Archive: February 1, 2025

Mamta Binani Lauds 2025-26 Union Budget, Calling It a Transformative Milestone for Indian MSMEs

Kolkata, 1st February, 2025: CS (Dr.) Adv. Mamta Binani, President of MSME Development Forum WB said, “The recently announced Union Budget for 2025-26 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is a game-changer for MSMEs. The enhanced credit guarantee, increased investment limits, and targeted support for women and young entrepreneurs will significantly drive growth and innovation, making Indian MSMEs more competitive on the global stage while creating much-needed employment opportunities. The introduction of customized credit cards with a ₹5 lakh limit for micro enterprises will provide essential access to finance, enabling growth and sustainability. Furthermore, the focus on tackling non-tariff barriers to exports and enhancing global competitiveness will open new avenues for MSMEs to thrive internationally. These measures, along with the increased focus on women and youth entrepreneurs, will drive innovation, create jobs, and position India as a formidable global manufacturing hub. This holistic approach to strengthening MSMEs is a significant step towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”

Mamta Binani is a President of MSME Development Forum – West Bengal. Ms. Binani has served as a jury member of the ICSI National Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance and CSR, 2016, the Golden Peacock Award of The Institute of Directors for the year 2016, ASSOCHAM Award for Commendable CSR Activity for the year 2016. She is the Vice President of the Kolkata National Company Law Tribunal Bar Association, the Chairperson of the Merchant Chamber of Commerce-Legal Affairs Council, and also an executive committee member of INSOL India. She is a Board Member of International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC) and is presently the Co-Chair of the India Network.

Ms. Binani is an Independent Director in some of the reputed Boards of the Country viz. Century Ply, Balrampur Chini Mills, Emami Limited, and others. Ms. Binani feels that the government is the engine and that as a member of that machinery, it is her responsibility to highlight the government’s efforts by bringing them to the masses and classes.

Post Budget 2025: Comments by Experts

 Mr. Anirudh A. Damani, Managing Partner, Artha Venture Fund

“The announcement of a ₹20,000 crore investment to drive private sector-led research, development, and innovation is a game-changer for India’s deeptech ecosystem. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s focus on fostering cutting-edge startups through a potential Deep Tech Fund is a step in the right direction. Given the capital-intensive and long-gestation nature of deeptech ventures, we hope this fund is structured as a Fund of Funds (FoF), allowing experienced deep tech-focused fund managers to deploy capital effectively. The initial ₹10,000 crore FFS commitment mobilized over ₹91,000 crore in startup funding—this deeptech initiative could catalyze ₹1-1.5 lakh crore in new investments into India’s most transformative sectors, from space tech to AI and advanced manufacturing. India’s deeptech boom is just getting started, and with the right funding mechanisms in place, we are poised to create globally competitive deeptech giants.

The renewal of the ₹10,000 crore commitment to the Fund of Funds for AIFs is a significant step forward for the Indian startup and investment ecosystem. The initial ₹10,000 crore commitment catalyzed ₹91,000 crore in investments, and I fully expect this fresh infusion to attract an additional ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh crore in capital. This initiative will provide much-needed growth capital to early-stage startups, further strengthening India’s position as a global innovation hub. We are supremely excited about this development and look forward to actively participating in this next wave of investment momentum.”

Mr. Ravi Mittal, Founder and CEO of QuackQuack

Mr. Ravi Mittal, Founder and CEO of QuackQuack, believes that the Union Budget 2025-2026 takes a strong step toward strengthening India’s startup ecosystem with the additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds. Access to capital remains one of the biggest obstacles for emerging businesses, and this fresh infusion of funds will provide critical support for startups to innovate, expand, and create jobs. Additionally, the new scheme for first-time women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs is a commendable move toward fostering inclusivity and diversity in the entrepreneurial landscape. At QuackQuack, we understand the challenges of building something from the ground up, and we believe such initiatives will empower more founders to take bold steps toward their dreams. This is a positive push toward making India a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Mr. Sachidanand Upadhyay, MD, Lord’s Mark Industries Limited

 “The National Manufacturing Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025 is a significant step towards bolstering India’s clean tech manufacturing ecosystem. By enhancing domestic production of EV batteries, solar PV modules, wind turbines, and grid-scale batteries, this initiative will reduce dependency on imports and strengthen India’s position in the global renewable energy supply chain. The move complements the existing PLI schemes and will encourage backward integration, enabling Indian manufacturers to scale up operations efficiently. At the Renewable Energy arm of Lord’s Mark Industries, we are committed to leveraging these policy-driven opportunities to accelerate innovation, localize clean energy solutions, and contribute to India’s transition towards a sustainable and self-reliant future. Aligning with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, Lord’s Mark Industries is contributing significantly to this vision, recently securing a project to set up 300 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects in Uttar Pradesh.”

 Mr. Roshan Aslam, Co-founder & CEO of GoSats

 Mr. Roshan Aslam, Co-founder & CEO of GoSats, believes the Union Budget 2025 offers a unique outlook for the growth of Indian startup ecosystem, as he said, “The Union Budget 2025 outlines a clearly defined future for India’s growing startup ecosystem by extending critical policies. The announcement of an additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds will be a critical boost for the growth of India’s startup ecosystem in FY 25-26. As the investment limit for MSME classifications are made 2.5 times and the turnover limits doubled, this will help the financial viability of startup businesses in the country. As easier credit lines are extended to MSMEs, it will provide the essential confidence to grow and generate employment opportunities, directly contributing towards the growth of the Indian Economy.”

Mr. Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures

“Given that deeptech is being seen as an area for growth at the national level, with a China +1 macro and creation of the PLI/DLI schemes of the government, this is a great step. The Government has created this FoF for deeptech to enable funds to invest in deeptech and back highly innovative startups that can put India in a competitive global AI race. Hand in hand, in continuation of the R&D fund of last year, the Government has enhanced the same for enterprises to enable technology innovation. This shows that the Govt realises the future innovation is the heart of economic growth as the global wars are fought around AI and Semiconductors”

Mr. Mayuresh Raut, Managing Partner, Seafund

“The increase in credit guarantee for startups from Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore is a much needed demand that has been finally accepted. This will not only enable startups to have access to debt capital it will also help them scale faster with less equity dilution. Hence, it will lead to a virtuous cycle of higher top line, less equity dilution, better valuation and better fundraise. As the budget commenced, the FM highlighted that they would like to see 70% women participation in economy building, thus, the addition to credit guarantee will ensure a timely boost as more women entrepreneurs is the need for our ecosystem.

With regards to the earlier 3 Centers of Excellence, this along with Krishi Dhan Dhanya program will bring the best of AI practices to the agri-tech startups ecosystem and breed further innovation. Our view is that this requires large patient capital, but aligns us with the renaissance and renewed interest in nuclear energy that is happening all over the world, led by the US. Definitely opens the sector to private investors. Push for data centres consuming huge powers will need nuclear power which will further fuel our AI aspirations”

Mr. Pavan Choudary, Chairman, Medical Technology Association of India (MTai)

“The government has already taken a target of exporting 300,000 health care workers per annum. Its initiative to establish five large skill development projects – assuming Healthcare skilling will be a good part of it – seems a coherent step towards this objective.”

Ms. Shreya Mishra, Co-Founder, SolarSquare

Domestic solar cell manufacturing will be at the heart of India’s energy independence vision. The Finance Minister’s announcement to support cell manufacturing in this budget is a highly welcome step. Currently, India’s PM Suryaghar scheme mandates the use of solar panels made with domestically manufactured cells. While this has led to a surge in demand for solar panels, supply has struggled to keep pace.

Mr. Mukesh Pandey, Director of Rupyaa Paisa

MSMEs are strengthened by the Union Budget 2025-26 through major tax and credit reforms, which also induce growth and employment creation. The increased MSME credit guarantee from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore is expected to generate another ₹1.5 lakh crore in credit over five years. Investment and turnover limits for MSME classification have also doubled, thus enlarging the benefits. With MSMEs providing 45% of exports with 75 million workers, the introduction of customized credit cards and the extension of the Fund of Funds would enhance capital accessibility and solidify India’s stance as a global manufacturing powerhouse.

 Mr. Vivek Jalan, Partner Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP:

The Union Budget is for Manufacturing, Middle Class and MSMEs. As expected income tax TDS/ TCS provisions have been revamped and rationalised. Customs duty on capital goods and raw material imports have been rationalised to promote manufacturing, especially on lithium Ion batteries. MSMEs have also been a special focus in this budget. The Biggest big bang change of course is the exemption of Income Tax for middle class with income upto Rs 12 Lakhs.

Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd.

“The Union Budget 2025 is a game-changer, reinforcing India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable urban growth. The SWAMIH Fund 2 with ₹15,000 crore will accelerate the completion of stalled housing projects, bringing relief to over one lakh homebuyers. The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund will play a pivotal role in transforming cities into vibrant growth hubs, ensuring balanced regional development.

The masterstroke of direct tax reform—exempting income up to ₹12 lakh—will significantly boost disposable income, increasing affordability for homebuyers and driving real estate demand. Additionally, the government’s thrust on PPP-driven infrastructure with a structured three-year project pipeline will accelerate urban expansion, unlocking new opportunities for real estate and housing. These progressive reforms align with India’s vision of ‘Sabka Vikas’, fostering a robust ecosystem for homebuyers, developers, and investors alike.

Mr. Kishor Lodha, Chief Financial Officer at UGRO Capital.

The Union Budget 2025 has once again established the Government’s continued support for the MSME sector. And there are few takeaways for the sector, the limits for MSME classification have been enhanced from 2 to 2.5 times, which will benefit the sector. The guarantee scheme for micro and small enterprises has been expanded from a maximum limit of ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore, which will increase credit flow to this segment. Additionally, 10 lakh credit cards will be issued to MSMEs, helping them manage working capital more effectively. Several measures have also been announced for startups, further strengthening the Startup India mission. These initiatives will elevate the program to new heights by providing for easing compliance norms, and increasing funding opportunities. With sector-specific support in areas such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and biotechnology, these efforts will boost employment and position India as a global startup hub. Overall, this Budget reinforces the Government’s commitment to empowering MSMEs and startups, driving sustained economic growth and job creation.

Rapido Commends Collaboration with BEDA to Revolutionize Intra-City Logistics in Bangalore

Bangalore, Karnataka, February 01, 2025: Rapido, India’s leading urban mobility platform, today announced its partnership with the Bangalore Electronics Dealer Association (BEDA). This collaboration will enable over 3,000 BEDA member businesses to utilize Rapido Parcel for their intra-city shipping needs, providing a more affordable and secure delivery solution.

This partnership addresses the critical logistics challenges faced by local electronics dealers, offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative for transporting goods within Bangalore. Rapido Parcel provides a significant cost advantage, with rates up to 25% lower than other delivery providers. Furthermore, all products shipped through Rapido Parcel are insured, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind for businesses. A dedicated relationship manager is also available 24/7 to address any queries and ensure seamless operations.

“This partnership with Rapido is a game-changer for our members,” stated Mr. Vishal Varandani (President ,BangaloreElectronicDealersAssociation, BEDA ) .and mr lalit DAKLIYA (V P) “Rapido Parcel offers a much-needed solution to the logistical challenges faced by electronics dealers in Bangalore. The combination of affordability, insurance, and dedicated support is invaluable. We are confident that this collaboration will significantly enhance the efficiency and profitability of our member businesses.”

Rapido continues to expand its offerings beyond passenger transportation, leveraging its technology and network to provide innovative logistics solutions. This partnership with BEDA underscores Rapido’s commitment to empowering local businesses and contributing to the growth of the urban economy.

Budget 2025 EXPECTATIONS: Real Estate

Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd

“As we approach the upcoming budget, the real estate sector is optimistic about reforms that can act as growth catalysts and enhance operational efficiency. Revising the current tax exemption limit on housing loans to ₹5 lakhs, in line with rising property prices and construction costs, could provide significant relief to homebuyers. This step would directly support millions of aspiring homeowners and boost demand across the sector.
Equally transformative would-be granting industry status to real estate, a move capable of invigorating over 200 allied sectors. Such recognition would foster job creation, enable skill development, and amplify economic activity, further solidifying the sector’s position as a cornerstone of India’s economy. Similarly, the formulation of the CLSS scheme and the creation of affordable housing zones, akin to SEZs, could provide targeted incentives and address critical demand-supply gaps.

To further support homebuyers, waivers of stamp duty and GST for first-time homebuyers would offer much-needed financial relief. Strategic reforms, such as adjustments to GST input tax credit regulations, could reduce developers’ tax burdens, potentially stabilizing property prices and making housing more accessible. Introducing a ₹5 lakh subsidy for housing loans up to ₹1 crore would also provide crucial financial support to urban and semi-urban homebuyers.

Broadening the definition of affordable housing to include properties priced up to ₹1 crore would align with evolving market dynamics and strengthen the government’s vision of ‘housing-for-all.’ These measures, if implemented, could unlock tremendous potential, propelling the sector toward sustainable growth while contributing significantly to the nation’s development goals. The real estate industry is poised to play a defining role in India’s journey toward ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Mr. Vineet Nanda, Director Sales & Marketing, Krisumi Corporation

Budget 2025 must strike the right balance between fiscal prudence and economic stimulus to sustain India’s growth momentum. A key priority should be boosting consumption by rationalizing income tax rates, ensuring that more disposable income reaches the hands of consumers, thereby driving demand across multiple sectors. At the same time, the budget must take a bold, growth-driven approach with a strong emphasis on capital expenditure, particularly in infrastructure development. Investments in roads, highways, and transport networks will not only enhance connectivity but also generate employment and attract further private investments.

Equally crucial is the focus on digital infrastructure, as a well-connected, technology-driven economy is essential for India’s competitiveness on the global stage. Strengthening high-speed internet access, expanding data centers, and promoting digital inclusion will empower businesses and individuals alike. Furthermore, green technology must be a core pillar of the budget strategy. Increased investments in renewable energy, electric mobility, and sustainable urban development will pave the way for a cleaner, more resilient economy while aligning India with global climate goals.

A well-crafted budget that prioritizes infrastructure expansion, technological advancement, and sustainability—while ensuring fiscal stability—will not only fuel short-term economic activity but also position India for long-term prosperity. This is the time to make decisive investments that strengthen India’s global standing and create a future-ready economy

Mr. Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Group

“The upcoming budget holds significant importance as it will be the first full-year budget of the Modi 3.0 government. We anticipate major announcements aimed at benefiting the real estate and infrastructure sectors, which are critical growth engines for the economy and support numerous allied industries.

One key area of focus should be the rationalization of taxes and duties levied on homebuyers, which in many states exceed 12% of a property’s value. In the previous budget, the finance minister urged state governments to address this issue, but significant progress has yet to be made. We hope this budget includes provisions to streamline these charges and provide much-needed relief to homebuyers. Additionally, we urge the government to revisit the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on real estate and consider providing relief in this area.

Steps toward GST reforms for the real estate sector are also necessary to make it a more attractive investment option. Furthermore, increasing the tax deduction limit under Section 24(b) for home loan interest, currently capped at ₹2 lakh per annum, to at least ₹5 lakh would provide substantial financial relief. This is particularly relevant for homebuyers in metropolitan cities, where high property prices necessitate large home loans. Such a move could boost demand and promote homeownership.”

Mr. Udit Jain, Director, One Group

“Over the past few years, the prices of land and construction materials have risen sharply, not only in metropolitan cities but across the country. This, coupled with sustained demand, has significantly driven up property prices, making homeownership increasingly challenging for many. As a result, the real estate sector, particularly the housing segment, requires robust government support to make home buying more affordable for aspiring buyers.

Government intervention through targeted incentives could help alleviate the financial burden on homebuyers. One crucial area to address in the upcoming budget is the enhancement of the income tax deduction limit on home loan interest under Section 24(b), which has remained unchanged for over a decade. Increasing this limit would provide much-needed relief, particularly for buyers in high-cost urban markets.

Another key measure is the extension and expansion of the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). The government should consider raising the property price threshold for affordable housing eligibility, enabling more middle-income families to benefit from this scheme. Such an adjustment would not only boost demand but also encourage developers to focus on affordable housing projects, a segment currently experiencing a downturn in supply.

Additionally, rationalizing stamp duty rates, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, could significantly stimulate housing demand among mid-income and low-income groups. High stamp duty rates often act as a barrier for homebuyers, and reducing them could make homeownership more accessible in these emerging markets.”

Experts Commend Impact of Controlled Food Inflation and Higher Capital Spending on FY26 Growth

By Dr. Vikas Gupta, CEO and Chief Investment Strategist, OmniScience Capital

Given the backdrop of global political uncertainties and the recent trend of subdued GDP growth, the government has opted for a cautious approach in its GDP growth projections for FY26. This prudent stance reflects the ongoing challenges posed by international economic turbulence, including geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions, which could dampen global demand and economic stability. Despite these concerns, there are several positive factors that could contribute to a stronger-than-expected performance.

First, food inflation, which has been a key concern in recent times, is expected to moderate. This is largely due to an anticipated improvement in vegetable production and a strong Rabi harvest. A decrease in food prices will help alleviate some pressure on consumer spending, potentially boosting overall economic activity. Furthermore, the government’s increased focus on capital expenditure, aimed at infrastructure development and public sector investment, should also stimulate growth. By directing funds into projects that create jobs and stimulate demand, this fiscal strategy can help sustain momentum in the economy.

On top of these factors, several potential developments could further bolster GDP growth. For instance, any major economic reforms implemented by the government, such as labor market changes or fiscal policy adjustments, could improve business confidence and investment flows. Additionally, the possibility of a US-India trade deal, if materialized, could open up new avenues for trade, technology transfer, and investment, further enhancing economic optimism.

In summary, while the government has projected a conservative outlook for FY26, the combination of favorable agricultural conditions, strategic public investments, and potential reforms or trade agreements presents an opportunity for the economy to outperform expectations, leading to positive surprises on the upside.

Quest Alliance Commends Karnataka’s Young Innovators at Bengaluru Hackathon

Bengaluru, 01st February 2025: The future of innovation is in safe hands as Quest Alliance successfully concluded its transformative five-day hackathon, Hack to the Future: Innovating for Participatory Futures. This groundbreaking initiative brought together over 57 young minds from five states — Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Odisha — to develop impactful, scalable solutions to real-world challenges.

Held from January 27 to 31 at the Quest Learning Observatory (QLO) in Bengaluru, the event fostered creativity, technological expertise, and problem-solving skills. Young participants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds came together, overcoming language barriers to collaborate, explore new technologies, and engage with industry mentors. Over the 5-days learners developed their prototypes integrating advancements in AI, IoT, and sustainable technologies. The event concluded with a grand showcase where students presented their solutions to a distinguished jury.

In the last year alone (2023-24) the schools program in Karnataka reached out to 268 schools, 507 educators, and 16,834 learners

What made this exercise so relevant is the fact that the nine students from Karnataka looked at problems that affected them and the community they lived in and found workable solutions. For instance, students from the Morarji Desai Residential Schools, S. Hosakote, Mysore, tackled the monkey menace in their school hostel and public areas. What concerned them was the fact that monkeys were aggressive, disrupting daily activities and attacking students. Using ingenuity and tech, the students sought to solve the problem by creating an image-processing monkey detection and chasing system.

The rising air pollution in metro cities like Bengaluru and Delhi is a matter of serious concern, felt the students of GHS Garudacharpalya, Bengaluru. This is leading to various health problems, including breathing difficulties, an increase in asthma cases, and the chances of getting infected by airborne diseases. Looking at all these issues, the students created a mask that not only purified the air but also acted as a pollution monitoring device.

Talking about the experience, Bhagyashree, a class 9 learner from Government High School Garudacharpalya, Bengaluru said, “The hackathon process enabled me to foster collaboration with other state students with the activities given. I also learned new words, and made new friends…earlier we depended on our Mentor for prototype building but now we engrossed ourselves independently in creating applications, coding, etc. My presentation skills have improved in this process. Overall, the experience was fun and engaging. Every surprise from here is learning.”

On her part, Roshan Ara Begum, Tejaswini’s teacher, observes, “Girls generally took a back seat in expressing their ideas, but after the hackathon, they have started to voice their opinions. The biggest challenge the learners overcame was the ability to mingle freely irrespective of their gender. When we noticed that male and female learners preferred working in gendered silos — I and a few mentors from Quest intervened and ensured they collaborated to bring out the best as a team. This taught them the importance of empathizing with eachother irrespective of one’s gender. The hackathon has taught them lessons that apply to the world outside…much beyond tech skills.”

Observing the process, Aparna Balakrishnan, Senior Program Manager, Schools Program, Quest Alliance, adds, “The hackathon has brought together like-minded learners with shared challenges under one roof to solve complex societal problems using technology. Their self-reflective journey in identifying problem statements and designing solutions has made them think like innovators who now have the vocabulary to articulate injustices and find solutions to their lived problems that impact their community. It has also given them the confidence to question and think critically and creatively as they explored multiple pathways to arrive at a solution. The week-long journey has taught them technical skills (that might become redundant with time) but has put them on the path of self-learning which is essential for a future job seeker.”

Beyond technical skills, participants honed essential life skills such as communication and storytelling — critical for securing support and scaling their innovations. The event placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for girls and students from marginalized communities.

The hackathon is a unique initiative designed to equip young minds with essential skills, mentorship, and technological exposure to succeed in an ever-evolving job market. This initiative not only plays a vital role in enhancing individual growth but also plays a crucial role in shaping a workforce that can drive.

Economic Survey 2024-2025 Secures Mixed Reactions from Industry Experts

by Mr Sahil Aggarwal, CEO, of  Nimbus Group

ECONOMIC SURVEY Highlights:

After the enactment of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, India ranked 31st out of 89 countries in the Global Real Estate Transparency Index in 2024Housing demand in India is expected to touch 93 million units by 2036. The residential real estate market scaled an 11-year high in sales volume in the first six months of 2024. During this period, total sale across top eight cities recorded 11 per cent YoY growth13.

Mr. Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Group

The Economic Survey underscores the crucial role of the real estate sector in economic growth and projects sustained demand for both housing and office spaces over the long term. Given its significant contribution to GDP and employment, real estate remains one of the key pillars of India’s economic expansion.

The sector has witnessed renewed confidence following the implementation of RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority), which has instilled greater transparency and accountability. As a result, both end-users and investors are now more willing to invest in projects developed by RERA-compliant builders, leading to a healthier and more robust market. Over time, we expect transparency and governance in the sector to improve even further, making it even more attractive for investment.

The Economic Survey rightly predicts that housing demand in India will reach 93 million units by 2036, a figure that underscores the enormous growth potential of the sector. Beyond just real estate, this surge in demand will also benefit auxiliary industries, such as construction materials, home décor, finance, and technology, creating a ripple effect across the economy.

However, to fully capitalize on this demand and drive further growth, we urge the government to grant long-pending industry status to the real estate sector. This will allow developers to access easier financing, lower borrowing costs, and incentives, ultimately enabling the sector to meet housing demand more effectively and contribute even more significantly to India’s economic progress.

German Films Commended for Excellence as They Sweep SIFFCY 2025 Awards

New Delhi, February 01st, 2025: The 11th edition of the annual Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY), organized by Smile Foundation in partnership with the European Union (Delegation of the European Union to India), announced its much awaited awards under various categories.

Greetings from Mars, from Germany and directed by Sarah Winkenstette, was adjudged winner in three different awards categories, such as the Best Feature Film (Children), the Best Director, and the European Children’s Film Association Award. Another acclaimed film from Germany, Winners, directed by Soleen Yussef, took away the Best Feature Film (Youth) accolade.

German director Sarah Winkenstette not only took away the coveted Best Director’s award but also claimed the European Children’s Film Association (ECFA) award during SIFFCY 2025 in New Delhi.

Palash Das and Santanu Ghosh from India received the Best Story award for “Soaring Wings”. “Ballad of the Mountain”, directed by Dr. Tarun Jain from India got the Best Short Story award.

Indian film “Rebell” directed by Rahul Dhanwate received the Next Gen Award, while “Dandelions Girl” from Iran directed by Azadeh Masihzadeh took away the Young Jury Award.

Iranian actor Mohammad Reza Arab Jafai received the Best Actor’s award for the film “7600”.

Dutch film “Bigman”, directed by Camiel Schouwenaar, swept both CIFEJ award and FCCI award.

The Jury Panels, representing six different categories during the 11th edition of SIFFCY, was composed of distinguished leaders from the global film industry.  These are as follow:

International Competition (Feature Films) jury panel: Astrid Aure from Noway, Mikk Granstrom from Estonia, Elisabeth Lichtkoppler from Austria, Shubhra Gupta from India, and Marta Karwowska from POLAND

International Competition (Short Films) jury panel: Erica De Lisio from Italy, Vineeta Mishra from India, Yoko Yano from Japan, Kamakhya Narayan Singh from India, and Murtaza Ali Khan from India.

European Children’s Film Association (ECFA) Awards jury panel: Marta Kraus from Poland, Harbauer from Germany, and Josep Arbiol from Spain.

International Centre of Films for Children & Young People (CIFEJ) Award jury panel: Vassilis Karamitsanis from Greece, Hilde Steenssens from Beligium, Adam Dvorak from the Czech Republic, Dhvani Desai from India, and Alejandra Fritis Zapata from Chile.

The Next-Gen Award jury panel: Stephan Ottenbruch from Germany, Geert Neckebroeck from Belgium, Ulisse Lendaro from Italy, Christopher Dalton from India, and Ketki Parikh from the USA.

Film Critic Circle of India Award jury panel: Anjali Monteiro, Ratnottama Sengupta, and Dr. Piyush Roy

The 11th edition of Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) witnessed sizeable participation from various schools and young audience. Panel discussions on “fostering India-global collaboration and opportunities in cinema” and “engaging young audience in good cinema in the age of Instagram reels and YouTube shorts” were proved engaging and invigorating. Workshops for young participants on photography and storyboard making were hugely successful too.

Mr. Santanu Mishra, Chairman of SIFFCY, producer of I Am Kalam, and Co-founder of Smile Foundation said, “It is a momentous occasion for all of us at Smile Foundation as we showcase a Maha Kumbh of good cinema from across the globe through SIFFCY. We believe that cinema plays a pivotal role in shaping the young minds. We will carry forward our mission to engage young audience creatively and meaningfully to strengthen the value system in the society. Good content and work of art bring lots of opportunities and, in this digital age, platform like SIFFCY has a significant role to play.”

Mr. Jitendra Mishra, SIFFCY Festival Director expressed, “As the festival director and curator, I am very much satisfied for showcasing the outstanding selection of films this year. Our goal has always been to celebrate the diversity of storytelling and the artistry behind each project. The jury, comprised of esteemed leaders in the film industry, has worked diligently to evaluate each film with careful consideration, focusing on social relevance, creativity, story line, and technical excellence. Their verdict reflects the high calibre of work presented, and we are thrilled to honour these remarkable filmmakers and their contributions to cinema at SIFFCY 2025.”

SIFFCY (Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth) is an initiative by Smile Foundation to entertain, engage, educate, and empower young minds. It is based on a strong belief that good cinema represents much more than entertainment; rather this is the most powerful medium to depict the reality and emulate values. Film becomes an interesting and engaging alternative to stimulate discussion among young people about vital personal, societal, mora,l and world issues.