Connect with us

Buzz

Housing finance pioneer, B.K. Madhur’s autobiography released

– ‘At Home In The Universe’ is a rare blend of corporate achievement, personal grit and spiritual discovery
– R.C. Sinha IAS (Rtd), advisor to Union Ministry of Road Development, releases the book at an event in Mumbai 
MUMBAI, India, Dec. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — At Home In The Universe, a book that chronicles a poor boy’s journey from a village in South India to the pinnacle of corporate success and personal spiritual growth spanning over six decades, has been released in Mumbai on December 6.
In this unusual autobiography, B.K. Madhur, former Chief Executive Officer at DHFL Property Services Ltd, shares the tremendous obstacles he faced early in life as the son of a landless farmer and daily wage labourer in a remote village in South India (in Kasaragod district of present day Kerala) shortly after Independence.
Blessed with an indomitable spirit and an extraordinarily supportive mother, the young boy went on to obtain an education against all odds. The 344-page book charts all the chronological shifts in his life, dwelling upon the heady early years as a young man newly arrived in Mumbai, the City of Dreams. Throwing himself headlong into every opportunity and job that came his way, Madhur soon began to find his place under the sun.
The book has engaging accounts of his rise from an ordinary salesman to a successful marketing maverick before finding his metier in 1984 when he helped establish Dewan Housing, one of India’s pioneering housing finance companies at a time when even the concept of housing finance was alien to the financial system.
Working closely with friend and mentor, the visionary entrepreneur, late Rajesh Kumar Wadhawan, he was central to the growth and scaling up of Dewan Housing through the 1980s and 1990s. Corporate success and acclaim was now part of his astonishing achievements in the housing finance sector where he is considered an expert to this day.
The book has been released by R.C. Sinha, IAS (Rtd), advisor to the Ministry of Road Development, Government of India. Sinha was vice-chairman and MD of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and built the world-class Mumbai Express Highway and 50 flyovers. 
As a pioneer in the housing finance sector in the 1980s, Madhur and his mentor at Dewan Housing were instrumental in creating opportunities for access to affordable housing for innumerable ordinary Indians who had nowhere else to go if they dared to dream of owning a home.
“At Home In The Universe is truly special for B. K. Madhur’s remarkable attempt to capture his life in his own words – his journey from an underprivileged background to the peak of corporate success based on determination, integrity and sheer hard work. His profound knowledge of spiritual philosophies is truly admirable and his life journey exemplifies how one can adopt them in personal and professional life. One of his biggest achievements is how he has helped people especially from the unbaked sections realise the dream of owning a home,” said R.C. Sinha. 
The book offers an inside view into the financial sector and policy environment of the 1980s and 1990s. The struggles to raise funds for onward lending were closely linked to the attempts to disseminate new ideas in the nascent Indian financial sector and capital market at the time.
The book also presents an intimate portrait of an unusual bond that B. K. Madhur shared with his mentor and good friend, the late Rajesh Wadhawan. As the company stabilized, especially after the inception of National Housing Bank (NHB) in 1988, Madhur and his team were able to offer innovative products including insurance-linked home loans, home finance schemes for economically weaker sections across the country, policemen, women and the self-employed.
“The book traces the start of my journey in the idyllic village of Bollar where I dreamt of a great future. The book also captures the various stages of my life. I hope to inspire my readers to keep the faith and overcome their challenges just the way I did. After the untimely demise of my mentor Rajesh Wadhawan, my passion for reading the sacred texts of diverse religions and cultures and exploring my inner self, developed further. After the pain of losing my mentor abated, I was able to emerge with greater self-knowledge and resilience.  I have been able to exist with a renewed sense of purpose in the larger scheme of the Universe. I would be delighted if readers could benefit from my experiences and set higher goals for themselves in every aspect of life and service,” said B.K. Madhur.
D.A. Chaudhary, retired IPS, Udaya Bhasker Jakke, Income Tax Commissioner were among the special invitees at the book launch.
Other key dignitaries who were present at the event were S. Balakrishnan, former Bureau Chief at Times of India, Sitaram Sankhe, Company Secretary and lawyer, Mohandas Hiriyadka, President of Devadiga Sangha Mumbai, Satish Shah, MD of Book World Enterprises and B.M. Chaturvedi, Chartered Accountant.
The book will be distributed worldwide by Bookworld Enterprises of Mumbai and will be available at all leading book stores across India.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Buzz

Design POV Returns to Mumbai with its second edition ‘Sense and Sensibility’ – A Celebration of Immersive, Multi-Sensory Design

15 – 17 May 2026 | Jio World Convention Centre, MumbaiMUMBAI, India, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Design POV returns to Mumbai from 15 to 17 May 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre with its highly anticipated second edition, anchored in the theme ‘Sense and Sensibility’. Building on a successful debut in 2025 that welcomed over 7,000 visitors and featured more than 75 brands and 18 studios, the platform expands this year with deeper curation and a bold exploration of immersive, multi-sensory design.

Founded by Asif Sataar and Gagan Bhatia, Design POV was conceived as a curated environment that moves beyond the conventional exhibition format. While the show speaks through the medium of architecture, it champions all disciplines of design that contribute to a lived space, from interiors and material innovation to lighting, surfaces, furniture and spatial storytelling.”As an industry, we are often conditioned to prioritise what a space looks like because that is how most briefs are framed,” says Asif, Co-Founder, Design POV. “With Sense and Sensibility, we are consciously shifting the lens toward how a space is experienced. Texture, sound, atmosphere and emotion are not secondary layers, they are fundamental to how people connect with a space.”The 2026 edition examines what designing beyond sight truly means, inviting participants to engage all five senses and shape emotional connection within space. From tactility and acoustics to material experimentation and spatial storytelling, the focus shifts from how a space looks to how it feels. It invites brands, studios, artists and designers to present fully realised environments where these elements converge, encouraging deeper engagement beyond surface aesthetics.”From the outset, our intention was to create a setting where design is not simply displayed, but truly inhabited,” adds Gagan, Co-Founder, Design POV. “Each edition strengthens that ambition through sharper curation, stronger collaborations and immersive environments that allow people to connect meaningfully with design.”Positioned at the intersection of commerce and creativity, Design POV offers industry professionals and discerning audiences a space to engage directly with the evolving future of design.Highlights of Design POV 2026 include immersive brand pavilions, experiential installations, new product launches, and curated design studio showcases. Participating design studios include ADND Studio, Abin Design Studio, Alara Studio, Baldiwala Edge, DSP Design Associates, Design Hex, Jannat Vasi Interior Design, Sanjay Puri Architects, Shroffleon, Studio Archohm, and Talati & Partners LLP., among others, while exhibiting brands include Blanc White, Kuche 7, Neytt Homes, Sunroof, and Woven Legacy. Across furniture, lighting, surfaces and textiles, exhibitors will unveil new collections, experimental materials and limited-edition collaborations created exclusively for Design POV 2026.The second edition of Design POV 2026 will take place from 15 to 17 May 2026 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.For more information, visit www.designpovindia.com and follow @designpov.india on Instagram.About Design POV Design POV is an immersive design platform that celebrates unconventional perspectives and collaborative creation. Conceived as a space where architecture, art, and business intersect, Design POV reimagines how design is experienced moving beyond static showcases to fully realised, functional environments. Following a successful debut edition in 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, Design POV returns in May 2026 with an expanded vision and deeper interdisciplinary collaboration.At the heart of the platform is The ‘Core’, a curated collective of leading architecture and design studios invited to explore a central theme through unconstrained spatial expression. These studios collaborate with participating brands and build partners to create immersive installations that demonstrate design in context, not isolation.Design POV brings together architects, designers, brands, artists, and discerning audiences including homeowners, industry leaders, and the design curious. Through installations, panels, workshops, and live interactions, the platform fosters dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2934542/Design_POV_2026.jpg 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/design-pov-returns-to-mumbai-with-its-second-edition-sense-and-sensibility–a-celebration-of-immersive-multi-sensory-design-302714536.html

Continue Reading

Buzz

Mumbai to Host ‘Gen O – Pixels & Play’, a Global Festival of Creators, Gaming and Youth Innovation

MUMBAI, India, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mumbai will host Gen O – Pixels & Play, a four-day international platform celebrating creativity, technology and youth innovation, from 19–22 March 2026 at MMRDA Grounds, BKC. The initiative will bring together creators, innovators, startups, cultural practitioners and international delegates from over 23 countries, placing Mumbai at the centre of global conversations around the future of the Orange Economy and the AVGC sector. The initiative is organised by EFlag Corp, supported by the Government of Maharashtra, with Maharashtra Tourism as the Title Sponsor, as a part of its “India Maha India” initiative.
The festival will be inaugurated by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, in the presence of Shri Shamburaj Desai, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Maharashtra and Shri Uday Samant, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Maharashtra along with international delegates, industry leaders and global participants.Maharashtra has emerged as one of India’s leading centres for media, entertainment and digital content industries, with Mumbai at the heart of the country’s film, broadcasting, gaming and creative technology ecosystem. With world-class connectivity, a vibrant talent base and strong industry presence, the state is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for next-generation creative industries including animation, immersive media, gaming and digital storytelling.The Government of Maharashtra is actively working to strengthen the ecosystem for animation, gaming, visual effects and immersive media through policy support, infrastructure development and skill initiatives. With Mumbai already serving as India’s creative capital, the state aims to further position itself as a global hub for the AVGC and digital creative industries, creating new opportunities for studios, startups, creators and international partners.Gen O has been conceived as a platform bringing together multiple dimensions of India’s rapidly expanding AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics) ecosystem, including immersive media, gaming, digital storytelling, creator-led culture and emerging technology platforms.As a part of the programme, Mumbai will also host an international esports championship featuring national teams from 23 countries across six global regions, highlighting the growing global significance of competitive gaming within the next-generation entertainment economy.The initiative comes at a time when India is placing focus on creative industries through initiatives such as the WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) announced by the Government of India, aimed at positioning India as a global hub for media, entertainment and digital content industries in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision for the sector as a key pillar of India’s future economy.According to the Government of India’s AVGC Task Force, the sector is expected to require nearly two million skilled professionals by 2030, while estimates suggest India’s AVGC ecosystem could grow to over $26 billion by the end of the decade.Across four days, Gen O – Pixels & Play will present a curated festival experience featuring:Live cultural performances and artistic showcasesAVGC-XR innovation and technology demonstrationsStartup and creator ecosystem engagementsArtisan showcases and cultural installations celebrating Maharashtra’s heritageYouth engagement initiatives exploring emerging careers in creative and digital industriesThe festival is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors per day, including creators, developers, students, entrepreneurs and international delegates.Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, said: “Maharashtra has always been a centre of creativity, enterprise and cultural influence. As technology reshapes the global creative industries, platforms like Gen O bring together innovation, talent and international collaboration. Mumbai already stands at the heart of India’s media and entertainment ecosystem, and initiatives like this will further strengthen our position as a global hub for the AVGC and digital creative economy while opening new opportunities for young creators and startups.”Shripad Ashtekar, Founder, EFlag Corp, said:”India’s creative and digital sectors are entering a defining decade. The Orange Awards recognise the emerging creators, innovators and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the Orange Economy, and aim to inspire the next generation of talent across India’s creative and technology ecosystem.”With participants arriving from across the world, Gen O – Pixels & Play aims to position Mumbai as a global meeting point for creativity, technology and digital culture, reinforcing Maharashtra’s role in shaping the future of the global creative economy. About Gen O – Pixels & PlayGen O – Pixels & Play is a platform focused on the intersection of creativity, technology and youth innovation across the AVGC ecosystem. The initiative brings together creators, startups, technologists and cultural practitioners to explore emerging opportunities within India’s Orange Economy, while showcasing the future of digital storytelling, immersive media, creator culture and next-generation entertainment industries.About EFlag CorpEFlag Corp builds platforms at the intersection of technology, digital engagement and emerging creative industries. Its initiatives span phygital discovery infrastructure, AI-driven engagement solutions and esports ecosystem development, designed to connect physical experiences with digital ecosystems. The company works with governments, institutions and industry partners to enable scalable innovation across sectors such as tourism, culture, entertainment and the AVGC industry.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/mumbai-to-host-gen-o–pixels–play-a-global-festival-of-creators-gaming-and-youth-innovation-302714910.html

Continue Reading

Buzz

From Rural Roots to Global Impact: Ruma Devi on Women, Craft and Purpose on Herbalife India’s Podcast Live Your Best Life, Unscripted

BENGALURU, India, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Herbalife India, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform, has unveiled a new episode of its podcast Live Your Best Life, Unscripted, featuring renowned social entrepreneur and women’s empowerment champion Ruma Devi.

Titled ‘Threads of Change: From Local Hands to Global Hearts’, the episode captures Ruma Devi’s inspiring journey from rural Rajasthan to global platforms, highlighting resilience, grassroots leadership and the transformative power of skill-based livelihoods.In conversation with Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, Ruma Devi shares how her journey began with a simple need for income and gradually evolved into a movement empowering thousands of women through handicrafts, training and community-driven opportunities. She reflects on building trust within conservative households, enabling women to work from home, and fostering financial independence that reshaped perceptions within families and communities.Speaking about her journey, Ruma Devi said:”Every woman carries a doubt within, that she may not be educated enough, or that her language might become a barrier. But confidence and skill can open doors anywhere. Art flourishes the more it is shared.”The episode also sheds light on the work of the Ruma Devi Foundation, which focuses on skill development, education support, healthcare initiatives and cultural preservation in rural communities. From livelihood training to scholarships and health interventions, the foundation continues to drive meaningful social change at the grassroots level.Commenting on the episode, Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, said:”Ruma Devi’s journey is a powerful reminder that sustainable change begins at the grassroots and grows through courage, purpose and community collaboration. Her story perfectly reflects the spirit of Live Your Best Life, Unscripted, authentic conversations that inspire individuals to believe in their potential and build a better future.”Through her experiences, Ruma Devi reinforces a simple yet powerful message, that transformation starts the moment individuals choose to believe in themselves and take the first step forward.Watch the Full EpisodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSedbvqh2UIAlso streaming on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sAv4ewhQObo3kjOkpNi3V?si=kWMsSm1wSAKyNpb7HKUbQQApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/threads-of-change-from-local-hands-to-global-hearts/id1808386057?i=1000753523579Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a53233b6-84b5-43ce-a34a-5230c769168b/episodes/c38d5074-13f1-4ee0-82c1-591a5ad184e6/live-your-best-life-unscripted-threads-of-change-from-local-hands-to-global-hearts-ft-ruma-devi-live-your-best-life-unscriptedAbout Herbalife Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed food products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935791/Ruma_Devi_Herbalife_podcast.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2238437/5868011/Herbalife_Logo.jpg  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/from-rural-roots-to-global-impact-ruma-devi-on-women-craft-and-purpose-on-herbalife-indias-podcast-live-your-best-life-unscripted-302715877.html

Continue Reading

Trending