GEM Enviro Management and Mamaearth Recycle 7500+ Metric Tons, Achieving Plastic Neutrality

GEM Enviro Management and Mamaearth Recycle 7500+ Metric Tons, Achieving Plastic NeutralityDelhi, 19th January 2024: GEM Enviro Management Limited, a forefront Waste Management company dedicated to fostering a sustainable future and supporting brands in adopting eco-friendly practices, proudly announces the successful recycling of 7500+ metric tons of plastic on behalf of Mamaearth, the flagship brand of Honasa Consumer Limited. This joint endeavour has enabled Mamaearth to attain plastic neutrality, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to environmental responsibility.

GEM Enviro’s proactive strategy entails the strategic implementation of cutting-edge recycling solutions nationwide. Under this collaboration, GEM Enviro is spearheading the collection of Rigid, Flexible, and MLP plastic waste nationwide for Honasa Consumer Limited (Mamaearth), directing it to registered Plastic Waste Processing Facilities (PWPFs) for recycling. This progressive initiative aims to redirect gathered plastic away from initial collection points, mitigating the harmful effects on oceans and landfills. The collaboration is dedicated to addressing the plastic waste crisis through inventive solutions, promoting a circular economy mindset.

In addition to these pivotal efforts, GEM Enviro has conducted over 100+ sustainability awareness activities. This holistic approach underscores the commitment to not only efficiently managing plastic waste but also initiating widespread awareness to drive sustainable change. In line with Mamaearth’s Plastic Positive mission, the company has effectively managed to recycle 7500+ metric tons of plastic waste. Mamaearth, recognized as India’s fastest-growing toxin-free personal care brand, has been in collaboration with GEM Enviro since 2018 to drive forward this crucial sustainability initiative.

Offering a spectrum of services, including EPR (Plastic, E-Waste, Battery, Tyre), ESG Consulting (Environment, Social, and Governance), BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting), and Project Advisory and management for Plastic Credits, GEM Enviro is committed to assisting Mamaearth in implementing a comprehensive waste management program, consumer education and awareness and thereby achieving complete plastic circularity. This aligns with the objective of becoming a plastic-neutral organization and fulfilling Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as per the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 and subsequent amendments.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Sachin Sharma, Founder and Director, GEM Enviro Management Limited said, “Our partnership with Mamaearth marks a transformative step in reshaping our approach to plastic pollution. Together, we are committed to creating a sustainable, plastic-neutral ecosystem by pioneering innovative solutions, redirecting plastic from landfills, and championing a circular economy. This collaboration showcases our dedication to a greener future, where responsible waste management is fundamental to our shared values.

Anuja Mishra, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Honasa Consumer (parent company of Mamaearth) said, “At Mamaearth, our commitment to creating a positive impact has always been guided by environmental consciousness. We employ effective strategies to address waste challenges, and our Plastic Positive initiative in partnership with GEM ENVIRO has enhanced our ability to broaden this impact. This ensures that our dedication to sustainable practices is not only reflected in our products but also in our waste management approach”.

GEM Enviro collaborates with over 200 brands, including multinational and Indian companies like Bisleri International Private Limited, Coca-Cola India Pvt Ltd, Jk Lakshmi Cement, Bajaj Consumer Care Limited, Huwai Telecommunication, and government-owned organizations like National Fertilizers Limited (Miniratna Company) and Kribhco Fertilizers Limited, fulfilling their waste management and EPR obligations.

GIIS Lawa Nagpur Celebrates Triumph at ‘Zenith’ Annual Sports Day

GIIS Lawa Nagpur Celebrates Triumph at ‘Zenith’ Annual Sports Day19th January 2024: GIIS Lawa Nagpur held its much-anticipated and first- ever Annual Sports Day- ‘Zenith’, with great fervor and enthusiasm. The event witnessed a total of 100+ participants, along with a staggering 250+ audience, making it a grand success. The occasion was graced by the presence of Mr. Pradeep Nilkanthrao Keche, an inspiring sports leader, who was invited as the chief guest for the day.

The event kicked off with a keynote from the chief guest followed by a spectacular march past and torch run that symbolized the spirit of unity and sportsmanship. The participants showcased their agility and coordination through mesmerizing aerobics performances. The highlight of the day was the thrilling races that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The event concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony, where the winners were felicitated for their outstanding performances.

Ms. Nidhi Gupta, Principal of Global Indian International School, Lawa Nagpur, expressed her delight at the successful commencement of the sports day, she added, “Sports play a crucial role in shaping the holistic development of our students. I commend the efforts of all participants and organizers for making the ‘Zenith-The Annual Sports Day of GIIS Nagpur’- a truly memorable event. Let’s continue to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among our students.”

The entire event held at the school campus, spanning over 6.5 acres, boasts of a world-class sporting facility that played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. The state-of-the-art infrastructure includes a 200-meter running track, football field, basketball court, badminton court, and lawn tennis court, providing students with ample opportunities to hone their skills and excel in various sports disciplines.

Mr. Pradeep Nilkanthrao Keche, the esteemed president of the Shark Aquatic Association, is known as a highly regarded figure in the world of sports. He was mesmerized by the entire event and said, “I am thrilled to see the dedication and talent on display at the Annual Sports Day of Global Indian International School, Nagpur. Keep pursuing your passion for sports with dedication and perseverance – the rewards are worth it! Kudos to GIIS Nagpur for nurturing young talent and promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

As the curtains drew on ‘Zenith’ – GIIS Nagpur’s Annual Sports Day, it left behind a trail of unforgettable memories and instilled a renewed zeal for sports among the students. The complete event perfectly embodies the core values of the school, where a curriculum designed with fun and happy elements makes learning highly productive and enjoyable for the students.

With ‘Zenith – The Annual Sports Day of GIIS Nagpur’ not only promoted physical fitness and healthy competition but also fostered creativity and innovation, in line with the school’s belief that success in today’s contemporary world relies not just on aptitude, but also on creativity. The 9 GEMS pedagogy at GIIS Nagpur ensures a truly innovative program that uses an age-appropriate and adaptive approach to allow students to evolve as they grow, reflecting the holistic approach to education that the school is committed to providing. The school’s unwavering support for sports and extracurricular activities continues to be a cornerstone of its educational philosophy, setting a benchmark for others to emulate.

Rahul Gossain joins JSA as the new Chief Strategy & Brand Officer

Rahul Gossain joins JSA as the new Chief Strategy & Brand OfficerNew Delhi, 18th January 2024:  Rahul Gossain has joined JSA as Chief Strategy & Brand Officer effective from 18 January 2024. With over two decades of experience, Rahul is renowned for his adept handling of international stakeholder engagement and strategic brand management. Rahul has expertise in professional services marketing across the legal, consulting and healthcare domains, has also worked extensively in corporate responsibility space. His leadership in initiating and nurturing strategic corporate transformations and innovation endeavours has earned both internal and external acclaim.

Before joining JSA, Rahul served as the Head of Marketing Communications & BD at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas since August 2018. Prior to that, he played a key role in the branding, market development, communications and CSR functions at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Max India Group, Essel Group, and leading communications agencies.

With a portfolio encompassing over 30 brands across diverse sectors, Rahul is recognized for spearheading and nurturing various strategic corporate transformation and innovation endeavours from their inception, earning both internal accolades and external acclaim.

Educated in marketing, finance, and public policy, Rahul is a qualified lawyer with notable contributions in International Business Strategy and ESG/EU Taxonomy research.

Amit Kapur and Vivek Chandy, Joint Managing Partners, JSA expressed their confidence in Rahul’s abilities, affirming that “Rahul’s extensive and varied experience will markedly enhance the Firm’s capabilities in client relationship management and contribute significantly to integrated initiatives in practice development and industry sectors. We are confident that he will strengthen the hands of the existing team at JSA.”

In reference to the transition, they add, “Rahul takes the baton from Anand Ramaswamy, who, over the last two years, played a crucial role in steering key initiatives across strategy, Brand & Eminence, client relationship development, and operational efficiency. We extend our best wishes to Anand in his new endeavours and express our gratitude for his contributions to the Firm.”

In response to his appointment, Rahul shared his enthusiasm, expressing, “I’m pleased to be joining JSA, a leading law firm with a loyal client base, collaborative teams, and a commitment to innovation and excellence. With confidence in the Firm’s solid foundation and core values, I look forward to working closely with the Management team and the broader partnership to steer the Firm’s integrated strategy forward.”

Tenali Double Horse Group becomes the First South Indian Pulses and Dals brand to get Sattvik Certification

Tenali Double Horse Group becomes the First South Indian Pulses and Dals brand to get Sattvik CertificationNew Delhi, 18th January 2024: Sattvik Certifications, the premier certification body for vegetarian, vegan, and Jain food & lifestyle, has awarded its Sattvik Vegetarian Certificate to a renowned wholesaler of pulsesdals, and instant meals “Tenali Double Horse Group” with a vision to bring excellence and trust to every household in India. Guided by commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Tenali Double Horse Group has since become a trusted name that resonates with million . Sattvik Vegetarian Certification demonstrates Tenali Double Horse Group’s unwavering dedication to processing the best pure vegetarian products possible, which are in perfect harmony with the vegetarian principles and standard maintained by the Sattvik Council of India.

Sattvik Certifications thoroughly inspected the Tenali Double Horse Group factory, ensuring that they adhere to all the rules and regulations of the council. The certification aims to empower the manufacturer’s and boost its reputation among the national and international vegetarian community. This also enhances the manufacturers’ commitment to offering vegetarian options that satisfy the standards and dietary requirements of the public.

Tenali Double Horse‘s General Manager, PNV Krishna Prasad, expressed his excitement, saying, “Receiving the Sattvik Vegetarian Certificate from the prestigious Sattvik Council of India is a moment of pride for Tenali Double Horse. We have always prioritised the production of pure vegetarian products in order to meet the diverse needs of our customers. This certification not only demonstrates our dedication to maintain the high food quality, but it also strengthens our relationship with our consumers and Nurturing Growth, Collaboration, and Fulfilment”.

As Tenali Double Horse proudly displays the Vegetarian Certification, it solidifies its position as a trusted supplier of high-quality vegetarian products. The company remains committed to working in harmony with the Sattvik Certifications to further promote and uphold the values of vegetarianism in the food industry.

Tenali Double Horse Group was praised for its unwavering commitment to vegetarian principles by Abhishek Biswas, founder of Sattvik Certifications and Secretary General of the Sattvik Council of India. “We are delighted to certify the Tenali Double Horse manufacturing units as vegetarian,” he stated. “With this certification, the company has demonstrated that it complies with our strict vegetarian standards, allowing customers to make knowledgeable decisions regarding the purity of the food they eat. We are eager to work with Tenali Double Horse Group in the future to advance vegetarianism and safe food supply chain practices.”

Sattvik Certifications aims to promote a culture of transparency in the food & lifestyle industry. They ensure that manufacturers pledge to provide vegetarian, vegan, and Jain food. This mission is consistent with Tenali Double Horse Group dedication to wellness and their customer’s dietary preferences. Sattvik Certifications invites guests to savour the vegetarian delights offered by the manufacturer.

Orion India announces Palak Tiwari as the Brand Ambassador for their popular snack Turtle Chips

Orion India announces Palak Tiwari as the Brand Ambassador for their popular snack Turtle ChipsNew Delhi, 18 January 2024: Orion India, a leading South Korean snack company, proudly announces Bollywood actor Palak Tiwari as the brand ambassador for their salty product line, Turtle Chips in India. The popular Korean snack Turtle Chips is known for its 4X crunch because of its unique 4-layer shape, which resembles the shell of a tortoise.   

Palak Tiwari, as the face of the brand, takes center stage in their newest commercial, showcasing the Spicy Devil Flavour of Turtle Chips. Palak’s bold and playful persona effortlessly aligns with the crunch and intense flavor of Turtle Chips, making her the ideal choice to represent the brand.

The Spicy Devil flavor, in particular, is a favorite in the Indian market that sets taste buds on fire with an explosion of tantalizing flavors, leaving everyone craving more. In fact, in the commercial conceptualised by Orion India Marketing Team, Palak can be seen transforming into a devil upon consuming the Spicy Devil flavor of Turtle Chips, depicting the irresistible and intense taste experience that sets this variant apart. As she indulges in the tantalizing crunch of the chips, the playful transformation adds a captivating visual element to convey the fiery and bold nature of the Spicy Devil flavor.

Link to the commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edDni6e7ovY

Saurabh Saith, CEO, Orion India, expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “In recent years, there has been a notable shift in consumer preferences towards differentiated flavours, international tastes, as well as spicy flavours within the snacking category. The younger demographic in India has developed a strong affinity for bolder options, prompting brands across various categories to adapt to this changing taste preference. Within our Turtle Chips lineup, the Spicy Devil variant has successfully introduced the distinctive Korean spicy taste to the Indian chips market, garnering a considerable and dedicated fan base. The same goes true for the Mexican Lime flavour, a very distinct and international flavour. Not to mention the product itself is a propriety of Orion where we give distinct 4 layered corn-based snacking options with a great crunch to the consumers.

As we aim to expand our market presence, very happy to share the appointment of Palak Tiwari as our brand ambassador; it’s a strategic move to enhance awareness, especially among the dynamic Indian youth. Palak’s infectious personality, coupled with her playful wit and charm, perfectly embodies the essence of Turtle Chips and in particular Spicy Devil flavour – offering a spicy twist to the everyday snacking experience. With this collaboration, we are confident in elevating our brand visibility and reaching new heights in engaging with our target audience largely sitting in GenA, GenZ and to some extent Millennials.”

Sharing her enthusiasm for the collaboration, Palak Tiwari remarked, “I am thrilled to be associated with Orion’s Turtle Chips. Filming the commercial for its popular Spicy Devil flavour Turtle Chips was an absolute blast. The energy and fun we had on set are clearly evident in the commercial, effectively conveying the brand attributes of being cheerful and quirky.

Raje Suneet Jain, Senior Category Marketing Lead, Orion India, added, “As part of this partnership, we aim to dial up brand awareness of Turtle Chips, our 4 layered patent snacks in India. Palak’s incredible on-screen presence, playful personality, and relatability among the youth complement the vibrant and intense nature of the brand. We look forward to captivating our consumers with our latest campaign that spotlights the spicy & crunchy nature of our Chips.

Introduced by Orion, Turtle chips offer a 4X crunch, providing a distinctive snacking experience, and are available in five vegetarian flavors: Spicy Devil, Masala, Sour Cream and Onion, Mexican Lime, and Tangy Tomato.

The campaign has been rolled out today across multimedia platforms with digital film, print, radio, outdoor, and across key markets in India.

alfa, by Apollo Supply Chain, Promises to Cut Logistics Costs for Indian D2C Brands

alfa, by Apollo Supply Chain, Promises to Cut Logistics Costs for Indian D2C BrandsMumbai, India 18th January, 2024:  Apollo Supply Chain, a leading logistics service provider, is proud to introduce ‘alfa’, a comprehensive e-commerce fulfilment and shipping service for D2C brands. With strategically locating fulfilment centers across cities including Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, alfa aims to cut logistics cost, improve delivery speed and has plans to expand its network for even swifter and efficient logistics service.

In response to the prevailing issues encountered by Direct-to-Consumer brands in the e-commerce fulfilment space, alfa identifies and tackles key pain points to ensure a seamless experience for e-commerce customers. alfa addresses a major industry challenge related to limited control in fulfilment centres. These centres are often outsourced to third-party providers, leading to frequent breaches of order processing service level agreements (SLAs). alfa’s strategic solution involves in-house operations, providing superior control and ensuring adherence to industry standards.

Further, to enhance operational performance, alfa focuses on employing methodologies such as Kaizen, Lean practices, and global benchmarking along with timely audits of the services. The company follows a hybrid resource allocation approach, optimizing manpower to efficiently handle demand surges. A dedicated client focused team engages in proactive analysis, and driving improvements through Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA). In tandem with a commitment to efficiency, alfa is directing its efforts towards minimizing returns and enhancing the handling of return processes. alfa has established specific parameters to be scrutinized during the pick-up of return orders, ensuring the avoidance of wrong product pickups. Additionally, alfa is implementing an RTO prediction tool for clients, a proactive measure to reduce Return to Origin instances.

Mr. Akshat Pushp, Chief Business Officer, Apollo Supply Chain, stated, “India’s consumer commerce business is witnessing an influx of D2C companies with a potential to become a USD 60 billion sector by 2027. Through alfa, Apollo Supply Chain aims to be at a part of India’s D2C success story by ensuring tailored supply chain solutions. alfa specializes in e-commerce fulfilment and shipping services, catering to a diverse clientele encompassing D2C brands in early, growth (venture funded), and late stages, as well as traditional brands seeking PAN India or multi-region distribution. The introduction of alfa is a commitment towards transforming how e-commerce fulfilment is executed in a seamless manner, enhancing cost efficiency and customer satisfaction at the same time.”

SaveIN Launches No-Cost EMI Plans for Credit Card Holders

New Delhi 18th January 2024: SaveIN, the leading Gurugram-based healthcare fintech platform, has expanded its product suite by launching groundbreaking nocost EMI plans, exclusively tailored for over 5 crore credit card holders across various banks. This initiative aims to revolutionize healthcare accessibility, offering customers unparalleled ease in availing a wide range of healthcare services through SaveIN’s extensive network of over 5000 healthcare providers.

With these EMI-based healthcare plansSaveIN ensures that Credit Card holders can effortlessly access services in Dermatology, Elective Surgeries, Hair Transplant, Dental, Ophthalmology, Wellness, Alternate Therapies, Fertility, and more. The key features of this pioneering initiative are designed to enhance customer experience and affordability in segments that are not covered by traditional health insurance plans and hence require very high out of pocket expenses.

Customers can now visit any healthcare provider in the SaveIN network, select their credit card offer by scanning SaveIN QR code and pay their bills using customized EMI based payment plans on their cards, basis eligibility. The entire process is conducted in a secure environment, utilizing a RBI approved payment gateway. SaveIN prioritizes the security and transparency of the transaction process to ensure a seamless experience for users.

The payable amount will be collected in monthly installments, seamlessly integrated into the regular credit card billing cycle. This approach ensures convenience and flexibility for customers, allowing them to manage healthcare expenses in a manner that aligns with their financial preferences.

The Y-Combinator backed startup already has a completely digital process for offering on demand credit to customers across their healthcare partners. Applicants are assessed for credit worthiness in real time and allotted a credit limit for their specific healthcare needs, from banks and non-bank finance partners of SaveIN. Over 2 lakh such customers have applied for nocost EMIs on SaveIN in the first two years of its business.

Commenting on this innovative initiative, Jitin Bhasin, Founder and CEO of SaveIN, said, “As we pave the way for a healthier future, SaveIN remains committed to facilitating positive change and a forward-looking approach in healthcare accessibility and payments. With the launch of our nocost EMI plans for credit card holders, we aim to make quality healthcare available and affordable for millions of credit card customers in India at the click of a button. This product not only provides financial flexibility for need based events in personal health, but also ensures a secure and transparent process for our users.”

Taking a customer-centric approach, SaveIN ensures that, in most of the offers available on the platform, customers are not required to pay any incremental interest. This feature makes healthcare services more accessible and affordable, aligning with SaveIN‘s overarching commitment.

Indulge yourself in the Soulful journey to Ayodhya with Radio City’s “City Chale Ayodhya Dham” Campaign

Indulge yourself in the Soulful journey to Ayodhya with Radio City’s “City Chale Ayodhya Dham” CampaignIndia, 18th January 2024: Radio City, India’s leading radio network, brings to you – “One path, countless stories, and a moment to touch your hearts!” The radio network proudly announces, ‘City Chale Ayodhya Dham,’ their new 15-day campaign celebrating this creative endeavour that is poised to engage with millions of people as it unfolds an assortment of intriguing shows and on-ground activities.

Radio City, renowned for its immersive hyper-local shows, elevates this campaign on the digital platforms. Ayodhya holds profound significance in India for being the birthplace of Lord Ram. Radio City’s campaign comes at a historic moment that symbolises with faith, unity, and cultural richness.

Radio City’s ‘City Chale Ayodhya Dham’ promises an immersive on-air experience with creatively crafted sound that tries to capture the pride and the emotions associated with this campaign.

In addition, on-air contest gives its listeners an opportunity to become a lucky winner and experience a soulful Darshan in Ayodhya. The audio journey will continue with RJ Akhil’s “Kahani Pauranik Bharat Ki” and RJ Saurabh Shukla’s “City Chale Ram ke Dham,” offering captivating explorations of Ayodhya and the grandeur of Ramayana. 

Radio City’s top national RJs and digital influencers are going to converge to capture the campaign’s essence through engaging videos, live sessions, and reels. Furthermore, amplifying Ayodhya Development Authority’s vision to make ‘Plastic Mukt Ayodhya,’ Radio City owns the initiative by distributing plastic free bags in the city. 

Mr. Ashit Kukian, CEO of Radio City, commented on this campaign stating, “Ayodhya, the heart of our heritage, resonates with the spirit of devotion and unity. ‘City Chale Ayodhya Dham’ is not just a campaign; it’s a soulful journey connecting the diverse threads of our culture. With each beat of Radio City, we embrace the profound significance of the sacred city, celebrating with millions of devotees worldwide.”

In addition to the ‘Plastic Mukt Ayodhya’ campaign, Radio City will also be activating a mobile van in Ayodhya Dham covering length and breadths of the city wherein RJs and influencers will keep offering unheard stories, historic moments and development of the City which is supported by ADA (Ayodhya Development Authority). The campaign kick starts from 17th January in the presence of the ADA authorities. 

Mr. Vishal Singh (IAS), Vice Chairman, Ayodhya Development Authority, said “We are happy to have Radio City as the “Vibrant Content Partner” amplifying the experience of Ayodhya City across 39 Markets of Radio City. I also wish to extend my gratitude to the radio station for driving its green initiative of ‘Plastic Mukt Ayodhya.’ Such initiatives are crucial steps in our endeavour to develop Ayodhya as a sustainable and world-class city.”

“City Chale Ayodhya Dham” is set to become a nationwide celebration and Radio City’s vibe will reverberate globally, weaving together spirituality, culture, and entertainment through their extensive digital presence.

A Night of Glory, Victory and Unbridled Celebration at the 3rd Edition of the La Polo Indian Polo Awards 2024

A Night of Glory, Victory and Unbridled Celebration at the 3rd Edition of the La Polo Indian Polo Awards 2024The third edition of the La Polo Indian Polo Awards was recently held at the most iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The event was a great success as many national and internationally renowned personalities in Polo came together. The event was graced by the presence of Mr Naveen Jindal and his wife, Mrs Shallu Jindal-  Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Chancellor of O. P. Jindal Global University, H.E. Hiroshi Suzuki- Ambassador of Japan, Mr Mudit Paliwal-CEO, Delta Corp, Dr Aishwarya Paliwal, Chairperson, Delta Polo Foundation, Mr Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President and Brand Custodian IHCL, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Singh Yadav, AVSM, SM (retd), Lt Gen Preet Mohindera Singh, VSM, Director General of Supplies and Transport, Rear Admiral Manish Chadha, Flag Officer Commanding, Maharashtra Naval Area. Mrs Parul Rai, Patron for Rajnigandha Achievers, Mr Vikram Rathore, Patron for Rajnigandha Achievers,Mr Shishir Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Foundation,Mr Ravindra Singhal, IPS, Additional Director General Police Maharashtra, Mr Dattatraya Karale, IPS, Joint Police Commissioner, Mr Vijay Suryavanshi, IAS, Maharashtra Excise Commissioner, Vinita Singhal,IAS, Chief Secretary, Maharashtra, Shikha Durlabhji Founder, Code Silver, Pavan Ananad, Jewellery Designer (PAFJ). The event also saw the top players – Simran Singh Shergill, Christopher Mackenzie, Abhimanyu Pathak, Gerardo Mazzini, Phil Seller, Siddhant Sharma, Dinyar Madon and many more.

The red carpet event was followed by an evening of fraternizing where the whole polo fraternity and community united to celebrate the best of polo. The award ceremony began with thunderous applause for the evening’s hosts, Bollywood actress Zoya Afroz and polo commentator Sharad Saxena. The award ceremony had 21 categories, and the beautiful trophy crafted by Code Silver in the shape of ‘The Gateway of India’ woven with the Indian Polo Awards logo was presented to the winners. Lenskart was the gifting partner, and an equine-inspired coffee table book by Nilanjan Das was also presented. The culmination of the ceremony was followed by dinner and drinks, after which a live band was played, which all the guests enjoyed.

The Indian Polo Awards is a one-of-a-kind featurette, it honours the two-thousand-year-old heritage of the sport, highlighting its contribution to the sporting world. Acknowledging the relentless work on and off the pitch, these awards are a token of appreciation for the continuing efforts of people from different walks of life, from prodigious players to meticulous, stable keepers. Keeping with the tradition of celebrating the timeless elan and the undaunted spirit of skilled sportsmanship, this year’s edition focuses on the calibre and the dedication innate to the polo sports person’s persona.

This year, an additional 3 categories, ‘Polo Commentator of the Season’, ‘Emerging Patron’ and ‘Polo Club of the Season’ were introduced. After meticulously keeping a record of each match and chukker in the 2022-2023 season, the team at La Polo carefully selected the winners on a merit basis, backed by statistics. The player’s handicap, performance ratio, goals per match, match wins, and tournament wins were the criteria upon which the winners were announced. Here are the winners whose remarkable performances in the 2022-2023 season made a memorable mark on the Indian polo universe:

  1. Baroda Traditional Polo Player: Mohammad Abiddin
  2. Alwar The Polo Trainer (Civil): Mr Angad Singh
  3. Alwar The Polo Trainer (Army): Nk Irfan Khan of Arty
  4. The Polo Groom: Havaldar
  5. Gwalior The Best Polo Pony: Rapper
  6. Bhopal Pataudi The Best Polo Ground: Jindal Polo Club
  7. Polo Club of the Season: Amateur Riding Club
  8. Emerging Lady Polo Player: Shivangi Jai Singh
  9. The Emerging Polo Player: Savir Mehraj Godara
  10. Emerging Patron: DELTA Corp
  11. Polo Commentator of the Season: Shailendra Singh
  12. Jammu & Kashmir The Army Polo Player: Maj Mrityunjay Singh Chouhan
  13. The Young Polo Player: Vishwarupe Bajaj
  14. Patiala The International Polo Player: Christopher Mackenzie
  15. Jaipur The Polo Patron: Rajnigandha Achievers
  16. The Promising Polo Player: Dino Dhankhar
  17. The Best Team (Low Goal): Army Service Corps

Acknowledging the romance of the sport, the Indian Polo Awards aims to shine a light on the most fundamental characteristic the sport nurtures, which is romancing the sport. This love affair lasts a lifetime. The annual polo fete deeply believes in fostering these values that inspire an exquisite and purpose-driven life. With this belief at heart, the event convenes to honour the brilliance and flair of people who have carved a distinctive niche for themselves in this mesmerizing sport.

Maninder Sethi, Editor-in-Chief, LA POLO said, “The third edition of LA POLO The Indian Polo Awards stands on the firm resolve of making polo sing through the chapters of history and honouring its present and past custodians who have made the sport a legacy of dedication, resilience and diligence as these champions stand in unity to take polo further into a glorious future.”

Preeti Singh, Events and Marketing Head, LA POLO said, “The Indian Polo Awards stand not just as a celebration of excellence within the polo community but as a testament to the enduring legacy of a sport that has gracefully transcended time. It has been a privilege to curate an event that not only honours the outstanding achievements within the polo arena but also weaves seamlessly into the fabric of a legacy that spans generations.”

The event was powered by Jindal Panther Polo and co-powered by Delta Corp, along with associate partners Wedding Asia and Code Silver. The gifting partner was Lenskart, while paintings by Nilanjan Das graced the event. Studio Exponent was the on-ground partner as all the organizers mentioned above tuned up the energy of this edition as the whole polo fraternity stood in unity to celebrate the legacy and unity of polo.

47% of female Indian earners in metros take independent financial decisions: DBS Bank India and CRISIL survey

18th January, 2024: In a pioneering effort to understand the way urban Indian women plan, prioritise and manage their money, DBS Bank India, in partnership with CRISIL, have undertaken a comprehensive study entitled ‘Women and Finance’. The first of three reports was launched today, based on the survey that was designed to reveal the financial preferences of women, both salaried and self-employed, across various life stages. Over 800 women were surveyed across 10 cities in India on a wide range of behaviours, including their involvement in financial decision-making, goal setting, saving and investing patterns, adoption of digital tools as well as their preferences for different banking products.

In the context of the stagnating rate of female participation in the workforce and a persistent gender pay gap, the insights from this study are pertinent for businesses, regulators and financial institutions as well as a revelation when it comes to understanding the variations of Indian women’s relationship with their finances. The survey findings pointed to factors like age, income, marital status, presence of dependants and home location as major influencers of the financial behaviour of women.

Decision making dynamics and evolution of goals

Whether it’s charting out their children’s educational paths or balancing multiple, competing financial goals, women are not bystanders, but are at the helm, shaping the future of their families. An encouraging 98% of salaried and self-employed Indian women actively participate in long-term family decision making. In fact, the findings revealed that about 47% of them make independent financial decisions, a reflection of women’s growing financial autonomy. Age and affluence play a pivotal role in shaping these decisions. Women over 45 years old, with their wealth of experience, emerge as the leaders, with 65% making independent financial choices compared to 41% of those aged 25-35 years. 

The report provides a fascinating glimpse into the growing empowerment of earning, metropolitan women. Across India, a woman’s primary long-term financial priority evolves with age. Buying/upgrading a home is priority number one for those between 25-35 years, while it evolves to children’s education for those in the 35-45 year category and to medical care for those above 45 years of age. Expectedly, retirement planning is seen entering the consideration set for the first time in the 35-45 year age cohort. 

Prashant Joshi, Managing Director and Head of Consumer Banking Group, DBS Bank India, said “The insights from the survey highlight the importance of financial stability in the aspirations of independent female earners across India. Ownership of financial decision making, diverse investment and borrowing choices and growing adoption of digital channels are all evidence that the modern Indian woman is not just a participant, but a planner of her journey. More than 35% of our own DBS Treasures customer base are female and we have seen many inspiring examples of how women can take charge of their own finances. The DBS Women and Finance study is a step forward in the much-needed movement to a more equitable financial playing field and it underlines our commitment to enabling all customers to ‘Live more, Bank less’.”  

Saving, borrowing and investment behaviour

Women earners in the metros tend to be risk-averse with 51% of their investments parked in fixed deposits (FD) and savings accounts, followed by 16% in gold, 15% in mutual funds, 10% in real estate and just 7% in stocks. This tracks with behaviours from DBS Bank India’s own customer insights where 10% of female customers have an active fixed deposit, while just 5% of male customers have opened an FD.

The presence of dependents understandably plays a major role in women’s investment behaviour. Specifically, 43% of married women with dependents conservatively allocate 10-29% of their income to investing, while in contrast, a quarter of married women without dependents choose to invest over half of their income. Regional variations lend greater depth to the insights. For example, Hyderabad and Mumbai lead the way in credit card usage, with 96% of women in Mumbai relying on credit cards, while only 63% of women in Kolkata use them. More significantly, the report revealed that half of the salaried women stated that they have never taken a loan. Among those who have borrowed, the majority opted for a home loan, which reflects the deep cultural importance associated with homeownership in India. 

The study also deep dived into women’s usage of different banking and payment channels. 33% of those in the 25-35 age bracket prefer to use UPI for online shopping, while only 22% above 45 years use UPI. This finding aligns with the customer profile of digibank by DBS, the mobile-first, digital bank where more than 78% of the female user base is below 40 years of age. The report showed that UPI stands out as the preferred choice for urban women for a variety of payment needs: money transfers (38%), utility bills (34%) and e-commerce purchases (29%), signalling decreasing dependency on cash. Although regional nuances were stark in some cases with only 2% of women in Delhi opting for cash payments, while 43% of women from Kolkata favoured this option.

DBS has been a part of India‘s journey since 1994, and it is the largest foreign bank in the country by branch presence with a physical footprint of 530 branches in 350 locations. With the study Women and Finance and its three-part report, DBS Bank India aims to gain a deeper appreciation of the evolving needs and aspirations of women in India in order to better support holistic financial management and growth.