30, May 2025
Vedanta’s Nand Ghar Partners with JSI & Rocket Learning to Boost Early Childhood Development in Dholpur
30th May 2025, New Delhi/Mumbai: Nand Ghar, Vedanta’s flagship CSR initiative is reimagining anganwadis as modern centers equipped with smart education tools, BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) designs, LED TV, and child-friendly infrastructure to create engaging, safe spaces for children aged 3–6 years. They also facilitate fortified meals, healthcare services, and nutritional support for children and mothers, while empowering women through skill-building programs that promote sustainable livelihoods and community development.
Project Balvardhan is an initiative under Nand Ghar by the Anil Agarwal Foundation. It is focused on combatting malnutrition among children and enhancing the capacity of anganwadi workers. As per NFHS-5, 31.8% children under 5 years are stunted and 16.8% children are stunted in Rajasthan. Through the project, more than 800 Anganwadi centers will be developed into Nand Ghars across Dholpur in Rajasthan, benefiting over 80,000 children and 14,000 women beneficiaries, while largely impacting lives of more than 1,00,000 community members. The initiative using a 360-degree systems approach focuses on strengthening early childhood care and education (ECCE), addressing all forms of malnutrition, and ensuring the provision of quality supplementary nutrition as per the guidelines of ICDS Rajasthan. A strong emphasis will be placed on behavioral change practices to create a long-term and sustained impact on health and nutrition status for both children and women.
To build a holistic, community-driven development model focused on sustainability, scalability, and measurable impact, the strategic collaboration with JSI and Rocket Learning will help build a strong foundation for nutrition, health and education interventions at Nand Ghar.
CEO, Nand Ghar, Mr. Shashi Arora reaffirmed the program’s commitment and said, “At Nand Ghar, we believe that real change begins at the grassroots. Project Balvardhan is a significant step towards our dedicated efforts to combat malnutrition among children and empower anganwadi workers. Together with the Government of Rajasthan, JSI, and Rocket Learning, Nand Ghar is committed to drive this change from the grassroots and build a secure future for our future generation.”
Under Project Balvardhan, JSI will lead interventions to improve maternal and child nutrition & health by enhancing the nutritional status of children under 6 years via strengthening Anganwadi services through infrastructural upgrades, digital growth monitoring and tracking (anthropometry), and promoting maternal nutrition awareness through evidence-based practices via systems-driven Nand Ghar model. These efforts will directly benefit children, pregnant women and lactating mothers, while uplifting the overall health outcomes in surrounding rural communities. Efforts shall also be concentrated towards enhanced capacity building of Nand Ghar Didis (AWWs), front-line workers and communities for sustained impact via behavioural change mechanisms.
Rocket Learning will capacitate anganwadi workers in delivering high-quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) by enhancing child attendance and engagement through interactive learning, developing state-aligned educational content, and training workers in modern teaching methodologies.
JSI and Rocket Learning, in close collaboration with ICDS Rajasthan, are uniting their unparalleled expertise in maternal and child health, nutrition, and early childhood care and education (ECCE) to usher in a transformative era for Anganwadi services. Together, they are poised to deliver an integrated, systems – level approach that not only elevates service delivery standards at Anganwadi centres but also inspires a new vision of holistic child development.
The project is being implemented, with the blessings of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Women & Child Development, Smt. Diya Kumari ji—a testament to the government’s strong commitment to child welfare and rural development. Project Balvardhan stands as a beacon of collaborative impact—driven by partnerships, powered by community, and rooted in sustainability.
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- By Neel Achary
30, May 2025
PHDCCI highly appreciates strong GDP growth of 7.4% reinforcing India’s position as a fast-growing major economy
India’s economy has maintained a steady growth trajectory, with Real GDP expanding by 6.5% in FY 2024–25. In nominal terms, GDP grew by 9.8% highlighting India’s position as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally said Mr. Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI, in a press statement issued here today.
The growth was largely driven by healthy growth in private consumption, and capital formation. The Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) increased by 7.2%, while Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) rose by 7.1% in Q4FY2025, reflecting investment-led momentum said Mr. Jain.
GVA growth in Q4 was led by 10.8% growth in construction sector followed by public administration and defence-related services at 8.7%. Sectorial trends show that construction emerged as the fastest-growing sector for the full fiscal year (FY2025) at 9.4%, followed by public administration and defence-related services at 8.9% and financial, real estate, and professional services at 7.2%, he said.
Per capita GDP in real terms increased by 5.5%, reaching ₹1.33 lakh, while per capita Gross National Income stood at ₹1.31 lakh, marking a 5.4% rise. These gains suggest broad-based improvements in economic well-being, he said.
Going forward we anticipate stronger GDP growth aided by improved agricultural output, sustained infrastructure activity, and strong domestic consumption. Continued government focus on public investment and structural reforms, are expected to catapult India’s growth momentum in FY2026, he said.
30, May 2025
Zee Business Wealth Creation Summit 2025: Shaping the future of smart investing and financial literacy
In a time when markets are evolving, financial tools are expanding, and wealth-building avenues are multiplying, Zee Business once again took center stage as the torchbearer of India’s financial empowerment. The Zee Business Wealth Creation Summit 2025, held on 29th May, 2025 in Mumbai, was a powerful movement that reinforced the channel’s legacy of transforming viewers into informed investors and inspiring a national culture of wealth consciousness.
This high-impact summit drew strength from a story that began on March 24, 2020 — the day India witnessed its most severe stock market crash. Where others saw fear and uncertainty, Mr. Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor of Zee Business, saw opportunity. His timely insights, backed by in-depth research and unmatched experience, helped Zee Business viewers not only navigate the crash but emerge with wealth-creating strategies. What started as a bold editorial stance has since grown into an annual celebration of resilience and foresight — Wealth Creation Day, now marked every March 24, and followed by a two-week long Wealth Creation Week.
The Zee Business Wealth Creation summit carried that powerful legacy forward, gathering some of India’s most respected market minds, financial experts, fund managers, and thought leaders on one common platform — with a singular goal: to decode the future of wealth creation for individuals, families, and businesses. With the theme of making smart financial choices in a fast-evolving economic landscape, the summit empowered lakhs of viewers with deep insights into market cycles, disciplined investing, and the rise of retail participation in India’s growth story.
This on-ground summit opened with a powerful fireside chat between Anil Singhvi and Navneet Munot, MD & CEO of HDFC Asset Management, who highlighted the significance of India’s maturing investment ecosystem, the necessity of long-term equity commitment, and the crucial role mutual funds play in building sustainable wealth. Another engaging fireside chat titled ‘Blueprint for Profitable Trading & Investment’ featured Pranit Arora, Co-founder and CEO of Univest, in conversation with Smita Singh of Zee Business. This session offered strategic insights into effective trading practices and investment frameworks in today’s dynamic market environment. These dialogues set the tone for two insightful panel discussions: the first, ‘How to Create Wealth from the Equity Market,’ featured industry stalwarts Nilesh Shah, Pankaj Tibrewal, and Manish Gunwani, who, alongside Singhvi, delved into market dynamics, sectoral opportunities, and strategies for retail investors to harness India’s equity growth potential. The second panel, ‘Personal Finance: The Perfect Formula for Wealth Creation,’ brought together experts including Feroze Azeez, Pooja Bhinde, and Harshvardhan Roongta, who emphasized holistic financial planning—highlighting goal-oriented investing, disciplined budgeting, risk mitigation, and the rising importance of tailored financial advice amid today’s complex economic landscape.
Mr. Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor, Zee Business, highlighted, “At Zee Business, we aim to transform every viewer into a confident wealth creator. March 24, 2020, was a turning point that proved amidst uncertainty lies immense opportunity. This summit reaffirms our commitment to empower millions with knowledge, clarity, and actionable strategies to navigate market complexities and build lasting financial freedom. Wealth creation is all about shaping a prosperous future for every Indian.”
Speaking on the overarching success of the summit and the channel’s commitment to India’s financial future, Mr. Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL), said, “At Zee Media, we believe that financial empowerment is the foundation of a developed India. Zee Business has taken the lead in making financial literacy accessible, aspirational, and actionable. Beyond awareness, we are also enabling real wealth creation by guiding viewers with credible insights, expert advice, and market-driven opportunities. We are proud to lead this transformation.”
From breaking ground in 2020 to building momentum in 2025, Zee Business has institutionalized the concept of wealth creation. No longer reserved for the elite, wealth strategies are now reaching homes in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, creating first-time investors, nurturing long-term savers, and instilling a new discipline of goal-based planning. As the summit concluded, one thing was clear — the next generation of wealth creators are not just CEOs and fund managers.
30, May 2025
EFC India posts 71.7% jump in consolidated PAT at Rs 47.97 crore in Q4FY25 backed by a strong demand and higher rental incomes
Pune, May 30, 2025: Integrated office infrastructure and design company, EFC (I) Limited, posted 71.7 per cent growth in net profit on a consolidated basis at Rs 47.97 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2025, as against Rs 27.94 crore same period last year on the back of a strong demand for managed services and design and build services.
Revenue from operations on a consolidated basis increased by 126.4 per cent at Rs 211.01 crore during the quarter under review, as compared with Rs 93.2 crore last year.
EBITDA during the quarter under consideration increased by 108.9 per cent at Rs 109.31 crore as against Rs 52.31 crore last year.
For the year ended March 31, 2025, the company’s consolidated net profit increased by 122.4 per cent at Rs 140.77 crore as compared with Rs 63.3 crore in 2023-24. Consolidated revenue from operations grew by 56.6 per cent at Rs 656.74 crore as against Rs 419.46 crore last year.
Commenting on the results, Umesh Sahay, Founder & CEO, EFC (I) Limited, said, ““We are pleased to close FY25 with a strong set of results, which is a reflection of the strong underlying demand for our managed services and Design & Build services offerings. Moreover, our integrated business model positions us well for the future. The robust profitability also underscores the strength of our business model which will improve as we scale operations beyond the current level. The year gone by (FY25) was a year of significant milestones for the company. During the year, we closed the strategic acquisition of Bigbox Ventures, a managed workspace company in Pune. We also acquired properties in some of the prime locations as part of our long-term business strategies. We believe that our stellar growth in the design & build vertical bodes well for the company’s future strategic growth.”
There has been a good demand for co-working spaces from sectors such as IT& ITeS, BFSI, new-age start-ups, e-commerce, consulting and the global captive centres. With the recent capacity additions, the company is confident of catering to the growing demand. While the higher volumes will shore up its topline, the high-margin furniture and fit-out contracts business is expected to improve its profitability further moving forward.
30, May 2025
Technogym Launches in India
From a garage to the world, founder of Technogym, Nerio Alessandri began creating innovative equipment in his family garage. Today, the brand is the preferred choice for elite athletes, world-class fitness centres, and discerning wellness enthusiasts worldwide, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched quality.
This Italian brand has set the global benchmark in fitness and wellness since its inception in 1983. Technogym’s relentless pursuit of innovation and design excellence has earned it prestigious accolades and the trust of almost all professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Beyond its award-winning creations, Technogym stands as the trusted partner of leading football and Formula 1 teams, elevating athletic performance through tailored training solutions. As the Official Supplier to 9 Olympic Games, including the Paris Olympics in 2024 & Paralympics 2024, the brand further solidifies its global leadership in fitness and wellness, delivering unparalleled expertise and redefining standards for athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
Marking a significant milestone, Technogym has made its grand entry into the Indian market, offering cutting-edge fitness solutions to a rapidly growing health-conscious audience. With a core philosophy of “exercise as medicine,” the brand combines artificial intelligence, biomechanics, and ergonomic design to create a comprehensive wellness experience. Technogym’s products go beyond traditional fitness equipment, enhancing training, recovery, and overall well-being. With over forty years of expertise in human movement, the brand designs equipment that optimizes muscle activation while preserving biomechanics, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Whether for luxury home gyms or commercial fitness centres, Technogym’s solutions cater to all levels, from elite athletes to beginners or those with specific health needs, transforming India’s fitness landscape with innovation and precision. A key highlight product is the Technogym Run, a high-performance, silent treadmill designed for multi surface training, combining running and strength workouts. Also featured is the Technogym Bench, offering a comprehensive library of training content for a versatile fitness experience. Its adaptive running surface enhances comfort and efficiency for users of all levels. The Technogym Ride, designed by cycling champions, features a 22” immersive screen and integrates with top training apps, delivering a professional-grade cycling experience that’s perfect for both home and commercial settings.
Technogym’s state-of-the-art boutiques all over the world offer an immersive experience where visitors can explore the brand’s most advanced training solutions, featuring some of its most iconic products, all manufactured in Italy. With its strategic expansion into India, Technogym is introducing a new paradigm in fitness—one that seamlessly combines excellence in technology, design and a deep understanding of human movement.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a professional athlete, or an industry expert, Technogym invites you to experience the future of wellness. Through its legacy of innovation and commitment to redefining fitness, Technogym is set to inspire a healthier, more active India—one breakthrough at a time.
30, May 2025
Apollo Cancer Centres, Introduces OraLife– the Screening Program for Early Detection of Oral Cancer
Ahmedabad, May 30, 2025: Tobacco use is no longer a personal habit—it’s a national health crisis. India accounts for nearly one-third of global oral cancer cases, with 77,000 new diagnoses and 52,000 deaths annually. The survival rate stands at just 50%, significantly lower than in developed countries (link). This alarming trend is compounded by rising tobacco consumption across both urban and rural India, as highlighted by the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (2022–23) (Link), which noted increased spending on paan, tobacco, and other intoxicants.
Oral Cancer in Gujarat
According to a report by the ICMR – National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, the top two cancer sites among males in Gujarat are mouth (21.5%) and tongue (11.5%). In females, mouth (5%) and tongue (4.4%) are the fourth and fifth leading cancer sites, respectively.
Tobacco Use in Gujarat
Nearly one-fourth of the adult population (aged 15 and above) in Gujarat uses tobacco in some form, with usage significantly higher among men (38.7%) than women (10.4%). Tobacco use is linked to 56.1% of cancer sites in men and 18.6% in women. Among men, the most commonly affected tobacco-related cancer sites are the mouth (38%), tongue (21%), and lungs (15%). In women, the mouth (27%), tongue (24%), and lungs (15%) are the most impacted.
On account of World No Tobacco Day, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) has launched #OraLife, a proactive screening initiative focused on the early detection of oral cancer. The program emphasizes public awareness, routine screening, and targeted intervention particularly for high-risk individuals, including tobacco users, alcohol consumers, those with HPV-16 infection, and people with prior oral lesions.
As part of this initiative, ACC has partnered with the Isha Foundation to provide holistic support for individuals seeking to overcome tobacco addiction. This collaboration integrates physical health interventions with mental and emotional wellness support.
Dr M. Laxmidhar, Senior Consultant & Director, Surgical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, said, “The burden of oral cancer in Gujarat is worryingly high. Alarmingly, we’re seeing younger individuals affected, unlike other regions where cases are more common among middle-aged adults. This shift aligns with the increasing use of smokeless tobacco. Sadly, most cases are detected at Stage 3 or 4, when outcomes are more complicated. Early screening is simple, effective, and can significantly improve survival.”
“Tobacco users are six to seven times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-users. Oral cancer is one of the few cancers that can be detected early through a simple oral examination. With this program, our goal is to detect cases early—before it’s too late,” said Dr V.R.N. Vijaykumar, Surgical Oncologist, Apollo Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad.
Oral cancer is the most common cancer among Indian men and is rising steadily among women. Incidence rates vary widely across states: West Bengal reports the highest, while Kerala sees the lowest. Maharashtra, Ahmedabad Urban, and Meghalaya also report alarmingly high figures—largely driven by tobacco use. Chennai-based studies have identified an increase in cancers of the tongue base and floor of the mouth, sites known for high metastatic potential. The buccal mucosa remains the most frequently affected site nationwide. Notably, smokeless tobacco use is rising among women, contributing to a narrowing gender gap in incidence rates. (Link)
Risk factors—such as the combined use of smokeless tobacco, betel quid, and alcohol—are especially prevalent in underserved communities with limited access to preventive care. The disease is increasingly affecting individuals aged 31–50, with poor nutrition further exacerbating the risk.
Dr Rajesh Vishwakarma, Consultant ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgeon & Head – Dept. of ENT & Head-Neck Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, stated, “Our objective is to foster a culture of preventive healthcare. Oral cancer is highly treatable when detected early. We urge everyone over 30, especially tobacco users to undergo screening.”
The #OraLife, the Oral Cancer Screening Program, involves a comprehensive visual and tactile oral examination conducted by trained medical oncologists and head & neck surgeons. It aims to identify early warning signs such as persistent ulcers, red or white patches, lumps, and non-healing sores—many of which are often overlooked.
Dr. Chirag Shah, Dentist, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad said, “We strongly encourage regular dental checkups—not just for cavities, but because they play a crucial role in detecting silent threats like oral cancer. Early detection during a routine visit can be life-saving.”
To support mental and emotional recovery, Apollo has teamed up with the Isha Foundation to incorporate spiritual well-being into its tobacco cessation efforts. As part of this, individuals will have access to a simple yet effective 7-minute guided meditation led by Sadhguru.
“Miracle of Mind” is a free meditation app that empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being. With over 2 million downloads, the app features guided meditations, streak tracking, personalized messages, and motivational rewards,” said Mr. Prerak Agrawal from Isha Foundation.
Cdr Jelson Kavalakkat, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, said, “This initiative represents Apollo’s leadership in holistic oncology care “Our mission goes beyond treatment—we aim to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to take control of their health. Our collaboration with Isha Foundation is a testament to our belief in integrated care, where early detection and mental wellness are both critical pillars.”
In addition to the health burden, the initiative also addresses the financial and emotional toll of tobacco use. Research indicates that tobacco users spend over ₹1.1 lakh more on healthcare over their lifetime compared to non-users. The consequences extend beyond health—tobacco use reduces life expectancy, raises insurance premiums, limits claim payouts, and destabilizes families, particularly when primary earners are affected.
Through the #CutTheCost campaign, Apollo Cancer Centres calls on tobacco users to re-evaluate the true cost of their habits—not just in terms of health, but also financial security and emotional well-being. The campaign reinforces the value of early detection and long-term lifestyle change as the most powerful tools for prevention.
30, May 2025
Abans Financial Services Reports Strong FY25 Results
Mumbai, 30-05-2025 – Abans Financial Services Limited (AFSL) announced its audited financial results for the year ended March 31, 2025, underscoring its sharp focus on building a fee-led, globally integrated financial services platform. The company delivered strong performance across key metrics, driven by its asset management and agency businesses.
Strategic Shift Toward Scalable Fee Income
AFSL’s results reflect a business evolving in the right direction—with sustainability at the core. The agency business, comprising fund advisory, portfolio services, and brokerage, has become the backbone of AFSL’s profitability engine. In FY25, this segment contributed nearly 70% of total EBIT, continuing its steady climb from 25.1% in FY23.
“This upward trend in fee income reflects our intent to build a business that is not just growing—but growing right,” said Mr. Nirbhay Vassa, Executive Director & Group CFO. “As the mix of revenue shifts toward more annuity-led income, the quality of earnings improves, making us more predictable, scalable, and globally relevant.”
Global Asset Management Growth
With total Assets Under Management at ₹3,210 Cr, AFSL is reinforcing its stature as a rising global asset manager. The flagship Global Arbitrage Fund (GAF) has become a cornerstone of this growth, now managing over ₹831 Cr. The fund continues to draw strong interest from international investors looking for consistent, risk-adjusted returns across asset classes and geographies.
Well-Positioned for FY26 and Beyond
AFSL enters FY26 with a clear ambition:
To scale as a global financial services platform, built on fee-based income, strategic distribution, and world-class asset management practices.
Quote from Abhishek Bansal (Promoter and Chairman)
“At Abans, we’ve always believed that in the world of finance, trust is the only lasting currency. Everything else—capital, risk, opportunity—flows around it. FY25 has reaffirmed this belief. As we scaled up operations, attracted new capital, and grew our global investor base, what stood out most was the trust placed in us—by partners, clients, and teams across geographies.
This was a year of transformation. We crossed ₹3,200 Cr in assets under management, witnessed a structural shift in our earnings mix—with nearly 70% of our EBIT now driven by fee-based income, and mobilized over ₹1,000 Cr through our distribution networks. These are not just numbers—they represent a business model that is becoming more stable, predictable, and globally respected.
But what gives me greater confidence is how we’ve achieved this growth—without over-leveraging, without compromising our risk framework, and without deviating from our long-term strategy. We have stayed true to our core: building a financial services platform that is capital-light, globally scalable, and rooted in governance.
FY25 was about proving the strength of our foundation. FY26 will be about building on it—with conviction, with discipline, and most importantly, with trust at the centre of everything we do.”
30, May 2025
Manappuram MD V.P. Nandakumar Wins CSR Leadership Award at India Philanthropy Summit 2025
Valapad, Thrissur, Mr V.P. Nandakumar, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Manappuram Finance Ltd, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 EdelGive Hurun India – Exemplary Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the India Philanthropy Summit and Awards 2025 in Mumbai on Thursday evening.
The award was presented to Mr Nandakumar by Ms Naghma Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of the EdelGive Foundation, and Mr Anas Rahman Junaid, Founder of Hurun India. The awards ceremony recognised and celebrated leaders of organisations across the country whose philanthropic efforts have positively impacted the lives of millions.
“It is a profound honour to receive this prestigious award. I am truly humbled by this recognition of Manappuram Foundation’s philanthropic efforts. We have always believed that making a difference in even one person’s life is a success in itself. Thank you for your unwavering trust and support,” said Mr Nandakumar upon receiving the award.
Other distinguished recipients at the ceremony included Ms Shallu Jindal of the Jindal Foundation and Ms Zarina Screwvala of the Swades Foundation.
Pioneering Corporate Social Responsibility
Manappuram Finance Ltd, through its CSR arm, the Manappuram Foundation, has been conducting groundbreaking philanthropic work. Long before CSR became a statutory obligation in India, Manappuram Finance Ltd was already making notable contributions to society. To streamline and expand these efforts, the Manappuram Foundation was established in 2009 as a charitable trust under the dynamic leadership of Mr Nandakumar, who also serves as its Chief Patron and Managing Trustee. The Foundation operates under a clear and compassionate vision: “To build healthy, educated, and happy communities.”
Key Initiatives and Impact
Since its establishment, the Manappuram Foundation has undertaken an extensive range of community welfare programmes, with particular emphasis on health and education for economically and socially disadvantaged communities.
One of the Foundation’s pioneering initiatives was the Janaraksha Manappuram Free Health Insurance Scheme, launched in 2010. This flagship project provided complimentary health insurance to approximately 20,000 Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the coastal regions of Thrissur. Over its seven-year duration, the scheme reimbursed nearly ₹11 crores in medical expenses, covering a comprehensive range of treatments with no age restrictions. Notably, this innovative model predated the Government of India’s national health insurance programme, Ayushman Bharat, which was launched in 2018.
30, May 2025
Techno India DAMA Hospital Completes 150 Voluntary Cleft Surgery At Their 5 Day Cleft Surgical Camp For The Children And Young Adults Of West Bengal
Kolkata, 30th May, 2025: Techno India DAMA Hospital recently completed 150 successful Voluntary Cleft Surgeries for the children and young adults of Bengal. The free cleft surgery camp was organised under Mission Smile, an FCRA registered medical charity in partnership with Muthoot Pappachan Foundation. The 5 Days Camp commenced on 26th May, 2025 and concluded on 30th May, 2025 with a positive and an impactful outcome.
SMILE PLEASE, is the Pan India Initiative of Muthoot Pappachan Foundation to provide free, safe, compassionate and comprehensive cleft surgeries to kids and youngsters from deserving backgrounds. Started in 2014 from Kerala, in partnership with Mission Smile, the Initiative has touched 13 states and so far, has accomplished 3244 successful surgeries across the country. So far 482 kids and youngsters from West Bengal received surgeries through this programme in the last 8 Smile Please Missions at Kolkata. This is going to be the 9th Smile Please Mission at Kolkata as part of this partnership and the Third one at Techno India Dama Hospital.
“Over the last two camps, we have successfully operated on 119 patients, with 76% being children and 24% young adults. A testament to our commitment to transforming young lives through timely medical intervention. This time, we screened around 100 patients each day and executed 150 safe and successful surgeries. Our team remains dedicated to ensuring each patient receives the best possible care and outcomes”, said Dr Sourav Ghosh, Medical Director, Techno India Dama Hospital.
Overall 49500+ free cleft surgeries have been conducted by Mission Smile and 71000+ medical evaluation across India since its inception. 395 patients received free surgeries through Mission Smile last year and overall 8000+ in West Bengal.
“From May 26–29, 2025, Mission Smile will restore a brighter future to more than 50 children born with cleft deformities. This is thanks to the magnanimous support of the Muthoot Pappachan Foundation and our steadfast partner, Techno India Dama Hospital & Medical Centre. As we approach our 50,000th safe surgery, we remain committed to transforming lives and spreading smiles around the world”, Said Mr Conrad Dennis, CEO Mission Smile
“Muthoot FInCorp and Muthoot Microfin branches in West Bengal, especially in North and South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, West and East Medinipur, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia and East/West Bardhaman districts were keen in doing extensive outreach activities to reach out to the families of cleft patients, building confidence in them and bringing them to the hospital to avail surgeries to their kids. This is seen as one of the selfless and dedicated acts of the Muthoot staff members who normally are into financial services for which they reach out to the common man in their financial requirements and positively change the quality of their lives”, said Dr Prasanth Kumar Nellickal, Head-CSR of Muthoot Pappachan Foundation, a CSR wing of Muthoot Pappachan Group.
30, May 2025
Don’t Let the Monsoon Dampen Your Strength: Indoor Workouts That Work
By-Dr.Palak Dengla (PT), HOD Physiotherapy, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Aster RV Hospital
Monsoon season brings with it the joy of cool breeze, but also a steep drop-in physical activity. Gym attendance drops by nearly 60% during heavy rains (source: Indian Fitness Trends Report, 2023). As a physiotherapist with 15 years of experience, I’ve witnessed the silent rise of deconditioning in this season.
Here’s why bodyweight support workouts at home are your rainy-day rescue plan:
1. No Excuses for Gym Delays: With over 60% of urban gyms reporting decreased attendance due to transport disruption, at-home workouts remove travel from the equation.
2. Rain-Related Deconditioning: Just 2 weeks of physical inactivity can lead to up to 8% muscle strength loss and 4% aerobic capacity reduction.
3. Sarcopenia Risk Rises: Sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), especially in those over 40. 1-2% muscle mass is lost annually without resistance training.
4. Strength Is a Survival Tool: Regular strength and conditioning boosts metabolic rate and prevents fat accumulation—every 1 lb of muscle burns 6-10 calories/day at rest.
5. Efficient Fat Burn: Bodyweight training elevates post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), helping burn 15–30% more calories post-workout.
6. Online Sessions = Accountability: Virtual physiotherapy-led sessions have a 70% adherence rate, higher than self-led gym workouts (52%).
7. Muscle Loss = Metabolism Drop: Skipping workouts for a month can lead to a 5% drop-in basal metabolic rate (BMR), slowing weight loss.
8. Accessible & Equipment-Free: Exercises like squats, push-ups, planks, and glute bridges are scalable, joint-friendly, and require no equipment.
9. Improve Joint Stability & Balance: Controlled bodyweight moves enhance proprioception, reducing rainy season-related fall risks, especially in older adults.
10. Boost Mental Health: Regular physical activity reduces monsoon-related mood dips by up to 30%, as per WHO mental health stats.
Sample Bodyweight Workout Routine for the Monsoon Season:
• Warm-Up (5 minutes): Light jog/spot march in place or dynamic stretches
• Main Workout (30 minutes): Bodyweight Squats – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Push-Ups – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Pull-Ups – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Lunges – 3 sets of 15 reps/leg
• Plank – Hold for 30 secs – 1 min, 5 sets
• Mountain Climbers – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Soleus Push ups – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Cool Down (5 minutes): Stretching focusing on major muscle groups
Take Home: Don’t let the rains derail your goals. Commit to Smart, remote Physical Therapist-approved bodyweight support workouts and stay strong, dry, and on track.
