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H T Parekh Foundation hosts inaugural Harsha Parekh Librarian Awards to honour India’s librarians working with children

  • 3 librarians and 1 organisation were recognised out of 275 nominations from across India
  • The evening also witnessed an insightful Fireside Chat with Anant Goenka, ED, The Indian Express Group alongside Actor Tara Sharma Saluja and Author Ashwin Sanghi

MUMBAI, India, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Marking a significant milestone in recognising librarians who work with children across India, H T Parekh Foundation (HTPF) – a Mumbai-based philanthropic foundation – hosted its inaugural Harsha Parekh Librarian Awards (HPLA) at the Hall of Harmony, Nehru Centre, recently. This first-of-its-kind, nationwide recognition celebrated individuals and organisations nurturing curiosity, imagination and a lifelong love for reading amongst children.

Named in honour of the late Professor Harsha S. Parekh, as an ode to her and her enduring legacy in the field of library sciences, the HPLA reaffirms the belief that librarians are educators in their own right, shaping young minds by going far beyond their conventional roles.

The event witnessed Deepak S. Parekh (Chairman, H T Parekh Foundation and Former Chairman, HDFC Ltd), Anant Goenka (Executive Director, The Indian Express Group), Tara Sharma Saluja (Actor & Producer), Ashwin Sanghi (Author) in attendance, along with family members, colleagues and friends of late Harsha S. Parekh, and several education organisations working with the Foundation.

Talking about its significance, Ziaa Lalkaka, Executive Director and CEO of H T Parekh Foundation, said, “Over the past four years, our work with organisations in this area, has reinforced our understanding of how essential librarians are in nurturing young readers and building a lifelong relationship for them with books. The inaugural edition of the Harsha Parekh Librarian Awards takes our commitment a step further, by formally honouring and celebrating librarians for the quiet changemakers they are. I congratulate all the winners this year, as we look forward to instituting this into an annual award ceremony.”

The awards drew 275 nominations from across India. It comprised 153 school librarians, 52 community librarians, and 70 organisations across 16 states, out of which the following winners were selected:

  • School Librarian: Jai Shekhar, teacher-cum-librarian at the government Primary School Dharampur, Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Community Librarian: Saba Khan, founder of the Savitribai Phule Fatima Sheikh Library, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Organisation Championing Library Work: Organisation for Early Literacy Promotion (OELP) – a society founded in 2008 dedicated to building school and community libraries in rural India.
  • A Special Mention for School Librarian Vidya Devi, a full-time librarian at Kamala Nimbkar Balbhavan, Phaltan, Maharashtra, being run under the State Board.

The jury panel included: Chairperson, Jane Helen Sahi (Educator & Author), Prachi Kalra (Associate Professor at Gargi College, University of Delhi), Thejaswai Shivanand (Curator & Library Educator, Champaca Bookstore in Bengaluru), and S.L. Faisal (Award-winning Librarian & Educator – Kendriya Vidyalaya Network).

Alongside felicitation, the event also featured a curated Fireside Chat, where Anant Goenka was in conversation with Tara Sharma Saluja and Ashwin Sanghi. The guests reflected on how reading practices have evolved across generations, the future of children’s literature, and the emergence of diverse reading formats that make today’s reading culture more inclusive.

Anant Goenka mentioned, “What we are celebrating today is humanity’s fight with the algorithm. In fact the sale of books in Nordic countries is actually going up, indicating a huge counterculture trend.”

Tara Sharma Saluja added, “I personally love the touch and feel of a physical book. While most of us are privileged to have book collections at home, what really moved me about today’s event is how it celebrates the unknown faces of many librarians across India who are bringing their love for books to children who may not have easy access. And that, I think, is just incredible.”

Ashwin Sanghi said, “Even though I was educated and grew up in a business family, it was my ‘nana’ who was the first librarian in my life. He would send me a book every week, and I would read it and write him a letter explaining why I liked or disliked it. I think we must ensure that the next generation builds on this culture of reading, whilst also accepting that it could be in a very different medium or format.”

Why Librarians?

Promoting a joyful and sustained reading culture among children is a key strategic focus for H T Parekh Foundation. The Foundation’s special initiative, Doorbeen, aims to enrich children’s lives through the transformative power of reading. Doorbeen’s work focuses on building and strengthening children’s libraries, promoting quality regional-language literature, and supporting the professional development of library practitioners. Through close engagement with organisations and individuals in this space, HTPF has developed a deep understanding of the pivotal role librarians play.

Despite their critical role, many librarians work in resource-constrained settings, often with limited recognition and support. Doorbeen has already begun addressing this through training, and creation of professional development opportunities. The Harsha Parekh Librarian Awards take this commitment a step further; by formally honouring and celebrating librarians as the quiet changemakers they are.

About H T Parekh Foundation

The H T Parekh Foundation (HTPF) was established in 2012 to commemorate the birth centenary of the Founder Chairman of erstwhile HDFC Limited, Mr H T Parekh. Since 1 July 2023, the Foundation operates as an independent, domestic philanthropy.

The Foundation has philanthropic initiatives comprising a flagship programme, ReVIVE, that addresses urban climate change, a children’s literature & reading programme ‘Doorbeen’ and a portfolio of high impact, multi-sector initiatives that demonstrate eco-system level influence.

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Reliance Digital’s ‘All About Apple’ Campaign Brings Best Apple Deals and Price Drops on iPhone 17, MacBook & More

MUMBAI, India, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reliance Digital announces limited-period offers on the latest Apple products with significant price drops and consumer finance offers.

The All About Apple campaign by Reliance Digital is bringing high-quality products to consumers at affordable prices. The initiative aims to make premium Apple products more accessible to a broader segment of buyers during the ongoing promotional window. From the mighty iPhone 17 to the ultra-light MacBook Air (M5), upgrading is more accessible than ever.

Customers can experience the best technology without straining their budgets with attractive exchange bonuses, instant in-store discounts and flexible EMI options. These combined benefits substantially lower the effective acquisition cost, especially for buyers trading in older smartphones or laptops.

One of the spotlight offers includes the iPhone 17 256GB (Magichromatic finish), listed at an MRP of Rs. 82,900. With applicable cashback, combined with exchange benefits of up to Rs. 15,000 and an additional exchange bonus of Rs. 6,000, the effective price can go as low as Rs. 59,990.

Apple’s MacBook lineup has also become more affordable in the ongoing sale, particularly with the introduction of newer-generation processors and pricing benefits. The latest models, powered by the next-generation M5 chip, aim to deliver faster processing, improved battery efficiency, and seamless multitasking. The MacBook Air (M5) can be owned with EMIs starting at just ₹2,803*, inclusive of student and teacher discounts, exchange benefits, and financing schemes. Exchange bonus of 10,000 rupees is also available to MacBook Neo buyers.

This promotional campaign is time-bound, with all major offers scheduled to conclude on 23rd May. Customers are advised to hurry and verify eligibility for cashback, exchange benefits, and coupon discounts before completing their purchase, as terms may vary across models and store locations.

About Reliance Digital

Reliance Digital is one of India’s leading consumer electronics retail chains, offering a wide selection of smartphones, laptops, home appliances, and digital products. With a strong omnichannel presence, it provides customers access to competitive pricing, authorised products, and after-sales support through services such as Reliance resQ.

*Terms and Conditions Applied

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Apparel Group Strengthens Digital Footprint with the Launch of ALDO App for the Indian Market

Express Delivery, Curated Style & Seamless Digital Experience Now Live on Google Play Store & Apple App Store

MUMBAI, India, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Apparel Group, the leading global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, announces the official launch of the ALDO India mobile app. This strategic rollout marks a significant milestone in Apparel Group’s mission to redefine omnichannel retail and enhance the digital shopping ecosystem for premium footwear and accessories in India.

Now available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, the dedicated app is designed to bring ALDO’s world-class style directly to the fingertips of the Indian consumer. By leveraging Apparel Group’s robust retail infrastructure, the app introduces express delivery services, ensuring that fashion-forward shoppers receive their favourite pieces with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

Built with modern consumer expectations in mind, the ALDO app empowers users to explore the latest collections, access exclusive product drops, and enjoy a streamlined shopping experience tailored for fast, effortless browsing. A defining feature of the app is its express delivery service, designed to get fashion essentials into customers’ hands as swiftly as possible, reflecting a new era of immediacy in style and service.

Apparel Group is committed to integrating advanced technology with high-street fashion, providing a secure and effortless checkout process tailored to the evolving needs of the modern, connected shopper. Whether discovering trend-led silhouettes or selecting everyday staples, shoppers now enjoy smooth navigation, secure checkout, and personalised recommendations all supported by ALDO’s commitment to quality and design excellence.

Tushar Ved, President of Apparel Group India, said: “The launch of the ALDO app is a definitive step in Apparel Group’s journey to pioneer a tech-forward retail environment in India. By integrating our cutting-edge logistics with a seamless interface, Apparel Group continues to set the pace for the future of commerce in the region, ensuring our customers enjoy speed, style, and convenience like never before.”

With the introduction of this dedicated platform, Apparel Group continues to solidify its position as a retail leader, focused on localized digital innovation and superior customer engagement.

The ALDO app is now live and available for download.

Download: https://onelink.to/aldoshoes

About ALDO

Founded in 1972, ALDO, the group’s flagship brand, delivers fashion to a diverse customer base at prices that make keeping up with seasonal styles a luxury within reach. ALDO’s 53-year history has seen the brand become one of the world’s leading fashion footwear retailers with a presence in 110 countries, a global fleet of 1400 locations and more than 250 million customers visiting our stores each year.

For more information, please visit www.aldogroup.com and follow @aldo_shoes and #AldoCrew on social media for updates.

Instagram: @aldo_shoes

Facebook: ALDO Shoes

Website: ALDO Shoes

About Apparel Group (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate residing at the crossroads of the modern economy – Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Today, Apparel Group caters to eager shoppers through its 2500+ retail stores and 85+ brands on all platforms while employing over 27,000+ multicultural staff.

Apparel Group has carved its strong presence in the GCC and expanded thriving gateways to market in India, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Egypt. Additionally, clear strategies are in place to enter emerging markets such as Hungary and Philippines.

Apparel Group India has created an omni-channel experience, operating brands originating from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The brands in India include leading names in fashion, footwear, and lifestyle such as Victoria’s Secret, Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, Victoria’s Secret PINK, Charles & Keith, Crocs, ALDO, ALDO Accessories, Bath & Body Works, Cotton On, Levis Kids, Tim Hortons, Inglot, Call It Spring, Nike Littles, Jordan Kids, Anne Klein, Herschel, R&B, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Carrefour, and Daiso Japan. Apparel Group has a multi-brand partnership with Marquee Brands for the licensing of BCBG, Ben Sherman, Bruno Magli, Sur la table, and Martha Stewart brands, across GCC and India. With 300+ stores and 20+ brands, the company serves thousands of customers across 50 cities in India.

Apparel Group owes its amazing growth to the vision and guidance of its dynamic Founder and Chairwoman, Mrs. Sima Ganwani Ved, who has taken the company from strength to strength since its inception in the last two decades.

For more information, please visit:

Apparel Group India | LinkedIn | Download Club Apparel App

Contact

Amruta Khatavkar

amruta.khatavkar@apparelgroup.in

+91-9870337833

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Angel One’s ‘Cricket Park’ sparks strong participation, brings a generation back to the pitch

MUMBAI, India, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Angel One Limited, India’s intelligent investing companion and Official Associate Partner of the Tata IPL (2024–2028), recently hosted Cricket Park”, an immersive cricket-led experience that brought alive a simple yet powerful idea – Chalo, Cricket Khelte Hai. Held at TSG Sports Arena in Mumbai, the event witnessed strong participation and high on-ground energy, bringing together around 300 attendees, including India’s top digital creators and cricket enthusiasts, to rediscover the joy of playing the game.

At a time when cricket is widely consumed but rarely played, Cricket Park tapped into a deep cultural insight, that while the love for the game remains strong, the reasons to step out and play have steadily declined. By creating the right environment and format, Angel One turned passive fandom into active participation.

Designed as more than just a tournament, Cricket Park reimagined the childhood cricket experience into a dynamic, interactive format. The experience was paired with 14 interactive cricket installations and 5 live pitches, including Khidki Tod, Zero Kaata Bhaago, Ziddi Target, Bat Pakad and Ringa Ringa Catches, each crafted to bring back the spontaneity and thrill of the game. The event followed a unique flow, with creators arriving early to engage with and take over the installations, setting the tone for the experience, while fans stepped in at sundown, with matches continuing till late.

The event also saw participation from impactful personalities, adding to the overall energy and appeal of the experience. Notable digital creators including Jake Jeakings, Vyom (vyom25), CA Deepak Bhati (cadeepakbhati), Shrishti Gosavi (nerd_in_you), and Anmol Sharma (financebyanmoll) were part of the experience, further amplifying the event both on-ground and across digital platforms. With moments crafted for shareability, Cricket Park extended well beyond the venue, resonating strongly with a wider audience online.

Assisted by Badass Media and designed by Doodle Mapuls, Cricket Park was designed as a high-energy, community-led experience that blends culture, community, and digital storytelling.

Cricket Park is rooted in Angel One’s larger philosophy of enabling action. Much like how the platform simplifies investing for a new generation, the initiative aimed to remove friction from participation, meeting people where their interest already exists and giving them a compelling reason to act. In doing so, the brand’s invitation, “Chalo, Cricket Khelte Hai,” became more than a line, it turned into a lived experience on-ground.

Zameer Kochar, Chief Marketing Officer, Angel One, said, Cricket Park is built on a very simple insight, people don’t lack interest, they lack the right trigger to act. Whether it’s investing or something as personal as cricket, the gap often lies between intent and action. With this initiative, we wanted to create an experience that feels intuitive, inclusive, and engaging enough for people to step in and participate. The response we’ve seen has been extremely encouraging.”

With Cricket Park, Angel One has taken a step towards building a scalable, community-led property that blends culture, participation, and digital amplification and redefining how brands can create meaningful engagement beyond the screen.

About Angel One Limited:

Angel One Limited, (NSE: ANGELONE) (BSE: 543235) is the largest listed retail stock broking house in India, in terms of active clients on NSE. Angel One is a technology-led financial services company, providing broking and advisory services, margin funding and distribution of third-party financial products to its clients. The broking and allied services are offered through online and digital platforms to clients acquired directly and through assisted business.

Angel One Limited extensively uses Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Science to create a superior digital experience. The company has built a host of digital properties like Angel One Mobile App, ‘SmartAPI’ a free-to-integrate API platform and ‘Smart Money’ an investor education platform of 37.4 million clients.

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