“You Don’t Realize When You’ve Left The Storm, But You’re Never The Same:” Geetanjali Kirloskar, CMD of Kirloskar Systems At Ideas Of India

After Vikram’s passing, I felt absolutely alone. But leadership is about taking charge, managing stakeholders, and guiding the situation." – Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar.

At ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, Chairperson & MD of Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd. shared a powerful narrative of resilience, leadership and legacy. Speaking in the session titled ‘Transformative Leadership — Adapting to Change,’ she reflected on her journey of steering Kirloskar Systems through adversity while upholding its vision and values.

Reflecting on her journey, Geetanjali said, "Success comes with an enabling environment. When we brought Toyota to India, I joined my husband in that journey, supporting him in two joint ventures. After his passing, I remained committed to Kirloskar, doing everything I could for the company."

Addressing the impact of personal loss on leadership, she said, "Losing Vikram so suddenly was devastating emotionally and mentally. He was in his prime, and I could never replace him; he was better. In just seconds, I felt absolutely alone. But within a few days, I sent my relatives back and stood strong. Leadership means taking charge, managing stakeholders and guiding the situation. I chose to rely on myself."

Further highlighting the importance of purpose in overcoming crises, she stated, "Grief is not linear, it has its nuances. I think its God’s way of preparing you. Crisis transforms you. And it is your purpose that helps you navigate through it. You must define your objective and for me, that was carrying the Kirloskar legacy forward."

When asked if women are taken seriously, Geetanjali acknowledged subtle discrimination but also stressed the importance of confidence and credibility in earning one’s place. She praised her Japanese partners and coworkers for their inclusivity, stating, "Once they trust you, they accept you completely." She also noted the cultural parallels between India and Japan that have shaped her leadership.

On the future of Kirloskar Systems, she highlighted its seven joint ventures and her daughter's role in carrying the legacy forward. "With a team of 30,000 to 40,000 employees, we are driving our legacy together."

The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas by global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

About ABP Network

An innovative media and content creation company, ABP Network is a credible voice in the broadcast and digital sphere, with a multi-language portfolio of news channels reaching 535 million individuals in India across YouTube, websites, apps, and social media platforms. ABP Studios, which comes under the purview of ABP Creations – the content innovation arm of the network – creates, produces, and licences original, groundbreaking content outside of news. ABP Network is a group entity of ABP, established almost 100 years ago, and continues to reign as a leading media company.

MIT Bengaluru To Host ACM India Industry Day On Feb 22, 2025

Manipal Institute of Technology, Bengaluru in collaboration with the ACM Bangalore Chapter, ACM IMOBILE Chapter (India Chapter of ACM SIGMOBILE), and the ACM Student Chapter at MIT Bengaluru, is all set to organize ACM Industry Day. The event will be held on 22nd February 2025 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Manipal Institute of Technology, Bengaluru (Audi AB-5).

The aim of the event is to bring industry professionals, researchers, and students under one umbrella to share insights on the emerging trends, share ideas, and foster collaboration in computer and computer science.

The event will feature insightful sessions from renowned experts, including:

Shourya Roy (ACM India & Zepto)

Krishnasuri Narayanam (IBM Research)

Amit Saha (DocLens.ai)

A panel discussion on “Careers in Industry/Research” will bring together esteemed professionals:

Renuka Sindhgatta (IBM Research)

Gururaj H. L. (MAHE-MIT Bangalore)

Anbumunee Ponniah (IBM)

Prasant Misra (TCS Research)

During lunch, attendees will have the opportunity to build and establish connections with industry experts and professionals.

Dr. Shreyas J and Dr. Gururaj H L, faculty sponsors, MITB ACM Student Chapter will be coordinating  the event.

About Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru (MIT B’LRU)

The Garden City of India, Bengaluru, is now home to a new engineering institution – “MIT Bengaluru” – the latest constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). MAHE is proud to open its doors in the bustling cosmopolitan IT hub of Bengaluru by establishing its new engineering campus: MIT Bengaluru. It is offering eight B Tech programs starting in 2021, with approval from the All-India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), MHRD, Government of India. The eight approved programs are Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication, Computer Science and Engineering – Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science and Engineering – Cyber Security, Computer Science and Engineering - Data Science, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering (VLSI Design and Technology), MAHE is recognized as a deemed-to-be university since 1993 and has been accorded the status of Institute of Eminence (IoE) by MHRD, Government of India. Admission to MIT Bengaluru is based on a computer-based online entrance test, MET, conducted by the MAHE

“We Saw The Potential Of Makhana Even Before People Adopted It”: Shashwat Goenka At ABP Network’s Ideas Of India 2025

* “Work-Life Balance Matters—It is Productivity, Not Hours, That Counts”, said Shashwat Goenka

"We discovered the market value of makhana before people even adopted it. Healthy snacking was an untapped space, and we saw the opportunity before it became mainstream," said, Shashwat Goenka, Vice Chairman of the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, at the fourth edition of ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, in Mumbai today.

Participating in the session titled ‘The Next Generation: Making Business Better’, Shashwat Goenka expressed how his organization identified the potential of makhana early.

Adding to the conversation, Shashwat Goenka, said, “Indians have a very unique way of consuming things. They want the punch of flavour in their snacks, but they also want them to be healthy. That’s the balance we aim to perfect. We will always prioritise health, but the taste will trump everything else. If a product is not enjoyable, consumers will not come back to it.”

Speaking on reinventing traditional snacking, Shashwat Goenka noted, "We identified the space of healthy snacking in time. Our bhujias have 45% less saturated fat, but they don’t compromise on taste. Today, we offer a gamut of healthy snacks that cater to evolving consumer preferences. Consumption has changed in the last two decades."

Talking about the evolution of quick commerce, Shashwat Goenka added, "Quick commerce has taken off, and Indian consumers today are more aspirational and willing to try new things. Continuous supply chain availability is key to meeting this demand. "

Speaking on competition and success in the snacking industry, Shashwat Goenka said, “There is a heat of competition in the snacking market. Technology is changing faster than ever, and faster adoption of tech is the key to success. However, it is important to have a work-life balance. The number of hours does not matter; productivity does. Mukesh Ambani is someone I admire in this space as he has perfect vision, as well as Elon Musk."

The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas by global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

About ABP Network

An innovative media and content creation company, ABP Network is a credible voice in the broadcast and digital spheres, with a multi-language portfolio of news channels reaching 535 million individuals in India across YouTube, websites, apps, and social media platforms. ABP Studios, which comes under the purview of ABP Creations – the content innovation arm of the network – creates, produces, and licences original, groundbreaking content outside of news. ABP Network is a group entity of ABP, established almost 100 years ago, and continues to dominate as a leading media company.

Galaxy F06 5G, Samsung’s Most Affordable 5G Smartphone Starting At Just INR 9499, Goes On Sale

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the sale of its most affordable 5G smartphone - Galaxy F06 5G.

Galaxy F06 5G is set to revolutionize the 5G segment with the perfect blend of high-performance and style. Galaxy F06 5G will provide a complete 5G experience at an affordable price, making 5G technology accessible for more consumers and accelerate its widespread adoption across the country. Galaxy F06 5G supports 12 5G bands across all telecom operators.

Galaxy F06 5G features a ‘Ripple Glow’ finish that shimmers with every movement exuding elegance and sophistication. Featuring a 6.7” large HD+ display, Galaxy F06 5G offers consumers stunning visuals and an elevated viewing experience. The smartphone is 8mm sleek and weighs only 191 grams, making it incredibly ergonomic to use. Galaxy F06 5G will be available in two strikingly bold and mesmerizing colours – Bahama Blue and Lit Violet.  

Housing a striking new camera deco, Galaxy F06 5G features a high-resolution 50MP wide-angle lens with F1.8 aperture capturing vibrant, detailed photos, while the 2MP depth-sensing camera delivers pictures with enhanced clarity. The 8MP front camera ensures your selfies are crisp and clear.

Galaxy F06 5G is powered by MediaTek D6300, one of the segment’s best processor having an AnTuTu score of upto 416K+ making it fast and power-efficient, allowing you to multi-task smoothly. Galaxy F06 5G delivers a swift mobile gaming experience with high-speed connectivity along with high-quality audio and visuals. Additionally, Galaxy F06 5G packs in 5000mAh battery with segment-leading 25W fast charging.

Samsung is reaffirming its commitment to customer satisfaction by providing best-in-segment 4 generations of OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates with Galaxy F06 5G, ensuring users can enjoy the latest features and enhanced security for years to come. 

Galaxy F06 5G will feature one of Samsung’s most innovative security features: Samsung Knox Vault. The hardware-based security system offers comprehensive protection against both hardware and software attacks. Additionally, Galaxy F06 5G is set to revolutionize consumer experience with innovations such as Voice Focus that cuts the ambient noise for a clear calling experience and the Quick Share feature which enables users to instantly share files, photos and documents with any other device, even if they are faraway, including your laptop and tab, privately.  

Godrej Properties Unveils India’s First 3D-Printed G+1 Villa At Godrej Eden Estate, Pune

Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL), one of India’s leading real estate developers, has unveiled India’s first 3D-printed G+1 villa at Godrej Eden Estate, Maan Hinjewadi, Pune in association with Tvasta Engineering. Leveraging cutting-edge 3D printing technology, the company has achieved a significant milestone to set new benchmarks in design, efficiency, and sustainability and marks a transformative moment for the real estate industry.

The villa, constructed using additive manufacturing techniques, demonstrates the potential of 3D printing in revolutionizing home construction. The project, which commenced in June 2024, was successfully completed in just four months, underscoring the speed and efficiency of 3D printing in construction. By employing computer-generated designs, the structure was built layer by layer with specialized materials, significantly reducing construction time, material waste, and labour costs, while ensuring precision and durability. This architectural innovation blends modern aesthetics with sustainable design, introducing elements that redefine contemporary living spaces.

Key Features of the 3D-Printed Villa:

·         The villa’s organic and fluid form, shaped using advanced algorithms, enhances both structural integrity and visual appeal.

·         A striking architectural feature that maximizes natural light, reduces energy consumption, and creates an expansive, open feel.

·         Replacing conventional straight staircases, this sculptural element adds an artistic and dynamic touch to the home’s interior.

·         Inspired by nature, the villa’s flowing lines seamlessly integrate with its surroundings, fostering a sense of harmony and well-being.

·         A signature of 3D-printed architecture, the layered exterior pattern showcases the precision of the technology, lending the structure a unique and futuristic aesthetic.

This achievement sets the stage for wider adoption of 3D printing in Indian real estate, paving the way for smarter, more sustainable cities. By integrating advanced design principles with environmentally conscious construction, Godrej Properties continues to redefine modern living and shape the future of housing in India.

Commenting on the milestone, Vikas Singhal, Chief Operating Officer, Godrej Properties, said, "At Godrej Properties, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, and sustainability in real estate. The unveiling of India’s first 3D-printed villa at Godrej Eden Estate is a testament to our vision of pioneering futuristic, efficient, and eco-friendly construction methods. 3D printing has the potential to transform homebuilding by making it faster, more precise, significantly more sustainable, and incorporates energy-efficient features that reduce the project’s environmental impact. We are proud to introduce this technology to the Indian real estate sector and look forward to exploring its further applications in the future."

Kotak Mahindra Bank Announces Key Leadership Appointments

Kotak Mahindra Bank today announced the appointments of Vyomesh Kapasi as the new Head of Products - Consumer Bank at Kotak Mahindra Bank and Shahrukh Todiwala as the new MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited (KMPL).

Announcing the changes, Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, "These appointments underscore the deep bench strength at Kotak and our commitment to fostering leadership talent. Vyomesh's extensive experience and proven track record in driving growth and innovation will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our consumer products. Shahrukh's deep understanding of the vehicle financing market will ensure that KMPL continues to thrive and deliver exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders."

Vyomesh joins Kotak Mahindra Bank from KMPL, where he served as the MD & CEO and led the company to new heights. With over three decades of experience in the financial sector, Vyomesh brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. 

Shahrukh Todiwala takes over from Vyomesh Kapasi as the new MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited. Shahrukh has been with KMPL since 1995, and currently heads Wholesale and Retail vehicle finance businesses at KMPL. He has played a key role in the company's strategic initiatives and has a deep understanding of the vehicle financing market.

IPRS Brings “My Music, My Rights” Season 2 To Bengaluru With An Impactful Session For Music Creators

The Bengaluru edition of the “My Music, My Rights: Creators Connect Programme” by the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) witnessed an overwhelming response, as Bengaluru, known for its thriving independent music scene, welcomed music creators, independent artists, and industry professionals eager to gain crucial insights into the evolving music ecosystem. The event, hosted at Indian Music Experience Museum, provided a dynamic platform for creators to deepen their understanding of IP rights, royalties, music publishing, and digital monetization strategies.

The session featured engaging panel discussions and expert-led presentations, equipping participants with actionable strategies to navigate the music industry. Industry leaders shared their expertise on critical aspects such as enhancing music production, leveraging YouTube’s potential, and exploring sustainable career opportunities in the creative economy.

Speakers included Karan Grover, Senior Director – India, Middle East & Africa, Dolby Labs; Santhosh Kumar (Vice President Think Music, Believe); Panimalar K (Rach? Publishing); Mr. Ujjwal Mukhia (Founder & CEO Artist Connect); Varun Murali (Guitarist at Swarathma, Music Producer and Founder The Red Music Box); Deepak Hariharan (Creative Director Paradox Studios) and Sangeetha Rajeev (Singer-Songwriter) and Mrs. Rumpa Banerjee, Head of Marketing, Communication & Member Relations at IPRS. The discussion offered invaluable perspectives on the business of music, guiding attendees on protecting their rights and maximizing their creative output.

Varun Murali, Guitarist at Swarathma, Music Producer, and Founder of The Red Music Box, shared his insights, stating, “The journey of an artist is as much about passion as it is about knowledge and awareness. Platforms like ‘My Music, My Rights’ provide artists with the essential tools and understanding to protect and monetize their creations, ensuring a more secure and thriving music career.”

Adding to this, Singer-Songwriter Sangeetha Rajeev remarked, “Music creators often focus solely on their art, but knowing how to safeguard and benefit from it is just as important. IPRS’s initiative is a game-changer, enabling artists to take charge of their rights and revenues in a rapidly evolving industry.”

Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, expressed, “It’s immensely rewarding to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the creators today. The overwhelming response reinforces IPRS’s commitment to empowering music creators by educating them about their rights and the resources available to them. To see such a diverse group of creators come together to learn, share, and grow is inspiring. This initiative is all about fostering a culture where creators are empowered, and their contributions are acknowledged and rewarded.”

Bengaluru, with its rich musical heritage and vibrant community of independent artists, proved to be the perfect backdrop for the ‘My Music, My Rights’ initiative. Building on the momentum of this session, upcoming editions of ‘My Music, My Rights’ are scheduled for Chennai on 6th March, Lucknow on 26th March, and Patna on 9th April, continuing IPRS’s mission to empower music creators nationwide.

 The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) remains committed to safeguarding the rights of music creators, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to build sustainable careers while contributing to a more equitable and thriving music industry.