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charcha 2025: India’s largest collaborative convening on livelihoods returns to Delhi with its 6th edition

To be held on November 12-14 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, charcha by the*spark forum will foster conversations & collaboration on resilient livelihoods with key stakeholders across samaaj, sarkaar, bazaar.
20+ co-hosts, including Government departments such as Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI and Atal Innovation Mission, market leaders such as LinkedIn, Meta, HSBC, large foundations such as The Gates Foundation, DBS Foundation, Nasscom Foundation, The/Nudge Institute, and more.
Enabling discussions on skills and livelihoods, AI and tech for inclusion, agri and rural livelihood, gender bias, micro & nano entrepreneurship, etc.

BANGALORE, India, Nov. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — the*spark forum will host the 6th edition of its flagship livelihoods convening ‘charcha’ from November 12 to 14, 2025, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Recognized as India’s largest collaborative convening on livelihoods, charcha 2025 will bring together thought leaders, changemakers and powerful voices from government, markets, and civil society to drive dialogue and action for a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready India, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Over three days, charcha 2025 will feature 120+ speakers, 20+ co-hosts, and 50+ hours of programming, convening the most influential voices from policy, philanthropy, business and grassroots innovation. Co-hosts include marquee organizations such as Meta, LinkedIn, Atal Innovation Mission, The Gates Foundation, DBS Foundation, British Asian Trust, Bridgespan Group, Mphasis, Meesho, Magic Bus, NuSocia, The/Nudge Institute, and others shaping India’s development landscape.
Speaking about the upcoming edition, Jerold Pereira, Managing Director, the*spark forum, said, “India’s development challenges are deeply interconnected and cannot be addressed in isolation. The power of charcha lies in bridging these silos. Each year, this platform unites some of the brightest minds and boldest ideas from samaaj, sarkar and bazaar – translating dialogue into action for a more equitable and resilient India.”
Adding to this, Kumaresh Pattabiraman, India Country Manager, LinkedIn, said: “India’s next decade will be shaped by the rise of our tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where talent, ambition, and digital access are converging at scale. If we want to realise the promise of Viksit Bharat@2047, these growth hubs must become engines of both jobs and inclusion. That’s why charcha ’25 and the work championed by the*spark forum are so important in bringing the right people together and sparking the honest, cross-sector conversations India needs across government, business, and civil society. At LinkedIn, we’re using our data, our network, and our AI-powered tools to help bridge the skills and opportunity gaps so that every professional, regardless of their pin code, can thrive in this fast-paced world of work.”
This year’s summit will explore seven key themes at the intersection of technology, inclusion, and livelihoods: Tech, Data & Impact; Agri & Rural Livelihoods; Policy & Capacity; Skills & Livelihoods; Inclusion, Empowerment & Sustainability; Capital & Philanthropy; and Social Entrepreneurship & SMEs. Each theme will feature plenaries, deep-dive discussions and masterclasses designed to surface actionable insights, cross-sector partnerships and scalable innovations.
charcha 2025 will host many distinguished speakers. In the Government & Policy space, the lineup includes Amitabh Kant IAS (Former G20 Sherpa, Government of India), Debjani Ghosh (Distinguished Fellow – NITI Aayog) and Dr. Shamika Ravi (Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister), among other eminent representatives from the government and policy ecosystem.
From Markets & Business, the convening will see participation from global and Indian business leaders such as Jessica Jensen (Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer, LinkedIn), Sandhya Devanathan (Vice President & Head, India & SE Asia, Meta), Rakesh Bharti Mittal (Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises) and others. These leaders bring insights from corporate innovation, workforce development, and technology-led inclusion to the livelihoods conversation.
Representing Civil Society & Philanthropy, the summit will feature leaders such as Amit Chandra (Co-founder and Chairperson, ATE Chandra Foundation), Nidhi Bhasin (CEO, Digital Green), Maneesha Chadha (Head of Global Philanthropy, Asia Pacific, JPMorgan Chase) and many more. Together, they represent some of the most powerful voices driving inclusion, sustainability, and systemic change across India’s development ecosystem.
Since its inception in 2020, charcha has grown into one of India’s foremost development platforms – engaging 1,000+ leaders, 15,000+ stakeholders and reaching over 1.5 million people. Each edition of charcha has brought together diverse actors across samaaj, sarkar, and bazaar to align on common priorities, catalyze cross-sector collaboration and accelerate scalable impact. The 2025 edition continues this legacy, deepening focus on livelihoods resilience, technology for inclusion and partnerships that can translate India’s demographic potential into equitable economic growth.
For more information and registration, visit charcha website.

About the*spark forum

the*spark forum is India’s leading platform for dialogue and collaboration on livelihoods – curating cross-sector convenings that inspire ideas, partnerships, and action toward a poverty-free India.

Media Contact:Preyashi Roy | preyashi.roy@thenudge.org
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2814151/charcha_by_the_spark_forum_Logo.jpg
 

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Santokbaa Humanitarian Award 2026 Marks 20 Years of Compassion and Service

SURAT, India, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Santokbaa Humanitarian Award 2026, instituted by Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundation (SRKKF), the philanthropic arm of Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK), marked 20 years of honouring individuals who have made a lasting difference through compassion, service and leadership. The awards were presented recently in Surat.

This year’s Santokbaa Humanitarian Award was conferred on Padma Shri Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, renowned Indian ophthalmologist and Founder-Chair of the LV Prasad Eye Institute, and Padma Shri Smt. Reema Nanavaty, development worker and Director of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). Their work has touched millions of lives through healthcare, empowerment and community development.In a significant addition this year, SRKKF introduced the Social Entrepreneur Award to recognise leaders who combine business excellence with measurable social impact. The inaugural award was presented to Shri Srikanth Bolla, Founder of Bollant Industries, a sustainable manufacturing company known for disability-inclusive employment and environmentally responsible practices.The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and Guests of Honour Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat; along with several other distinguished personalities.Established in 2006 by Shri Govind Dholakia, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. and SRKKF, the award reflects the legacy of compassion and selfless values embodied by his mother, Santokbaa. Over the past two decades, it has become a platform to honour individuals whose lives and work continue to inspire society.The awardees are selected through a rigorous and transparent process led by an independent jury comprising leaders from diverse fields. The 2026 jury included Shri Govindan Rangarajan, Director, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru; Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO; Admiral R. Hari Kumar (Retd.), Former Chief of the Indian Navy; Shri Rishabh Shroff, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas; and Shri Shreyans Dholakia, Entrepreneur and Brand Custodian, SRK.Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh said that the SRK Foundation is carrying forward Santokbaa’s legacy to the next generation by celebrating service, sacrifice and compassion over wealth or fame. He added that the family’s effort to connect this legacy with social entrepreneurship reflects the values of nation-building.Shri Harsh Sanghavi said the Santokbaa Award reminds us that true achievement lies not only in personal success, but in bringing light and happiness to others. Shri Govind Dholakia said his mother Santokbaa spent her life guided by truth, love and compassion, and that her values continue to inspire the family’s work. He added that the award’s 20-year journey is a tribute to changemakers whose efforts have strengthened communities across the country.Speaking on the honour, Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao said it was a privilege to receive the recognition on behalf of all those working to expand access to quality eye care. He said restoring sight restores dignity and opportunity, and praised SRK’s world-class operational systems. Smt. Reema Nanavaty said the award belonged to the millions of women whose resilience and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire SEWA’s mission. She noted that when women are empowered, they become agents of change for their families and communities. Shri Srikanth Bolla said his journey has shown that limitations often exist more in perception than reality, and that the award is a reminder that with the right support, every individual can contribute meaningfully to society.Over the past 20 years, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award has honoured 20 of India’s most distinguished humanitarian and social leaders, including Shri Ratan Tata, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr. Sudha Murty, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Shri Shiv Nadar, Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, Dr. Verghese Kurien, Shri Kailash Satyarthi and Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar. With the introduction of the Social Entrepreneurship Award in 2026, the milestone celebration reaffirmed the importance of empathy, service and purposeful leadership in building a better future.About Santokbaa Humanitarian Award:Over the past 20 years, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award has honoured 19 of India’s most distinguished humanitarian and social leaders, including Shri Ratan Tata, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr. Sudha Murty, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Shri Shiv Nadar, Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, Dr. Verghese Kurien, Shri Kailash Satyarthi and Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, among other eminent personalities. In 2026, SRKKF also instituted the Santokbaa Social Entrepreneurship Award, with Shri Srikanth Bolla becoming its inaugural recipient.As the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award completed a remarkable 20-year journey, the milestone celebration reaffirmed the enduring importance of empathy, service and purposeful leadership in shaping a better future. The journey endures, contributing to nation-building through compassion, innovation and service to humanity.For more information, visit: https://srk.foundation/honoursPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2997209/20th_Santokbaa_Humanitarian_Award_2026.jpg 

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Apollo Athenaa Launches ‘Holding Hope’, India’s First Dedicated Handbook for Cancer Caregivers, during National Cancer Survivors Month

Authored by Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead – Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Athenaa, the handbook aims to empower caregivers with practical guidance, emotional support, and clinical insights throughout the cancer journeyNEW DELHI, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Marking Cancer Survivors Month and reinforcing the importance of holistic cancer care, Apollo Athenaa, Asia’s first comprehensive cancer centre dedicated exclusively to women, marked a significant step in India’s oncology support landscape with the launch of Holding Hope: A Handbook for Cancer Caregivers—India’s first dedicated resource designed exclusively to support individuals caring for loved ones with cancer.

While cancer survivorship is often celebrated through the resilience and recovery of patients, the journey is rarely undertaken alone. Behind every survivor is a network of family members and caregivers who provide emotional, physical, logistical, and financial support throughout diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and beyond. Data indicates that 95 per cent of cancer patients in India have at least one primary caregiver; 57 per cent are supported by three to four caregivers, and 23 per cent have five to seven individuals involved in their care1. Yet despite their critical role, caregivers often navigate this demanding responsibility without access to structured guidance or dedicated support.Recognising this unmet need, Holding Hope: A Handbook for Cancer Caregivers has been authored by Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead – Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Athenaa, along with Dr. Hussain Shaik, Associate Consultant – Medical Oncology, Apollo Athenaa. Drawing on years of clinical experience and patient interactions, the handbook serves as a practical companion for caregivers, offering actionable guidance on managing treatment journeys, navigating difficult conversations, supporting emotional well-being, understanding medical decisions, and prioritising self-care.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead, Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Athenaa said, “When we celebrate cancer survivors, it is equally important to acknowledge the caregivers who stand beside them through every treatment cycle, every setback, and every milestone. With over 15 lakh new cancer cases reported in India in 20242, the number of families navigating the complexities of cancer care continues to grow. Caregivers are often the silent pillars of strength in a patient’s journey, yet many feel unprepared for the emotional and practical challenges that come with the role. Through Holding Hope, we wanted to create a trusted resource that equips caregivers with knowledge, confidence, and reassurance at every stage of the cancer journey.”Sharing his experience as a caregiver, Mr. Sudesh, who has supported his wife through her cancer journey said, “When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, caregivers often find themselves navigating uncertainty, difficult decisions, and emotional challenges with little guidance. The launch of Holding Hope is a welcome initiative. Its practical advice on managing treatment, understanding medical decisions, supporting emotional well-being, and prioritising self-care will help many caregivers like me feel more informed, prepared, and supported.”Highlighting the importance of equipping caregivers with the right knowledge and support, Dr. Hussain Shaik, Associate Consultant, Medical Oncology, Apollo Athenaa added, “Caregivers play a vital role in the cancer journey, often serving as the bridge between patients and healthcare teams. However, many find themselves navigating complex medical decisions, treatment-related challenges, and emotional stress with little formal guidance.” This handbook combines evidence-based medical information with practical caregiving strategies and real-life experiences to help caregivers better understand their role and foster stronger communication with patients and clinicians. Importantly, it also addresses an often-overlooked aspect of caregiving, the need for caregivers to prioritise their own physical and emotional well-being while supporting their loved ones.The launch of Holding Hope reflects Apollo Athenaa’s broader vision of advancing patient-centred and family-centred cancer care. By placing caregivers at the heart of the oncology continuum, the initiative seeks to strengthen support systems that contribute meaningfully to patient outcomes, quality of life, and long-term survivorship.As conversations around cancer care continue to evolve, Apollo Athenaa hopes that Holding Hope will encourage greater recognition of caregivers and foster a more compassionate, informed, and inclusive approach to cancer survivorship in India.1 Profile of cancer caregivers among adult Indian rural cancer patients: A prospective survey. | Journal of Clinical Oncology 2 https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/185/AU3233_xEZ9oE.pdf?source=pqalsAbout Apollo AthenaaApollo Athenaa, a unit of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, is Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for women, rooted in empathy and powered by science. It is not just a facility—it’s a mission. Apollo Athenaa is envisioned as a safe, specialised space exclusively for women, combining cutting-edge oncology expertise with compassion, dignity, and privacy. Women are the cornerstones of families and communities, and their health directly impacts the strength of the nation. Recognising the need for timely, specialised, and compassionate care, Apollo has taken a pioneering step forward. Apollo Athenaa provides comprehensive women-focused cancer care, from preventive screenings and advanced diagnostics to surgical oncology, breast oncoplasty, fertility preservation, and reconstructive care. Supported by multidisciplinary expertise and precision oncology, the centre also offers nutrition, physiotherapy, onco-psychology, and palliative care, ensuring a continuum of services that place women’s health, dignity, and well-being at the forefront. Log on to: https://www.apollohospitals.com/hospitals/apollo-athenaa-womens-cancer-centre 

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Affle Announces Strategic Acquisition of AdColony Technology Assets and Trademark from DT

Acquisition Strengthens Affle 3i Consumer Platform Tech Stack and Reinforces Commitment to Accelerated Growth with Ongoing Commercial Partnership with DTSAN FRANCISCO and GURUGRAM, India, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Affle, a global technology company that delivers premium consumer conversions for advertisers with its verticalized AI-powered Consumer Platform, announced that Affle MEA FZ LLC has entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement with DT (NASDAQ: APPS), formerly Digital Turbine, to acquire select strategic AdColony assets including the AdColony SDK for Android and iOS devices, tech platform, existing integration with in-app publishers and mediation platforms, the brand name, domain and the goodwill exclusively related to the assets.

The acquisition aligns with Affle’s 10X growth strategy to augment its Consumer Platform technology stack with broader SDK reach, spanning a wide and diverse range of mobile publisher connections globally. Affle’s deep verticalization strategy and expanded IP portfolio ensure enhanced human-vs-non-human data distillation to drive premium consumer conversions through its differentiated CPCU (Cost Per Converted User) business model.”We are excited to announce this strategic acquisition of assets as part of our 10X growth plan,” said Anuj Khanna Sohum, Chairperson, MD & CEO of Affle. “The integration of AdColony is a significant step towards driving global scale for Affle’s advertisers with premium conversions powered by deeper audience intelligence across all our industry verticals. With our integrated stack, we will unlock greater ROI for our advertisers and publishers alike, and thus drive long-term value for our stakeholders.”The transaction enables DT to further focus investment and resources on its core media and distribution platforms and differentiated data and intelligence assets.”We made the strategic decision following our Fyber and AdColony acquisitions to consolidate around a single exchange platform, which became the foundation for what is now DTX,” said Bill Stone, CEO of DT. “That decision allowed us to simplify our technology stack, focus our investment, and build a stronger long-term platform. Affle is a natural partner for these AdColony assets, and this transaction creates an opportunity to deepen our commercial relationship, leveraging our respective supply, demand and technology strengths to deliver greater value for advertisers, publishers and partners.””This acquisition reinforces Affle’s commitment to continuously scaling globally and delivering personalized recommendations across the connected consumer journeys,” said Sameer Sondhi, CEO of North America and Chief Strategic Investments Officer at Affle. “AdColony brings a long-standing and trusted reputation with publishers globally that complements Affle’s broader strategy. The acquisition further strengthens Affle’s ability to drive deeper engagement with both existing and new advertisers worldwide. Enhanced reach, combined with richer audience intelligence for premium consumer conversions, will enable truly differentiated impact.”Through this acquisition and its ongoing commercial partnership with DT, Affle aims to deliver enhanced value for advertisers, publishers and stakeholders globally.About Affle Inc.Affle Inc. is a global technology company enabling verticalized AI-led consumer conversions for advertisers globally, powered by the differentiated CPCU business model across Mobile, CTV and other agentic/autonomous intelligent connected devices (AICDs). Affle 3i Consumer Platform enables advertisers to optimize targeting, personalize user engagement and maximize ROI by combining proprietary data, deep audience intelligence and advanced agentic AI capabilities. With innovative technology integrations, Affle maximizes user engagement at every stage of the consumer journey across connected devices with algorithms that go beyond automation and efficiency to deliver next-gen experiences through deep human-vs-non-human data distillation.Affle Inc. is a step-down US subsidiary of Affle 3i Limited, which is listed on the NSE: AFFLE and BSE: 542752.For more information, visit – www.affle.com   

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