipate Budget 2025 to introduce measures that strengthen the real estate sector. Revising tax slabs for middle-income earners and tackling raw material price volatility can help stabilize construction costs and housing prices, making homeownership more attainable. Redefining affordability based on regional needs and encouraging green building practices will make housing policies more inclusive and sustainable. Implementing single-window clearance will enhance efficiency and attract investments. Additionally, a reduction in repo rate and stamp duty could further drive housing demand.

A forward-looking budget that supports innovation and sustainability can accelerate the sector’s growth and contribute to broader economic stability. We remain hopeful for initiatives that enable long-term growth and create a resilient future for the industry.”

         Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder and Director, Manasthali Wellness

 This year, we are expecting a comprehensive and adequately funded mental health budget for 2025–26. This budget will not only address current mental health challenges but also set the groundwork for a more resilient and mentally healthy society. As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that our budget reflects the increasing importance of mental well-being in our society. We urge a significant rise in funding for mental health services, including outpatient care, counseling, and community-based programs, to close existing gaps in access to resources and ensure individuals in need can easily obtain essential services. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the effectiveness and accessibility of telehealth services. Allocating resources to expand and enhance telehealth infrastructure for mental health consultations will improve access, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas, thus helping reduce disparities in mental health care. Additionally, the rise of the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) virus has highlighted the importance of addressing both physical and mental health challenges in parallel, as emerging infectious diseases can significantly impact mental well-being. Prevention plays a crucial role in mental health care, and we recommend allocating funds for the development and implementation of early intervention and prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. These efforts will help reduce the overall burden of mental health issues and promote a healthier population.

Ms. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School, Bangalore

 As education is a key development sector, we have immense expectations from the upcoming budget. While new educational policies have brought promising reforms, the upcoming budget should focus on increasing access to education and technology, especially in rural and underserved areas. Building a blended ecosystem of digital tools, physical infrastructure, and practical learning environments will be essential for improving learning efficacy. Although education has seen an increase in funds allocated towards increasing outreach, skill development, and improving its quality, still there are hurdles in effectively supporting learning in the current context and overall student development in an increasingly challenging world.

The country will need skilled personnel at different levels, and this demand will be met only by training students at the school level. The foundation and vision set by the government through the NEP will be vital in achieving these objectives of an effective and inclusive education system. This commitment will stand as a testament to India’s dedication to fostering a generation equipped with the knowledge and skills crucial for global competitiveness.

It is important to increase women’s participation in STEM fields, which would be an important step toward building an inclusive workforce. We also believe that a further push to the PPP model approach in education can leverage the strengths and resources of both sectors to improve the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of education in the country. The education sector remains a cornerstone of a nation’s economic growth and development. By embracing these elements, the education system can transform to meet the aspirations of a globalized and rapidly evolving world.

Overall, the budget must give the education sector a significant boost to address the challenges of the day and build a dynamic, future-ready education system.

Ms. Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School, Bangalore

 As the Union Budget approaches, we are hopeful that the government will prioritize education spending and implement policies that foster innovation, accessibility, and quality in schools. The budget should prioritize substantial investments in upgrading digital literacy among educators and fostering innovative teaching practices, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes nationwide. A higher allocation would support the establishment of new K-12 schools, enhance educational infrastructure to balance the urban-rural gap in education and improve overall educational outcomes across the country.

The increased allocation of funds will also ensure better quality government schools that educate the majority of children in India. We also believe that digitalisation should be at the forefront, ensuring greater access to meaningful educational resources tailored to the student’s needs. Such investments are pivotal for preparing students to thrive in a digital-first world and ensuring equitable access to quality education.

We also look forward to support for structured skilling programs, vocational training, application-based learning opportunities, and digital upskilling to align the workforce with emerging market demands. The reduction of interest rates on education loans will also help alleviate financial strain, enabling better access to education. We need to prioritize teacher training and development programmes as well as strengthen digital infrastructure to facilitate seamless learning experiences. Additionally, fostering partnerships with foreign educational institutions and promoting cultural exchange programs will enrich our educational offerings and nurture global citizenship among our students.

There is also a need to upscale the education system to attract more foreign students to our country to promote India as a global study destination. Looking ahead, we must strive to ensure that the learning experience remains meaningful and enriching. Overall, addressing these issues and the need for increased investment in education are crucial in achieving equitable and inclusive education for all.

Ms. Indu Kansal, Co-Founder, Crack Academy

 The education sector has high hopes from the upcoming budget. Increased focus on skill development, research, and innovation is crucial to address future workforce demands. We expect more investments in digital education, rural connectivity, and infrastructure upgrades for tier 2 and 3 cities. Additionally, introducing tax benefits for education expenses would ease the financial burden on students and families. These measures can ensure a more inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education system.

Mr. Ankit Lodha, Founder of LA Empire 

The real estate sector is closely tied to the infrastructure sector. Increasing investments in urban infrastructure, such as roads, public transport, and smart city initiatives, will give a boost to the real estate sector. The recognition of real estate as an industry will unlock access to lower-cost funding, simplify approval processes, and attract substantial domestic and foreign investments.

My expectations from Union Budget 2025 will continue to be around key themes of improving ease of doing business through tax structure reforms, review of FDI norms to boost private and foreign investments in the sector and enhancing liquidity for developers.

Even though real estate is one of the largest contributors to the GDP, it is yet to gain the official status of an industry. As investors and developers, we add the real in real estate, if it would be declared as an official “industry” in the Union Budget it would be a long-term vision come true.  This recognition would come as a big step helping India move forward and build the next Dubai, Abu Dhabi or New York.

Climate tech leader Ecozen Raises Over dollar23 Million to Accelerate Growth

National, January 15, 2024 – Ecozen, a leading climate-smart technology solutions provider, has raised over $23 million in debt funding from responsAbility Investments AG, Northern Arc Capital Limited, Maanaveeya Development & Finance Private Limited, and others. This funding will help Ecozen drive scale in its current businesses while furthering its position as a leader in sustainable technologies.

Ecozen has recorded an outstanding CAGR of over 83% in revenue growth over the past three years, underscoring its rapid and sustained success. The company has manufactured over 300,000 Ecotron solar pump controllers to date, with an impressive 100,000 units produced between March and December 2024 alone. These innovations have contributed to the abatement of more than 2 million metric tons of greenhouse gases (GHG), including a remarkable 660,000 metric tons in 2024 alone. In addition, Ecozen’s Omni controller is enabling existing customers to utilize solar energy across a broader range of applications, while also positioning Ecozen to foray into new market opportunities.

In 2025, Ecozen is expanding its portfolio with innovative products tailored to the evolving needs of communities and businesses. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, the company will continue to pave the way for a future where growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Devendra Gupta, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecozen, said, “This funding reaffirms the confidence our partners have in Ecozen’s ability to drive impactful change through innovation. We are excited to be on a rapid growth path, driven by the increasing need for sustainable, climate-smart solutions. This funding will help us reach more people, expand our operations, and strengthen our impact in India and beyond. Our focus has always been on empowering our customers and providing them with the tools they need to thrive in a changing world. I’m truly grateful for the trust and support from our investors—responsAbility, Northern Arc, Maanaveeya and others, including our existing partners, who share our vision and are helping us create lasting positive change.”

Neha Baid, Team Head, Sustainable Food Debt, APAC, at responsAbility Investments AG, added,“Ecozen’s innovative solutions resonate deeply with our commitment to support sustainable and impactful ventures that are focused on climate mitigation, food loss and waste reduction and fostering overall climate resilience. We are proud to contribute to their journey of empowering rural and industrial stakeholders with advanced climate-smart technologies.”

Mr. Ashish Mehrotra, MD & CEO, Northern Arc Capital said, “Northern Arc is delighted to support Ecozen in their journey of creating a sustainable impact through innovative technologies. This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and fostering climate-first businesses. With the launch of our USD 125 million climate fund dedicated to supporting businesses that control and mitigate climate change, we aim to empower enterprises like Ecozen to grow and prosper. Together, we strive to advance climate-sustainable solutions and contribute meaningfully to a greener, more resilient future for all.”

“Over the past four decades, Maanaveeya has supported businesses that drive social change and economic empowerment. Ecozen exemplifies the potential of innovative technology to solve real-world problems. We look forward to seeing them expand their footprint and impact even further.” highlighted Dr. Gouri Sankar, the Managing Director of Maanaveeya Development & Finance Private Limited.

Akshaya Patra Foundation serves 20,000 Pilgrims with Meals everyday at Maha Kumbh

15th January, National – The Akshaya Patra Foundation has set up a special camp at the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, starting from January 13, 2025. The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated one acre of land near the Sangam area for Akshaya Patra’s kitchen. The Foundation’s National President, Shri Bharatarshabh Dasa, shared that their goal is to serve wholesome 20,000 meals every day during the event.

 The customized Akshaya Patra kitchen is equipped with various tools to aid in food preparation, and is expected to serve 20,000 people during the Maha Kumbh Mela on a daily basis. From cooking to delivery, the temporary kitchen is set to operate daily with cleanliness and quality as the top priorities. Akshaya Patra assures that delicious and nutritious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness. The kitchen adheres to top food safety management standards such as OPRP (Operational Preparedness) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). Further, the Foundation ensures strict measures to ensure the high quality of raw materials and maintain hygiene through timely pest control.

 FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) methods have been duly implemented for perishable items. The water used for cooking, meets the BIS10500 food safety standards. All cooking and pre-processing equipment feature stainless steel surfaces to enhance cleanliness and ensure compliance with Food Safety and Management Standards (FSMS).

 Akshaya Patra’s serving to the devotees include khichdi, pulao, jeera rice, tehari, ghee rice, rajma, vegetables, chole, dal, pickles, and more. Meals will be distributed daily between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM until February 26, 2025.

 Maha Kumbh Mela: A Confluence of Faith and Service

The Kumbh Mela- the world’s largest religious gathering, is a grand celebration of faith, devotion, and cultural unity. This ancient festival attracts saints, ascetics, and pilgrims from around the world who bathe in the holy water of the Ganga and pray for spiritual enlightenment. The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at four major religious sites, spanning approximately 48 days. However, once in 144 years, the Maha Kumbh takes place, when Jupiter, Sun and the Moon are in specific positions. This year, Prayagraj is expected to welcome over 40 crore pilgrims from around the world.

 Shri Bharatarshabh Dasa, National President of Akshaya Patra Foundation, expressed, “We are excited to serve meals in the Maha Kumbh, who are coming from various parts of India. We are glad to be part of providing them with wholesome meals. Annadaan is considered the most superior form of charity in all scriptures. We are grateful for the support from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri. Yogi Adityanath and donors who are making this initiative possible.” He further added, “Our goal is to serve 20,000 meals daily. We will provide clean, nutritious, and delicious meals with the support of our well-equipped mobile kitchen.”

5 compelling reasons why Jackie Shroff starrer, ‘Chidiya Udd’ is a must-watch crime drama on Amazon MX Player

Mumbai, 15 January 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released its gripping crime drama series Chidiya Udd. This riveting series delves into the gritty realities of Mumbai’s underworld, unraveling a story of ambition, betrayal, and resilience. Inspired by Aabid Surti’s renowned novel Cages, the series showcases a powerful narrative, a stellar ensemble cast, and the bold vision of acclaimed creators. From its unflinching portrayal of the underworld to its heartfelt tales of survival, here are five compelling reasons why Chidiya Udd on Amazon MX Player deserves a spot on your binge-watch list:

Jackie Shroff’s Iconic Return as Qadir Khan: Jackie Shroff steps into the commanding role of Qadir Khan, the undisputed kingpin, ruling Mumbai’s underworld with an iron fist. Renowned for his legendary on-screen charisma, Jackie breathes life into the character with raw emotion, intensity, and depth. Balancing the fierce loyalty of a father while holding his ground as a ruthless leader, his portrayal lends weight to every scene, cementing Qadir Khan as one of his most memorable performances.

An Unflinching Look at Mumbai’s shadowy Underbelly: Chidiya Udd takes you on an unvarnished journey through the heart of Mumbai’s infamous red-light district and crime world, painting a vivid picture of its harsh realities. From the chaotic alleys of the city’s underworld to the tense corridors of power, the series boldly dives into Mumbai’s shadowy depths. It captures the essence of survival, the complexities of power, and the emotional burden borne by its characters.

A Tale Woven with Literary and Creative Brilliance: Based on Aabid Surti’s acclaimed novel Cages, Chidiya Udd transcends the boundaries of a traditional crime drama. It’s a poignant exploration of human emotions, resilience, and the price of survival. With Ravi Jadhav’s masterful direction, the series blends sharp storytelling with visually arresting moments, delivering an emotionally charged experience that lingers long after the story concludes.

A Power-Packed Ensemble Cast: In addition to Jackie Shroff’s breathtaking performance, Chidiya Udd boasts a powerhouse cast that elevates the narrative with their extraordinary portrayals. Sikandar Kher brings intensity and nuance to his role, while Bhoomika Meena shines as Seher, embodying a perfect balance of vulnerability and strength. Madhur Mittal, Mayur More, and Mita Vashisht round out the cast, each adding layers to the gripping narrative with their craft.

Foreign investors continued to dominate investments; co-investments gained traction: Vestian

New Delhi, 15th Jan 2025: Foreign investors dominated institutional investments with 54% share in 2024, accounting for USD 3.7 Bn. Despite a sharp reduction in share from 65% in 2023, investments increased by 36% in value terms. Domestic investors followed the same trend as their share reduced to 30% in 2024 from 35% in the previous year, despite an increase of 36% in value terms during the same period.

Institutional Investment by Investor Type

Interestingly, co-investments gained traction in 2024 as foreign investors relied on the local expertise of domestic investors amid prevailing macroeconomic uncertainty. Co-investment accounted for 16% of the total investments received in 2024, registering a 61-fold increase in value.

As per Vestian Research, institutional investments reached USD 6.8 Bn in 2024, registering an annual increase of 61%. However, investments have been on a downward trajectory since 2020 for four consecutive years and resurrected in 2024 owing to a significant inflow of funds in the industrial and warehousing sector on the back of robust demand for e-commerce and quick commerce across the country.

Yearly Institutional Investment Trend

Despite significant investments in the industrial & warehousing sector, commercial assets continued to dominate with 35% share in 2024. However, the share has reduced drastically from 61% in 2023 owing to the global slowdown in IT-ITeS sector. As demand for GCCs is growing in India, office spaces are expected to witness renewed demand.

Institutional Investment by Asset Type

On the other hand, the residential sector reported investments worth USD 2.0 Bn, accounting for 30% of the total investments received in 2024. Investments rose by 171% in 2024 over the previous year. Similarly, the industrial and warehousing sector witnessed an annual increase of 203% with a rise in share from 15% in 2023 to 28% in 2024.

Mr. Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian said, “Despite a slow start, the real estate sector received significant institutional investments in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. However, 2025 is expected to be challenging due to increasing geopolitical friction, a slowdown in the global economy, and elevated inflation levels. On the other hand, RBI is anticipated to reduce the repo rate in 2025, providing impetus to the real estate sector. Heightened real estate activities due to low mortgage rates may attract investors.”

Factors such as return-to-office policies, government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and increased focus on affordable housing are anticipated to drive real estate demand in the coming years. This may attract investors, leading to increased investor participation.

Adani Foundation at ACC Gagal transforms water supply for farmers in Ropa village with irrigation channel

Himachal Pradesh, 15 January 2025: ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, in partnership with the Adani Foundation along with support from NABARD, has improved irrigation facilities in Ropa village, Himachal Pradesh. Under the Dhounkothi Panjgain Watershed Development Project, a 639-metre concrete irrigation channel, known locally as a ‘kuhl’, has been built to prevent water wastage and ensure timely water supply for 14 farmers, benefiting their 2.3 hectares of farmland.

ACC, along with Adani Foundation, played a pivotal role in providing technical expertise and project execution to replace traditional kacha ‘kuhls’ with sustainable pucca channels. This initiative included vital components including check dams and water-drop structures to maximise water conservation and distribution efficiency.

Farmers from Ropa village, including Ravi Thakur, now enjoy timely irrigation and improved crop yields, with maize and wheat production rising by over 10%. Thakur said, “With water now able to be evenly distributed across all our fields, ACC and the Adani Foundation have truly changed our farming prospects.”

ACC and the Adani Foundation’s commitment to empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable farming practices is highlighted through such initiatives, not just in Himachal Pradesh and across the nation.

Kotak Education Foundation Hosts Roundtable Discussion for scholars – on “The Power of You: Transforming Potential into Leadership”

January 15th, 2025 – Kotak Education Foundation hosted a Roundtable Discussion for their Kotak Kanya Scholars and Kotak Siksha Nidhi students on the theme “The Power of You: Transforming Potential into Leadership”. The event took place on 12th January 2025 (Sunday) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Lemon Tree, Gachibowli Hyderabad. This transformative gathering provided the Kotak Shikhsha Nidhi students and the Kotak Kanya Scholars who are from top National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) institutes an opportunity to engage with thought leaders, industry professionals, and fellow scholars in an enriching and empowering environment. The scholars and students connected with speakers and gained insights from some of the brightest minds in leadership and academia.

Jayasree Ramesh, Director, Education and Scholarships at Kotak Education Foundation said “It was truly inspiring to witness our young women scholars delve into the multifaceted dimensions of leadership. This roundtable discussion has ignited their aspirations and equipped them with the confidence to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Key Highlights of the Event:

· Networking & Collaboration: Scholars from prestigious institutions such as IIT Hyderabad, NALSAR, and National Institute of Technology engaged with like-minded peers, professionals, and mentors.

· Inspiring Leadership Discussions: Gained valuable insights on personal development, leadership strategies, teamwork, and how to drive meaningful change in society.

· Personal Stories & Experiences: Senior scholars and industry leaders shared their journeys, offering advice on overcoming challenges and achieving success.

· Interactive Activities: Participants will engage in confidence-boosting activities that aim to unlock their strengths and enhance their leadership capabilities.

Proposed Keynote Speakers:

· Mr. Ballav Mundra, Chief Financial Officer, Hexagon

· Dr.Rashna Bhandari, Head, Laboratory of Cell Signalling at the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics.

· Mr. Arnab Bhattachrya, Sr. Vice President, PCG Equity sales, Kotak Securities Limited.

· Prof. Maunendra Desarkar, Associate Prof, IIT Hyderabad.

The event included an exciting agenda

● Personal Journeys: Scholars shared their leadership experiences and how they have navigated challenges in their academic and personal lives.

● Roundtable Discussions: Thought-provoking sessions with leaders, innovators, and change-makers that inspired scholars to think critically and creatively about their future.

● Networking Session: enabled informal networking and continued conversations among scholars and speakers.

IMDb Announces the Most Anticipated Indian Movies of 2025

IMDb, the world’s most popular and authoritative source for information on movies, TV shows, and celebrities, today unveiled the Most Anticipated Indian Movies of 2025, as determined by the actual page views of the more than 250 million monthly visitors to IMDb worldwide.

A.R. Murugadoss, director of the No. 1 most anticipated Indian movie Sikandar, said, “I’m deeply humbled to see Sikandar topping the IMDb Most Anticipated Indian Movies of 2025 list! Working with Salman Khan has been incredible. His energy and dedication bring Sikandar to life in ways words can’t express. Huge thanks to Sajid Nadiadwala for making it happen. Every scene in Sikandar is crafted to leave an indelible mark. I’ve poured my heart into designing each moment to stay with audiences forever.”

IMDb Most Anticipated Indian Movies of 2025
1. Sikandar
2. Toxic
3. Coolie
4. Housefull 5
5. Baaghi 4
6. The Raja Saab
7. War 2
8. L2: Empuraan
9. Deva
10. Chhaava
11. Kannappa
12. Retro
13. Thug Life
14. Jaat
15. Sky Force
16. Sitaare Zameen Par
17. Thama
18. Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1
19. Alpha
20. Thandel

Among the Indian movies with planned releases in 2025, these titles were consistently the most popular with IMDb customers, as determined by the actual page views of the more than 250 million monthly visitors to IMDb worldwide.

It is noteworthy that among the 20 titles on the list, 11 are Hindi movies, three each are Tamil and Telugu, two are Kannada, and one is a Malayalam movie. Akshay Kumar stars in three movies on the list: Housefull 5 (No. 4), Kannappa (No. 11), and Sky Force (No. 15), and so does Rashmika Mandanna: Sikandar (No. 1), Chhaava (No. 10), and Thama (No. 17). Mohanlal, Prabhas, Pooja Hegde, and Kiara Advani star in two titles each. Five titles on the list are sequels or installments of popular franchises: Housefull 5 (No. 4), Baaghi 4 (No. 5), War 2 (No. 7), Sitaare Zameen Par (No. 16), and Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1 (No. 18).

Shemaroo Umang’s show ‘Main Dil Tum Dhadkan’ Actress Neelu Vaghela: The Joy of Makar Sankranti in Mumbai Feels Just Like my hometown.

Makar Sankranti is a festival that brings joy to everyone and unites us all in celebration. Actress Neelu Vaghela, who plays the role of Rajeshwari Devi in Shemaroo Umang’s show ‘Main Dil Tum Dhadkan’, shares her excitement about the Makar Sankranti, how she celebrates it, and why it holds such special significance.

She says,“Makar Sankranti is a festival of love and new beginnings. This festival is very close to my heart. In Rajasthan, we celebrate it as ‘Sakraat’ with great excitement. The festival marks the harvest season and comes with many traditions and delicious foods. Since it’s cold during this time, we enjoy Rajasthani sweets like Pheeni, Til Patti, Gajak, Kheer, Ghevar, Pakodi, Puwa, and Til Ladoo.There are also kite- flying and cultural performances. People enjoy flying kites, and the sky is full of colorful kites on this day. As a child, I loved flying kites- it was such a joyful experience.”

She further added, “Now, I live in Mumbai, and I see the same excitement for the festival here in Maharashtra. I celebrate Makar Sankranti here too. I enjoy eating Tilgulache ladoo, which is healthy for our body in the winter. I feel the same joy here as I did in my hometown. I really enjoy this time of the year. Recently while shooting an upcoming episode of ‘Main Dil Tum Dhadkan,’ when I saw Kanha’s excitement flying kites, it reminded me of my childhood. I love spreading happiness, and this festival is one of the occasions that brings a smile to everyone’s face.”

KIIT World School andCelebrate Lohri and Makar Sankranti with Great Enthusiasm

Gurgaon: KIIT World School, Sohna Road and KIIT College of Education, marked the joyous occasion of Lohri and Makar Sankranti with a vibrant celebration filled with cultural activities, competitions, and festive rituals.

The event commenced with a series of performances by students, including traditional Punjabi folk dances and group singing. Solo and group dance competitions were the highlight, where students enthusiastically performed to upbeat Punjabi songs. Adding to the celebratory mood, a special bonfire was organized around which students and faculty gathered, enjoying traditional snacks such as peanuts, jaggery, and popcorn. The cheerful ambiance was further enhanced by the energetic dancing around the bonfire.

Registrar of KIIT College of Education, Neelima Kamrah, graced the occasion and shared the cultural significance of Lohri and Makar Sankranti. She stated, “Lohri is not just a festival but a symbol of hope, prosperity, and unity. It reminds us of the values of togetherness and goodwill. Celebrating such festivals helps students connect with our cultural roots while fostering a sense of community.”

Following the cultural performances, a kite-flying session was held on the school grounds to celebrate Makar Sankranti. Students and faculty members took part in the activity, filling the sky with colorful kites. The event concluded with everyone gathering around the bonfire to offer sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts, symbolizing gratitude and seeking blessings for peace and prosperity.