July 15, 2026

The second edition of Sangamam Thaala Utsav 2026, a two-day cultural festival celebrating India’s diverse traditions of rhythm, music, dance and performing arts, concluded on a high note at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA), Bengaluru, attracting over 4,500 attendees across two days. The festival was inaugurated by renowned playback singer and actress Vasundhara Das in the presence of Mrs. Kumari Shibulal, Founder – SFPI, Mr. S. D. Shibulal, Co-founder – SFPI and Co-founder and former CEO of Infosys, and Manjula Senthil, Program Director – Sangamam.   Sangamam Thaala Utsav 26   Organised by the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) through its cultural platform Sangamam, the festival, held on 11th and 12th July 2026, brought together 161 artists from across the country, offering audiences an immersive experience of India’s classical, folk and contemporary art forms through performances, workshops, exhibitions and interactive cultural experiences. Designed as a platform to preserve, promote and celebrate India’s artistic heritage, Sangamam Thaala Utsav featured an engaging line-up comprising four ticketed performances, two masterclasses, six interactive workshops, seven pop-up performances, 10 art stalls, curated food stalls, a puppet installation and an interactive digital art experience. Three headline performances featuring Siddharth Belmannu, Laya Lavanya and Thaikkudam Bridge were completely sold out, reflecting the growing interest among audiences for immersive cultural experiences.   Speaking on the successful conclusion of the festival, Mrs. Kumari Shibulal, Founder – SFPI, said, “It is immensely gratifying to see Sangamam Thaala Utsav grow into a vibrant platform that celebrates India’s artistic diversity while bringing together artists, audiences and cultural enthusiasts from across the country. Our vision has always been to preserve and promote India’s rich artistic traditions and create meaningful opportunities for future generations to experience them. The overwhelming response this year encourages us to continue strengthening this cultural movement.”   Manjula Senthil, Program Director – Sangamam, added, “The response to every performance, workshop and masterclass has been extremely encouraging. It was wonderful to see audiences actively engage with artists, explore different art forms and experience Indian culture in an interactive manner. We are delighted that visitors have expressed a strong desire for many more such festivals, and we look forward to returning with an even bigger edition next year.”   The festival drew participants from not only Bengaluru but also from several cities across India and even overseas, including Singapore. Artists too, came from different regions of the country, including rural areas, reinforcing Sangamam’s vision of making traditional arts accessible to wider audiences. Adding to the festive spirit, Sangamam organised three lucky draws during each of its four ticketed performances, with prizes including a Meal for Two at Simmer by Lilac, Bengaluru, two-night stays at Rae by Tamara Guruvayur or Kumbakonam, and a Grand Prize of a two-night luxury stay at Tamara Kodaikanal or Tamara Coorg.   Building on the success of this year’s festival, Sangamam announced that the third edition of Sangamam Thaala Utsav will be held on July 10 and 11, 2027, at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA), Bengaluru.   About Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI), founded by Mrs. Kumari Shibulal and Mr. S.D. Shibulal has been transforming lives for over 25 years through programs in education, healthcare, organic farming, and the arts. SFPI’s cultural platform Sangamam celebrates India’s artistic diversity and supports sustainable creative ecosystems.   About Sangamam Founded by Mrs. Kumari Shibulal and Mr. S. D. Shibulal, Sangamam is the cultural platform of the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI). The initiative is committed to preserving, promoting and celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for artists, artisans and audiences to connect through culture.   Learn more at:  www.sfpi.org | www.sangamamindia.org.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, and Dhruva Space have entered into a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-develop ASCENT (Advanced Space Capability, Engineering & New-space Technologies) Centre at the MAHE Manipal campus.   MAHE and Dhruva Space have entered into a strategic partnership   ASCENT will advance Space systems engineering, applied research, mission development, and technology qualifications by bringing academia and industry together to develop, validate, and translate next-generation Space technologies into operational applications. The Centre will also feature dedicated infrastructure for spacecraft development, integration, testing, and qualification, including a Class 10,000 cleanroom, a Helmholtz cage, and an air-bearing table for spacecraft dynamics and control validation.   The Centre, expected to be inaugurated in late 2026, will enable student-led satellite and hosted payload missions, providing students with an end-to-end experience in spacecraft design, integration, testing, launch preparation, and on-orbit operations. By combining academic learning with real-world engineering programmes, it will cultivate mission-ready expertise while supporting the development of technologies with commercial and national relevance.   Beyond student-led missions, ASCENT will support programmes across emerging Space domains while providing an environment for prototype development, technology demonstration, and the transition of innovations into ecosystem-ready Space applications. Core research and engineering areas at ASCENT will focus on advanced Space systems engineering and mission operations, autonomous and intelligent spacecraft technologies, Space sustainability and Awareness solutions, and emerging applications such as Space-based IoT and Microgravity research. ASCENT envisions the development and operation of at least 3 1U–6U CubeSat missions by 2028, followed by the deployment of a swarm constellation of femto satellites, a fully operational Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Centre, and indigenous bus designs, payloads, and modular satellite platforms by 2030. Looking further ahead, the Centre aims to undertake at least one interplanetary technology demonstration mission by 2035, contributing to the advancement of deep-space exploration and next-generation Space technologies.   As India’s commercial Space ecosystem continues to expand, rapid technological advancement and growing demand for skilled talent are creating a need for environments where research can be translated into flight-ready technologies and operational capabilities. ASCENT has been established to bridge this gap by bringing together academic research, industrial expertise, and hands-on engineering within a single collaborative platform.   Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The Space sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, opening new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and talent development. As institutions of learning and research, universities have a vital responsibility to help shape this future. ASCENT represents our commitment to nurturing talent, advancing knowledge, and contributing to India’s growing space ecosystem.”   “Through our partnership with Dhruva Space, our students will have the unique opportunity to work on real satellite missions, gain hands-on experience with industry-grade infrastructure and learn by solving real engineering challenges. These are experiences that go far beyond the classroom. At MAHE, we believe the best way to prepare students is by giving them opportunities to build, test and innovate in real-world environments. ASCENT is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, ensuring our graduates are not just qualified, but confident and ready to contribute to India’s growing space ecosystem,” he added.   Prof. Chandrakala C.B., In-Charge Director, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, said, “ASCENT represents a significant step in our commitment to advancing multidisciplinary research and innovation in space science and technology. Through this industry–academia collaboration, we aim to create an ecosystem that empowers students, researchers, and industry partners to develop technologies that will contribute to India’s growing space sector.”   Dr Balbir Singh, Coordinator, MIT Space Programs, said, “ASCENT is envisioned to become a multidisciplinary centre that will enable advanced research and hands-on learning across the entire space mission lifecycle. Its planned capabilities include advanced space systems engineering and mission operations, student-led satellite and hosted payload missions, and research in solar sails and deployable space systems. The center will also drive innovation in autonomous swarm technologies, ground segment technologies, and Space Internet of Things, while integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for intelligent autonomous space operations.”   Through microgravity research partnerships, industry-integrated programs, and collaborations across academia, government, and industry, ASCENT aims to strengthen India’s emerging NewSpace ecosystem.   Krishna Teja Penamakuru, Chief Operations Officer & Co-founder, Dhruva Space, said, “India’s Space sector is marked by industrialisation, commercialisation, and the rapid expansion of indigenous capabilities. As the ecosystem evolves, the need extends beyond technology alone to the research infrastructure, talent, and industry-academia partnerships that will sustain long-term growth. Through ASCENT, we are establishing a CoE where ideas can mature from research to mission-ready solutions in close collaboration with industry. By bringing together students, researchers, faculty, and practising engineers, we are creating an environment where academic excellence is informed by real-world mission requirements, while industry benefits from innovative research and fresh perspectives.”   By combining MAHE’s multidisciplinary academic strengths with Dhruva Space’s end-to-end Space engineering expertise, ASCENT establishes a long-term foundation for advancing indigenous Space technologies while accelerating the transition from research to operational missions. The Centre will strengthen India’s commercial Space ecosystem by developing mission-ready talent, enabling collaborative R&D, and creating a scalable model for industry-academia collaboration that supports the country’s long-term technological competitiveness.   About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational

A single opportunity has the power to change far more than one life.   M3M Foundation Empowering India’s Youth with Skills through the Kaushal Sambal initiative It can replace uncertainty with confidence, dependence with dignity, and transform a job seeker into a job creator. More importantly, it creates a ripple effect, uplifting families, strengthening communities, and contributing to the nation’s progress. Hajrat’s journey is a testament to this transformation. Raised in a modest village, Hajrat dreamed of pursuing higher education and building a better future for his family. But when his father’s health deteriorated and financial responsibilities mounted, those dreams slowly gave way to uncertainty. Like countless young people across rural India, he wasn’t short of ambition; he simply lacked access to the opportunities that could help him realise it. That changed when M3M Foundation’s iMpower Academy for Skills, under its flagship Kaushal Sambal initiative, reached his village. Encouraged to enrol in the Two-Wheeler Service Technician course, Hajrat stepped into a classroom that would redefine the course of his life. The programme offered much more than technical training. Alongside practical skills, Hajrat gained digital literacy, workplace discipline, communication skills, entrepreneurial exposure, and most importantly, the confidence to believe in himself. After completing the course, he had the opportunity to take up employment. Instead, he chose to build something of his own. With continued support from M3M Foundation, Hajrat established iGarage, his own automobile workshop. Today, the business generates nearly Rs. 50,000 every month, allowing him to support his family with dignity and financial stability. He has expanded his livelihood by purchasing a vehicle attached to a taxi service, creating an additional source of income while generating employment for another individual. Yet, perhaps the greatest measure of Hajrat’s success is not the business he built, but the opportunities he has created for others. Having once searched for a path forward himself, he has trained 12 young people, equipping them with skills that have enabled them to build independent careers and brighter futures. Hajrat’s story is inspiring, but it is far from unique. Across villages and underserved communities, thousands of young people are rewriting their futures through Kaushal Sambal, M3M Foundation’s flagship skill development and livelihood initiative. Guided by the vision of Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, the programme is helping bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity by equipping youth with industry-relevant skills, entrepreneurial capabilities, and the confidence to pursue sustainable livelihoods. Since its inception in 2019, Kaushal Sambal has expanded across 7 states, 12 districts, and 19 training centres, reaching more than 1,300 villages. Through a holistic approach that combines technical training with digital literacy, life skills, entrepreneurship development, and placement support, the initiative has now skilled over 15,000 young people, preparing them to thrive in an evolving economy. Its impact is reflected not only in the number of youth trained, but in the lives transformed. Today, more than 9,000 young professionals have entered the workforce across sectors including healthcare, hospitality, information technology, construction, retail, logistics, renewable energy, fashion, and manufacturing. With an impressive 76% placement rate and an average monthly income of Rs. 14,585, these young professionals collectively generate over Rs. 160 crore in annual earnings, strengthening household incomes, stimulating local economies, and contributing meaningfully to India’s economic growth. The initiative is equally committed to ensuring that opportunities reach those who need them most. Women account for 56% of all trainees, while youth from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, minority communities, and other underserved sections are empowered with skills that enable them to achieve financial independence. Beyond employment, more than 2,400 aspiring entrepreneurs have established their own enterprises through Kaushal Sambal, creating livelihoods not only for themselves but also for others in their communities. Hajrat’s journey finds reflection in countless others. Amanpreet, who lost his father at a young age, watched his mother work as a daily wage labourer to support the family. Through training at iMpower Academy for Skills, he acquired professional expertise and the confidence to establish his own beauty business. Today, he earns approximately Rs. 20,000 every month, becoming the primary source of support for his family. Similarly, Deepika, a young woman from a financially constrained farming family, overcame social and economic barriers through Kaushal Sambal’s skill development programme. Equipped with digital and professional competencies, she secured employment as a Data Entry Operator in Gurugram, earning a CTC of Rs. 16,000 per month. Her journey demonstrates how the right opportunity can empower young women to transform not only their own lives but also those of their families. Behind every number is a story of resilience. Behind every skill acquired is a dream reclaimed. And behind every success story is the belief that when young people are empowered with the right opportunities, they don’t just transform their own futures, they create a lasting impact on families, communities, and the nation. This World Youth Skills Day, M3M Foundation celebrates the limitless potential of India’s youth and reaffirms its commitment to equipping them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. Because when one young person succeeds, the impact extends far beyond an individual achievement, it becomes a step towards building a stronger, more inclusive, and self-reliant India.   About M3M Foundation M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

The official mascot of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 (CWTTC 2026) was unveiled at a grand ceremony held at The Lalit, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, marking an exciting milestone in the countdown to one of the biggest sporting events of the year.   Hon’ble Delhi CM Smt. Rekha Gupta and Hon’ble Minister Shri Ashish Sood unveiled and welcomed Mayur, the official mascot of CWTTC 2026   The unveiling ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, along with the Hon’ble Minister of Education & Sports, Shri Ashish Sood, who officially introduced the championship mascot in the presence of distinguished guests, sports officials, athletes, media representatives, and members of the table tennis fraternity.   Managing Partner & CEO at XPERIA GROUP   The mascot launch reflects the spirit, energy, and aspirations of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship, symbolizing Delhi’s commitment to hosting an international sporting event while celebrating the city’s vibrant culture and sporting excellence.   The event was conceptualized, managed, and executed by Xperia Group, one of India’s leading experiential marketing and event management companies. Under the leadership of Mr. Saibal Gupta, Founder & CEO, Xperia Group delivered a seamless experience by combining creative storytelling, meticulous planning, and flawless on-ground execution. The agency is known for its expertise in experiential advertising, events and promotions, OOH media, and technology-led brand experiences, serving leading national and international brands across India.   Speaking on the successful execution, Mr. Saibal Gupta, Founder & CEO, Xperia Group, said, “It is an honour for Xperia Group to have been entrusted with the execution of such a prestigious sporting milestone. We are proud to have partnered in bringing the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 mascot to life through an event that reflects the scale, passion, and vision of this international championship. We thank the organisers for their trust and look forward to contributing to more landmark sporting experiences.”   The successful unveiling has been a significance of excitement ahead to the championship, reinforcing Delhi’s readiness to welcome athletes and fans from across the Commonwealth.    The event also highlighted the collaborative efforts of government dignitaries, sports authorities, and event professionals in promoting international sporting excellence in India.   As the countdown to the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 continues, the mascot now stands as a symbol of unity, determination, and the sporting spirit that will define the tournament.   About Xperia Group Xperia Group is a full-service experiential marketing and advertising company specializing in events & promotions, OOH/DOOH advertising, cinema advertising, content creation, and technology-driven brand experiences. With a nationwide presence and a portfolio of successful campaigns for leading brands, the company is committed to delivering innovative, impactful, and memorable experiences that connect brands with audiences.

As healthcare rapidly evolves through digital technologies, artificial intelligence and connected care, hospitals are increasingly investing in technology to enhance clinical outcomes, improve patient safety and deliver seamless care experiences. Reinforcing its commitment to building a future-ready healthcare network, Livasa Hospitals has appointed Mr. Bhoopendra Solanki as its Chief Information Officer (CIO).   Mr. Anurag Yadav, CEO, Livasa Hospitals along with Mr. Bhoopendra Solanki, CIO, Livasa Hospitals The appointment comes at a significant stage in Livasa Hospitals’ growth journey as the network expands its regional footprint across North India while strengthening its digital capabilities. With technology becoming central to every aspect of healthcare-from diagnostics and clinical decision-making to patient engagement, cybersecurity and hospital operations, Livasa is making strategic investments to build an integrated, intelligent and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem. An alumnus of IIM Calcutta, Mr. Solanki brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare information technology and digital transformation. He has held senior technology leadership positions at Sakra World Hospital, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Medanta – The Medicity and Fortis Healthcare Ltd.  Over the course of his career, he has successfully led enterprise-wide digital transformation across multi-hospital networks and greenfield healthcare projects. His expertise spans Hospital Information Systems (HIS), PACS, ERP, SAP S/4HANA, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, CRM platforms, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics and digital patient engagement platforms. He has also led the implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMR/EHR), Patient and Doctor Mobile Applications, Patient Portals, Telemedicine and Remote Care solutions, helping healthcare organisations improve efficiency, strengthen clinical workflows and enhance patient experience. Mr. Solanki is also an author and thought leader, contributing to discussions on healthcare technology and digital innovation. Welcoming him to Livasa Hospitals, Mr. Anurag Yadav, Chief Executive Officer, Livasa Hospitals, said, “Healthcare is undergoing one of its biggest transformations, with technology becoming a critical enabler of better clinical outcomes, safer care and enhanced patient experience. As Livasa Hospitals continues its growth journey, building a robust digital ecosystem is a strategic priority for us. Bhoopendra’s rich experience in leading technology transformation across some of India’s premier healthcare institutions will help us accelerate this journey and create an integrated, secure and future-ready healthcare network.” As Chief Information Officer, Mr. Solanki will lead Livasa Hospitals’ enterprise technology strategy and digital transformation roadmap. He will oversee the development of an integrated technology ecosystem across the network, with a focus on strengthening IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, AI-led innovation, automation and digital platforms that improve operational efficiency, clinical outcomes and patient engagement. His appointment reflects Livasa Hospitals’ continued investment in leadership, innovation and technology as the Group expands its regional footprint and advances its vision of delivering world-class healthcare closer to the communities it serves. About Livasa Hospitals Livasa Hospitals is one of North India’s leading healthcare networks, committed to delivering advanced, accessible, and patient-centric medical care. Backed by IndiaRF, network has over 950 beds, supported by 250+ doctors and 40+ super-specialties, across Mohali, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Khanna, with further expansion underway across the region. Livasa Hospitals offers comprehensive tertiary and quaternary care services across Cardiac Sciences, Neurosciences, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Renal Sciences, Critical Care, Gastro Sciences, Mother & Child Care, Emergency Medicine, and several other specialties. Guided by a commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care, Livasa Hospitals continues to strengthen healthcare access and improve health outcomes for communities across North India.