Himani Shivpuri Adopts Her Paternal Village – January 2025

Himani Shivpuri, beloved for her role as Katori Amma in &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, is not only a renowned actress but also a compassionate individual with strong ties to her roots. Recently, she took a significant step to give back to her homeland by adopting her paternal village, Bhatwadi, located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, with the support of the PravasiUttarakhandi Council. Her goal is to revitalise the village and create sustainable opportunities, particularly as many young people have moved to cities in search of work, leaving behind an aging population, including many elderly women. The veteran actor’s efforts reflect her deep commitment to development, sustainability, and preserving the heritage of her beloved Bhatwadi. Speaking about this meaningful initiative, Himani Shivpuri, also known as Katori Amma, shared, “Bhatwadi holds a special place in my heart. It is not just my paternal village but also the canvas for many of my childhood memories. It saddens me to see the village lose its vibrancy as young people leave in search of better opportunities. Today, the village is primarily home to older residents who often feel disconnected and unsupported. The elderly possess so much knowledge and skill that could be used in areas like organic farming, handicrafts, or even running homestays for tourists. These ventures could offer them financial independence and a renewed sense of purpose. I believe it is my responsibility to step in and help make a difference. One of my main focuses is to revive agricultural practices, especially orange farming, which thrived in the village when I was younger. I have vivid memories of the lush orange orchards that once defined Bhatwadi, but sadly, they have disappeared over time. I plan to reintroduce orange farming and explore modern techniques to enhance both yield and quality, which could bring economic growth and employment to the village.”
Additionally, Himani aims to promote terrace farming, a traditional practice in the region. She explained, “Terrace farming is a sustainable way to utilize the hilly terrain while being environmentally friendly. I want to collaborate with agricultural experts to train villagers in advanced farming techniques and introduce crops suited to our climate and soil. This will not only generate new job opportunities but also encourage young people to return home. This is a collective effort, and the participation of the villagers is crucial. Together, we can transform Bhatwadi into a model village where tradition and progress go hand in hand. Our villages are the foundation of our culture and identity. By nurturing them, we nurture our future. I encourage everyone, especially the PravasiUttarakhandis, to consider how they can contribute to the development of their native villages. Together, we can restore the vitality and spirit of our communities, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”

Auxilo registers over 95% CAGR in Overseas Education Loans in Gujarat

Ahmedabad, January 20, 2025: Auxilo Finserve, the leading education finance NBFC, has registered a CAGR of over 95% growth in Gujarat in the last three financial years. The company will soon increase its customer touch-points across key locations to meet the growing demand and facilitate faster processing of loans.

Shweta Guru, CBO – Overseas Loans, Auxilo informed “Post-pandemic, there has been an exponential growth in student numbers for overseas education, and to meet this increasing demand, we have planned to gradually expand our branch network in Gujarat”.

In Gujarat, Auxilo caters to students across important locations such as Surat, Navsari, Bardoli, Vapi, Bharuch, Ankleshwar, Baroda, Nadiad, Anand, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Meshana, Kadi, and Kalol. The company will soon add Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, and Baroda to its existing network, along with its regional headquarters in Ahmedabad.

Nearly 1,05,600 students travelled abroad in 2023 from Gujarat registering a growth of 11.8% from 2022 with 94,400 students.

“With loan amounts ranging from ₹35 to ₹1 crore, students usually opt for leading universities in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, and Australia” added Ms. Guru.

As per data, the top courses preferred by Indian students are Master in Computer Science, Master in Information Systems, Master in Business Administration, Master in Business Analytics, and Master in Data Science among others.

As per industry reports, over 1.3 million Indian students travelled to overseas destinations to pursue higher education in 2024, indicating a strong growth from 7,50,000 students in 2023.

To date, Auxilo has provided education loans to over 12,000 aspirational students, across more than 1100 Universities and education institutes in over 25 countries. The company has also provided finance to over 170 educational institutes for their infrastructure expansion and working capital requirements.

In July 2024, Auxilo Finserve raised $30 million in its second round of funding from LeapFrog Investments along with existing investors such as Trifecta Leaders Fund I and Xponentia Opportunities Fund-II.

The company’s Assets under Management (AUM) for FY 2020-23 has grown at ~82% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) and currently stands at INR ~3604 crore.

Auxilo Finserve is promoted by Akash Bhanshali of ELME Advisors LLP and co-invested by Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd.

Bank of Baroda Launches 5 All-Women Branches in Odisha and Jharkhand

Bhubaneswar, 20th January 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, today announced the launch of five all-women bank branches under the motto “By Women, For Women” in the states of Odisha & Jharkhand. These branches, staffed entirely by women employees, are designed to create a supportive and empowering environment for both the Bank’s women employees and women customers as well as general customers at large. The Bank is opening three such branches in Odisha and two in Jharkhand. Out of the 5 branches, three are urban branches and two are rural.

This initiative is a part of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to empowering women, unleashing their true potential, and promoting gender parity. Encouraging women employees to take the lead in managing the overall operations of these branches, gives them greater opportunities for professional growth and to aspire for higher leadership roles in the Bank.

While the five all-women branches will welcome all customers, there will be a greater thrust towards servicing women customers and fulfilling their unique banking requirements. The branches will focus on empowering women customers through various tailor-made savings and loan schemes such as the Bob Mahila Shakti Savings Account, Bob Women Power Current Account, Baroda Mahila Swavalamban loan scheme for women entrepreneurs, and the Bob, SB Self Help Group.

The branches will promote various government schemes that support entrepreneurship & social security. The five all-women branches will also actively promote financial literacy & education through regular events, thereby increasing financial inclusion.

Speaking on the initiative, Ms. Beena Vaheed, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “With the opening of five all-women branches in Odisha and Jharkhand, we are working towards building an environment, culture and ecosystem where women can flourish. Our all-women branches reflect Bank of Baroda’s deep commitment to empowering women – both as employees and customers. These branches provide our women employees with a platform to aspire, innovate and excel, while also prioritising and expanding women’s access to financial services. I am excited about the possibilities this will create in building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”

The newly inaugurated branches are located at Niladri Vihar (Bhubaneswar), Khunta (Cuttack), Irba (Ranchi), Dhanupali (Sambalpur), and Jamshedpur Women’s College (Jamshedpur).

Purnam’s Winter Edit at The Claridges Showcases the Beauty of Indigenous Craft and Elegant Luxury

Purnam is delighted to announce its much-anticipated Winter Edit, taking place on February 8, 2025, at The Claridges, New Delhi. This year’s exhibition promises to be a grand celebration of indigenous artistry, featuring a diverse selection of handcrafted products, fashion, and lifestyle essentials that embody timeless elegance and creativity.

This edition features an impressive lineup of celebrated designers and brands, including Urvashi Kaur, known for her contemporary and sustainable designs; Poonam Bhagat, whose chic ethnic wear blends tradition with modernity; Satya Paul, a name synonymous with artistic and bold prints; and Abraham & Thakore, celebrated for their minimalist sophistication. Attendees can also explore unique offerings from BeachBum, Zanzibar Living, Vanilla Moon, Tulip, Yumi, Harmeet Bajaj and more. In addition to luxury fashion and home décor, the Winter Edit will include a thoughtful selection of lifestyle products, wellness experiences, and artisanal crafts, ensuring there’s something special for every visitor.

The Winter Edit is more than just an exhibition of beautiful objects; it is a celebration of social responsibility. Purnam is deeply committed to making a meaningful social impact, and this year’s event will feature partnerships with several NGOs that support women artisans, children’s education, and sustainable livelihoods. The exhibition will collaborate with Naari Shakti, an initiative that empowers women artisans through skill development, as well as Udayan Care, which provides education and care to underprivileged children. Additionally, Pravān – Candles of Hope, a social enterprise focused on sustainable production, will also be part of the showcase. These partnerships reflect Purnam’s ongoing dedication to creating positive change through the power of commerce and collaboration.

Founded in 2006 by Saroj Bhatia, Sarita Baluja, Indu Gupta, and Jani Dhingra, Purnam has always focused on elevating the voices of indigenous artisans, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and promoting the values of sustainability. Over the years, Purnam has become a revered platform for emerging designers and artisans, providing them with a space to showcase their work while fostering a strong sense of community. Over the past several editions, Mystic Events by Sonali Amla and Team Purnam have joined forces to create vibrant and immersive showcases that resonate with both creators and visitors alike, setting a benchmark for luxury exhibitions.

Purnam’s Winter Edit at The Claridges is set to be an unforgettable event that combines artistry, luxury, and social consciousness. Whether you’re looking to add timeless pieces to your wardrobe, find distinctive home décor items, or discover sustainable gifting options, Purnam’s Winter Edit will offer something truly special for every visitor.

JW Marriott Kolkata Brings the Vibrant Essence of Chor Bazaar to Life with ‘Shor Chaat Story

This January, JW Marriott Kolkata invites you to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey through the bustling lanes of India’s most famous Chor Bazaars with its unique event, Shor Chaat Story. From January 25th to February 2nd, indulge in a gastronomic carnival that reimagines the charm and chaos of India’s iconic street food culture.
A Celebration of India’s Street Food Heritage
With a theme inspired by the vibrant bazaars of cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, Shor Chaat Story offers an experience unlike any other. Guests will enter a carnival-like atmosphere styled to resemble traditional Chor Bazaars, with vintage decor, quirky signboards, and an ambiance rich with nostalgia.

Each day celebrates the iconic street foods of a specific city, including:

•  Mumbai’s Chor Bazaar: Famous Vada Pav and Missal Pav
•  Delhi’s Chandni Chowk: Karare Aloo Tikki and Matra Kulcha
•  Indore’s Sarafa Bazaar: Bhutta Ka Kees and Gararu Chaat
•  Hyderabad’s Sultan Bazaar: Hyderabadi Toast Chaat and Pesarattu
•  Kolkata’s New Market: Puchkas, Club Kachori, and Jhaal Muri

A Flavorsome Affair
The thoughtfully curated menu showcases over 20 iconic dishes, highlighting the diverse flavours of India’s rich culinary heritage. Each chaat is crafted with authentic ingredients, offering a delicious blend of local tastes and cultural flair.
Date: January 25, 2025 – February 2, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: 2:Fifty9 The Bar – Alfresco

Celebrate the flavours, stories, and nostalgia of India’s iconic chor bazaars at JW Marriott Kolkata and make your evenings memorable with this one-of-a-kind street food journey!

SBI General Insurance Posts an Impressive 273 Percent PAT Growth in 9M FY25

Mumbai; January 20, 2025: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, has delivered a robust financial performance during the first nine months of FY25. The company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 504 crore, reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth of 273%.

The company’s strong performance is evident across key financial indicators. Its gross written premium (GWP) rose by 10.9%. The gross direct premium (GDP) growth of 10.5% exceeded the industry growth rate of 7.8%. SBI General’s solvency ratio remains strong at 2.12 times, well above the regulatory minimum of 1.50, underscoring the company’s solid financial foundation.

SBI General Insurance’s impressive financial results in 9M FY25 were primarily driven by robust growth across key business segments. The Motor Insurance portfolio achieved an impressive year-on-year growth of 39%, supported by enhanced underwriting strategies and the successful expansion of digital channels for seamless policy issuance and renewals. The Health Insurance segment grew by 12% due to rising healthcare awareness, increased demand for comprehensive coverage, digital adoption, and government policies. The company’s loss ratio improved significantly by ≈4% compared to 9M FY24 through better risk management, efficient claims processing, and data-driven strategies. These performance drivers underscore the company’s strategic focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions.

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said “Our strong financial performance in 9M FY25 reflects our steadfast dedication to customer-focused innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. The notable growth across our Motor, Health, and Engineering segments demonstrates our agility in responding to market trends and our commitment to delivering value to policyholders and stakeholders”

Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added: “Our consistent financial performance in 9M FY25 underscores disciplined underwriting practices, a collaborative team effort, and a strong focus on operational excellence. The significant increase in profitability and solvency highlights our robust business fundamentals and ability to foresee and adapt to a dynamic market environment. “

SBI General Insurance continues to build on its growth trajectory, leveraging a customer-centric approach, strong team collaboration, and a diversified product portfolio, all of which contribute to sustained profitability and a growing market presence.