Category Archives: News

The Queen of Cannes Returns: Farhana Bodi Redefines Global Glamour in 2025

Farhana Bodi the Indian, Dubai-based luxury fashion force, Dubai Bling star, and Global icon, made a sensational return to the 78th Cannes Film Festival, setting the Palais des Festivals abuzz with excitement. Born in Gujarat, India, and raised in South Africa, Farhana’s arrival reaffirmed her unmatched presence on the international fashion stage.

Since her unforgettable debut in 2017, Farhana has transformed each Cannes appearance into a moment of fashion and cultural significance. From her viral fashion moment in 2021 to the bold statement in 2023 and the dazzling showcase in 2024, she has continued to raise the bar, blending sartorial brilliance with unapologetic individuality. As she stepped onto the red carpet this year, fans across social media echoed a familiar sentiment: “Farhana’s here, and the red carpet is hers.”

 Yet, Farhana’s influence extends far beyond fashion.

As the founder of I Woman of the World, she champions global representation and women’s empowerment, using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and drive meaningful change. Her journey, from luxury global fashion influencer to internationally celebrated personality, is a powerful testament to resilience, ambition, and cultural pride.

Now marking her appearance at Cannes, Farhana Bodi continues to captivate audiences not just with her style but with her substance.

Her presence at Cannes 2025 is not simply a return, it is a reminder of her growing legacy as a woman redefining what it means to be iconic in today’s world.

With every step on the red carpet, Farhana Bodi isn’t just making a fashion statement, she is claiming her place in history as a true global trailblazer.

If you would be interested in an interview with Farhana Bodi, we would be glad to coordinate it at your convenience. Kindly let us know, and we will be happy to arrange a time that works best.

IIM Calcutta, Emeritus Commence Executive Programme in Human Resource Management, Equipping Professionals for Evolving Workforce Demands

Mumbai, May 12, 2025: Organizations are increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of human resources in driving business success with 87% of HR leaders agree that shifting business needs requires continuous HR transformation as per the Top 5 Priorities for HR Leaders in 2025 report by Gartner. However, only 36% believe their organisation’s current leadership development programmes effectively prepare leaders for future challenges. These data underscores the urgent need to move beyond traditional HR approaches and cultivate evolving Human Resource Management and leadership skills that can drive organizational agility, workforce transformation, and sustained business growth.

IIM Calcutta is recognised globally for its academic excellence and thought leadership ranked #1 in India by the BT MDRA survey 2024, and ranked #61 in FT Global MBA rankings 2025.  IIMC is the leader in online management education for executives in India and is offering cutting edge programmes in partnership with major technological and marketing Ed-tech players.

IIM Calcutta and Emeritus are offering Executive Programme in Human Resource Management. This programme takes a customer oriented approach toward managing human resources wherein the HR Managers and Leaders understand their role to deal with various stakeholders whether they are inside or outside the organizational boundaries. This program aims to cover the canvas of HRM at both macro and micro levels to equip the line managers dealing with human resources and human resource managers with contemporary knowledge and practices informed by valid findings from research. It intends to cover Operational HRM, Leadership, Strategic HRM, International and cross cultural HRM issues. The program addresses important issues of acquisition, retention, and management of talent, rewards design, learning and development, and contemporary issues in HRM and employee relations including workforce analytics.

It is ideal for mid-career professionals, including line managers seeking to enhance their people management capabilities, as well as senior HR practitioners looking to drive  workforce decisions. Participants will gain the skills to navigate complex HR challenges, optimize human capital, and align workforce strategies with business objectives to drive organizational growth.

A key highlight of the programme is the four-day campus immersion at IIM Calcutta, where participants engage in real-time interactions with renowned faculty, network with peers, and participate in hands-on workshops. This combination of digital learning and on-campus experience enhances knowledge retention and practical application. Through live online sessions, participants also engage in case studies, discussions, and peer learning, ensuring dynamic interaction and deeper insights.

Speaking on the commencement of the program, Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President, Head India & APAC, Emeritus, said, “In an era where businesses are undergoing rapid transformation, the role of HR has evolved from support function to strategic enabler. This programme with IIM Calcutta is designed to empower HR and business leaders with the tools, insights, and frameworks to reimagine people strategies and build agile, future-ready workforces.”

Through this programme, participants will be able to:

• Learn micro-aspects such as personality & motivation and macro-aspects like organisation design & culture
• Understand HR management practices of acquisition, compensation, and performance appraisal
• Gain insights into the contemporary challenges of the ever-dynamic people management ecosystem
• Build a human-centric culture of innovation to strive toward organisational goals
• Develop customer-oriented HR strategies to drive business growth and resilience

EuroKids Celebrates the Power of Emotional Bonds on Mother’s Day

Mumbai, May 12, 2025: EuroKids Preschool, India’s foremost preschool expert, celebrated the warmth and love of Mother’s Day through an array of engaging and memorable activities across 600 centres nationwide. Over 18000 young learners participated in the celebrations, which were thoughtfully designed to honour the deep emotional bond between mothers and their children. Building upon the success of its Visible Thinking Curriculum, Heureka based on Harvard’s Project Zero and aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, EuroKids continues to create experiences that promote holistic development while nurturing emotional intelligence and family bonds.

Mother’s Day at EuroKids is more than just a celebration it’s a meaningful occasion to help children understand the importance of appreciation and emotional connection. By involving mothers in classroom activities, EuroKids aims to strengthen relationships while promoting values like gratitude, empathy, and affection in children from a young age. Such occasions also give children an opportunity to express themselves in joyful, creative ways, building confidence while making lasting memories with their loved ones.

The day featured a series of joyful, hands-on activities designed to deepen the bond between mothers and toddlers. A lively music and movement session had them singing, dancing, and playing instruments together. Families enjoyed a fun-filled day out at a nearby park with games like lemon spoon races, painting, and ball games. Indoors, they decorated heart-shaped puzzle pieces as keepsakes, encouraging teamwork and creativity. A pretend play area let them dress up as doctors, firefighters, and princesses, sparking imagination and emotional expression. The celebrations concluded with a vibrant art and craft session, where moms and kids painted, drew, and created together—making memories while supporting early learning and development.

KVS Seshasai, CEO,Pre-K Division, Lighthouse Learning (EuroKids), shared his thoughts on the celebration: “At EuroKids, we believe that a child’s first and most powerful connection is with their mother. Celebrating this bond in a meaningful way not only honours our wonderful parents but also enables children to explore concepts like love, gratitude, and empathy through collaborative play and reflection with their mothers, it strengthens not only their emotional quotient but their cognitive abilities too.. Events like these foster deeper understanding, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the holistic growth we champion at EuroKids.”

Sadhna Bhatia, Centre Head, EuroKids Survey Park, Santoshpur, Kolkata: EuroKids Survey Park hosted a heartwarming and fun-filled Mother’s Day celebration, creating a nostalgic journey for all moms present. From blowing balloons to singing songs and playing childhood-inspired games, the mothers re-lived their school days in a classroom-like atmosphere—this time, joined by their little ones. The highlight was a delightful performance by children, followed by a touching moment where each child presented a hand-coloured card to their mom, sparkling smiles and happy tears. The event concluded with refreshments and a thoughtful goodie bag for the children, making it a memorable celebration of love, laughter, and togetherness.

EuroKids continues to lead the way in creating well-rounded learning environments where education meets emotion. Through initiatives like the Mother’s Day celebration, EuroKids deepened emotional connections while showcasing its unique approach to early learning where children learn not just what to think, but how to think.

Whistling Woods International’s School Of Media & Communication Hosts Masterclass Marathon 2025

Mumbai, May, 2025: The School of Media and Communication (SMC) at Whistling Woods International (WWI) recently concluded the 7th edition of its highly anticipated Masterclass Marathon—a hallmark event that continues to bring leading industry professionals face-to-face with the next generation of media talent. This year’s theme, “Multiple Hats, Multiple Successes: What Makes a Media Professional Tick?”, spotlighted the multifaceted journeys of media leaders who have excelled across roles and platforms.

The 2025 edition featured three compelling sessions led by distinguished voices in talent management, virtual production, and digital streaming—offering students a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the ever-evolving media landscape.

The event opened with Tarsame Mittal, one of India’s foremost talent managers, who shared his candid reflections on perseverance, failure, and finding one’s calling. “Perfection is overrated,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of learning through missteps. He also addressed the role of AI in creative industries, urging students to view it as an enabler rather than a substitute: “Let it support your creativity, not replace it.”

Next, Sherrin Varghese—musician, actor, and founding member of the iconic band A Band of Boys—took the stage to recount his unconventional path from engineering to pop culture fame. “Don’t try to learn everything—learn what the heart wants,” he advised, encouraging students to follow passion over perfection. He also showcased “The Circuit”, his cutting-edge virtual production studio, offering a live demonstration of AI-infused creative workflows born during the pandemic.

The final session featured Alisha Coelho, Senior Vice President at ZEE5, who shared her journey from television journalism to leading one of India’s top OTT platforms. She emphasized data-driven creativity, calling data the “third umpire” in content decisions, and encouraged humility in leadership: “Say ‘I don’t know’ when you don’t.” With conviction at the core of her message, she concluded by predicting a rise in ‘community viewing’ as the next major shift in digital content consumption.

Reflecting on the event, Rahul Puri, Director of Academics at Whistling Woods International, said: “The SMC Masterclass Marathon remains one of our most valuable platforms, offering students immersive access to industry wisdom. Each session reflected the dynamic nature of media professions and inspired our students to embrace change with clarity, confidence, and creativity.”

The 7th edition of the Masterclass Marathon once again reaffirmed WWI’s commitment to experiential, industry-aligned education. Through powerful storytelling and practical advice, the event empowered students to embrace multifaceted roles and evolve as future-ready media professionals.

Brookfield Properties Hosts Pickleball Premier League at Candor TechSpace, sector 21 Gurugram Campus

New Delhi, May 12, 2025: As part of its ongoing initiative to activate and enliven spaces within the Candor TechSpace, sector 21 campus, Brookfield Properties successfully hosted the Pickleball Premier League between April 30 and May 5. The tournament created a vibrant platform for sportsmanship, corporate engagement, and community interaction.

 The Pickleball Premier League saw participation from 16 leading corporates competing across multiple sports, including pickleball, chess, and carrom. With over 100 teams, the event highlighted a remarkable display of camaraderie and competitive spirit. The tournament attracted an enthusiastic audience of 500+ individuals, making the campus a hub of activity and connections throughout the event.

 With initiatives like these, Brookfield Properties continues to create vibrant spaces that encourage wellness, interaction, and collaboration.

Apollo Hospitals Group Honors Its “Care Champions” on International Nurses Day

National, May 12, 2025: Apollo Hospitals joined healthcare institutions worldwide in celebrating International Nurses Day, with activities designed not only to recognize nursing excellence but also to underscore the vital role nurses play in sustaining both global health systems and economic resilience. On a day that shines a spotlight on the dedication, skill, and compassion of its nursing workforce, units across the Apollo Hospitals network hosted a week‑long series of events culminating in a special luncheon, cultural performances, and the unveiling of an interactive installation Gratitude Wall.

The interactive Gratitude Wall, was a uniquely designed platform for colleagues, patients, and families to post handwritten notes, photographs, and drawings expressing thanks for the tireless efforts of their nursing heroes. From messages of encouragement to stories of care that went above and beyond, the wall became an enduring symbol of gratitude. Nurses paused through the day to read these heartfelt tributes, visibly moved by the outpouring of appreciation and support.

Reflecting on the significance of the International Nurses Day 2025, Ms. Sindoori Reddy, Director – Strategy, Apollo Hospitals said, “On International Nurses Day, we salute the steadfast dedication of our nurses who are a crucial pillar of the healthcare ecosystem. At Apollo Hospitals, we recognize that caring for our nurses is fundamental to building stronger health systems. Their safety and well-being is of paramount importance and ‘The Pink Book’ embodies our commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for our nursing teams. We are anchored in sustaining a future where every nurse thrives, and every patient receives exceptional care.”

Capt (Dr.) Usha Banerjee, Group Director Nursing, Apollo Hospitals added, “This year’s theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies,’ resonates deeply with our mission at Apollo Hospitals. Nurses are the heartbeat of our healthcare system, and we hold their well-being as paramount. Today, we celebrate our nurses’ invaluable contributions and reaffirm our commitment to their continuous support and development.”

Cultural performances and celebratory luncheons were also organised at hospital campuses and staff hostels with traditional dances, music recitals, and short theatrical pieces, all crafted by the nurses, reflecting the unity and shared purpose that binds them together in their service to patients.

Dr.Manish Mattoo, CEO Apollo Hospitals – Karnataka and Central Region, added that “International Nurses Day serves as an occasion to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our nursing workforce. With around 1,000 nurses across our units in Bangalore, their dedication forms the backbone of our patient care. To truly empower this critical segment of healthcare, it is essential to ensure safe and supportive working conditions, and continued professional development. Investing in the well-being and growth of nurses is not only fundamental to delivering quality patient care but also instrumental in advancing the healthcare sector and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economic resilience. At Apollo Hospitals, we are deeply committed to creating an environment where our nurses feel valued, protected, and enabled to grow.”

The celebrations also brought into focus the well‑being initiatives available for nurses, including access to mental health support and career‑development workshops. These initiatives address the growing recognition that nurse wellness is integral to patient safety, staff retention, and overall healthcare quality.

As the celebrations draw to a close, the Gratitude Wall will remain on display in the hospitals’ atrium for some time, serving as a reminder of the impact nursing professionals have on individuals and communities alike.

India Poised to Become a Global Innovation Hub, Says MediaTek India MD Anku Jain, Emphasizing R&D and Semiconductor Growth

Mr. Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India, said

“India’s technology sector continues to be a strong pillar showcasing prominent and immense growth, powered by innovation in semiconductors, connectivity, and digital infrastructure. India ranks 39th in the Global Innovation Index (GII), which presents vast opportunities for developing advanced, innovative and sustainable technologies which will help drive the country’s digital vision forward. At MediaTek, we believe that fostering local R&D, strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem, and investing in skill development will be key to supporting India’s ambitions as a global innovation hub.”

Raja Mansukhani, Chief Strategy, Technology, and Transformation Officer, Comviva, said

“On this National Technology Day, we celebrate India’s extraordinary journey in becoming a global hub for technological innovation. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed a surge in entrepreneurial spirit, with a thriving startup ecosystem and a bold embrace of emerging technologies such as AI/ML, Blockchain, and IoT. These advancements have firmly established India as a key player in shaping the global tech landscape. At Comviva, we believe that true innovation stems from empowered people and transformative ideas. That’s why we are deeply committed to nurturing local talent partnering with leading universities to equip the next generation with hands on experience in cutting edge technologies. By harnessing the power of AI, ML, and other next-gen tools, we are driving end-to-end digital transformation and delivering meaningful, future ready solutions to our customers across the globe. In an increasingly connected and digital first world, we remain focused on making technology more human centric, impactful, and inclusive.”

Rupesh Kumar, Co-Founder & CTO, Suhora Technologies, said

“As we celebrate National Technology Day, we honor India’s remarkable journey in science and technology and its growing leadership on the global innovation map. Today, technology is no longer confined to research labs; it is permeating every aspect of our lives, from defence and national security to smart farming and sustainable cities to precision healthcare and digital finance. The space industry, particularly the downstream segment, is no exception. AI is now revolutionizing the way we process and analyze Earth observation data, making it faster, smarter, accurate and more efficient. Our platform, SPADE, is designed to harness this very potential, leveraging AI and deep learning to transform how satellite data is accessed, tasked, and analysed. As we move ahead in our tech innovation journey, we plan to introduce advanced features, including the use of Agentic AI and LLMs to automate satellite data access and processing through natural language commands, transforming workflows and accelerating real-world impact, from national security to disaster response. With India’s downstream space sector projected to reach USD 610 billion by 2031, we believe homegrown AI-driven innovations will be key to addressing such critical challenges and reinforcing the nation’s vision of technology-led inclusive growth.”

Ganesh Gopalan, Co-Founder & CEO, Gnani.ai, said

“National Technology Day is a celebration of India’s relentless pursuit of innovation, and a reminder of how technology can be a force multiplier for inclusive growth. Today, breakthroughs in Voice AI, multilingual large language models (LLMs), and agentic AI are empowering enterprises to build smarter, more human-centric solutions. From revolutionizing customer support and financial services to enabling real-time healthcare assistance in regional languages, AI is reshaping how industries operate and interact. As India’s digital ecosystem accelerates, it is crucial that innovation remains responsible, ethical, and tailored to local as well as global needs. At Gnani.ai, we are proud to lead this movement through deep tech innovation, pioneering cutting-edge voice and agentic AI platforms that combine scale, speed, and contextual intelligence to power the next generation of enterprise automation.”

Nishant Patel, Co-Founder and CTO, Contentstack, said

“Tech isn’t just evolving, it’s reshaping how we live, work, and connect. From AI to composable architecture, we’re at a moment where innovation meets real-world impact. At Contentstack, we’re proud to be a product built in India for the world—proof that world-class tech can rise from here and scale everywhere. On National Technology Day, we honour the spirit of innovation that put India on the global tech map and celebrate the builders shaping the future with the same ambition and resolve.”

Sriram Kannan, Founder & CEO, Routematic, said

“National Technology Day is a celebration of India’s spirit of innovation, a force that continues to shape a more sustainable and resilient future. This year’s theme, ‘Empowering a Sustainable Tomorrow Through Innovation,’ deeply aligns with Routematic’s mission. As we pioneer AI and data driven, eco-conscious mobility solutions, we witness every day how technology can reimagine urban transport, making it cleaner, smarter, and more efficient. At Routematic, we are proud to contribute to India’s technological evolution and remain committed to building solutions that not only move people, but also advance the nation toward a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.”

Dr. Kathiravan Kannan, Director, SRM Tiruchirappalli, “Driven by the government’s commitment towards ‘Digital India’ and focus on digitization along with deep-tech, India is among one of the fastest moving towards becoming a global technology and innovation hub. With the rising need of future-ready skills deeper industry-academia and global immersion programmes focusing on AI, machine learning and automation are vital. At SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Tiruchirappalli, we focus on interdisciplinary learning, hands-on training, and strong industry collaboration to prepare students for real-world impact.”

Exploring Mother’s Day Gifting Story: Vedaanta Senior Living

This Mother’s Day, give her the freedom she truly deserves. After years spent running after everyone else—juggling meals, managing chores, and putting her family’s needs above her own, often neglecting her health in the process—it’s finally her time. At Vedaanta Senior Living, you can gift her the most thoughtful present: the chance to live life on her own terms, with her health and happiness at the center. Imagine her days filled with me-time to rediscover hobbies she once loved, whether it’s reading, dancing, painting, or simply unwinding. Picture her enjoying movie outings, picking fresh flowers for her prayers, sharing laughter over games, and strolling through serene gardens with friends. No more cooking, no more cleaning—just the joy of living in a vibrant, caring community where everything is taken care of, including regular health check-ups, medical support, and wellness programs tailored for her well-being. This is already the story of many women at Vedaanta, because it’s never too late to begin a new chapter that’s lighter, freer, healthier, and full of joy. This Mother’s Day, gift her Vedaanta. Gift her freedom, fun, friendship, and the care she truly deserves, and make it a celebration she’ll never forget.

Mrs India Diva 2025 Title Goes to London-Based Hyderabadi, Priyanka Sanduri

Hyderabad, May 2025 – Priyanka Sanduri, from Bowenpally, Hyderabad, has emerged as the winner of the prestigious Mrs India Diva 2025 title during the grand finale of Season 6 held recently in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

The nationwide beauty pageant received over 3,500 applications from various cities across India. Out of these, 32 finalists were shortlisted to compete in the finale. Priyanka impressed the judges in multiple segments, including the Ramp Walk, talent round, national costumes, Q&A session.

Her standout performances included a traditional portrayal of a goddess, which captivated the audience and judges alike. She also used the platform to present a powerful theatrical act highlighting pressing issues like domestic violence and dowry harassment against women.

Currently based in London, Priyanka addressed the media during a Meet and Greet held in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, after her victory. She expressed immense pride in being the only woman from Telangana to win the title this year. “This platform is not just about showcasing talent, but also about empowering women to move forward with confidence,” she said.

The panel of judges for the finale included Dr. Yashvardhan Ranawat, Dr. Lokeshwari Rathore, Reena Toshniwal, and Binny Bhatt (Miss Earth 2022). Notable guests such as EFKA Purohit and Bollywood music director Harshavardhan Srivastava were also present at the event and felicitated Priyanka with the title.

Mother’s Day quote by Mrs. Seema Vakharia, COO – Xpedeon

By- Mrs. Seema Vakharia, COO – Xpedeon

 “As a mother of two girls, and in my role as COO and founder, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the quiet, persistent strength it takes to balance a career, a home, and the emotional needs of everyone in between. I know firsthand the invisible load that so many women carry—and this Mother’s Day, I honour every woman who rises to meet those challenges, day after day. To all the mothers navigating work, caregiving, and everything in between—you are superwomen in your own way. Today, let’s not just celebrate you, but truly see you.”