West Bengal Steps Up Fight Against Child Marriage as UN Recognises November 27 Global Day

West Bengal Steps Up Fight Against Child Marriage as UN Recognises November 27 Global Day

India’s fight against child marriage has received a major global endorsement, with the United Nations (UN) declaring November 27 the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage . The date carries special significance for India as it marks the day the Government of India launched the ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ campaign in 2024.

Bhuwan Ribhu, founder of Just Rights for Children (JRC), initiated the international call for a dedicated global day to end child marriage. In March 2026, during his address at the United Nations, Bhuwan Ribhu reiterated the call for a UN resolution in the presence of international leaders, including Dr Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of African nation Sierra Leone, who also supported the initiative. Subsequently, Sierra Leone, backed by 67 nations, including India, led the effort by presenting a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly seeking to designate November 27 as a global day dedicated to ending child marriage. On September 4, the United Nations passed the resolution. During the presentation of the resolution at the United Nations, First Lady of Sierra Leone Dr Fatima Maada Bio made a special mention of JRC in the UN Hall.

JRC is one of the world’s largest child protection networks and is leading the Child Marriage Free World campaign to end child marriage through law, accountability and collective action. JRC works on bringing together all stakeholders responsible for protecting children. In India, its partners work alongside governments and law-enforcement agencies across 782 districts, mobilising communities, schools, panchayats, women, faith leaders, police, political representatives and vulnerable populations. Working with 14 partner organisations across 23 districts in West Bengal, JRC has played a key role in preventing 33,262 child marriages in the state over the past three years, as part of a wider effort that has stopped and prevented more than 5,50,000 child marriages in India.

Just Rights for Children founder Bhuwan Ribhu was present with the UN delegation during the adoption of the resolution and was the only civil society representative present. Welcoming the UN declaration, he said in his immediate reaction, “India is the Vishwaguru of child protection today. The Child Marriage Free India campaign, which started first by the children and communities and was subsequently supported and scaled by the Government, with over 25 crore people coming together and taking a pledge on 27th November 2024, has today become an International Day accepted by the world. It is a moment of great pride for all Indians, and I would like to congratulate and thank the children, the community leaders, the faith leaders, and especially my NGO partners whose hard work and dedication made today possible. I would specifically like to mention and thank the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt Annapurna Devi, for its decisive leadership and commitment. The world is looking at us, and our work has only just begun.”

He further added, “Today marks the tipping point, showing that the end of the crime of child marriage is inevitable and imminent. Now is the time for governments globally to provide decisive leadership to end child marriage by 2030 and ensure education, protection and development of every child to realise their full potential. I am grateful to the First Lady of Sierra Leone for her leadership in championing this cause and would also like to thank 67 countries that cosponsored our resolution.”

The decline in child marriage is also reflected in West Bengal’s data. According to the 2019-21 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 41.6% of women aged 20-24 in the state were married before the age of 18. This figure declined to 36.4% in the state according to NFHS-6 (2023-24), compared to 20.1% at the national level. The Government of India has set a target of reducing the prevalence of child marriage in the country by 10% by 2026. With continued efforts at the national and state levels, the prevalence of child marriage in India is expected to fall below 15% by the end of 2026. This progress contributes to the global commitment to eliminate child marriage by 2030, in line with Target 5.3 of the Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), which calls for the elimination of all harmful practices, including child, early and forced marriage.

India has increasingly taken its efforts beyond its borders. Inspired by the ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ campaign, the ‘Child Marriage Free Nepal’ campaign was launched in December 2024 through the efforts of JRC. The movement has since expanded to more than 99 countries, with over 250 million people taking pledges to work towards ending child marriage in their respective communities and countries. Between December 2025 and March 2026, JRC also undertook the 100-day ‘Child Marriage Free World’ campaign, aimed at engaging governments across 100 countries and reaching one lakh schools. The campaign’s experiences and recommendations were subsequently taken to international platforms, including the United Nations, as part of efforts to build stronger and more coordinated global action.

THAI FOOD FESTIVAL AT THE CONCLAVE VERDE

THAI FOOD FESTIVAL AT THE CONCLAVE VERDE

WHAT: Thai Food Festival

WHEN: 5th September to 20th September, 2026

WHERE: The Conclave Verde

ADDRESS: The Condoville, Budherhat Rd, 2052, Chak Garia, Panchasayar, Upohar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700094

POCKET PINCH: Dishes starting at ₹279 + taxes

Experience the vibrant flavours of Thailand as The Conclave Verde brings its much-awaited Thai Food Festival from 5th to 20th September. The specially curated menu celebrates the essence of Thai cuisine with an exciting selection of authentic dishes, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, sour and savoury flavours.

The festival menu features an array of Thai favourites, including Thai Spring Roll, Chicken Satay, Thai Fish Cakes (Tod Mun Pla), Crispy Prawn, Vegetable Pad Thai, Thai Green Curry with Seasonal Vegetables, Thai Green Chicken Curry, Stir-Fried Prawns with Holy Basil (Pad Kra Pao Goong), Gai Pad Med Mamuang, and a delightful Darshan with Vanilla Ice Cream to round off the meal. Each dish has been thoughtfully prepared using authentic ingredients and traditional recipes to deliver a truly immersive Thai dining experience.

Whether you’re a fan of fragrant curries, flavour-packed stir-fries, succulent satays or classic Thai noodles, The Conclave Verde invites diners to savour an unforgettable culinary journey through Thailand, one delicious bite at a time.

ওয়ালমার্ট বৃদ্ধি এমএসএমই কানেক্ট কলকাতা ২০২৬ পশ্চিমবঙ্গের উদ্যোক্তাদের জন্য বাজারে প্রবেশাধিকার ও রপ্তানি প্রস্তুতিকে অগ্রাধিকার দিল

ওয়ালমার্ট বৃদ্ধি এমএসএমই কানেক্ট কলকাতা ২০২৬ পশ্চিমবঙ্গের উদ্যোক্তাদের জন্য বাজারে প্রবেশাধিকার ও রপ্তানি প্রস্তুতিকে অগ্রাধিকার দিল

কলকাতা, পশ্চিমবঙ্গ, ৩ সেপ্টেম্বর, ২০২৬ — আইডিয়াস টু ইমপ্যাক্ট ফাউন্ডেশনের সহযোগিতায় ওয়ালমার্ট বৃদ্ধি কলকাতায় আয়োজন করল ‘ওয়ালমার্ট বৃদ্ধি এমএসএমই কানেক্ট ২০২৬’। এতে অংশ নেয় অতিক্ষুদ্র, ক্ষুদ্র ও মাঝারি উদ্যোগ (এমএসএমই), পশ্চিমবঙ্গ সরকারের এমএসএমই ও বস্ত্র দপ্তর, বৈদেশিক বাণিজ্য মহানির্দেশালয়, ভারতীয় ক্ষুদ্র শিল্প উন্নয়ন ব্যাঙ্ক, ওয়ালমার্ট মার্কেটপ্লেস, ফ্লিপকার্ট এবং অন্যান্য অংশীদাররা।
এই উদ্যোগের লক্ষ্য ছিল এমএসএমইগুলিকে ব্যবসায়িক ও ডিজিটাল সক্ষমতা বাড়ানোর বাস্তবসম্মত পথ দেখানো, রপ্তানির প্রস্তুতির গুরুত্ব বোঝানো এবং দেশীয় ও আন্তর্জাতিক বাজারে প্রবেশের সুযোগ তুলে ধরা। উদ্যোক্তারা ওয়ালমার্ট মার্কেটপ্লেস ও ফ্লিপকার্টের মাধ্যমে ডিজিটাল বাণিজ্য ও বাজারে প্রবেশাধিকার নিয়ে বিশেষজ্ঞদের সঙ্গে মতবিনিময় করেন। আলোচনা ও কর্মশালার মাধ্যমে উদ্যোক্তারা ব্যবসায়িক প্রস্তুতি, ডিজিটাল বাণিজ্য এবং আন্তঃসীমান্ত বাণিজ্য সম্পর্কে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ধারণা লাভ করেন।
কলকাতা পূর্ব ভারতের অন্যতম প্রধান বাণিজ্যকেন্দ্র। এখানকার উদ্যোক্তাদের সঙ্গে সংযোগ স্থাপন এবং ডিজিটাল বাণিজ্য ও বৃহত্তর বাজারের জন্য প্রস্তুতি জোরদার করার একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ মঞ্চ তৈরি করেছে এই আয়োজন। বিশেষ প্রশিক্ষণ, কর্মশালা ও আলোচনাচক্রের মাধ্যমে ওয়ালমার্ট বৃদ্ধি এমএসএমইগুলির দীর্ঘমেয়াদি ব্যবসায়িক প্রস্তুতিতে সহায়তা করার লক্ষ্যে তৈরি হয়েছে।

“এমএসএমই পশ্চিমবঙ্গের অর্থনৈতিক পরিমণ্ডলের অবিচ্ছেদ্য অংশ এবং রাজ্যজুড়ে কর্মসংস্থান সৃষ্টি ও অর্থনৈতিক উন্নয়নে উল্লেখযোগ্য অবদান রাখছে। ডিজিটাল সরঞ্জাম ব্যবহার করে এমএসএমইগুলির সক্ষমতা জোরদার করা এবং ই-কমার্স মঞ্চের মাধ্যমে বাজারে প্রবেশাধিকার বাড়ানো তাদের দীর্ঘস্থায়ী বৃদ্ধির জন্য অপরিহার্য। যথাযথ সহায়তা ও সুযোগ পেলে আমাদের এমএসএমইগুলি আত্মবিশ্বাসের সঙ্গে ব্যবসা বাড়াতে, কর্মসংস্থান সৃষ্টি করতে এবং বিশ্ববাজারে প্রতিযোগিতামূলক প্রতিষ্ঠান গড়ে তুলতে পারবে,” বলেছেন এমএসএমই ও বস্ত্র দপ্তরের সচিব শ্রী সুমিত গুপ্ত।

“আন্তর্জাতিক বাজারে নিজেদের পরিধি বাড়ানোর ক্ষেত্রে এমএসএমইগুলির উল্লেখযোগ্য সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে। আন্তঃসীমান্ত বাণিজ্য সম্পর্কে ধারণা দৃঢ় করা এবং প্রয়োজনীয় সক্ষমতা গড়ে তোলার মাধ্যমে উদ্যোক্তারা আন্তর্জাতিক সুযোগ কাজে লাগাতে পারবেন,” বলেছেন বৈদেশিক বাণিজ্য মহানির্দেশালয়ের যুগ্ম মহাপরিচালক শ্রী বিষ্ণু কান্ত।
“পশ্চিমবঙ্গে ওয়ালমার্ট বৃদ্ধি উদ্যোক্তাদের সক্ষমতা বিকাশ, ডিজিটাল সরঞ্জাম গ্রহণ ও নতুন বাজারে সংযোগ স্থাপনের মাধ্যমে আরও শক্তিশালী ব্যবসা গড়ে তুলতে সহায়তা করছে। এই উদ্যোগের মাধ্যমে আমরা এমএসএমইগুলিকে সেই দক্ষতা ও বাজারে প্রবেশের পথ করে দিচ্ছি, যা তাদের টেকসইভাবে ব্যবসা সম্প্রসারণ, প্রতিযোগিতামূলক সক্ষমতা বাড়ানো এবং বৃদ্ধির নতুন সুযোগ তৈরি করতে সাহায্য করবে,” বলেছেন ওয়ালমার্টের জ্যেষ্ঠ সহ-সভাপতি অবনীশ গুপ্ত।
পশ্চিমবঙ্গের এমএসএমই পরিমণ্ডলে হস্তশিল্প, বস্ত্র, তাঁত, খাদ্য প্রক্রিয়াকরণ, চর্মশিল্প, প্রকৌশল পণ্য ও পাটশিল্পে সুপ্রতিষ্ঠিত ও উদীয়মান শিল্পগুচ্ছ রয়েছে। কলকাতার পাশাপাশি হাওড়া, দুর্গাপুর, শিলিগুড়ি, আসানসোল, খড়্গপুর ও মালদার উদ্যোক্তাদের সঙ্গেও যুক্ত হচ্ছে এই কর্মসূচি। এর ফলে বিভিন্ন ক্ষেত্র এবং ব্যবসায়িক বৃদ্ধির বিভিন্ন পর্যায়ে থাকা উদ্যোগগুলির কাছে পৌঁছতে পারছে এই কর্মসূচি।
বর্তমান অবস্থা ও ভবিষ্যৎ লক্ষ্য মাথায় রেখে তৈরি হয়েছে ওয়ালমার্ট বৃদ্ধি। ডিজিটাল দক্ষতা উন্নয়ন, অনলাইন বাজারে সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি, ব্যক্তিগত পরামর্শ ও সরাসরি সহায়তার মাধ্যমে এমএসএমইগুলিকে শক্তিশালী ও টেকসই ব্যবসা গড়তে সাহায্য করছে। অর্থব্যবস্থা, বিপণন, কর্মী ব্যবস্থাপনা ও পরিবেশগত স্থায়িত্ব নিয়ে প্রশিক্ষণ দেওয়া হচ্ছে, যাতে উদ্যোক্তারা পরিবর্তনশীল বাজারে ব্যবসা বৃদ্ধি ও প্রতিযোগিতার জন্য প্রয়োজনীয় সক্ষমতা গড়ে তুলতে পারেন।
২০১৯ সালে সূচনার পর থেকে ওয়ালমার্ট বৃদ্ধি ভারতজুড়ে ১,১৫,০০০-এরও বেশি এমএসএমইকে প্রশিক্ষণ দিয়েছে। ২০২৮ সালের মধ্যে মোট ১,৭০,০০০ এমএসএমইকে সহায়তা করার লক্ষ্য নিয়ে এটি উদ্যোক্তাদের সক্ষমতা বাড়াতে এবং দেশীয় ও আন্তর্জাতিক বাজারে ব্যবসা সম্প্রসারণে সহায়তা করছে।

নতুন অধ্যায়ে জয়পুর লিটারেচার ফেস্টিভ্যাল

নতুন অধ্যায়ে জয়পুর লিটারেচার ফেস্টিভ্যাল

কলকাতা | ১ সেপ্টেম্বর, ২০২৬: ২০২৭ সালের জানুয়ারিতে জয়পুর লিটারেচার ফেস্টিভ্যাল তার ঐতিহাসিক ২০তম সংস্করণে প্রবেশ করছে। দুই দশকের এই যাত্রা বই, ভাবনা ও সংলাপের মাধ্যমে লেখক, শিল্পী, চিন্তাবিদ এবং পাঠকদের একত্রিত করেছে।

গত বিশ বছরে উৎসবটি স্থানীয় সমাবেশ থেকে বিশ্বের অন্যতম মর্যাদাপূর্ণ সাহিত্য মঞ্চে পরিণত হয়েছে। নানা ভাষা ও সংস্কৃতির মধ্যে মতবিনিময়ের সুযোগ তৈরি করে সাহিত্যকে বৃহত্তর জনপরিসরে পৌঁছে দিয়েছে এই উৎসব।

টিমওয়ার্ক আর্টস-এর ম্যানেজিং ডিরেক্টর সঞ্জয় কে. রায় বলেন, “বই ও ভাবনা মানুষকে একত্রিত করে… ২০তম সংস্করণে আমরা অতীতকে উদ্‌যাপন করছি, আবার ভবিষ্যতের অসংখ্য সংলাপের দিকে তাকিয়ে আছি।” কো-ডিরেক্টর নমিতা গোখলে যোগ করেন, “ভারতের আত্মা নিহিত রয়েছে তার সাহিত্যিক ঐতিহ্য ও ভাষাগত বৈচিত্র্যে।” এ বছর ‘ভাষা স্বরমালা’ সিরিজের মাধ্যমে বহু ভারতীয় ভাষাকে সম্মান জানানো হবে। প্রেসিডেন্ট প্রীতা সিং জানান, “আমরা নতুন পাঠক-শ্রোতার কাছে পৌঁছনো এবং আরও গভীর সহযোগিতা গড়ে তোলার দিকে মনোযোগী।”

শুরু থেকে উৎসবে অংশ নিয়েছেন ৮,০০০-এরও বেশি লেখক ও শিল্পী। সরাসরি প্রাঙ্গণে এসেছেন ৫০ লক্ষেরও বেশি মানুষ, আর ডিজিটাল ও সম্প্রচার সহযোগিতায় পৌঁছেছে প্রায় ১০০ কোটির কাছে। জয়পুর থেকে বিশ্বজুড়ে ১৫টিরও বেশি আন্তর্জাতিক সংস্করণও অনুষ্ঠিত হয়েছে। সাহিত্য, ইতিহাস, রাজনীতি, বিজ্ঞান, দর্শন, অর্থনীতি ও শিল্পকলার পাশাপাশি বহুভাষিক সাহিত্য ও অনুবাদকে বৃহত্তর পাঠকের কাছে পৌঁছে দিয়েছে এই মঞ্চ।

“ভাবনা। গল্প। সংলাপের ২০ বছর।” এই বার্তা ভারতের ২২টি সরকারি ভাষায় প্রকাশিত হয়েছে। রাজস্থান সরকারের সহযোগিতায় উৎসবটি অনুষ্ঠিত হবে ১৪–১৮ জানুয়ারি, ২০২৭, জয়পুরে।

IGNITE Seminar Trains Over 600 Technicians, Promotes Industry Innovation

IGNITE Seminar Trains Over 600 Technicians, Promotes Industry Innovation

Kolkata: IGNITE organised its Skill Development Initiative and Industry Seminar 2026 in Kolkata on Saturday, training over 600 technicians and promoting a skilled, future-ready workforce. The programme brought together industry leaders, architects, designers, students and professionals from electrical, automation and technology sectors. Representatives from Signify, Philips, Havells and Bajaj Electricals participated in the event. An industry seminar, exhibition and workshop encouraged knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Key discussions focused on artificial intelligence in interior designing, future-ready landscaping, retrofitting West Bengal’s heritage structures, and power automation with AI for industrial growth. Supported by Smartpower Automation, WEBSOL and Laghu Udyog Bharati, IGNITE promoted skill development and innovation across West Bengal.

Orko’s CC1 Celebrates Bengal’s Culinary Diversity with ‘Radhunir Diary – Micro Cuisines of Bengal’

Orko’s CC1 Celebrates Bengal’s Culinary Diversity with ‘Radhunir Diary – Micro Cuisines of Bengal’

Celebrating the extraordinary diversity of Bengal’s culinary heritage, Orko’s CC1 presents ‘Radhunir Diary – Micro Cuisines of Bengal’, a specially curated food festival that will be held from 23rd August to 14th September 2026. Inspired by the belief that Bengal is much more than its familiar staples, the festival explores the state’s lesser-known regional cuisines, taking diners on a flavourful journey through the culinary traditions of Rarh, the Sundarbans, Kayastha, Santhal and Bangal communities.

Speaking about the festival, Kaushik Sengupta, Corporate General Manager, Sens Hospitality Division, said, “Bengal’s food heritage is incredibly layered, yet many of its regional cuisines remain unexplored. Through ‘Radhunir Diary’, we wanted to celebrate these lesser-known culinary traditions and showcase how geography, culture and community have shaped the state’s remarkable food legacy. We hope our guests discover a new side of Bengal through every dish.”

Curated by Executive Chef Makhan Chandra Parya, the festival menu brings together an array of authentic regional specialities, including Murshidabadi Murgh Dum Biryani, Chicken Chaanp, Prawn Malai Curry, Machher Kalia, Bhuna Khasir Mangsho, Dim Shorshey, Hash Er Mangsho Kosha, Bamboo Chicken, Pabda Shorshe, Begun Posto and several other traditional delicacies that celebrate Bengal’s diverse culinary traditions.

With thoughtfully recreated regional recipes and authentic flavours, ‘Radhunir Diary – Micro Cuisines of Bengal’ promises a memorable gastronomic experience, inviting diners to rediscover the many kitchens, communities and stories that make Bengal’s cuisine truly unique.

Seekho Hits 100 Million Downloads as Indians Learn on the Go

Seekho Hits 100 Million Downloads as Indians Learn on the Go

KOLKATA, August 24, 2026 – Seekho, India’s edutainment and short-video learning platform, has completed six years of operations, crossing 100 million lifetime downloads and reaching 4 million current paid subscribers.

In 2025, Seekho added 21.75 million users, while retained users spent 28–29 minutes daily on the platform, up from around 23 minutes a year earlier. English Speaking and Part-Time Income emerged as its largest learning categories, each attracting 81–93 lakh unique viewers and over 20 lakh watch hours.

“When we started Seekho, the idea was simple – learning should be as engaging as entertainment, but far more meaningful. Six years later, what excites us most isn’t just the scale we’ve reached; it’s how people are choosing to learn,” said Rohit Choudhary, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Seekho. “Millions of Indians are opening Seekho every day to improve their communication, build an additional source of income, understand finance, or learn a new skill they can apply immediately.”

Nearly 90% of learning sessions take place on Android devices, with 9 PM–11 PM emerging as a key learning window. Seekho is also seeing growing interest in applied AI, including AI-led video creation, voiceovers and digital business growth.

Launched in 2020, Seekho now offers 20,000+ expert-led videos across 15+ categories in Hinglish and regional languages. Having raised over US$40 million, it has expanded with Seekho Junior and English Seekho. As it enters its seventh year, Seekho plans to broaden content categories and strengthen AI-led personalised learning.

  Kolkata’s favourite international dance festivalbrings you a stunning line-up of artists in its 6th edition that centers provocative works about human identity and personal experiences. 

 
 Kolkata’s favourite international dance festival
brings you a stunning line-up of artists in its 6th edition that centers provocative works about human identity and personal experiences.
 

 
 
20-24 August 2026, various times and venues (see full programme)
Performances, Showcases, Residency, Film Screening, Artists’ Talks, Workshops, Dance Jam
 
Performances and Workshops Chargeable l Film Screening, free but by prior registration.
 
Venues: Alliance Française du Bengale, International Management Institute (Alipore), Anuchintan Art Centre,, Studio Cocoon, Pathshala Dance Academy, Rajya Sangeet Academy, Red Bari, The Creative Arts Academy, The Urban Theatre Project.
 
Tickets:  https://dancebridges.in/book-tickets-2026/

We are pleased to announce the 6th edition of the Festival will be held in Kolkata from August 20th-24th, 2026. This year’s festival has been curated by Artistic Director, Ms. Vanessa Mirza (UK/India), with the theme ‘Converging Identities’ and will present international and national artists presenting performances, workshops, dance film screenings and artistic showcases. The works reflect the depth of human experiences seen from individual and social perspectives. Each choreographer’s work is crafted through the lens of diverse political, economic and cultural contexts that bring an impressive range to this year’s Festival programme. The opening night took place on Thursday August 20 at Gyan Manch with electrifying performances and a talk show. Performances included ‘Alleo’ Colectivo Glovo Spain; ‘We are not beautiful’ Laura Kenyon UK;
‘Waiting Music’ Dom Czapski UK; and ‘Meeting Point’ Chen Yu-Chi Taiwan.

 ”I love that Dance Bridges Festival carries an intention to listen, share and understand different cultures and people from across the globe. This intention is clearly reflected in this year’s theme of ‘Converging Identities’ particularly given what the city of Kolkata is witnessing at this present moment. Reflecting on identity and commonality is really important in our current times.” – Vanessa Mirza

The artists presented this year include performances from Spain, France/Italy, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Brazil and two commissions under our Dance Bridges Festival Residency project. There are two longer documentary films from France and India alongside dance shorts from Cyprus, Ukraine and Italy. The artist showcases include works by artists from different Indian cities as well as two artist pitches from Nigeria and Tunisia. The Dance Bridges Festival residency led by Chen Yu-Chi(Taiwan) and Laura Kenyon (UK/France) will culminate in performances of new works with artists from India, Bangladesh and Denmark.

We are working with a wide variety of venues across the city to bring performances to a theatre/gallery/site-specific venue close to you. Check out our Festival venues and full schedule to find out more. Ticket links are available via Razor Pay and will be posted on our website and social media for all events. Mark your calendars for this weekend in August for an exciting programme of contemporary dance!
Dance Bridges Festival Trailer 2026
 
 
 

 

SBI General Insurance Launches New Motor Insurance Film Featuring Pankaj Tripathi

SBI General Insurance Launches New Motor Insurance Film Featuring Pankaj Tripathi

August 2026: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, has unveiled the next chapter of its integrated brand campaign, ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’, with a new film centered on Motor Insurance. Featuring actor and brand ambassador Pankaj Tripathi, the campaign continues to bring alive SBI General’s core message of trust by highlighting the importance of choosing an insurance partner with confidence.

The Motor Insurance film carries forward the core thought of ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’, into another important aspect of everyday life. Built around a simple yet relatable insight, the film highlights that just as people are careful about whom they trust with something as valuable as their vehicle, choosing the right motor insurance partner also deserves the same thought and confidence. Through a simple yet engaging narrative, the film encourages consumers to look beyond just a product and choose a partner who stands by them when it matters.

For most customers, buying a vehicle is a carefully considered decision, yet motor insurance is often treated as a routine purchase. Through the motor film, SBI General Insurance encourages consumers to make informed choices by looking beyond the policy and choosing a partner they can trust. Reinforcing its commitment to making insurance simpler, more accessible and more relevant, the company continues to deliver protection backed by trust and support when it matters most.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “Insurance is built on the confidence customers have in the partner they choose. As vehicles become an integral part of everyday life, customers are looking for protection that is simple, transparent and dependable. Through the Motor Insurance chapter of ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’, we continue our commitment to making insurance more relevant while delivering the support customers need throughout their ownership journey.”

Adding to it, Mr. Rathin Lahiri, Head – Marketing & CSR, SBI General Insurance, said , “At the heart of this campaign is a simple idea: A car is an achievement, its private space, self-expression, gives independence and control, and is one of the most valuable assets one owns. When it comes to protecting something so valuable to you, why would you take a chance? It is better to go with the most trusted brand with its wide network of garages and documented claims support experience. Pankaj Tripathi’s natural warmth and authenticity make this message resonate effortlessly across audiences. Through this campaign, we hope to encourage customers to view motor insurance not just as a policy, but provide assurance of having a dependable partner by their side.”

Known for his relatable screen presence and effortless storytelling, Pankaj Tripathi continues to embody the values of trust, simplicity and dependability that define the ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’ campaign. His natural connection with audiences across geographies and demographics makes him an ideal ambassador for SBI General Insurance’s customer-first philosophy.

The campaign will be amplified across a wide range of platforms including television, print, outdoor, OTT, and digital channels, allowing SBI General to connect with consumers through multiple formats and touchpoints.

Supporting the campaign is SBI General Insurance’s comprehensive motor insurance proposition, designed to make vehicle ownership simpler and more secure. Backed by an extensive network of over 8,400+ network garages, cashless repair facilities, faster approvals and a transparent claims process, the company continues to enhance the overall customer experience while helping vehicle owners stay protected against unexpected situations with greater confidence.

Eicher Trucks and Buses Inaugurates Dedicated Dealership for Eicher Pro X in Howrah

Eicher Trucks and Buses Inaugurates Dedicated Dealership for Eicher Pro X in Howrah

• Future Automobile Agency Private Limited, Howrah, is part of Eicher Pro X born-digital dealership network.
• The dealership is designed to redefine commercial vehicle ownership in Howrah by delivering an omni-channel retail experience, along with enhanced service and uptime support.
• Strategically located on NH-16, near the Kona Expressway, the dealership brings Eicher’s new-age, fuel-efficient and 100% connected vehicles within easy reach of fleet owners and transporters across the Kolkata Port logistics corridor.
Howrah, 19th August 2026: Eicher Trucks & Buses, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. (VECV), inaugurated its exclusive dealership for its Eicher Pro X Small Truck range in Howrah. The state-of-the-art Future Automobile Agency Private Limited 3S dealership facility is located at Dey Motors Compound, NH-6, Chamrail, Kona, Howrah, West Bengal – 711114, on NH-16.

The Eicher Pro X showroom will offer the 3T and 3.5T GVW range of small commercial vehicles in EV, diesel and CNG variants, providing customers with solutions for a wide range of applications. Spread across approximately 8,000 sq. ft., the dealership brings sales, service and spare parts together under one roof for Pro X customers.

The facility features dedicated service bays, a spacious display area, customer and driver lounge and utility spaces to ensure an enhanced customer experience. Equipped with interactive digital displays, the dealership enables fleet owners and transporters to explore the Eicher Pro X range in detail and experience Eicher’s connected, customer-centric mobility ecosystem.

Commenting on the inauguration, S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VECV, said, “The inauguration of our first Eicher Pro X dealership in East India marks an important step in expanding the Pro X ecosystem into one of the country’s key commercial and logistics markets. Howrah, together with the wider Kolkata region, is a significant industrial and logistics hub, with growing demand for efficient and reliable last-mile logistics. Through our partnership with Future Automobile Agency, we are bringing Eicher’s Pro X range closer to customers in this important market, while strengthening our presence and service support across Eastern India.”

Commenting on the inauguration, Abhishek Chaudhary, SVP, SCV – Sales & Marketing, VECV, said, “The Eicher Pro X range has been developed for the evolving needs of modern last-mile logistics with a strong focus on efficiency, connectivity, driver comfort and uptime. With three fuel-efficient powertrains, 100% connected technology and multiple configuration options, the Eicher Pro X is engineered for e-commerce, parcel courier, FMCG and industrial goods movement, with the driver’s needs kept in focus for efficiency, safety and timely delivery. We welcome Future Automobile Agency Private Limited to our family as we take a significant step towards making the Eicher Pro X ecosystem accessible to valued customers in the Howrah region.”

The new Eicher Pro X dealership offers strong accessibility for customers and fleet operators across the Howrah region. The dealership is strategically located close to major industrial hubs such as the Jalan Industrial Complex, Lakshmanpur Industrial Estate, Sankrail Industrial Park and the Jangalpur–Dhulagarh industrial belt. Connected via NH-16, the Kona Expressway, NH-19 and the Kolkata Port corridor, the dealership is well positioned to serve Howrah’s growing industrial and logistics ecosystem.

The Eicher facility integrates sales, servicing, and spare parts under one roof, supported by service infrastructure designed to maximize uptime and operational efficiency. Fleet owners and transporters in the region will benefit from quick access to Eicher’s small commercial vehicle range, reinforcing the company’s commitment to enabling efficient and reliable last-mile logistics.

Born-digital and customer-centric, the dealership features an interactive customisation zone that allows customers to configure vehicles based on cargo body requirements, load deck options, fuel choices and colour preferences, bringing a new level of flexibility and personalisation to the commercial vehicle buying experience. Trained technicians, advanced service support tools and customer engagement platforms further ensure prompt service delivery and a seamless ownership experience.

The facility is also equipped with dedicated EV charging infrastructure and EV-trained technicians, in line with Eicher’s readiness to support emerging mobility requirements. Additional customer support features such as power backup infrastructure, EOS Vans and EOS Bikes for doorstep services, and GPS-enabled breakdown assistance further enhance customer support and maximise vehicle uptime.

About VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV):

VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV) is a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Limited. In operation since July 2008, the company’s businesses include Eicher branded trucks and buses, Volvo Buses in India, exclusive distribution of Volvo Trucks in India, exclusive global manufacturing hub for Volvo Group for 5- & 8-liter automotive engines, Engineering Components business and Eicher Power Solutions (Gen Sets and Versatile Engines). A multi-brand, multi-division Company, backed by innovative products & services, VECV today is recognized as an industry leader for modernizing commercial transportation in India and the developing world.

For further information, please contact:
Namah Chawla
PR & Corp. Communications, VECV
nchawla2@vecv.in