Archive: October 3, 2023

Sterling and Wilson’s Data Centre project for Raxio in Angola begins construction

New Delhi/Hyderabad/Mumbai; 3 October 2023: Sterling and Wilson Private Limited (Sterling and Wilson/ SWPL), a Shapoorji Pallonji Group Company, and one of India’s leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, announced that it has started construction of its second data centre for Raxio. The Company is Africa’s premier platform of carrier-neutral, colocation, Tier-III data centres, providing industry-standard, carrier-grade facilities and services that serve as the foundation of Africa’s digital economies.

The facility will be the first independent and neutral Tier-III certified data centre in the country and will have a total IT load of 3 MW initially, with the capacity to scale up to 7 MW and accommodate more than 1,600 racks. It features a cutting-edge design optimised for performance and energy efficiency. The project will be commissioned by the second half of 2024.

Sterling and Wilson, one of the few players in India offering Turnkey Data Centre EPC solutions, will be designing, and building the data centre facility with Tier-III TCDD certification from the Uptime Institute. Scope of work includes overall MEP and civil structure made of pre-engineered steel to ensure quality and time to market.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Prasanna Sarambale, CEO, of Data Centre Business, Sterling and Wilson Private Limited said, “We are delighted to win and partner again with Raxio for their prestigious data centre project in Angola. The continued partnership further demonstrates the trust and leadership of S&W’s project management capabilities and global expertise. At Sterling and Wilson, we have a proven track record of delivering complex EPC projects and are confident that we can deliver a state-of-the-art data centre which will also meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.”

“The demand for digital services and connectivity solutions in Africa has been steadily increasing in recent years. With the growth of the digital economy and the increasing use of cloud-based services, businesses across the continent are recognising the need for reliable, secure, and scalable data centre solutions. Sterling and Wilson which has already executed multiple projects in Africa, is perfectly poised to make the most of this opportunity,” he further added.

Mr. Robert Mullins, CEO, of Raxio Data Centres said, “Our decision to build Angola’s first carrier-neutral next-generation facility reveals our commitment to a well-defined strategy to provide the country with vital digital infrastructure. With the arrival of new connectivity solutions and the continued evolution of the digital ecosystem in the region, we will continue to build scalable, world-class facilities to meet the growing needs for connectivity, storage and data processing. This is a response to the continuous increase in demand for digital services and the evolution of connectivity solutions in the region. In addition, Angola is geographically very well positioned to be a strategic connectivity hub for the region, making it an important market for our growing portfolio. As with all our facilities, Raxio Angola is being developed in strict compliance with our ESG standards, generating a positive impact through the direct and indirect creation of hundreds of jobs with the utmost respect for the environment.”

Sterling and Wilson commenced Data Centre services in 2015, and in a short span of time, it has emerged as one of India’s leading Data Centre EPC players in the sector. It has executed 20+ DC projects with a total IT load of more than 60 MW, in India and international markets, with leading players like Telecom Egypt and MainOne (an Equinix company). We are currently executing 5 MW in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and 10 MW for a Hyperscaler in Hyderabad, India.

Sterling and Wilson Group is an established player in the whole of Africa and enjoys considerable goodwill in the region. The Group has been executing projects in Africa for more than a decade, across South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo, Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Zambia and Namibia.

3BF launches a dozen ad films with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan for Bikaji

Mumbai, October 3, 2023: 3BF, one of the leading mainline advertising agencies has launched a dozen films featuring none other than the legendary Mr Amitabh Bachchan for India’s favourite snacking partner Bikaji Foods International Ltd.

In the third series its most loved and successful campaign ‘Amit ji loves Bikaji’, 3BF focuses on making Bikaji the most preferred snacking choice for today’s generation.

With this recent development, Deepak Agarwal, MD, Bikaji Foods International Ltd stated, “We have a long-standing relationship with 3BF, which has been our go-to agency from day one for Bikaji. Amit Ji loves Bikaji has remained a very well-known tagline amongst the audiences. We are sure they will successfully promote our new product range that transcends not just food categories but also international boundaries. The ad films deal with a wide range of diverse products such as special bhujias, sweets, nankeens, and frozen foods that can be served garma garam to our audiences. And just like every time, 3BF has delivered the ad films Garma Garam, leveraging Amit ji’s inimitable style and acting skills.”

Sagar Parikh, Managing Partner, 3 Brothers & Fils, “Amit ji has been the most perfect choice for Bikaji ever since the launch of the campaign with Amit ji loves Bikaji being our most cherished campaign. We are honoured to launch the third leg of our ‘Amit ji loves Bikaji’ series and are certain that it will garner loads of love for Bikaji, yet again. It’s always a matter of pride and pleasure to work for our favourite brand with our favourite superstar. Our sole aim was to present every product offering and range in an entertaining manner. I am sure the viewers will love all of them. And this third series will only add to the already built public affinity and equity for Bikaji at a global level.”

Continuing the tradition of Amit ji loves Bikaji, the series of TVCs showcases Amit ji eating and enjoying Bikaji snacks regardless of where he is or who he is with. On seeing Bikaji snacks, sweets, and savories, he gets excited just like a kid refusing to share his snack and sweets with anyone else.

Uber’s push for innovation in sustainable mobility, rolls out Uber Sustainovate Startup challenge

Mumbai, October 3, 2023: Uber today announced ‘Uber Sustainovate’, a Startup Challenge looking for innovative solutions to fast track the adoption of sustainable mobility in India. The competition, in partnership with Startup India and nasscom AI, is designed to award startups that produce the best workable ideas that would help accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in the country. The winning startup would be awarded a grant of $120,000 (approximately Rs 1 crore), and the top 3 entries would be awarded mentorship sessions with the tech leadership of Uber in India in order to help them sharpen their skills and competencies.

As the leading ridesharing company, Uber is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and has been continuously working to reduce tailpipe emissions. With the aim to promote an ecosystem where startups are incentivised to work on the emergence of sustainable solutions, Uber Sustainovate will provide a platform for visionary startups that are eager to turn their ambition to action.

Commenting on the startup challenge, Manikandan Thangarathnam, Senior Director of Engineering, and Site Lead for Bangalore, Uber said, “We have always believed that the energy transition in the mobility sector can only succeed if industry and technology work together. Startups can be the source of new and pathbreaking solutions given the tech talent density that exists in India. Uber Sustainovate is our way to ignite these possibilities as we work together towards building sustainable mobility solutions for India and from India.”

Participating startups would have the option to choose from one of the following four tracks to focus their ideas on:

· Smart infrastructure and charging solutions

· Easy discovery of charging infra – better interoperability

· Making the economics more viable for drivers/commercial fleet owners

· Improving asset utilisation

The startup challenge is open for entries up to 18th October 2023. Registration will be followed by multiple rounds of shortlisting, based on overarching ideas, proof of concept, working prototypes, and overall alignment with Uber’s sustainability mission and values. The winner will be announced in January 2024, after a final jury round.

Kellanova Announces Completion Of The Separation Of Its North American Cereal Business

CHICAGO, Ill., October 3, 2023 – Kellanova, formerly known as Kellogg Company, (NYSE: K), announced the completion of the previously announced separation of its North American cereal business, WK Kellogg Co, resulting in two independent, public companies, each better positioned to unlock its full standalone potential.

The separation was achieved through the distribution of all of the shares of WK Kellogg Co to holders of Kellanova common stock at 12:01 a.m. EDT on October 2, 2023, with Kellanova shareowners receiving one share of WK Kellogg Co common stock for every four shares of Kellanova common stock held as of the close of business on the record date of September 21, 2023.

WK Kellogg Co will begin regular way trading on the iconic New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) today under the ticker symbol “KLG,” and Kellanova will continue to trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “K.”

Kellanova will file its material separation agreements with WK Kellogg Co with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Entering a New Era

“With the completion of the separation, Kellanova has entered a new era with a new name and a new ambition,” said Steve Cahillane, Kellanova’s Chairman and CEO. “We are starting from a position of strength that is rooted in a century-old legacy as we embark on a journey to achieve our vision of becoming the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse.”

With projected 2024 net sales of approximately $13.4-13.5 billion, Kellanova is a global snacks-led powerhouse with a portfolio of iconic, world-class brands, including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats, MorningStar Farms, Incogmeato, Gardenburger, Nutri-Grain, RXBAR, and Eggo. Kellanova also stewards a suite of beloved international cereal brands, including Kellogg’s, Frosties, Zucaritas, Special K, Krave, Miel Pops, Coco Pops, and Crunchy Nut, among others. While the Company’s corporate name has changed to Kellanova, Kellogg’s brand will remain on its products around the world.

As a standalone company, Kellanova will benefit from greater operational focus and fit-for-purpose strategy and resource allocation, investing behind its differentiated brands in an effort to deliver consistently strong net sales and earnings growth over time. This growth is expected to be complemented by improved profitability to be achieved through operating leverage, a mix shift toward its most differentiated brands, building scale in emerging markets, and ongoing productivity and revenue growth management.

Kellanova will maintain dual campuses in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois, with its corporate headquarters located in Chicago. Kellanova’s three international regions in Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (“AMEA”) will remain at their current headquarters.

Celebrating the First Day of Trading

To celebrate the Company’s first day of trading as Kellanova, Chairman, and CEO Steve Cahillane will join members of the Kellanova executive leadership team at the NYSE to ring the Opening Bell this morning.

Tata AIA consumers reaffirm their trust in the brand

National, 03rd October 2023: Tata AIA Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (Tata AIA), one of India’s leading life insurance companies, has registered best-in-class operational performance among Indian life insurance companies. The Company registered the industry-best Persistency Ratio in 5 out of 5 cohorts for Q1FY24*, which reflects the percentage of consumers who renew their policies with Tata AIA. The Individual Death Claims Settlement ratio improved from 98.53% in FY22 to 99.01% in FY23.

In FY23, Tata AIA achieved the industry-best Persistent Performance in the four cohorts – the 13th Month, the 25th Month, the 37th Month, and the 49th Month. During the first quarter ending June 2023, Tata AIA was the top performer in all five Persistency cohorts, including the 13th Month (88.2%), 25th Month (80.3%), 37th Month (76%), 49th Month (70.9%), and 61st Month (66.8%)*.

Commenting on the occasion, Sanjay Arora, Executive Vice President, and Head of Operations at Tata AIA Life said, “The long-term financial well-being of our consumers is at the core of everything we do. Therefore, it is our relentless goal to ensure their financial security and help them achieve their aspirations. Our best-in-class Persistence ratio results from our customers’ trust in Tata AIA to do the right thing and do it in the right way when it comes to securing their long-term financial future. At every stage of the customer journey, from the point of sale to consumer onboarding to renewal and beyond, we will continue to put our customers’ needs first.”

Persistency ratio refers to the percentage of consumers who renew their life insurance policy every year. Generally, the higher the renewal rate, the more satisfied the consumer is with the product and the insurer’s service.

TATA AIA Life Insurance has always believed in continual process enhancements that help drive consumer delight. One such initiative was taken to ease future premium payments. The Company introduced a simplified Online Policy Reinstatement process to prevent lapsation of policies. This initiative enables policy owners to reinstate their policies online by paying the due premium and providing a digital health certificate. Another initiative undertaken was through the introduction of loans for consumers who are unable to pay premiums and the policies have acquired surrender value. These services ensure that the consumer does not lose his protection cover and investment made and continues towards his financial goal.

The Company also focused on digitising the recurring premium payment process by partnering with distribution partners like HDFC Bank and IndusInd Bank for Standing instruction and E-NACH processes for other banks. The Company is also the first life insurer to enable digital payments via WhatsApp Pay and Unified Payment Interfaces. This is in addition to the 30+ services already available through the WhatsApp service channel, which is the most popular servicing channel among consumers.

The very reason why people purchase a life insurance policy is to secure their loved ones financially. It is, therefore, imperative that the claims be settled as soon as possible. Tata AIA Life believes in providing its customers with an empathetic, hassle-free, and simple claims management process by ensuring that beneficiaries receive timely and equitable payouts in case of an unfortunate event in the lives of its policyholders.

To approve a claim and disburse the claim amount quickly and without hassles, Tata AIA provides its policyholders and the beneficiaries, with multiple channels for informing claims. Beneficiaries can register claims through various platforms and touchpoints: the Claims section of the Website, WhatsApp, Branch Visits, Email, and Toll-Free Customer Care telephone. Tata AIA also utilizes data-driven platforms & technologies to ensure that the risk checks are done at the onboarding stage, thereby improving transparency & trust, and ensuring superior claims experience for genuine policyholders while at the same time reducing fraudulent claims. All this eventually translates into a higher Claims Settlement Ratio.

Sennheiser launches AMBEO Soundbar Mini; brings immersive audio technology to even the coziest of spaces.

National 03rd October 2023– The German audio brand’s award-winning AMBEO Soundbar experience is now available in a fits-anywhere footprint with the launch of the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini. With a sound that punches well above its weight and up to 7.1.4 virtualization, the latest addition to the spatial audio Soundbar family readies even the smallest of spaces for three-dimensional acoustics.

“The magic of Sennheiser AMBEO technology immerses consumers in stunning 3D sound from a simple, single source in practically any home entertainment space,” says Vijay Sharma, General Manager, Sennheiser Consumer Business India. “Our most compact Soundbar yet comes at the perfect time with both features and dimensions that are a joy to live with, in or out of the living room.”

A fun-size bar

At less than half the cubic volume of its Soundbar Plus sibling, it’s easy to see why the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini appeals to audio lovers looking to upgrade a current living room, desktop, bedroom, or even game room setup. At just 70 x 10 x 6.5 cm in size, it blends into nearly any TV or monitor arrangement, yet stands out with its cutting-edge acoustics. There are 250 Watts of ultra-clean class D amplification powering four high-end full-range drivers and dual four-inch subwoofers, so consumers can expect the sharp fidelity, impactful bass, and crystal-clear presence that make its bigger relatives a hit with audio critics.

Other useful audio modes personalize the listening experience, including content-specific presets, a Voice enhancement option, and a neighbor-friendly Night mode. Ease of use is at the heart of the Mini, with an HDMI1 input that accommodates a wide range of eARC-enabled TVs or monitors. Integration with the Sennheiser Smart Control App makes management of features and updates from your smartphone a breeze.

Those who know, AMBEO

Like its larger siblings, the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini’s 3D sound is the result of a collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS2—a world leader in audio research and development. The Mini has four integrated microphones that serve a dual purpose: they function as the central component of the AMBEO room calibration, and facilitate Alexa3 voice assistant commands as the Soundbar features Alexa Built-In. Consumers also have the option to utilize existing Google Assistant4 or Siri-enabled devices to cast audio to the Mini through Chromecast Built-In™ and AirPlay®5, respectively.

As with all AMBEO Soundbars, the native AMBEO|OS operating system allows for one-touch calibration that scans the room, adjusting the surround virtualization to account for various room sizes, reflections, and textures. Further, the Mini supports popular Dolby Atmos®, DTS: X®, MPEG-H Audio codecs, and 360 Reality Audio6 formats and experiences for enjoying native spatial audio content. Wide-ranging support of digital music services also makes the Mini a great streaming companion over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® with vibrant, room-filling sound and impactful bass—all the way down to 43 Hz—from your favorite streaming services such as Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music, and Apple Music®. AMBEO|OS seamlessly integrates the Mini into popular content ecosystems as a Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and AirPlay 2 device. Bass lovers can add even more low-end punch with wireless connection to as many as four Sennheiser AMBEO Subs (sold separately).

Rapture Innovation Labs Pvt Ltd unveils Sonic Lamb Headphones

Mangalore, 3rd October 2023 – Rapture Innovation Labs Pvt Ltd, a trailblazing audio technology startup, is delighted to announce the official launch of Sonic Lamb Headphones, setting a new standard in audio technology and headphone experience.
With Sonic Lamb headphones, you do not just HEAR the music. You literally FEEL it.
Sonic Lamb is designed not only to deliver music to the ears but to envelop the listener in a symphony of sound that one can truly feel, course through their body, all thanks to the world’s first and patented ‘Hybrid Driver Technology’. Get ready to experience high fidelity and fully immersive sound akin to live music or on a hi-fi system.
Sonic Lamb which is tested and tuned in Denmark at Sound Hub* is set to disrupt the headphone industry and challenge the status quo by revolutionizing the very method in which sound is reproduced and experienced on headphones. A product that is meticulously designed engineered and manufactured in India, for the world, signifying a momentous achievement as India’s entry into the global hi-end headphones market.

Bridging The Gap In Headphone Audio Experience

Sound is not just auditory, it is also a physical experience as we don’t just hear but also feel sound through our body which is mainly the low-frequency sound commonly known as bass. Hi-fi systems use a Subwoofer to reproduce this sound adding to a life-like and immersive sound experience. However, headphones since their invention lack the technology to reproduce this physical aspect of sound which compromises the audio experience. It also limits their fidelity or immersion thereby impacting their effectiveness for wide music genres and use cases.

Technology to FEEL the Sound
The patented Hybrid Driver Technology invented by the two founders Navajith & Jagath forms the foundation of Sonic Lamb—a headphone with technology to emulate a subwoofer which adds a brand new dimension to the personal audio experience.
Sonic Lamb is technically and ideologically different from the conventional headphones that produce sound waves through air in each ear cup. Sonic Lamb with its patented Hybrid Driver Technology, combines traditional sound wave transmission for mid and high frequencies (vocals and instruments) with their proprietary Impulse driver for low frequency that translates audio signals into mechanical impulse.
These impulses are transferred from the specially designed ear pads, called Wooferpads. It emulates a full-range driver and a subwoofer akin to a hi-fi system by harnessing a combination of air, bone, and skin conduction to deliver a new dimension to experiencing music and entertainment on headphones.

With this technology, Sonic Lamb headphones deliver high- fidelity, a fully immersive, personalized audio experience, and a powerful bass response without listening fatigue.
On the occasion, Jagath Biddappa, Co-Founder and CTO of Rapture Innovation Labs Pvt. Ltd., said, “Sonic Lamb’s launch is a dream realized. Our Hybrid Driver Acoustics is a game-changing breakthrough, blending hearing and feeling music, adding a new dimension to the personal audio experience. It’s a homegrown product that will transform how music and headphone lovers experience sound across the world.”

Functions & Features

Sonic Lamb is designed to be the perfect audio companion for all of one’s Home entertainment and audio activities without compromise, delivering what they call ‘An Eargasmic Experience’ – the ultimate listening experience and pleasure to the ears. The phrase stands for the brand promise and its commitment to deliver to its audience nothing short of a euphoric and superlative sound experience. To ensure a no-compromise experience for audio aficionados, these headphones offer only passive noise cancellation.
For optimum audio performance across users’ varied needs and music preferences, Sonic Lamb headphones come with a Multimode dial that offers four distinct modes for audio personalization:
HEAR – For a balanced sound signature with the full range driver in action while the subwoofer just purrs. Ideal for soft music like instrumental and classical along with use cases like audiobooks, podcasts as well as calls and meetings.
FEEL – A mode great for wide genres of music where the subwoofer kicks in to allow users to feel every beat in the music
IMMERSE – A mode where the sub-woofer makes a strong presence for bass heads and is great for bass-heavy genres like EDM, Trance, Hip hop, Rap, and the likes
BEAST – A mode to experience rumble and gunshots that otherwise are not reproduced by headphones for an ultimate cinematic and gaming experience.
The controls sit on the right earcup to allow for easy control, empowering users to tailor and optimize their sound experience based on their use case – listening to music, hearing podcasts or audiobooks, attending calls or meetings, and being immersed in movies or playing games.
Sonic Lamb Headphones feature:
Digital Audio Interface that simultaneously allows charging and a high-resolution wired audio connection for studio-grade audio streaming at 24-bit, 96kHz. Playback quality remains consistent across all devices, delivering an uncompromised audio experience
Multipoint connectivity, allows users to connect Sonic Lamb to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
Two internal microphones for clear communication
Detachable boom microphone for gaming enthusiasts and professionals for improved voice communication.

Sonic Lamb App further personalizes the headphones for an optimized listening experience. A unique two-minute hearing test enables custom-tuned sound profiles based on an individual’s hearing sensitivity.

Navajith Karkera, Co-Founder and CEO of Rapture Innovation Labs Pvt Ltd. said, “We’re excited to present Sonic Lamb Headphones, a culmination of innovation, passion and perseverance of 4 years reshaping personal audio experience. I’m proud of my team’s dedication and grateful of everyone who supported us towards building world-class products in India, putting our nation on the map for premium audio devices. Sonic Lamb is set to revolutionize music and entertainment globally, offering a new way of experiencing sound on headphones like never before. “

The Baker’s Dozen Targets Carbon and Plastic Footprint Reduction by the end of FY-2023

3rd October 2023, India: India’s largest artisan bakery brand, The Baker’s Dozen, has embarked on an impactful sustainable initiative starting this financial year.

The brand has unveiled partnerships with ‘Recykal’, ‘Wastelink’, and ‘Climes’ the companies that will help the brand make substantial progress in reducing its carbon footprint.

The brand will also focus on achieving plastic neutrality by recycling the equivalent amount of plastic it employs in close cooperation with the reputable company ‘Recykal’.

With ‘Wastelink’, the brand’s focus will be on food waste management to offset the carbon emissions stemming from food returns, while the association with ‘Climes’ will target counterbalancing the brand’s overall carbon footprint in a way that involves TBD’s community of customers – giving them the opportunity to participate in the brand’s climate action.

The Baker’s Dozen will also be seen optimizing delivery routes to reduce emissions through the supply chain.

The brand will also be seen actively encouraging its employees and stakeholders to create awareness about the importance of sustainability and encouraging their active participation in environmentally responsible practices.

They have been able to arrange the capital for this through cost reductions in secondary packaging and gas consumption, which have also helped reduce their carbon emissions. The idea was to generate funds by cost-cutting measures in areas that would also reduce carbon footprints.

Commenting on this initiative, Aditi Handa, Co-founder and head Chef, of The Baker’s Dozen mentioned, “All things that we have gotten right are because of an ask our customers had. In 2019, when we shifted to plastic packaging, it upset some of our customers and they were honest enough to share their disappointment with us. Since then, we have been wanting to do something to offset it. Although later than I had hoped, but earlier than never, we have finally embarked on our journey to give back to mother earth for all that it shows us. This is a small but significant start for us and it will only become bigger and bigger. This all is culminating into a meaningful reality thanks to our super dedicated and passionate partners Recykal, Wastelink, and Climes.”

Commenting on the partnership, Anirudh Gupta, Co-Founder, Climes said, “Climate action has now become everyone’s responsibility. It’s such a great signal for the world that a widely-loved brand like The Bakers Dozen has made sustainability a core value and a key ingredient in its DNA. Across waste, water, and carbon, TBD is charting a path to becoming a more purposeful brand, that’s great for consumers, great for their business, and amazing for our Planet. With Climes, TBD has opted to involve its entire community (consumers, investors, vendors) in their carbon-action plan – both online and offline! We’re proud to partner with them and enable a new form of climate action that’s interactive, transparent, and most importantly, inclusive.”

Krishnan Kasturirangan, Co-founder, of Wastelink, shared, “We are proud to partner with The Baker’s Dozen towards their carbon footprint reduction. Food waste handling typically goes under the radar when compared to other categories of waste which The Baker’s Dozen has boldly chosen to tackle. Wastelink’s association with The Baker’s Dozen across its footprint guarantees ethical and sustainable upcycling of food waste to animal nutrition.”

Ekta Narain, Co-Founder and chief Business Officer, Recykal commented, “Congratulations to ‘The Baker’s Dozen’ on their remarkable achievement of plastic neutrality! We commend their dedication and commitment to sustainable practices. By effectively offsetting their plastic footprint, they have contributed to a greener and cleaner environment and set a compelling example for other businesses to follow. As more forward-thinking brands step up to offset their plastic usage, our mission at Recykal is to bring 10 percent of India’s waste into a circular Economy by 2027. Together, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for future generations.”

Wellness by Design – The Healing Power of Holistic Homes

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of living in residential spaces that support health and well-being. With lockdowns and social distancing norms, our homes became our sanctuaries as well as our workplaces and schools. Suddenly, we became aware of how conducive our homes are for our physical and mental health.

The pandemic is, for all practical purposes, over. While there are still cases across the country, the virus has lost its sting – at least for now. But we have not lost the bitter after-taste of horror and helplessness caused by an invisible killer virus that threatened the health and even the lives of our families.

Just three years ago, the traditional strongholds of our psychological security – our offices and social gathering venues – were shut an inaccessible. Covid-19 put paid to any illusion of strength in numbers. In fact, all gathering places became the most dangerous places to be.

There was – and is – only place of relative safety, and that was the home. We haven’t forgotten this, are unlikely to forget it for generations to come, and now view our homes with renewed respect and also through a brand new lens… that of health.

What should you look for while picking a home from the perspective of how supportive and conducive it is of your family’s health? Let’s delve right in.

Happy home, healthy home

When evaluating apartments, especially in crowded cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Delhi, it is crucial to assess the design and facilities from the lens of healthy living.

At an apartment unit level, adequate natural lighting and ventilation should be non-negotiable. Flats that get sufficient sunlight and have cross-ventilation not only feel more pleasant. They also reduce mold and humidity, and are more efficient at ridding the place of airborne pathogens. Good air circulation is vital for mitigating airborne infections.

Don’t skimp on size

The size of the apartment also matters. Cramped living spaces with tiny bedrooms can negatively impact physical as well as mental health over time. Look for flats with adequate floor-space to accommodate the family and your belongings as well as sufficient movement to support health and prevent a sedentary lifestyle. But a word of warning here.

In recent years, many Indian homebuyers, especially in the costly metropolitan cities, have been foregoing balconies in favour of extra usable floor-space. This is a mistake at several levels because balconies are an important connection with open air, sunlight and nature – all of which are vital from a health perspective.

Look through green-tinted glasses

When assessing the housing complex, look for open green spaces and recreational facilities. Parks, gardens and sit-outs within the premises give residents accessible options for daily walks, runs and yoga. For children, well-maintained playgrounds encourage physical activity and social connections.

Other recreational facilities like swimming pools, gymnasiums and sports courts allow residents to exercise and destress without having to step out of the project. Integrated townships should be given a high-priority status on your list of projects to evaluate.

Integrated and nearby healthcare

The housing complex should also have basic healthcare facilities on premise or nearby. A doctor-on-call, clinic within the complex, and tie-ups with diagnostic labs and hospitals in the neighborhood enhance healthcare access. This can make a big difference in case of medical emergencies. Proximity to pharmacies, organic stores, and fresh vegetable markets also facilitates healthy living.

In terms of location, housing projects that are well-connected to public transport systems, commercial hubs and offices via roads and metro/rail networks score higher. Being close to one’s workplace cuts down long commutes, reducing stress and exposure to road pollution, and promotes healthy work-life balance. Good connectivity also ensures convenient access to other health infrastructure like gyms, parks and healthcare facilities around the city.

Safety and security provisions including CCTV cameras, guarded gates and vigilant security staff offer peace of mind and encourage residents to use facilities like parks without worry. Senior citizens in particular prefer housing complexes with 24/7 security and access control.

Technology-enabled smart home features also assist healthy living. Smart lighting systems automatically calibrate based on external light, ensuring optimal lighting throughout the day and preventing unhealthy glare and unsafe dimness in the flat. Smart air conditioners maintain the perfect temperature, preventing unhealthy overheating and body moisture loss. Smart locks and visitor screening add not only convenience but an extra level of safety.

Maintenance – a major health prerogative

While evaluating housing projects from a health perspective, the community also matters. Ensure that the developer has created and handed over a functioning housing society with an active resident welfare association.

This assures you that there are mechanisms in place to enforce collecting garbage, cleaning common areas, and keeping the project’s security measures functioning. Proactive housing societies also regularly arrange health camps for residents.

Ultimately, the apartment you buy should not just be an affordable roof over your head, but a genuinely liveable space that nourishes your mind and body. The pandemic has nudged home buyers to think holistically about concepts like space, light, green cover, clean air, facilities and location. Making mindful choices will go a long way in supporting the long-term health and wellness of your family.

And since health-supporting features will be in increasing demand over the years to come, such features and facilities also guarantee a higher resale value for your property should you decide to upgrade to something even bigger and better in the future.

About the Author: 

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune.