November 2026

REVA University inaugurated its Centre for Distance & Online Education (CDOE) on November 5, 2026, marking a significant step towards expanding access to quality higher education through flexible, technology-enabled learning.   Dr. P. Shyamaraju, Chancellor, REVA University, inaugurating the Centre for Distance and Online Education, along with other dignitaries   Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, REVA University, inaugurated the Centre in the presence of Dr. M. Dhanamjaya, Registrar; Dr. Beena G, Registrar (Evaluation); Dr. K. S. Narayanswamy, Pro Vice Chancellor; and Dr. Y. Ramalingareddy, Pro Vice Chancellor, among other dignitaries.   The Centre aims to extend REVA University’s academic excellence beyond the traditional campus by offering online learning opportunities to students, working professionals, entrepreneurs and lifelong learners. Combining academic rigour, industry-relevant curriculum, digital learning infrastructure and dedicated academic support, CDOE seeks to make higher education more accessible while enabling learners to balance their educational aspirations with personal and professional commitments.   Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, REVA University, said, “Education should never be restricted by location, age or personal circumstances. At REVA, we believe every individual should have the opportunity to learn, grow and realise their potential. Whether a learner studies on campus or through a digital platform, our commitment remains the same—to nurture capable, confident and enterprising individuals who can shape their own futures.”   Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Dr. M. Dhanamjaya, Registrar, REVA University, said, “With the launch of CDOE, REVA University is extending its academic legacy and creating new pathways for learners to pursue higher education. The National Education Policy 2020 envisions increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to 50% by 2035. Through this initiative, REVA University aims to contribute to this national vision by supporting greater participation in higher education through flexible and inclusive learning opportunities.”   Setting the context for the initiative, Shri Gautam Gupte, Director, Centre for Distance & Online Education, said, “At CDOE, our focus is on creating an engaging and interactive learning experience through live classes, student-centric academic support and continuous mentoring. We want learners to remain actively connected with their education while receiving the guidance and resources needed to progress confidently.”   Four Programmes to Open New Learning Pathways As an initial offering, CDOE has launched two undergraduate and two postgraduate programmes: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Computer Applications (MCA).   The programmes are designed to integrate academic foundations with contemporary industry requirements and practical learning opportunities.   The BBA and BCA programmes are of three years’ duration, comprising six semesters and 120 credits each. The MBA and MCA programmes are of two years’ duration, comprising four semesters and 96 credits each.   The BBA programme offers a dual specialisation in Banking & Finance, while BCA provides elective tracks in AI & Data, Security, and Software & Product. The MBA offers six dual-specialisation pathways, and the MCA focuses on advanced computing areas, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing and Big Data.   Eligibility and Admission Candidates seeking admission to the BBA and BCA programmes must have completed 10+2, PUC or an equivalent qualification, with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).   For MBA and MCA admissions, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree of at least three years from a UGC-recognised institution, with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Bridge courses will be provided for eligible MCA applicants from non-computer science streams, as applicable.   The University follows two admission cycles every year, in January and July. Admissions are now open for the January 2027 cycle.   Eligible candidates can also explore scholarship opportunities under various categories, including Merit-Based Scholarships, REVA Alumni Scholarships, Extra-Curricular Excellence Scholarships and REVA Employee Scholarships, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.   Extending REVA’s Academic Excellence Through Digital Learning The Centre for Distance & Online Education extends REVA University’s multidisciplinary academic ecosystem to learners across geographical boundaries. Online programmes are delivered through an integrated Learning Management System (LMS), which provides access to live and recorded lectures, e-books, digital library resources, study materials, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes and proctored examinations.   The learning ecosystem follows a four-quadrant approach comprising structured learning plans, interactive live classes and discussion forums, e-content and e-tutorials, and self-assessment activities. This enables learners to engage with academic content systematically while monitoring their progress throughout the programme.   To ensure continuous academic engagement, the Centre is supported by dedicated Programme and Course Coordinators, a Student Support Office and the Centre for Internal Quality Assurance (CIQA).   The LMS-based support mechanism addresses administrative and technical queries within 24 hours and academic queries within 48 hours. The assessment framework comprises three Continuous Internal Assessments accounting for 30% and a proctored Semester-End Examination accounting for 70% of the overall evaluation.   A Learning Experience That Goes Beyond the Screen At REVA CDOE, online learning combines flexibility with academic engagement, practical exposure and technology-enabled resources. Learners benefit from the guidance of experienced faculty, industry experts and dedicated mentors, along with programme-specific learning activities.   Depending on the programme, practical learning opportunities include case studies, simulations, analytics tools, coding exercises, virtual laboratories, capstone projects and industry-oriented assignments.   The Centre also provides career guidance and professional development support to help learners prepare for emerging professional opportunities. Upon meeting the applicable requirements, graduates will become part of the REVA University alumni community.   Educate to Enterprise: Taking REVA’s Learning Philosophy to a Wider Community The launch of CDOE reinforces REVA University’s guiding philosophy of Educate to Enterprise, which emphasises that education must go beyond imparting knowledge to nurturing innovation, initiative, creativity and an enterprising mindset.   By extending this philosophy to online learners, the Centre aims to empower individuals to translate academic knowledge into practical capabilities, strengthen their professional competencies and identify growth opportunities.   For admissions and programme details: Website: www.online.reva.edu.in Centre for Distance & Online Education REVA University Rukmini Knowledge Park, Kattigenahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru – 560 064.  

As Diwali celebrations begin across India, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation along with Narayana Nethralaya, a leading vision care hospital, is committed towards educating the public on celebrating an accident-free, animal-friendly Diwali. Concerns regarding several emergency room admissions linked to firecracker mishaps, that are reported every year, Narayana Nethralaya highlighted the history of high-volume cases involving severe ocular burns, blast-induced acoustic trauma, and shrapnel injuries, with children and innocent bystanders bearing most of the impact. Prioritizing public safety and urging ‘Firecracker Hygiene’ for promoting individual vision health, and the welfare of distressed domestic and stray animals.    L to R: Dr Himanshu Matalia, Dr Narendra KP, Dr Jyoti Matalia, Mr K V Mahesh, Dr Aaditi Anilkumar, Mr Denver Lobo   Clinical reports from the state’s premier eyecare center indicates that thousands of preventable vision-threatening injuries occur annually due to high-decibel explosives and unpredictable projectile fireworks. Reflecting on the alarming influx of emergency cases, Dr Rohit Shetty, Vice Chairman, Narayana Nethralaya, stated, “Every year during Diwali, our emergency teams witness a significant number of cases involving corneal tears, chemical burns, and deep blast injuries. Shockingly, more than half of these victims are children, and nearly half are innocent bystanders who were simply walking on the street. A split-second failure to maintain safe distances or wear protective eyewear can lead to irreversible loss of sight. We urgently need education on Fireworks Safety and a collective commitment towards promoting a Safer Diwali across schools and communities to safeguard our children’s future.”    Championing our commitment towards vision care and systemic prevention, Venu Ambati, President – EssilorLuxottica, India and Director of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, added, “At the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, our core mission is to empower individuals by protecting and correcting their vision. True vision leadership extends beyond corrective care to active harm prevention. The spike in fireworks-induced trauma during festive periods challenges the very foundation of healthy sight in our communities. We urge citizens to recognize that healthy vision is a precious asset. By adopting simple protective habits, we can ensure that the festival of lights reflects brightness for the future.”    PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISORY: Protecting Humans and Animals This Diwali DO’S: Keep a Safe Distance: Always maintain an arm’s length while lighting fireworks, and retreat to a safe distance immediately. Wear Protective Eyewear: Utilize plain glass spectacles or protective goggles to block flying debris and sparks. Direct Supervision: Ensure an adult is always present when children are near fireworks. Keep Water Handy: Maintain large buckets of water and sand nearby to quickly extinguish accidental fires or cool used sparklers. Protect the Ears: Use earplugs or cotton balls to shield your ears from sudden, high-decibel fireworks explosions. Provide Shelters for Pets: Keep domestic animals indoors in a quiet, closed room with curtains drawn. Play soothing music to mask the loud sounds outside. Show Compassion to Strays: Allow stray animals to take temporary shelter in your building compounds or safe alcoves away from street fireworks.  Get immediate medical care: Rush to the nearest medical center in case of any emergency or injuries   DONT’S: Never Re-ignite Duds: If a firework does not ignite, leave it alone. Never approach or bend over a failed firework to relight it. Avoid Hand-bursting: Never light fireworks while holding them in your hand or throw them randomly onto public roads. No Fireworks in Closed Containers: Do not ignite fireworks inside metal boxes, glass bottles, or clay pots, as this creates highly dangerous flying shrapnel. Say No to High-Decibel Fireworks: Completely avoid bursting high-decibel “fireworks” that triggers acute acoustic trauma in humans and severe panic in animals. Avoid Rubbing Injured Eyes: In the event of an eye injury, do not rub the eye or apply unprescribed ointments. Cover it gently with a clean patch and rush to the nearest specialized eye care hospital immediately.    About OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation is committed to expanding sustainable access to vision care in underserved communities worldwide. Inspired by EssilorLuxottica’s mission to Empower Humans, the Foundation provides free eye exams and glasses, strengthens local vision care systems, and partners with NGOs, governments, and like-minded organizations to deliver scalable, long-term solutions. As the first Global Collaborating Partner of the World Health Organization’s SPECS 2030 initiative, the Foundation supports the integration of vision care into primary healthcare systems and advances progress toward universal access. To date, its work has reached more than 140 countries and enabled access to vision care for over one billion people.   About Narayana Nethralaya Narayana Nethralaya is one of India’s leading super-specialty eye care institutions, headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Founded in 1982 by Dr. K. Bhujang Shetty, it has grown from a small eye clinic into a renowned eye care network providing advanced ophthalmic treatment, research, education, and community eye health services.

Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, India Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers has inaugurated its newest jewellery showroom in Lakshadweep, marking the opening of the island’s first branded jewellery showroom. Located at Kacheri Junction, Kavaratti, the showroom was inaugurated by boCHE (812 Km. Run Unique World Record and Guinness Record holder for world peace).   boCHE inaugurating Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers’ new showroom in Lakshadweep To celebrate the grand opening, customers shopping at the Lakshadweep showroom until 10th November can enjoy a discount of ₹1,000 per sovereign of gold. As part of the inaugural celebrations, five lucky customers were selected through a lucky draw to receive diamond rings. Additionally, customers making purchases during the first 10 days of the showroom’s opening will get a chance to win one of 10 sports bicycles through lucky draw. Weekly lucky draws will also offer gold coins and several other exciting gifts. The showroom offers HUID 916 gold ornaments at the lowest making charges, along with discounts of up to 50% on making charges for diamond jewellery. Customers can also benefit from an advance booking scheme that protects them against fluctuations in gold prices. In addition, customers can sell their old gold jewellery, irrespective of where it was originally purchased, at the best market price at the showroom.   boCHE (Dr. Boby Chemmanur) Dr. Boby Chemmanur, popularly known as boCHE, is the Chairman and Managing Director of Boby Chemmanur International Group. boCHE has achieved the 812-km Run Unique World Record and a Guinness World Record for world peace. He is well known as a businessman, sportsman, social worker, motivator and entertainer. He is the patron of the Federation of Indian Blood Donors Organization. boCHE has fan clubs with millions of members in many countries.boCHE was the soul mate of the football legend, Diego Maradona.boCHE conducted the ‘YaachakaYatra’ to raise 34 crore rupees as blood money to cancel the death sentence of innocent Abdul Rahim, a native of Kozhikode, who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.He collected the money by travelling through the districts of Kerala and begging the public for donations. With a 163-year legacy, Boby Chemmanur International Group has a presence across India, the USA and the UAE.   BobyChemmanur International Group consists of: Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers boCHE Gold Loan (Chemmanur Credits and Investments Limited (NBFC))  Boby Oxygen resorts boCHE Tours & Travels Phygicart.com, the E-Commerce platform  boCHE the butcher, the integrated meat store  boCHE Appliances boCHE Shakesbierre boCHE Club boCHE Island, the floating resort boCHE Pub boCHE Tea boCHE Brahmi Tea Caravan Tourism boCHE 1000 acre  boCHE lens Ciinfos boCHE First Kiss- Baby Wear boCHE Food Express boCHE Garment factory  boCHE Hills boCHE homes boCHE insurance    boCHE Gold & Diamonds is the new venture of the BobyChemmanur International Group. First time in India, boCHE introduced Mobile Jewellery called Parakkum Jewellery, Rolls Royce taxi and Helicopter taxi.    Boby Chemmanur International Group employs over 41000 individuals across its various business verticals. Along with its marketing team, and more than 500000 affiliates and sales officers, the group spreads across various business fields.His smart work, vision and dedication made the brand well known internationally to more than 250 million people.    boCHE, is followed by millions of people through different social media platforms. He has received over 200 awards and recognitions for his outstanding performance in various fields. The crowning glory in his sports life came when he completed running 812 kilometres on the road to spread the message “Give blood save life” with a Unique World Record. He has donated an amount to the needy during the marathon.   Among the several awards he has been given, the Mother Teresa Award is the one that he considers the most prestigious. Guinness World Record for world peace, Glory of India Award (London), Best Humanitarian Award, Kerala State Business Excellence Award. The Glory of India Award, Global Keraleeyan Award, Mahatma Puraskar and Indo British Business Excellence Award are a few of the many awards he has received from around the world.   boCHE spends a major portion of his profit and time to do charity and social service. boCHE Fans Charitable Trust started Life Vision Charity Homes to take care of destitute people from the streets and provide them food, medicine and shelter during their lifetime. He is doing charity without accepting any amount as a donation from anyone.boCHE Fans Charitable Trust with innumerable philanthropists from all over the world coordinates the charity activities of boCHE. boCHE always wishes to live free and young by spreading his motto “Conquer the world with love“

Marking a significant milestone in its journey towards global academic excellence, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, has earned recognition in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027, reinforcing its growing presence in the international higher education landscape. The university is ranked within the Top 100 in Southern Asia (Overall), featured among the Top 51 universities in India (Overall), placed among the Top 25 Private Universities in India, and secured the No. 1 position among government and private universities in Andhra Pradesh (Overall).   SRM AP Makes Historic QS Asia Rankings Debut, Becomes the Fastest Indian University to Enter the Top 100   The QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027 is among the world’s most widely recognised university ranking frameworks. The Rankings provide a global perspective on institutional performance, helping students, academics, employers and higher education stakeholders understand and compare universities across countries and regions. The QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027 assesses institutions through key indicators across dimensions including research and discovery, learning experience, global engagement and employability.   At SRM University-AP, these priorities are reflected in its expanding research ecosystem, interdisciplinary academic programmes, industry-oriented learning opportunities and growing international partnerships.  With a strong emphasis on research-led education, innovation and entrepreneurship, the university is creating an environment where students and faculty can engage with emerging knowledge, address real-world challenges and contribute to global progress.   Commenting on the achievement, Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, SRM University-AP, said, “The university’s inclusion in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027 reflects the collective commitment of our faculty, researchers, students and staff to building an institution driven by quality education, impactful research and innovation. While this milestone is a moment of pride, our larger aspiration is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and develop graduates who can address challenges at both national and international levels.”   Dr P Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor, SRM AP, added that this accomplishment reinforces our belief in the importance of investing in research, nurturing talent, and creating opportunities for international academic engagement. Our journey is guided by the conviction that universities must not only impart knowledge but also create it, translate it into innovation, and make a meaningful difference to society. He emphasised that SRM AP remains committed to strengthening its academic foundations and building an institution with lasting global relevance.   “Debuting in the QS Rankings is a testimony to the rigorous, data-driven approach and strategic vision we have cultivated at SRM University-AP,” said Dr Karthik Rajendran, Associate Dean – Quality Assurance & Rankings (QAR), SRM AP. He added that our analysis of key parameters—spanning research productivity, internationalisation, and academic reputation—allowed us to highlight the university’s strong performance metrics on a global stage. This remarkable feat reflects the collective dedication of our entire QAR team and the institutional drive to continually benchmark ourselves against the highest standards of international academic excellence.   This achievement underscores SRM University-AP’s emergence as a fast-growing institution committed to academic excellence, research impact, graduate employability, and international engagement. Established with a vision to create a globally competitive academic ecosystem, the university continues to strengthen its research capabilities, expand international collaborations, and provide students with opportunities to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.

NICMAR has unveiled its new brand identity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey and setting the direction for its next phase of growth. Building on more than four decades of specialised education in Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Project Management (CRIP), the refreshed identity reflects NICMAR’s commitment to evolve alongside India’s expanding infrastructure economy and prepare professionals for the opportunities that will shape the country’s built environment in the decades ahead.   NICMAR Unveils New Brand Identity to Align with India’s Next Phase of Infrastructure Growth   The decision to introduce a new brand identity is driven by two priorities: modernisation and unification. Alongside a more contemporary visual representation, the refreshed identity brings NICMAR’s entities under one cohesive brand, creating a consistent institutional presence. It also reflects the need to align NICMAR’s positioning with an industry that increasingly requires expertise spanning technology, project finance, commercial management, sustainability and the efficient delivery of complex infrastructure projects.   The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated INR 12.22 lakh crore towards public capital expenditure, while the government’s National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 estimates INR 16.72 lakh crore in monetisation potential over FY2026-FY2030. As projects grow in scale and complexity, the ability to manage costs, timelines, contracts and risks becomes increasingly important for developers, infrastructure companies, investors and project owners. This presents an opportunity for NICMAR to strengthen its role in developing professionals who combine technical expertise with commercial judgement, technology adoption and project execution capabilities.   Commenting on the new brand identity and the opportunity, Dr. Tapash Kumar Ganguli, Director General, NICMAR, said, “India’s infrastructure ambitions are creating opportunities that will shape the built environment for generations to come. At NICMAR, we believe we must think not just about the next five or ten years, but about the next 60 years and the capabilities the nation will need to plan, build and manage its infrastructure. This calls for professionals who can bring together engineering knowledge, technology, financial discipline and effective project management. Our new identity reflects our commitment to preparing talent for the scale, complexity and changing expectations of India’s infrastructure future.”   Beyond institutional unification, NICMAR’s broader ambition is to deepen its relevance to emerging industry requirements. Developments in AI-enabled project controls, digital construction, climate resilience, new real estate asset classes and infrastructure asset management are expanding the range of capabilities required across the sector. NICMAR sees an opportunity to strengthen the connection between academic learning, applied research and industry needs through greater collaboration, practical learning and specialised capabilities aligned with these developments.   Mr. Gaurav Bajpai, Director and Head of Admissions and Marketing, NICMAR, said, “The rebranding initiative is an important step in how NICMAR presents itself as an institution while remaining rooted in its legacy. The brand film captures the journey, connecting our beginnings and contribution to India’s development with the opportunities that lie ahead. The refreshed visual identity, with its adaptable design language, reflects our ambition to remain future-focused, strengthen our engagement with stakeholders and inspire the next generation of professionals who will play a role in shaping India’s built environment.”   The rebranding was conceptualised by Landor, a brand consulting and design firm. A dedicated brand film has been developed which traces NICMAR’s journey from its inception, when India was at the threshold of modernisation, to its role in shaping the country’s development. The film positions NICMAR as an institution ready to contribute to the next phase of India’s growth. The brand film also introduces the thinking behind the refreshed identity, highlighting its future-facing and adaptable visual language, evolved colour palette and integrated typography. Designed to work across platforms and formats, the new identity reflects NICMAR’s commitment to inspire the next generation of professionals and help shape the future of India’s built environment.   Link to the brand film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BT144ls9mQ   As India advances towards its Viksit Bharat ambition, the challenge is not merely to create more physical assets, but to ensure they are planned, financed, delivered and managed efficiently over time. NICMAR’s renewed identity signals its intent to contribute to this long-term national priority by developing the talent and project management capabilities needed to shape the next generation of India’s built environment.   About NICMAR Established in 1983, NICMAR is an autonomous, non-governmental, not-for-profit and India’s only premier CRIP (Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Project) dedicated education institute. Backed by some of the largest and leading construction companies, NICMAR is recognised for academic excellence, industry relevance, and strong placement outcomes, with university campuses in Pune and Hyderabad and a wider institutional presence across Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. The Institute is recognised globally for its contributions to the built environment.

REVA University inaugurated its new batch of postgraduate (PG) programmes for the academic year 2026–28 on November 4 at its campus in Bengaluru. Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, REVA University, presided over the inaugural ceremony, formally welcomed the new batch, and encouraged students to make the most of their academic journey.   Dr. P. Shyamaraju, Chancellor, REVA University, inaugurating the PG programmes, along with other university dignitaries   The occasion was graced by Dr. M. Dhanamjaya, Registrar; Dr. Beena G., Registrar (Evaluation); Dr. K. S. Narayanaswamy, Pro Vice Chancellor; Dr. Y. Ramalingareddy, Pro Vice Chancellor; Dr. Shubha A., Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies and REVA Business School; Dr. Bharathi S. H., Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology; and Dr. Raghu C. N., Dean, EEE, Mechanical, Civil and Agricultural Engineering, staff, faculty, and students, among others.   Addressing the new batch, Dr. Shyama Raju emphasised the responsibility that comes with pursuing postgraduate education. He encouraged students to serve as role models for undergraduates and the wider university community. Highlighting the importance of self-learning, practical exposure and innovation, he urged students to actively engage with faculty members and make learning an interactive experience. He noted that curiosity, initiative and a willingness to explore beyond the classroom would help them make the most of their time at REVA.   Welcoming the students as friends, Dr. Dhanamjaya observed that postgraduate education brings with it greater maturity and the ability to handle challenges with confidence. Reflecting on the changing educational landscape, he described AI as ‘All Inclusive’, highlighting the importance of bringing artificial intelligence and inclusiveness together. He encouraged students to continuously upgrade their skills, develop their personalities and strengthen their knowledge and communication abilities to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world.   Introducing the postgraduate programmes and the university’s student-centric facilities, Dr. Shubha urged students to remain curious and embrace the process of unlearning and relearning. She highlighted initiatives such as REVA NEST, the university’s business incubation centre, and Manodhaara, its counselling centre, along with the range of facilities and support systems available to students.   Dr. K. S. Narayanaswamy highlighted how REVA University provides students with opportunities to develop deep domain knowledge, engage in research and innovation, build interdisciplinary capabilities and cultivate integrity and professional ethics.   Dr. Beena G. encouraged students to become mindful consumers of knowledge and data, emphasising the need to critically evaluate information in an age characterised by information overload.   Established in 2012, REVA University has built a strong legacy of nurturing capable professionals, innovators and future leaders. With a diverse portfolio of 41 postgraduate programmes across Engineering, Architecture, REVA Business School, Commerce, Liberal Studies, Legal Studies and Science and Technology, the university provides a multidisciplinary learning environment that encourages academic excellence, research, innovation and holistic development. The inauguration of the new postgraduate batch marks the beginning of an exciting academic journey, empowering students to deepen their expertise, broaden their perspectives and prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The Azim Premji Foundation has launched a Social Startups Programme to support development sector professionals in setting up and leading civil society organisations that address the needs of underserved communities.   Azim Premji Foundation Launches Social Startups Programme Many professionals have years of experience working with communities and understand their challenges but lack the financial support and guidance to start organisations of their own. The programme aims to bridge this gap by providing financial assistance, guidance and learning opportunities to help them build locally rooted organisations.   Rajib Ghosh, Head – Philanthropy, Azim Premji Foundation, said, “We need more organisations working at the grassroots, especially in underserved areas. Many experienced professionals understand the challenges communities face and want to contribute more. This programme aims to help them take that step and build organisations of their own. This is distinct from the Foundation’s regular grants programme that supports existing, registered organisations (both mature and more recently early-stage).” The first cohort will include ~100 participants across four geographies: Odisha, North-East India, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bengaluru Urban. The areas of work supported will include rural livelihoods, health, youth, mental health, disability, children’s welfare, well-being of Adivasi communities, work in urban informal settlements including creches and community sanitation, and welfare rights. Who can apply Applicants must be below 40 years of age, have a graduate degree and at least three years of ground-level development sector experience. They should intend to set up and lead a new civil society organisation, be willing to relocate and make a long-term commitment to their chosen geography. Those who have already registered an organisation are not eligible. Programme structure and support The programme has two phases. In the first, an eight-month seeding phase, participants will receive financial support to work with communities, understand local needs and develop their organisations. They will also receive guidance on registration, governance and statutory compliances. At the end of this phase, participants are expected to have registered their organisations. They can then submit a grant proposal for evaluation. Those who meet the programme’s criteria may receive a two-year seed grant to establish and strengthen their work. Applications and selection Applications are open from 1 November to 31 December 2026. The selection process includes eligibility screening, document review, a statement of purpose, an online interview and an in-person panel discussion. The eight-month seeding phase will begin on 1 April 2027. Participants will be assessed in November–December 2027 for progression to the grant phase.   To know more about the programme, eligibility and application process, visit: azimpremjifoundation.org/who-we-are/how-we-are-organised/grants/social-startups-programme/   About Azim Premji Foundation Azim Premji Foundation works towards a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. The Foundation works across education, health and other areas of social development. It partners with governments, institutions, civil society organisations and communities across India.

BHIVE Workspace, India’s largest coworking & managed office space provider, brought together 23 employees and members for the sixth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, held at Miramar Beach, Panaji, on November 1. The participants represented seven relay teams and two individual athletes, including four women. From BHIVE, eighteen participants took part in an IRONMAN event for the first time, while five returned after participating in the event last year.   Team BHIVE Secures First Place in Corporate Relay at IRONMAN Goa   Adding to the achievement, BHIVE’s Team (Team 04) secured first place in the Corporate Relay category, completing the event in just 6 hours, 25 minutes and 36 seconds. The winning team comprised Mourya Manohar, a BHIVE member and Rithick S and Madhu Kumar N, both BHIVE employees. The finish brought together employees and a member on the podium, reflecting the strong sense of community that lies at the heart of BHIVE.   The participation highlights BHIVE’s focus on building a campus-led workspace ecosystem where fitness, community and an active lifestyle extend beyond the workday. BHIVE Fitness Club brings employees and members together through shared fitness interests and activities, creating opportunities to stay active, pursue personal goals and build connections. As part of their five-month preparation for IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, participants came together through this community and followed a structured training programme from June, balancing their preparation with professional responsibilities.   Shesh Rao Paplikar, Founder & CEO, BHIVE Workspace, said, “At BHIVE, we believe a workspace should support more than professional goals. It should help people stay active, chase personal milestones and build meaningful connections. This year, around 24 BHIVE employees and members took on IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, more than three times last year’s number, and it was particularly rewarding to see Team BHIVE win the Corporate Relay category. Through our campus-led ecosystem and BHIVE Fitness Club, we want to make an active lifestyle part of everyday work for the 50,000 people across our campuses and bring our belief in Work-Life Harmony to life.”   BHIVE backed the participants throughout their preparation, sponsoring registration fees and covering their travel, accommodation and meals in Goa. The company also arranged structured coaching from coach Sridhar Venkataraman, practical training workshops, open-water and lake-swimming practice, and learning sessions with experienced endurance athletes.   Ahead of race day, participants also took part in a mini-triathlon training simulation in Goa with Milind Soman, BHIVE’s Brand Ambassador. The session offered an opportunity to experience the demands of the event across swimming, cycling and running, helping participants prepare for race day with greater confidence.   Milind Soman, Brand Ambassador, BHIVE, said, “Endurance events like IRONMAN 70.3 are about celebrating the greatest gifts we have been given – the mind, body and spirit. It was great to spend time with Team BHIVE during their pre-race training simulation in Goa and see the enthusiasm with which employees and members came together for this challenge. What makes this journey special is not just the race itself, but the preparation, commitment and sense of community that go into it. It is encouraging to see BHIVE create an environment where people are motivated to pursue an active lifestyle and challenge themselves to explore their capabilities.”   The preparation journey has also been documented through BHIVE’s YouTube series, Ironman Challenge at BHIVE Season 2, capturing participants’ training, experiences and progress. (Watch the series here).   One of the journeys that captured the spirit of the initiative was that of Jude Almeida, a BHIVE team member who took on the swimming leg of his relay team despite never having learnt to swim before beginning his preparation. Through structured practice and sessions with the BHIVE Swim Club, Jude progressed from being a non-swimmer to completing his first 2,000-metre swim in August. His journey reflects how consistent training and community encouragement can help people take on unfamiliar challenges. At IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, Jude went on to complete the swimming leg, contributing to his relay team’s successful completion of the event.   IRONMAN 70.3 is a 113-kilometre endurance event comprising a 1.9-kilometre open-water swim, a 90-kilometre cycling leg and a 21.1-kilometre run. Individual participants complete all three disciplines, while relay teams divide the legs among their members.   About BHIVE Workspace Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Bengaluru, BHIVE Workspace is India’s largest campus coworking company and one of the fastest-growing providers of managed office spaces in the country. BHIVE operates 28+ centres with 8 campuses across Bengaluru and Mumbai, covering 1.8 million sq. ft. of premium workspace and serving a community of over 1,000 client companies, from early-stage startups to large enterprises and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).   BHIVE’s campus-led model is what sets it apart from conventional coworking. Each campus integrates design-driven workspaces with sports infrastructure, fitness facilities, community programming, and Indian hospitality, built around the company’s core philosophy of Work-Life Harmony. Amenities across campuses include cafés, recreation and sports zones, and 24×7 tech-enabled access, including on holidays.   Built around the philosophy of “Elevate Your Lifestyle at Work,” BHIVE promotes work–life harmony by combining productivity with well-being. Its design-driven spaces feature modern amenities such as cafés, recreation and sports zones, and 24×7 tech-enabled access, including holidays. BHIVE’s Work From Anywhere feature allows members to access any BHIVE centre on a single membership, offering unmatched flexibility and mobility for modern, distributed teams. As a fitness-driven and active lifestyle coworking brand, BHIVE continues to integrate movement, sports, and fitness into the everyday work experience, enabling members to perform at their best both professionally and personally.   For more information, visit www.bhiveworkspace.com.

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express air & integrated transportation and distribution company, has launched Diwali Express 2026, a festive shipping initiative designed to help customers deliver more smiles for less this festive season.   Diwali Express   Running from 8th October to 14th November 2026, the campaign offers special savings on domestic and international shipments, making it easier, more affordable and convenient to share Diwali joy with family, friends and business associates across India and around the world.   Festive gifts within India can be shipped using the special discounted shipping rates of up to 50% on eligible domestic consignments weighing between 2 kg and 10 kg. To make the experience even more convenient, customers can also avail of free doorstep pickup and home booking services, subject to service availability.   Extending the festive spirit beyond borders, customers can also enjoy significant savings of up to 60% on eligible international gift consignments. The offer covers a range of shipment weights and destinations, making it easier to send festive gifts, sweets and hampers across the globe through Blue Dart’s reliable international express network. Terms and conditions apply.   Available for a limited period, the Diwali Express 2026 offer can be availed by the customers through Blue Dart-DHL’s trusted network by visiting their nearest retail stores and Franchisee Collection Centres. Customers can also book shipments through Blue Dart’s website or Customer Care.   For assistance, customers may contact Blue Dart Customer Care at 022 4061 1234, or email customerservice@bluedart.com.   For more information or to book a shipment, visit www.bluedart.com.