Category: Business

  • Merino Onboards Pankaj Kapur for New Campaign Spotlighting Health, Durability and Everyday Reliability in Furniture

    Merino Onboards Pankaj Kapur for New Campaign Spotlighting Health, Durability and Everyday Reliability in Furniture

    New Delhi [India], April 14: Merino Industries, a global leader in surface & interior solutions has announced the onboarding of Pankaj Kapur, a renowned & critically acclaimed actor for its latest brand campaign centered around Merino Marine Board. Known for bringing depth & authenticity to his performances, Kapur lends a strong sense of credibility as well as relatability into the arena of engineered boards that’s often overlooked but plays a defining role in how furniture performs over time.

    Conceptualized around real concerns within everyday homes, the campaign unfolds through a series of three short films. Each film focuses on a specific challenge that homeowners encounter across kitchens alongside wardrobes & furniture – thus drawing attention to the importance of the core material that supports visible finishes.

    Set within a lived-in home environment, the films are designed to feel familiar & grounded. Kapur takes on the role of a narrator who speaks directly to everyday experiences – thus imbibing storytelling to address functional problems associated with furniture.

    The first film addresses indoor air quality, an aspect that is increasingly influencing how people approach interior decisions. While furniture is associated with comfort, it is often the material used within it that can impact the air inside homes over time. The narrative highlights the presence of emissions that often go unnoticed, bringing attention to the importance of low-emission materials. Merino Marine Board, compliant with stringent European E1 emission standards, is presented as a solution that supports healthier indoor environments alongside long-term durability. Pankaj Kapur subtly highlights the toxicity surrounding us whether it be the traffic, society or technology where everything has its own set of cons, and then he puts light on how toxic fumes and cancer causing emissions can disrupt the comfort of home. Marine Board, which is also the lowest emission board in its category is then introduced as a solution to the viewers.

    The second film shifts focus to a widely observed issue in furniture: swelling (commonly referred to as “phoolna” in hindi). Exposure to moisture and water remains a constant across kitchens and utility spaces. Over time, this leads to deformation along with weakening & compromised performance. Through a simple and direct narrative, the film explains how boiling waterproof technology & strong moisture resistance help furniture retain its form and strength even in demanding conditions.

    The third film explores structural strength: a factor that directly influences the lifespan of furniture. Cabinets, wardrobes and shelves must carry weight while maintaining stability over repeated use. The narrative highlights the importance of load-bearing capacity as well as screw-holding strength, showing how a strong internal core helps prevent bending, loosening and long-term structural fatigue. Merino Marine Board is positioned as a reliable base that supports everyday furniture applications with consistency and strength.

    Across all three promos, the storytelling remains rooted in real-life usage. The home setting along with Kapur’s grounded narration creates a natural connection with the audience. The campaign’s central message, “Water se Safe, Health Rahe Great!”, brings together the ideas of moisture protection besides indoor safety & long-term reliability in a clear and memorable way.

    Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Manoj Lohia, Director at Merino Industries said, “In most conversations around interiors, attention tends to remain on surfaces and finishes. However, the true performance of furniture is shaped by the material that forms its core. With this campaign, the intent was to bring that understanding into the mainstream in a way that feels real and relevant. Pankaj Kapur brings a certain depth and honesty to the narrative, which allows these conversations to connect more meaningfully. Merino Marine Board has been developed keeping in mind the conditions that furniture is exposed to every day i.e. moisture & load besides repeated use, as well as the growing awareness around indoor environments. It shows our continued focus on materials that support durability, safety and long-term reliability. Through these films, we hope to encourage more informed choices, where performance and well-being are considered from the very beginning of the design process.”

    With this campaign, Merino continues to strengthen its approach towards communicating material innovation through everyday relevance. Through focusing on what lies beneath the surface, the brand brings attention to a critical yet often overlooked aspect of interiors, the role of the board that quietly defines how furniture performs over time.

    About Merino Industries Ltd

    Merino is a versatile manufacturer and marketer of Interiors Solutions with a wide collection of products for homes, offices, commercial and public areas. Sustainability is at the core of Merino’s strategy as they incorporate practices to minimize wastage and conserve water during production. Merino Group has come a long way since the launch of plywood in 1974 and subsequently with the launch of the high pressure laminates in 1981. Today Merino Group has a beautifully strong presence in over 80 countries with an annual turnover of over 245 million USD with diverse business interests that expand from Interior Architectural products to Information Technology to Food & Agro products. The Group has achieved the current leadership position by following its vision to compete at global level and has adapted the international technology while maintaining Indian ethos.

  • Urmil Jewellers Gold and Diamond India Limited: A Legacy of Trust, Craftsmanship and Three Generations of Excellence

    Urmil Jewellers Gold and Diamond India Limited: A Legacy of Trust, Craftsmanship and Three Generations of Excellence

    New Delhi [India], April 14: In the ever-evolving world of fine jewellery—where heritage meets modern elegance—Urmil Jewellers Gold & Diamond India Limited stands tall as a symbol of trust, quality, and timeless craftsmanship. With a rich legacy spanning over four decades, the Urmil Group has transformed from a modest family-run business into one of the most trusted jewellery brands in East and North Delhi.

    A Journey Rooted in Trust Since 1978

    The story of Urmil began in 1978, when visionary entrepreneur Mr. Phool Chand Soni laid the foundation with Urmil Bartan Bhandar. Built on strong values of honesty, dedication, and customer relationships, the business quickly became a household name.

    By 1980, the brand had already established a strong presence in the local retail market. As customer trust deepened, so did their expectations—leading to a natural transition into the jewellery segment.

    From Small Beginnings to a Trusted Jewellery Brand

    Responding to growing customer demand for high-quality jewellery, the Soni family entered the jewellery industry with a clear vision and unwavering commitment to excellence. What started with just three employees has now grown into a thriving organization with 350+ professionals, serving millions of satisfied customers.

    Second Generation: Building the Brand Identity

    Under the leadership of Mr. Vinod Soni, Urmil Jewellers was formally established in 2000, marking a significant milestone. The brand quickly earned recognition for:
    * Premium gold & diamond collections
    * Authenticity and transparency
    * Customer-first approach

    Further strengthening trust, Mr. Suresh Soni introduced advanced gold purity testing systems and ensured the sale of Hallmark-certified jewellery, setting new industry benchmarks.

    Digital Transformation & Modern Retail Expansion

    Embracing the digital age, Mr. Dinesh Soni led the brand’s technological evolution by launching its official website and mobile app, offering customers a seamless and modern shopping experience.

    Third Generation: Innovation Meets Tradition

    The legacy continues with Mr. Shubham Soni, who joined the business in 2018. Representing the third generation, he brings:
    * Fresh retail strategies
    * Contemporary design innovation
    * A modern customer experience approach

    While driving innovation, he remains deeply rooted in the core values of trust, dedication, and customer satisfaction.

    A Brand Trusted for Generations

    For countless families, Urmil is not just a jewellery brand—it is a symbol of “bharosa” (trust). From weddings to festivals, Urmil Jewellers has been a part of life’s most cherished moments for generations.

    Strong Presence Across Delhi

    Urmil Jewellers currently operates multiple successful showrooms in Delhi, including:
    * Ram Nagar, Shahdara
    * Yamuna Vihar (Flagship Showroom)
    * Durgapuri
    * Madhu Vihar

    The Yamuna Vihar showroom is widely recognized as one of the largest jewellery destinations in East & North Delhi, offering premium collections and an unmatched shopping experience.

    Grand Openings & Celebrity Presence

    Strengthening its brand presence and public appeal, Urmil Jewellers has marked key showroom launches with renowned personalities:
    * The grand opening of the Madhu Vihar branch and Urmil Fashion Studio (Ram Nagar, Shahdara) was graced by Bollywood actress Zareen Khan
    * The Yamuna Vihar flagship showroom was inaugurated by Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela along with Hon’ble Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari

    These high-profile inaugurations highlight the brand’s growing recognition and strong market presence.

    Expansion Plans: Strengthening Delhi-NCR Presence

    Continuing its growth journey, the Urmil Group is set to launch new modern showrooms, including:
    * A grand flagship showroom in Durgapuri
    * A new showroom in Indirapuram (Uttar Pradesh)
    * An upgraded modern showroom in Ram Nagar, Shahdara
    * An additional showroom in Ram Nagar, Shahdara

    These expansions reflect the brand’s vision to bring premium jewellery closer to customers while enhancing accessibility and overall shopping experience.

    Diversification into Luxury Fashion

    In 2023, the group expanded into the luxury segment with the launch of Urmil Fashion Studio—a premium bridal and designer wear destination offering bespoke wedding collections and high-end occasion wear.

    A Legacy That Continues to Shine

    With three generations of leadership, decades of craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Urmil Jewellers Gold & Diamond India Limited continues to redefine trust and elegance in the jewellery industry.

     https://urmiljewellers.in/

    Crafted with Passion. Worn with Pride. Trusted for Generations.

    For Media Queries & Information:
    Mr. Santosh Tandon
    (P.R.O., Urmil Group)

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  • SPECTRUM FOR SAFETY: ITS India Forum Backs BIF’s Call to De-license 5.9 GHz Band for Vehicle Communication

    SPECTRUM FOR SAFETY: ITS India Forum Backs BIF’s Call to De-license 5.9 GHz Band for Vehicle Communication

    Urges government to prioritize V2V spectrum allocation as a critical enabler of India’s intelligent transportation future

    New Delhi [India], April 13:  ITS India Forum, India’s national think tank for Intelligent Transportation Systems, strongly endorses the Broadband India Forum’s (BIF) appeal to the Union Government to immediately de-license 30 MHz of spectrum in the 5.9 GHz band for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication — a move that holds the potential to fundamentally reshape road safety outcomes across the country.

    India’s road safety crisis is not merely a statistic. In 2023, 4.62 lakh road crashes claimed nearly 1.70 lakh lives — a figure that places India among the most road-accident-prone nations in the world. A joint study by DIMTS and IIT Delhi estimates that road accidents cost India 3.14% of its GDP annually, accounting for medical expenditure, productivity losses, property damage, and immeasurable human suffering. These numbers demand urgent, technology-driven intervention — and spectrum policy is where that intervention must begin.

    At the heart of this issue is the 5.9 GHz band — internationally harmonized for Intelligent Transport Systems and already operational in several advanced economies for V2V deployments. V2V communication enables vehicles to exchange real-time data on speed, position, and braking — creating a dynamic safety envelope that no single sensor or camera system can replicate. When a vehicle brakes sharply on a fog-covered highway or drifts into an adjacent lane, V2V-equipped vehicles in its vicinity receive instantaneous alerts, enabling split-second, potentially life-saving responses.

    The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that widespread V2V adoption could prevent over 4.39 lakh crashes annually — a 13% reduction. India, with its significantly more complex traffic mix and higher fatality rates, stands to benefit even more substantially.

    ITS India Forum notes with encouragement that the institutional groundwork is already firmly in place. An inter-ministerial task force, constituted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in October 2023 and chaired by the Telecommunications Engineering Centre, concluded extensive multi-stakeholder consultations — and unanimously recognized the urgency of releasing the 5.9 GHz band for license-exempt V2V use. The Wireless Planning and Coordination wing has similarly recommended de-licensing the 5875–5925 MHz range for On-Board Units (OBUs). Crucially, Indian automotive manufacturers including Tata Motors and Mahindra have already begun factory-fitting OBUs in this band — signaling that industry readiness is not a future aspiration but a present reality.

    ITS India Forum supports BIF’s well-reasoned position that V2V and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications must be treated as distinct policy tracks, each governed by a framework commensurate with its function and urgency. V2V communication is, at its core, a life-safety technology — one that cannot afford to be held hostage to prolonged regulatory cycles designed for commercial spectrum applications. Routing it through such processes risks unconscionable delay and unnecessary loss of life. Interoperability, moreover, is non-negotiable in a diverse automotive market: a Toyota OBU must communicate seamlessly with a Tata or Mahindra OBU, and that interoperability is only guaranteed through a license-exempt framework that establishes a common, open standard accessible to all manufacturers.

    Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava, President of the ITS INDIA FORUM said, De-licensing the 5.9 GHz band for V2V communication is not merely a telecom reform; it is a decisive road-safety intervention whose benefits can be measured in lives saved, crashes avoided, and response times reduced. India has both the technical capability and the institutional readiness to move forward, and a common, interoperable, license-exempt framework will help accelerate the deployment of connected vehicle safety systems at scale.

    India’s ambitions in smart mobility — anchored in the Digital India mission, the Smart Cities program, and its emerging National ITS Architecture — cannot be fully realized without a secure, harmonized spectrum foundation for connected vehicles. De-licensing the 5875–5905 MHz range is not a peripheral spectrum decision; it is a cornerstone of India’s transition to safer, smarter, and more connected roads.

    ITS India Forum calls upon the Department of Communications and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to act in concert and release this spectrum without further delay. Every year of inaction carries a measurable human cost. The technology is ready. The industry is ready. The policy must follow.

    About ITS India Forum

    ITS India Forum is India’s national think tank for Intelligent Transportation Systems, dedicated to advancing technology-driven solutions for safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility. It works across government, industry, and academia to accelerate the adoption of ITS policies, standards, and infrastructure in India.

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  • School-Based Homeopathy Clinics Cross 2.4 Lakh Student Visits, Led by Anubhuti Network

    School-Based Homeopathy Clinics Cross 2.4 Lakh Student Visits, Led by Anubhuti Network

    On-campus homeopathy clinics at Udgam School for Children and Zebar School for Children highlight rising student usage and parent-led shift towards accessible school healthcare

    Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 13: Marking World Homeopathy Day, Anubhuti Homeopathy Clinic has released consolidated data from its school-based clinic network operating across Udgam School for Children, Zebar School for Children, Satellite School for Children, and Bodakdev School for Children from Ahmedabad, highlighting the growing adoption of structured, on-campus healthcare support among students. This trend is gaining relevance as schools across India explore structured, on-campus healthcare models to improve student wellbeing and minimise classroom disruption.

    Key Highlights

    • Over 2.42 lakh student visits recorded across school campuses in 10 years (2016–2026) 
    • 55,800+ visits in FY 2025–26, highest annual footfall 
    • Footfalls nearly 2x higher than pre-Covid levels (2019–20) 
    • Primary students (Classes 1–5) account for ~57% of visits 
    • Top concerns: abdominal discomfort (19%), headaches (16%) 
    • 40% visits recorded during monsoon months (July–September)

    According to internal records, Anubhuti’s school clinic network has recorded over 2.42 lakh student visits between 2016 and 2026, indicating sustained and growing utilisation across partner school campuses. In the latest academic year, 2025–26, the network recorded 55,800+ student visits, the highest annual footfall in the dataset, reflecting a strong increase in usage. The data also indicates that current volumes are significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, pointing to a visible post-Covid shift in how parents and schools are approaching everyday student health support.

    One of the key insights from the data is the pattern of repeat usage, with students averaging over 8 visits per year, suggesting that the clinics are being consistently relied upon for school-day health concerns rather than as a one-time intervention.

    The data further shows that primary grade students (Classes 1–5) account for nearly 57% of total visits, followed by middle school students (Classes 6–8) at around 24%, indicating stronger usage among younger age groups. The most frequently recorded concerns include abdominal discomfort (19%) and headaches (16%), followed by cough, cold, fever-related symptoms, and other common school-day health issues. Another notable trend is seasonality, with nearly 40% of visits occurring during the monsoon months between July and September.

    Experts believe this reflects a broader shift in how everyday student health concerns are being managed within school ecosystems.

    Commenting on the trend, Manan Choksi, educationist and part of the school leadership, said “What we are witnessing is a clear behavioural shift. Parents today are not just looking for treatment—they are looking for accessibility, safety, and continuity for their children within the school environment. When structured care is available on campus, it builds confidence and ensures that learning is not disrupted by everyday health concerns.”

    Sharing the healthcare perspective, Dr. Sunil Shah of Anubhuti Homeopathy Clinic said:
    “Our experience across school campuses shows that timely, child-friendly support within the school setting can make a meaningful difference in managing everyday health concerns. The growing usage reflects increasing trust among parents and institutions in a model that prioritises accessibility, continuity, and responsible guidance.”

    Educators and healthcare practitioners associated with the initiative note that on-campus clinics help enable timely response to minor ailments, reduce unnecessary disruption to classroom learning, and ensure that parents remain informed, with referrals made whenever additional medical attention is required.

    As schools increasingly prioritise holistic development and student wellbeing, Anubhuti’s school-based clinic model is emerging as a practical example of how healthcare access can be integrated into the education ecosystem in a structured and scalable way. As conversations around student wellbeing evolve, such data-backed, school-integrated healthcare models are emerging as scalable solutions that can be replicated across institutions in India.

  • Amazon’s India-Tested Quick Commerce Model Goes Global, Eyes 25 Percent Order Growth

    Amazon’s India-Tested Quick Commerce Model Goes Global, Eyes 25 Percent Order Growth

    New Delhi [India], April 13: Amazon is scaling its India-born quick commerce strategy to global markets, with Jefferies projecting up to 25% growth in order volumes. The move signals a broader shift in e-commerce from convenience to immediacy as rapid delivery models reshape consumer expectations worldwide.

    So here’s the thing about Amazon: it rarely just copies a trend. It usually absorbs it, reshapes it, and then quietly pushes it somewhere bigger. And now, that whole quick commerce playbook that kinda exploded in India? Yeah, it’s not staying local anymore.

    The report (from Jefferies, if you’re wondering) basically says Amazon’s taken what worked in India, fast deliveries, hyperlocal inventory, that whole “I want it now, not tomorrow” mindset, and is starting to replicate it globally. Which… makes sense. But also feels like one of those moments you don’t notice until it’s already everywhere.

    India, weirdly enough, became the testing ground. Not Silicon Valley. Not Europe. India.

    And honestly, that says a lot.

    Because quick commerce here didn’t grow slowly. It kinda just… happened. One day, you were okay waiting 2–3 days for a package, and the next, you’re mildly annoyed if your groceries take more than 15 minutes. I mean, how did we even get here?

    Anyway, Amazon saw that shift early. Or at least earlier than most global players. The model small warehouses, tight delivery radii, heavy use of data to predict what people might order before they even search for it, it’s almost obsessive in design. Like someone sat down and said, “What if impatience was the default setting?”

    And now Jefferies is saying this could drive around 25% order growth. That’s not small. That’s… actually pretty aggressive.

    But here’s where it gets interesting. This isn’t just about speed. Speed is the headline, sure. But underneath, it’s really about behavior change. Once people get used to instant delivery, they don’t go back. They just don’t. It’s like switching from 4G to Wi-Fi; technically, you could survive without it, but why would you?

    And Amazon knows that.

    So instead of treating quick commerce as a side feature, it’s weaving it into its larger ecosystem. Which is kinda scary if you think about it. Because once they scale this globally, smaller players—who built their entire identity around “fast delivery” suddenly don’t look that special anymore.

    I mean, imagine competing on speed… against Amazon.

    Yeah.

    Amazon’s India Model Goes Global

    Also, there’s this subtle shift happening in what people order. Earlier, quick commerce was mostly groceries, essentials, and last-minute stuff. Now? It’s expanding. Electronics, small appliances, and even random impulse buys. Things you didn’t even know you wanted until they showed up in a “deliver in 10 minutes” banner.

    And don’t ask me why, but that changes how people spend their money. It just does. When the waiting time disappears, the friction disappears. And when friction disappears… spending goes up. Simple, but kinda dangerous.

    Jefferies seems pretty bullish on all this, obviously. They’re framing it as a structural growth lever, not just a temporary spike. Which, okay, fair. But it also raises a question about how sustainable this model is outside India.

    Because India has this unique mix: dense cities, a cost-effective delivery workforce, high mobile penetration, and a population that’s extremely price-sensitive but also convenience-hungry. It’s a weird combo, but it works.

    Try replicating that in, say, parts of Europe or the US, and things get messy. Costs go up. Labor dynamics change. Infrastructure isn’t always optimized for this kind of hyperlocal fulfillment. So yeah, the model travels, but it doesn’t travel cleanly.

    Still, Amazon’s not the kind of company that backs off easily. If anything, it’ll tweak the model until it fits. Or force it to fit.

    What’s also kinda fascinating is how this flips the narrative. For years, global companies brought ideas to India. Now, it’s the other way around. India’s consumer behavior is shaping global strategy. That’s… new. Or at least it feels new.

    And maybe that’s the bigger story here. Not just that, Amazon is expanding quick commerce. But that India quietly became the blueprint.

    Anyway, whether this turns into a massive win or just another expensive experiment, we’ll see. But one thing’s pretty clear: the “wait for delivery” era? It’s fading. Fast.

    And yeah, we’re all a little complicit in that.

    PNN BUSINESS

  • Forever 52’s Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation Hits 5 Million Units Sold

    Forever 52’s Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation Hits 5 Million Units Sold

    New Delhi [India], April 13: The Dubai-born professional makeup brand’s hero product reaches a landmark milestone, driven by artist trust and not advertising

    Forever 52 today announced that its Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation has crossed 5 million units sold, a landmark milestone that reflects not just commercial success but the depth of trust the brand has built within the Indian professional makeup community. Founded in Dubai in 2008 and entering the Indian market in 2018, Forever 52 took a deliberate path that set it apart from the start with no celebrity endorsements and no mass advertising, just a product handed directly to the people who would put it to its hardest test. 

    That community, including makeup artists, beauty educators, salon chains, and makeup academies, responded with something far more valuable than a campaign impression. Under the growing visibility of dailylifeforever52, they responded with conviction. Within two to three years of launch, the Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation had become a staple in professional kits across the country, recommended by senior artists to emerging talent and incorporated into academy curricula as a benchmark for base makeup performance. 

    The product’s appeal was immediate and clear. Known widely under forever 52, it delivered international-grade formulation built for flawless, high-definition results, long wear, and adaptability across India’s diverse skin tones at a price point that made professional quality genuinely accessible. It filled a gap the market had long felt but rarely seen addressed. Five million units later, it continues to.

    _“Reaching 5 million units is a number, but what it represents is something bigger — the faith of every artist who put this foundation in their kit before the world had heard of us. We built this product for professionals, and they built this brand in return. That exchange is what we’re celebrating today.”_ 

    —Mr. Shabbir Bohra, M.D, FMT Group 

    The brand has continued to expand its foundation range since, often referenced alongside other Forever 52 product innovations, launching the Pro Artist Foundation with a larger 60ml format, a first in its segment, and a wider shade range designed to serve fair, medium, and deeper Indian skin tones with equal precision. Each iteration has stayed true to the same founding principle to build for the professional, and the consumer will follow. 

    Forever 52 is now entering its next phase of innovation, with the broader Forever52 brand evolving to introduce base products infused with skincare ingredients including ceramides, reflecting a shift in how it supports both makeup performance and skin health. The focus is no longer just on how makeup looks under lights, it is equally on what it does for skin over time. With a targeted ₹400 crore sales milestone ahead and aggressive expansion plans in motion, the brand’s ambitions are as carefully considered as the product that started it all.

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  • PNB and Fitistan Lead PNB Soldierathon Delhi 2026 to a Landmark Finish, Emerging as India’s Fourth-Largest Run

    PNB and Fitistan Lead PNB Soldierathon Delhi 2026 to a Landmark Finish, Emerging as India’s Fourth-Largest Run

    New Delhi [India], April 13: Sunday, April 5, marked the culmination of India’s fourth-largest run, PNB Soldierathon Delhi 2026, hosted through a landmark collaboration between Punjab National Bank and Fitistan. True to its motto, “Run With Soldiers. Run For Soldiers,” Soldierathon serves as a bridge between civilians and the armed forces — honouring the sacrifices of martyrs while supporting the rehabilitation and well-being of wounded and injured soldiers.

    • With 27,000 on-ground and 66,000 virtual participants, PNB Soldierathon 2026 stands as a testament to the partnership between PNB and Fitistan and their ability to mobilise communities for a national cause
    • The event was bookended by the Race Expo at Thyagaraj Stadium, along with cultural showcases that seamlessly combined fitness with nation-building

    The success of PNB Soldierathon highlights not only Fitistan’s ability to mobilise large communities but also its strength in harnessing fitness as a powerful tool for nation-building, aligned with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Fit India Movement. With the goal of making the event accessible to both seasoned runners and first-time participants, the race featured multiple categories, including a 21 km-half marathon, 10 km-run and 5 km-run. 

    The route, passing through India Gate and Central Delhi, added emotional and iconic significance, transforming the run into a deeply meaningful experience. The build-up to race day was thoughtfully planned: participants were invited to the Race Expo at Thyagaraj Stadium, not only to collect their BIBs but also to engage with the Soldierathon and SENA teams, understand the larger purpose underlying the initiative, and experience the spirit of the event beforehand.

    The expo brought together brand activations, cultural showcases, and community interactions — creating a vibrant space where people connected with fitness, with each other, and with the cause. Participants were also encouraged to engage with the Fitistan app ecosystem, which provided guidance, tracking, and motivation throughout their fitness journey. On race day, participants experienced interactive fitness and wellness zones, community engagement activities and digital integrations, while interacting with wounded and paraplegic soldiers and visiting SENA stalls managed by soldiers’ families. All these elements came together to deliver a truly immersive and impactful experience. 

    Alongside the on-ground event, PNB MD & CEO Shri Ashok Chandra launched the Virtual PNB Soldierathon on the Fitistan app, which has already crossed 66,000 registrations. The challenge will continue until April 11 and is expected to surpass 1 lakh participants. Through this activation, PNB and Fitistan are aiming to set a world record for the highest cumulative distance covered in a virtual run. Shri Ashok Chandra also expressed confidence and pride in the initiative, sharing his vision of making PNB Soldierathon one of India’s most impactful and prestigious runs in the coming years. Beyond participation, the event created meaningful impact through Fitistan’s SENA initiative, where a portion of proceeds is directed towards the rehabilitation and welfare of wounded and injured soldiers. Soldierathon Patron Hon’ble Governor General V.K. Singh applauded the strong partnership between Punjab National Bank and Soldierathon while commending Shri Ashok Chandra’s vision.

    Shilpa Bhagat, Co-founder, Fitistan, said, “The Soldierathon initiative is deeply personal to me. Fitness has always been an integral part of my life, but over time, it evolved into a way to build resilience, discipline, and purpose. With Fitistan, my vision has always been to make fitness more inclusive and meaningful. Soldierathon perfectly aligns with that vision — where fitness is not just about performance, but about impact. Being part of something that combines wellness, community and purpose is truly fulfilling.”

    Soldierathon was originally envisioned by Major Surendra Poonia (VSM) under the guidance of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who believed that fitness could be a powerful medium to connect the nation with its soldiers. Beyond aligning with Fitistan’s mission of combining fitness with purpose, PNB Soldierathon offers civilians a rare and valuable opportunity to interact with the armed forces: by running alongside soldiers, engaging with them, and witnessing their discipline firsthand, participants develop a deeper sense of respect, gratitude, and connection. Major Poonia lauded every runner, NCC cadet, member of the Indian Armed Forces, PNB leadership and the entire PNB Soldierathon team for delivering an event that strengthens the Fit India Movement and raises awareness about wounded and paraplegic soldiers.

    PNB Soldierathon 2026 is more than just a race; it is a movement. By combining fitness with patriotism and social impact, it is building a strong foundation for responsible, aware citizens. This landmark partnership between Punjab National Bank and Fitistan – Ek Fit Bharat is not just creating a fitter India but also a stronger, more united and deeply patriotic nation.