Category Archives: News

SolveCon Youth Festival to Inspire Young Minds in Bengaluru on March 22, 2025

Bangalore, March 18, 2025 – Following its success across multiple cities, Reap Benefit is hosting the 6th edition of SolveCon on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Bangalore Creative Circus. This one-day youth festival brings together young problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to collaborate, learn, and take action on local challenges.

As a launchpad into the Solve Ninja Movement, India’s largest community of 1.6 lakh youth changemakers, SolveCon equips young people with skills, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving experiences through interactive learning, networking, and fun activities.

SolveCon offers three dynamic spaces, encouraging participants to connect, learn, and play:

• SolveCon Mela – A lively, interactive space with creative exhibits, fun activities, and networking.
• Learning by Doing – Hands-on workshops on open-source tech & AI, persuasive communication, emotional well-being, and problem-solving skills.
• Changemaker Adda – A platform to share stories, challenges, and solutions, gaining inspiration from peers.

Attendees can also expect engaging discussions, interactive activities, and real-world problem-solving challenges, fostering a new generation of youth leaders.

SolveCon is open to anyone aged 17+ looking to:

• Develop practical skills
• Connect with mentors and like-minded peers
• Be part of a thriving community of changemakers

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a problem-solver, or simply eager to make an impact, SolveCon offers a unique opportunity to turn ideas into action.

Since its launch in 2024, SolveCon has engaged nearly 500 youth across Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Bangalore, Mysore, and Nanded.

“SolveCon is about action—people coming together, exchanging ideas, and solving real problems. Bangalore, as India’s startup capital and innovation hub, is the perfect place for SolveCon’s return,” said Kuldeep Dantewadia, Founder – Reap Benefit.

Aakash’s Journey from Deliveries to Dance Fame: Direct Entry in Hip Hop India S2 on Amazon MX Player

Mumbai, March 18, 2025 – From zipping through the streets delivering food to tearing up the dance floor, Aakash, a Swiggy delivery partner, is set to take center stage in Amazon MX Player’s Hip Hop India S2 that was launched on March 07, 2025.

 Hip Hop India is a dance reality show that caters to 18-30 year old audiences in Metro, and Tier 1-2 cities. With Season 1 being widely appreciated for its concept and giving budding talent a platform to showcase their talent, with Season 2 it aims to take the entertainment to the next level with Remo D’souza and Malaika Arora donning the judges hat.

 Season 2 witnessed the prowess of Aakash, a runner-up in Swiggy Wiggy Talent Hunt S2, taking his passion for dance to one of India’s biggest hip-hop stages.

 Empowering delivery partners beyond their work is a core commitment at Swiggy. Through various initiatives, Swiggy enables its delivery partners to explore their passions— and for Aakash, that passion is dance. In line with this commitment, Swiggy is also providing financial support to help him pursue his dream of becoming a professional dancer.
Aakash made it to the final round of auditions, without having to go through the regional rounds. His audition was aired in one of the episodes that can be viewed on the Amazon MX Player’s Hip Hop India S2! Aakash took the stage with high-energy moves to “Dance Ka Bhoot”, impressing the judges- ace choreographer, Rahul, and rapper and the host of Hip Hop India Season 1, Wicked Sunny, with his passion and determination. As the sole breadwinner of his family, he had balanced his responsibilities while relentlessly chasing his dream. He proudly represented his Swiggy roots, donning his signature Swiggy T-shirt as he moved closer to his passion.

 Being part of a show judged by Remo D’Souza and Nora Fatehi , Aakash’s journey was a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His story proved that Swiggy wasn’t just delivering food; it was delivering dreams. This was a story of dedication, hard work, and power moves!

From Nobody to Somebody

By-Thejus Shivarama Founder & CEO, Juliet and 2Moons

“Race with cheetahs, not with horses.”

Thejus Shivarama, Founder and CEO of Juliet and 2Moons, has carved a niche for himself in the hospitality industry through sheer determination, passion, and resilience. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Alliance University, his love for food and networking has been the driving force behind his entrepreneurial journey.

His first venture, Serene Mist Resort, a 9-key boutique property nestled in a Chikmagalur coffee estate, set the foundation for his hospitality career. His natural inclination towards hosting and making people feel at home has seamlessly translated into his later ventures—Juliet and 2Moons.

Now, Thejus is venturing into his next project—Minx, a craft cocktail club that aims to be Bangalore’s first true cocktail club, differentiating itself from the many cocktail bars in the city. His inspiration stems from the deep belief that food and drinks connect people, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.

A Customer-First Approach
Thejus identifies a significant gap in the market—hospitality brands often remain rigid in their offerings, whereas he believes in flexibility and customer satisfaction above all. If a guest at an Asian restaurant craves curd rice or rasam rice, he ensures they get it. This customer-centric approach sets his brands apart, ensuring that every guest leaves with a smile.

Hard Lessons & Overcoming Adversity
His journey in the industry wasn’t smooth. As a newcomer, he faced numerous challenges, including being misled by consultants who took advantage of his inexperience, leading to financial setbacks. In the initial phase, he unknowingly made costly mistakes, overspending on unnecessary things due to misplaced trust. However, with time, he learned to discern the right people to work with and gained a firm grasp of operational needs.

One of his biggest hurdles was a three-month project delay, during which he had to cover salaries and rent before even opening. Further financial strain came from consultants over-ordering everything—cutlery, crockery, and food trial expenses—causing purchases to skyrocket by 200%. Despite these struggles, Thejus has emerged stronger, building his business on personal connections and a deep understanding of customer needs.

Building a Hospitality Powerhouse
Under his leadership, Thejus has successfully built the Boho Sunsets IP, the only true sundowner experience in Bangalore. From an initial perception of being a brand that wouldn’t last six months, Juliet and 2Moons have now cemented their place among the top three hospitality brands in Bangalore’s Central Business District (CBD). Thejus and his team have defied the odds, proving that love, personal connections, and customer satisfaction are stronger than industry skepticism.

Vision for the Future
Thejus believes in keeping things simple—sticking to what his team does best and giving guests what they truly want. Rather than following industry trends or competitors, he focuses on his own strengths and continuously improves based on customer feedback. His company thrives by personalizing the guest experience, ensuring that every visit is memorable.

Leadership Philosophy
Rejecting traditional corporate management styles, Thejus fosters a culture of freedom and learning within his team. He encourages his staff—both Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH)—to take ownership of their work, make mistakes, and learn from them. His role is to guide and mentor, stepping in only when absolutely necessary. This empowerment has built a strong and resilient team, which he considers his greatest asset.

Staying Ahead of the Competition
For Thejus, the best way to stay ahead is not by keeping tabs on competitors but by staying true to his brand’s strengths and customer expectations. Customization and guest-centric service remain his core differentiators. His personal mantra, “Race with cheetahs, not with horses,” embodies his belief in setting his own pace and redefining the hospitality experience on his own terms.

Vijaybhoomi University Commemorates Success at the 6th Convocation Ceremony

Vijaybhoomi University is proud to announce the successful completion of its 6th Convocation Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of its graduating students. The ceremony, held on March 11th, was graced by the presence of esteemed Chief Guest Mr. Uday Vishwanath Deshpande, an Indian Mallakhamb coach and Padma Shri awardee, renowned for his contribution to the sport of Mallakhamb at a global level.

The convocation was attended by President Mr. Sanjay Padode, Member of Board Ms. Kalpana Padode, and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ravikesh Srivastava, along with distinguished faculty members, staff, and students. The event marked the graduation of 16 students, comprising 13 from The True School of Music (TSM) and 3 from the Vijaybhoomi School of Design.

Special honors were awarded to Ms. Nayak Neeha (Design) and Mr. Yuvrajvijay Bhatia (TSM) with the prestigious Dean’s Medal, recognizing their outstanding academic and creative contributions. The university takes immense pride in the accomplishments of its students, particularly those who have secured promising career opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures.

Reflecting on the university’s journey, Vice Chancellor Dr. Ravikesh Srivastava highlighted major institutional advancements, including the granting of UGC 2(f) status and new academic collaborations with KEDGE Business School, France, which will allow Vijaybhoomi University to offer UG and PG degrees internationally.

Dr. Srivastava also emphasized the institution’s commitment to holistic development, with initiatives such as the Personality Enhancement Program, Social Immersion Program, and Kanyathon 2024 & 2025 Series, fostering a culture of social responsibility among students.

In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor shared an inspiring message with the graduating students:

“Appo deepo bhava”—Be your own light. Never stop learning, for each day is a new chapter—bringing fresh colors, new opportunities, and, above all, deeper wisdom. Remember, the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey, and true success lies in your ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire others along the way.”

Human Skin Map: The Key to Building New Skin and Preventing Scarring in the Future

March 18, 2025: Newcastle University researchers, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and their collaborators utilized single-cell sequencing and other genomic techniques to develop an atlas and gain insights into the formation of human skin, including hair follicles.

These findings hold potential for applications in regenerative medicine, such as creating new hair follicles and improving skin transplant procedures for burn victims.

Published in in Nature, the study also involved creating a skin “mini organ” in a dish capable of growing hair. By using this organoid, the researchers demonstrated the significant role immune cells play in scar-free skin repair, paving the way for clinical advancements to prevent scarring after surgery or enable scarless healing following injuries.

‘Exciting strides’ being made

As part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, which aims to map all cell types in the human body to revolutionize the understanding of health and disease, researchers have provided a molecular “recipe” for constructing skin and developed a new organoid model to study congenital skin disorders.

The skin, the body’s largest organ, spans an average of two square meters. It serves as a protective barrier, regulates body temperature, and possesses self-regenerative capabilities. Skin develops in the sterile environment of the womb, with all hair follicles forming before birth. Although follicles undergo cycles after birth, no new ones are created. Remarkably, before birth, the skin can heal wounds without leaving scars.

Studying human skin development has been challenging due to key differences in animal models. Researchers within the Human Cell Atlas project are working to unravel how skin is constructed, including the spatial and temporal dynamics of cells and the influence of genetics. This understanding could shed light on how specific mutations lead to congenital skin conditions, such as blistering disorders and scaly skin.

Dr Hudaa Gopee, co-first author from Newcastle University, said: “We’re excited to have made a skin organoid model that grows hair. In this process, we uncovered a new, important role of immune cells in promoting the growth of blood vessels in developing skin tissue, which could help improve other organoid models. These immune cells, called macrophages, also appear to play a key part in scarless skin repair in prenatal skin. Our findings could inform clinical advances to avoid scarring after surgery.”

In this groundbreaking study, researchers from Newcastle University, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and their collaborators created the first single-cell and spatial atlas of human prenatal skin.

The team analyzed prenatal skin tissue samples by breaking them down to study individual cells in suspension and examining cells within their native tissue environment. They employed advanced single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to investigate cellular changes over time and space, focusing on the processes governing skin and hair follicle development. The study detailed the steps involved in human hair follicle formation and highlighted differences from mouse hair follicles.

Using adult stem cells, the researchers developed a skin “mini organ,” or organoid, capable of growing hair. They compared the molecular profiles of these organoids to prenatal and adult skin, finding that the organoid model closely resembled prenatal skin.

The study revealed that blood vessels in the organoid were underdeveloped compared to prenatal skin. By introducing immune cells known as macrophages into the organoid, the researchers found that these cells significantly enhanced blood vessel formation. The team used 3D imaging to examine this vascular development in detail.

While macrophages are known to defend the skin against infections, this research is the first to show their crucial role in early human skin development by supporting blood vessel growth. This discovery opens new possibilities for improving vascularization in other tissue organoids.

‘Amazing clinical potential’

This study provides a detailed molecular “recipe” for the formation of human skin and hair follicles. These findings could pave the way for regenerative medicine applications, including the creation of new hair follicles for skin transplants to treat burn victims or individuals with scarring alopecia.

The atlas of prenatal human skin developed in the study will help pinpoint the specific cells where genes linked to congenital hair and skin disorders, such as blistering and scaly skin conditions, are active or expressed. The researchers discovered that these disorder-associated genes are expressed in prenatal skin, indicating that their origins trace back to development in utero.

The skin organoids created in this research serve as a highly accurate model for studying these congenital diseases, offering new avenues for understanding and potentially treating such conditions.

Dr Elena Winheim, co-first author from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “With our prenatal human skin atlas, we’ve provided the first molecular ‘recipe’ for making human skin and uncovered how human hair follicles are formed before birth. These insights have amazing clinical potential and could be used in regenerative medicine, when offering skin and hair transplants, such as for burn victims or those with scarring alopecia.”

Pallavi Subudhi and Filoni Gudhka of BBH India Win Prestigious AAAI Young Lotus 2025 Award

Mumbai, 17 March, 2025: The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) has announced the winners of AAAI Young Lotus Contest, 2025. The winning team comprises Pallavi Subudhi and Filoni Gudhka from BBH Mumbai. The duo will jointly represent India at the prestigious Young Lotus Workshop and attend Adfest 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand.

The Young Lotus Workshop is a three-day program that fosters the next generation of young creatives from across Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East with an opportunity to work with top industry leaders, push creative boundaries and refine their skills on an international stage.

The 2025 edition of the AAAI Young Lotus Contest was around the theme ‘Support Local, Strengthen India.’ This year’s jury panel featured distinguished industry experts, including Chetan Kapoor (Saatchi Propagate), Kartikeya Tiwari (FCB Kinnect) and Zainab Haji (Grey). Winning from a selection of 130 entries from across India, Pallavi Subudhi and Filoni Gudhka’s entry stood out for its profound insight and creative execution, perfectly capturing the essence of the theme.

Speaking on the initiative, AAAI’s spokesperson said, “The aim of this year’s theme, ‘Support Local, Strengthen India’, was to push young creatives to emphasize on the power of local insights in creating compelling narratives. The winning entry by Pallavi and Filoni was a perfect blend of creativity and strategic thinking, backed by insightful storytelling. Their work and impactful ideas set them apart. We look forward to seeing them shine on the global stage at the Young Lotus Workshop where in teams from 15 different countries will participate and later on take part in ADFEST 2025.”

“BBH takes its young talent seriously and it’s great to see the industry celebrate our young creative superstars. We couldn’t be happier for Pallavi and Filoni. They are true Black Sheep,” added Parikshit Bhattaccharya, CCO, BBH India.

“This win brings us one step closer to our goal of establishing ourselves in the creative industry. We are grateful to the BBH leadership team for providing this amazing opportunity as well as our mentors, without whom this couldn’t have been possible. We can’t wait to take this experience to the global stage at Young Lotus Workshop/Adfest 2025 and make most of this opportunity,” said Pallavi and Filoni in a joint statement.

This victory marks a significant milestone in the journey of India’s creative talent. With a strong lineup of entries, this year’s contest highlighted the evolving landscape of the industry.

Representing India at Young Lotus Workshop 2025, the winners will have the opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds in the industry across Asia and push the boundaries of creative storytelling.

CEPT University Summer 2025 Electives: Secure Your Spot Starting March 19

Bangalore, March 17, 2025 – CEPT University announced its Summer 2025 courses recently and will be accepting online registrations from interested students from March 19, 2025. The Summer and Winter Courses (SWC) at CEPT University provide students with varied, intensive, and enriching educational experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom.

CEPT University was an early adopter of the novel Summer and Winter Schools in India, a concept prevalent in European educational systems. These biannual terms – Summer and Winter – offer two to four week intensive courses that provide students with significant interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

The core objective of the SWC is to foster peer learning, exchange of ideas and providing a platform for students to take courses of their interest, beyond their academic stipulations. As a result, CEPT University encourages students from across all universities and across academic disciplines to enrol into these programs. To ensure that these courses are impactful, they are taught by professionals, academicians, artists, and experts from across India and abroad.

This year, through the Summer 2025 term, CEPT University is offering a diverse array of courses ranging from studying urban development in cities such as Paris to understanding urban resilience in Bhutan. Some of the other unique courses include Decoding Mechanics, Preserving Night-Time Darkness Through Lighting Design; Imagined Landscapes: A Cinematic Mapping of Paris, etc.

Students can choose from approximately 50 diverse courses, including on-campus, online, and travel-based options, both within India and internationally.

SWC’s travel-based courses are highly sought after for their immersive, experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to explore diverse cultures and architectural landmarks. This year, students can journey to Japan to witness the fusion of culture, tradition, and innovation in its built environment. For those with a creative bent, “Oceanic Tales” in the Andaman Islands offers a unique blend of underwater filmmaking and insights into design’s role in ecosystem and species conservation.

Emphasising on the impact of these courses, Prof Chirayu Bhatt, Dy Provost (Academics) said, “CEPT’s SWC program is designed to empower students. Through peer learning, they gain diverse perspectives, and by accumulating credits, they enhance their academic flexibility. The interdisciplinary nature of our courses allows students to explore new fields and expand their intellectual horizons, all while experiencing innovative teaching methods.”

Kajal’s Dream Journey: How Sunstone Supported Her Rise from a Tier-3 City

New Delhi, 17th March 2025: KM Kajal, a student at GD Goenka University powered by Sunstone, has emerged as a symbol of resilience and determination. Hailing from a middle-class family in Firozabad district of UP, Kajal broke barriers to become the first in her family to pursue a postgraduate degree.

Growing up in a joint family, Kajal faced immense challenges in convincing her family to support her dream of pursuing an MBA. With her grandfather, father, and uncle engaged in the carton-making business, education had always taken a backseat. While her father stood by her side, seeking financial assistance led to unforeseen hardships, including his separation from the family. Sunstone’s easy loan process provided her the financial support she needed to continue her MBA without burdening her family.

Kajal enrolled at GD Goenka University, powered by Sunstone, where she initially struggled with confidence, communication, and core industry skills. However, Sunstone’s faculty, career guidance, and personality development programmes helped her transform. With Sunstone’s easy loan process through its network of national banks, she secured financial support, pursued her MBA without burdening her family, and is now confident, skilled, and career-ready. She became the first in her batch to secure an internship at Savemax during her first interview, earning INR 15,000 per month—far above the INR 5,000-6,000 that many students from other universities received. Sunstone also helped her land a job in the same company with an 80% higher salary 4LPA than many of her classmates.

Her proactive preparation, supported by Sunstone’s mock interviews and skill-building initiatives, played a crucial role in her success.

Speaking about her inspiring journey, Kajal said, “Sunstone has been more than an educational platform—it has been my biggest support system. From financial aid to career guidance, Sunstone has enabled me to turn my dreams into reality. Their goodwill and structured approach ensure that students like me from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities do not have to struggle for opportunities.”

Ankur Jain, Co-Founder & CBO, Sunstone said, “Kajal’s journey exemplifies our mission to provide quality education and career opportunities to aspiring students. We are committed to breaking barriers and ensuring that every student, irrespective of their background, gets the right support to achieve their professional goals.”

Every Kilometer Counts Challenge: Walk, Run, or Cycle to Create Positive Change

This innovative initiative aims to encourage people to combine fitness with compassion by challenging you walk, run, or cycle 100 kilometers for the welfare of strays. Each time you hit 100 kilometers, a sponsor will donate Rs. 10,000 towards animal welfare.

 Meghna Rai, the brains behind KToK says, “I’ve always been madly and totally in love with our four-legged fur babies. And the thought of doing something for the strays was in my mind for the longest time. And then viola ! as I was walking the treadmill one day, the idea occurred to me that we could combine the two. And thus KtoK was born’.

 The idea is simple yet powerful, as this project encourages not only an active and healthy lifestyle but also contributes to a cause that is so admirable.

 Individuals and Corporate sponsors can also get involved in this initiative by sponsoring their employees to participate in the challenge. They can leverage Kilometers to Kindness to promote wellness and fitness in the workplace.

 Participants will monitor their distance using any smartphone application or speedometer. Each day, they will report their mileage to the Kilometers to Kindness team for confirmation. After verifying that the 100 kilometers have been covered, the campaign will go ahead and request the sponsor to give the Rs. 10,000 for the welfare of animals.

 What makes Kilometers to Kindness even more unique is the ability for people to gift the challenge to a loved one. For instance, you might give this challenge to someone special, a parent or friend, to do the 100 kilometers, and once they complete their 100 Kms, make a donation on their behalf to an animal welfare organization.

Student Tribe’s MAA Tribe Meet-Up at T-Hub: A Celebration of Women and Community Bonds

17th March, India: In a powerful and inspiring celebration of International Women’s Day, Student Tribe, India’s largest student community platform hosted MAA Tribe Meet-Up at T-Hub . The event welcomed 800+ students accompanied by their mothers, creating a vibrant gathering to honor the phenomenal women who drive progress in society and are the first mentors for every student. The meet-up was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of appreciation, empowerment, and meaningful connections.

The MAA Tribe Meet-Up created a vibrant platform where attendees celebrated the achievements of women and strengthened community bonds. The event featured an engaging mix of insightful discussions, impactful recognitions, and inspiring moments, setting a new benchmark for student-led community initiatives in India

Adding to the significance of the occasion, distinguished guests such as Ramaa Raavi, a renowned life coach, spoke about the special bond between students and their mothers. Kishore Indukuri, Founder of Sid’s Farm, highlighted the parallels between a parent’s dedication to their child’s well-being and Sid’s Farm’s commitment to purity. Dr. Ramakrishna, Managing Director at Smiline Dental Hospital, emphasized the importance of dental hygiene and preventive care. Dr. Sainath Bhethanabhotla, Sr. Consultant & Head of Medical Oncology at Star Hospitals, discussed the necessity of regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle while underlining the unpredictability of life. The Show ended with a fun quiz and a giveaway by SRIRAMS IAS.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Charan Lakkaraju, Founder & CEO of Student Tribe, stated “International Women’s Day is not just a day of celebration but a reminder of the immense contributions that women make in shaping our society, our families, and our future. The MAA Tribe Meet-Up was a testament to our deep commitment to fostering an inclusive space where appreciation, mentorship, and empowerment come together to drive meaningful change. By bringing together students, industry leaders, and inspiring personalities, we are creating a platform that uplifts voices, fuels aspirations, and nurtures future leaders. This is just the beginning of a larger movement to recognize, support, and create opportunities for the changemakers of tomorrow. We believe that by honoring women and fostering strong connections between students and professionals, we can collectively build a society where talent and potential know no barriers.”

With its growing influence in student communities across India, Student Tribe continues to lead meaningful initiatives, bridging the gap between students, industry leaders, and thought pioneers, ensuring that young minds are equipped with the inspiration and connections they need to thrive.

A key highlight of the celebration was the heartfelt gesture of gifting silver souvenirs to the mothers through fun giveaways, acknowledging their unwavering support and love. The event also focused on health and wellness, with Smiline Dental Hospital providing dental check-up vouchers and Star Hospitals offering cancer screening coupons worth over ₹3,000, reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare. Students, an integral part of the celebration, were also recognized and rewarded, receiving smartwatches and other exciting gifts to enhance their experience and commemorate the occasion.