Social

JFM Asmita Shaba Gauns Installed as 20th President of JCI Sanquelim


JFM Asmita Shaba Gauns was officially installed as the 20th President of JCI Sanquelim at a ceremonial event attended by JCI members, leaders, and well-wishers. The installation marks an important milestone in the chapter’s journey and reflects its continued commitment to leadership development and community service.

During the ceremony, JFM Asmita Shaba Gauns expressed gratitude to her predecessors and members for their trust and support. She shared her vision of strengthening community engagement, empowering youth, and fostering leadership excellence throughout her tenure.

The event celebrated the legacy of JCI Sanquelim while welcoming fresh energy and ideas under its new leadership. Members reaffirmed their commitment to the JCI values of leadership, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, looking ahead to a year of impactful initiatives.

Business

You Need to Build Your Own Brand to Be Successful in Today’s World: Walter Mascarenhas


Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

In today’s competitive and fast-changing world, building a strong personal brand is as important as achieving financial success, said motivational speaker, corporate trainer and former Indian Air Force squadron leader Walter Mascarenhas during his talk titled Ask and be Rich. The lecture was organised as part of the ongoing centenary lecture series of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji in January 2026.

Mascarenhas stressed that true success comes from being in demand and cultivating a strong reputation. He said that qualities such as honesty, kindness, discipline and sincerity form the foundation of a personal brand. According to him, individuals who are known for these values naturally attract opportunities and professional growth.

Explaining his three-pronged ASK approach—Attitude, Skills and Knowledge—Mascarenhas highlighted the increasing importance of soft skills in both personal and professional life. He observed that abilities such as communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, decision-making, stress and time management, along with critical and creative thinking, are essential life skills that are often not adequately addressed in formal education.

He elaborated that knowledge includes facts, information, awareness, education and experience, all of which enable better decision-making and innovation. Attitude, he explained, determines how individuals think, feel and behave, ultimately shaping outcomes in life and work.

Mascarenhas also spoke about achieving a fulfilling and balanced life by working on both mental and physical well-being. He referred to neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) as a tool to influence thought patterns and emotional responses, saying that happiness is a conscious choice that individuals can make most of the time.

Addressing the fear of failure, he encouraged the audience to focus on persistence, consistency and patience. He emphasised that progress comes from small, daily efforts rather than mere planning or intention. He also underlined the importance of physical fitness through proper diet, exercise and a positive outlook.

Drawing from his diverse experiences in the Indian Air Force, corporate training, skydiving and scuba diving, Mascarenhas concluded by advocating lifelong learning. He urged people to remain students throughout their lives, continuously improving themselves and overcoming fear as a key step toward personal growth and long-term success.

Human Interest

Saurabh Dwivedi Bids Farewell to India Today Group After 12 Years


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

After a significant 12-year association with the India Today Group Digital, Saurabh Dwivedi, Editor of Lallantop and India Today Hindi, is set to move on to explore new opportunities across diverse fields. The development was shared by Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson of the India Today Group, marking a moment of transition for one of the group’s most influential digital leaders.

Saurabh Dwivedi’s journey within the organisation is a testament to homegrown leadership in Indian media. Nurtured within Mediaplex, he joined the group as Features Editor at aajtak.in, gradually carving a space for himself through sharp editorial instincts and an understanding of evolving digital audiences. His growth mirrored the transformation of Hindi digital journalism itself.

Along with Kamlesh, Saurabh went on to shape Lallantop into a distinctive platform that spoke directly to the youth of India’s heartland. By blending grounded reporting with a conversational tone and strong storytelling, Lallantop emerged as a go-to destination for audiences seeking relatable, credible, and culturally rooted news content in Hindi.

Over the years, Saurabh’s leadership helped redefine how Hindi news could thrive in the digital-first era, building trust and connection with a generation that prefers authenticity over formality. His exit marks the end of a defining chapter not just for the India Today Group, but for the broader Hindi digital media landscape.

As Saurabh Dwivedi steps into new professional avenues, his legacy at Lallantop and India Today Hindi stands as a reminder of what sustained vision, audience understanding, and editorial courage can achieve in India’s rapidly evolving media ecosystem.

Human Interest

“Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez Meet President Donald Trump


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Cristiano Ronaldo, accompanied by his fiancée Georgina Rodríguez, recently met with President Donald Trump and the First Lady, receiving a warm and gracious welcome.

During the meeting, Ronaldo highlighted the importance of every individual’s role in shaping a better world, emphasizing courage, responsibility, and lasting peace. Both Ronaldo and Georgina expressed their commitment to inspiring younger generations to embrace values that promote positive change.

The encounter underscored the influence public figures can have in motivating society and reflected a shared vision of fostering hope, leadership, and inspiration across generations.

By joining the President in this discussion, Ronaldo and Georgina reinforced their dedication not only to their personal careers but also to contributing meaningfully to the broader social fabric.

Business

ICSI Takes a Leap Forward in Professional Development and Corporate Governance


Goa, November 2025: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has once again demonstrated its leadership in advancing professional education and promoting sound corporate governance. Through new programs, strategic collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives, the institute continues to empower professionals and students to meet the evolving demands of the corporate world with skill, integrity, and confidence.

ICSI has introduced a comprehensive Capacity Building Series consisting of specialized webinars designed to enhance practical knowledge and industry understanding among members and students. These sessions aim to equip company secretaries with the expertise required to navigate complex regulatory frameworks while strengthening their professional capabilities.

In line with its commitment to innovation, ICSI has launched a two-year full-time MBA in Maritime Regulations and Compliance Management in collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University. This pioneering program combines the principles of maritime law, business, and compliance, preparing professionals to take on leadership roles in the global maritime sector. The institute has also introduced a Certificate Course on Corporate and Securities Markets Compliances (CSMC) in partnership with the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), offering specialized insights into governance, securities regulations, and market compliance practices.

Further expanding its global outlook, ICSI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Services Exports Promotion Council (SEPC) to design customized training programs for members and facilitate international exposure. These collaborations reflect the institute’s focus on creating opportunities that align with global standards of governance and professional growth.

The institute continues to prioritize student welfare through initiatives such as online doubt-clearing sessions for Executive and Professional Programme students and the organization of Olympiads aimed at spreading awareness about the Company Secretary profession among school students. These initiatives encourage young learners to explore future career opportunities in the fields of governance, compliance, and corporate law.

ICSI’s commitment to fostering a global community of governance professionals is evident through its major events held throughout the year. The 53rd National Convention of Company Secretaries served as a platform for knowledge exchange and professional dialogue, while the 4th International Conference in Sydney and the Middle East Conference in Abu Dhabi facilitated international collaboration and discussions on emerging governance trends and best practices.

To strengthen ethical practices and promote sustainable governance, ICSI has launched several frameworks and standards, including the ICSI Guiding Principles on Stewardship (IGPS), which emphasize responsible investing and ethical stewardship, and the Governance and Compliance Standard on PoSH, which standardizes Internal Committee procedures and promotes safe workplaces. The ICSI International ADR Centre, a multi-city initiative, aims to reduce the burden on courts by providing a structured system for alternate dispute resolution, ensuring timely and fair outcomes.

Demonstrating its dedication to national service, ICSI has contributed ₹52 lakhs to the Ministry of Defence to support the education and empowerment of the daughters of martyrs. This act of social responsibility underscores the institute’s broader vision of nation-building and inclusive development.

With a growing global presence, ICSI now operates six overseas centres in Australia, Canada, Singapore, UAE, UK, and the USA, providing its members with access to international markets, networks, and learning opportunities.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India continues to play a transformative role in shaping the future of the Company Secretary profession. Its continuous efforts to build a knowledgeable, ethical, and globally competent community of professionals reflect its core mission — to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. Through its vision and initiatives, ICSI remains a cornerstone of professional excellence and a guiding force for the corporate governance landscape in India and beyond.