Thursday, March 26, 2026

IIHM Bangalore Hosts International Women’s Day 2026 Panel On Women’s Mental, Emotional & Hormonal Health

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Bangalore, commemorated International Women’s Day 2026 with a compelling panel discussion titled ‘The Invisible Load: Navigating Women’s Mental, Emotional & Hormonal Health in a High-Performance World.’ The event brought together a diverse group of thought leaders to explore the intersection of well-being and professional excellence.

Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management, addressed the gathering virtually, said, “At IHM, we take immense pride in fostering an environment where women are not just participants, but leaders. Today, we celebrate the incredible professional and personal milestones of the achievers on our campus. By providing a gourmet hospitality experience curated by our students, we are not just hosting an event; we are honouring the spirit of leadership that defines the modern woman in the hospitality industry and beyond.”

Hon’ble Shabinaa Sultana, Honorary Consul, Republic of Tunisia, who attended the event, said, “Emotional well-being is not a gender-specific issue; it is a human requirement that must be regulated and prioritized across every aspect of our lives. We must move past the social stigma surrounding mental health and understand that seeking help is not an act of escape, but a necessary step toward healing, no different than any other medical prescription. By learning to tackle our emotions rather than suppressing them and by supporting one another across the physical and emotional realms, we create a stronger, more balanced society where every professional can truly thrive.”

The panel discussion addressed the often-overlooked challenges women encounter while balancing personal well-being with professional demands in today’s high-performance environments. It aimed to foster awareness, encourage open dialogue and highlight actionable approaches to achieving holistic health.

Speaking about the importance empathy at workplace, Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, said, “To create a healthy and productive workplace, we must foster a culture rooted in empathy and flexibility. True flexibility should never be penalized; rather, it should be built on a foundation of faith in our people, our organizational structure and our collective ability to deliver results. When we move away from rigid monitoring and instead trust in the outcome, we bridge the gap between simple presence and genuine performance, creating an environment where every professional can thrive.”

Esteemed panelists from Industry shared valuable perspectives on managing stress, maintaining hormonal balance, improving nutrition and building emotional resilience. The discussion also underscored the importance of supportive institutional and workplace ecosystems in enabling women to succeed in demanding roles.

Reaffirming its commitment to women’s empowerment, IIHM emphasized the role of education, dialogue and community engagement in driving meaningful change. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty and industry professionals, making it a significant and impactful observance of International Women’s Day.

The celebrations concluded on a high note with a thoughtfully curated eight-course menu on Indian Progressive cuisine , meticulously prepared by third-year IIHM students. The menu reflected both creativity and culinary excellence, leaving attendees with a memorable and delightful experience.

Chetak Screen Awards: Dhurandhar Leads With 24 Nods; Saiyaara And Homebound Follow Ahead Of April 5 Ceremony

The Indian Express Group's Screen Academy has unveiled the full slate of nominees across 31 categories for its upcoming Chetak Screen Awards ceremony on April 5, celebrating the best of Hindi cinema and OTT from 2025.

Aditya Dhar's spy thriller Dhurandhar received the highest number of nominations at 24, with Mohit Suri's Saiyaara earning 17 and Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound picking up 15. The nominations span theatrical and OTT releases, reflecting the breadth and evolution of contemporary Indian storytelling.

A rigorous, merit-first process

Having been established in 1995, the Screen Awards are anchored in editorial integrity and governed by the Screen Academy, an independent, not-for-profit body of more than 50 acclaimed filmmakers, artistes, and cultural voices. Over 95% of Academy members participated in the evaluation process, with an average of 38–40 members scoring each category using a trimmed mean (Olympic) methodology to ensure fairness and neutrality.

To further strengthen the process, Professor Priya Jaikumar, Chair of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, developed a detailed scoring rubric for Academy members.

For the first time in 20 years, a film award show will be broadcast live. With a special partnership with YouTube, Screen Awards will offer open access to global audiences in line with The Indian Express Group's digital-first approach. It will also be broadcast live on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony Liv.

Nominees

Best Action

120 Bahadur

Chhaava

Deva

Dhurandhar

Jaat

Best Actor (Female)

Triptii Dimri – Dhadak 2

Yami Gautam Dhar – Haq

Sonal Madhushankar – Humans in the Loop

Konkona Sen Sharma – Metro... In Dino

Monika Panwar – Nishaanchi

Radhika Apte – Sister Midnight

Kriti Sanon – Tere Ishk Mein

Best Actor (Female) – OTT Film

Fatima Sana Shaikh – Aap Jaisa Koi

Sanya Malhotra – Mrs

Radhika Apte – Saali Mohabbat

Saba Azad – Songs of Paradise

Mia Maelzer – Stolen

Farida Jalal – The Great Shamsuddin Family

Shreya Chaudhry – The Mehta Boys

Best Actor (Male)

Vicky Kaushal – Chhaava

Siddhant Chaturvedi – Dhadak 2

Ranveer Singh – Dhurandhar

Vishal Jethwa – Homebound

Ishaan Khatter – Homebound

Manoj Bajpayee – Jugnuma: The Fable

Adarsh Gourav – Superboys of Malegaon

Best Actor (Male) – OTT Film

Manoj Bajpayee – Inspector Zende

Abhishek Bachchan – Kaalidhar Laapata

Nawazuddin Siddiqui – Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders

Abhishek Banerjee – Stolen

Shubham Vardhan – Stolen

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female)

Divya Dutta – Chhaava

Sheeba Chadha – Haq

Shalini Vatsa – Homebound

Dolly Ahluwalia – Sitaare Zameen Par

Manjiri Pupala – Superboys of Malegaon

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male)

Akshaye Khanna – Dhurandhar

Rakesh Bedi – Dhurandhar

Naseeruddin Shah – Gustaakh Ishq

Saurabh Shukla – Jolly LLB 3

Deepak Dobriyal – Jugnuma: The Fable

Best Background Score

Chhaava

Dhurandhar

Haq

Homebound

Saiyaara

Best Choreography

Ui Amma – Azaad

Bhasad Macha – Deva

Shararat – Dhurandhar

Panwadi Song – Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari

Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka – Thamma

Best Cinematography

Dhurandhar

Homebound

Humans in the Loop

Jugnuma: The Fable

Superboys of Malegaon

Best Costume

Chhaava

Dhurandhar

Gustaakh Ishq

Homebound

Superboys of Malegaon

Best Dialogue

Dhurandhar

Haq

Homebound

Jolly LLB 3

Superboys of Malegaon

Best Director

Laxman Ramchandra Utekar – Chhaava

Aditya Dhar – Dhurandhar

Suparn S Varma – Haq

Neeraj Ghaywan – Homebound

Raam Reddy – The Fable (Jugnuma)

Mohit Suri – Saiyaara

Reema Kagti – Superboys of Malegaon

Best Director – OTT Film

Arati Kadav – Mrs

Honey Trehan – Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders

Karan Tejpal – Stolen

Anusha Rizvi – The Great Shamsuddin Family

Boman Irani – The Mehta Boys

Best Editing

Dhurandhar

Haq

Homebound

Saiyaara

Superboys of Malegaon

Best Film

Dhadak 2

Dhurandhar

Haq

Homebound

Saiyaara

Sitaare Zameen Par

Superboys of Malegaon

Chhaava

Kenvue India And Indian Academy Of Pediatrics Spotlight Evidence-Based Skincare For Pediatric Sensitive Skin At ‘Oat Nature Lab’

Experts reinforce importance of early intervention and emollient therapy with colloidal oatmeal and Triple Oat Complex in management of sensitive skin conditions

Strengthening its commitment to advancing awareness and science-backed care for sensitive skin in children, Kenvue in India, the makers of Aveeno Baby hosted the second edition of its global scientific immersion, ‘Oat Nature Lab’ in association with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Bengaluru Chapter. The initiative showcases scientific advancements around Pediatric Sensitive Skin management and clinical evidence and efficacy of colloidal oat-based skincare to address this critical skin health condition.

Sensitive skin conditions continue to be a growing concern globally and in India. Atopic Dermatitis, in particular, is known to affect children at significantly higher rates than adults. As per an Indian expert consensus with inputs from IAP, the prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis among Indian children ranges between 20-39% [[1]] [[2]]. In southern cities like Bengaluru”, increased in urbanization, pollution, allergens further worsen these conditions.

Despite this rising burden, skincare in infants and young children is often overlooked and lacks a preventive approach. Amidst this, the event brought leading healthcare professionals together to discuss evolving clinical perspectives, real-world challenges and best practices in managing pediatric sensitive skin conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis (AD), eczema, xerosis, and diaper dermatitis and daily care especially during cleansing and moisturizing routines.

Through interactive experiential walkthroughs, attendees experienced scientific leadership led by Kenvue as well as the brand’s latest India-first innovation, Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Cleansing Bar, a premium soap-free cleansing bar with the power of oats which has been developed with pedriatricians & dermatologists and designed for newborn’s skin.

Giving the keynote address, Dr. A.R. Somashekar, Professor Department of Pediatrics at Ramiah Medical College, Benagluru outlined the growing burden of sensitive skin conditions in Indian children and the need for structured, evidence-based care, followed by Prof. Dr. R. Kishore Kumar, Consultant Neonatologist – Cloudnine Hospital, Jayanagar, Bengaluru discussed advances in baby skin barrier science with an emphasis on evidence-based cleansing practices, while Dr. Vivin Abraham, Consultant pediatrician at Lisie Hospital, Kochi deep dived on clinical insights on eczema and sensitive skin conditions in children. Dr. Divya Sharma, Director, Dr Divya’s Skin & Hair Solutions, Bengaluru further highlighted the importance of early intervention and consistent emollient therapy with nourishing ingredients to manage pediatric sensitive skin health and prevent flareups.

During the panel discussion, Dr. Jayakar Thomas, Director, Department of Dermatology, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, highlighted the importance of educating caregivers and parents at every visit to ensure appropriate care for children suffering from sensitive skin conditions. Additionally, Dr. Sowmya Nagarajan, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Specialist, Bengaluru, noted a recent rise in allergic skin conditions, linking them to a higher risk of associated gut and lung diseases. She emphasized that proper skin care from early life particularly the use of colloidal oatmeal–based moisturizers can significantly improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for both children with sensitive skin conditions and their parents. The discussions underscores findings from Kenvue India standardized consensus recommendations[3] reviewed by IAP on role of colloidal oat-based skincare in management of sensitive skin in children.

Dr. Raghunath C N – President of , IAP Bengaluru Chapter (Bengaluru Pediatric Society-BPS), “In clinical practices, we are increasingly seeing incidents of sensitive skin conditions with significant proportion of pediatric outpatient visits involving dermatological concerns despite hygiene best practices followed. This reinforces the need for early intervention coupled with consistent use of emollients with lipids, ceramides and colloidal oatmeal in improving the damaged skin barrier function. Within this, cleansing as part of overall regime plays a critical role with parents often overbathing their babies due to lack of understanding of skincare best practices and need for specialised cleansing solutions like non-soap bars. We are delighted to complement Kenvue for its continued efforts to enhance science and educational initiatives to improve awareness about skin health in children.”

Dr. Dilip Tripathi, Regional Head, Baby & Women's Health Research & Development, Kenvue, said, "For generations, we have been advancing the science around sensitive skin conditions supported by extensive clinical studies around the benefits of colloidal oatmeal to address the unique needs of sensitive skin especially in children. Unlike many ingredients that primarily offer surface-level moisturization, there is growing clinical evidence on the powerful role of colloidal oatmeal provides relief from dryness and irritation, helps restore the skin barrier, maintain moisture balance. With Aveeno Baby, a product anchored in science, recommended by healthcare professionals, leading India-first innovations and initiatives like 'Oat Nature Lab', we are committed to take science closer to parents and caregivers, enabling them more informed choices to manage daily skincare routines for children."

The event was also attended by leading mommy influencers and parents including Priya Malik, Tanvi Choradia Jain, Gunjan Prehar as they engaged in a candid conversation sharing personal experiences of managing children with sensitive skin conditions, the need for continued awareness and efficacy of colloidal oatmeal and importance of simplified skincare science for caregivers with gentle, consistent routines in managing sensitive skin in children.

With 'Oat Nature Lab', Aveeno Baby continues building on its oat-based scientific legacy, bridging the gap between science and everyday skincare to supporting better skin health outcomes for children.  

About Aveeno Baby®: Aveeno® Baby is a paediatrician recommended brand made with the power of oat for baby’s sensitive skin’. The history of Aveeno® Baby is built upon our commitment to combine scientific research with the ingredients found in nature. Our scientists unlock the power of a selection of natural ingredients – science and nature, working together, in harmony. We bring nourishing solutions to your skincare so even the most sensitive skin feels soothed and moisturized.

Tata Power Completes All Extra High Voltage (EHV) Transmission Lines under SEUPPTCL Project


* With Commissioning of 400 kV Tanda–Gonda and Gonda–Basti Double Circuit

Tata Power today announced the successful commissioning of two transmission lines - 400 Kilovolt (Kv) Tanda–Gonda and 400kV Gonda–Basti double circuit spanning 154 circuit kilometres (Ckm) in Uttar Pradesh. With this milestone, the Company’s has now successfully commissioned all Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission lines and substations under South East UP Power Transmission Company Limited (SEUPPTCL) project. The network now comprises three 765 kV lines comprising 951 Ckm, fourteen 400 kV lines comprising 566 Ckm, and three 765/400 kV substations with 3460 MVA Transformation capacity across the state.

The commissioning of four transmission assets namely 765 kV Mainpuri–Bara Single Circuit Line, 765 kV Mainpuri–Unnao Single Circuit Line, 400 kV Tanda–Gonda and 400Kv Gonda–Basti double circuit line will enable the safe and reliable evacuation of over 4,000 MW of thermal power generated within Uttar Pradesh. The project will support the state’s growing electricity demand while enhancing grid stability and ensuring long-term energy security.

SEUPPTCL is part of Resurgent Power Ventures Pte. Limited, a joint venture led by Tata Power along with ICICI Bank and global investors. The project was acquired as part of the resolution of stressed assets in the power sector.

The project commissioning of 765 kV Mainpuri–Bara Single Circuit Line (380 Ckm), 765 kV Mainpuri–Unnao Single Circuit Line (194 Ckm), 400 kV Tanda–Gonda and 400kV Gonda–Basti double circuit spanning 154 circuit kilometres (Ckm) involved extensive planning and execution, including: Deployment of over 45,000 metric tonnes of tower steel; Stringing of more than 8,600 kilometres of conductors; Execution of 139 critical crossings, including existing transmission lines, railway tracks, gas pipelines, highways, and rivers; Construction across forest areas in full compliance with environmental and statutory norms

The successful completion of these projects marks a significant step in strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s transmission infrastructure and ensuring reliable and efficient power supply across the region.

With the commissioning of these seventeen 765 kV and 400 kV corridors spanning 1,517 circuit kilometres, Tata Power’s total operational transmission network has expanded to 5,466 circuit kilometres, with an additional 1,863 circuit kilometres currently under construction. This growing portfolio highlights the company’s strengthening role in building and modernising India’s high-voltage transmission backbone—at a time when robust grid capacity is essential to sustaining the country’s economic growth.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Indian Heritage, Reimagined: Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery Presents ‘Orizon’ With Amit Aggarwal At LakmÄ“ Fashion Week X FDCI

* The showcase brought sculptural fashion and luminous Polki jewellery together in a contemporary articulation of heritage

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery illuminated the runway at LakmÄ“ Fashion Week X FDCI with the unveiling of ‘Orizon’, a showcase that placed contemporary Polki craftsmanship at the centre of one of India’s most influential fashion platforms. Indriya paid homage to India’s cultural heritage through polki and diamond, complemented by Amit Aggarwal’s signature Banarsi weaves and mirror work; submitting a redefined, modern Indian expression. The show was envisioned to empower not confine; and inspire the modern Indian woman to move forward, staying rooted and carrying her heritage with pride. On the ramp, the brand reimagined Polki through luminous light play, vibrant gemstone pairings and the uncompromised brilliance of diamonds – transforming heritage craft into modern wearable couture.

An immersive evening of heritage craft mirroring contemporary couture

Disha Patani took centre stage as the showstopper, adorned in Indriya’s captivating jewellery, paired with Amit Aggarwal’s sculptural couture. Her presence brought Orizon to life, embodying a powerful expression of heritage reimagined, where tradition meets modernity in a luminous, contemporary form. The runway presentation unfolded as a visual narrative of light and form. It began with refined diamond pieces in minimal compositions capturing the first hints of illumination, gradually transitioning into statement Polki and gold creations where traditional forms were reimagined through contemporary geometry. Each design captured light dynamically while remaining deeply anchored in India’s time-honoured crafts – demonstrating how inherited tradition can evolve into powerful modern identity. Throughout the show, garments and jewellery remained in constant dialogue. Moving beyond pieces to be observed from a distance, Orizon lit up the runway as an immersive presentation that can be felt and experienced.

Indian heritage, reimagined: An interplay of tradition and innovation

The show echoed Indriya’s heritage stories of India to life through modern expressions of jewellery. Designed to empower the modern Indian woman – one who draws confidence and identity from her cultural roots - the runway brought together Indriya’s luminous interpretation of Polki and the sculptural silhouettes of Amit Aggarwal. The duo created a striking dialogue between heritage jewellery and contemporary couture. The intricate kaarigari of Indriya’s jewellery complemented Aggarwal’s signature design language of handloom fabrics, vintage Banarasi textiles and contemporary mirrorwork, creating a compelling interplay between tradition and modern design.

Redefining Polki through mastery of Light, Colour, and light-weightedness

A defining highlight of the presentation was the brand’s re-interpretation of Polki through the exploration of light, colour, and fluidity. Indriya’s master kaarigars brought exceptional craftsmanship to the forefront, moving beyond conventional techniques through the samosa dart setting – a distinctive method where the angular structure beneath each Polki stone enhances light reflection, creating a heightened brilliance and ethereal glow.

Further elevating the show was Indriya’s bold pairing of Polki with a captivating palette of rare gemstones including vivid tourmalines, deep tanzanites, rich sapphires, classic rubies and South Sea pearls. Even carved stones were layered with delicate “kissing” Polki elements, adding intimacy and dimensionality to each piece. This interplay of colour and light brought depth and individuality to every design, reinforcing the brand’s philosophy of jewellery as an experiential art to be experienced.

Where tradition meets modern fluidity

Innovative techniques such as wall-prong and corner-bezel settings minimised the visibility of metal, allowing gemstones to appear almost suspended – creating an aesthetic of weightless elegance. Through these distinct pillars of exceptional quality, reflective brilliance, innovative use of colour and modern fluid designs, the presentation redefined traditional Polki for the discerning, modern connoisseur as an evolving expression of legacy, artistry, and light.

At its core, Orizon traced a journey from introspection to radiance, where light became a metaphor for transformation. The presentation progressed from quiet brilliance to bold luminous expressions, mirroring the wearer’s evolution from inward reflection to confident self-expression.

Mr. Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, said,“LakmÄ“ Fashion Week was a powerful canvas to express how Indriya is redefining Polki and diamond for a new era through design superiority and modern intent. Our jewellery, elevated by design innovation, illuminated the runway, presenting a narrative where heritage is not a constraint, but a source of empowerment, one that allows tradition to evolve. This jewellery narrative came alive in dialogue with Amit Aggarwal’s sculptural silhouettes, crafted from upcycled Banarasi weaves and mirror work, which set the visual language of the show. Together with Amit Aggarwal, we presented a new expression of Indian craftsmanship that feels modern and empowered, created for women who carry heritage forward.”.

Speaking about the ensemble, Amit Aggarwal says, “Bringing ‘Orizon’ to life at LakmÄ“ Fashion Week X FDCI was about capturing a moment of transformation. Conceived as a journey of evolution, seeing the collection unfold on the runway reaffirmed how craft continues to grow through emotion, innovation and collaboration. Working with Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, allowed us to create a seamless dialogue between garment and jewellery, where both complemented one another to shape a unified narrative of transformation. The synergy between both the brands presenting ensembles is defined by precision, craftsmanship, and modern allure.”

With Orizon, Indriya and Amit Aggarwal presented a powerful contemporary homage to Indian heritage – one where craft, emotion and innovation converged on the runway, and tradition evolved as a point of departure for reinvention.

About Indriya

Indriya, the jewellery brand from Aditya Birla Group, was launched in July 2024. Derived from the Sanskrit word for 'five senses,' Indriya embodies timeless elegance, unmatched craftsmanship, and a captivating sensorial experience. With an exquisite range of diamonds, precious gemstones, and artisanal gold, the brand offers jewellery that transcends traditional artistry and modern aesthetics. Indriya stores are more than just a jewellery store—it is the ultimate destination for bridal collection and celebrations of life’s most cherished moments. For brides-to-be, Indriya is a treasure trove of meticulously designed wedding jewellery, where each piece is a timeless heirloom, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity, ensuring every bride feels radiant on her special day. Beyond weddings, Indriya redefines jewellery as an expression of personal identity and artistry, cementing its position as the go-to destination for all occasions.

Puravankara Unveils Portfolio Of 30 Projects Across South India And Mumbai

* With A GDV Of Over Rs 55,000 Crores In Next 24 Months

* Reinforces sustainability commitment with pledge to plant 1 million trees by 2030 under the World Economic Forum’s 1t.org initiative

Puravankara Limited (NSE: PURVA | BSE: 532891), one of India’s most trusted and admired real estate developers, today announced its plans to unveil 30 projects over the next 24 months, primarily across South India and Mumbai. The planned pipeline comprises nearly 51.14 million sq. ft. of developable area, with an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of over Rs 55,000 crores, marking a significant step-up in the company’s growth trajectory. Out of the 30 projects, a significant number are already in the approval stage, while the remaining are in the design stage, with approvals set to be initiated shortly.

This next phase of expansion reflects Puravankara’s focus on high-quality, well-located developments across key urban markets, supported by a strong launch inventory and disciplined capital allocation. As of 9MFY26, the company has reported pre-sales of Rs 3,859 crores and customer collections of Rs 3,045 crores, reflecting sustained demand and strong operating momentum.

Aligned with its larger purpose of creating long-term value for all stakeholders, the company’s upcoming developments are expected to contribute meaningfully to economic activity. This pipeline is expected to generate around 8 million man-days of direct employment annually and give a fillip to over 250 ancillary industries associated with the real estate sector.

Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara Limited, said, “Over the past five decades, we have built Puravankara on a strong foundation of trust, transparency, and delivery excellence. As we enter our next phase of growth, we are poised for the next leap, backed by stronger capabilities, a professional and well-governed organisation, and a high-quality project pipeline across Mumbai and South India.

Our focus remains on creating differentiated products, strengthening our presence in key micro- markets, and delivering long-term value to our customers and stakeholders. This pipeline reflects not just our growth ambitions, but also our confidence in India’s structural housing demand and the opportunities emerging across urban markets.”

Mallanna Sasalu, CEO - South, Puravankara Limited, added, “We are entering this phase with a clear execution roadmap that is stronger, more agile, and future-ready. Our developments are designed not just as real estate projects, but as integrated communities that respond to evolving customer needs.

At the same time, we recognise the broader role we play in the economy. This scale of development will create livelihoods, support a wide ecosystem of industries, and contribute meaningfully to urban growth. Our sustainability initiatives, including our afforestation pledge and focus on resource efficiency, are integral to how we build for the future.”

Supported by a robust pipeline, improving operating metrics, and a disciplined approach to growth, Puravankara is entering its next phase with strong visibility and confidence.

As part of our Golden Jubilee year, we have further strengthened our sustainability commitments. Building on our pledge to plant 1 million trees by 2030 under the World Economic Forum’s 1t.org global initiative, we will reinforce this commitment through the upcoming Puravankara 10k Run on 29 March 2026, during which 10,000 trees will be planted. This is complemented by a continued focus on water conservation, green building practices, and environmentally responsible development across projects.

The company remains committed to delivering long-term value through high-quality developments, operational excellence, and a continued focus on sustainability and stakeholder trust.

Women Leaders Powering AI Innovation At Amazon Web Services India

Behind Amazon's AI systems—which process millions of customer interactions daily through personalized recommendations, supply chain forecasting, and voice assistants—are women leaders designing platforms, building architectures, and translating cutting-edge technology into seamless customer experiences. As Amazon embeds AI across its technology ecosystem, from shopping experiences to generative AI tools through Amazon Web Services (AWS), India has emerged as a critical innovation hub, with technology teams building systems that support millions of customers globally.

Three leaders at Amazon India exemplify this innovation-driven approach. Gitanjali Bhutani, Payal Gupta, and Swetha Shankar develop technology platforms that power every step of the customer journey—from the moment customers discover products to the seamless checkout experience. Their work spans customer-facing shopping experiences to internal collaboration tools, demonstrating how AI innovation touches every part of the business.

Leading Innovation at Scale

Gitanjali Bhutani, Director of Software Development, leads teams developing high-volume system that drive the great prices Customers see on Amazon. Her recent work includes leveraging generative AI to triple the number of transactions carried out by these systems. She drives complex engineering initiatives that require both technical depth and strategic thinking. "Build an excited and motivated team, and you will naturally always have high-performing technology systems and never a dearth of innovation”, Gitanjali reflects. “I have seen firsthand how creating inclusive environments, giving people opportunities to do what they never thought they could, and having faith in them can unlock potential in engineers.” Through programs like AmazeWIT and Women in Leadership, Gitanjali actively mentors women engineers across Amazon India, motivating them to achieve their dreams no matter how difficult it may seem, helping them navigate career growth, and develop skills for senior technical roles.

Payal Gupta, Director of Software Development for Central Shopping Experience, leads engineering teams that build large scale, multi-region technology solutions powering critical shopping experiences worldwide. Her teams design customer experiences that serve millions of transactions, ensuring customers can seamlessly discover, evaluate, and purchase products across Amazon's global marketplace. Her current focus area includes transforming shopping journeys into effortless, hyper personalized, delightful experiences using generative AI. She translates complex technical challenges into scalable architectures that support continuous innovation while maintaining operational resilience. She is a passionate diversity champion, leading DEI conversations and actively mentoring women across teams.

Swetha Shankar, Director of Software Development, leads Amazon India Retail technology teams that build highly available technology platforms that power customer and business experiences at global scale. She champions GenAI initiatives across Amazon India, spearheading AI-led innovation for complex, customer-centric programs. Her leadership has shaped the development of infrastructure for real-time data processing and analytics, enabling faster, more informed decisions that enhance customer experiences. She combines deep technical expertise with a strong focus on building high-performing engineering teams that consistently deliver innovation with reliability. “Building systems at Amazon's scale requires thinking beyond just the technology,” Swetha explains. “It demands a deep understanding of how customer needs, innovative technology, and high-performing teams intersect.”

Building an Ecosystem for Women's Success

The technical contributions of leaders like Gitanjali, Payal, and Swetha are amplified through their active participation in programs that develop talent across the entire career spectrum. Amazon's approach to women's empowerment spans from students exploring career pathways to professionals accelerating their growth and leaders multiplying their impact.

For students and early-career professionals, Amazon Future Engineer scholarships expand access to computer science education for girls from underserved communities, while Amazon WoW builds career readiness through skills development and industry exposure. AmazeWIT creates pathways for women entering technology through learning, networking, and role-model access. As professionals advance, Women in Leadership (WIL) helps participants strengthen executive presence and advance their careers, while Catapult, developed with Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning, equips women leaders with strategic capabilities required for larger business roles. Beyond the workplace, Amazon Saheli enables women entrepreneurs to build and scale businesses through marketplace access, logistics, and capability building.

Together, these initiatives reflect Amazon's commitment to building an ecosystem where women can grow, lead, and shape the future of technology.  

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