The Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2026—India’s first and only platform spanning the entire collections value chain—returns on 18 February 2026 at The Lalit, Mumbai, bringing together the nation’s most powerful voices in collections to reimagine the industry from strategy rooms to street-level execution.

The largest convergence of India’s collections ecosystem—one platform, unmatched scale, decisive impact

Collections in India is at a turning point.

As regulations tighten, borrower expectations rise, and technology reshapes recovery models, the industry needs more than conversations—it needs clear direction and collective leadership.

That’s where the Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2026 returns.

After two transformative editions, India’s most influential collections platform is back to set the agenda for responsible, compliant, and future-ready collections—bringing together the leaders who don’t just adapt to change, but drive it.

Power-Packed Keynotes & Thought Leadership

The Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2026 features an elite lineup of India’s most influential financial leaders and fintech innovators, delivering insights that matter.

Keynote Speaker

Prashant Mehra

Group Head – Retail Portfolio Management & Fraud Control, HDFC Bank

Featured Industry Leaders

• Rakesh Sharma – Head of Collections, Fibe (formerly EarlySalary)

• Rajaram Manian – Chief Risk Officer, Tyger Capital (formerly Adani Capital)

• Sushant Kumar – Head, Collections & Resolutions, ICICI Home Finance Company Limited

• Vivek Katyayan – COO, Kissht

• Debashish Mohanty – SVP & Head, Collection Strategy, Kotak Mahindra Bank

• Sanju Mangrulkar – Head, Credit Monitoring & Policy, Central Bank of India

• Chandrasekhar Das – VP, Collection Strategy & Analytics, YES Bank

• Ananth Shroff – Founder & CEO ,DPDzero

• Abhishek Rao – Founder, Resollect

• Sonali Jindal – Founder, Rezolv

• Karan Mehta – Co-Founder, Rezolv

• …and many more leaders shaping the future of collections in India

Building the Future of Responsible Collections — Our Ecosystem Partners

Powered by trusted partners driving innovation and credibility:

• DPDzero – Presenting Partner

• Resollect – Co-Presenting Partner

• Rezolv – Gold Partner

• Credit Nirvana – Silver Partner

• Dista – Exhibit Partner

• Neowise (a Decentro company) – Exhibit Partner

• Wevaad – Exhibit Partner 

• FACE – SRO-FT Partner

• Bharat CXO, News Patrolling, Asia Business Outlook – Media Partners

What’s on the Agenda?

High-impact keynotes and expert-led panels will deep-dive into:

• AI & analytics-led transformation in collections

• Regulatory compliance, governance & risk frameworks

• Borrower experience, ethical recovery & trust-building

Every session is designed to deliver practical insights, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies for today’s fast-evolving collections environment.

**The Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2026 isn’t just an event—

it’s where India’s collections industry sets its direction for the future.**

Date: 18 February 2026
Venue: The Lalit, Mumbai
Register Now: www.thebharatcollectionsummit.com.

AdvantageClub.ai, a leading AI-powered employee engagement, rewards, and wellness platform, has officially opened nominations for the 4th edition of the MAW (Most Admired Women) Awards. The search is now underway to recognize 100 exceptional women HR leaders whose contributions are reshaping the future of work.

AdvantageClub.ai Launches 4th Edition of 100 Most Admired Women Awards 2026

The MAW Awards celebrate women across industries who are driving innovation in HR practices, championing inclusive workplace cultures, and leading impactful initiatives that elevate employee experience, well-being, talent development, and organisational transformation.

Nominations for the 2026 Most Admired Women (MAW) Awards are now live and will remain open until February 15, 2026. Celebrating excellence across four distinct categories- Leaders, Pioneers, Champions, and Achievers—the award invites women HR professionals to submit nominations immediately via a short nomination form. Peer nominations are also active, encouraging the community to recognise professionals making a meaningful impact in the HR ecosystem.

Building on the success of its three previous editions, the MAW Awards continue to spotlight global women HR leaders whose visionary influence spans organisations of every scale. In an era marked by rapid digital transformation and evolving work models, the awards highlight the pivotal role women play in driving organisational success and building future-ready workplaces.

The previous edition of the MAW Awards featured winners from leading organisations, including Concentrix, HCL, Hexaware, Tech Mahindra, Teleperformance & more. By honouring these professionals, the awards reflect a shift toward more inclusive, high-impact HR practices. These leaders are not merely managing talent; they are architecting organisational change and fostering resilience across some of the world’s most influential enterprises.

Commenting on the launch, Smiti Bhatt Deorah, COO and Co-founder of AdvantageClub.ai, said, “We are proud to invite nominations for the fourth edition of the MAW Awards to honour women HR leaders who are empowering workforces, nurturing talent, and innovating for a better world of work. These awards are more than recognition; they celebrate the courage, creativity, and commitment that inspire the HR community and beyond.”

The nomination process is currently open to women HR professionals across all sectors, including startups, mid-sized organisations, and global enterprises. Each submission will undergo rigorous evaluation by a distinguished jury panel, with a focus on leadership impact, pioneering innovation, employee-centric initiatives, and sustained contributions to the HR profession.

Key Dates:

• Nomination Deadline: February 15, 2026

• Final winners announced: March 8, 2026

The MAW Awards serve as a platform to recognise, inspire, and celebrate women whose contributions are profoundly shaping the future of work. To submit a nomination today, visit: (maw.advantageclub.ai/awards_nominate)

About AdvantageClub.ai
AdvantageClub.ai is a global AI-powered employee engagement, rewards, and wellness platform with offerings like rewards & recognition, wellness solutions including OPD plans, Annual health checkup, wellness challenges, sales incentive automation, flexible benefits, surveys, moments that matter, and communities on a single platform. It provides end-to-end solutions to facilitate employee engagement by digitizing the company’s R&R policies, allowing them to drive better employee retention and happiness. AdvantageClub.ai has over 15 million users, with presence in over 100+ countries, 1200+ clients, and 10,000+ brand options. Established in 2016, AdvantageClub.ai is the brainchild of UCLA postgraduates, Sourabh Deorah and Smiti Bhatt Deorah, who identified employee engagement as a space to create disruption using AI, data mining, and analytics. Headquartered in San Francisco, AdvantageClub.ai has an impressive client portfolio featuring Air India, Biocon, Concentrix, HCL, Hexaware, L&T, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel, Teleperformance, and many more.

Dindigul Thalappakatti has announced the launch of Nati Raja, a new brand dedicated to Karnataka’s iconic Donne Biryani. Born in Bengaluru, Nati Raja will be available across South India exclusively on leading food delivery platforms.

Left to Right: Ravi Kannan – Director, A Senthil Kumar – CBO, Nagasamy Dhanabalan – MD & Ramesh Subbarao – CFO of Dindigul Thalappakatti Hotel Pvt. Ltd.

Nati Raja reflects the brand’s uncompromising focus on authenticity, quality, and process excellence. Each dish is prepared using traditional techniques and premium ingredients, supported by a robust, multi-layered quality control system. The end-to-end production and supply chain are managed through a SAP-enabled framework to ensure consistency, safety, and traceability at scale.

Deeply rooted in Karnataka’s culinary heritage, Donne Biryani dates back to the Maratha era and later became a staple in Bengaluru’s military hotels and local eateries. Known for its robust flavours, subtle mint notes, and traditional preparation, it represents the soul of the city’s food culture.

With Nati Raja, Dindigul Thalappakatti brings this legacy to life using its expertise with Seeraga Samba rice, prized for its aroma, texture, and flavour-enhancing qualities.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Nagasamy Dhanabalan, Managing Director, said, “Nati Raja is about preserving a legacy and celebrating Karnataka’s royal flavours, while staying true to our uncompromising standards of quality and taste.”

Mr. Senthil Kumar, Chief Business Officer, added, “The biryani category continues to see strong growth. Nati Raja allows us to introduce a differentiated regional Donne Biryani experience and efficiently reach consumers across geographies.”

The Nati Raja menu features Donne-style Chicken and Mutton Biryanis, authentic Nati-style variants, a selection of traditional starters, and regionally inspired desserts and beverages.

With Nati Raja, Dindigul Thalappakatti brings the royal flavours of Karnataka straight to homes across South India.

About Dindigul Thalappakatti
Founded in 1957, Dindigul Thalappakatti is one of India’s most iconic biryani brands, celebrated for its distinctive use of Seeraga Samba rice, hand-ground spices, and a time-honoured secret recipe. With a legacy rooted in authenticity and consistency, the brand has grown from its origins in Tamil Nadu to a strong national and international presence, operating over 100 outlets and digital platforms.

Founded by Mr. Nagasamy Naidu, the brand traces its roots to Anandha Vilas Biriyani Hotel in Dindigul. Known for his distinctive turban, or thalapa, he earned the name “Thalappakatti,” which became synonymous with his unique cooking style.

Meticulously prepared with hand-pounded masalas, premium Seeraga Samba rice, and select Kannivadi meat, the brand’s biryani has remained unchanged for decades. Today, Dindigul Thalappakatti offers a premium South Indian dining experience, with personalised service delivered by dedicated table captains and specially trained staff, ensuring a memorable experience that blends tradition with elegance.

The 20th edition of the India Digital Summit (IDS), the flagship annual conference of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is scheduled to be held on January 29–30, 2026, at Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru. The theme of the conference is, “India’s AI Moment: Leveraging the Intelligent Economy.” 

 20th edition of IAMAI’s flagship annual conference

IDS 2026 is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Make in India. The India Digital Summit 2026 is an official pre-summit event of the AI Impact Summit 2026. A significant number of sessions at the conference will be on AI, covering both builders and users of AI. These include sessions on ‘Building a National AI Stack for Viksit Bharat 2047’; ‘Building new Digital Infrastructure for India’s Financial Ecosystem’; ‘How AI Is Shaping the Future of Media and Entertainment’, and ‘Indian AI at Scale: Powering a Million MSMEs’. 

The conference will feature a distinguished lineup of more than 300 speakers including Shri Priyank Kharge, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka, Smt. Manjula. N (IAS), Secretary, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka; Shri Sahil Kini, CEO, Reserve Bank Innovation Hub; Mr. Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, Mr. Hitesh Oberoi, Co-Promoter, Managing Director & CEO, Naukri; Mr. Chandan Khaitan, CEO, Muthoot FinCorp One; Mr. Dinesh Agarwal, Founder and CEO, IndiaMart, and Mr. Kiran Mani, CEO – Digital, JioStar.

The IDS is one of largest annual conferences of India’s digital ecosystem. The 2026 edition brings together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, founders, and decision-makers from across the country to deliberate on the opportunities, challenges, and regulatory frameworks shaping India’s digital economy. They will address over 60 sessions spread across five tracks: AI Readiness and Adoption, Cyber Resilience, Offline Intelligence, Intelligent Commerce and Creative Intelligence. 

The Title Partner of the IDS 2026 is JioHotstar. The IDS 2026 is co-powered by The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Getepay. The conference is being organised in association with Meta. Other prominent partners include PhonePe, PayPal, Times Internet, Jagran News Media, IDA Ireland, Proximus Global, FirstHive, PaySprint, and In-Solutions Global.

The 2025 edition of the annual report ‘Internet in India’, produced jointly by IAMAI and Kantar, will also be launched at the IDS 2026. The report, based on the ICUBE study, is widely recognised as the country’s most authoritative source on digital adoption and online behaviour. Drawing on over 30 years of legacy, the 2025 edition is based on a sample of nearly 1 lakh consumers across more than 400 towns and over 1,000 villages. The report will provide a clear assessment of who is online, how usage varies across regions, and which platforms are gaining traction.

The 16th edition of the India Digital Awards (IDA), India’s most prestigious bouquet of digital awards, will also be hosted as part of the IDS 2026. Adjudicated by a jury comprising renowned industry leaders, the IDA will honour individuals, organisations, platforms, and initiatives across six categories, divided into 47 subcategories thereby recognizing and celebrating digital excellence across the country. 

For more information on India Digital Summit 2026, please visit www.indiadigitalsummit.in

About IAMAI
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body with more than 750 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as start-ups. IAMAI has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy. IAMAI advocates free and fair competition, and progressive and enabling laws for businesses as well as for consumers. The overarching objective of IAMAI is to ensure the progress of the internet and the digital economy. Its major areas of activities are public policy and advocacy, business to business conferences, research, promotion of start-ups and promotion of consumer trust and safety.

Continuing in its legacy of creating new standards in transformative experiential luxury, The Postcard Hotel has announced the opening of The Postcard on the Mandovi River, North Goa. This brand-new retreat invites guests to experience a new way to holiday where one can slow down and immerse themselves in an incredible setting along the tranquil banks of Goa’s Mandovi River. Every journey here unfolds at an unhurried pace – merging understated luxury and intuitive service with moments of meaningful discovery. While, panoramic views of the river and thoughtful design offer a deeper connection to nature for a quiet escape in the heart of North Goa.

The Postcard on the Mandovi River, North Goa

Mr. Kapil Chopra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Postcard Hotel, says, “We invite guests to rediscover the destination like never before at The Postcard on the Mandovi River. Set in an iconic location in the heart of North Goa, the hotel encourages a genuine connection to nature while remaining immersed in the region’s history, culture, and unmistakable Goan energy. From uninterrupted views of the majestic Mandovi River and the hotel’s understated design, to the freshest local flavours and thoughtfully curated experiences by our team, every detail is rooted in place. Enhancing the sense of exclusivity, a private jetty offers all guests seamless access to the river. At this brand-new retreat, every element reflects The Postcard Hotel’s exacting standards, offering space to disconnect and settle into a stay defined by privacy, calm, and unhurried time.”

Perched along the serene banks of the Mandovi River, and framed by nature and open skies – the hotel offers an unparalleled slow holiday experience with the timeless beauty of its surroundings. With just 18 thoughtfully designed rooms featuring expansive windows and open private balconies, guests are treated to uninterrupted views of the river. From the soft glow of sunrise to the golden hues of dusk, the Mandovi’s soothing presence lets guests pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in the gentle rhythm of riverside living. The understated elegance in design, intuitive service, and a deep connection to the place come together – to showcase The Postcard Hotel’s signature approach to experiential luxury at the hotel.  

Adding another dimension to the stay is the wellness experience that begins with the tranquil riverside location that offers a sense of peace. Further, the hotel’s discreet spa has a range of rejuvenating treatments like indulgent facials and scrubs, for a therapeutic escape within the hotel’s peaceful surroundings.

At The Postcard on the Mandovi River, dining is a celebration of the region’s freshest flavours and local ingredients. Here, thoughtfully prepared dishes highlight the richness of Goan cuisine and more, and can be enjoyed with garden views from the restaurant. The stunning rooftop bar elevates the experience a level further. It is an ideal setting for guests to unwind with handcrafted cocktails with breathtaking views of the Mandovi and the soft breeze that drifts from the river.

Journeys at the hotel are further enriched by leisurely riverside walks to immersive guided excursions in Old Goa, where historic churches, local markets, and everyday sights offer an authentic sense of place. One can choose to explore the charming Divar Island or Panjim through a curated art saunter, head to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or walk through the region’s UNESCO-listed monuments, and beyond.

With each new opening as iconic as the existing properties, The Postcard Hotel forges ahead to firmly anchor its position as the leader in experiential luxury hospitality. Set along the tranquil banks of Mandovi River, this newest retreat is a testament to the brand’s philosophy and its team’s unwavering spirit – that encourage travellers to experience a brand-new way to holiday in Goa.

About The Postcard Hotel

Kapil Chopra, along with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotel – a brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The Postcard Hotel is now opening 8 new hotels in the next 12 months making it the fastest growing uber luxury hotel brand in the world.

Today, The Postcard Hotel’s growing collection spans India and beyond. In Goa, its five retreats – North Goa, Old Goa, Saligao, Cuelim, and Hideaway – capture the region’s charm, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea offers sweeping oceanfront serenity. In Gujarat, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary immerses guests in the land of the Asiatic Lion, and The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi brings art and heritage together in an evocative setting. Further afield, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam, and The Postcard in the Himalayan Willows, Leh, offer uncharted adventures and tranquil escapes. Internationally, the brand extends its philosophy through The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Bhutan, and The Postcard Galle in Sri Lanka – each a celebration of place, culture, and understated elegance.

For more brand and hotel information, please visit the website and Instagram handles @thepostcardhotel @thepostcardonthemandoviriver

Chennai Institute of Technology (CIT), Chennai and Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. have created a Guinness World Record for the Largest Human Recycling Logo Formation, aimed at promoting environmental awareness and responsible waste management among youth. The record brought together over 5,037 students significantly surpassing the current Guinness World Record of 3,373 participants, which was achieved by Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET) in Chennai on 23 January 2019.

Bisleri & Chennai Institute of Technology Created a Guiness World Record

The initiative was aimed at creating a powerful visual symbol of collective responsibility towards recycling and sustainability, reinforcing the importance of circular economy practices through large scale public participation.

Formation of the Largest Human Recycling Logo

Reaffirming the brand’s continued commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, commented, “This Guinness World Record achievement showcases the collective effort and dedication of the student community. It reflects our belief in driving meaningful change through collaboration and youth participation, while inspiring behavioural change around recycling and responsible plastic use.”

Guinness World Record received by Bisleri & Chennai Institute of Technology for Forming the World’s Largest Human Recycling Logo

Speaking on the historic record, Mr P. Sriram, Chairman, Chennai Institute of Technology said, “It is an extremely proud moment not just for the college but for Chennai city as well. The initiative aligns strongly with the institution’s focus on sustainability, student engagement and social responsibility, while offering students an opportunity to be part of a globally recognized environmental movement.”

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.
With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

• Vice Chancellors’ Conference organised by the Association of Indian Universities

• Hundreds of Vice Chancellors participate in deliberations

Hon’ble Governor Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot said that universities must actively promote innovations that provide solutions to challenges in rural development, healthcare, education, environment, and digital inclusion.

Mr. S. Ashok Rao, Registrar, Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secy General, AIU; Dr. M.R. Jayaram, Chancellor, Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka; Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, President, AIU; Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Raina, VC

Inaugurating the two-day South Zone Vice Chancellors’ Conference–2026, jointly organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and hosted by Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), the Governor stated that India can transition from a knowledge-based economy to an innovation-driven global superpower only when universities become centres of entrepreneurship. He emphasised the need to expose youth to the latest knowledge and technologies so that they can enhance their skills, move towards self-employment, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

He noted that South India has consistently provided leadership in education, science, and technology. Cities like Bengaluru have demonstrated how global-level innovations emerge when education, research, and industry work together. This model, he said, must be expanded to other parts of the country. Discussions during the conference would focus on fostering entrepreneurial thinking among students, establishing incubation and innovation centres to promote education, technology, and national development, and strengthening university–industry collaboration for innovation development. He added that entrepreneurship is not merely a tool for economic prosperity, but a powerful driver of social change, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.

Referring to the conference theme, “Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Higher Education Institutions,” the Governor said it is highly relevant. Higher education institutions are not just degree-awarding centres, but hubs of innovation, leadership, and nation-building. In the present era of entrepreneurship and innovation, young minds are the greatest asset. With proper guidance, resources, and opportunities, their ideas can lead to self-reliance, generate employment, and benefit society and the nation. Noting current realities and future expectations, he said it is time to reflect on India’s role in shaping the future of higher education.

The Governor also lauded Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, for its visionary academic environment, research initiatives, innovative teaching methodologies, and commitment to holistic development. With modern infrastructure, an interdisciplinary approach, and strong industry linkages, the university provides ample opportunities for students to grow both intellectually and personally, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Raina, Vice Chancellor, RUAS said the conference is being held over two days. On the first day, several Vice Chancellors shared their views. He expressed happiness that around 120+ Vice Chancellors, senior educationists, and academic leaders from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Karnataka, and Kerala participated in person, while about 100 participants joined online.

AIU President Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak said that instead of preparing students only to be employees, institutions must equip them with knowledge of innovation and encourage them to become entrepreneurs. This responsibility lies with educationists, he said. He added that the resolutions adopted during the two-day conference would be submitted to the government, which must take responsibility for their implementation.

AIU Secretary General Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal and RUAS Registrar S. Ashok Rao welcomed the dignitaries and participants.

The valedictory session will be held on January 21st at 1.00 pm. Ganeshan Kannabiran and Prof. S.R. Niranjan, Vice Chairman of the Higher Education Council, will be the chief guests.

“Universities must embrace innovation and focus on preparing students either for employment or as self-entrepreneurs. This is precisely why we have convened this Vice Chancellors’ Conference. Students are the most important stakeholders of educational institutions. We should not create a situation where graduates blame institutions for their inability to find jobs after completing their studies. Vice Chancellors must take strong decisions, submit them to the government, and ensure effective implementation.” – Dr. M.R. Jayaram,Chancellor, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (RUAS)

Mr. S. Ashok, Registrar, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), delivered the Vote of Thanks at the AIU South Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet 2025–26, held today under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the distinguished dignitaries, Vice Chancellors, academicians, and delegates for their active participation and valuable deliberations. He also acknowledged the support and coordination of all stakeholders in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the meet, reiterating RUAS’s commitment to fostering academic collaboration and excellence.

The excitement around the upcoming Punjabi film Chakven 2% Aale reached a new high with a grand Cast Reveal Event held recently in Mohali. The event marked a major milestone for the film and officially introduced the powerful ensemble that will bring this story to life on screen. 
 

The star cast of White Notes Entertainment’s upcoming Punjabi film Chakven 2% Aale at its cast reveal event in Mohali
 

Presented by White Notes Entertainment, Chakven 2% Aale is written and to be directed by Happy Rode, and produced by Prabhjot Singh and Inder Sandhu, the film also features acclaimed DOP Harpreet, who will be bringing a strong visual identity to the project. Chakven 2% Aale promises a fresh, engaging, and rooted Punjabi cinema experience.
 

The cast includes Kartaar Cheema, Vishal Brar, Baljinder Bains and Balwinder Dhaliwal and others, bringing together experience and screen presence, while the film also proudly introduces Param Grewal, a fresh new talent making her big-screen debut with Chakven 2% Aale.
 

Each artist brings a unique presence to the film, making Chakven 2% Aale one of the most anticipated Punjabi projects to watch out for. 
 

Speaking on the occasion, director Happy Rode shared, “This story is very close to my heart. The cast and crew are the soul of Chakven 2% Aale, and I’m proud of the team we’ve brought together. The journey officially begins now.” 
 

Producers Prabhjot Singh and Inder Sandhu added, “The response at the cast reveal has been overwhelming. It motivates us to take this film to the next level with passion and honesty.” 
 

The film is now all set to go on floors, and the official release date will be announced soon. 
 

White Notes Entertainment, under the guidance of Prabhjot Singh and Inder Sandhu known for producing powerful and popular music content, is now expanding its creative journey by stepping into feature films with Chakven. After making a strong mark in the music space, the banner is ready to bring the same passion, quality, and artistic vision to the big screen.
 

Happy Rode is a Filmfare Award-winning filmmaker known for delivering powerful and impactful Punjabi cinema. He previously directed successful films like Rode College and Dakuan Da Munda 3, earning praise for his strong storytelling and engaging direction. With a proven track record and a deep understanding of mass and emotional cinema, Happy Rode now brings his vision to Chakven 2% Aale, continuing his journey of creating meaningful and audience-driven films. 

Kartar Cheema is one of Punjabi cinema’s most intense and versatile actors, known for his powerful screen presence and emotionally grounded performances. Kartar Cheema rose to prominence with his powerful lead performances in Sikander (2013) and Sikander 2 (2019), where he portrayed a character rooted in intense student politics and social conflict. These roles established him as a fearless, impactful performer in Punjabi cinema. Now, with Chakven 2% Aale, he brings that same depth, intensity, and screen presence to a new story – adding strong credibility and emotional weight to the film’s ensemble. 
 

Alongside him, Chakven 2% Aale also brings together a dynamic mix of performers, while proudly introducing and supporting young, emerging talent in key roles – giving the film a fresh, energetic edge alongside seasoned artistry. 

Mpower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, marked a significant milestone at the Tata Mumbai Marathon this year as it completed 10 Mindful Years of sustained work in India’s mental health space. Founded by Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Mpower and the Aditya Birla Education Trust and Mpower. 
 

Mpower Team at Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026
 

Over 700 participants – including employees and senior leadership from Mpower and Aditya Birla Group companies, along with college students from across Mumbai – came together at the Tata Mumbai Marathon to spotlight the importance of mental health through collective, visible action. While many joined the Dream Run, others took on the half marathon (21 km) and full marathon (42 km), reflecting a strong personal and organisational commitment to mental wellbeing. Student volunteers lined the route, cheering runners and amplifying mental health messages, reinforcing the belief that mental wellbeing is a shared responsibility across generations and communities.
 

Over the past decade, Mpower has built an integrated mental health ecosystem spanning prevention, early intervention, and clinical care, with 14 clinical units including mental health centres, affordable care foundations, and counselling cells embedded in college campuses across India. Through its partnerships with government and public institutions, Project Samvedana strengthens rural mental health screening and referrals through district hospitals and Primary Health Centres – saving an average of 410 hours and Rs. 3,754 per individual by reducing delays and access-related costs.
 

Mpower works closely with frontline and vulnerable populations through targeted, high-impact interventions. Project Saksham, implemented with the Mumbai and Maharashtra Police, provides trauma-informed counselling and mental health support to survivors of violence, police personnel, alleged perpetrators, and their families – integrating mental health care into routine policing processes. Project Masoom supports children in state-run Child Care Institutions through trauma-focused counselling and caregiver sensitisation, while Project Mann, in partnership with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), delivers mental health literacy, psychological first aid, screening, counselling, and dedicated helpline support across high-stress security environments. At the national level, Mpower supports the Government of India’s Tele-MANAS initiative and operates the Mpower 1-on-1 Mental Health Helpline (toll-free: 1800-120-820050), a 24×7 free counselling service, while COPE Clubs across colleges train peer supporters to normalise mental health conversations and enable early help-seeking among young people.
 

Since its inception in 2016, Mpower has reached over 7 million beneficiaries, with impact spanning awareness, counselling, clinical care, and crisis support. Its work has contributed to measurable improvements in mental health literacy, increased utilisation of services, and stronger institutional responses across education, healthcare, and public systems.
 

The Tata Mumbai Marathon provided a fitting moment to reflect on this decade-long journey – underscoring Mpower’s belief that mental health must be embedded into everyday life and supported through continuity, collaboration, and long-term engagement rather than episodic interventions.
 

As Mpower completes 10 Mindful Years, the focus remains on building responsibly and sustainably, while ensuring that mental healthcare in India continues to be credible, ethical, accessible, and trusted.
 

About Mpower
Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to transforming India approach to mental health. Founded 10 years ago, Mpower has emerged as a leading force in spreading awareness, reducing stigma, and delivering holistic mental health care. With a robust team of over 200 trained professionals, Mpower impacts more than 121 million lives across seven cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi, Kota and Pune. Operating through five key verticals – Movement, Clinical Care, Outreach, Academia, and Mpower 1 on 1 – Mpower offers a comprehensive range of services. The Movement focuses on changing cultural perceptions and alleviating stigma. Clinical Care provides world-class mental health services through the Centre, the Foundation, and the Cell, catering to various needs from holistic care to affordable support for the underprivileged. The Outreach vertical drives awareness and capacity-building through IGNITE Programs for schools, colleges, NGOs, and corporates. Academia equips individuals and professionals with skills to handle mental health crises and foster empathy. The Helpline offers 24/7 multilingual support, while special projects like Samvedana enhance mental health care in primary health centers. Mpower’s integrated approach and collaboration with government agencies underscore its commitment to creating a supportive and stigma-free mental health landscape.