The large-scale awards ceremony recognised entrepreneurs who have built sustainable and revenue-generating businesses, reflecting the growing economic influence of regional entrepreneurs in India’s business landscape.

Awards were presented across multiple achievement categories, including Hall of Fame, Udyami Lakhpati, Udyami Dashlakhpati, Udyami Crorepati, Udyami Warrior, and Udyami Game Changer. Dr Omkaar Hari Maali and Mrs Aakankssha Omkaar Maali presented the Awards. 

A major highlight of the evening was the Crorepati Felicitation Ceremony, celebrating entrepreneurs who have successfully crossed significant revenue benchmarks, symbolising the emergence of a new generation of Marathi wealth creators.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Omkaar Hari Maali emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship as a vehicle for economic empowerment and employment generation.

“Entrepreneurship is no longer limited to metropolitan cities. Today, entrepreneurs from towns and districts across Maharashtra are building global businesses and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economy. I am so proud of all the entrepreneurs who have built businesses ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹50 crore in turnover — many of them, starting with zero prior experience,” he said.

Adding industry perspective to the event, Mr. Hanmantrao Gaikwad, Chairman and Managing Director of BVG Group, attended as the Special Speaker and shared insights on enterprise growth and nation-building through entrepreneurship.

The event also marked several key announcements, including the launch of 24 chapters of the Federation of Marathi Entrepreneurs, aimed at building a structured statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem. The platform further unveiled Maharashtra Connect, an initiative designed to enable collaboration, mentorship, and market access for emerging business owners.

Dr Omkaar Hari Maali also launched his upcoming book Marathi te Millionaire, featuring 51 entrepreneurial success stories, in the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Hanmantrao Gaikwad, his parents, and senior leaders of Udyami Maharashtra, including co-founder Mrs. Aakankssha Omkaar Maali, CEO Mrs. Dolly Ritesh Dave, and CTO Mr. Shivam Thakur.

The event was also marked by another important announcement — the unveiling of a new movie banner that highlights the movement’s expanding focus on education, inspiration, and storytelling within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Building an Entrepreneurial Movement

​​Dr. Omkaar Hari Maali founded Udyami Maharashtra in 2020, a movement focused on empowering Marathi entrepreneurs in the import-export sector. Since then, the initiative has trained over 10,000 youth, enabling many to establish businesses across Maharashtra and international markets, including Dubai, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine.

Beyond training, the movement supports entrepreneurs in setting up export businesses with mentorship and operational guidance, while also conducting vocational programs for women and export training for manufacturing units across the state. Its initiatives have strengthened market access for farmers and small businesses, facilitated exports generating significant economic value, and led to the establishment of India’s first import-export cooperative society.

Guided by the inclusive principle of “To Feed All,” inspired by the vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. Maali continues to promote entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic self-reliance across Maharashtra.

The UDYAMI Awards have emerged as a prominent platform recognising business achievement within Maharashtra’s regional entrepreneurial ecosystem while encouraging first-generation entrepreneurs to scale sustainable enterprises.

In Dr. Omkaar Hari Maali’s words, “Our identity is not defined by words, but by the success of the entrepreneurs we have built!”

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Bringing together riders, community leaders, and distinguished guests from across the country, the evening marked one of India’s first large-scale recognition platforms dedicated exclusively to rider-led and grassroots contributors within the motorcycling ecosystem.
Hosted by actor and emcee Aman Yatan Verma, the awards combined storytelling and celebration, honouring riders whose impact often unfolds quietly, away from the spotlight.

Founder and CEO Nilesh Sane shared the vision behind WingManX and the awards. “The platform was built to help motorcyclists connect meaningfully and ride with accountability. What began as a simple intent, to find the right people to ride with, built on trust, has evolved into a nationwide rider ecosystem where identity, trust, and reputation matter. The awards recognise riders and communities who consistently set higher standards for others”.

Launched in 2024, WingManX has grown to over 80,000 app downloads and connects more than 600 riding clubs across India, strengthening its position as a trusted digital platform for riders.

Co-founder Dr. Sahil Trimbake emphasised the importance of community in shaping riding culture, highlighting how strong groups encourage better habits, promote safety, and create accountability among riders. “The awards celebrate this collective responsibility”, he said.

To ensure credibility and fairness, the awards followed a structured evaluation process. Nominations were reviewed by a selection committee, followed by public voting and independent jury assessment. Final winners were determined through a balanced 50:50 scoring model, combining community participation with expert evaluation.

Urvashi Patole, Partner at WingManX, explained that the intention was to make recognition truly earned. “The focus remained on consistency, responsibility and contribution – honouring individuals and groups who strengthen the ecosystem without seeking visibility”, she said.

The awards were presented in the presence of Mr. Anil Valiv, Regional Transport Officer (RTO), currently heading the Borivali RTO, Mumbai, and Colonel Arun Dattaji Patole (Retd.), Indian Army Veteran, alongside a respected jury of motorcycling community leaders.
Supported by ecosystem partners including DSG, 100kmph, Vredestein Tyres, BluArmor Communication, and Ashok Travel World, the WingManX Awards are envisioned as an annual property.

As the evening concluded, one idea resonated clearly: motorcycling in India today is not just about machines or miles, but about people, trust, and the communities that bring riders together.

AWARD WINNERS :

Individual Categories :

• Shreyash Wagh – The Ultimate WingMan Award
• Hardeep Singh – Mentor of the Year Award
• Sami Sayyed – Nomadic Soul Award
• Baljeet Singh Kochhar – Long Haul Legends Award
• Sahan Singh Kochhar – Rising Star Award
• Banny Raiyani – Ride Architect Award
• Jyotiprakash Deka – Soul Rider Award
• Rajat Gawarle – Guardian Rider Award
• Dr. Mohanraj Shankar – Pillar of the Community Award
• Mohua Polley – She Rides Free Award
• Shatabdi Samanta – Track Titan Award
• Hrishikesh Shrikant Mandke – Stunt Ace Award
• Kapil Jain – Community Creator Award
• Priyanka Barua – Digital Pulse Award

Club Categories :

• RE650 Owners Group – Club of the Year Award
• Throttle Trekkers Biking Community – Soul Club Award
• Biker Babes – Women Power Collective Award
• Da Pune Vstrom Crew – Safety-First Club Award
• Mhow Riders Club – Most Active Riding Club Award
• Detour India – Best Club Event of the Year Award

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Positioned as a national benchmark for rider-led recognition, the WingManX Awards aim to recognise the grit, discipline, responsibility, and community spirit that truly define Indian motorcycling. This is the first time in India that riders and riding communities will be honoured at a national level for the values they bring to the ecosystem.

Built from a rider’s need and shaped by a growing community, the WingManX Awards celebrate individuals and clubs that quietly strengthen the culture of motorcycling across the country.

The awards will feature 20 curated categories, spanning individual excellence and collective community impact, which aim to recognise safety leadership, long-distance riding, women riders, and community-led excellence. Some of these include Guardian Rider Award, Long Haul Legends, She Rides Free, Club of the Year, and Safety-First Club, among others. 

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Nilesh Sane, CEO and Co-Founder of WingManX, said, “WingManX started as a simple idea to help riders find the right people to ride with. Over time, it became a larger ecosystem built on trust, responsibility, and community. The WingManX Awards are our way of recognising riders who live these values every day and shape India’s motorcycling culture without seeking the spotlight.”

Echoing the sentiment, Urvashi Patole, Partner – Community and Marketing, shared, “These awards honour the consistency, discipline, and passion that often go unnoticed in the riding world. Motorcycling culture is always evolving, and the WingManX Awards are designed to grow every year, celebrating riders not just for how far they ride, but for how they uplift the community.”

Dr. Sahil Trimbake, Co-Founder of WingManX, added, “Motorcycling is not just about riding skill, it is about judgement, responsibility, and the ability to look out for one another on the road. The WingManX Awards recognise riders and communities who set these standards through their actions, not just their achievements. By acknowledging these values publicly, we hope to encourage a safer, more accountable riding culture across the country.”

At the heart of the awards is the WingManX app, India’s premier community-tech platform built by bikers, for bikers. The app provides a structured digital backbone to India’s fragmented riding scene, enabling ride tracking, club management, safety features, verified rider profiles, and community discovery. Recent features that have been added include rider badges, live group location tracking during rides, and peer-based rider ratings to encourage accountability.

With over 80,000 app downloads and 500+ riding clubs already active on the platform, WingManX continues to redefine how Indian motorcyclists connect, ride, and grow together.

The WingManX Awards 2025-26 are envisioned as an annual property, set to become the most credible and aspirational recognition platform for Indian motorcyclists in the years to come.

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MUMBAI: The prestigious 47^th Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards were conferred today in Mumbai, celebrating individuals whose impactful work reflects the essence of Gandhian values and humanitarian service. Four distinguished awardees were honored at the annual ceremony in the presence of Chief Guest HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj; Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Foundation; Trustee & Chairman Dr. R. A. Mashelkar & Members of the Council of Advisers of the Foundation; and an esteemed gathering. Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi also serves as the Trustee of the Foundation.

Since its inception, the Foundation has commemorated the birth anniversary of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj by honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian causes and Gandhian constructive programmes. Each awardee is presented with a Citation, Trophy, and a Cash Prize in recognition of their selfless and committed efforts toward societal upliftment.

This year’s ceremony also marked a quiet moment of remembrance, being the first held in the absence of Late Shri Madhur Bajaj, Trustee of the Foundation, who passed away in April 2025. His steadfast dedication to the Foundation’s mission remains a guiding light.

In 2025, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation continues the commemorative enhancement introduced in 2023, where the prize amount was elevated from ₹10,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 (and its equivalent in foreign exchange for the International Award) per category. This increase, in tribute to the centennial celebration of Shri Ramkrishna Bajaj, Founder of the Foundation, reaffirms the Foundation’s enduring commitment to honouring Shri Jamnalal Bajaj’s lifelong dedication to Gandhian values and societal progress.

The details of the awards for this year (2025) are:

Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, addressing the occasion, said, “Every year, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards shine a light on extraordinary individuals whose selfless work brings Gandhian values to life in today’s world. This year’s recipients have not only transformed communities but also inspired a deeper commitment to compassion and constructive action. As we celebrate their achievements, we also take a moment to remember Late Shri Madhur Bajaj, whose quiet leadership and deep belief in the Foundation’s purpose remain an integral part of its journey forward. May these stories encourage many more to walk the path of service and social change.”

Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Chairman of the Council of Advisers, stated, “Our awardees are our modern-day satyagrahis — warriors of conscience who fight with compassion, not confrontation. Each of them has proved that one determined heart can bring light where there was darkness, hope where there was despair. The awardees we honour today are living embodiments of Gandhian resilience, truth, and non-violence. Their work transcends boundaries and generations, proving that the principles of Shri Jamnalalji and Gandhiji remain timeless and transformative. Their dedication not only uplifts communities but also reaffirms our belief in the power of ethical leadership and unity in action.”

Minal Bajaj, Trustee & Hon. Director, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, stated, “Mahatma Gandhi had said about Shri Jamnalal Bajaj, who was adopted as his 5^th son, that ‘he did not earn a single rupee through unethical means and whatever he earned, he spent it all for the good of the people.” Rather than an owner, he remained a trustee of his wealth. If one goes through the life of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj, one will recognize the tremendous influence that he had on Gandhiji. Jamanlal ji inspired his whole family to imbibe the Gandhian way of life. Our Awards purely serve these ideals. The Foundation leaves no stone unturned to reach the furthest corners of our country and the globe to identify the hidden gems, and they range from those who have transformed the lives of a small community to those who have dared to change the course of history of a nation. Our mission remains steadfast—to celebrate individuals and their selfless dedication.”

About the 2025 Winners

Hasmukh Babubhai Patel
Recipients of the Award for Constructive Work

A lifelong Gandhian and rural development activist, Hasmukh Patel has dedicated over four decades to transforming the lives of marginalized communities in Gujarat. From Khadi promotion to tribal empowerment, his work reflects a deep commitment to self-reliance, peace, and sustainable development.

• Left home at 20 to dedicate his life to social upliftment, inspired by Gandhian and Sarvodaya leaders.
• Played a key role in the Narmada rehabilitation movement under Gandhian leadership.
• Founded Samvedana Sarvodaya Kendra, working across 450 villages in Vav-Tharad-Amirgarh.
• Helped reduce the average childbirth rate from 12 to a sustainable level through family planning awareness.
• Freed over 4,000 individuals from alcohol addiction, saving ₹70 lakh annually in the region.
• Curbed violent tribal customs like “Chadotaru” through peacebuilding and community engagement.
• Built 125 check dams and brought 6,000 hectares under irrigation, boosting tribal incomes.
• Enabled 1,000 rural women to gain self-employment through SHGs and handicraft training.
• Led disaster relief during the Kutch earthquake without government aid, relying on donors.
• Provided free education, meals, and healthcare to thousands of underprivileged children and patients.

P. M. Murugesan

Recipient of the Award for Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development

A farmer-turned-innovator from Tamil Nadu, P. M. Murugesan, transformed agricultural waste into a thriving rural enterprise. The banana fiber innovations introduced by him have empowered thousands of women and promoted sustainable livelihoods across India.

• Developed machines to extract and process banana fiber from waste stems, replacing harmful burning practices.
• Founded Om Banana Craft Pvt. Ltd., producing eco-friendly products like baskets, mats, and bags.
• Created rope twining and length-counting machines, tripling productivity and reducing manual labor.
• Employed 300 women locally and trained 3,500 women across 9 states in banana fiber craft.
• Provided skill training, insurance, and PF benefits to marginalized women workers.
• Helped banana farmers earn additional income by purchasing waste banana stems.
• Exported products internationally through various channels.
• Promoted sustainable waste-to-wealth models in rural communities.
• Inspired rural youth to pursue entrepreneurship through innovation and self-reliance.

Triveni Acharya
Recipient of the Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children

A fearless anti-trafficking crusader, Triveni Acharya, has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of trafficked women and children through her organization, Rescue Foundation. Her work exemplifies courage, compassion, and commitment to justice.

• Transitioned from journalism to full-time activism after uncovering human trafficking networks.
• Founded the Rescue Foundation in 2000, operating four rescue homes across India.
• Rescued over 7,000 women and girls; provided shelter and care to more than 11,000 survivors.
• Led 460 rescue operations since 2019, resulting in 2,041 rescues and 404 trafficker arrests.
• Offers comprehensive rehabilitation: health care, trauma counselling, legal aid, and education.
• Runs Project Ekatra, empowering survivors to become peer mentors and leaders.
• Collaborates with police, embassies, and NGOs for cross-border rescues and repatriation.
• Provides vocational training in tailoring, yoga, crafts, and more to support survivors’ livelihoods.
• Focuses on holistic survivor empowerment through education and skill-building.
• Advocates for systemic change and awareness to combat trafficking at national and international levels.

Sekacheva Lyudmila Leonidovna

Recipient of the International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India

A cultural diplomat and educator from Russia, Lyudmila Sekacheva has spent over two decades promoting the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy across BRICS nations, fostering peace, nonviolence, and intercultural harmony. 

• Founded BRICS. World of Traditions to promote Gandhian and Tolstoyan values across the BRICS countries.
• Organized over 200 projects supporting orphans, veterans, and marginalized communities.
• Led the international exhibition “Leo Tolstoy and Mahatma Gandhi: A Unique Heritage” across five countries.
• Created the Great BRICS Teachers Project to honor global humanists and moral leaders.
• Launched BRICS People Choosing Life, reaching over 10,000 participants with cultural-educational programs.
• Established eight educational centers promoting Gandhian and Tolstoyan values in schools and colleges.
• Plans to open new centers in Brazil, Iran, Egypt, and South Africa.
• Initiated the Message to the World of BRICS People, signed by thousands of youth for peace and harmony.
• Advocates for including the “Law of Love” in national constitutions, inspired by Gandhi’s teachings.
• Promotes public diplomacy and moral education as tools for global peace and understanding.

The Man behind the Awards – Jamnalal Bajaj was among the stalwarts who gave of himself completely – mind, body, and soul to India’s freedom movement. He overreached himself in making words into deeds and in implementing the Constructive Programme of Mahatma Gandhi, be it Khadi, Dalit-welfare, women’s emancipation, ethics in business, or preservation of cattle wealth through Goseva. So much so that Mahatma Gandhi adopted him as his fifth son and was the alter ego of the Mahatma in the Gandhian Constructive Movement. His second son, Ramkrishna Bajaj, carried this legacy through his ethical leadership in business and philanthropy and set up the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation to fulfil his father’s ideals.

About The Jamnalal Bajaj Awards – To promote and propagate Jamnalal Bajaj’s philanthropic vision as well as Gandhian ideology of rural development, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation instituted four Awards, which have come to be regarded as the most coveted in respective fields.

The four prime categories of the Jamnalal Bajaj Awards include three National Awards and one International Award:

1. Award for Constructive Work (instituted in 1978) – It recognizes the substantial constructive work focusing on Mahatma Gandhi’s eighteen constructive programmes to create a self-reliant community.
2. Award for Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development (instituted in 1978) – It recognizes the substantial contribution in the field of application of science and technology that are relevant, accessible, and affordable to the weaker sections of the society and which have created an impact on rural and tribal development.
3. Award for Development & Welfare of Women and Children (instituted in 1980 in honour of Padma Vibhushan Smt. Jankidevi Bajaj) (award is exclusively for women) – It recognizes the substantial contributions towards development and welfare of women and children, focusing on areas like education, skills training, healthcare, literacy, livelihood activities, holistic development, advocacy, etc.
4. International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India (instituted in 1988 to commemorate the birth centennial of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj) – It recognizes the outstanding work of foreign individuals in proliferating Gandhiji’s vision in areas like non-violence, peace, harmony, brotherhood, and moral conscience.

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MUMBAI: UST, a leading AI and technology transformation solutions company, has won two awards at the Indian CSR Awards 2025 in the categories of ‘Most Impactful Save Water Initiative of the Year’ and ‘Education, Health and Livelihood Initiatives for People with Disabilities (PWDs)’. This marks the fourth consecutive year that UST has been recognized at the Indian CSR Awards, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to community-led, sustainable social impact.

Since its inception in 1999, UST has been driven by its mission of Transforming Lives, implementing 127 projects across nine states and positively impacting over one lakh people. On water conservation efforts, UST has been working on large-scale conservation efforts with local NGOs and communities. In the year 2024-25, it included the rejuvenation of Hettanahalli Lake in Karnataka and Karanaithangal Lake in Tamil Nadu with the Environmentalist Foundation of India, restoring 60 acres and conserving an estimated 170 billion gallons of water. Other notable projects include Project Paryavarna, which restored eight water troughs for wildlife in Coimbatore, along with multiple watershed programs that blend scientific methods with volunteer action to strengthen water security and livelihoods. UST has worked on a total of 6 projects for conserving water bodies across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka in the past 3 years. It is a part of our environmental programs, including tree plantation, coastal area conservation, and forest conservation projects, along with water body rejuvenation initiatives.

UST’s recognition for education, health, and livelihood initiatives for persons with disabilities includes key activities such as the SkillSync vocational program for children on the autism spectrum, the UST-V Able Scholarship Program supporting 167 students with disabilities across six states, and infrastructure upgrades benefitting nearly 170 students at special schools. UST has also supported PWD’s mobility and accessibility with assistive devices such as wheelchairs, transfer hoists, and visual-aid tools. UST CSR’s focus on disability and social inclusion also builds partnerships and collaborations for wider reach and access to the needy communities. These programs have been implemented with the non-profit partners like Vidhyadhan, Academy for Severe Handicaps and Autism RampMyCity Foundation, and Neomotion.  

Smita Sharma, Global Program Manager – CSR, UST, said, “It is truly humbling to witness UST’s work on water conservation and disability inclusion being acknowledged at the India CSR Awards. The awards are not just for our organization, but for the passion and commitment of our CSR ambassadors, volunteers, collaborators, and communities who make meaningful impact a reality. From the rejuvenation of lakes to empowering people with disabilities through education and livelihoods, each initiative is a demonstration of our belief in ‘Transforming Lives’ together. The accolade inspires us to make a greater impact and continue co-developing solutions for a sustainable tomorrow with the communities we are serving.”

This recognition adds to UST’s strong track record of CSR excellence. Over the past two years, the company has been honoured with the UK Business Culture Award (2024) for sustainability, the Mahatma Award for CSR Excellence for three consecutive years, and the Mahatma Young Changemaker Award for Smita Sharma in 2024. UST also received the Best CSR Award 2024 and special recognition at the CSR Awards 2025 from the National Institute of Personnel Management, Kerala, as well as the Social Project of the Year 2024 from the Project Management Institute, Kerala. In addition, at the Indian Social Impact Awards 2024, UST was also recognised for the Best Women’s Livelihood Initiative and Best Environment-Friendly Initiative, while the India CSR Awards 2024 honoured its Best Women Employment Support Initiative.

Smita Sharma, UST, received the awards at an event held in New Delhi. Smita also represented UST in the panel discussion on ‘CSR and Community Development’. The Indian Corporate Social Responsibility Awards (ICSR) is organized by Marketing & Brand Honchos.

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This is not just another awards show. Screen Awards 2025 represents a powerful blend of editorial credibility, cultural legacy, and digital reach. Backed by the Indian Express Group’s journalism-first ethos, the awards are defined by integrity and merit. Winners are chosen by the Screen Academy — an independent, not-for-profit body of acclaimed filmmakers, artists, and cultural voices committed to recognising true excellence.

Anant Goenka, Executive Director of the Indian Express Group, said:

“Indian cinema deserves a stage that celebrates creativity beyond collections. Our storytellers carry 1.4 billion dreams — rooted in tradition and racing toward an exciting future. This award will honour that spirit and spotlight India’s boldest, most original voices. We’re thrilled YouTube shares our enthusiasm for this endeavour.”

Taking a digital-first approach to content and format, the Screen Awards will stream on YouTube — offering open access to global audiences. For the first time, Bollywood’s biggest stars will share the spotlight with YouTube’s most influential creators, who will be woven into every leg of this three-month-long festival — from red carpet and behind-the-scenes content to creator-led storytelling and fan engagement.

This digital-first approach reflects a fundamental shift in how audiences consume entertainment, driven by significant trends in India’s entertainment landscape, including surging internet penetration, rapid growth in Connected TVs (CTV), and increasing mobile consumption. In fact, CTV has been YouTube’s fastest-growing screen in India for the last five years, reinforcing the platform’s unique position to make premium content accessible on every screen and in every format. It brings together the richness of cinema with the intimacy and immediacy of digital storytelling — bridging generations, platforms, and communities.

Speaking on the collaboration, Gunjan Soni, Managing Director – India, YouTube, said:

“We are thrilled to be the digital home for the Screen Awards, bringing a cultural icon to its next chapter. YouTube is where billions of fans connect with the entertainment they love, and we’re excited for them to experience one of cinema’s biggest nights in an immersive way. By bridging Bollywood’s biggest stars with YouTube’s most influential creators, we’re building an engaged community for an iconic event and unlocking the power of fandoms.”

With unparalleled reach in India and globally, YouTube is an ideal home for the Screen Awards. According to ComScore, YouTube reaches four out of five internet users in India aged 18 and older, while entertainment videos on the platform generated over 7.5 billion daily views worldwide in 2024.

Adding to the announcement, Priyanka Sinha Jha, Curator of the Screen Awards, stated:

“Established in 1995, Screen Awards has a legacy of firsts: the first jury-based film award in India, the first award show the Oscars management attended and vouched for, and the first accolade earned by several of today’s superstars. With the inception of The Screen Academy and our partnership with YouTube, we mark another first for India — building on our reputation for presenting the nation’s most credible and coveted awards, delivered with path-breaking entertainment.”

Screen Awards 2025 offers unprecedented visibility, cultural relevance, and multi-format storytelling opportunities for brands looking to connect with India’s most engaged audiences — both online and offline.

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HYDERABAD: Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) have achieved a remarkable double win.

Best New Restaurant – Hotel Category at the Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Delicious Dining Awards 2025

Permit To Grill, the newest culinary offering at NHCC, has been awarded Best New Restaurant in the Hotels Category at the Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Delicious Dining Awards 2025. This recognition celebrates the restaurant’s unique concept, elevated flavours, and commitment to experiential dining. With its interactive grills and thoughtfully curated menu, Permit To Grill has quickly become a standout destination for food lovers seeking something fresh and memorable.

Top 20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts for MICE at the Hospitality Horizon MICE Summit & Awards 2025

In another major achievement, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC have been named among the Top 20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts for MICE at the Hospitality Horizon MICE Summit & Awards 2025. This award highlights the property’s excellence in hosting world-class events, conferences, and large-format weddings, consistently delivering outstanding guest experiences and professional event execution. With expansive venues and a seasoned events team, the property continues to set the gold standard for MICE in South Asia.

Speaking on the recognition, Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, shared, “This is a proud moment for all of us. These wins are a testament to the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our teams to delivering the best culinary excellence, flawless event planning, and exceptional guest service. We are thrilled to be recognised on such prestigious platforms and will continue to set new benchmarks in hospitality and MICE in the region.”

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PUNE:  CavinKare, in association with the Madras Management Association (MMA), has invited nominations for the 14^th Edition of the ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards 2025. The prestigious awards celebrate India’s disruptive and most impactful innovations from startups and MSMEs across the country. Companies with an annual turnover of not more than ₹50 crores in FY 2023-24 are eligible to apply. Nominations can be submitted online at www.ckinnovationawards.in or by giving a missed call to +91 63746 03433. The last date for entries is 1^st July 2025.

Instituted in memory of Late Shri R. ChinniKrishnan, the visionary father of the sachet revolution, the awards aim to honour innovations that are not unique and scalable but also sustainable and socially impactful.

Commenting on the occasion, CK Ranganathan, Chairman and Managing Director of CavinKare, said, “At the heart of this award is innovation that meaningfully impacts everyday life. The ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards celebrate and empower emerging entrepreneurs who demonstrate the courage to challenge conventions and the vision to create inclusive, transformative growth, serving as a launchpad for change-makers of tomorrow.”

The ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards will recognise winners across three distinct categories, based on the nature and impact of the innovation. In addition to a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, winners will receive holistic business development support, including– marketing, branding, and packaging support, guidance on patent filing and R&D, financial advisory and HR consultancy, direct access to industry experts for a full year, strategic linkages to banks and funding institutions.

Since its inception in 2011, the awards have recognized and nurtured over 50 entrepreneurs, building a legacy of encouraging purpose-driven innovation across India.

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PUNE: India’s leading School Edtech LEAD Group today successfully held the West and East Zone ceremony of the third edition of the Shiksha Awards in Pune, marking the second of three city events in one of India’s biggest school awards programs.  Shiksha Awards by LEAD Group recognises and celebrates exceptional school leaders and teachers across India whose unwavering dedication to educational excellence is transforming student learning outcomes like never before.  These are schools that, irrespective of location or size, have successfully implemented NCF-aligned, multimodal teaching-learning best practices in their classrooms through meticulous preparation, training, monitoring, and remediation. 

More than 2900 schools and over 29000 teachers have participated in the 2024 – 25 Shiksha Awards by LEAD Group. School award categories included National Winners, Zonal Winners, and State Winners.  These institutions are building student confidence and have improved parental involvement in student education through multiple initiatives, including student-led conferences.  The 2024 – 25 Shiksha Awards by LEAD Group honour more than 3000 school leaders and educators across India with awards and recognition, including representatives of 25 schools across Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Sumeet Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder, LEAD Group, said, “Schools are the bedrock of India’s future, and the Shiksha Awards honour those institutions that relentlessly pursue excellence in education. My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners who are shaping the future of education in India, one student at a time. Their work is a powerful reminder that with innovation and unwavering commitment, we can transform learning outcomes for every child.”

The event also featured a Masterclass on School Leadership by Sumeet.

Shiksha Awards 2024 – 25 by LEAD Group: Maharashtra winning schools

Shiksha Awards 2024 – 25 by LEAD Group: Gujarat winning schools

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PUNE:  “Independent music allows artists to express themselves freely. Therefore, Independent Marathi non-filmy music should be acknowledged as a startup and receive financial aid similar to Marathi films,” noted singer Vaishali Samant. She was speaking at the first-ever Marathi Indie Music Awards (MIMA) recently. The program was organized by Maharashtra Kala Manch and Just Collab, with Ajay Naik and Kaustubh Dabadage at the helm.

Eminent music composer Ashok Patki was honored with the ‘Sangeet Ratna’ Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to non-film music at the hands of Prasad Lad, Member of Legislative Council, State Government. The program was held at the Shakuntala Shetty Auditorium, Erandwane, Pune

“If Independent Marathi non-filmy music receives government financial aid, it will spread globally,” said Vaishali Samant. “We are passionate travelers in the world of music. This award has given us all a small shore to stand on today, and that’s a comforting feeling. The fact that our hard work is getting a platform is reassuring,” she added.

We will organize the next MIMA program in Mumbai, and I will ensure the Chief Minister’s attendance, Prasad Lad assured. He further stated, “Following Marathi’s recognition as a classical language, there’s been a surge in Marathi-related activities. In this context, we will submit a proposal to the Chief Minister within 20 days, seeking subsidies for Independent Marathi non-filmy music under Ashok Patki’s guidance.”

Ashok Patki reminisced about the song ‘Radha Hi Bawari’, saying, “Initially, the lyrics were different. Swapnil Bandodkar didn’t like it. He called me insisting I write the song. I tried to explain I’m a composer, not a lyricist, but he persisted. That night, the tune came to me, and I wrote the song.” Patki chuckled, ” ‘Radha Hi Bawari’ gave me the confidence to write songs.”

“In today’s era, education is readily available everywhere. However, values and cultural heritage are lacking. We learned music from renowned artists, but Ashok Patki sir instilled values in us beyond just education. These values remain with me today. One important value is passing on what we’ve learned to the next generation,” said Avadhoot Gupte, while accepting the award.

“We’ve been in this industry for over 25 years, but there wasn’t an award specifically for indie music. This initiative marks the beginning of a new journey for non-film music, and it will inspire and motivate the new generation of music composers and lyricists,” said Swapnil Bandodkar.

Noted singers-composers Avadhoot Gupte, Vaishali Samant, and Swapnil Bandodkar were honored with the ‘Marathi Indie Music Icon’ award. Additionally, Pt. Raghunandan Panshikar, Anand Bhate, and Pt. Sanjeev Abhyankar received awards for Best Classical Vocalist, while Jeevan Dharmanandhari and Vivek Kajvekar were recognized for Music Arrangement.

Additionally, ‘Gaarva’ was recognized as the First Iconic Marathi Indie Song, honoring poet Saumitra and composer Milind Ingle. Also, ‘Aayushyavar Bolu Kahi’ was awarded the First Iconic Indie Marathi Show, recognizing composer-singer duo Sandeep Khare and Salil Kulkarni.

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