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Friday, January 9, 2026
Ed-a-Mamma Expands Portfolio With Expert-Approved Baby Personal Care Range
* Launches ‘Your Baby Safe’ range, bringing safe and everyday baby care solutions~
Ed-a-Mamma, the purpose-driven children’s lifestyle brand founded by Alia Bhatt, today announced its entry into the baby and kids personal care category, marking a key step in the brand’s multi-category growth journey. This expansion goes beyond apparel, toys, books, and bedding into everyday essentials designed for conscious families, bringing safety, sustainability, and care into daily routines.
The category was unveiled at a marquee launch event at Jio World Drive, Mumbai, where Alia Bhatt introduced the full product portfolio and shared the brand film highlighting a simple, universal insight - every parent wants to keep their children safe. The film also celebrates parenting as a shared, everyday journey. A panel discussion followed, bringing together experts across paediatrics and dermatology as well as parents to discuss ingredient safety, sustainability, and the evolving needs of today’s families.
The ‘Your Baby Safe’ range includes skin, bath, hygiene, and laundry care products - covering head-to-toe baby wash, baby lotion, massage oil, talc-free powder, anti-rash balm, wet wipes, and laundry detergent. All formulations are dermatologically tested, paediatrician-recommended, hypoallergenic, and created using plant-derived actives. The products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulphates, talc, mineral oils, artificial dyes, and harsh chemicals.
Speaking on the expansion, Alia Bhatt, Founder, Ed-a-Mamma, said, “Ed‑a‑Mamma has always been about growing with families, listening to what parents need and creating products that feel safe. Expanding into baby care is an exciting new chapter for the brand, because we’re all about making everyday routines a little easier. Parenting is a shared journey, and through this expansion we want to support moms, dads and caregivers with essentials that are gentle, thoughtful and sustainable.”
In line with Ed-a-Mamma’s sustainability commitments, every unit sold diverts 0.5 kg of plastic waste through verified Indian waste recovery programs, reducing environmental impact and supporting livelihoods for waste workers. This effort not only mitigates environmental impact but also makes the brand plastic positive, reflecting the brand’s integrated environmental and social impact model.
Alia further added, "We spent a lot of time thinking about packaging, because being conscious has always been part of who we are. Recycled plastic isn’t always safe for baby care, so we chose virgin, food-grade bottles - but we’re taking responsibility for the planet too. Every bottle we make is part of our plastic-positive approach, helping to divert more plastic from landfills than we use.”
The personal care portfolio supports Ed-a-Mamma’s omni-channel expansion strategy and will be available on its D2C platform www.edamamma.com and flagship stores across Mumbai, Pune, Noida, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The addition aligns with the brand’s broader expansion plans as it builds presence within India’s evolving baby and family care market.
Shubman Gill Features In Global Campaign For Nike’s Neuroscience-Based Footwear To Help Athletes Feel Calm, Focused And Present
Nike announces Indian cricket champion Shubman Gill as the face of its global campaign for Nike Mind 001 mule and Mind 002, its first neuroscience-based footwear. Gill brings to life the mindset at the core of Nike Mind, designed to help athletes* stay present before and after competition. The two mind-altering silhouettes, scientifically shown to activate key sensory areas of the brain via underfoot stimulation, deepen an athlete’s awareness, helping ground them in their bodies and bring them back to the present moment.
“As athletes, we know how much of our performance comes down to what’s happening in our mind, just as much as our physical training”, says Shubman Gill. “Growing up, I have worn plenty of Nike gear across different stages of my sport, Nike’s commitment to innovation and quality is unmatched. It’s great to see them creating innovations that support not just the physical demands of athletes, but the mental side as well.”
“Shubman brings a mindset that defines Nike Mind – sharp, disciplined and locked in when it matters most,” said Tarundeep Singh, General Manager, Nike India. “He is an athlete who understands the power of being present, and that makes him a natural fit for this innovation. India’s athlete and sporting community continues to evolve at pace, and we love to see more and more of our athletes on the global stage.”
This is the second appearance of Shubman Gill in a Global Nike campaign in only a matter of months after he recently featured as one of the athletes in the brand’s ‘Just Do It’ campaign.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my partnership with Nike over the years. We share the same core values—authenticity, hard work, and the belief that sport has the power to inspire. I hope moments like these can help to inspire the next generation of Indian athletes to see it and believe it,” says Shubman Gill.
About Nike Mind
An engineering and manufacturing challenge over 10 years in the making, the Mind 001 and Mind 002 feature 22 independent foam nodes per shoe that are bonded to a flexible, water-resistant material that allows them to act as pistons and gimbals as athletes move — imparting the feeling, and even the texture, of the ground directly beneath. This interaction heightens sensory awareness.
The Mind 001 and Mind 002 are the first innovations born from Nike’s Mind Science Department, a cutting-edge group within the Nike Sport Research Lab that’s deepening Nike’s understanding of the mind-body connection. Leveraging one of very few mobile brain and body imaging labs in the world, the Mind Science Department’s neuroscientists study the nervous system, brain activity and cognition of athletes in motion — leading to unique insights informing a completely new category of products and services to help athletes better prepare, train, compete and recover.
The Mind 001 mule offers easy-on, easy-off convenience and comfort, while the Mind 002 sneaker anchors the foot to the footbed for increased sensation and support. To complement Nike Mind’s innovative application of mind science research, every element of both styles — form, material and construction — was carefully considered to ensure a premium experience of the technology. This amplifies the athlete’s connection with their footwear, environment and body, making the Mind 001 and Mind 002 not only worn but felt.
The first release of Nike Mind 001 and Mind 002 is available at nike.com for a limited time in January in India. Further availability still to be confirmed.
*If you have a body, you are an athlete.
Tanishq Announces Ananya Panday As The Face Of The Brand With Its Latest Festival Of Diamonds Campaign
Following this announcement, Tanishq brings back its much-anticipated Festival of Diamonds, the brand’s biggest annual celebration of natural diamond jewellery. Over the years, the Festival of Diamonds has become a key moment for customers to explore Tanishq’s expansive diamond universe, spanning modern everyday essentials to statement pieces. This year, the festival reaffirms Tanishq’s leadership in modern, versatile, and design-led everyday natural diamond jewellery, crafted for women who express themselves with confidence and ease.
As part of the Festival of Diamonds, Tanishq presents over 10,000 diamond designs, offering one of the most comprehensive assortments of everyday diamond jewellery - across multiple categories like earrings, earcuffs, sui-dhagas, drops, hoops, studs, rings, neckwears bangles, bracelets and much more. With designs starting at ₹20,000 onwards and a flat 20% off on the diamond value,the festival underscores Tanishq’s commitment to making natural diamonds more accessible—without compromising on craftsmanship, design integrity, or trust. The offering caters equally to first-time diamond buyers, seasoned collectors, and those looking to add effortless sparkle to their everyday style.
Adding to the celebration, Tanishq launches a new Festival of Diamonds campaign featuring Ananya Panday, built around the childlike joy and inner freedom that diamonds awaken in every woman. Anchored by the line “Give wings to the girl within,” the film captures moments of uninhibited joy and playful discovery as Ananya explores a range of contemporary natural diamond designs—revealing, in a gentle twist, that the carefree little girl on screen is Ananya herself. The campaign celebrates the inner child within today’s woman, showing how natural diamonds go beyond milestones to become expressions of everyday joy, self-expression, and individuality, seamlessly woven into her life while reflecting their authenticity, emotional depth, and enduring value.
Speaking on the association, Pelki Tshering, Chief Marketing Officer, Titan Company Limited, said, “The Festival of Diamonds celebrates the instinctive joy that Tanishq’s natural diamonds evoke. With an exquisite range of designs to choose from, the experience lies not just in finding a piece, but in discovering one you instantly fall in love with. Ananya Panday was a natural choice for us. Her modern, emotionally authentic energy reflects how women live with jewellery today—effortlessly and every day. Together, this campaign celebrates the joy of discovering diamonds and giving wings to the girl within all of us.”
Speaking on her association with Tanishq, Ananya Panday said, “I am truly excited to come on board as the face of Tanishq, a brand that has always stood for women across all generations, celebrating trust, authenticity, and timeless beauty. I’ve always manifested working with Tanishq, and this association feels incredibly special. Being part of a narrative that encourages women to embrace their individuality and wear their confidence every day makes this journey deeply meaningful to me.”
With its return, the Festival of Diamonds once again invites customers to discover jewellery that resonates with their personal style and everyday moments. Customers can visit their nearest Tanishq store or shop online at https://www.tanishq.co.in/festival-of-diamond to explore the Festival of Diamonds.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Engineering The Future: Global Leaders Unite At GITAM For The 13th ICTIEE 2026
● With 500+ delegates in attendance, the conference provided a roadmap for building classrooms that are more interactive, resilient, and student-focused than ever before
● Total of 76 research papers were presented by faculty members that will be published as part of JEET Journal
GITAM (Deemed to be University) a premier institution driving innovation through multidisciplinary education and impactful research, hosted the 13th International Conference on Transformations in Engineering Education (ICTIEE 2026) at its Bengaluru campus,marking high-impact dialogue and global collaboration. Hosted in partnership with The Indo Universal Collaboration For Engineering Education (IUCEE Foundation), the flagship event based on the theme - “Transforming Teaching and Learning Ecosystems in the AI-Driven World”, brought educators and industry leaders together to innovative pedagogical practices and research aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of engineering and higher education worldwide.
The conference was graced by Dr. S. Vidyashankar, Vice Chancellor Visvesvaraya Technological University. Dr. Ashok S. Shettar, Pro Chancellor, KLE Technological University, Prof. Basavaraj Gundappa K, Pro Vice Chancellor GITAM University, Bengaluru & conference General Chair, along with other key dignitaries, students and faculty members.
Dr Vidyashankar, Vice Chancellor Visvesvaraya Technological University, emphasized that transformation in engineering education is no longer a choice; it is a necessity. He also highlighted the fact by sharing global best practices, how institutions are collectively ensuring that Indian engineering graduates remain leaders on the world stage.
Echoing the same thoughts, Dr. Ashok S. Shettar, Pro Chancellor, KLE Technological University, highlighted the fact that the classrooms must be a lab for ingenuity, not just a hall for information. He also emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary collaborations that will produce the adaptable leaders the AI-driven world demands.
Commenting on the conference, Prof. Basavaraj Gundappa K, Pro Vice Chancellor GITAM University, Bengaluru & conference General Chair Said,“Our goal wasn't just to talk about AI, but to figure out how we keep the student at the heart of the learning process. I believe the roadmaps developed here at ICTIEE 2026 will serve as the foundation for a more creative, resilient, and human-centric approach to engineering education."
The keynote sessions at ICTIEE 2026 pushed the boundaries of traditional academia, sparking a series of provocative conversations. Experts led deep dives into the 'AI Faculty Lounge,' exploring the shifting dynamics of classrooms where bots act as co-teachers, while other sessions championed a move 'From Passive to Play' through gamified engineering curriculum. Throughout the conference, a singular message emerged: education must be treated as a living system. Speakers emphasised to view AI not as a replacement for the educator, but as a powerful catalyst to reignite student motivation and engagement in a rapidly evolving era.
"Our students aren't waiting for the future—they're building it. This year’s forum proved that when you combine a young person’s empathy with AI’s speed, magic happens. We’re teaching them to be more than just engineers; we’re teaching them to be visionaries who anticipate challenges before they even arrive.” said Krishna Vedula,IUCEE Foundation
Set against the ambitious backdrop of the conference theme, various university leaders took center stage for a panel on “Leading change in response to advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” it explored the urgent responsibility academic leaders face in pivoting their institutions. The panel discussion highlighted how the ecosystems can be guided through the AI shift without losing the human element that defines a great education.
The conference also provided a platform for presentation of 76 research papers that were presented by faculty members that will get published in JEET journal spanning across topics such as
● Innovative Pedagogies and Active Learning
● Research-Informed Curriculum and Course Design
● Assessment, Feedback, and Learning Outcomes
● Faculty Development and Educational Leadership
● Emerging Technologies and Future Skills
In conjunction with the ongoing conference, the The Indo Universal Collaboration For Engineering Education foundation (IUCEE) also hosted its IUCEE Annual Student Forum 2026, at the GITAM Bengaluru campus which will provide students a platform to showcase collaboration, innovation and leadership.
The conference was graced by Dr. S. Vidyashankar, Vice Chancellor Visvesvaraya Technological University. Dr. Ashok S. Shettar, Pro Chancellor, KLE Technological University, Prof. Basavaraj Gundappa K, Pro Vice Chancellor GITAM University, Bengaluru & conference General Chair, along with other key dignitaries, students and faculty members.
Dr Vidyashankar, Vice Chancellor Visvesvaraya Technological University, emphasized that transformation in engineering education is no longer a choice; it is a necessity. He also highlighted the fact by sharing global best practices, how institutions are collectively ensuring that Indian engineering graduates remain leaders on the world stage.
Echoing the same thoughts, Dr. Ashok S. Shettar, Pro Chancellor, KLE Technological University, highlighted the fact that the classrooms must be a lab for ingenuity, not just a hall for information. He also emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary collaborations that will produce the adaptable leaders the AI-driven world demands.
Commenting on the conference, Prof. Basavaraj Gundappa K, Pro Vice Chancellor GITAM University, Bengaluru & conference General Chair Said,“Our goal wasn't just to talk about AI, but to figure out how we keep the student at the heart of the learning process. I believe the roadmaps developed here at ICTIEE 2026 will serve as the foundation for a more creative, resilient, and human-centric approach to engineering education."
The keynote sessions at ICTIEE 2026 pushed the boundaries of traditional academia, sparking a series of provocative conversations. Experts led deep dives into the 'AI Faculty Lounge,' exploring the shifting dynamics of classrooms where bots act as co-teachers, while other sessions championed a move 'From Passive to Play' through gamified engineering curriculum. Throughout the conference, a singular message emerged: education must be treated as a living system. Speakers emphasised to view AI not as a replacement for the educator, but as a powerful catalyst to reignite student motivation and engagement in a rapidly evolving era.
"Our students aren't waiting for the future—they're building it. This year’s forum proved that when you combine a young person’s empathy with AI’s speed, magic happens. We’re teaching them to be more than just engineers; we’re teaching them to be visionaries who anticipate challenges before they even arrive.” said Krishna Vedula,IUCEE Foundation
Set against the ambitious backdrop of the conference theme, various university leaders took center stage for a panel on “Leading change in response to advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” it explored the urgent responsibility academic leaders face in pivoting their institutions. The panel discussion highlighted how the ecosystems can be guided through the AI shift without losing the human element that defines a great education.
The conference also provided a platform for presentation of 76 research papers that were presented by faculty members that will get published in JEET journal spanning across topics such as
● Innovative Pedagogies and Active Learning
● Research-Informed Curriculum and Course Design
● Assessment, Feedback, and Learning Outcomes
● Faculty Development and Educational Leadership
● Emerging Technologies and Future Skills
In conjunction with the ongoing conference, the The Indo Universal Collaboration For Engineering Education foundation (IUCEE) also hosted its IUCEE Annual Student Forum 2026, at the GITAM Bengaluru campus which will provide students a platform to showcase collaboration, innovation and leadership.
Suzuki Motorcycle India Hits 10 Million Units Production Milestone In Its 20th Year
· Growth Acceleration: First 5 million units achieved in 2020; the next 5 million added in just 6 years
· Celebration Model: Suzuki Access Ride Connect Edition becomes the 10 millionth unit
· Segment Pioneer: India’s first 125cc scooter Suzuki Access
· India to the World: Suzuki two-wheelers exports to 60+ international markets
· Strong Network: 1,200+ touchpoints supporting customers nationwide
· Future Mobility: Progress towards carbon neutrality with GIXXER SF 250 FFV & e-ACCESS
· Iconic Leap: Made-in-India Hayabusa redefined premium motorcycling in the country
· Capacity Expansion: New Kharkhoda Plant to strengthen manufacturing capacity
Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, today announced a major landmark in its manufacturing journey with the roll-out its 10 millionth two-wheeler from its Gurugram (India) plant. This achievement reflects SMIPL’s steady growth and presence in the Indian two-wheeler market, built on the trust and confidence of customers across the country.
Two-Decades of Growth in India
Since starting operations in 2006, SMIPL’s journey in India has grown over the years. The company reached the first 5 million production milestone in 2020, within 14 years after rolling out its first vehicle. Over the next few years, SMIPL entered a phase of accelerated growth driven by rising customers demand and a broader product line-up, leading to the roll out of SMIPL’s 10 millionth unit, Suzuki Access Ride Connect Edition, in 2026.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Reaching the 10 million production mark is a significant achievement for all of us at SMIPL. This has been made possible by the trust and support of our customers, dealer partners, suppliers, and employees, who have stood with us throughout this journey. By expanding our product portfolio, strengthening manufacturing capabilities and focusing on quality and reliability, we have steadily scaled our operations in India. Going ahead, we are further expanding our production capacity, strengthening our sales and service network, and deepening customer experience through engaging activities across the country. True to our promise of standing ‘By Your Side’, we continue to stand ‘By Your Side’ - customers, dealer partners, suppliers, and employees at every stage.”
Products that Shaped the Milestone
At the centre of SMIPL’s growth story is the Suzuki Access 125, a scooter that not only established the mass 125cc scooter segment but also shaped it in a meaningful and scalable way. Evolving across three generations, the Access has grown alongside Indian customers, adapting to changing needs and advancing technology, becoming a trusted family scooter and SMIPL’s highest-selling model.
Over the years, SMIPL has built a robust product portfolio. This includes the Access, Burgman and Avenis in scooters. Its motorcycles include the GIXXER series (in 150cc & 250cc segments), V-Strom SX, and big bikes: GSX-8R, V-Strom 800 DE, and the Hayabusa, each contributing significantly to this achievement. SMIPL’s premium design language, fuel efficiency, Japanese engineering, and customer-first philosophy have consistently helped the brand expand its footprint and popularity. Alongside its products, SMIPL’s commitment to Indian consumers goes beyond sales with ‘Joy of Safety’ program promoting responsible riding.
Looking Ahead: Multi-Pathway Mobility Solutions and Expansion
In line with its goal of achieving carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach, SMIPL added the GIXXER SF 250 Flex Fuel, its first E85 fuel-compliant motorcycle. The company has also announced its entry into the electric two-wheeler space with the Suzuki e-ACCESS.
Today, SMIPL operates through a strong network of more than 1,200 touchpoints across the country and exports made-in-India Suzuki two-wheelers to over 60 international markets.
To support rising demand and future growth, SMIPL is taking a significant step forward with the development of its second manufacturing facility at Kharkhoda, Haryana. The new plant will further expand production capacity and strengthen SMIPL’s ability to support future growth.
Celebrating 10 Million Milestone: SMIPL Rewards Its Customers*
Staying by the side of its customers, SMIPL is thanking its customers with a set of limited period offers on retail finance. Customers can avail a zero-processing fee on loans or a waiver of last EMI. As a gesture of appreciation for both new and existing Suzuki customers, SMIPL is offering a complimentary 10-point vehicle check-up and 10% discount on labour charges and genuine accessories, making the celebrations more rewarding across SMIPL’s touchpoints.
* Offers valid for a limited period only. Terms & Conditions apply. To know more, contact your nearest Suzuki dealership.
ABOUT SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA PVT LTD (SMIPL)
Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL), a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, started its India operations in February 2006 from its manufacturing plant at Kherki Daula, Gurugram, Haryana, having an annual production capacity of 1.3 million unit. The company manufactures scooters (125cc), premium motorcycles (150cc and above) and the Big-Bikes best suited for Indian customers.
Picture Caption (From Left To Right):
Mr. Yasuyuki Ikeuchi (Director & Operations Manager – Production, SMIPL),
Mr. Kenichi Umeda (Managing Director, SMIPL),
Mr. Sanjay Singh (Executive Vice-President – Production, SMIPL)
Small Steps, Big Impact: Rural Entrepreneurs Transform Their Lives In Karnataka
In the heart of rural Karnataka, two remarkable journeys - one of a couple reinventing their livelihood through food, and another of a young mother stitching her way to independence - capture the quiet transformation unfolding in rural India.
At the heart of both stories is Manuvikasa, an NGO committed to community-led development with a presence across Uttara Karnataka, Shivamogga, Haveri, Dharwad, Udupi districts. Supported by EdelGive Foundation, the organization has become a catalyst for livelihood creation through skills, mentoring, and market linkage.
Along a busy highway in Hirehalli village in Mundgod block, the scent of dosas and pav bhaji fills the air from Baby Sumayya Fast Food, run by Noorjahan and Nizamuddin, a couple in their 60s who turned their catering skills into a thriving fast-food business.
Their journey began with a small, rural hotel that struggled due to its location. Everything changed when Noorjahan joined a catering and food entrepreneurship training conducted by Manuvikasa. This recharged their entrepreneurial drive giving them confidence to relocate their venture on a main road, giving rise to a local culinary landmark.
Today, Baby Sumayya Fast Food, named after their granddaughter. earns around ₹2,000 a day and caters for large local orders. Noorjahan can set aside ₹500 daily. With steady income and growing customer demand, the couple has transformed their family’s financial situation and are inspiring neighbours to think about starting their own businesses.
Their journey reflects how skill development, paired with continuous guidance, can unlock livelihoods even for those beyond the ‘working age’.
A few 100 kms away in Shirwada village, 38-year-old Rajamma Kumar Shiggavi is weaving her own story of change. With her husband working as a daily-wage mason and two young children to care for, Rajamma had long dreamt of becoming a skilled tailor.
She owned a basic sewing machine but lacked professional training. She used it to sew simple blouses and petticoats for her neighbours but lacked the skills to design more complex garments like blouses, churidars, and others. Financial constraints prevented her from attending tailoring classes, so she was trying to learn through YouTube tutorials.
When Manuvikasa launched a 60-day tailoring program in her village, she grabbed the opportunity. Apart from technical skills, the program introduced her to entrepreneurship, financial planning, and government support schemes. Throughout the training, Manuvikasa’s staff emphasized the importance of self-employment, shared inspiring stories of other women entrepreneurs, and explained various government schemes. "The information about these schemes was very useful," Rajamma said. "In this class, we learned to design blouses, churidars, umbrella frocks, uniforms, petticoats, caps, and more."
After training, Rajamma opened M.K.S. Ladies Tailor in a rented space for ₹1,500 a month. Her clientele quickly grew - from elderly women to college students and working professionals. Orders grew so rapidly that she hired another woman to help stitch uniforms, paying her fair wages. Rajamma’s monthly income now ranges between ₹8,000–₹10,000, and she recently invested in a new speed machine to keep up with demand. Nowadays, she has so many orders, she has hired another person to stitch uniforms. Recently, she also purchased a speed machine.
Her shop has become a symbol of aspiration for many women in the area — proof that small skill-building opportunities can yield enormous social and economic dividends. Rajamma’s goal is to develop an appealing and innovative shop and to provide a good education for her children.
These inspiring stories from rural Karnataka prove that with the right training and trust, small steps can indeed create big, lasting impact. They share a common thread - the power of local organizations empowered with the right resources and partnerships. Manuvikasa’s ability to identify potential, nurture skills, and sustain livelihoods is made possible through the support of EdelGive Foundation.
EdelGive’s approach represents a shift in philanthropy — from direct aid to ecosystem building. By identifying credible community-based organizations and investing in their long-term capacity, each such collaboration multiplies outcomes — one grant can enable hundreds of lives to evolve through skill, confidence, and enterprise.
For Noorjahan, Nizamuddin, and Rajamma, what began as a small step — a training, a shift in perspective, a chance taken — became a turning point toward dignity and independence. For Manuvikasa and EdelGive, their journeys reaffirm a simple truth: lasting change begins when communities are given the tools to shape their own future.
At the heart of both stories is Manuvikasa, an NGO committed to community-led development with a presence across Uttara Karnataka, Shivamogga, Haveri, Dharwad, Udupi districts. Supported by EdelGive Foundation, the organization has become a catalyst for livelihood creation through skills, mentoring, and market linkage.
Along a busy highway in Hirehalli village in Mundgod block, the scent of dosas and pav bhaji fills the air from Baby Sumayya Fast Food, run by Noorjahan and Nizamuddin, a couple in their 60s who turned their catering skills into a thriving fast-food business.
Their journey began with a small, rural hotel that struggled due to its location. Everything changed when Noorjahan joined a catering and food entrepreneurship training conducted by Manuvikasa. This recharged their entrepreneurial drive giving them confidence to relocate their venture on a main road, giving rise to a local culinary landmark.
Today, Baby Sumayya Fast Food, named after their granddaughter. earns around ₹2,000 a day and caters for large local orders. Noorjahan can set aside ₹500 daily. With steady income and growing customer demand, the couple has transformed their family’s financial situation and are inspiring neighbours to think about starting their own businesses.
Their journey reflects how skill development, paired with continuous guidance, can unlock livelihoods even for those beyond the ‘working age’.
A few 100 kms away in Shirwada village, 38-year-old Rajamma Kumar Shiggavi is weaving her own story of change. With her husband working as a daily-wage mason and two young children to care for, Rajamma had long dreamt of becoming a skilled tailor.
She owned a basic sewing machine but lacked professional training. She used it to sew simple blouses and petticoats for her neighbours but lacked the skills to design more complex garments like blouses, churidars, and others. Financial constraints prevented her from attending tailoring classes, so she was trying to learn through YouTube tutorials.
When Manuvikasa launched a 60-day tailoring program in her village, she grabbed the opportunity. Apart from technical skills, the program introduced her to entrepreneurship, financial planning, and government support schemes. Throughout the training, Manuvikasa’s staff emphasized the importance of self-employment, shared inspiring stories of other women entrepreneurs, and explained various government schemes. "The information about these schemes was very useful," Rajamma said. "In this class, we learned to design blouses, churidars, umbrella frocks, uniforms, petticoats, caps, and more."
After training, Rajamma opened M.K.S. Ladies Tailor in a rented space for ₹1,500 a month. Her clientele quickly grew - from elderly women to college students and working professionals. Orders grew so rapidly that she hired another woman to help stitch uniforms, paying her fair wages. Rajamma’s monthly income now ranges between ₹8,000–₹10,000, and she recently invested in a new speed machine to keep up with demand. Nowadays, she has so many orders, she has hired another person to stitch uniforms. Recently, she also purchased a speed machine.
Her shop has become a symbol of aspiration for many women in the area — proof that small skill-building opportunities can yield enormous social and economic dividends. Rajamma’s goal is to develop an appealing and innovative shop and to provide a good education for her children.
These inspiring stories from rural Karnataka prove that with the right training and trust, small steps can indeed create big, lasting impact. They share a common thread - the power of local organizations empowered with the right resources and partnerships. Manuvikasa’s ability to identify potential, nurture skills, and sustain livelihoods is made possible through the support of EdelGive Foundation.
EdelGive’s approach represents a shift in philanthropy — from direct aid to ecosystem building. By identifying credible community-based organizations and investing in their long-term capacity, each such collaboration multiplies outcomes — one grant can enable hundreds of lives to evolve through skill, confidence, and enterprise.
For Noorjahan, Nizamuddin, and Rajamma, what began as a small step — a training, a shift in perspective, a chance taken — became a turning point toward dignity and independence. For Manuvikasa and EdelGive, their journeys reaffirm a simple truth: lasting change begins when communities are given the tools to shape their own future.
10 Years Of PhonePe: Celebrating A Decade Of Building For Bharat
PhonePe recently marked a decade of innovation, celebrating ten years in India’s fintech ecosystem. This milestone represents a decade of driving progress and expanding financial access for millions, transforming the way India transacts and manages money.
In the year 2025, PhonePe reached a significant milestone by surpassing 600 million registered users, further cementing its role as a cornerstone of India’s digital economy. This year focused on deepening user trust and expanding accessibility through the launch of features such as UPI Circle, which enables delegated payments for trusted contacts, and PhonePe Protect, a security framework designed to safeguard millions against fraudulent transactions.
To further empower the merchant ecosystem, PhonePe introduced the Made-in-India SmartSpeaker and SmartPOD, driving financial inclusion for businesses nationwide. Through its Udyam Assist initiative in partnership with SIDBI, the company became one of the first institutions to deliver a digital-first integration for MSMEs, streamlining their access to formal credit. Additionally, PhonePe scaled its product offerings for consumers by launching affordable, essential protection such as Home Insurance and Health Insurance for India’s "Missing Middle," while unlocking liquidity through innovative lending solutions such as Loan Against Mutual Funds, ensuring that key financial services are accessible to millions.
Reflecting on this journey, Sameer Nigam, Founder & CEO, PhonePe said “The most exciting part of our ten-year journey is that, despite how far we have come, the summit is still not in sight. We don’t yet know how high or wide it will be, and that’s what makes it exciting. With thousands of passionate, driven people striving every day to be the best in their craft, this journey remains as meaningful and energising as ever.”
Rahul Chari, Founder & CTO, PhonePe added “I am incredibly proud of what we have built at PhonePe. The goodwill and support from the industry and the wider ecosystem have been humbling. If there’s one lasting lesson from this journey, it’s building something people truly believe in, because passion is what turns an idea into impact.”
Since its inception, PhonePe has consistently redefined the Indian fintech landscape through a series of industry-first innovations aimed at democratizing financial services. From Digital Gold and Mutual Funds to making Insurance and Stock Broking accessible to the masses, the company has evolved from a payments app into a comprehensive financial ecosystem. Key milestones include the launch of PhonePe Business app, giving merchants clarity and control over their payments, and Merchant Lending to empower small businesses, Credit Line on UPI making access to credit seamless, the introduction of Cross-Border UPI and UPI Lite for frictionless transactions, and the 2024 launch of the Indus Appstore, Share.Market and Secured Lending platforms. By relocating its domicile to India in 2022 and continuously expanding into credit and wealth management, PhonePe has moved beyond simple utility to become an integral part of India’s financial fabric, ensuring that protection, investment, and credit are rights accessible to every citizen of the country.
About PhonePe:
PhonePe Limited (Formerly PhonePe Private Limited) is a technology company that builds digital platforms for Payments, Digital Distribution Services, Financial Services and Marketplace Solutions. Headquartered in India, the PhonePe digital payments app was launched in 2016. As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe has over 61 Crore registered users and a digital payments acceptance network spread across over 4.4 Crore merchants.
PhonePe’s products and services include Consumer Payments (including Digital Distribution Services), Merchant Payments, Lending and Insurance Distribution services, and New Platforms, which comprises Share.Market (stock broking and mutual funds distribution platform), and Indus Appstore (Android-based mobile app marketplace).
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