Archive: March 29, 2025

Chhattisgarh’s Energy Future: PM Modi to Inaugurate Sipat-III (1×800 MW) in Bilaspur

India’s largest integrated power utility, NTPC Limited is embarking on a major stride towards strengthening the Central India’s energy landscape with the development of the Sipat Super Thermal Power Project, Stage-III located in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the 800 MW pit-head power project in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh on 30th March 2025.

The project is being established with an investment of Rs 9791 Crores within the available land of Sipat Super Thermal Power Station premises. The commissioning of Sipat III – (1×800 MW) power plant will bring the total installed capacity of Sipat STPS to an impressive 3,780 MW.

This plant will address increasing power demands in the Central Region of the country, i.e. Chhattisgarh as home state and other beneficiary states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa.

The Sipat-III boasts state-of-the-art Ultra Supercritical technology, which enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. Besides the project aligns with NTPC’s broader strategy to upgrade its power plants and transition to more eco-friendly and efficient energy solutions, all while maintaining a reliable supply of electricity.

In addition to its technological advancements, NTPC Sipat emphasizes community welfare, sustainable development, and environmental protection initiatives. The station adheres to stringent environmental norms and has incorporated advanced mechanisms to minimize its ecological footprint. Through initiatives such as afforestation programs, water conservation, and local community support, NTPC ensures that the plant not only serves as an energy hub but also contributes positively to the surrounding region’s development.

With a clear vision and a commitment to delivering results, NTPC is geared up to bring Sipat III, further fortifying the nation’s energy backbone and driving economic prosperity across the region.

GKA2024 Honors Excellence: Award-Winning Papers in Research & Insights

The Market Research Society of India (MRSI) held its second Wednesday Webinar of the eighth season on 26th March 2025, on “Winning with Research & Insights: Award Winning Papers at GKA2024”. The session was hosted by Sivakumar Somnathan, Consumer Behavior Consultant, Curious Cat Consulting, Amitabh Mishra, Head Insights & Analytics- India, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Sunder Muthuraman, Independant Consultant and Mukul Gautam, Independent Consultant; including speakers Arpit Jain, Associate Director Research & Insights, Metrix Research & Analytics, Tripti Sharma, Director, Ipsos Public Affairs and Ankur Kapoor, Consumer & Market Insights Manager Lakme, Beauty Incubator & VMS Unilever.

This webinar offers insights from top industry experts on leveraging research and analytics for business growth.

The discussion began by exploring award-winning work on transforming retail data collection with Gen AI-powered invoice processing, highlighting how artificial intelligence and machine learning are replacing manual data entry, enabling the processing of over 10,000 invoices with high accuracy and an 80% reduction in time.

Arpit Jain, Associate Director Research & Insights, Metrix Research & Analytics highlighted, “Data collection is the foundation of retail measurement services. For a company that tracks retail sales, market shares, and consumer demand, accurate and timely data is crucial. Yet, many still rely on manual, time consuming processes. To further resolve this, our team created a survey platform that serves as a single hub for retail data collection. It allows manual entries but with a simple, user-friendly interface that helps reduce errors. Built in checks and validations further improve accuracy, making data collection smoother and more efficient. The platform is designed so that even a beginner can gather reliable, high-quality data, ultimately improving retail measurement services.”

Tripti Sharma, Director, Ipsos Public Affairs added, “We were approached to determine the population size and living conditions of the Puthirai Vannar community across Tamil Nadu, helping agencies develop better welfare policies. The only available data was from the census, which estimated 21,000 individuals across different districts but lacked comprehensive insights. Our challenge was the absence of sufficient data to design a traditional sampling study. As researchers, we typically know which geographies to target, but in this case, we had to take a completely different approach; figuring out how to identify these individuals and what support we could gather to reach them. If people are to receive welfare policies, caste certificates become an important document. Some people have them, some don’t, and due to stigma, some may not want to identify themselves as belonging to this community.”

Speaking on the digital evolution of rural consumers, Ankur Kapoor, Consumer & Market Insights Manager, Lakme, Beauty Incubator & VMS, Unilever, said, “We knew rural was changing, and we had some data showing that it is a big part of FMCG, contributing about 40%. Recently, there has been significant digitization in rural areas, with mobile internet becoming more prevalent, better road infrastructure, and increasing purchases, including vehicles. Along with these developments, rural women are working more, and there is a growing appetite for newer foods and beauty products; clear signs that change is underway. We wanted to analyse the extent of this shift and how it should influence our priorities at Hindustan Unilever. To do this, we conducted in-depth analysis and qualitative interviews, even going through a day in the consumer’s life to gain deeper insights.”

The speakers provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of research and consumer behavior, highlighting the impact of technology, societal shifts, and data driven decision making. Their discussions emphasized the importance of adapting to change, leveraging innovation, and addressing challenges with informed strategies to drive meaningful progress in business and society.

To gain deeper insights into the transformative power of research and analytics in shaping industries, watch the complete MRSI webinar.

Fenesta Strengthens Chennai Presence, Opens New Showroom in Tambaram

Chennai, 29th March 2025: Fenesta, India’s leading and most trusted brand for windows and doors solutions, has strengthened its presence in Chennai with the launch of a new showroom in Tambaram. The showroom, operated by AK Enterprise, is located at No. 30/307, Sarveshwaran Tower, First Floor, Mudichur Road, West Tambaram, Chennai – 600045.

As Chennai continues to witness rapid urbanization and architectural evolution, the demand for high-performance, energy-efficient, and aesthetically refined fenestration solutions is rising. Fenesta’s new showroom caters to the city’s growing preference for premium aluminium windows and doors, uPVC windows and doors, and solid panel doors, offering an immersive experience where customers can explore cutting-edge designs and technologies firsthand.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Saket Jain, Business Head, Fenesta, said, “Chennai has always been a forward-thinking market, embracing modern design and sustainable living solutions. With this new showroom in Tambaram, we aim to provide an interactive space where homeowners, architects, and builders can explore our innovative product range, experience the latest in fenestration technology, and make informed choices that complement the city’s evolving architectural landscape. At Fenesta, we are committed to delivering solutions that blend performance, aesthetics, and durability to meet the expectations of Chennai’s urban spaces.”

Fenesta is the only company in India to control the entire supply chain starting from the making of uPVC that goes into making the profile, to installation of the end product, as well as after sales service. The products also go through stringent tests and quality checks at every step to ensure performance in India’s varied and extreme climates. These windows & doors are designed to withstand diverse climatic conditions and are widely used by builders, architects, and interior designers for their insulation properties against noise, rain, and dust.

With a growing network of more than 350 showrooms across India and international markets, Fenesta continues to set industry benchmarks in product innovation and service excellence. With a strong presence across metro cities and emerging markets, Fenesta continues to set new benchmarks in innovation, reliability, and customer experience. The Tambaram showroom marks another step in its strategy to bring world-class windows and doors closer to urban consumers, ensuring accessibility, expertise, and seamless service.

Skoda Expands in Vietnam: New Assembly Plant for Kushaq & Slavia with Thanh Cong Group

Mladá Boleslav, 29th March 2025: Skoda Auto and regional partner and investor, the Thanh Cong Group, officially opened a new production plant in Vietnam on 26 March for the assembly of Škoda Slavia and Kushaq cars. This marks a significant milestone in the brand’s internationalisation strategy, reinforcing its ambition to strengthen its presence beyond its European home market. By importing completely knocked down (CKD) kits of the Kushaq SUV from India and assembling them locally, Škoda is capitalising on geographical synergies. The production programme will expand in the summer to include the Slavia sedan, which will also be assembled from CKD kits sourced from India. Located in Quang Ninh province, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a welding shop, a paint shop, and a final assembly line. Škoda Auto launched operations in Vietnam in September 2023 and oversees the Volkswagen Group’s activities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a region with strong growth potential. Vietnam, one of the fastest-developing markets in ASEAN, serves as a strategic gateway to the wider Indo-Pacific region. Since entering the Vietnamese market, 15 Škoda sales outlets have been opened and the network is planned to expand to 32 dealerships in 2025.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, stated: “Opening this new assembly line marks a milestone in our expansion into the rapidly growing Vietnamese market and strengthens our position in the ASEAN region. By leveraging synergies with our key Indian market, we are setting the stage for success not only for Škoda but also for our local partner, Thanh Cong Group. I look forward to putting the first Škoda vehicles from the Vietnamese plant in front of customers very soon.”

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, added: “The new state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities fully reflect Škoda’s high manufacturing benchmarks. The plant is located in Quang Ninh province, close to the port of Haiphong – one of Vietnam’s largest and most modern ports. This ensures the swift delivery of CKD kits from our logistics hub in Pune, India, while also strengthening the synergies that are vital to Škoda’s success in Vietnam and the wider region.”

Nguyen Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Board of Thanh Cong Group, stated: “The first Škoda Auto plant in Vietnam is the core project in the Thanh Cong Viet Hung Automotive and auxiliary Complex which has been well-planed and invested by Thanh Cong Group and aims to foster European automotive collaboration, enhance production and technology, and manufacture a diverse range of products, including new energy vehicles and electric vehicles, specialized and custom designs vehicles in the future.”

Strategically advantageous location and state-of-the-art production technology

Series production of the Kushaq SUV officially began yesterday, with the Slavia sedan set to follow this summer. Both models are assembled from CKD kits prepared at Škoda Auto’s logistics centre in Pune, India, capitalising on geographical synergies. The plant’s location near one of Vietnam’s largest and most modern ports ensures an efficient supply chain.

The newly built facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology for both manufacturing processes – such as contactless 3D measurement – and production techniques, including a sophisticated four-layer paint application and an anti-corrosion wax treatment for body cavities. The assembly line is the largest section of the plant, which also houses a welding shop and a paint shop. The site features a quality control centre, a precision measurement facility, and a nearly two-kilometre-long test track designed to replicate a variety of local road conditions.

To guarantee high product quality, Škoda rigorously tests all locally assembled models under real-world conditions ahead of series production. The Kushaq, for example, has covered more than 330,000 kilometres on diverse Vietnamese roads and undergone extensive climate testing, including trials in temperatures ranging from -10 °C to +42 °C with high humidity.

Offering the right models to meet regional needs

The Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan feature left-hand drive and come equipped with advanced safety and comfort features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and synthetic leather upholstery. Both models are tailored to meet the specific needs and expectations of local customers.

The locally assembled models are a cornerstone of Škoda’s portfolio in Vietnam, complementing the Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs imported from Europe. Since Škoda’s entry into the Vietnamese market in September 2023, more than 15 sales outlets have been opened, including a new showroom concept, the Experience Centre in Hanoi. The network is planned to expand to 32 dealerships by the end of this year.

Škoda Auto is leading the Brand Group Core in its expansion across the ASEAN region, maximising growth potential for the Volkswagen Group. The company draws on its expertise in price-sensitive entry-level segments and effectively leverages existing opportunities. Vietnam is currently the fourth-largest automotive market in Southeast Asia. With just 34 passenger vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants in a country of approximately 100 million people – and with continued national economic growth – Vietnam has the highest projected growth potential in the region.

Beyond ASEAN, Škoda Auto is also expanding its business activities in the Middle East, capitalising on synergies with its production facilities in India.

Innovation Meets Creativity: SIAM Organizes 19th Styling & Design Conclave with 17th ADC

Mumbai, 29th March 2025: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) successfully organised the 19th SIAM Styling & Design Conclave alongside the 17th Automotive Design Challenge (ADC).Themed “Innovating Today, Inspiring Tomorrow’s Mobility,” the conclave focused on the evolving landscape of vehicle styling and design.

The event served as a platform for leading automobile designers, industry experts, and academicians to reimagine the future of automotive aesthetics and mobility solutions.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “As we stand at the cusp of a time when mobility is transforming with various powertrain disruptions, automotive design,n and styling have never had a greater opportunity to innovate. Today, Indian design aspirations are poised for takeoff, and the world is set to experience the next level of Indian automotive design innovation. The dream of Viksit Bharat cannot be fully realized until students’ design talent and innovation are brought to the industrial level, and SIAM is committed to undertaking initiatives that will spotlight next-gen ideas.”

In his welcome address, Mr G Sathiyaseelan, Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group & Vice President (Design), Ashok Leyland, expressed, “We have to convert our auto design efforts in India to a movement. More empirical and innovative approach needs to be adopted. This is truly the right time to innovate and inspire tomorrow.”

In his keynote address, Mr Teofilo Plaza Garcia, Industrial Studio Head, Hero MotoCorp, said, “We must move people sustainably, but we must also move them emotionally. It was once believed that competing in motorsports required importing expensive, heavy-capability vehicles. Today, we are changing that belief with our affordable, well-designed, and highly functional machines. To compete at the global level, we have to start investing in the young talent so that the Heroes of tomorrow are riding today.”

Mr Anuj Prasad, Founder & CEO, Desmania Design, noted, “We are at a threshold, and we are ready to cross it very soon. In the last two years, we have witnessed MNCs coming to India, looking for designs created by Indians and for Indians. We have a diversity of talent and thoughts. Now, with over 1,500 design schools, we are creating an ecosystem of design in India, building on our long-standing legacy. When we talk about sustainability, designers can bring in solutions right from the inception level. My recommendation is that we need to transform from being mere stylists to becoming thought leaders in design.”

In his closing remarks, Mr Nilesh Kirtane, Co-Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group & General Manager – Strategy Planning, Honda R&D India, added, “Like scientists, innovation too emerges from design. We have a big responsibility when it comes to innovation. The whole concept needs to evolve in terms of how we change the lives of common people. We need to think creatively to drive the future of mobility”

The first session, themed “Technology Innovation as an Enabler for Design,” was chaired by Ms Akansha Hakhu, Sr. General Manager (CMF), Maruti Suzuki.

Dr Kaustav Sengupta, Professor, NIFT Chennai said,” India aims to become a global leader in color trends by 2030. Every mile we travel in this country, the color palette changes. Unfortunately, many traditional Indian colors have lost their significance simply because they were inherently Indian. I strongly believe that Indian OEMs should incorporate indigenous colors into their vehicle designs to celebrate our cultural identity.”

Mr Samarth Gupta, Senior Technical Specialist & Mobility Lead APAC, Autodesk said,” “We are mindful of the fact that design trends are evolving rapidly, and so are customer expectations. Everyone wants to own a vehicle because it is an expression of independence. New developments in geopolitics and the evolution of consumers’ trends and preferences are impacting the mobility landscape. We will need to evolve our auto design thinking amidst disruptions.”

Mr Rajesh Gogu, Vice President (Design), Maruti Suzuki said,” The trends on the road are changing, as demand for sedans have reduced while that of SUVs have grown. Designing can reinvent declining segments or products to make them popular again. India’s unique preferences can only be met through refreshing designs that evolve with consumer expectations and remain relevant over time. We can design our vehicles that can reduce the carbon footprint offering better fuel efficiency and value to customers.

Ms. Akansha Hakhu, Sr. General Manager (CMF), Maruti Suzuki, said, “Through collective discussions on style and design, we can create an ecosystem with a broader and improved vision. These discussions are essential for shaping the future of automotive design.”

The session featured insights from Mr Rahul Pandita, Regional Head, Stratasys where he talked the integration of new-age technologies in automotive design and their impact on user experience.

The second session, “Designing for Global Aspirations,” was chaired by Mr V S Deka, Group Manager, Royal Enfield amongst other leading experts.

Mr Ferdinand Klauser, Global Partner & Managing Director Asia, KISKA Shanghai said,” Design is a crucial factor in a customer’s decision to choose a particular automotive brand. We hear a lot about India’s potential, but the key is to understand where to play and how to win.”

Mr Pravin Gaikwad, Head of CV Design, Tata Motors said,” India is on the path to becoming a global leader in sustainable mobility. Design plays a pivotal role in this journey, as it will shape the future of how mobility is envisioned and experienced.”

Mr Dinesh Raman, Director Transportation Design, KISKA Shanghai, and Mr Harikrishnan AK, Delivery Manager, TCS Design also shared their insights in the

session and explored the influence of global trends on Indian automotive design and the need for innovation in the sector.

The third session was a panel discussion on “Fostering Industry – Academia Interaction,” moderated by Mr Anuj Prasad, Founder & CEO, Desmania Design. The discussion included perspectives from Mr G Sathiyaseelan, Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group & Vice President (Design), Ashok Leyland; Mr Namit Sharma, Professor, National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad; Dr Kaustav Sengupta, Professor, NIFT Chennai; Dr Sumer Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Design, IIT Delhi; Mr Jayant Sankrityayana, Professor, UPES; and Ms Alka Madhan, Director (Strategy), MIT Institute of Design. Panelists emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the industry and academia to nurture young talent and drive innovation in automotive design.

SIAM also organized the 17th edition of Automotive Design Challenge (ADC), an esteemed annual design competition, that provided a platform for aspiring automobile designers to showcase their creativity and vision for the future of mobility. Following a rigorous selection process, the top ten students were chosen to present their innovative concepts during the conclave, with their designs put on display for attendees to explore.

The conclave concluded with the ADC 2024 Award Felicitation Ceremony, where the intense competition resulted in two second runners-up Mr. Rajat Sisodia, National Institute of Design, and Mr. Anurag Ramteke, Strate School of Design, first runner up being Mr. Naga Karthik Jonnala, Strate School of Design and the winner Mr. Vedant Barve, MIT Institute of Design bringing the total number of winners to four, all recognized for their outstanding contributions to automotive design.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. G Sathiyaseelan reiterated the significance of design evolution in the Indian automobile industry, followed by a vote of thanks by Mr Prashant K Banerjee. The event ended with an engaging design workshop, offering participants hands-on experience in advanced automotive styling.

The event brought together a diverse audience, including design practitioners from automobile OEMs, component and technology suppliers, design students, faculty members, and other key stakeholders, encouraging a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Specslounge.com: ZEISS India Launches New Omni-Channel Platform to Support Business Partners

Bengaluru 29th March 2025: In the first ever strategic move to enhance optical retail for its business partners, ZEISS, a global pioneer of science in optics and optoelectronics, today announced the launch of its omni-channel e-commerce platform in India. Designed to enhance the purchasing experience for the end-consumers, the ecommerce platform will provide opticians with an additional sales channel, allowing them to cater to consumer demands both in-store and online seamlessly.

As a brand that remains focused on B2B operations, with the latest omni-channel ecommerce platform, aims to strengthen its partnership with opticians while adapting to the evolving digital landscape. The new platform will enable end-consumers to order both frames and lenses with ease, offering a convenient and streamlined solution for their businesses and customers.

Commenting on the launch, Rohan Paul, Head of Vision Care at ZEISS India and Neighboring Markets said, “We remain committed to enabling our business partners in their pursuit of doing successful business. Integrating digital solutions in overall purchase journey is a step to empower our business partners (opticians) to better serve their customers, allowing them the flexibility to choose where and when to buy – be it online or in-store.”

“The newly launched platform does not change ZEISS’s core B2B model. Instead, it acts as a lead generation and sales enhancement tool for opticians, enabling them to expand their reach and attract new customers while maintaining strong relationships with existing ones.”, Rohan Paul further added.

ZEISS India affirms that opticians will continue to play a crucial role as the primary point of contact for end-consumers. Beyond product sales, opticians will provide essential services such as eye tests, frame fittings, and expert consultations. This ensures that the personalized customer experience remains intact, even as digital accessibility increases.

Inspeq.ai Expands to Bangalore, Strengthening Responsible AI Integration Efforts

India, March 29th, 2025: Inspeq.ai, a leading Ireland-born enterprise-grade AI safety solutions provider, has announced its entry into India with a new office in Bangalore, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion. The strategic move coincides with the visit of Ireland’s Minister for Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, James Lawless, on the occasion of Ireland’s National Day – St. Patrick’s Day.

As India emerges as a global AI powerhouse, Inspeq.ai’s expansion underscores its commitment to integrating responsible AI into business operations. With India’s thriving AI ecosystem and digital economy, the company aims to enhance AI deployment efficiency and safety for enterprises looking to scale their AI capabilities responsibly.

Inspeq.ai’s AI Ops platform is revolutionizing enterprise AI integration, enabling developers to deploy Gen AI applications up to 4X faster while reducing costs by up to 70%. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of capabilities, including LLM evaluation, AI governance, model transparency, and scalable deployment, empowering Indian enterprises to innovate with confidence.

“India is a critical market for Inspeq.ai as we continue to advance our vision of responsible AI integration globally. Bangalore’s vibrant tech scene and innovative culture offer the perfect setting for our R&D efforts. Our commitment to growing a world-class team here, along with forging strategic partnerships, positions us to drive meaningful change in how enterprises deploy AI safely and efficiently,” said Apoorva Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Inspeq.ai.

The launch of Inspeq.ai’s Bangalore office marks the beginning of an ambitious growth and hiring plan. Recognizing India’s exceptional engineering talent, the company plans to recruit 50 professionals across engineering, operations, and client engagement roles in the coming months. The Bangalore R&D center will play a key role in advancing responsible AI solutions tailored to enterprise needs.

Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government agency supporting the global growth of Irish businesses, is supporting Inspeq.ai’s India operations. Speaking on the new office launch, Ross Curran, Director, India and South Asia, Enterprise Ireland, said, “India represents a pivotal market for Irish innovation, and Inspeq.ai’s expansion into Bangalore underscores the growing collaboration between our two nations in the AI sector. As a global hub for technology and digital transformation, India offers immense opportunities for companies like Inspeq.ai to scale their solutions and drive responsible AI adoption. At Enterprise Ireland, we are committed to supporting Irish businesses as they expand globally, and we are excited to see Inspeq.ai’s contributions to India’s thriving AI ecosystem.”

Inspeq.ai has recently forged a strategic partnership with HCLTech, accelerating its mission to deliver responsible AI solutions at scale. The company has also achieved a major industry milestone by becoming the first RAIOps platform to debut on Salesforce AppExchange.

With additional collaborations with leading tech firms and research institutions on the horizon, Inspeq.ai is poised to play a key role in India’s AI-driven digital transformation. These alliances will further fuel innovation, ensuring the company’s solutions remain at the forefront of enterprise AI deployment globally.

‘Sasmrti’ 2025: Asha Gautam Leads the Conversation on Responsible Luxury

New Delhi, March 29th, 2025: Asha Gautam, hosted Sasmrti -Responsible Luxury Roundtable 2025 at its flagship studio in New Delhi. The event, co-hosted by Gautam Gupta, Creative Director of Asha Gautam, and entrepreneur Shweta Thakur Nanda, brought together pioneering voices from fashion, sustainability, government, beauty and wellness, and academia to deliberate, and work together around the evolving landscape of responsible luxury.

As the dialogue around sustainability deepens, this roundtable explored how luxury brands can balance opulence with ethical practices, environmental consciousness, and mindful craftsmanship — without compromising on exclusivity and creativity. As climate change stares at each of us, environmental consciousness and responsible actions by people and businesses can help both the ecology and the economy.

The event featured a distinguished panel of industry leaders:

• Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies
• Gopal Namjoshi, celebrated artist and founder of Gopal Namjoshi Studio
• Lipika Sud, Founder Director LIpika Sud Interiors Pvt.Ltd., National Governing Body Member, FICCI FLO
• Dr, Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, Member, Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas, Govt. Of India
• Prof. Kaushik Ranjan Bandhopadhyay, Chairperson, Centre for Business Sustainability, IIM Lucknow
• Dr Sanjay Gupta, Founding Vice Chancellor, World University of Design, Sonipat
• Neeraj Pandey, Co-founder of Vivid Climate
• Diksha Sachdev, Founder of Fashion Solutions
• Puneet Gupta, Founder of Puneet Gupta Invitations
• Akanksha Kaila Akashi, Founder of Refash
• Rishi Raj, Stylist and Leading Brand Image Consultant
• Gursakhi Lugani, Founder of NakhreWaali
• Elizabeth Hartman Sitaraman, Fashion Professor at Pearl Academy and Founder of Studio SWIATLO
• Pallavi Singh, Co-founder of Moda Ninja

The panelists shared their personal journeys, challenges faced in making sustainability integral to their work, their achievements, and future roadmaps. They also offered insights on how the Indian luxury industry can become a global leader in conscious, responsible craftsmanship.

Speaking at the event, Gautam Gupta said, “I always wanted to make changes in the way Luxury Businesses are done and how more and more responsible practices can be imbibed in the process. This event is just the beginning to build a community and our endeavor is having more like minded entrepreneurs and professionals become part of the community. To make the change you have to be the change and to bring it to the world you need to build communities”

“With climate change becoming increasingly evident, the luxury industry is undergoing a huge transformation. Luxury is gradually becoming responsible, sustainable, and innovative. The growth of conscious consumers is aiding this shift. Sustainability is the new opulence! Responsible Luxury is a commitment to sustainability, ethical business practices, and stakeholder welfare, ensuring that every indulgence comes with a positive impact,” said Shweta Thakur Nanda at the roundtable.

Sasmrti – The Responsible Luxury Roundtable 2025 was an inspiring evening of dialogue, ideation, and networking, setting the tone for a more thoughtful, sustainable future in the Indian luxury sector and beyond.