Mangaldeep Expands Sixth Sense Panel with 30 New Members in Delhi

Delhi, Mar 10: ITC Mangaldeep has expanded its Sixth Sense Panel with the addition of 30 new members in Delhi, further strengthening its commitment to innovation rooted in empathy. The expanded panel brings together a diverse and accomplished cohort, reinforcing the brand’s belief that product innovation must be shaped by deeper sensory insight.

 Approximately 90% of the newly inducted members are employed across varied professional fields, while others are associated with NGOs and access groups or are pursuing postgraduate and doctoral studies. Their inclusion strengthens Mangaldeep’s long-standing effort to integrate heightened olfactory sensitivity into its product development process, moving beyond conventional testing frameworks toward more nuanced, human-led evaluation.

Speaking on the initiative, Rohit Dogra, Divisional CEO, Agarbatti & Matches Division at ITC, said,

 “When we started the Sixth Sense Panel four years ago, it was with the belief that product is best understood through those who truly experience it at a deeper level. Today, it has become an important part of how we shape and fine-tune our offerings at Mangaldeep. The insights shared by our visually impaired panelists bring a depth and honesty that conventional testing often misses. We look forward to continuing this journey together and building an even stronger, more meaningful association with the community.”

As part of the structured onboarding and training programme, the new panel members underwent immersive olfactive training across key product families, Fruity, Floral, Woody, Aromatic/Herbal/Mint, and Oudh/Amber through both individual raw materials and blended compositions.

They were also introduced to Mangaldeep’s popular and premium product formats through tactile and scent-based familiarisation, including Popular Dhoop Sticks, Premium Dhoop Cones, Flora Agarbatti, Premium Cups, and Sambrani Sticks. A detailed product evaluation protocol was also implemented to enable systematic participation in monthly product assessment tracks.

“I’m truly grateful to ITC Mangaldeep for including us in their product testing journey. The entire experience was thoughtful and inclusive, and the gestures extended to us made us feel genuinely valued,” said Sonali Rawat, Maths Faculty at Deep Stambh Manobal Foundation.

“I would like to thank ITC Mangaldeep for organising such a meaningful and informative training. It was encouraging to be part of an initiative that is truly inclusive. I felt supported and respected throughout the session,” said Prerna Sobti, a corporate trainer with over 20 years of experience.

Through this expansion, the Sixth Sense Panel continues to evolve as a core pillar of Mangaldeep’s product innovation framework, ensuring that product development is guided not only by science and scale, but by immersive sensory experience. With initiatives such as this, ITC Mangaldeep continues to blend tradition with forward-looking innovation, creating devotional experiences that are both sensorially rich and meaningfully inclusive.

Summit Hotels & Resorts Sharpens Wedding Focus in Rishikesh, Renovates Riverside Inventory to Capture Celebration Demand

New Delhi, Mar 10: Summit Hotels & Resorts has completed a comprehensive upgrade at Summit by the Ganges Beach Resort & Spa in Shivpuri, within the larger Rishikesh hospitality corridor. The enhancement reinforces the group’s positioning in one of Uttarakhand’s most sought-after riverfront destinations.

The defining feature of the property is its direct access to a white-sand private beach along the Ganges, a distinction shared by only a small number of hotels in the upper Rishikesh belt. The riverfront setting, combined with mountain views and a large inventory of Ganges-facing rooms, places the resort in a differentiated category within the regional market.

As part of the upgrade, an entire accommodation wing has undergone complete refurbishment, including redesigned interiors, upgraded bathrooms, new woodwork and enhanced lighting. Select rooms now include bathtubs, further strengthening the premium stay experience.

The property caters to a diverse mix of travellers, including experiential leisure guests, family getaways, corporate offsites and curated destination weddings. It has hosted approximately 35 weddings this year, accommodating celebrations of 150 to 200 guests.

Commenting on the development, Sumit Mitruka, Founder and CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “Rishikesh today attracts multiple travel segments across the year, from spiritual and adventure tourism to experiential leisure and celebrations. Our focus is to align product quality with the natural advantage that limited riverfront access provides, while ensuring the property remains relevant across traveller categories.” With the latest enhancement, Summit continues to consolidate its presence in Uttarakhand’s evolving hospitality landscape.

Swiggy Launches the Third Edition of the Swiggy Restaurant Awards: Celebrates Culinary Excellence Across India

Bengaluru, Mar 10: Swiggy India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform announced the third season of Swiggy Restaurant Awards. The annual awards have been designed to recognize and celebrate the best restaurants across India. Voting for the awards will be open till March 27, 2026, on the Swiggy app. The winners will be determined solely via public voting and will be announced on March 28, 2026. This year’s edition is bigger than ever, expanding its footprint to 160+ cities, with 11000, nominated brands competing across a diverse set of categories.

The Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026 aims to honor the restaurants and chefs who continue to raise the bar for culinary excellence across the country. From iconic neighborhood favorites to trending global cuisine hotspots, the awards celebrate those who have defined India’s food landscape over the past year.

Some of the key award categories include popular core categories like

• Best in North Indian
• Best in Biryani
• Best in Pizza

In addition to this, it will include Spotlight categories like

• Best Local Gems
• Best Newcomers
• Best in Global Flavours (Korean, Mexican, Japanese)
• Best Regional Favourites (including Best in Andhra, Best in Goan cuisine, Best in Assamese cuisine and more)

The Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026 will also see the launch of a number of new and trending categories including

• Best in Coffee & Tea (including trending beverages like Boba and Matcha)
• Best in Trending Dish Families (Mandi, Pasta, Arabic cuisine)
• Best EatRight Brands
• Best Corporate / DeskEats Brands

Some of the participating cities for the Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026 include Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Coimbatore, Goa, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ranchi, Varanasi, Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Guwahati, Jalandhar, Kanpur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mysore, Nagpur, Patna, Pondicherry, Surat, Udaipur, Vijayawada, Agartala, Ahmedabad and many more.

Adding to the excitement, customers can Vote & Win up to ₹600 Swiggy Cash plus exclusive coupons. Users can also share their voting link with friends and earn additional rewards, unlocking up to ₹600 in Swiggy Cash through participation.

Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026 is more than just an awards initiative — it’s a grand tribute to India’s rich and evolving food culture. By voting and sharing, users play a key role in recognising and honouring the best in the business — while earning exciting rewards along the way.

 

Bharti Airtel Brings Mobile Connectivity to Remote Marwah Region of Jammu & Kashmir

Mar 10: Bharti Airtel announced the expansion of its network services to the remote Marwah Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. With this deployment, Airtel has become the first and only telecom operator to provide reliable mobile connectivity in the region.

 Located between Kishtwar and Anantnag, the Marwah region is known for its challenging terrain and strategic importance. Surrounded by rugged mountains, the area remains cut off from many parts of the region for extended periods, particularly during winter months when heavy snowfall blocks road access.

Until now, nearly 150 kilometers of this remote region had remained outside the reach of telecom connectivity. The introduction of Airtel’s high-speed mobile network marks a significant step in bridging the digital divide and ensuring reliable communication for residents, security forces, and tourists visiting the area.

Due to the lack of connectivity in the past, residents often relied on mule transport or long foot journeys to access essential supplies, work opportunities, or emergency assistance when roads were closed. With the rollout of Airtel’s network, people in the region will now have access to uninterrupted mobile connectivity, improving communication, safety, and access to digital services.

The new network infrastructure is also expected to open up tourism opportunities in the scenic Marwah Valley, which is known for its natural beauty but has remained relatively unexplored due to limited connectivity.

Commenting on the development, Dibyendu Aich, Chief Operating Officer of Airtel for Jammu & Kashmir, said,

“We are proud to take a significant step toward reducing the digital divide by bringing connectivity to the Marwah region. This area has remained isolated for a long time due to severe natural barriers. Airtel’s continued expansion into high-altitude and remote locations reflects our commitment to strengthening India’s digital ecosystem. Our goal is to ensure that every citizen—no matter how remote their location—remains connected.”

Airtel’s continued network expansion into remote and difficult terrains highlights the company’s commitment to eliminating connectivity gaps and supporting India’s digital transformation, ensuring that even the most isolated communities can access reliable communication services.

Kotak Mahindra Bank and United Way Bengaluru join forces to refurbish Anganwadi centres in Coimbatore

Mar 10 | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu:  United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), with CSR support from Kotak Mahindra Bank and in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development, has launched the Model Anganwadi Project to refurbish 10 Anganwadi centres across Coimbatore Corporation zones. The initiative aims to strengthen early childhood development for children aged 0–6 years by creating safe and child-friendly learning environment.

The refurbished Anganwadi centres will be equipped with age-appropriate learning materials, upgraded sanitation amenities, and improved access to nutrition for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The project is expected to benefit approximately 1300 children and positively impact a community of nearly 15,000 people. 

One of the refurbished centres located in Sungam Gandhinagar was inaugurated by Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P, Member of Parliament; M. Sivaguru Prabakaran (I.A.S), Commissioner, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation; R. Ranganayaki, Mayor, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation; R. Vetriselvan, Deputy Mayor, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation; Dhevakumari, District Program Officer – ICDS; Sandhya, CDPO ICDS. Key representatives from Kotak Mahindra Bank included Mr. Karthick C, Regional Business Head, Branch Banking; Vengidasubramanian R – Circle Manager; Guruprasad- ABM, Branch Manager; Kesavraj, Branch Manager along with the UWBe team.

Commenting on this, Himanshu Nivsakar, Head – CSR & ESG said, “At Kotak Mahindra Bank, our CSR commitment focuses on creating sustainable, inclusive, and measurable impact. Early childhood development is a critical enabler of long-term social progress, and upgrading Anganwadi infrastructure directly contributes to this vision. This project with United Way Bengaluru is a testimony of our vision to strengthen education and community well‑being at the grassroot.”

“Under the Born Learning Campaign, our vision for early childhood care is to transform Anganwadis into vibrant, safe, and inclusive spaces that foster learning and growth. For many children, Anganwadis are their first step into education and through our partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank, we are building an ecosystem where every child has the opportunity to thrive. This initiative strongly reflects our commitment to education, health, and holistic community development,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.

‘Women and Finance’ Study Unveiled by DBS Bank India

.Mumbai, Mar 10: DBS Bank India has unveiled the latest report from its ‘Women & Finance’ series, with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP (DTTI LLP) as the research partner.

 The report, Money Matters: Mindsets, Financial Agency and Behaviour Across Life and Career Stages, draws on responses from 1,342 women surveyed across North  South  East  and West  India, reflecting the views of female entrepreneurs, High Net Worth  women and rural women earners.

It builds upon DBS Bank India’s Women and Finance study, first introduced in 2024, which comprises four reports capturing unique insights from women across segments. It explores their autonomy in financial decision-making, key drivers and life goals, preferences for engaging with banks and digital financial apps, as well as their perspectives on career breaks, perceived work-life balance, retirement planning and long-term financial preparedness.

Data from the survey suggests that financial decision-making increasingly sits with women themselves. Among the female entrepreneurs surveyed, 69% identify as primary decision-makers in financial matters, compared to 60% among rural women earners and 58% among HNW women. The trend is more pronounced with age, particularly among HNW women and female entrepreneurs, indicating that confidence and control grow as experience accumulates.

Global connectivity emerges as a key factor for many urban Indian women when selecting a banking partner. The preference is strongest among female entrepreneurs, with 89% citing a bank’s international network as influencing their decision. This trend is mirrored among HNW women, 84% of whom view an institution’s global footprint as an important factor in their choice. This preference is already reflected in their behaviour, with 81% of female entrepreneurs and 80% of HNW women surveyed already banking with global institutions. These trends point to the fact that these cohorts value cross-border connectivity, whether for business expansion, investing or the reassurance of institutional scale.

The study also shows that capital, while foundational, is not the only requirement for growth among the female entrepreneurs surveyed. Within this group, 44% value peer advisory and networking, 40% seek sector-specific mentorship, 33% want to strengthen investor connections to access growth capital, and 22% look for support on government schemes, and eligible grants or pitch competitions.

Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Country Head, Global Transaction Services, Corporate Banking, Financial Institutions and SMEs, DBS Bank India, said,

“Insights from the latest report in our Women and Finance study highlight the growing importance female entrepreneurs place on institutional credibility and global connectivity when choosing a banking partner. This reflects the value they place on trusted partners that can support cross-border ambitions, offer access to global markets and connect them to broader ecosystems.The findings also highlight that while access to credit continues to be an important enabler of growth, many female entrepreneurs are increasingly looking for support that goes beyond traditional banking services. Access to mentors, peer networks and investor connections is emerging as an important part of the journey as businesses scale. The insights underscore the importance of engaging with entrepreneurs in a more holistic way, combining financial solutions with ecosystem support that helps businesses grow meaningfully.”

Other key insights:

Confidence levels in managing finances

76% of rural women earners surveyed report feeling confident or very confident about managing finances, compared to 67% among HNW women and 58% among female entrepreneurs.

Among women who do not make financial decisions independently, there is reliance on trusted personal relationships for financial advice. Of the HNW women surveyed, 55% turn to their spouse or partner for financial advice or guidance, compared to 50% of female entrepreneurs surveyed. This pattern rises to 73% among rural women earners.

Life goals

Among HNW women (64%) and female entrepreneurs surveyed (73%), buying a new home or property is a key priority, highlighting a strong preference for tangible assets and an affinity for home ownership. 73% of the rural women earners surveyed prioritise children’s education first as their life goal.

How women engage with banks

Digital platforms, including apps and websites, are the most preferred channels of engagement for female entrepreneurs (44%) and 29% of HNW women. HNW women tend to prefer a hybrid approach (36%), combining digital channels with in-person support.

In contrast, rural women earners show a stronger preference for in-person banking, with 47% favouring branch visits. This is driven by trust in face-to-face interactions.

Digital adoption

Female entrepreneurs show the highest levels of digital adoption. Among those surveyed in this group, 84% use UPI, and 59% actively use digital financial tools such as banking apps. HNW women surveyed report UPI adoption at 77%, and 52% say they use digital tools such as savings and banking apps.

Despite high smartphone ownership (82%), adoption of digital financial services remains limited among the rural women earners surveyed. Key barriers include low familiarity with apps (44%), fear of online scams (37%), and inconsistent connectivity (31%).

Career breaks

Among those surveyed, female entrepreneurs report a higher incidence of career breaks, with 46% taking breaks for family or personal reasons and 22% for voluntary reasons such as travel or upskilling.

This compares with HNW women, where the figures stand at 36% and 15% respectively. These differences suggest that female entrepreneurs may use the flexibility of self-employment to pause, recalibrate or invest in personal development, while HNW women tend to experience more continuous career paths.

Retirement planning and financial preparedness

Among the female entrepreneurs surveyed, 39% expect to retire after the age of 50 years, 20% believe they may never fully retire, and 26% remain unsure. A similar pattern appears among HNW women, with 41% planning to retire after 50, 29% expecting lifelong engagement with work, and 12% uncertain about their retirement age.

Rural women earners show comparable trends, with 42% expecting to retire after 50, 29% believing they will continue working indefinitely, and 19% remaining unsure. Among this cohort, 37% report having no long-term financial plan for retirement, while others rely on bank or post office savings (27%), formal pension schemes (23%), or informal instruments (13%).

Limelight Diamonds Opens New Store in Baner, Pune

Pune, Mar 10: Limelight Diamonds, India’s largest and most trusted lab grown diamond jewellery brand, has strengthened its footprint in Maharashtra with the launch of a new exclusive store in Baner, Pune, following the success of its store at Bund Garden Road in the city. The store was inaugurated in the presence of Karam Chawla, Director, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, Regional Partners, Tara & Prasad Jawalkar and Neetal & Hrishikesh Budukh, alongside the brand’s leadership team, marking another milestone in Limelight’s continued retail expansion across high-growth urban markets.

 Strategically located in Baner, one of Pune’s most dynamic and fast-evolving neighbourhoods, the new store reflects the brand’s commitment to tapping into markets that combine aspirational lifestyles with a growing appetite for conscious luxury. With this launch, Limelight continues to build on its strong national presence spanning 60+ stores across 45+ cities and 40+ shop-in-shop formats.

The contemporary retail space is designed to offer an elevated yet welcoming shopping experience, showcasing an extensive range of CVD-studded lab grown diamond jewellery crafted using Type IIA diamonds, globally recognised for their exceptional brilliance and purity. Customers can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of classic solitaires, elegant necklaces, statement earrings, bracelets and versatile everyday wear pieces, catering to both occasion-led purchases and modern, daily styling.

Coinciding with the joyous occasion of Women’s Day, the launch holds added significance, reflecting the strength, aspiration, and growing influence of modern Indian women. The Baner store reflects the brand’s chic, premium, and minimalist design philosophy while championing the evolving narrative of diamond jewellery, catering to women who view jewellery not merely as adornment, but as an expression of individuality, achievements, and mindful choices.

To commemorate the launch, customers can avail exclusive inaugural privileges, including 26% off on diamond value and 26% off on making charges, valid for a limited period.

Pooja Madhavan, Founder & Managing Director, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, said:

“Maharashtra continues to be a priority growth market for us, and Pune is a key part of our long-term expansion roadmap. With Baner, we are strengthening our presence in high-potential urban micro-markets that demonstrate strong demand for contemporary, design-led diamond jewellery. Our focus is on building depth in existing regions while steadily expanding into progressive neighbourhoods that align with the brand’s vision.”

“It is especially meaningful to mark this launch around Women’s Day. At Limelight, we see a clear shift, more women are self-purchasing and making informed, value-driven choices. Our retail expansion is closely aligned with this evolution, as we aim to create accessible spaces where women can celebrate their achievements with jewellery that reflects both their style and their principles.”

Karam Chawla, Director, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, added:

“Pune is an important market for us strategically, given its strong base of evolved, cosmopolitan  consumers who value both quality and innovation. We are seeing increasing preference for lab grown diamonds in cities like Pune, where buyers are informed, design-conscious and open to new-age luxury formats.”

“Our expansion strategy is centred on building a robust and accessible retail network that drives awareness and reinforces trust in the category. With every new store, we are not just adding to our footprint, but creating touchpoints that enable deeper consumer education and long-term brand engagement in the lab grown diamond segment.”

Tara Jawalkar, Regional Partner, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, said:

“It is a pleasure associating with Limelight Diamonds. Limelight’s strong positioning in the lab grown diamond segment, backed by consistent quality and transparent practices, makes it a compelling brand for Pune’s evolved jewellery buyers.”

Neetal Budukh, Regional Partner, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, further added:

“We have witnessed a strong and growing demand for design-led, responsibly created diamonds in the city, particularly following the success of its first store at Bund Garden. This clearly reinforces the city’s shift in demand when it comes to diamond jewellery. Baner, in particular, was a natural and strategic location choice for us as we have witnessed the significant growth in premium and lifestyle consumption in the area in the recent years ”

With the launch of its Baner store, Limelight Diamonds continues to reinforce its position as one of India’s most trusted and widely accessible lab grown diamond jewellery brands. The expansion underscores the company’s commitment to making conscious luxury mainstream, offering jewellery that is distinctive, responsibly created and designed for the modern Indian consumer.

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Right-Fitting Senior Indian Homeownership

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

As the world gets increasingly torn by war and Indian retirees worriedly track the impact on their investments, one major area of concern should be housing – specifically, the costs involved, and whether the house is a good fit in the first place. If it is not, good money may be following bad in the worst possible times.

For decades, the Indian middle and upper-middle class have viewed the ‘big bungalow’ or the spacious 4 BHK apartment as the ultimate badge of success. In a culture where property is the primary symbol of wealth and social standing, the instinct has always been to upsize. However, there is a dawning realization among retirees and soon-to-be retirees that for the happiest homeowners, the most strategic move is not getting the biggest house possible.

Nor is it just right-sizing, which is just a fancy name for downsizing – which is depressing. It is ‘right-fitting’ – getting the right size AND type of home for the life they actually lead.

For senior Indian homebuyers and homeowners approaching or in retirement, the transition from ‘more is better’ to “what (not how much) do I really need?” is one of the most consequential financial and lifestyle decisions they will ever make.

The Illusion of the ‘Dream Home’

For younger Indians, a home typically has some very specific concept parameters. It is a hub for raising children, if necessary housing extended family, proudly socializing, and storing artifacts accumulated over the years. It is a container for a life lived and yet to be lived, so it has to be big. To reuse the term – the bigger the better.

When Indian homebuyers sell their homes in a tier-1 city like Mumbai to relocate to a tier-2 city like Pune, Kochi or Coimbatore, the temptation is to use the price differential to buy a bigger home than the previous one. Size is often the primary criterion, with not much thought given to how well the space and location will serve in later years.

In later years, as children often move abroad for education or migrate to different cities for work, the functions of the home change. It is not unusual to find elderly Indian homeowners living in outsized, badly-located storage spaces dedicated to a life that they once had – or hoped to have – and no longer have now.

For older people with an empty nest, an oversized home in the wrong area becomes a source of depression and regret. Depression because large empty spaces echo the past far more efficiently than smaller ones, and regret because the cost – both financially and in terms of effort – are no longer justified.

There may be a lingering hope that the flown birds, so to speak, may return to the nest. And indeed, that can happen, especially in these times of global socio-economic upheaval where many NRIs have to return to India and may need the space. But this assumes that the returning migratory birds will either have no option other than to live with their parents, or that they would prefer to.

This is a big assumption, and may even be vindicated in some cases. But the larger trend is that returning expatriate professionals are more interested in the nuclear family format, and will want to live separately.  Also, younger Indians value convenience and being able to entertain themselves and their family. A large flat can accommodate the body, but not the heart and soul.

Too often, managing a large home becomes the single focus of a retired Indian couple’s life. It feels ‘productive’, since they are working hard at tangible tasks, but it is actually just the life of a hamster in a wheel. They are running energetically to nowhere, spending their precious silver years and remaining bandwidth as perennial housekeepers.

The Township Advantage

The financial logic of a tool that fits the job — in this case, a home that actually serves its occupants — is particularly relevant in the Indian context. Inflation eats into everything, from the value of one’s savings to the cost of living. A large, isolated home consumes as many resources as a well-located one, without delivering a better life. This is where the integrated township emerges as the ultimate ‘right-fitting’ solution for ageing Indians.

In a regular residential tower or villa, you must manage the property but the world outside is often chaotic, inaccessible, or lonely. A township flips the script. It is not just about the square footage of your apartment but about the extended living room that starts the moment you step out of your front door.

From Maintenance Trap to Managed Lifestyle

In a township, the burden of maintaining the structure is professionalized and shared. Instead of haggling with individual contractors for plumbing or security, homeowners enjoy a seamless ecosystem. This shift allows retirees to stop being property managers and start being real residents.

The efficiency of a township means you can opt for a ‘right-fitted’ 2 or 3 BHK that is easier to clean, manage and navigate even as you enjoy the luxury of dedicated green open spaces, landscaped gardens, and fully-equipped clubhouses.

Social Touch Points

The greatest risk of the ‘big house’ is the ‘beautiful bubble’ effect. Yes, it is big, but the life that ageing inhabitants live inside becomes very small. There is no world to step into. Townships solve this because they are fundamentally ‘social architecture’.

When you live in a township, you don’t have to schedule a visit to see a friend. You are likely to meet them at the clubhouse or supermarket within the premises, on the walking track, or at the cafe. For the Indian senior, these small interactions are the literal heartbeat of a happy retirement.

Townships provide a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment where ‘going out’ does not need a car or driver. It offers the independence of a private home with the safety net of a village.

Future-Proofing for the ‘Returning Migratory Birds’

The concern that children might return from abroad and need space is valid, but the township model addresses this more realistically than a giant, empty villa. If children and their nuclear families do return, they are rarely looking for a spare bedroom in a silent house. They are often returning from a developed country, and want a real lifestyle.

A township offers amenities like swimming pools, gyms, play areas, and high-speed connectivity that every modern NRI professional takes for granted. It allows for ‘proximity without pressure.’ Many families find that ‘right-fitting’ involves owning two smaller units within the same township rather than one giant, awkward bungalow. This preserves the privacy of both generations while ensuring they are only a five-minute walk apart.

The Luxury of Optionality

Ultimately, ‘right-fitting’ into a township is a strategic allocation of resources. By not over-investing in dead square footage that only serves to store old furniture, homeowners unlock capital and time.

The real luxury in the silver years is optionality — the freedom to travel to see grandchildren, to join a hobby club, or to simply enjoy a sunset in a park that you do not have to mow yourself. A big house demands that you serve it, while a township serves you.

For the modern Indian homeowner, the dream is no longer just about the height of the gate or the size of the floor plan. It is about finding a fit that is snug enough for comfort, yet expansive enough for a community. If you are over 50, it is high time to stop thinking about wider-apart walls and ceilings, start optimizing the life you live within them.

About the author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director of Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region.

Post-Budget Webinar 2026 Highlights Skilling of 1.5 Lakh Multiskilled Caregivers to Strengthen India’s Care Ecosystem

Chandigarh, Mar 10: The Post-Budget Webinar 2026 on the theme “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas – Fulfilling Aspirations of People” was organised under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, multilateral institutions, and private organisations to deliberate on the effective implementation of key announcements made in the Union Budget 2026–27. The webinar forms part of the Government’s annual post-Budget consultation process aimed at translating policy announcements into actionable implementation frameworks.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the Union Budget lays out a roadmap for building a future-ready workforce and strengthening human capital for a Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the importance of scalable models, innovation-driven growth, and stronger linkages between education, skilling, and the real economy to support India’s long-term development goals.

Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, also participated in the inaugural session. In his concluding remarks, he highlighted the growing significance of the care economy in India’s development journey.

“The care economy represents both a social priority and an economic opportunity for India. Through the Budget announcement to train 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers, we are building a professional ecosystem that integrates healthcare, wellness, and assistive technologies while creating dignified employment opportunities, particularly for women. Recognising language as a skill and strengthening global mobility pathways will further enhance employability in international markets,” he said.

As part of the Post-Budget Webinar, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) led a dedicated breakout session on the sub-theme “Strengthening India’s Care Ecosystem: Skilling 1.5 Lakh Multiskilled Caregivers”, conducted in blended mode with participation from stakeholders across sectors.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, emphasised the need for building a robust and quality-driven training ecosystem to support the emerging care economy. She noted that the focus is on developing structured training frameworks to prepare multiskilled caregivers capable of meeting evolving healthcare and care-related demands, while also ensuring dignity, recognition, and credible career pathways through professional training and standardised certification.

Ms. Manisha Sensarma, Senior Economic Adviser at MSDE, outlined the strategic vision behind the Budget announcement to train 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers. She highlighted that the initiative aims to address rising domestic demand driven by an ageing population as well as global shortages of care and allied healthcare professionals. The programme also seeks to transition the informal workforce into a structured National Caregiver Ecosystem by integrating healthcare skills with wellness practices and expanding training opportunities.

The breakout session brought together an eminent panel of national and international stakeholders, including Prashant Pise, Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Jagadish Chelani, Mia Oka, Bharath Visweswaraya, Giorgia Varisco, S P Singh, Srinivasa Rao Pulijala, K Ganesh, Sandeep Kumar, Karthik N, Sumitra Mishra, Rajit Mehta, Alexander Thomas, and Sunil Kumar M M, among others.

Key action points emerging from the deliberations included the development of a structured caregiver career pathway supported by standardised training curricula and multi-skilling modules. Participants also emphasised the importance of training-of-trainers programmes to ensure the availability of qualified instructors, and the use of apprenticeship models to provide hands-on training through hospitals, healthcare providers, and allied institutions.

Additional recommendations included collaboration with State and Union Territory governments to leverage Skill India International Centres (SIICs) to support international mobility of care professionals, building a network of credible training infrastructure through ITIs, healthcare providers, and training institutions, and integrating skilled caregiver profiles on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) to enhance transparency and accessibility.

The Post-Budget Webinar witnessed wide participation from stakeholders across India through both physical and virtual modes. Attendees included representatives from States and Union Territories, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Directorate General of Training (DGT), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Sector Skill Councils, awarding bodies, assessment agencies, industry partners, and training institutions.

The discussions reinforced the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s care ecosystem, enhancing workforce skills, and positioning the country as a global hub for skilled caregiving professionals.