BANQUET HALLS
Amrit Ocean Resort
www.amritocean.com
844-692-6748

Biltmore Coral Gables
www.biltmorehotel.com
800-727-1926

Florida Hotel and Conference Center
www.thefloridahotelorlando.com
407-859-1500 x 5201

Floridian Ballroom
www.floridianballrooms.com
954-436-5524

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Con
www.marriott.com/fllmc
954-227-4119

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com
850 -267- 3076

Marriott St. Petersburg Clearwater
www.marriott.com/tpasb
727-456-1421

Palm Beach Gardens Marriott
wwwmarriott.com/pbipg
561-630-1305

Renaissance Daytona Beach Hotel
www.marriott.com/DABBR
386-271-2050

Rosen Plaza Orlando
www.rosenplaza.com
407-996-1723

Sheraton sand key resort
http://www.sheratonsandkey.com
727-593-6000 x 3901

Waldorf Astoria Orlando
www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com
917-886-5410

BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN
Sujis Eyebrow Threading
www.sujisthreading.com
479-381-7190

BOUTIQUES
Devam
www.houseofdevam.com
561-368-0057

BRIDAL SHOW
Myshadi Bridal Expo
www.myshadibridalexpo.com
954-784-8100

CAKE
Le Creme Delight
www.lecremedelight.com
727-204-6049

Les Petite Desserts
www.Lespetitedesserts.com
561-929-2474

CANDY BUFFET
Le Creme Delight
www.lecremedelight.com
727-204-6049

DECORATOR
Nikun Events
www.nikunevents.com
407-448-7128

Ramleela by Jatin
www.ramleelaevents.com
678-800-6800

DIGITAL INVITATION
Wedding Signs and More
www.weddingsignsandmore.com
954-784-8100

DISC JOCKEY
Dudha Productions
www.dudhaproductions.com
727-418-8498

ENTERTAINMENT
Kash Patel Productions
www.astaparking.com
954-214-3830

EVENT PLANNER
DA EVENT PLANNING
www.daeventplanning.com
407-747-0292

FLORIST
Tulasi Greens
414-736-8841

HORSE – CARRIAGE
Wind Chase Farm
wwwhorse-drawncarriage.com
772-285-3480

JEWELERS
Bhindi Jewelers
www.bhindi.com
404-325-8755

Devam
www.houseofdevam.com
561-368-0057

Highglow Jewelers
www.highglowatlanta.com
404-296-2714

Legacy Jewelers
www.legacyjewel.com
678-640-1238

LIQUOR DISTRIBUTOR
East West Beverages Inc
www. ewbeverages.com
415-827-5007

MEHNDI
Farah Mehendi
www.facebook.com/farahsmehndiflorida
786-208-2277

PAAN AND MUKHVAS
Paan Corner
www.paancorner.com
770-298-1497

PHOTOGRAPHER
Krishna Video & Photo Studio
www.krishnavideophoto.com
863-651-8899

Phil Mistry Photography
BetterWeddingPhotos@gmail.com
404-435-9000

PRIEST
Acharya Ramesh Mehta
www.facebook.com/ramesh.mehta.7564
813-453-9334

Mahesh Gor
www.facebook.com/maheshgor61
321-297-6167

Pandit Manikanda Ramanatha
www.priestmanikandan.com
954-675-2955

Pandit Neil Dev Persad
www.panditneil.com
954-325-7712

Priest Chakravarthy
www.priestchakravarthy.com
954-608-3424

RESTAURANT/CATERING
5th Element Indian Restaurant
www.my5thelement.com
407-544-3453

New Punjab Indian Restaurant
www.punjabindianrestaurant.com
407-352-7887

Tabla Cuisine
www.tablacatering.com
407-726-4020

TRAVEL AGENCY
Maxim Tours
www.maximtours.net
407-285-2820

Puja Travels
www.pujatravels.com
813-344-0744

Worldwide Travel Inc
www.wwt-usa.com
202-659-6430 ext 125

VIDEOGRAPHY
Your Wedding Day Film
www.yourweddingdayfilm.com
727-385-4863

WEDDING INVITATIONS
Invites & Events
www.invitesandevents.com
954-797-8022

WEDDING SIGNS
Wedding Signs and More
www.weddingsignsandmore.com
954-784-8100

WEDDING STATIONARY
Wedding Signs and More
www.weddingsignsandmore.com
954-784-8100

Pithi, Haldi, and Mehendi have always been among the most cherished pre-wedding rituals in Indian weddings. Traditionally, these ceremonies were celebrated separately, with the bride’s family hosting their own functions and the groom’s family doing the same at their home or venue. The rituals may have been similar, but the experiences were completely different.

Today, however, a noticeable shift is taking place. More couples are choosing to celebrate these ceremonies together, bringing both families under one roof before the wedding day. From intimate family weddings to lavish destination celebrations, joint Pithi, Haldi, and Mehendi functions are becoming increasingly common.

What’s driving this change is not a desire to simplify weddings. If anything, families are investing more into these events than ever before. The appeal lies in creating shared experiences, stronger family connections, and memories that everyone gets to be a part of together.

Sharing the Journey, Not Just the Wedding Day

For many couples, one of the biggest advantages of a combined celebration is being able to experience these moments together.

In a traditional setup, the bride and groom would spend these important days apart, surrounded by their respective families. They would only hear stories later about what happened at the other ceremony or see it through photographs and videos.

A joint celebration changes that completely. The couple gets to laugh together, participate in the same rituals, interact with both families, and enjoy the excitement side by side. It allows them to share the entire pre-wedding journey rather than coming together only on the wedding day.

Bringing Families Together Before the Formalities Begin

Weddings are often described as the union of two families, yet traditionally many relatives would not properly meet until the wedding ceremonies themselves.

Combined celebrations create opportunities for those connections to happen much earlier. Family members can spend time together in a relaxed setting without the formal schedule of the wedding day. Conversations flow naturally, introductions feel less rushed, and by the time the wedding arrives, many of the initial barriers have already disappeared.

This early bonding often helps create a warmer and more comfortable atmosphere throughout the wedding celebrations.

More People, More Energy, More Celebration

There is something special about having everyone together in one place.

When both families celebrate separately, the excitement remains limited to each side. Bringing everyone together creates a completely different atmosphere. The guest list becomes larger, the dance floor becomes more energetic, and every ritual feels like a bigger celebration.

The music is louder, the laughter is shared by more people, and the excitement builds collectively. Instead of two separate events happening simultaneously, there is one large gathering filled with enthusiasm from both sides.

Creating Opportunities for Genuine Family Bonding

Many guests attending a wedding may only meet once in their lives.

A combined Pithi, Haldi, or Mehendi gives relatives from both sides an opportunity to spend meaningful time together before the main wedding events. Cousins become friends, elders exchange stories, and families begin creating connections that extend beyond the wedding itself.

For couples, this is often one of the most rewarding aspects of the trend. The people they care about are not simply attending the wedding—they are getting to know one another and becoming part of a larger family network.

The Fun of Friendly Bride vs Groom Family Rivalries

One of the unexpected reasons these celebrations have become so popular is the playful interaction they encourage.

Whether it’s dance-offs, games, team challenges, or light-hearted teasing, bringing both families together naturally creates opportunities for fun competition. The bride’s side and groom’s side cheer for one another, challenge each other, and create moments that often become some of the most memorable stories from the wedding.

These playful interactions help break the ice and turn strangers into familiar faces long before the wedding ceremony begins.

Beautifully Coordinated Celebrations

Joint ceremonies also allow couples to create a more cohesive experience.

Matching colour themes, coordinated outfits, unified décor concepts, and shared entertainment bring a sense of continuity to the celebrations. The events feel connected rather than separate, creating a stronger overall wedding experience.

Photographers and videographers also benefit from having both families, as well as the couple, together in one setting. The result is a collection of candid moments and group memories that tell a complete story of the wedding journey.

A Natural Fit for Destination Weddings

The trend is particularly visible in destination weddings, where families and guests often travel from different cities or countries to attend.

Since everyone is already gathered in one location for several days, it feels natural to celebrate together. Rather than splitting guests into separate events, couples can maximize the time spent with loved ones and make every gathering part of the larger wedding experience.

For travelling families, these extra moments together often become just as meaningful as the wedding itself.

Tradition Remains, But the Experience Is Evolving

What’s interesting about this trend is that the rituals themselves have not changed.

Turmeric is still applied with blessings. Mehendi still carries cultural and symbolic significance. Pithi continues to be an important part of wedding traditions. The customs remain rooted in heritage and family values.

What has changed is the way people experience these rituals.

Instead of celebrating as two separate groups preparing for a wedding, many families now prefer to celebrate as one community from the very beginning. The focus has shifted from hosting individual ceremonies to creating shared memories.

And perhaps that is why combined Pithi, Haldi, and Mehendi celebrations continue to grow in popularity. They allow couples to spend more time together, give families a chance to bond before the wedding, and turn already meaningful traditions into experiences that everyone can enjoy together.

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Altanta Metro

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Jacksonville

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Tampa

The year 2026 has been a memorable one for celebrity weddings in India. From cricketing royalty to film stars and young entrepreneurs, several high-profile weddings captured public attention while beautifully blending tradition with modern elegance. These celebrations were not merely star-studded affairs; they reflected evolving wedding trends where families embraced cultural heritage while creating personalized experiences for their guests.

Among the most talked-about weddings of the year were those of Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok, Allu Sirish and Nayanika Reddy, and Juhi Chikhlia and Divij Agrawal. Each wedding showcased a unique love story and demonstrated how modern Indian couples are redefining wedding celebrations while staying connected to their roots.

Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok: A Wedding That Captivated India

One of the most anticipated weddings of 2026 was the marriage of cricketer Arjun Tendulkar and entrepreneur Saaniya Chandhok. The wedding generated enormous excitement among cricket fans and social media followers who had closely followed the couple’s journey.

The couple got married on March 5, 2026, in Mumbai after a private engagement in August 2025. Their celebrations extended over several days and included grand pre-wedding festivities that attracted some of India’s most influential personalities from the worlds of cricket, entertainment, business, and politics.

What made the wedding particularly special was its thoughtful blend of traditions. Reports revealed that the couple incorporated both Maharashtrian and Punjabi customs into their celebrations, reflecting their family backgrounds and creating a beautiful cultural fusion. The festivities included a vibrant mehendi and sangeet celebration attended by cricket legends and celebrities, while the main wedding ceremony embraced traditional rituals with contemporary elegance.

The wedding décor was equally impressive. Guests witnessed a breathtaking ceremony setup featuring a specially designed mandap and luxurious floral arrangements. The celebrations balanced grandeur with personal touches, making the event feel intimate despite the extensive guest list. Singer Harshdeep Kaur’s performance during the bridal entry added an emotional and memorable element to the ceremony.

As the son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Arjun’s wedding naturally attracted widespread media attention. Yet beyond the glamour, the celebrations reflected a growing trend among modern couples: creating weddings that honor family traditions while incorporating contemporary aesthetics and personalized experiences.

Allu Sirish and Nayanika Reddy: A Celebration of Love and Telugu Heritage

Another grand wedding that captured national attention was that of Telugu actor Allu Sirish and entrepreneur Nayanika Reddy. The couple tied the knot on March 6, 2026, in Hyderabad in a lavish ceremony attended by family members, close friends, industry leaders, and prominent personalities.

Their love story began several years earlier during the wedding celebrations of actors Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi. While they had met before, it was during those festivities that they truly connected and began spending time together. Their relationship blossomed over the following years, eventually leading to an engagement announcement in October 2025 that quickly went viral on social media.

Nayanika Reddy is an entrepreneur and a graduate of the London School of Economics. Together, the couple became one of the most admired pairs in the Telugu entertainment industry. Their relationship gained further visibility through features in prestigious publications, including Vogue India and Robb Report India, where they shared insights into their relationship and future plans.

Their wedding celebrations extended over five days and were deeply rooted in Telugu traditions. Every ceremony highlighted the richness of South Indian culture, from traditional rituals and family customs to authentic regional cuisine and classical décor elements.

Fashion also played a major role in the celebrations. Nayanika stunned guests in an elegant Kanjivaram saree paired with exquisite diamond and ruby jewelry, while Allu Sirish complemented her look in an ivory sherwani with a traditional dhoti. Their wedding attire perfectly reflected the growing preference among modern couples for timeless traditional ensembles over heavily westernized wedding fashion.

What stood out most about their wedding was its balance between grandeur and authenticity. Despite being one of the biggest celebrity weddings of the year, the event remained deeply personal and focused on family values, rituals, and meaningful traditions. It demonstrated how modern celebrity weddings can celebrate heritage without compromising sophistication and style.

Juhi Chikhlia and Divij Agrawal: A Joyful Union Filled with Warmth

Adding to the list of memorable weddings in 2026 was the marriage of Juhi Chikhlia and Divij Agrawal. Their wedding was marked by joyful celebrations, heartfelt moments, and a strong emphasis on family togetherness.

Unlike some of the larger celebrity spectacles, their celebrations resonated with audiences because of their warmth and authenticity. The couple’s wedding festivities featured vibrant ceremonies, emotional family moments, and colorful traditions that reflected the spirit of Indian weddings.

Friends and family members gathered to celebrate the beginning of their new journey, creating an atmosphere filled with happiness and genuine affection. From lively pre-wedding functions to the wedding ceremony itself, every event highlighted the importance of relationships, community, and shared joy.

Their wedding also reflected a broader trend emerging across India in 2026: couples increasingly prioritizing meaningful experiences over excessive extravagance. Personalized ceremonies, emotional storytelling, and family participation have become defining features of contemporary Indian weddings, and Juhi and Divij’s celebration beautifully embodied this movement.

Wedding Trends Defining 2026

These grand weddings also revealed several important trends that are shaping the future of Indian celebrations.

Tradition with a Modern Twist

Whether it was the Marathi-Punjabi fusion seen in Arjun and Saaniya’s wedding or the deeply rooted Telugu customs celebrated by Allu Sirish and Nayanika, couples are embracing their cultural identities while adding contemporary elements. Rather than abandoning traditions, they are reimagining them for a modern audience.

Multi-Day Wedding Experiences

The concept of weddings as immersive experiences continues to grow. Couples are organizing celebrations that span several days, allowing guests to participate in diverse events ranging from intimate family gatherings to large-scale entertainment programs.

Personalized Storytelling

Modern weddings increasingly focus on telling the couple’s unique story. Customized décor, personalized vows, curated music selections, and meaningful rituals help create celebrations that feel authentic rather than formulaic.

Social Media-Friendly Celebrations

Digital storytelling has become an essential aspect of weddings. Professionally curated photography, cinematic wedding films, and carefully designed venues ensure that every moment can be shared and remembered for years to come.

Return to Traditional Fashion

Despite the influence of global trends, traditional Indian attire remains the preferred choice for many couples. Handwoven sarees, heritage jewelry, embroidered sherwanis, and regional textiles continue to dominate wedding fashion.

Celebrations That Defined 2026

The grand weddings of 2026 demonstrated that modern Indian celebrations are evolving in exciting ways. While luxury and scale continue to impress, the true focus has shifted toward authenticity, cultural pride, and personal storytelling.

Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok’s glamorous yet tradition-rich wedding captured the imagination of cricket fans across the country. Allu Sirish and Nayanika Reddy’s elegant Hyderabad ceremony celebrated Telugu heritage with remarkable grace and sophistication. Meanwhile, Juhi Chikhlia and Divij Agrawal’s heartfelt celebrations reminded everyone that the essence of a wedding lies in love, family, and shared happiness.

Together, these weddings set new benchmarks for how modern Indian couples can honor tradition while creating unforgettable experiences. As wedding trends continue to evolve, 2026 will undoubtedly be remembered as a year when grandeur met authenticity, and timeless customs found beautiful new expressions.

Medical graduate Dr Muskan Dubey has achieved the highest academic honor at Xavier University School of Medicine, being named valedictorian of the Class of 2026 during the university’s commencement ceremony held on May 15. The celebration marked an important milestone for graduates from both the Schools of Medicine and Nursing, who were recognized for completing rigorous academic and clinical training.

The ceremony took place at the Holiday Inn Resort in Aruba, where the university gathered students, faculty, and dignitaries to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class. Alongside Dr Dubey, Dr Gabriella David was recognized as the salutatorian for the medical school, while Vanya Tromp received top honors as valedictorian for the School of Nursing.

During the event, the top graduates addressed the gathering, reflecting on their academic journeys and the challenges they overcame throughout their studies. They spoke about the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and a strong commitment to compassionate patient care, highlighting the values that shaped their time at the institution.

A keynote address was delivered by Dr Melvin G. Wyatt-Ras, Aruba’s Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Care, and Addiction Management. She emphasized the growing global demand for healthcare professionals and encouraged graduates to uphold high standards of integrity, leadership, and service as they enter their medical and nursing careers.

Dr Arun Dubey, Chief Academic Officer of Xavier University, served as master of ceremonies and welcomed attendees. He praised the graduating class for their resilience, noting that they had successfully completed demanding coursework and intensive clinical training while overcoming significant challenges along the way. He emphasized that the occasion celebrated not only academic success but also dedication to healing and service.

Edwin Casey, chairman of the university’s board, also addressed the graduates, urging them to remain humble and committed to lifelong learning. He encouraged them to approach their careers with a strong sense of responsibility and a continued focus on patient-centered care.

The ceremony began with the national anthems of the United States, Canada, and Aruba, symbolizing the international nature of the graduating class. The event was also livestreamed, allowing families and supporters from around the world to witness the milestone moment.

The graduation of Dr Muskan Dubey and her peers marks the beginning of their professional journeys in healthcare, where they are expected to contribute to addressing the growing global need for skilled and compassionate medical practitioners.

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As New Jersey heads toward a closely watched Democratic primary, 28-year-old former White House official Jay Vaingankar is positioning himself as a candidate of generational change, aiming to bring younger leadership into American politics. He is also seeking to make history by becoming both the first Gen Z and the first Indian American representative from New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.

The open seat became available after long-serving Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced her retirement, drawing a competitive field of Democratic contenders. With the primary just days away, the race has gained attention not only for its crowded lineup but also for the possibility of reshaping representation in a district that includes a significant Indian American population.

Vaingankar has centered his campaign on the idea that voters are increasingly disillusioned with traditional political structures and are seeking leaders who better reflect present-day community concerns. He has argued that Washington needs a generational shift, emphasizing responsiveness and accountability to local issues.

He explained that his decision to enter the race was influenced by conversations with residents following the retirement announcement. Many, he said, expressed frustration with repeated election of long-established politicians and the perception that leadership change is overdue. He believes voters want representatives who are actively engaged with everyday concerns rather than relying on political tradition or seniority.

A key focus of his campaign is affordability, particularly the rising cost of living. Drawing from his experience working in the Department of Energy during his time in the White House, Vaingankar said he witnessed firsthand how economic pressures affect families. He highlighted frequent price increases in essential goods, along with growing concerns over property taxes and household expenses.

He argued that while the cost of living continues to rise, the quality of services and goods has not necessarily improved, creating additional strain on working families. This issue, he said, remains the most common concern he hears from voters across the district.

Vaingankar is also advocating strongly for clean energy expansion. He believes renewable sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear power can simultaneously reduce costs, create jobs, and address climate challenges. He rejected what he described as a false choice between affordability and sustainability, arguing that both goals can be achieved together.

The Democratic primary is expected to be highly competitive, with more than ten candidates in the race. Vaingankar noted that vote splitting could allow a candidate to win with a relatively small share of support, potentially as low as 15%. Despite the crowded field, he remains optimistic that younger voters and diverse communities will play a decisive role.

He also highlighted increasing political participation within the Indian American community, noting that thousands have registered to vote in response to the campaign. He emphasized that greater representation for South Asian Americans could have broader national significance.

Born in Trenton to immigrant parents from Mumbai, Vaingankar grew up in East Windsor and Hightstown before studying at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He later worked in the Biden administration before returning to New Jersey to launch his congressional campaign.

With the primary approaching, the contest is being closely watched as a potential turning point for both generational and cultural representation in the district’s political landscape.

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The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Wadhwani Foundation have jointly introduced the Wadhwani-IISc Innovation Centre along with a dedicated quantum startup acceleration platform. These initiatives are designed to strengthen India’s deep-tech ecosystem and accelerate the journey of scientific research toward real-world commercial applications.

The announcement was made during Quantum Pitch Fest 2026, hosted at IISc, where researchers, startups, and innovators showcased cutting-edge ideas in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing technologies. The event highlighted the growing interest in advanced technologies and India’s push to become a global leader in the quantum space.

The Wadhwani-IISc Innovation Centre was formally inaugurated by former ISRO chairman A. S. Kiran Kumar. The ceremony was attended by key figures including Dr Ajay Kela, CEO and board member of the Wadhwani Foundation, and Dr Shirshendu Mukherjee, Managing Director of Wadhwani Innovation Network India. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between research institutions and industry stakeholders in driving innovation.

The newly established centre is intended to act as a hub for deep-tech development, startup incubation, and partnerships between academia and industry. It forms part of the broader Wadhwani Innovation Network, an initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and technology-driven growth through strategic investments and institutional collaboration.

In addition to the innovation centre, IISc also launched a new startup accelerator named InQubate. This platform is specifically designed to support early-stage startups working in the quantum technology domain. It will function within IISc’s broader quantum ecosystem, which includes the Quantum Research Park, the Wadhwani-IISc Innovation Centre, FQCI, and INUP.

Together, these initiatives are expected to provide a structured pathway for researchers and entrepreneurs to translate complex quantum research into viable startups and commercial technologies. The focus remains on building a strong foundation for India’s emerging quantum industry while encouraging innovation-driven economic growth.

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Fortune Magazine has unveiled its annual list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, highlighting influential female leaders shaping industries across the globe. This year’s edition features seven women of Indian origin, six of whom are based in the United States, while one represents India.

The list, now in its 29th year, recognizes women who hold leadership positions in major global corporations, overseeing industries that collectively employ millions and generate trillions in annual revenue. According to Fortune, the featured leaders are responsible for companies employing over 11 million people and producing approximately 7.3 trillion dollars in yearly revenue. The United States continues to dominate the list, followed by China, France, and the United Kingdom.

Among the Indian-origin women recognized, several hold top executive positions in major multinational corporations. Reshma Kewalramani, ranked 9th, serves as CEO and President of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Born in Mumbai and raised partly in the United States, she has built a distinguished career in biotechnology and drug development after training in medicine and nephrology.

Gunjan Kedia, ranked 14th, is the CEO and Chair of U.S. Bancorp, one of the largest financial institutions in the country. With decades of experience in global banking and financial services, she has held senior roles across leading institutions including State Street and Bank of New York Mellon before rising to her current leadership position.

Jayshree Ullal, placed at 31st, is the Chairperson and CEO of Arista Networks. She has played a key role in transforming the company into a major player in cloud and AI-driven networking solutions, turning it into a multibillion-dollar enterprise after its public listing.

Bela Bajaria, ranked 35th, serves as Chief Content Officer at Netflix. She oversees global content production and has been instrumental in shaping the platform’s worldwide entertainment strategy, including hit shows and international film projects.

Meena Lakdawala-Flynn, ranked 74th, is a senior leader at Goldman Sachs, where she co-heads global private wealth management and plays a major role in the firm’s global client strategy. She has built a long-standing career in investment banking and wealth management.

Revathi Advaithi, ranked 75th, is CEO of Flex, a global manufacturing and supply chain solutions company. She has led large-scale transformations across the organization and has held leadership roles at Eaton and Honeywell prior to joining Flex.

Roshni Nadar Malhotra, ranked 33rd, is the only India-based leader on the list. She serves as Chairperson of HCLTech and is also actively involved in philanthropy and education through various foundations and leadership initiatives.

Together, these women represent a powerful cross-section of leadership in biotechnology, finance, technology, manufacturing, media, and corporate governance, reflecting the growing global influence of Indian-origin professionals in shaping the modern business world.

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Subhachandra Chandra, an alumnus of Binghamton University, along with his wife Nandita Chandra, has announced the creation of a new endowed professorship at the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science. The initiative is aimed at strengthening research that explores innovative applications of artificial intelligence across a wide range of academic disciplines.

The newly established Subhachandra and Nandita Chandra Endowed Professorship will provide financial support to a selected associate professor or full professor whose work focuses on applying AI in novel and impactful ways. In addition to covering salary support, the endowment is designed to assist with research-related needs such as laboratory equipment, academic travel, publication expenses, digital resources, and funding for student research assistants.

Chandra emphasized that the goal of the initiative goes beyond the traditional use of artificial intelligence within the technology sector. He highlighted the importance of expanding AI’s reach into other fields, including healthcare, environmental science, and industrial manufacturing. According to him, the true potential of AI lies in its ability to improve systems and processes across multiple areas of society.

Originally born in India, Subhachandra Chandra completed his master’s degree in computer science at Binghamton University in 1995. He later went on to earn a PhD in computer science from the University of Michigan before building a career in Silicon Valley. He is currently the co-founder and chief technology officer of Aria Networks. Reflecting on his journey, he described Binghamton University as a crucial stepping stone that helped shape his professional path in the United States.

He also stressed the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and the technology industry, noting that such partnerships are essential for driving innovation and real-world impact.

University officials have welcomed the contribution, with Atul Kelkar, dean of the Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, stating that the endowed professorship will significantly enhance research capabilities and support emerging technological fields, particularly in artificial intelligence.

The Chandra family has maintained a long-standing relationship with Binghamton University for more than twenty years. Their contributions have included support for scholarships, academic programs, and initiatives such as the Watson College Scholars Program, the Chandra Family Scholarship, and funding for the Binghamton College of Engineering and Applied Science.

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Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan appears to have discovered a new fitness passion, as she recently gave fans a glimpse of her latest padel session on social media. The star humorously described her new interest by writing “Never say Never,” signaling what she called her entry into a fresh “padel era.”

The images, originally posted by her friend and celebrity yoga trainer Anshuka Parwani, showed Kareena enjoying time on a padel court, holding a racket and appearing full of energy after her workout. Later, Kareena reshared the moments on her own social media stories, adding playful captions along with emojis, including a red heart and laughter, reflecting her excitement about trying something new.

For the uninitiated, padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash and is gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Kareena’s latest interest adds another dimension to her already active and disciplined fitness routine.

The actress has long been known for her commitment to health and wellness. Over the years, she has regularly shared glimpses of her workouts, yoga sessions, and overall fitness lifestyle with her followers. Despite being regarded as one of Bollywood’s fittest celebrities, Kareena has also openly embraced her love for food. She has often mentioned in interviews that simple comfort meals like dal khichdi remain her favorite and that she enjoys it at any time of the day.

Kareena’s transformation and fitness journey have frequently made headlines, especially during her preparation for the 2008 film Tashan, where she became associated with the widely discussed “size-zero” trend in Bollywood. Reports suggest she reduced her weight to around 48 kg for the role. However, in later interviews, the actress clarified that she does not wish to return to that extreme phase and prefers a more balanced approach to health today.

On the professional front, Kareena Kapoor Khan has built a strong filmography with several blockbuster titles over the years, including Jab We Met, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Chameli, Omkara, 3 Idiots, Bodyguard, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Veere Di Wedding, Good Newwz, and Crew.

More recently, she appeared in The Buckingham Murders, directed by Hansal Mehta, where she received praise for her performance. She also featured in Singham Again, sharing screen space with a star-studded cast including Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff.

On the personal side, Kareena is married to actor Saif Ali Khan, and the couple has two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan.

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