“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” – Oscar Wilde In an age where fame often eclipses purpose, there emerge a few remarkable journeys that redefine success—not by applause, but by meaning and impact. This is one such story of transformation, courage, and conviction.
From the glittering world of film to the tranquil pursuit of spiritual truth, it chronicles a man who chose depth over display, essence over acclaim. His path reflects a rare harmony between art and enlightenment, bridging the worlds of storytelling and sacred wisdom. In this edition of Unique Times, we explore the extraordinary journey of Dr. Iqbal Durrani—a visionary filmmaker who set aside the camera’s dazzle to embrace the eternal melodies of the Samaveda, translating its ancient wisdom into words that resonate across faiths, languages, and generations.
In this month’s edition, V.P. Nandakumar, Chairman & MD of Manappuram Finance Limited, offers his insights on “GST 2.0 Implemented: PM Hails Reform as Boost for Auto, MSMEs, and NBFCs.”
Alongside this, the issue features our most-loved sections—including travel highlights, beauty tips, a captivating book review, and a curated selection of insightful and inspiring business stories.
Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light. —Vera Nazarian
Have a happy reading!
Russia’s Urals Crude Prices for India Rise Amid Sanctions and Shipping Strains
The price of Russia’s Urals crude oil bound for India has risen despite tighter sanctions and security risks, traders told Reuters. Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian ports and pipelines in September disrupted exports, prompting Moscow to divert shipments to western ports and fueling concerns over production cuts. Discounts on October-loading Urals narrowed to $2–$2.50 per barrel against dated Brent, compared with $3 in September, while freight costs from Russia’s Baltic ports to India surged to $6.5–$7 million per voyage, up from $5.5–$6 million. The spike reflects shrinking shipping options as the EU and UK step up enforcement of oil price caps, with over 440 vessels in Russia’s “shadow fleet” facing restrictions. India’s Adani Group has also banned sanctioned tankers from its ports, further tightening flows. Despite US and EU criticism, India continues large-scale Russian imports, even as Washington imposes higher tariffs on Indian exports.
Urban Company Soars 74% on Market Debut, Valued at Nearly $3 Billion
“The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity.”
Urban Company shares surged 74% on debut Wednesday, valuing the home-services platform at nearly $3 billion after one of 2025’s most-subscribed IPOs. The issue drew bids worth $13 billion, oversubscribed 103.65 times, outshining major offerings like HDB Financial, Hexaware Tech, and Ather Energy. The stock opened 57.5% above issue price, hit a high of `179, and closed 62% higher at `166.8, surpassing analyst forecasts of a 40%–51% upside. Analysts credit the stellar listing to Urban Company’s strong grip on India’s fragmented home-services market, minimal competition, and rising digital adoption, positioning it as a long-term growth story. The successful debut comes as India’s IPO market regains momentum, with expectations of record fundraising in 2025 following $7.78 billion in 2024. Broader sentiment also remained positive, supported by optimism around US-India trade talks, with the Nifty 50 closing 0.36% higher.
Nasscom Welcomes US Clarification on H-1B Visa Fee
India’s IT industry body Nasscom has welcomed the US government’s clarification that the newly announced $100,000 H-1B visa fee will apply only to new applications, not renewals or existing holders, easing concerns over business continuity. The rule, set to take effect in the 2026 application cycle, gives firms time to adjust. While Nasscom termed the one-time fee prohibitive for fresh applicants, it said restricting it to new visas reduces uncertainty for Indian IT companies, which earn 57% of their $283 billion revenue from the American market. Highlighting a shift in strategy, Nasscom noted that firms have been steadily reducing their reliance on H-1B visas and investing over $1 billion in the US to hire and upskill local talent. It stressed that H-1B workers represent only a “decimal point” of the US workforce, with local hiring growing substantially.
Amazon Faces Trial Over Prime Enrollment and Cancellation Practices
“Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”
Richard Branson
Afederal trial has begun in Seattle to decide whether Amazon misled customers into enrolling in its Prime service and intentionally made cancellations difficult. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed the case in 2023, alleging Amazon violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act for over a decade, with millions allegedly signed up without consent. Prime, a key revenue source with over 200 million members worldwide, costs $139 annually or $14.99 monthly and offers shipping, streaming, and grocery benefits. The FTC cited Amazon’s internal reference to the cancellation process as “Iliad,” comparing it to a prolonged siege, with employees calling it an “unspoken cancer.” US District Judge John Chun confirmed the law applies to Prime but left key issues for the jury. Top executives Neil Lindsay, Jamil Ghani, and Russell Grandinetti could face liability, while Amazon insists its practices are fair.
NDB Plans First Rupee Bond Issuance in India by March 2026
The BRICS-backed New Development Bank (NDB) is set to launch its first Indian rupee-denominated bond in the domestic market before March 2026, aiming to raise $400–500 million through 3–5 year bonds. The bank, which has previously issued bonds in Chinese yuan and South African rand, is in advanced discussions with the Reserve Bank of India for approvals. The move aligns with efforts by India and China to expand global use of their currencies and comes amid broader investor demand for diversification beyond developed markets. NDB’s CFO Monale Ratsoma confirmed ongoing work with Indian regulators to provide local currency financing but withheld specifics. Established in 2015 by BRICS nations, NDB has raised about one-third of its $11 billion bond issuance in local currencies and targets 30% under its 2022–26 strategy. Analysts say the rupee bond will boost liquidity, attract emerging-market investors, and support de-dollarisation.
Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk Arrested After Violent
“Every once in a while, a new technology, an old problem, and a big idea turn into an innovation.”
Dean Kamen
Protests in Leh
Indianpolice arrested prominent Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday, following violent protests in Leh that left four people dead and dozens injured. The unrest erupted on Wednesday when demonstrators, demanding statehood and job quotas for locals, dispersed from the site of Wangchuk’s 14-day hunger strike and clashed with security forces after torching buildings and police vehicles. Authorities said troops opened fire in self-defence. Wangchuk was detained ahead of a planned press briefing, while the interior ministry accused him of inciting unrest and cancelled the license of his NGO, the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, citing violations. Internet services were suspended and curfews imposed across parts of the Himalayan territory. Wangchuk denied the charges, blaming growing anger over New Delhi’s policies since Ladakh lost autonomy in 2019. Talks between local leaders and the federal government are set to resume on October 6.
EA in $50 Billion Buyout Talks
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), the publisher behind hit franchises like FC and Battlefield, is reportedly in advanced talks to go private in a deal valued at about $50 billion, which would be the largest leveraged buyout in history. The potential investor group includes Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, with an announcement expected as early as next week. News of the talks sent EA shares soaring nearly 15% on Friday, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s steady cash flows and annual revenues. EA is doubling down on its top sports and action shooter titles, including Battlefield 6 and FC 26, as the gaming industry faces a slowdown. For PIF, the move fits into its Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to diversify beyond oil and expand its influence in global entertainment and esports.
Varsha Reddy Wins Alcazar Watches DQUE
Mrs Glam World 2025
On September 23rd, 2025, the Gokulam Convention Centre, Kochi, hosted the Alcazar Watches DQUE Mrs Glam World 2025, celebrating talent, culture, and women’s empowerment. Varsha Reddy from India was crowned Mrs Glam World 2025, with Cheng Shan Wen from Taiwan as first runner-up and Katsiaryna Sianiuta from Belarus as second runner-up. Monique Avril Fortune from New Zealand received the parallel title of Mrs Glam Universe 2025. The crowning of Mrs Glam World 2025 was performed jointly by Dr Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus Global, and Jebitha Ajit, MD, Pegasus, while the runners-up were crowned by Sajan Varghese, MD, SAJ Group of Companies, and Preeti Parakkat, MD, Parakkat Jewels. Mrs Glam Universe 2025 was crowned jointly by Dr Ajit Ravi and Sajan Varghese. Winners were selected by an expert jury: Harmeet Singh, Magen Fernandes, Ambika S Nair, and Dr Thomas Nechupadam. Continental titles and subtitle honors were also awarded, further recognising the contestants talent and achievements.
Italian Dockworkers Strike Over Gaza Conflict
Dockworkers across Italy blocked access roads to major ports on Monday as part of nationwide protests against Israel’s offensive in Gaza, aiming to stop Italy from acting as a transit hub for arms bound for Israel. The strikes, which also disrupted schools, public transport, and regional train services, drew thousands to rallies in cities such as Genoa, Livorno, Trieste, and Naples. In Milan, clashes erupted when police used tear gas to disperse pro-Palestinian demonstrators near the central station, while protesters in Naples briefly occupied railway tracks, causing delays. At ports, Palestinian flags were waved as the Autonomous Port Workers’ Collective framed the action as solidarity with Palestinians. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government has maintained strong support for Israel and opposed recognition of a Palestinian state. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini downplayed the strikes’ impact, criticizing unions for politicising the workforce.
Anastasiia Rybakova Triumphs at Mrs Asia Global 2025
Kochi’s Gokulam Convention Centre glittered on 23rd September 2025 as Anastasiia Rybakova from Siberia was crowned Mrs Asia Global 2025, in a celebration of talent, elegance, and women’s empowerment. Vishani Munasinghe from Sri Lanka and Nadezhda Tsoi from Russia were named first and second runners-up, while Aishwarya Sahdev of India earned the Mrs Asia 2025 title. The crowning moments were a showcase of collaboration and prestige: Dr. Ajit Ravi and MD Jebitha Ajit jointly crowned the winner, Dr. Ajit Ravi with Sajan Varghese, MD of SAJ Group of Companies, crowned the first runner-up, Dr. Ajit Ravi alongside Preethi Parakkat, MD of Parakkat Jewelers, crowned the second runner-up, and Vibe Munnar’s Dr. Jolly Antony crowned the Mrs Asia winner. A distinguished jury consisting of Harmeet Singh, Magen Fernandes, Ambika S Nair, and Dr. Thomas Nechupadam selected the winners. Continental and subtitle honors were also awarded, recognising the contestants unique talents, poise, and inspirational achievements, making the evening a remarkable showcase of global women’s empowerment.
Durrani’s approach was revolutionary. He chose to render the Samaveda not only in Hindi, the most widely spoken language in India, but also in Urdu, a language often associated with Islamic culture. This deliberate choice reflects his vision: to make the universal message of love, harmony, and humanity accessible to all, transcending linguistic, religious, and cultural barriers.
JOURNEY FROM FILMS TO VEDAS
Bollywood is a world of spectacle, larger-than-life personas, and stories designed to entertain, thrill, and sometimes inspire. Yet, in this glittering landscape, few artists dare to step away from the limelight to pursue a path that is both deeply personal and profoundly transformative, bordering on the spiritual. Dr Iqbal Durrani, the acclaimed director of hits like Phool Aur Kaante, is one such visionary. In a journey that spanned six years, he left behind the film sets and the glare of fame not to craft another commercial success, but to undertake a spiritual mission: translating the ancient Samaveda into Hindi and Urdu.
This bold endeavour is more than an academic pursuit. It is a quest for unity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of humanity—an effort to bring ancient wisdom into the modern world. Through his work, Durrani demonstrates that the power of storytelling extends far beyond the movie camera viewfinder to zoom into the soul of a nation. Call of the Samaveda
The Samaveda, often referred to as the "Veda of Melodies and Chants", is one of Hinduism’s four principal Vedas. Unlike the Rigveda, which primarily comprises hymns, the Samaveda is devoted to musical notations and verses intended for ritualistic chanting. Translating such a text is no small feat as it requires not mere linguistic skills but a deep understanding of ancient Sanskrit and its layered spiritual meaning. Durrani’s approach was revolutionary. He chose to render the Samaveda not only in Hindi, the most widely spoken language in India, but also in Urdu, a language often associated with Islamic culture. This deliberate choice reflects his vision: to make the universal message
of love, harmony, and humanity accessible to all, transcending linguistic, religious, and cultural barriers.
“My goal was simple yet profound,” Durrani explained in an exclusive interview. “To bring the universal message of love, humanity, and shared spiritual heritage to as many people as possible. The melodies of the Samaveda transcend religious boundaries; they speak to the human soul. I wanted to ensure that language barriers or preconceived notions didn’t confine this message.”
A Journey of Dedication
For someone accustomed to the fast-paced world of Bollywood, six years of immersion in ancient texts is no small commitment. The process required meticulous study, self-discipline, introspection, and considerable personal sacrifice. Financial constraints and doubts were constant companions. Yet, Durrani remained steadfast, guided by an unwavering sense of purpose.
“There were times when I questioned if I could continue,” he admits. “But there was an internal calling, a sense of destiny. It felt less like a choice and more like a sacred duty.”
His mission is reminiscent of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh, who centuries ago sought to bridge religious divides by translating the Upanishads and Vedic texts into Persian. Durrani sees himself as a modern torchbearer of that vision, using the Samaveda to promote understanding, harmony, and a shared spiritual heritage. Dr. Iqbal Durrani realized the dream that Dara Shikoh was prevented from completing under Shah Jahan’s rule—a feat accomplished during the tenure of Vishwa Guru Narendra Modi.
Translating Beyond Words
Translation is never a simple act of converting words from one lan-
guage to another. It is, at its core, an interpretive art. Durrani’s work ensures that the essence of the Samaveda—the spirit of its verses, the beauty of its chants, and the depth of its wisdom—is not lost to contemporary readers. It is about making the ancient accessible, relevant, and resonant for a world that is often fractured by misunderstanding and division.
“The Samaveda teaches us about the harmony of life, the interconnectedness of all beings,” Durrani says. “My aim was to preserve that essence while making it understandable and meaningful for today’s readers.”
A Launch that Spoke Volumes
The launch of Durrani’s Hindi and Urdu translations of the Samaveda was more than a book release; it was a powerful statement. Held at the historic Red Fort, a symbol of India’s rich and syncretic past, the event drew attention from diverse quarters. Attendees included RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, prominent Muslim clerics, and Bollywood personalities, highlighting the potential of the Samaveda to act as a bridge across faiths and communities.
“This gathering was a testament to what I believe,” Durrani reflects. “It showed me that beneath superficial differences, people are yearning for connection, for shared humanity. The Samaveda, with its emphasis on universal truths, can serve as a catalyst for harmony.”
Media coverage, particularly by Zee News, acknowledged the significance of the event. It went beyond religious discourse to underscore the idea of shared cultural heritage, demonstrating how literature and art can foster dialogue, understanding, and unity.
Durrani’s translation project is a continuation of his cinematic work: telling a story, evoking emotion, and touching lives. The only difference is the medium— where once he worked with reels and scripts, now he works with Sanskrit verses, melodies, and translations that speak directly to the human soul.
From Cinematic Storytelling to Spiritual Narratives
Before embarking on this spiritual journey, Durrani was a familiar face in Bollywood. He had directed and produced numerous commercial hits, occasionally acting in villainous roles within his own films. These experiences, rather than being a distraction, equipped him with a unique perspective. Understanding human
motivations, crafting compelling narratives, and connecting with audiences are skills honed in the cinematic world—skills that have enriched his work on the Samaveda.
“My film career taught me the power of storytelling,” Durrani explains. “It taught me how to reach people’s hearts and minds. This project, in a way, is the most important story I’ve ever tried to tell.”
In many ways, Durrani’s translation project is a continuation of his cinematic work: telling a story, evoking emotion, and touching lives. The only difference is the medium— where once he worked with reels and scripts, now he works with Sanskrit verses, melodies, and translations that speak directly to the human soul.
Nurturing A Vision for Unity
Durrani’s work comes at
a time when societal divisions are often amplified. By highlighting the universal messages within the Samaveda, he offers a vision for a more inclusive, harmonious future. His translations demonstrate that sacred texts, regardless of their origin, can serve as bridges rather than barriers.
“When I see people from different backgrounds coming together around this book, it reaffirms everything I believe,” he says. “The essence of our spiritual heritage is shared. Understanding that can be a powerful tool for connection and unity.”
Recognition and Legacy
The India Book of Records has recognised Durrani as the first individual to translate the Samaveda into both Hindi and Urdu in a single publication—a landmark achievement. His work is now available through resources like Awaz – The Voice and the India Book of Records, making this ancient wisdom accessible to modern readers and inspiring cross-cultural dialogue.
His literary contributions also include “Gandhi se Pehle Gandhi”, an inspiring book that sheds light on the life of Birsa Munda, often referred to as “Gandhi before Gandhi” for his revolutionary role. The book details the struggle, bravery, and national
pride of this great tribal leader who led an impactful movement against the exploitation of the British Raj and local landlords. It seeks to bring his significant contribution to the freedom struggle into the mainstream national narrative. The book was launched by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Durrani continues to work in the world of cinema. He is collaborating with Mukesh Khanna on an ambitious new film, Baba Jaan, which explores the unconventional love story between an elderly Muslim man and a sacred cow. This project, much like his translation work, reflects Durrani’s commitment to telling stories that challenge societal norms, promote understanding, and explore shared humanity.
A Life Transformed
Dr. Iqbal Durrani’s journey from Bollywood director to spiritual bridge-builder exemplifies personal transformation at its most profound. It is a journey from the pursuit of commercial success to the pursuit of enlightenment, empathy, and social harmony. His work on the Samaveda is not the conclusion of his story but the beginning of a larger mission: demonstrating that understanding, compassion, and unity are attainable
when we reach beyond superficial differences and embrace our shared heritage.
In an era where differences often dominate headlines, Durrani offers a different narrative—a melody from the past, translated for the present, and designed to harmonise the future. His unscripted journey is a reminder that the most impactful stories are sometimes those that transcend the screen and resonate directly with the human spirit.
Through his cinematic vision and spiritual endeavour, Dr Iqbal Durrani proves that legacy is not just measured by box-office hits but by the lives touched, the minds opened, and the hearts inspired. In translating the Samaveda for a modern world, he has written a story that transcends language, religion, and culture—a story of unity, understanding, and the enduring power of human connection.
The Samaveda Today
The Samaveda remains one of the four primary Vedas, revered for its hymns and melodies. Durrani’s translation brings this ancient wisdom into contemporary relevance, emphasising harmony, interconnectedness, and the universal truths that bind humanity. As readers engage with this work, they are not just
reading a text; they are participating in a cultural dialogue that spans centuries and faiths, fostering understanding in a world that deeply needs it.
Through his dedication, sacrifice, and vision, Dr. Iqbal Durrani has shown that stories—whether on screen or on paper—have the power to transform society. And in his hands, the melodies of the Samaveda have found a voice that resonates far beyond their ancient origins, touching the hearts of all who seek connection, understanding, and unity.
The Pillars of Bharat
We talk often of India’s greatness, but true greatness rests on the foundation of its institutions—the four pillars that uphold our republic. A nation is only as strong as the integrity of these systems. Today, we need to hold a mirror to each of them and ask: Is the mortar holding these bricks still strong with Dharma (righteousness), or is it crumbling under Swaarth (self-interest)?
The Administration (The Iron Frame)
The bureaucracy, the "iron frame" of India, is meant to be the tireless servant of the people. It is the bridge between policy and the common citizen. But too often, this frame has rusted. The ideal of the impartial administrator—dedicated, non-political, and focused solely on execution—is often betrayed by red tape, inefficiency, and corruption. The focus has shifted from seva (service) to satta (power). We need officers whose loyalty is to the law and the public, not to the passing political masters.
An impact assessment reveals that the majority of people come to AIIMS Delhi due to its reputation for specialised, high-quality, and lowcost care, which is often unavailable in other parts of the country. This influx from across India and neighbouring countries strains the hospital's infrastructure and resources, creating long waiting times despite the opening of new regional AIIMS. There is an urgent need to create and provide a similar infrastructure that matches the standards and infrastructure in Delhi, including the human capital. There is no dearth of
talented doctors in India who need to be retained within India by offering incentives to match International standards to make India a health tourism destination for the world
The Political System
(The Will of the People)
Politics is the heart of democracy, where the nation's vision is debated and forged. Yet, the raajneeti (politics) of today seems polluted by opportunism. Where are the leaders who exemplify genuine sacrifice and vision? When the electoral process becomes a marketplace where principles are exchanged for power, the entire national character is diluted. The true role of the political class is to inspire collective loyalty and foster unity, not to deepen divisions for short-term electoral gain.
The Judicial System (The Scale of Justice)
The judiciary is the final conscience of the nation—the temple where the scales of justice must always remain perfectly balanced. It is meant to be the unwavering shield against executive and legislative overreach. When the common person seeks justice, they must find quick, impartial resolution, without delay or prejudice. Any hint of compromise, influence, or massive backlog undermines the public's faith in the very concept of Rule of Law. For a society to thrive, the pursuit of truth must be swift and absolute in the courts.
The Banyan Tree of Justice
"The Banyan tree first grows toward the sky, and then its roots return to the earth. This is why the Banyan is called a Rishi (a sage or wise one).
Our nation's law (judicial system) has been growing toward the heights, and I sincerely hope its roots will also return to the earth like the Banyan, ensuring that justice can be delivered to the common man."
Journalism (The Fourth Estate)
The press, or the 'Fourth Estate,' is entrusted with the sacred duty of holding power accountable and speaking the truth fearlessly. It is meant to be the voice of the voiceless, shining a light on darkness. But today, the glare of sensational-
Step in, master, This, here, is a bazaar of flesh.
Chest...
Throat...
Limbs...
Thighs...
Pick your cut, it’s here for the taking.
But heed this one decree: Come soaked in liquor’s numb embrace.
Or else, when night’s feast is served,
And “morsels” are heaped upon your plate,
You might see “daughters” staring back.
It happened to me once...
My own blood, torn from my womb,
My son, Slunk to my door.
Fate was kind—he saw the truth,
The cord that bound us, And fled into the dark.
But these...
Whose spawn are they?
Defiling, clawing, Ravaging Their own "Mother India"!!
ism often overshadows the light of truth. When the media becomes an instrument of partisan politics or commercial interest, it ceases to be a pillar of democracy and becomes a tool of propaganda. The nation needs fearless reporters, not just loud anchors—those who serve the truth, not their owners or sponsors.
"Journalism is not what is shown, but what needs to be shown or written about—the things that are often hidden from the public."
Luxury cars and motorcycles above 350cc are taxed at 40 per cent under GST 2.0. Although higher than the standard slab, the rate is still below the earlier effective levy of nearly 50 per cent once cess was added. Auto components now attract 18 per cent GST, down from 28 per cent, providing relief to MSMEs in the ancillary sector.
GST 2.0 IMPLEMENTED: PM HAILS REFORM AS BOOST FOR AUTO, MSMES AND NBFCS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 21 announced the implementation of GST 2.0, calling it a “major step towards simplifying taxation and strengthening India’s economic growth engines.” The reform, which took effect from September 22, brings sweeping changes to the automobile sector, MSMEs, and Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), with lower rates and the removal of compensation cess expected to trigger a fresh wave of consumption.
Under the new structure, small cars under four metres with engines up to 1,200cc (petrol, CNG or LPG) and 1,500cc (diesel) now attract 18 per cent GST, down from the earlier
28 per cent plus cess. Sub-350cc motorcycles also fall under the 18 per cent slab. The elimination of cess, which previously ranged from 1 to 22 per cent, is expected to bring down the on-road prices of popular mass-market cars and commuter motorcycles.
Luxury cars and motorcycles above 350cc are taxed at 40 per cent under GST 2.0. Although higher than the standard slab, the rate is still below the earlier effective levy of nearly 50 per cent once cess was added. Auto components now attract 18 per cent GST, down from 28 per cent, providing relief to MSMEs in the ancillary sector.
Consumption Boost Expected Industry observers say the re-
forms will provide a strong demandside push for India’s automobile market, one of the largest employers and contributors to GDP. Many carmakers have announced plans to pass on the tax benefits to customers. With the festive season underway and rural sentiment buoyed by a good monsoon, both passenger car and two-wheeler sales are expected to see a sharp increase.
Opportunities for NBFCs and MSMEs
Cheaper vehicles are likely to drive demand for auto financing, with NBFCs poised to benefit given their reach in semi-urban and rural markets. Rising sales will also increase the requirement for ancillaries such as tyres, batteries, plas-
tics and glass, most of which are manufactured by MSMEs. To meet this demand, MSMEs will need to scale capacity and expand working capital, opening new avenues for NBFC lending.
Industry estimates suggest NBFC loan books could grow 15–17 per cent in FY26, powered by GST 2.0 reforms and improved liquidity conditions.
Challenges Remain
Economists caution that while GST 2.0 has eased the burden on consumers and industry, it could create fiscal pressures for the
government due to lower indirect tax revenues. For NBFCs, rapid growth in auto and MSME loans will need careful management to avoid risks to asset quality. MSMEs, despite benefiting from stronger demand, continue to face constraints in scaling operations sustainably.
Environmental concerns have also been raised, with the tax cuts centred on conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. Analysts note that this may run counter to India’s long-term push towards electric mobility unless supple-
mented by incentives for green vehicles.
A Turning Point
Despite these challenges, GST 2.0 is being viewed as a turning point for the economy. By rationalising rates and removing distortions, the reform promises to stimulate demand, expand credit flows, and strengthen the MSME sector. The Prime Minister underscored this in his remarks, stating that GST 2.0 “marks a new chapter in India’s growth story by making taxation simpler, fairer, and more supportive of enterprise.”
Rajesh Nair Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
Global innovation indexes show that countries and businesses that invest in research, creativity, and experimentation consistently outperform their peers, both in terms of revenue and resilience.
HOW IDEAS BUILD A CULTURE OF INNOVATION IN DISRUPTIVE, TECH-SAVVY ORGANISATIONS
Ideas have emerged as the new currency in a world defined by constant disruption and rapid technological advancement. Indian companies, from nimble startups to established conglomerates, increasingly recognise that the ability to ideate, plan, experiment, and execute sets apart market leaders from followers. Organisations that foster a vibrant ecosystem for ideas not only adapt to change but actively shape the future of their industry. This essay explores the imperative of building an idea-driven culture and offers a practical framework for young management professionals to catalyse ideation within their organisations, illustrated with examples from Indian corporates.
The Rise of Ideas as Currency
The accelerating pace of change, fuelled by technology and globalisation, has rendered traditional capital and resource advantages less relevant. In this milieu, original ideas—
whether in products, processes, or business models—form the bedrock of competitive advantage. Global innovation indexes show that countries and businesses that invest in research, creativity, and experimentation consistently outperform their peers, both in terms of revenue and resilience.
For Indian organisations, the transition from resource-driven to idea-driven strategies is palpable. Companies like Infosys, Reliance Industries, and Tata Group have demonstrated that innovations—ranging from digital payment solutions to green manufacturing—generate disproportionate growth and impact. These organisations leverage their internal talent to continuously ideate and experiment, creating products and processes that redefine Value. The Imperative for Organisational Ideation Culture
A culture of ideation is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity. The core reasons for this imperative
are:
• Disruptive change: Digital technologies and evolving customer expectations are forcing firms to rethink everything from supply chains to customer engagement.
• Agility and resilience: Organisations that encourage ideation across all levels are quicker to spot opportunities and are more resilient in crises.
• Employee engagement: When teams are empowered to brainstorm and experiment, engagement and retention rise.
• Market leadership: Breakthrough innovations often originate from open, inclusive ideation processes rather than hierarchical directives.
Indian companies exemplify the power of ideation culture. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) runs regular hackathons and innovation labs where employees pitch and prototype new solutions. Mahindra Group’s "Rise" philosophy encour-
ages every employee to challenge status quo and present fresh ideas, leading to significant advances in electric mobility and farm technologies.
Building a Culture of Ideating, Planning, Experimenting, Implementing Transforming organisations into idea engines involves deliberate, sustained efforts across multiple dimensions:
1. Leadership commitment: Culture starts at the top; leaders must model openness to new ideas and recognise experimentation— even failures.
2. Structured ideation: Regular brainstorming sessions, innovation forums, and suggestion schemes are critical for harnessing collective creativity.
3. Resource allocation: Dedicating time, funds, and mentorship to promising ideas signals organisational seriousness.
4. Experimentation ethos:
Pilots, rapid prototyping, and controlled testing reduce the fear of failure and accelerate learning.
5. Implementation pathways: Ideas must transition swiftly from prototypes to real-world impact through agile execution processes.
Infosys’ "Innovation Council" and purchase of internal ideas reflect this approach, as do Asian Paints’ collaborative digital labs that have produced smart customer engagement platforms. The emphasis on planning, testing, and scaling underscores that ideation, without execution, is merely wishful thinking. Framework for Ideation for Young Management Professionals
Young management professionals are uniquely positioned to catalyse this agenda, leveraging their fresh perspectives and digital fluency. The following framework is designed for practical usability in Indian corporate settings: Step 1: Opportunity
Scanning
• Survey emerging business trends, unmet customer needs, regulatory changes, and competitor moves.
• Use tools like SWOT analysis and market research reports to shortlist opportunity areas. Step 2: Collaborative Brainstorming
• Employ methods like mind mapping, design thinking canvases, and “Yes, and…” improvisation.
• Cultivate psychological safety to ensure all voices are heard.
Step 3: Idea Validation
• Evaluate proposed ideas on feasibility, business impact, customer value, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Use rapid feedback (customer polls, expert reviews) and prototype development for early testing.
• Apply metrics: expected ROI,
scalability, risk profile.
Step 4: Experimentation and Prototyping
• Develop MVPs (Minimal Viable Products) or pilot projects.
• Set clear success criteria (KPIs) and timelines.
• Document learnings and revise the prototypes based on data.
Step 5: Planning for Execution
• Prepare detailed project plans: resources, milestones, roles, and risks.
• Ensure buy-in from leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• Develop clear go-live strategies and change management tactics.
Step 6: Implementation and Scaling
• Move validated ideas into mainstream operations using agile methods.
• Track outcomes, tweak as necessary, and harvest insights for future ideation.
Step 7: Recognition and Knowledge Sharing
• Celebrate successes and analyse failures objectively.
• Share best practices via internal newsletters, knowledge hubs, and learning sessions.
• Institutionalise successful innovations into the corporate way of working.
Indian Corporate Examples
Tata Group
• Tata Group’s "Innovista" programme encourages every employee to submit innovation ideas and supports selected initiatives up to commercialisation.
• Tata Steel’s digitisation of procurement through "Smart Procurement" emerged from internal hackathons and became a nationwide benchmark.
Reliance Industries
• Reliance’s Jio Platforms revolutionised telecom through disruptive ideation by integrating digital
payments, entertainment, and ecommerce in its ecosystem.
• Jio’s in-house incubation labs routinely prototype consumer tech solutions and scale them rapidly.
Infosys
• Infosys’ internal "Zero Distance" program requires every client project team to identify actionable innovation opportunities, resulting in process improvements and new service offerings.
• Infosys Innovation Fund supports employee and external startups, fostering an ideation-implementation loop.
Asian Paints
• Asian Paints leveraged digital labs to ideate smarter supply chain monitoring solutions, integrating IoT and analytics for real-time efficiency.
• Cross-functional brainstorming led to customer-centric digital platforms now standard in the industry.
Mahindra Group
• Mahindra’s "Rally Ideas" system crowdsources innovations internally, resulting in advances like smart tractors and remote diagnostics for vehicles.
• Their Rise for Good initiative channels employee ideas into sustainable development projects.
How Young Professionals Can Drive Change
Young management professionals can translate this framework into everyday practice:
• Volunteer for innovation programs and cross-functional teams; bring external perspectives from business literature and industry best practices.
• Champion ideation initiatives like hackathons, innovation jams, and suggestion schemes within functional teams.
• Partner with mentors and senior leaders to pitch and refine ideas for high-impact execution.
For example, a management trainee at HDFC Bank proposed a smartphone-based SME loan application process, which moved
from ideation to pilot and is now part of the bank’s digital portfolio. Similarly, Axis Bank’s "Think-Up" programme rewards young employees who introduce novel customer engagement solutions, translating raw ideas into operational reality.
Overcoming Barriers to Organizational Ideation
Despite best intentions, several barriers can impede a vibrant ideation culture:
• Fear of failure: Employees avoid risk-taking due to perceived penalties for failed experiments.
• Resource constraints: Scarce funding and time for non-core activities hamper experimentation.
• Poor recognition: Lack of acknowledgment for creative efforts demotivates contributors. Remedies include leadership sponsorship (Infosys’ innovation council), transparent processes for idea submission and review (Tata’s Innovista), and robust feedback mechanisms (Mahindra’s employee forums). Successful Indian firms explicitly reward experimentation, embrace failure as a step to success, and integrate learning into daily workflows.
Ideas as Currency of the Future
In India’s dynamic economy, the valuation of organizations increasingly hinges on their ideagenerating capacity. The culture of ideating, planning, experiment-
ing, and implementing is what separates winners from laggards. Indian corporate stories demonstrate that structured frameworks, empowered teams, and leadership resolve are indispensable ingredients in the journey from ideation to impact.
For young management professionals, the challenge and opportunity lie in being ideation catalysts—championing open dialogue, rigorous planning, bold experimentation, and decisive execution. As the boundaries between industries blur and disruption reigns, ideas are indeed the new currency, and those who master their creation and deployment will shape not just organizational fortunes but the future of Indian enterprise
Dr Arun Oommen
MBBS, MS (Gen Surg), Mch (Neurosurgery), MRCS Ed (UK), MBA (Hospital administration), ENLS, DLitt(H), Phd(H), D Sc(H)
Neuro Endoscopy Fellow
Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon VPS Lakeshore Hospital Kochi, India.
During sensory register, the brain gathers information passively through visual and auditory cues known respectively as “iconic” and “echoic” memory. When you look at a computer screen and then look away but can still see the screen’s image, this is iconic memory at play. Similarly, when you have conversations with others and ask them to repeat themselves, only to understand what they said a moment later, it demonstrates echoic memory.
VARIOUS STAGES OF MEMORY FORMATION AND STORAGE
Memory is the process in which the mind interprets, stores, and retrieves information. Memory serves human beings in many complex ways. It enables us to process our environment, Improve behavior and gives context to our lives. Studies of this psychological phenomenon reveal that memory occurs in stages, which gives us valuable insight into the inner workings of the brain. Forming new memories is an incredibly complex and fascinating process, Researchers have been able to trace memory down to the structural and even the molecular level in recent years, showing that memories are stored throughout many brain structures in the connections between neurons, and can even depend on a single molecule for their long-term stability.
Although memory remains susceptible to all sorts of problems, the brain’s elasticity is unique and remarkable. Memory is just as capable of improving as decaying.
Stages of Memory Creation
The brain has three types of memory processes: sensory register, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
Sensory Register
In the sensory register process, the brain obtains information from the environment. This activity is short, lasting most a few seconds. During sensory register, the brain gathers information passively through visual and auditory cues known respectively as “iconic” and “echoic” memory. When you look at a computer screen and then look away, but can still see the screen’s image, this is iconic memory at play.
Similarly, when you have conversations with others and ask them to repeat themselves, only to understand what they said a moment later, it demonstrates echoic memory. In the memory-making process, attention is considered a stage between sensory register and short-term memory. Short-term memory formation can begin through giving your attention to the information received through sensory register.
Short-Term Memory
Short-term memory occurs in two parts: traditionally termed “short-term memory” and “working memory.” Short-term memory is when the brain stores information temporarily so that it can be repeated, such as remembering a phone number you see on TV. Working memory refers to the brain storing information for the purpose of ma-
nipulating it, such as remembering a set of numbers while working on a math problem. Short-term memories like a possible chess move, or a hotel room number are processed in the front of the brain in a highly developed area called the pre-frontal lobe. When psychologists talk about improving memory, they most commonly focus on working memory
because you have the most control over it and can actively improve it.
Long-Term Memory
Short-term recollection is translated into long-term memory in the hippocampus, an area in the deeper brain, the Hippocampus takes simultaneous memories from different sensory regions of the brain and connects them into a single "episode" of
memory, for example, you may have one memory of a dinner party rather than multiple separate memories of how the party looked, sounded , and smelled. As memories are played through the hippocampus, the connections between neurons associated with a memory eventually become a fixed combination, so that if you hear a piece of music for example, you are likely to be flooded with other memories you associate with a certain episode where you heard that same music.
Many think of long-term memory as a permanent “bank” within the brain. Once a memory arrives there, the mind stores it completely and indefinitely. But In truth, this is not the case. Although the longterm memory process allows information to remain in the brain for an extended period, nothing in the brain avoids risk. Information stored in long-term memory can stay in the brain for a short while (a day, a week) or last as long as a lifetime. When long-term memories form, the hippocampus retrieves information from the working memory and begins to change the brain’s physical neural wiring. These new connections between neurons and synapses stay as long as they remain in use. Psychologists divide long-term memory into two length types: recent and remote.
Long-term memory can also be described by the nature of the memories themselves- Implicit memories and explicit memories
• Implicit memories are remembered automatically, like driving a car.
• Explicit memories- you are actively trying to remember.
• Episodic memories: Contain events that happen to an individual specifically.
• Semantic memories: Contain
When long-term memories form, the hippocampus retrieves information from the working memory and begins to change the brain’s physical neural wiring. These new connections between neurons and synapses stay as long as they remain in use. general knowledge.
Forgetting
Forgetting can manifest as inattention or can happen because the brain does not reinforce a memory long enough to store it. Research suggests two main theories as to why memories are forgotten:
• Decaying theory infers that if a certain memory isn’t repeated, it will eventually deteriorate.
• Interference theory infers that new information received by the brain replaces old information (such as the inability to remember an old
password after you have created a new one).
Seven hypothesis for forgetfulness.
1. Transience - Memories may become increasingly difficult to access, due to either the natural aging process or damage to the hippocampus and temporal lobe.
2. Absent-mindedness - Attention lapses and forgetting tasks.
3. Temporary Memory Blocking - When memories are temporarily inaccessible. (Also known as “tipof-the-tongue syndrome.”)
4. Suggestibility - When misinformation is incorporated into memories, such as when someone is asked a leading question.
5. Bias - When memories are distorted because of your knowledge and belief systems.
6. Persistence. When unwanted memories can’t be forgotten, such as in post-traumatic stress disorder.
7. Misattribution. When memories are attributed to an incorrect source or when you believe you have seen or heard something you never experienced
A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE: MANAPPURAM VPN IBE AWARDS 2025
In a world where genuine gestures of gratitude are rare, Dr. Ajit Ravi has consistently demonstrated the power of acknowledgment. In 2015, as a heartfelt tribute to his mentor VP Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd., Ajit Ravi established the VPN IBE Award. Conceived to honour exceptional individuals who have made remarkable contributions in their fields, the award debuted in Sri Lanka, celebrating distinguished business leaders. A decade later, the award continues to recognise visionaries shaping industries and society.
The Manappuram VPN IBE Awards 2025 unfolded in grand style on September 23 at the Gokulam Convention Centre in Kochi. The red-carpet event brought together luminaries from business, healthcare, cinema, and philanthropy, creating an evening of celebration, inspiration, and glamour. The awards, jointly presented by VP Nandakumar and Dr Ajit Ravi, not only recognised outstanding achievements but also highlighted the values of dedication, innovation, and social responsibility.
The first honoree of the evening, Dr K Paul Thomas, Managing
Director and CEO of ESAF Group of Social Enterprises, received the Beacon of Inclusive Banking Excellence Award. Paul Thomas has been instrumental in making banking accessible to marginalised communities, demonstrating how financial services can empower society. His commitment to inclusion and innovation has set a benchmark in the banking sector.
Next, the Exemplary Leader in Healthcare and Philanthropy Award was presented to SK Abdulla, Managing Director of Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre Ltd. Abdulla’s work in elevating healthcare standards and his philanthropic initiatives reflect the transformative power of leadership dedicated to societal welfare.
The Business Luminary in Real Estate, Hospitality, and Philanthropy Award went to Dr Varghese Kurian, Group Chairman and Managing Director of VKL Group. Varghese Kurian’s ventures seamlessly combine business acumen with social impact, demonstrating that commercial success can coexist with community enrichment. His contributions have inspired a generation of entrepreneurs to adopt a holistic approach to leadership.
A highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award in Indian Cinema, conferred upon veteran producer and media leader Dr Gokulam Gopalan. With decades of contribution to cinema and media, Gokulam Gopalan has influenced the entertainment industry through visionary projects, creative excellence, and unwavering commitment to storytelling, earning him admiration across generations.
The ceremony, marked by applause, inspiring speeches, and elegant presentations, celebrated the achievements of individuals who have set new benchmarks in their domains. More than an awards night, it became a platform recognising resilience, innovation, and the impact of purposeful leadership.
As the VPN IBE Awards mark ten years, their legacy continues to grow. Dr Ajit Ravi and VP Nandakumar’s initiative stands as a shining testament to what can be achieved when vision, gratitude, and excellence converge. The awards remain a celebration of trailblazers who inspire change, transform industries, and positively influence society—a decade-long tradition that promises to continue shaping the future of leadership
Ravi Saini Associate Editor, Unique Times & CEO, RSW (Resetting Sustainable Wealth) Group
Unflinching analysis of historical failures—not just of foreign rulers, but of the internal factors that led to foreign domination (e.g., betrayal, internal feuds, greed of local elites). It would openly discuss the roles of Indian soldiers in oppression and Indian informants in the capture of revolutionaries.
PATRIOTIC INDIA @ 2047: BUILDING CITIZENS OF UNSHAKEABLE CHARACTER
To achieve a strong, selfrespecting nation by 2047, the focus must shift from merely celebrating freedom to rigorously cultivating "Freedom Keepers"—citizens whose loyalty to the nation and its ethical framework (Dharma) supersedes personal gain. This requires a complete overhaul of the civic and value education system, starting at the earliest stages of schooling.
The Core Curriculum: Elementary to Higher Secondary
The educational system will be fundamentally redesigned to implant the values of unshakeable character and civic loyalty from a young age.
A. Elementary School (Grades 1-5): Loyalty and Ethical Action
The curriculum at this level would use stories and experiential learning to focus on:
• The Unsung Heroes of Character: Move beyond standard historical figures to focus on stories of ordinary Indians who chose truth,
community welfare, and loyalty over personal gain—the common soldier who refused an immoral order, the villager who sheltered a refugee, or the civic worker who refused a bribe. The focus is on action, not slogans.
• Civic Duty as Dharma: Teaching 'Dharma' (righteous conduct) not as a religious concept, but as the ethical duty owed to society and the nation. Lessons on keeping public spaces clean, not wasting resources, and following rules are framed as a patriotic duty.
• National Unity Over Caste/ Creed: Mandatory daily lessons emphasising the shared Indian identity (Bharatiyata) above regional, linguistic, or religious differences. Introduce the concept of "The Indian Family"—betraying any part of this family is a moral failure.
Middle & Secondary School (Grades 6-12): The Mirror of History and Civics
This stage will confront the "hard-hitting truth" from the passage directly, using history as a warning.
• Mandatory "Character &
Conscience" Course: A core subject replacing parts of existing civics/moral science. This course will include:
• The Study of Betrayal: Unflinching analysis of historical failures—not just of foreign rulers, but of the internal factors that led to foreign domination (e.g., betrayal, internal feuds, greed of local elites). It would openly discuss the roles of Indian soldiers in oppression and Indian informants in the capture of revolutionaries.
• The Value of the Vote and Public Trust: Rigorous education on the corrosive nature of corruption, emphasising that selling one's vote or accepting petty bribes (free electricity, liquor) is an act of national treason that weakens the entire republic.
• The Japanese/German/ Israeli Model: Comparative studies of nations that faced existential crises but rebuilt with exceptional character, self-reliance, and national discipline as inspiration.
Compulsory Military and
Civic Orientation (Grades 9-12)
A universal, mandatory program focused on discipline, selfsacrifice, and national cohesion, directly addressing the critique of weak character and self-interest.
Higher Secondary (Grades 9-10): Civic and Disaster Preparedness Corps (CDPC)
• Duration: A mandatory 4-week non-residential program integrated into the summer break.
• Focus: Civic responsibility and immediate community action. Training includes basic first aid, fire safety, environmental cleanup duties (making local parks or public areas spotless), and managing public events (queue control, traffic assistance).
• Goal: To instil the idea that citizenship is service and that loyalty to the nation manifests in concrete action for the community.
Higher Secondary (Grades 1112): Compulsory Military Orientation (CMO)
• Duration: A mandatory 6-week residential programme, conducted at designated military/paramilitary camps across the country.
• Focus: Discipline, physical endurance, inter-state bonding, and
chain of command. Training would involve rigorous physical exercises, parade drills, obstacle courses, basic survival skills, and structured discussions on national security, sovereignty, and the role of the armed forces.
• Goal: To break down regional, class, and linguistic barriers by placing all students under a common, strict national discipline, demonstrating that the nation's safety precedes individual comfort and building an unbreakable, loyal collective.
Government Incentives and Infrastructure Investment
To ensure the success and quality of this massive national effort, the Government must provide significant incentives.
School Infrastructure Grants
• Character Infrastructure Fund: The Central and State Governments must establish a highpriority fund to provide 75% capital grants to schools (both public and private) for building the necessary infrastructure:
• Drill Grounds: Dedicated, standardised parade/drill grounds suitable for regular physical and military-style training.
• Ethics Halls: Dedicated
spaces for the "Character & Conscience" classes, equipped with multimedia and interactive tools for discussion.
• Wellness and Yoga Centres: Facilities to teach the mental discipline required for self-mastery, reinforcing the idea that inner strength supports national strength.
Teacher & Instructor Incentives
• National Character Corps (NCC) Integration: All teachers involved in the "Character and Conscience" program must undergo specialised training validated by former military/high-ranking civil servants.
• Financial Rewards: Significant financial bonuses and faster promotion tracks must be provided to teachers and schools that demonstrate measurable improvements in student civic behaviour, community service participation, and reduction in disciplinary issues.
By integrating rigorous ethical and civic training with physical and military orientation, this strategy aims to create a generation of Indians whose "first loyalty is to the Nation"—a transformation the passage deems essential for the country's survival and strength by 2047
Adv Sherry Samuel Oommen: This article is authored by Adv Sherry Samuel Oommen. He specialises in the Constitution, tax and corporate laws and has also cleared the final exams of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. He has also completed his Masters's Degree in Commerce, apart from obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Business and Corporate Laws from Symbiosis, Pune. The views expressly are personal and should not be construed as a legal opinion. sherryoommen@nashcp.com.
FROM CREATIVE INTERPRETATION TO CORRECTIVE INTERVENTION:
THE SUPREME COURT RECALIBRATES THE NEXUS BETWEEN TAX VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEABLE DEBT
A
Comparative Analysis of P.C. Hari v. Shine Varghese and Sanjabij Tari v. Kishore S. Borcar & Ors.
Introduction- A Short-Lived Jurisprudential Controversy
The interplay between the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (“NI Act”) and the Income Tax Act, 1961 has long been a fertile ground for legal debate. The core question is simple yet profound: should a debt, otherwise valid in civil law, be rendered unenforceable under the NI Act because its creation violated a fiscal statute? In 2025, the Hon’ble Kerala High Court in P.C. Hari v. Shine Varghese delivered a bold, policy-driven answer in the affirma-
tive, sending ripples through the commercial litigation landscape. Its ruling declared that a cash transaction violating Section 269SS of the Income Tax Act could not form the basis of a "legally enforceable debt" under Section 138 of the NI Act.
However, this seismic shift in jurisprudence was short-lived. The Supreme Court of India, in Sanjabij Tari v. Kishore S. Borcar & Ors., comprehensively analyzed the issue and expressly overruled the Kerala High Court's judgment. This article provides a critical comparative anal-
ysis of these two landmark rulings, tracing the journey from a strict, policy-oriented interpretation to a doctrinally pure, purpose-focused one, and establishing the current, settled position of law.
The Kerala High Court's Bold Gambit in P.C. Hari
The judgment of the Hon’ble Kerala High Court was a radical attempt to use the NI Act as a tool for enforcing fiscal discipline. Its reasoning was built on several key pillars, which are summarized below:
The Clash of Presumptions: The
Implicit in the judgment was the requirement for a Magistrate to act as a quasi-tax authority, determining whether a "reasonable cause" existed for the cash transaction under Section 273B of the IT Act. This fundamentally altered the summary nature of NI Act proceedings.
Court held that the presumption under Section 139 of the NI Act that a cheque is for the discharge of a legally enforceable debt, could not be used to legitimize a transaction expressly prohibited by Section 269SS of the IT Act. It advocated for a harmonious construction, effectively making tax compliance a pre-condition for enforceability under the NI Act.
Non-Reflection in IT Returns as Rebuttal: The Hon’ble Court placed immense weight on
the complainant's failure to disclose the loan in their income tax returns. It conflated the existence of a debt with its tax treatment, allowing an accused to challenge the debt's very existence by pointing to the complainant's separate statutory failure.
Expansion of Judicial Role:
Implicit in the judgment was the requirement for a Magistrate to act as a quasi-tax authority, determining whether a "reasonable cause" existed for the cash transaction under Section 273B of the IT Act. This
fundamentally altered the summary nature of NI Act proceedings.
Moral Hazard Dismissed: The Court dismissed the equitable argument that the accused (the receiver of cash) was benefiting from their own wrong. It focused solely on the "tainted" character of the debt, prioritizing public policy against black money over the principle that no one should profit from their own illegality.
The P.C. Hari judgment was, in essence, a powerful policy state -
The Supreme Court delivered a crucial distinction that the Kerala High Court had overlooked. It held that a breach of Section 269SS of the IT Act is a specific fiscal delinquency that attracts a penalty under Section 271D.
ment. It sought to deter the generation of unaccounted money by making it a legally perilous venture for creditors, even if it meant creating a windfall for dishonest debtors.
The Supreme Court's Doctrinal Correction in Sanjabij Tari
The Supreme Court, in Sanjabij Tari, systematically dismantled each pillar of the Kerala High Court's reasoning, restoring doctrinal clarity and reaffirming the distinct purposes of the two statutes.
1. Clarifying the Nature of the Violation and the Debt
The Supreme Court delivered a crucial distinction that the Kerala High Court had overlooked. It held that a breach of Section 269SS of the IT Act is a specific fiscal delinquency that attracts a penalty under Section 271D. Crucially, the Court emphasized that neither section states that a transaction in contravention is "illegal, invalid, or statutorily void."
• The High Court’s View: Violation of S. 269SS taints the debt, making it per se unenforceable.
• The Supreme Court's View: Violation of S. 269SS is a separate offence against the revenue authorities, punishable by a separate penalty. The character of the underlying debt remains intact and legally enforceable.
This reasoning is foundational. It prevents the penalty regime of the IT Act from being surreptitiously transformed into a mechanism for discharging private civil liabilities.
2. Reaffirming the Primacy and Scope of NI Act Pre -
sumptions
The Supreme Court strongly reiterated the unwavering strength of the presumptions under Sections 118 and 139 of the NI Act. It clarified that the initial burden to rebut these presumptions is squarely on the accused, and this rebuttal must be through evidence that creates a "probable defence."
• The High Court’s View: Proof of a S. 269SS violation automatically constitutes a "probable defence," shifting the burden back to the complainant to explain the transgression.
• The Supreme Court's View: A violation of the IT Act is an external factor that does not, by itself, automatically rebut the statutory presumptions of the NI Act. The accused's defence must still be credible and relate to the existence of the debt, not just the form of the transaction.
The Court thus insulated the NI Act's presumptions from being diluted by non-compliance with an unrelated statute.
3. Rejecting the Conflation of Debt Existence and Tax Treatment
By overruling P.C. Hari, the Supreme Court implicitly rejected the conflation of the debt's existence with its disclosure in tax returns. The Court's reasoning in Sanjabij Tari focuses on the need for the accused to lead evidence, such as examining income tax or bank officials to rebut the presumption. This underscores that the question in a NI Act case is the factum of the debt
and the dishonour of the cheque, not the complainant's overall tax compliance.
4. Containing the Magistrate's Role and Upholding Summary Procedure
The Supreme Court's judgment in Sanjabij Tari is replete with directions to ensure the expeditious disposal of NI Act cases. By overturning P.C. Hari, it prevented the conversion of summary trials into complex inquiries about "reasonable cause" under the IT Act. The Supreme Court's stance ensures that Magistrates are not burdened with determining intricate questions of tax law, thereby preserving the swift and summary character of Section 138 proceedings.
The Settled Position of Law and Its Implications
The current legal position, as unequivocally established by the Supreme Court in Sanjabij Tari, is as follows:
A debt arising from a cash transaction violating Section 269SS of the IT Act remains a "legally enforceable debt" for the purpose of Section 138 of the NI Act.
Such a violation does not automatically rebut the presumptions under Sections 118 and 139 of the NI Act. The accused must still adduce credible evidence to create a probable defence regarding the nonexistence of the debt or liability.
The penalty for violating Section 269SS is confined to Section 271D of the IT Act. It does not extend to the invalidation of the debt or the dismissal of a complaint under the
NI Act.
Implications:
• Protection for Genuine Creditors: Honest creditors who may have inadvertently engaged in a cash transaction are protected from having their valid claims extinguished on a technicality.
• No Windfall for Dishonest Debtors: The moral hazard created by P.C. Hari is eliminated. Debtors can no longer use their own participation in a cash transaction as a shield to avoid repayment.
• Doctrinal Purity Maintained: The Supreme Court has maintained a clear separation between fiscal laws and commercial
laws, ensuring that each serves its intended purpose without encroaching upon the other.
Conclusion: Purpose Over Policy - The Supreme Court's Restorative Vision
The journey from P.C. Hari to Sanjabij Tari is a classic tale of judicial correction. The Kerala High Court, driven by the laudable goal of curbing black money, ventured into a path that, while innovative, was doctrinally unsustainable. It risked undermining the very objective of the NI Act, to bolster the credibility of cheques by making enforceability contingent on compliance with an external fiscal statute.
The Supreme Court, in its wisdom, has restored equilibrium. Its judgment in Sanjabij Tari is a powerful reminder that while public policy is an important consideration, it cannot override the specific purpose and structured principles of a special statute like the NI Act. By drawing a bright line between a penalizable fiscal violation and an enforceable civil liability, the Supreme Court has ensured that the "civil sheep" of debt recovery is not sacrificed at the altar of the "criminal wolf's" broader policy goals, thereby preserving the sanctity of both commercial and fiscal jurisprudence
CA Sreejith Kuniyil Founder, PravasiTax Solutions Pvt Ltd
The absence of structured succession planning can turn wealth into a source of conflict instead of security. Where the law provides a definite framework of succession, courts are bound to follow it strictly, regardless of family dynamics or sympathies.
AN NRI’S LEGACY:
CHOOSING BETWEEN A WILL AND A TRUST
Succession planning is often thought of as something to be dealt with “later.” But for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), postponing it can create serious complications as NRIs typically have assets across multiple countries, each governed by different legal systems and tax rules. This makes planning not just a matter of convenience, but a necessity to ensure that wealth is preserved and passed on according to one’s wishes. Consider the case of Rajiv, a 52-year-old, Dubai-based NRI businessman, had spent years developing his business and wealth both within and outside India. To his acquaintances, he was a man who was well planned in life, from expanding businesses to arranging for investments. But when he passed away unexpectedly, his family had found out that he had overlooked one crucial detail: he had left no Will and nor had he made any succession plans, let alone a document trail for his family to ascertain his assets. His wife found it difficult to
gain access to his assets. His young children faced uncertainty, and relatives stepped in to contest rights over family property. What should have been a period of mourning became years of paperwork, courtrooms and legal battle for his family.
This is not an uncommon story. The absence of structured succession planning can turn wealth into a source of conflict instead of security. The courts, too, have repeatedly emphasised this reality. In Om Prakash v. Radhacharan (2009) 15 SCC 66, a widow named Narayani Devi had died without a Will, leaving behind her self-acquired property. When her mother claimed succession, it was contested by her late husband’s family who had previously thrown Narayani out of her matrimonial home. The Supreme Court held that since the property was selfacquired, it devolved under Section 15(1) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, to the heirs of her husband and thus leaving her parents with nothing. The Supreme Court in this case held that “sentiments and emo-
tional appeals cannot override the clear provisions of succession law.” Where the law provides a definite framework of succession, courts are bound to follow it strictly, regardless of family dynamics or sympathies. This case is a stark reminder: without a Will, inheritance will proceed strictly as per statutory succession, which may not align with one’s actual wishes or the family’s expectations.
So, the real question is to ask yourself is that, if you are no longer here, would your family have access to your essential financial documents, and will they be able to manage finances and grieve properly without worry? If the answer is yes, it shows you have already taken a significant step in safeguarding your legacy. If not, the absence of such preparation can leave your loved ones facing uncertainty, avoidable legal disputes, and prolonged legal and compliance challenges. Why Estate Planning Is Different for NRIs
Unlike residents who deal with
a single legal system, NRIs face unique challenges in passing on assets:
1. Cross-border assets – Properties, bank accounts, and investments in both India and the country of residence.
2. Multiple legal regimes –Inheritance rules vary between India and foreign jurisdictions, often with conflicting requirements.
3. Tax exposure – Estate and inheritance taxes in the country of residence may apply, in addition to Indian tax implications.
4. Practical difficulties –Family members may need to coordinate across time zones and legal
systems to access assets.
These complexities make it essential to leave clear, enforceable instructions to ensure your estate is distributed as intended.
The Role of a Will in NRI Estate Planning
A Will is a declaration specifying your intentions on how your assets are to be distributed after your death. It allows you to decide who will inherit what and in what proportions and also to appoint an executor to carry out your wishes. You can also appoint guardianship for minor children or dependents in a Will. A Will ensures that your assets are distributed as per your wishes and not
as per default personal laws.
For NRIs, it is often advisable to have separate Wills for each jurisdiction where substantial assets are held, ensuring compliance with local legal formalities.
Without a Will, your estate in India will be distributed under applicable succession laws such as the Hindu Succession Act or Indian Succession Act or Muslim Personal laws, which can lead to unintended results and people other than your loved ones inheriting your hardearned assets.
When Trust May Be a More Suitable Option
While a Will is the most common
estate planning instrument, a Trust can provide additional flexibility and benefits:
1. Avoids probate – Assets in a trust can pass to beneficiaries without court involvement, which can be especially useful if family members live abroad.
2. Privacy – Unlike Wills, which become public after probate, trusts generally remain private.
3. Asset protection – Trusts can protect assets from claims, especially where beneficiaries may be vulnerable or inexperienced.
4. Continuity – A trust can manage and distribute assets over time, useful for business succession or ongoing family support.
Trusts are often used alongside Wills. For example, a Will may deal with straightforward bequests, while a trust handles complex holdings or assets meant for long-term management. If privacy, control and ring-fencing of your assets are your
priority, it is better to choose a Trust than a Will. In addition to this, if you have any beneficiaries who require special assistance, minor children, sick or infirm kids or parents, you can plan for their better protection in a Trust than in a Will.
The Cost of Not Planning Ahead
Delaying estate planning can have significant consequences. It can lead to disputes among family members after your demise. Multiple heirs claiming the same asset will lead to litigation and family disputes. Inheritance processes take years to complete in India, particularly when probate is contested. This can in turn cause financial hardship for members. With legal heirs fighting each other, your loved ones will be unable to access funds during urgent times. Instead of grieving your loss they will be left to untangle paperwork without peace of mind. For NRIs, these risks are amplified by
the added complexity of cross-border legal compliance and the logistical challenges of proving documents in different jurisdictions.
Striking the Right Balance
For many NRIs, a properly drafted Will remains the most efficient starting point for estate planning. It is cost-effective, widely recognised, and sufficient for straightforward estates. However, where there are substantial cross-border assets, business interests, or vulnerable beneficiaries, integrating a Trust or other succession planning structures can provide greater protection and efficiency.
Succession planning is not merely a financial exercise - it is a practical act of foresight, responsibility and showing care for your loved ones. Whether through a Will, a Trust, or a combination, taking action now ensures that your legacy is preserved and your loved ones are spared unnecessary legal and emotional burdens
Rajiv Ambat is a well-known speaker and the author of the best-selling book ‘The Midriff Crisis’. As a lifestyle expert, Rajiv leads the team at SOLVEMyHealth, which includes experienced dieticians, exercise specialists, and medical doctors. Together, they help clients manage a wide range of health concerns through structured, scientific, and personalised lifestyle interventions. The team specialises in treating and managing lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver, and PCOS through customised diet and exercise plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
JOINT HEALTH: THE LIFESTYLE APPROACH TO MOBILITY AND STRENGTH
Healthy joints are essential for everyday activities like walking, bending, sitting and standing up. When joint function declines, even simple movements can become difficult, affecting our freedom, and overall quality of life. Sedentary lifestyle coupled with aging, and lack of muscle strength all contribute to reduced joint mobility and increased risk of pain or injury.
A notable study named ‘Ability to sit and rise from the floor as a predictor of all-cause mortality’, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology in 2012 introduced the "sitting-rising test" (SRT) as a simple method to assess musculoskeletal fitness. The research found that individuals aged 51–80 who scored poorly on the SRT, struggling to sit down and rise without assistance had a significantly higher risk of mortality over the following six years. Specifically, those with lower scores were up to 5.6 times more likely to die during the study period compared to those who performed the test with minimal support. The study categorically affirms the critical link between joint function and overall health.
It’s important to remember that
joint health is not just about preventing pain; it's about preserving the ability to move freely and independently. Factors such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management play pivotal roles in maintaining joint function.
What exactly are our joints?
Joints are the connections between bones that allow movement and provide stability to the body. They are classified into different types based on their range of motion, such as hinge joints (like the knees and elbows), ball-and-socket joints (like the shoulders and hips), and pivot joints (like the neck). Each joint is made up of several key components: cartilage, which cushions the bones; synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint; ligaments, which connect bones and provide stability; and tendons, which attach muscles to bones to enable movement.
The health of each of these individual components is crucial for smooth and pain-free movement. Cartilage prevents bones from rubbing against each other, while synovial fluid reduces friction and nourishes the joint. Ligaments and tendons work together to support the joint during movement and help
prevent injuries. When any of these structures are damaged due to injury, overuse, or wear and tear, joint function declines, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.
Common Causes of Joint Pain and Stiffness
Joint pain and stiffness can result from a combination of lifestyle, nutritional, medical, and age-related factors
Lifestyle Factors: A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading contributors to joint pain and stiffness. When muscles around joints are weak or inflexible, joints have to bear more stress during movement, increasing the risk of injury and discomfort. Repetitive activities, poor posture, or prolonged sitting can also strain certain joints, reducing mobility and making daily activities more difficult over time.
Nutritional Factors: Diets low in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and protein can weaken bones, cartilage, and connective tissues, increasing susceptibility to joint pain. Excessive sugar, processed foods, or a lack of anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids can worsen inflammation in joints. Proper hydration also supports the lubrication of
joints through synovial fluid.
Medical Factors: Certain medical conditions directly affect joint health. Osteoarthritis gradually wears down cartilage, leading to stiffness and pain, especially in weightbearing joints. Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic inflammation that damages joints over time. Gout, injuries, or previous fractures can also result in persistent pain and reduced mobility.
Age-Related Factors: Ageing naturally affects joint function due to the gradual loss of cartilage, decreased muscle mass, and reduced synovial fluid production. Joints become stiffer, more prone to wear and tear, and slower to recover from injuries. Age-related changes combined with years of daily stress on joints can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis.
Lifestyle Habits for Healthy Joints
Think of the human body like a car. The skeletal system acts as the frame or chassis, providing structure and support, while the muscles function like shock absorbers, cushioning impact and ensuring smooth movement. Just as a car with jammed or worn-out shock absorbers will experience uneven wear and tear, muscles that are weak, stiff, or imbalanced can place extra stress on joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and long-term damage.
Poor posture and repetitive movements are like driving a car off-balance. They overload certain parts of the frame and shock absorbers and can even get them jammed. Similarly, slouching, prolonged sitting, or incorrect lifting techniques can stiffen the muscles, leading to
muscle pain that eventually causes muscle imbalances impacting the joints function. This eventually strains the spine, hips, knees, and shoulders, causing uneven wear.
Carrying extra weight is similar to overloading a vehicle: it increases pressure on the frame and shocks, accelerating wear and tear. Excess body weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and lower back, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis and pain. Just as a car needs downtime for maintenance, your body requires rest to repair tissues and reduce inflammation.
Adequate sleep supports hormonal balance and joint recovery, while overuse without rest can cause muscle stiffness and increase joint strain. Nutrition for Joint Health
Good nutrition is essential for
Good nutrition is essential for maintaining healthy joints, just like quality fuel and oil are necessary for a car to run smoothly. Certain nutrients support cartilage, ligaments, and bones, while others help reduce inflammation that can damage joints over time.
maintaining healthy joints, just like quality fuel and oil are necessary for a car to run smoothly. Certain nutrients support cartilage, ligaments, and bones, while others help reduce inflammation that can damage joints over time.
Calcium and vitamin D are critical for building strong bones and preventing joint degeneration. Food sources rich in calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens like spinach. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight or fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, egg yolks, and fortified foods. It's important to note that many of us Indians are deficient in Vit-D and hence it may not be a bad idea to supplement it regularly based on your deficiency levels. Magnesium is yet another important nutrient that supports muscle relaxation and nerve function around joints, and can be found in nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and leafy vegetables.
Certain nutrients play a protective role around joints, by reducing inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts is one such nutrient. Vitamin C, yet another antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient, also supports collagen production that is essential for cartilage and ligaments. Vit-C is abundant in citrus fruits, bell peppers, guava, and broccoli. Protein helps maintain muscle strength around joints, the sources of which include fish, lean meats, eggs, dairy and legumes, and soy products. Including antioxidantrich fruits and vegetables also can help prevent oxidative damage to joint tissues. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for joints as it ensures synovial fluid remains effective, keeping joints lubricated and mobile.
Supplements that may help Supplements may support joint health by providing nutrients that strengthen cartilage, reduce inflammation, and maintain muscle and bone function. However, it is important to remember that they are most effective only when used alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle habits. Some of the supplements that may help are -
Collagen Peptides – Collagen is a primary structural protein in cartilage and connective tissues. Supplementing this may help to maintain cartilage integrity, improves joint elasticity, and may reduce agerelated cartilage degradation.
Glucosamine – An amino sugar naturally found in cartilage, glucosamine supports the repair and synthesis of cartilage components. It can help reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility, particularly in weight-bearing joints.
Chondroitin Sulfate – Again, a key component of cartilage, chondroitin attracts water into the cartilage matrix, improving its shock-absorbing ability. It may slow cartilage breakdown and reduce joint discomfort.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) – MSM provides sulfur, essential for forming connective tissue proteins such as collagen and keratin. It may thus help reduce joint inflammation and improve overall tissue resilience.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA) – These polyunsaturated fats modulate inflammatory pathways, reducing cytokine-mediated inflammation in joints. They can help decrease stiffness and improve range of motion.
Calcium & Vitamin D – Calcium is essential for strong bones
that support joint structure, while vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Together, they help maintain bone density, reduce the risk of fractures, and ensure proper muscle function around joints.
Magnesium – Involved in muscle relaxation, nerve function, and bone structure, magnesium supports joint stability and helps prevent muscle cramps that can stress joints. Exercise for Joint Health Movement is essential for joint health. Regular exercise helps strengthen the muscles that support joints, improve flexibility, and enhance blood flow to joint tissues. When joints remain inactive for long periods, the surrounding muscles weaken, and the synovial fluid circulation decreases, leading to stiffness and reduced range of motion. Controlled, consistent movement keeps joints lubricated and functioning efficiently.
Strength training is particularly important because strong muscles act as stabilisers for joints, reducing mechanical stress on cartilage and ligaments. Exercises such as squats, lunges, and resistance-band movements strengthen the lower body joints, while push-ups, rows, and presses support shoulder and elbow stability. Proper form and progressive loading are key to prevent overuse or injury.
Flexibility and mobility training maintain the elasticity of muscles and tendons, helping joints move through their full range. Activities like yoga, dynamic stretching, and Pilates enhance mobility and joint control. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling improve endurance without placing excessive strain
on the joints. A well-balanced exercise routine combining strength, flexibility, and mobility training can significantly reduce stiffness, improve posture, and maintain healthy joint function over time. However, when exercises are performed incorrectly or pushed beyond the body’s optimal capacity, they can become counterproductive and actually increase joint stress, leading to inflammation, pain, or even injury.
To avoid injury, it’s essential to prioritise proper form, focusing on controlled, pain-free movements rather than chasing speed or heavier loads. Progress gradually by increasing intensity or resistance in small increments to give your joints, tendons, and ligaments time to adapt. Make sure to warm up and cool down; a dynamic warm-up helps
lubricate the joints by improving synovial fluid circulation, while postworkout stretching maintains flexibility and reduces stiffness. Avoid overtraining, as your joints need adequate rest between sessions to recover and prevent cumulative strain.
Most importantly, listen to your body - joint pain is a warning sign, not a challenge. If discomfort persists or worsens during a workout, it’s best to stop and reassess your technique or training load.
Mild stiffness or occasional joint pain can often be managed through such lifestyle changes. However, persistent or worsening discomfort should not be ignored - if pain limits your range of motion, interferes with daily activities, or is accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth, it may indicate an underlying medical con-
dition such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Early diagnosis and intervention by a medical doctor is important and can even prevent further degeneration in such cases. Remember, joint health is not merely about preventing pain, it’s about preserving movement, independence, and overall quality of life. Our joints are meant to move, but they also need the right support through balanced nutrition, proper exercise, rest, and posture. Much like maintaining a finely tuned machine, our body performs best when all its systems - skeletal, muscular, and metabolic are taken care of. Taking proactive steps today through small lifestyle adjustments, and timely medical guidance can ensure that your body remains mobile, strong, and pain-free well into the later decades of life
Anup V Menon Sports Analyst and Knowledge Partner
Team India had made a statement by not shaking hands with their Pakistan counterparts at the start of the tournament, as a token of solidarity with the Pahalgam terror attack victims. Was this the right stage to wield such a protest is debatable and might need retrospection. Many would say yes and many would say no, but the purist fans of the game would have never loved what they saw after.
ASIA’S FINAL WORD: SPOKEN IN BLUE
Team India go full throttle maintaining a clean slate to emerge as the winners of ASIA CUP 2025. Right from day one till the last day, they never took the foot off the pedal. It was India who called the shots in all of the games that they played, except for the final two games, where they had to cope with a few heart wrenching moments. Yes, there were praises galore and many questions were asked on a few of the individual performances, but when it mattered the most there was someone or the other who raised their hands to see the team through. We all know that the Indian think tank has been working on the no fear cricket aspect for some years now, but to have a team that is supremely talented who are always on the offensive is a sight to behold in itself.
To have the likes of Jaiswal, Iyer, Ruturaj, Patidar still not getting a chance to be a part of this team speaks volumes about the abundance of talent in the Indian cricket scene today. The stand out player of the tournament for Team India
was Abhishek Sharma who hit the ground running from ball one and more often than not got into the skin of the opponents. No team had an answer to his heroics and he almost decimated all the teams by the end of the powerplay making it very easy for the rest of the batsmen. On one end it was Abhishek who was wielding his bat like a sword while the other end saw Kuldeep and Varun spring a web with the ball, which the opposition had no clue whatsoever to get out off. The icing on the cake was to see Tilak Varma playing a mature innings to see us through in the final. This team knows what it means to be adaptive alongside being aggressive.
I would also appreciate Gambhir and Agarkar for the brilliant work done behind the scenes. Before the start of the tournament, I was a bit critical, when I saw a couple of names missing from the list, but today when I look back, I clearly understand that they had a point. Indian cricket is on the way up and are getting into their golden phase just like that of the West indies in
the 80s to 90s and the Aussies in the mid-90s to the mid-2000's.
Amidst all the joy, ecstasy and the elation, the tournament was marred by the political divide and disagreement between India and Pakistan. India declined to receive the trophy from Mr Mohsin Naqvi, who holds dual roles as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). In response, Mr Mohsin refused to budge and didn't hand over the medals nor the trophy to someone else to be handed over to Team India.
Team India had made a statement by not shaking hands with their Pakistan counterparts at the start of the tournament, as a token of solidarity with the Pahalgam terror attack victims. Was this the right stage to wield such a protest is debatable and might need retrospection. Many would say yes and many would say no, but the purist fans of the game would have never loved what they saw after.
What ensued after the first India vs Pak match when Team India
refused to shake hands was never a sight that we as fans of this Gentleman's game would never want to see. Pakistan made a mockery of themselves on the field by indulging in some wayward, highly condemnable actions, overshadowing the battle between the bat and the ball. Imaginary guns and planes took over, when their focus should have been on landing the ball on the right spot and wielding the bat to hit the ball out of the park. Throughout the tournament, the Indian team and Abhishek in particular seemed to live rent free in their heads. When the focus should have been on playing good cricket, their players were more keen on making it a battlefield, aggravating the already strained political relations between the two countries. The yesteryear stalwarts of Pakistan cricket added fire to the fuel, crying foul on every other oc-
casion and coming up with hate comments one after another. None of them condemned the distasteful actions of their players. At the end of the day, Pakistan cricket is the sore loser.
If you were to have a look at the social media discourse after the second Ind- Pak match, you can easily see that there is a huge faction in Pakistan who believe that India might have won the game, but Pakistan by means of their dumbest actions won the hearts. Most of the Pakistan players believed the same as well. Dumb, isn't it ? The rot is running deep in Pakistan and not ideal for future generations in Pakistan. Their fans and players alike need to get rid of their compulsive Indian obsession and concentrate on their game. None of them are looking at the fact that their game is taking a huge hit. Ind vs Pak rivalry, as our Captain
Surya Kumar Yadav rightly put it, is a thing of the past. Pakistan, even on their best day don't stand a chance to beat this Indian side across formats. Such has been the ascension and rise of Indian cricket compared to the downward spiral of Pakistan cricket. The difference is huge and very visible. Who can save Pakistan cricket is the billion dollar question before they reach a point of no return. Domestic cricket in Pakistan is in shambles. Therein lies the root of the problem. Being a country who is as passionate as us towards cricket, I hope that they have a look in the mirror and try to reinvent themselves. If they don't and continue with their obsessive hostility towards the Indian team and the country in general, be rest assured that Pakistan cricket will soon be a thing of the past. Until next time, Adios Amigos !!!
M R Rajeshkumar Lead - Partner, GatewaysGlobal Family Business Advisory. www.gatewaysglobal.com
In the early stages of a business, the patriarch or founding members handle decisions directly. Systems may be informal, yet they function smoothly because control rests with one or two individuals. However, as businesses expand and the number of stakeholders increases, confusion and ambiguity arise.
THE SELF: WHERE PROFESSIONALISATION BEGINS
Afamily business in Kerala had been thriving for two generations. Founded by the patriarch and later handed over to his son, it employed several family members and dozens of loyal employees. For years, decisions rested with the head of the family, and the system worked. But as the organisation grew, cracks began to appear. Family disagreements over business decisions escalated, and senior managers from outside the family left within months, frustrated by the nepotism and informal structures within the organisation. What had once been a thriving business was trapped in inefficiency, high attrition, lost clients, and reputational damage. The market was booming, but this company was slowly slipping into decline.
This scenario isn’t unusual. One of the biggest challenges family businesses face globally, and especially in India, is professionalisation. At GatewaysGlobal, we have studied
this problem for years. Through our work with family businesses across Asia, we have identified four critical layers where professionalisation must take place - Self, Family, Business, and Society. Together, these form the foundation of what we call the Four-Layer Model of Professionalising Family Business.
What is Professionalisation?
From a practical standpoint, professionalisation means introducing systems and processes that ensure sustainable results. In the early stages of a business, the patriarch or founding members handle decisions directly. Systems may be informal, yet they function smoothly because control rests with one or two individuals. However, as businesses expand and the number of stakeholders increases, confusion and ambiguity arise.
Professionalisation should ideally begin before these confusions set in. It’s far more effective and beneficial to start when operations are running
smoothly than to wait until conflicts and inefficiencies emerge.
Where Does Professionalisation Begin?
This is often a “chicken or egg” question for families – should professionalisation begin with the business or with the family? Most families attempt to professionalise their business first. They hire senior professionals from MNCs or adopt new structures. However, these efforts often fail due to unclear authority, culture clashes, or conflicts with family management. Others try to professionalise their image through CSR or philanthropic activities to project an impression of professionalism. While well-intentioned, these efforts are rarely sustainable if not backed by deeper structural changes.
Through our research and experience, we have identified that the most impactful and sustainable starting point is not the business but with the SELF. When the leaders themselves professionalise, the
rest of the organisation will naturally align and follow.
Professionalising the Self
The “self” refers to the individuals who lead the business - the patriarch, matriarch, or next generation leaders. Professionalising the self requires shifting from the mindset of founder-owner to founder-CEO. This transformation rests on three aspects:
1. Behaviour - Shifting from owner-centric to business-centric actions. For example, valuing time as a CEO does by structuring schedules, giving appointments, and respecting others’ time, etc.
2. Systems and Processesadhering to consistent systems, rather than decisions based on personal whims.
3. Relationships - nurtur -
ing relationships with employees, vendors, and partners as long-term collaborators rather than personal dependents.
Such a shift does not happen automatically. It requires conscious effort, exposure, and personal willingness to change. Habits built over decades, such as walking into the office late or setting informal work norms, take time to unlearn. But when leaders demonstrate discipline and professionalism, it sends a strong message to their team and lays the foundation for a more professional culture in their organisation.
Executive Coaching
A key enabler in the journey of Professionalising the Self is Executive Coaching. Leaders often say they are “lonely at the top” because
they are hesitant to share doubts or struggles with family or employees due to fear of judgment. An Executive Coach acts as a thought partner, providing a confidential, nonjudgmental space where leaders can reflect and arrive at their own solutions.
In family businesses, where multiple members may hold senior roles, coaching can also help navigate complex dynamics. It is increasingly common for both current and nextgeneration leaders to seek coaching, not just as a sounding board, but also to build leadership authenticity, refine their image, and strengthen executive presence.
Mentoring
Unlike Coaching, which is more facilitative, mentoring draws on lived experiences. A mentor who has suc-
cessfully navigated professionalisation in a family business can guide a leader through challenges and provide practical wisdom.
Psychometric Assessments
Self-awareness is a necessity for the Professionalisation of Self.
Tools like CTPI-R from Central Test, which we use at GatewaysGlobal, help leaders identify their behavioral tendencies. For example, if a leader realises they make decisions based on emotion, they can consciously develop a more rational, balanced approach. Such assessments strengthen competencies and provide a path for self-improvement.
Exposure and Learning
Another dimension of Profes-
sionalising the Self is exposure to global best practices. Many nextgeneration leaders participate in family business programmes at leading institutions, which give them valuable networking opportunities and insights into how other businesses have successfully professionalised.
Conclusion
Professionalising the Self is the most challenging but also the most rewarding step in a family business’s journey of professional transformation. It is not about force-fitting behaviours. It is about evolving naturally and authentically. It requires consistency and the courage to question long-standing habits. When lead-
ers begin to shift owner-driven decisions to business-driven decisions, the effect is profound. At GatewaysGlobal, we have seen how this shift in leaders is greatly supported with a thought partner by their side. This is why Executive Coaching has become such a valuable part of our work with family businesses.
To conclude, professionalisation is not a one-time exercise. It is a 360-degree transformation involving mindset shifts, behavioural changes, skill development, and support systems. In the next edition of this magazine, we will take this series forward by exploring the second layer of our model: Professionalising the Family
Dolly Nina
Dolly Nina is the founder of THE IGNIST, a training company born out of a noble cause and spirit. She has a decade-long experience being a passionate mentor and entrepreneur.
Every entrepreneur carries invisible weights. There is the mental stress of decisions that could make or break livelihoods, the isolation that comes when nobody else around you truly understands what you are carrying, and the societal shaming that comes when ventures fail.
THE ENTREPRENEUR’S ODYSSEY
Entrepreneurship has always been glorified as freedom, innovation, and daring to dream. Yet anyone who has walked its path knows that the image painted by society and the media is a halftruth at best. The reality of entrepreneurship is not just about building products, raising capital, or expanding markets. It is about navigating chaos both inside and outside. It is about the sleepless nights, the self-doubt that creeps in when cash flow runs dry, the heartbreak of letting go of employees who trusted you, and the pressure of proving yourself not just to investors or customers but to family and society. Entrepreneurship is both an outer and inner war, and very few admit just how heavy that burden can be. Every entrepreneur carries invisible weights. There is the mental stress of decisions that could make or break livelihoods,
the isolation that comes when nobody else around you truly understand what you are carrying, and the societal shaming that comes when ventures fail. Unlike salaried employees, an entrepreneur has no safety net. Failure is not just professional; it becomes personal, and sometimes public. Burnout is not an occasional risk but a chronic threat, because the lines between work and life blur until you don’t even remember who you were before the venture consumed you. Many entrepreneurs who have “made it” often confess that the scars of their journey never fade. Success does not erase the trauma of what it took to get there.
In today’s landscape, the challenges multiply. Market volatility makes long-term planning fragile. Funding that once flowed abundantly is now cautious, scrutinising every detail. The talent wars created by remote culture mean
building a team is no longer just about salaries but about aligning deeper values and creating environments that people truly want to stay in. Innovation is demanded constantly, yet imitation is rampant, making entrepreneurs feel as though they are running on a treadmill where speed matters more than direction. Amidst all this, there is the question of emotional resilience.
Can you remain grounded while the external world keeps shifting beneath your feet? The truth is, entrepreneurship today is not just a game of business models. It is a test of adaptability, endurance, and depth of character.
Yet beneath these external challenges lies a more silent, more potent battlefield—the inner one. Much of what an entrepreneur struggles with stems not from markets but from their own programming. Childhood conditioning around money, author-
ity, risk, and failure plays a massive role in how entrepreneurs operate. Someone raised in scarcity may carry unconscious patterns of overworking, micromanaging, or fearing delegation. Someone raised with criticism may constantly doubt their worth, even after achieving results. Trauma, often hidden, shapes leadership styles. Some build empires but struggle with loneliness because their need to prove themselves comes from unhealed wounds of abandonment. Others chase growth obsessively because slowing down would mean confronting unresolved
pain. The entrepreneurial wound is real, and at its root is often an identity crisis: Who am I beyond my venture? Am I still worthy if my business collapses?
This leads to compromises and silent sacrifices that rarely get spoken of. Families left behind because every ounce of attention went into work. Health deteriorated because meetings, travel, and deadlines mattered more than rest. Relationships strained because one partner could never switch off. The loneliness of decision-making gnaws deeply; even when surrounded by advisors, the fi-
nal call rests on your shoulders. And when things don’t go as planned, the guilt of those decisions lingers long after others have forgotten. This is why entrepreneurs often describe their journey as one of both creation and destruction. You build outwardly while parts of you silently erode inwardly.
Yet here lies the turning point. Going inward is no longer a luxury or spiritual hobby; it is the entrepreneur’s new competitive edge. The age of pure hustle has shown its cracks. The entrepreneurs who endure are not those who simply run
faster, but those who know when to pause, when to reflect, and when to return to their inner compass. Self-awareness becomes strategy, because without it, every external victory risks being undone by internal chaos. Emotional intelligence is no longer secondary; it is the very foundation of leadership. The ability to listen deeply, to regulate one’s emotions, to remain centered in storms—these are the invisible currencies that determine whether a venture thrives or collapses under pressure.
When this inward turn is embraced, the entrepreneur stops being just a builder of businesses and becomes a conscious builder. Profit merges with purpose. Vision stops being about “how big” and starts being about “how true.” The world is moving into an age where souldriven enterprises are valued over
ego-driven ones. Customers, investors, and employees alike are drawn to leaders who stand for something larger than themselves. The entrepreneur’s true role is not to replicate models but to channel dharma into form—to bridge personal calling with societal need. This is where entrepreneurship becomes not just a career but a spiritual practice.
Of course, big visions cannot sustain themselves without grounding. This is why daily inner work is as important as boardroom strategy. Meditation, breathwork, or journaling become tools to reset the nervous system and clear mental clutter. Somatic practices help release the trauma stored in the body so that old patterns don’t dictate new decisions. Energy management is crucial—knowing when to set boundaries, when to recharge, and when to say no. Even five minutes of silence
before a critical meeting can shift its outcome because clarity creates influence. Entrepreneurs who integrate these practices discover that they no longer react from fear but respond from alignment. Their ventures reflect this steadiness.
Every entrepreneur goes through dark nights. There are times when nothing seems to work, when investors back out, when ideas stall, when the pressure feels unbearable. But these moments are not the end. They are thresholds. Just as in nature, destruction precedes regeneration, so too in entrepreneurship every collapse carries the seed of a greater beginning. The dawn after the dark night is not about returning to what was, but about emerging wiser, clearer, and more resilient. Resilience is not merely survival—it is the art of creative rebirth.
We are entering a new age of entrepreneurs. The future will not belong to those who chase unicorn valuations at any cost. It will belong to those who build with impact, who integrate purpose with profit, who use business as a vessel for transformation rather than just extraction. The rise of conscious billionaires, visionary philanthropists, and soulled innovators is not an idealistic dream—it is an emerging reality. Entrepreneurs are no longer just leaders of companies; they are becoming architects of the collective future.
And so, the entrepreneurial odyssey is not just about markets, products, or exits. It is about becoming. It is about growing through chaos into clarity, from confusion into courage, from ambition into aligned vision. It is about carrying the scars with dignity, the victories with humility, and the vision with steadiness. At its deepest, entrepreneurship is not about wealth creation but about soul expression. And when it is lived from that place, it is no longer a profession but a dharma—the call to build beyond profit, for something eternal
TIPS TO MAKE A POWERFUL PRESENTATION
For businessmen as well as professionals, making a lasting impression is of paramount importance. Therefore, it is essential to master presentation skills to bag business deals and enhance professional relationships. Enhanced communication guarantees impactful message delivery and paves the way for better job prospects, and fuels professional growth.
Now, how can one deliver a good presentation? The most crucial aspect is conveying the content of the presentation to the target audience in the best and accurate way.
First and foremost, eye contact is key to delivering a killer presentation. It is important to make the audience feel that they are being personally addressed. It helps them connect with the speaker and the subject. For that, spot someone in the gathering who appears to be seriously interested in the topic and is avidly listening. Make eye contact with him or her from the beginning, and once you feel comfortable and less nervous, allow your gaze to focus on the other members of the audience. But remember to return
your gaze to the first person with whom you made eye contact. In this manner, you can convey the feeling that each member of the audience is being addressed.
In case you are wary of gazing at a person, try fixing your attention on an immovable object in the room, especially the wall at the rear. Once you have regained confidence levels, you can slowly gaze at the people before you.
Second, it is important to bear in mind not to be stiff like a ramrod throughout the presentation. Be flexible and feel free to gesticulate in a moderate manner and use your body language to drive home the point you are presenting. Do not cross your arms, or hide them behind your back, or slip your palms in your trouser pockets.
Be erect always and do not appear tense. Remember, your facial expressions and hand gestures count as they make the session livelier. No harm in cracking a joke or two or smiling while conveying something positive.
To avoid fumbling or getting stuck in between the presentation, always ensure you practice a few
times in a closed room, preferably in front of a mirror. Record your time and take notes as to when and where you stumble. This will help you make your presentation foolproof, and the use of the mirror will help you improve your body language and facial expressions.
If you are well practiced, it will reflect in your demeanour. You will appear calm and composed. If you are confident enough, you can come right in front of the podium and talk or even walk around and be amidst the audience. This shows the level of self-confidence you have, and it will attract the audience's attention, enabling you to send home the message in a clear manner.
Good presentation skills demand making a sudden impact on the audience right at the beginning. A good anecdote, a rivetting story or a joke, or a what-if situation will definitely fetch their attention. You can also display the outline of the presentation to give them an idea of what you are trying to convey. Try to engage with them by throwing them questions or asking their opinion. In this manner, the session will be lively, and boredom will be kept at bay. It
Good presentation skills demand making a sudden impact on the audience right at the beginning. A good anecdote, a riveting story or a joke, or a what-if situation will definitely fetch their attention. You can also display the outline of the presentation to give them an idea of what you are trying to convey.
RL Morris
is equally important to end the presentation with a bang. You should end with a memorable quote, maybe a call to action, or even a personal story. Before you leave the dais, do not forget to thank the gathering for their time and presence.
As far as possible, allow the presentation to be extempore. Do not read it out. Let the words flow freely. If you are not too confident, try using note cards. Make sure its contents are in bul-
let points. Even while using the cards, make sure that you make eye contact with the people in front of you. Also, refrain from using filler words such as "um", "so", etc. Another important tool in a speaker's arsenal is the effective use of speech pauses. Pausing at the adequate parts of the presentation will give time to the audience to absorb what you have explained and think over it. Remember that the dais is not the venue to express your
linguistic prowess. Know your audience well in advance and prepare your presentation in a language that is understandable. Desist from using high-sounding words that make people reach for the dictionary. It is also important to stick to the neutral accent without trying to imitate the Brits or Yanks.
Keep these tips in mind and be assured of making a fantastic presentation that will leave the audience in awe
PUMPKIN GLOW: NATURE’S SECRET TO SMOOTH, RADIANT SKIN
When we think of pumpkins, the first image that comes to mind is often a cosy bowl of soup, a spiced latte, or perhaps even Halloween decorations. But what if we told you that this humble vegetable is also a skincare powerhouse? Rich in natural enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants, pumpkin has quietly earned its place as one of the most effective exfoliators straight from nature. Forget harsh chemical peels—your journey to radiant, smooth, and youthful skin could start with this bright orange superfood.
Why Pumpkin Works Like Magic
Pumpkin is packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that work together to gently dissolve dead skin cells. Unlike
strong chemical exfoliants, pumpkin offers a mild yet effective way to reveal fresh, glowing skin without irritation. It’s nature’s own exfoliation system, giving you that spa-like finish from the comfort of your home. Even better, pumpkin is loaded with vitamins A, C, and E—the skin’s best friends. Vitamin A helps boost cell turnover, Vitamin C brightens dull skin and fights free radicals, while Vitamin E nourishes and protects. Add in the pumpkin’s high zinc content, and you’ve got a recipe for clear, youthful, and acne-free skin.
Pumpkin for Every Skin Type
One of the biggest advantages of pumpkin is its versatility.
• Oily Skin: Pumpkin’s natural enzymes unclog pores and control excess oil.
• Dry Skin: Its hydrating prop-
erties lock in moisture while gently removing flaky cells.
• Mature Skin: Its antioxidantrich profile helps reduce fine lines and promotes elasticity.
It’s truly a one-size-fits-all ingredient when it comes to natural skincare.
DIY Pumpkin Glow Mask
If you’d like to try pumpkin’s magic at home, whip up a simple mask that feels as good as a luxury treatment. Take two tablespoons of fresh pumpkin puree, add a teaspoon of honey for hydration, and mix in a teaspoon of yoghurt for gentle exfoliation. Blend everything into a smooth paste and apply it evenly on clean skin. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with
Dr. Elizabath Chacko, MD-Kalpana International
lukewarm water and gently pat your skin dry. What you’ll notice is instantly refreshed, soft, and radiant skin with a healthy glow. Pumpkin in the Beauty Industry
It’s not just DIY lovers who swear by pumpkin—global beauty brands are also harnessing its power. From enzyme masks to pumpkin-infused serums, the de-
mand for plant-based skincare has put pumpkin at the forefront of clean beauty. Consumers are moving toward natural ingredients that deliver visible results, and pumpkin is ticking all the right boxes.
Final Scoop: Nature’s Gentle Exfoliator
In a world full of synthetic skincare solutions, pumpkin reminds us of the power of simplic-
ity. It doesn’t just belong in your kitchen; it deserves a spot in your beauty cabinet too. With its ability to exfoliate, brighten, and nourish, pumpkin proves that glowing skin can truly come from nature’s basket.
So the next time you spot a pumpkin, don’t just think of soup— think of smooth, radiant skin waiting to shine
Aruna Rathod
Feature Writer | Travel, Food & Lifestyle
The bell-shaped auditorium of tiered loges built of wood and lined with decoratively painted canvas was designed by the then leading European theatre architect Giuseppe Galli Bibiena and his son Carlo, two of the most famous theatre designers of their era. The sandstone façade was designed by court architect Joseph Saint Pierre.
BAYREUTH – A RARE BLEND OF MUSIC, FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Bayreuth located in upper Franconia, Germany, has one of the best music festivals in the world initiated by world-famous composer Richard Wagner.
The entrance to the Margravial Opera House of Bayreuth in Germany is a simple sandstone façade, but what lies beyond the entrance door is spectacular! As we entered, it took a while for our eyes to adjust to the darkness but when they did, we were stunned. The interior resembling a grand cathedral is replete with carved woodwork, exclusive frescoes,and gold finishing. As we looked up the ceiling was the highlight – a large-scale trompe-l'œil fresco designed to give the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality –an artistic masterpiece – and it takes a full five or ten minutes to admire the grand ceiling.
“The opera house opened in 1748 for the wedding of Wilhelmine's daughter, serving as a master-
piece of Baroque architecture,” said our guide. She also mentioned that the box seating didn’t face the stage, it was diagonal and one could see the other guests while sitting in the box, which served the purpose well when used for wedding receptions. It was only much later that the opera house was used as a venue for cultural festivals and occasions.
Glorious Interiors
It was built in the 18th century under the reign and guidance of Margravine Wilhelmine, the Prussian princess and sister of Frederick the Great. It stood witness to the festive and musical culture of the 18th century, and was inspired by the opera houses in Vienna and Dresden.
The bell-shaped auditorium of tiered loges built of wood and lined with decoratively painted canvas was
designed by the then leading European theatre architect Giuseppe Galli Bibiena and his son Carlo, two of the most famous theatre designers of their era. The sandstone façade was designed by court architect Joseph Saint Pierre.
Once the opera house was ready, operas were staged in the premises to make Bayreuth into a cultural centre for Italian operatic culture. The structure stood the test of time and was enlisted on the UNESCO World Heritage in 2012, more so because of the gold and intricate carvings in the ornate Baroque style.
After soaking in the grandeur of the opera house, we walked to the modern part of the building that houses an exhibition that has an interactive display, taking visitors into the magnificent world of Baroque
theatre. You can make a virtual acquaintance of the musically gifted Margravine Wilhelmine and participate as a guest at the pompous princely wedding of her daughter, Princess Elisabeth Friederike!
Wagner’s city of sound
Bayreuth also has a special place in Germany as composer Richard Wagner’s dream for opera and performances in this city. Wagner was a German composer, theatre director, and conductor famous for his operas, including his epic 'The Ring Cycle', 'Tristan und Isolde' and 'Parsifal'. Wagner had his own opera house built, the Bayreuth Festspielhaus, which embodied many novel design features that make it an engineering marvel till date. Bayreuth will celebrate Wagner’s contribution to opera and music with the Richard
Wagner Festival 2026.
Wagner chose Bayreuth as the place for his opera festivals already in 1871. Initially it was the Margravial opera theatre that brought him to Bayreuth, as it was the largest stage in Germany. Later, he felt it was too small, too opulent and he wanted to build a new opera house. He was keen on building an opera house par excellence and this is how the Fiestspiele was conceived and completed. Wagner hired the Leipzig architect Otto Brückwald, and the foundation was laid in 1872. After a lot of hiccups, the first opera festival was finally opened in 1876.
Today performances of baroque operas and concerts are held from May to October including important festivals such as Musica Bayreuth or Bayreuth Baroque Opera Festival.
What was and what makes the Festival Opera House special?
The Festival Opera House is technically brilliant and at par with the Metropolitan opera house in New York and the Sydney opera house. “Wagner went through very difficult periods where he suffered from ill health and lack of funds, but he was determined to set up this building,” says our guide. As we entered, we just noticed the simple straight back seats but a tour of the entire stage was extremely intense and took almost 45-minutes to absorb the intricacy of the engineering.
All 1937 seats are placed in direct line of sight to the stage, in steeply rising ranks like a Greek theatre. This opera house is unique because of the wood construction and
the one of a kind acoustics. Another feature that was a first-of-its-kindis the 12 metre deep orchestra pit which brings the sound of the hidden orchestra in an indirect way into the auditorium. Wagner used to bring the best musicians from all over Europe to perform here and it was indeed an absolutely thrilling experience to be at the Fiestspiele, and this tradition continues till date at the performances that are held here. Due to the special architecture, the singers can be heard clearer than anywhere else. Because the orchestra is not in front of the stage but underneath, it results in a direct contact of the singer and sound with the audience. The sound of the orchestra is carried from the arched wall of the orchestra pit to the rear wall of the stage and this way the voices of the singers are somewhat carried out into the audience. Our guide concluded with another factoid on Wagner, “He was so talented that unlike most opera composers, Wagner wrote both the libretto and the music for each of his stage works,” she concluded. A libretto is a text of an opera or other very long vocal work.
Blending the beer culture with modernity
Besides operas, Bayreuth is also famous for the highest density of breweries per inhabitant worldwide. Maisel’s is a well-known name in Bayreuth. The Maisel family prides themselves with a brewing tradition of more than 200 years. Along with a tradition of his ancestors, Jeff Maisel, CEO, Maisel Brewery, studied brewing and beverage technology in Weihenstephan. Maisel & Friends beers were established in 2012 and after that it has only grown to become a centre of action with added experiences – great gastronomy and plenty of beer, and also coffee. Wagner discovered his love for beer in Bayreut.
A 100-year-old tradition of beer brewing
The brewery was established in 1887 by Hans and Eberhardt Maisel, two brothers from a brewer family, with a history that goes back 100 years. To learn more, we took a tour of Maisel's Beer Experience World - the Maisel’s Brewery Museum already earned a spot in the Guinness Book of Records for being the most diverse beer museum. Housed in
a red-brick building, the museum spans over a few floors, including two large cabinet vaults showcasing over 5,500 beer glasses and mugs, the 400 rare enamel signs from different breweries and brands of beer as well as an impressive collection of coasters.
The icing on the cake is the beer tastings – one non-alcoholic beer at the beginning of the tour and the tour ends with tasting the alcoholic beer!
If you want to continue the beer exploring, stay at the Liebesbier and browse for beer from all over the region, buy coffee at the Crazy Sheep KaffeeManufaktur, and admire the street art on the campus. Street Art in Bayreuth is fascinating. As you walk in the city, you can admire the artistic walls and facades of buildings created and designed by more than 50 artists from more than 30 countries
If you have the energy after all the beer, visit the Bayreuth Catacombs into the fascinating world of the rock cellars for experiencing the cultural history of the city of Bayreuth during the Second World War. The passages of the Bayreuth catacombs were initially created by mining ore then used later as storage, as it was cool here
Buckeye
Author
: Patrick Ryan
Price : `2,921 (Hardcover)
Patrick Ryan’s Buckeye is a beautifully woven, multigenerational story that lingers long after the final page. Set against the backdrop of WWII and its aftermath, the novel captures both the intensity of personal sacrifice and the quiet complexities of small-town life. Ryan masterfully blends history with emotion, showing how one intimate moment between Cal Jenkins and Margaret Salt reverberates through decades, shaping lives in unexpected ways. The characters are deeply human—flawed yet sympathetic—with Cal’s haunting guilt and Becky’s unique gift as a seer adding depth and intrigue. Margaret’s struggles balance grief with resilience, making her journey profoundly moving. The prose is graceful and immersive, pulling the reader into an Ohio town where secrets can’t be buried forever. Buckeye is a poignant, thought-provoking tale of love, loss, and legacy that highlights how the choices of one generation echo through the next.
The Hallmarked Man
Author : Robert Galbraith Price : `2,972 (Hardcover)
Robert Galbraith’s The Hallmarked Man is a riveting addition to the Cormoran Strike series, seamlessly combining a chilling mystery with the emotional depth fans have come to love. The discovery of a dismembered corpse in a silver shop vault sets the stage for a case that is as complex as it is gripping, with Galbraith skillfully layering suspense, red herrings, and unexpected twists. Decima Mullins’s desperate plea injects urgency into the narrative, while the investigators’ relentless pursuit of the truth highlights their intelligence, resilience, and growing bond. Beyond the mystery, the evolving dynamic between Strike and Robin adds a heartfelt tension that balances the dark investigation, as personal and professional lines blur more than ever. With richly drawn characters, atmospheric detail, and masterful pacing, The Hallmarked Man proves once again why this series is one of the finest in contemporary crime fiction.
The Academy
Author : Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham
Price : `1,631 (Paperback)
Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham’s The Academy is an irresistibly entertaining read that blends boarding school intrigue with sharp social commentary. Set at the prestigious Tiffin School, the story captures the allure and tension of elite academia while unraveling the chaos caused by a mysterious campus app that exposes everyone’s secrets. With a cast that ranges from the school’s reigning queen bee to faculty and administrators, the narrative offers multiple perspectives that keep readers hooked and guessing. The mother-daughter duo infuses the book with wit, heart, and a keen understanding of relationships, whether it’s the fragile bonds of teenage friendship or the hidden flaws of adults in positions of power. Fast-paced, addictive, and brimming with drama, The Academy is both a guilty pleasure and a thoughtful exploration of truth, reputation, and the consequences of living in a world where nothing stays hidden.
Sisters in the Wind
Author : Angeline Boulley
Price : ` 1,639 (Hardcover)
Angeline Boulley’s Sisters in the Wind is a heartfelt and empowering novel that beautifully explores identity, belonging, and resilience. Lucy Smith’s journey from a life on the run to discovering her Ojibwe heritage is told with both tenderness and authenticity, drawing readers into her struggles and triumphs. Boulley captures the emotional complexity of a young girl torn between fear of the system and hope for family, while weaving in rich cultural detail that adds depth and meaning to her story. The bond of sisterhood and the importance of community shine through, offering a powerful reminder of how love and tradition can heal even the deepest wounds. Both poignant and uplifting, Sisters in the Wind is an inspiring tale of courage, cultural reclamation, and the enduring strength it takes to find—and accept—a place to truly call home.
