Social

JCI Vasco Distributes Books to Students in Memory of Adv. TT Shreedharan


JCI Vasco marked the birth anniversary of its Past President, Adv. TT Shreedharan, with a meaningful book distribution drive at Manohar Parrikar Municipal High School in Vasco. The initiative was organised as a tribute to his legacy and his commitment to community service and youth development.

As part of the programme, 50 students from Classes 9 and 10 received copies of the widely acclaimed self-development book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. The selection of the book reflected the organisation’s aim to encourage personal growth, confidence, and effective communication among young learners.

The event was attended by Mrs. Loretta Shreedharan, who addressed the students and spoke about the importance of cultivating a strong reading habit. She encouraged them to use books as tools for self-improvement and to continuously strive to become better versions of themselves.

Her interaction with the students highlighted the role of reading in shaping character, improving communication skills, and building confidence—qualities that are essential for success in both academic and personal life.

The initiative served as a fitting tribute to Adv. TT Shreedharan’s legacy, reflecting his dedication to education, social responsibility, and the empowerment of youth. Through such efforts, JCI Vasco continues to uphold the values he stood for, ensuring that his memory inspires future generations.

Business

Kotak Flexicap Fund Completes 15 Years of Long-Term Wealth Creation


Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd. has announced the 15-year milestone of the Kotak Flexicap Fund, marking a significant journey in long-term wealth creation. Since its inception, the scheme has delivered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.59 per cent, building a strong performance record across multiple market environments.

Commenting on the milestone, Nilesh Shah, Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd., said the completion of 15 years is a moment of pride for both the organisation and the investors who have remained committed to the fund. He noted that the flexicap category continues to be important because it allows investors to participate in India’s growth across market segments while leaving allocation decisions to experienced investment teams.

As of 31 December 2025, the fund’s Direct Plan – Growth Option has generated a CAGR of 15.70 per cent over 10 years and 16.87 per cent over five years. The fund is managed by Harsha Upadhyaya, Chief Investment Officer at Kotak Mahindra AMC, whose investment philosophy focuses on sustainable earnings, strong governance and capital efficiency.

Upadhyaya said the fund has navigated varied market cycles over the past 15 years by staying anchored to businesses with durable earnings potential and strong capital efficiency. He emphasised that the focus has always been on research-backed stock selection rather than chasing short-term trends, enabling the fund to participate meaningfully in India’s growth while aiming to deliver consistent long-term outcomes.

Flexicap funds are designed to offer agility across market environments by investing across large, mid and small-cap segments. As of December 2025, the Kotak Flexicap Fund held approximately 73 per cent in large caps, 19 per cent in midcaps and 5 per cent in small caps.

The portfolio blends top-down sector views with bottom-up stock selection. Key exposures include financial services, automobiles and auto components, capital goods, chemicals, construction materials and consumer services. The fund’s research-driven approach is aimed at identifying long-term opportunities supported by sound valuations and clear earnings visibility.

Social

Jeet Adani Marks First Anniversary by Funding FDs for 500 Divyang Women


Jeet and Diva Adani marked their first wedding anniversary by completing one year of Adani Mangal Seva, a social security initiative designed to support divyang women with long-term financial stability and dignity. The milestone was observed at the Belvedere Club lawns in Shantigram, Ahmedabad, where beneficiaries, their families, and representatives of the Adani Foundation gathered to reflect on the programme’s progress.

Launched ahead of the couple’s wedding on February 7, 2025, Adani Mangal Seva was envisioned as a way to transform a personal celebration into a sustained social commitment. Instead of marking the occasion with symbolic gestures, the initiative was structured to deliver tangible, long-term benefits to women with disabilities.

In its first year, the programme supported 500 divyang women, each receiving a fixed deposit of ₹10 lakh. Created in partnership with the State Bank of India, these deposits are designed to provide an assured monthly income, while the principal amount becomes accessible after ten years. The structure aims to ensure both immediate support and long-term financial security.

Anchored by the Adani Foundation, the social welfare arm of the Adani Group, the initiative focuses on women between the ages of 25 and 40. Beneficiaries are identified in collaboration with project partner Youth for Jobs and must hold a valid Unique Disability ID card. The programme is set to continue for at least five years, supporting up to 500 women annually, with an allocation of ₹50 crore each year.

According to the Foundation, the initiative reflects the philosophy of Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, who believes that service should be continuous, purposeful, and responsibility-driven rather than symbolic.

The anniversary event included the distribution of fixed deposit certificates to beneficiaries, along with cultural performances by the Blind People’s Association of Ahmedabad. The programme featured a Garba presentation and a fusion music performance, creating an atmosphere of celebration and inclusion. The evening began with prayer and reflection, followed by presentations outlining the initiative’s objectives and impact.

In a message on social media platform X, Gautam Adani extended his blessings to the couple and reflected on the impact of the initiative. He noted that Adani Mangal Seva has brought financial security, dignity, and renewed hope to many families, adding that the satisfaction of restoring confidence and smiles in people’s lives goes beyond material success.

Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, said the initiative was inspired by the belief that personal happiness finds its highest meaning when shared for collective well-being. She described Adani Mangal Seva as more than a programme, calling it an expression of faith in the strength, resilience, and dignity of women with disabilities.

Addressing the gathering, Jeet Adani described the initiative as a quiet but enduring form of support, representing a responsibility the family intends to carry forward. Diva Adani added that the programme is built on the belief that financial security should be lasting and dignity should never depend on circumstances.

During the event, Gautam Adani also released a book documenting stories of transformation under Adani Mangal Seva. The evening concluded with a community dinner, reflecting the inclusive spirit at the heart of the initiative.

As Adani Mangal Seva completes its first year, it stands as an example of how personal milestones can be transformed into sustained social commitments, reinforcing the Adani Foundation’s belief that prosperity and service go hand in hand.

Sports

AAI Kicks Off Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026: A Celebration of Synergy, Sportsmanship and the Spirit ofthe Game


The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially kicked off the Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026, transforming Goa into a hub of competitive sport, camaraderie, and celebration. Designed as a premier sporting platform for India’s Public Sector Undertakings, the tournament reflects AAI’s continued commitment to fostering fitness, teamwork, and a vibrant sports culture within the public sector.

The championship brings together 12 elite PSU teams, including AAI, Bank of Baroda, Coal India, CAG, EPFO, ESIC, FCI, RBI, SAIL, Union Bank and others. Over the course of a week, these teams will compete in a league-cum-knockout format, ensuring intense matches, high-energy performances, and sustained engagement for players and spectators alike.

Beyond competition, the tournament carries a larger purpose. It seeks to strengthen inter-organizational bonds and promote a “Fit India” lifestyle among employees, reinforcing the idea that physical fitness and teamwork are essential to professional excellence. The football pitch becomes a shared space where collaboration, resilience, and mutual respect take centre stage.

Speaking on the occasion, Flt. Lt. Akash Deep, Airport Director, Goa International Airport, Dabolim, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative. He noted that the spirit of collaboration witnessed on the football field directly translates into professional synergy, adding that the tournament is not merely about scoring goals, but about building unity and shared purpose within the public sector. He also described the championship as a major football event coinciding with the vibrant Goa Carnival season.

The Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026 will be held from 14th to 19th February 2026, with matches hosted at two prominent venues—PJN Stadium, Fatorda, and Rosary Ground Stadium, Navelim. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 15th February 2026 at 9:00 am at PJN Stadium, Fatorda, and will be graced by Shri Vipin Kumar, IAS, Chairman, Airports Authority of India.

As a Mini Ratna Category-I Public Sector Enterprise, the Airports Authority of India plays a pivotal role in developing and managing India’s civil aviation infrastructure. Through initiatives such as the Inter-PSU Football Championship, AAI continues to extend its impact beyond airports—championing employee welfare, community engagement, and the unifying power of sport.

With football, fitness, and fellowship at its core, the Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026 stands as a celebration of “Team India” beyond office walls.

#faith

Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute: Faith, Festivity and the Spirit of the Banana Festival


Written by Sakshi Aiwale

Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute is one of those celebrations where faith is not just practiced but lived collectively. Each year, the jatra draws devotees from across the region, transforming the temple surroundings into a space filled with prayer, reverence, and vibrant cultural energy.

From the early hours, devotees gather to participate in live rituals and traditional prayers, creating an atmosphere charged with devotion. The sounds of chants, the sight of offerings, and the steady flow of people reflect the deep-rooted belief associated with Babreshwar, a deity revered for protection, blessings, and guidance. Families, elders, and youth alike come together, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines the jatra.

A distinctive highlight of the Babreshwar Jatra is the Banana Festival, a ritual that sets this celebration apart. Devotees offer bananas with great respect, expressing gratitude for blessings received and seeking divine grace for the future. The simplicity of the offering carries profound meaning, symbolising humility, abundance, and unwavering faith. Rows of bananas offered at the temple become a powerful visual representation of collective devotion.

Beyond the rituals, the jatra is also a celebration of tradition and cultural continuity. Local customs, shared meals, and the gathering of neighbours and families strengthen social bonds, turning the event into a living expression of Goa’s spiritual heritage. It is a time when faith transcends individual belief and becomes a shared experience.

Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute stands as a beautiful blend of devotion, tradition, and cultural unity—where every prayer, every offering, and every gathering reinforces the enduring connection between faith and community.