HRDS INDIA handed over keys to 100 eco-friendly, climate-resilient homes to tribal families in Analabereni village, Dhenkanal district, under its Sadhgraha Project. The initiative aims to provide permanent housing to land-owning tribal families who lack secure shelter.
The ceremony was led by HRDS INDIA President Guru Atma Nambi and attended by district officials, organizational leaders, and beneficiary families. The homes mark a transition from temporary structures to safe, dignified residences.
Each 370 sq. ft. unit is fully furnished and built using pre-fabricated, climate-resilient, and eco-friendly materials suited to tribal regions. Designed with cultural sensitivity and rapid deployment capability, the homes address critical housing gaps in underserved communities, including Juang and Munda populations in Dhenkanal.
“Sadhgraha is not merely about constructing houses; it is about restoring dignity and creating a secure foundation for tribal families,” said Guru Atma Nambi. “Every permanent home becomes a starting point for better health, uninterrupted education for children, and economic stability. When a family has a safe roof over their head, they gain confidence to build their future.”
Founder & Secretary Aji Krishnan emphasized the importance of collective participation. “We are bridging urban resources with rural realities. Tribal housing must be seen as a long-term nation-building investment. Through strong CSR and ESG-driven partnerships, we can scale impact responsibly and ensure that development reaches the last mile,” he said.
With thousands of homes already delivered across India’s tribal belts, HRDS INDIA aims to expand delivery to over 10,000 units annually through collaborations with PSUs, corporate CSR programs, and state governments.
Delhi, Feb 22: Dr. Bhargav Mallappa will continue serving as the National Deputy Chairman of the People Forum of India after the National Chairman Dr. S. Manimozhyaan, formally declined to accept his resignation and urged him to remain in office in view of the organisation’s ongoing social responsibilities and long-term mission.
In an official communication issued on Sunday, the National Chairman acknowledged Dr. Mallappa’s sustained contributions to the organisation’s administrative strengthening and grassroots social initiatives, expressing confidence in his leadership and requesting him to continue his responsibilities in the larger interest of the mission.
Responding to the development, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa said the decision to step back from his resignation was guided not by position, but by purpose. He said, “Public service is not about titles; it is about responsibility. The trust shown by the organisation carries moral weight. After thoughtful reflection, I felt it was important to prioritise continuity and collective vision over personal considerations. Our shared objective remains the upliftment of society, and that commitment must remain uninterrupted.”
Dr. Mallappa further said that moments of introspection often strengthen institutions rather than weaken them. “This phase has brought clarity. It has reinforced why we began this journey — to build structured, accountable, and impactful social initiatives. With renewed focus and stronger coordination, we will move forward with greater discipline and deeper engagement at the grassroots level.”
He expressed optimism that the organisation will now work with sharper alignment and enhanced energy, ensuring that its social outreach efforts expand in both scale and substance.
Dr. Mallappa will continue to serve as National Deputy Chairman with immediate effect, reaffirming his dedication to strengthening institutional processes and advancing meaningful social change.
The grand finale of Radha TMT’s unique initiative, “Creators of Tomorrow – Buildathon 2026,” a first-of-its-kind Civil Engineering Innovation Platform organised exclusively for civil engineering students across Telangana, was held on Saturday evening at Shilpakala Vedika, Madhapur.
CVR College of Engineering emerged as the winner for their innovative proposal titled “Water Treatment Waste into Sustainable Building Solutions.” The team was declared the winner of the challenge and walked away with a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh.
Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), Basara, secured the first runner-up position and bagged Rs 1 lakh, while JNTU Hyderabad was declared the second runner-up and received Rs 50,000. Consolation prizes of Rs 25,000 each were awarded to Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology (SNIST), University College of Engineering (Osmania University), Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology (GRIET), and VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology (VNR VJIET).
Over 100 engineering colleges and a couple of hundred civil engineering students participated in the multi-level competition, culminating in seven finalist teams. The finalists included teams from JNTU Hyderabad, University College of Engineering–Osmania University, GRIET, VNR VJIET, SNIST, RGUKT Basara, and CVR College of Engineering.
The competition showcased pioneering and practical ideas addressing real-world infrastructure challenges. One of the notable presentations focused on pothole-free roads. Highlighting that nearly 2,161 people die annually due to pothole-related accidents and that the government spends between Rs 1,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crore annually on maintenance, students proposed a preventive solution using micro-encapsulation technology with waste and used cooking oil. Their approach targeted micro-level cracks in roads, aiming to prevent crack expansion, block water penetration, maintain structural integrity, and eliminate the root causes of potholes.
Students from OU College of Engineering presented “Alga Nova,” an algae-based cement additive that reduces cement usage by 2.5 percent. While not a complete replacement for cement, the team positioned it as a sustainable alternative component. A jury member remarked that while the Romans invented concrete, a well-developed alternative cement innovation could create history.
An all-women team from GRIET showcased “Sugarcrete,” lightweight bricks made from sugarcane bagasse, presenting it as a sustainable and viable construction material. The VNR VJIET team proposed algae-based sustainable paints, claiming the product to be 40 percent cheaper and a biodegradable alternative to conventional paints.
SNIST students proposed Geopolymer Concrete, a 100 percent cement-free concrete solution capable of reducing carbon emissions by 70–80 percent. Meanwhile, RGUKT students presented Green Concrete reinforced with natural bamboo fibre to reduce cracks and enhance structural performance. During the discussion, a jury member noted that bamboo has been recognised as a national building material and represents the future of sustainable construction.
Smt. Harichandana Dasari, IAS, District Collector of Hyderabad, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Addressing more than 1,000 students, she said that the problems identified and solutions proposed by the finalist teams addressed real-life challenges awaiting scalable solutions. She expressed admiration for the innovative and industry-first nature of several ideas and said that with further development and persistence, many of these concepts could solve perennial infrastructure challenges in the country.
Describing the initiative as the need of the hour, she emphasised the importance of industry–academia collaboration and urged students to build a better tomorrow and a more liveable world. “Big buildings are not great buildings; buildings that are liveable are great,” she remarked, encouraging students to pursue their ideas with persistence until they are commercialised.
Sunil Saraf, Chairman of Radha TMT, stated that the Creators of Tomorrow initiative was conceptualised to celebrate young engineering talent and foster innovation. He highlighted that civil engineering forms the backbone of national development, as infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, buildings, and water systems is fundamental to trade, public health, water security, and economic growth. In this context, Radha TMT launched the Buildathon to inspire the next generation of nation-builders.
Akshat Saraf, Director of Radha TMT, added that centred on the theme “Green & Sustainable Construction for a Greener Future,” the competition aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world industry requirements. Students were encouraged to propose innovative, scalable, and practical solutions addressing modern infrastructure challenges.
The competition offered cash prizes worth over Rs 5 lakh, along with internship opportunities, industry-recognised certifications, factory visits, ISO training exposure, and direct interaction with leading construction professionals.
As a leading TMT bar manufacturer associated with the construction ecosystem, Radha TMT reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future-ready civil engineers, promoting sustainable construction practices, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and contributing responsibly to India’s infrastructure growth.
The jury members comprised:
Mr. Sridhar Gopisetti – Founder & Principal Architect, Team One India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Zaki Ahmed – Founder, Zaki & Associates; Mr. Surya Prakash – Managing Director, SatyaVani Projects & Consultants Pvt. Ltd.;
Dr. Mahendra Kumar Madhavan – Professor, Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad;
Mr. C. Shekar Reddy – Vice Chairman, IGBC; Managing Director, CSR Estates Ltd.; Mr. Rajkumar Kancherla – Managing Director, Kancherla Projects Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai, Feb 20 : The Bombay Art Society, one of the oldest non-profit art institutions in the Asian subcontinent are hosting their 134th All India Annual Art Exhibition from 24 February to 2 March 2026 at Jehangir Art Gallery. The inauguration of the annual art exhibition will be held at 5.00pm on 24 February at Jahangir Art Gallery. The event will be inaugurated by popular Bollywood playback singer Chief Guest Smt Anuradha Paudwal and Prof Kishore Ingle will be the Guest of Honour.
The BAS annual art exhibition started in 1888, the only art exhibition in India held continuously for 138 years is considered as the talent hunt contest in the country. This year 275 artworks from upcoming and talented artists have been selected from over 2500 entries received from all over India. Winners will be announced on 24th February 2026 and the artworks of four scholarship awardees are also displayed in the exhibition.
Mr. Rajendra Patil, President The Bombay Art Society shared,
“It gives me immense pride to present the 134th All India Annual Art Exhibition of the Bombay Art Society, a legacy initiative that has nurtured artistic excellence since 1888. For over a century, this exhibition has served as a vital platform for discovering and encouraging emerging talent while honouring the enduring spirit of Indian visual arts. This year, the overwhelming response from budding artists across the country reaffirms the Society’s relevance as a national forum for creative expression. The Bombay Art Society remains committed to strengthening Mumbai’s cultural landscape and supporting artists through exhibitions, scholarships, and more.”
The Bombay Art Society introduced Roopdhar Lifetime Samman in the field of visual art for the last 21 years. This year, one of the great Sculptor artist Chandrajit Yadav will be awarded with the Roopdhar Lifetime Achievement award and will be awarded at the annual event. In other key awards, Prasad Mestri, who works in figurative style, bagged this year’s Bendre-Husain Scholarship, Sonal Salekar was awarded the Sandhya Misra Scholarship for her unique artworks. Last year we introduced Artist Ravi & Smita Paranjape Chitradiksha scholarship and it will be presented to Krishnapada Maity. This year, 46 awards to the artists in the categories like paintings, sculptures, graphics, photography
The all India annual art exhibition has been the important art event on the calendar of visual arts events in country since its beginning in 1888; today it has assumed the form of mega art event for the artists community in the western parts of India not only western parts of India but it is an important event for artists in eastern and southern parts of India as The Bombay Art Society receives exhibition entries as far away as Delhi, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala from many years.
Bombay Art Society’s scholarships & awards have been great inspiration in the formative years of today’s many master painters like J. P. Ganguly, Ravi Shankar Rawal, H. Majumdar, Amrita Sher-Gil, S. L. Haldankar, K. K Hebbar, N. S.Bendre, Badri Narayan, A. A. Almelkar, S. H. Raza, K. H. Ara, Mohan Samant, Jatin Das, Prabhakar Kolte and many other younger established names. The art journey of many Indian artists of renown has at some time or the other benefited from the munificence and magnificence of the Bombay Art Society’s past.
The Bombay Art Society (BAS) was granted a piece land by the Maharashtra State Government and a huge symbol of architectural grandiose stands today on this 10,000 Sq. feet area at Bandra Reclamation, opp Hotel Rangsharda. The Art complex housing three art galleries, an amphitheater, the art-books Library is a significant addition to the Mumbai’s art and cultural infrastructure, providing artists and art enthusiasts with much needed space for art exhibitions, art residencies, film screenings, live demonstrations, presentations, lectures, workshops, educational activities etc in Mumbai.
Indian Investor & Entrepreneur HE DATO Dr Bhargav Mallappa & HE DATO Dr S. Selvaganesh Selvaraj Meets Yam Raja Izzuddin Iskandar Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Afiffullah Shah, Seeks Blessings for Kampung Bharu 2.0 Project
Signs Major MoU to Speed Up Iconic Twin-Tower Plan, Boost FDI, Create High-Value Jobs, Modernize City Infrastructure, and Strengthen Malaysia–India Ties
Malaysia / India, Feb 20: HE DATO Dr Bhargav Mallappa, a prominent Indian investor and entrepreneur from the MBRA Group, along with HE DATO Dr S Selvaganesh Selvaraj, recently met Yam Raja Izzuddin Iskandar Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Afiffullah Shah, a Member of the Malaysian Royal Family (Perak), on February 15 at the Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
During the meeting, HE DATO Dr Bhargav Mallappa sought His Highness’s blessings for the ambitious Kampung Bharu 2.0 redevelopment project. The discussion focused on shared vision, mutual respect, and long-term cooperation aimed at transforming one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest and most historic neighbourhoods.
Following the meeting, a major strategic partnership was formalized with DSAT Private Equity Sdn. Bhd., under which HE Dato Dr Bhargav Mallappa is committing substantial investment to accelerate the redevelopment initiative. A key highlight of the project is the proposed iconic twin-tower development, designed to redefine the city’s skyline while carefully preserving the cultural and historical identity of Kampung Bharu.
As part of the agreement, HE DATO Dr Bhargav Mallappa has acquired equity in DSAT Private Equity Sdn. Bhd., a company licensed and regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia. The regulated structure ensures that all investments follow strict legal, regulatory, and governance standards, maintaining full transparency and accountability.
Speaking about the initiative, HE DATO Dr Bhargav Mallappa said:
“Malaysia stands out for its economic resilience, stable governance, and vast opportunities in urban transformation. Kampung Bharu 2.0 presents a unique opportunity to create a landmark that honors heritage while embracing modern progress. Our commitment is to invest responsibly, transparently, and with a long-term development vision.”
Adding to this, HE DATO Dr. S Selvaganesh Selvaraj stated:
“This collaboration reflects the growing strength of Malaysia–India partnerships in strategic development. By combining international expertise with local vision, we aim to contribute meaningfully to sustainable growth, job creation, and long-term economic value.”
Welcoming the engagement, Yam Raja Izzuddin Iskandar Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Afiffullah Shah said:
“We appreciate the confidence shown by international investors in Malaysia’s growth story. Development must be forward-looking while respecting our cultural roots. Initiatives like Kampung Bharu 2.0 have the potential to generate economic value, create skilled employment, and further strengthen Malaysia–India relations.”
The partnership is expected to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), create high-value jobs, upgrade urban infrastructure, and deepen economic ties between Malaysia and India, while supporting inclusive and sustainable national development goals.
The YWCA of Delhi marked National Women’s Day with a compelling program centered on the theme “Rights, Resistance, and Reform,” honoring the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, the iconic poetess, freedom fighter, and “Nightingale of India.” Held at Constantia Hall, New Delhi. The event in collaboration with PASI drew a diverse audience to foster dialogue, awareness, and action on women’s rights and societal transformation.
As the esteemed Special Guest and Chief Guest, Mrs. Parul Singh, President of the Delhi Paralympic Committee (also known as Divyang Para Sports Association of Delhi), brought a powerful perspective on inclusion and resilience. Addressing the gathering, she emphasized the critical role of reforms in creating equitable opportunities for all women, particularly those with disabilities. “True empowerment begins when we dismantle barriers—not just in words, but through inclusive policies and unwavering resistance to inequality. As we honor Sarojini Naidu’s legacy, let us commit to reforms that lift every woman, ensuring no one is left behind in the pursuit of rights and justice,” said Mrs. Parul Singh.
The highlight of the program was an engaging panel discussion featuring distinguished experts: Dr. Divya Tanwar, Ms. Nirmala, and Advocate Ms. Neha Saluja. The panel delved into pressing issues of gender equality, resistance against systemic challenges, and pathways for meaningful reform, sparking insightful exchanges among participants.
Dr. Divya Tanwar, a renowned advocate for women’s health and education, shared, “Rights are not granted; they are claimed through collective resistance. On this National Women’s Day, we must amplify the voices of marginalized women, turning reflection into revolutionary action for a reformed society.”
Ms. Nirmala, a veteran social worker dedicated to community upliftment, added, “Resistance is the spark of reform. From Sarojini Naidu’s poetic defiance to today’s grassroots movements, women have always led the charge. Let us channel this spirit to build communities where every woman’s rights are non-negotiable.”
Advocate Ms. Neha Saluja, a legal expert specializing in gender justice, remarked, “Legal reforms are the backbone of lasting change, but they thrive only with societal resistance to outdated norms. This event reminds us that women’s rights are human rights—fought for, won, and fiercely protected.”
Complementing the discussion, the event included an interactive quiz to test and deepen knowledge on women’s history and contemporary issues, alongside a riveting Nukkad Natak (street play) that vividly portrayed stories of empowerment, struggle, and triumph. These activities not only educated but also inspired attendees to actively engage in promoting social change.
This Valentine’s Day, ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar, Kolkata present thoughtfully curated dining experiences designed for celebration, connection, and unforgettable moments with your loved ones. On February 14th, four distinctive venues—Eden Pavilion, Pan Asian, Avartana, and Highland Nectar—invite you to celebrate togetherness over exceptional cuisine in intimate settings.
Eden Pavilion offers a specially curated Valentine’s Day dinner buffet in an elegantly adorned space where warmth meets indulgence. With soulful flavours and decadent desserts, the evening encourages guests to linger and savour each moment with those who matter most. Available from 7:00 pm to 11:45 pm at INR 1,800 plus taxes per person.
Pan Asian creates an intimate atmosphere with a special à la carte menu showcasing delicate East Asian-inspired flavours and artful presentation. Enhanced by live music and a welcoming ambience, the experience invites you to slow down and enjoy the company of family and friends. Dinner served from 7:00 pm to 11:45 pm.
Avartana elevates the celebration with its signature Valentine’s Day set menu, Kimaya—available in vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections—featuring reimagined South Indian cuisine. Choose between a leisurely Valentine’s Lunch or an immersive Valentine’s Dinner both priced at INR 3,500 plus taxes per person.
Highland Nectar offers a relaxed yet refined setting, where guests can raise a toast with loved ones over gourmet bites, premium drinks, and live music in an intimate bar atmosphere—perfect for letting the evening unfold naturally.
This Valentine’s Day, discover where meaningful connection, enchanting ambience, and culinary excellence converge at ITC Sonar and ITC Royal Bengal.
AUSTIN, Texas– INTX Insurance Software, a complete Insurance Operating System for specialty P&C insurers, MGAs, reinsurers and captives, today announced a strategic partnership with Hartwell, a Protected Cell Captive Insurance Company known for innovative insurance structures that give clients control over premiums, claims, and risk.
Hartwell selected INTX as its core Insurance Operating System to support the continued evolution of its captive offering—providing a modern, scalable operating foundation that unifies policy administration, billing, claims, reinsurance, and reporting while enabling flexibility through INTX’s open API architecture.
The partnership reflects a shared vision to modernize captive insurance operations by uniting Hartwell’s credibility and regulatory discipline with INTX’s Insurance Operating System, streamlining operations while enhancing transparency and decision-making across captive programs.
“Captives are becoming more strategic, and that requires a modern operating foundation,” said Roland Horton, President of Hartwell. “We chose INTX because it gives us a complete insurance operating system that gives us the flexibility to scale and evolve based on the needs of our captive clients. This partnership allows us to deliver a better captive experience—one built for clarity, control, and growth.”
By deploying INTX, Hartwell gains a unified system of record designed specifically to support captive complexity—enabling real-time financial transparency, automated regulatory reporting, accurate reinsurance tracking, and full auditability across the insurance lifecycle.
“Hartwell understands captives must evolve beyond static structures and manual processes,” said Rob Lewis, CEO of INTX Insurance Software. “INTX provides the operating system that enables Hartwell to scale and evolve its captive programs with confidence, without the limitations of legacy systems.”
INTX’s open API architecture allows Hartwell to integrate best-of-breed partners and services as needed, ensuring the platform evolves alongside its captive programs rather than limiting future innovation.
Together, INTX and Hartwell are setting a new standard for how captives are built, operated, and scaled—combining modern technology with carrier-level governance to support the next generation of captive insurance programs.
As India gears up for the upcoming Union Budget, industry leaders across smart infrastructure, power, policy & legal, real estate and startups have outlined key expectations aimed at driving sustainable growth, easing compliance and strengthening investor confidence.
Emphasising the need for a future-ready policy framework, Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Executive Director, Radius Synergies International, said the Budget should prioritise accelerated development of digital infrastructure and clean energy. He called for higher allocations towards smart grids, advanced metering infrastructure and technology-driven utility modernisation to enhance efficiency, transparency and resilience in the power sector. He also underscored the importance of fiscal incentives for clean energy, IoT-enabled systems, automation and simplified regulations to enable faster technology adoption across both urban and rural India.
From a policy and legal standpoint, Mr. Venket Rao, Founder, Intygrat Law, stressed the importance of policy continuity supported by targeted reforms to boost investor confidence. He highlighted the need for greater clarity in taxation—particularly around capital gains, real estate transactions and corporate restructuring—along with simplified tax provisions and faster dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce litigation and compliance burdens. According to him, rationalisation of GST in real estate, enhanced tax incentives for homebuyers and continued support for innovation-led sectors will be crucial for long-term economic growth.
Sharing expectations from the startup and emerging business ecosystem, Mr. Gaurav K. Singh, Chairman & Founder, Womeki Group, said the industry is optimistic that the Budget will further strengthen startups and MSMEs through easier compliance norms, improved access to credit and policy stability. He added that focused support for technology adoption, R&D incentives, clarity in taxation and skilling initiatives would help startups scale efficiently, boost investor confidence and promote sustainable business practices.
Highlighting the real estate sector’s outlook, Henam Khaneja, Additional Vice President & Head of Commercial Sales, Elante Group, said the industry is looking to the Union Budget 2026 for measures that stimulate both residential and commercial demand. For homebuyers, higher tax deductions on home loan interest would offer much-needed relief amid elevated interest rates. On the commercial front, she noted that incentives for Grade-A office spaces, data centres, logistics parks and mixed-use developments, along with easier access to institutional financing, could significantly improve sector viability. Granting infrastructure status to commercial real estate and rationalising GST on construction materials, she added, would further support growth.
Collectively, these industry voices reflect expectations that the upcoming Union Budget will strike a balance between fiscal discipline and growth-oriented reforms, reinforcing India’s position as a stable, innovation-driven and attractive investment destination.
Indonesia / India, Jan 25: The Investor Gathering of the Kutai Mulawarman Kingdom and the Indonesia Capital Authority (INGA 2026), held on Saturday at the Nusantara Capital Authority (IKN), concluded with the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian entrepreneur Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, positioning India as a central partner in the initiative’s cross-border growth strategy.
The MoU was a key outcome of the high-level gathering, which brought together royal dignitaries, international investors, business leaders, and representatives from Southeast Asia and India to strengthen long-term cooperation in entrepreneurship, investment, and community-led economic development.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa said, “This MoU represents a meaningful step toward building a structured bridge between India and Southeast Asia. Our shared focus on entrepreneurship, wellness-driven businesses, and sustainable growth creates strong potential for long-term collaboration that benefits communities across borders.”
Earlier, Dr. Christian Kingsley Gokwee King of Malaysia outlined the broader vision of INGA 2026, describing it as a global entrepreneurial platform with India at its core, supported by partners from the United States, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian nations. He emphasized collaboration in cross-border business, social e-commerce, and holistic development encompassing wealth creation, wellness, and spiritual well-being.
The programme included an opening prayer led by His Most Noble Highness Sripaduka Prince Adipati & Prof. Dr. H. Andi Bustam Salam, followed by a strategic briefing from the Deputy for Investment. Participants later undertook a guided tour of key development sites within the Nusantara Capital Authority area and engaged in focused discussions on investment opportunities and development progress.
With the MoU signed with Dr. Bhargav Mallappa as its central highlight, INGA 2026 reinforced the Kutai Mulawarman Kingdom’s intent to deepen India–Southeast Asia economic ties and translate dialogue into actionable partnerships.
