DBS Foundation Collaborates With Haqdarshak To Grow Financial Literacy Program with SGD 5.1 Million in Funding

DBS Foundation Collaborates With Haqdarshak To Grow Financial Literacy Program with SGD 

India, February 06, 2025 - DBS Foundation, in partnership with Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (HESPL), has announced a new program designed to help advance financial inclusion, with a focus on rural India. The program is part of DBS Bank's larger commitment, announced in 2023, to allocate SGD 1 billion over the next decade to improve the lives and livelihoods of low-income and underprivileged individuals. The DBS Foundation will provide SGD 5.1 million to fund the program, which has targeted impacting 500,000 beneficiaries in totality across the country. India’s rural population can often face challenges such as lack of information about and access to financial services and social welfare entitlements. The DBS-funded program addresses these critical gaps by providing resources to help this demographic understand financial concepts and products as well as the tools and assistance on how to access social welfare schemes, supported by Haqdarshak’s team of agents. The program implementation will focus on rural regions in the states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

As part of the program, dedicated field teams, including Haqdarshak’s female agents, will be deployed to conduct both digital and financial literacy training sessions along with entitlement screening sessions. The program will prioritise enrolling eligible beneficiaries, particularly women, the elderly, and nano entrepreneurs like street vendors and tradesmen, into appropriate social welfare schemes. Additionally, to bolster their protection against financial fraud, participants will receive anti-scam awareness trainings. Enhancing the effectiveness of these services, the Haqdarshak Yojana Card, a QR coded card will facilitate easy access to the beneficiary’s social entitlement profiles online with periodic information updates on scheme eligibility. DBS employees will actively participate in the program delivery under its staff volunteer movement ‘People of Purpose’ to increase content awareness as well as conduct community sessions along with the Haqdarshak team.

Azmat Habibulla, Managing Director and Head - Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, DBS Bank India, said, "Since inception more than a decade ago, the DBS Foundation has been focused on uplifting lives and livelihoods and, it is especially meaningful to be able to launch a new intervention with Haqdarshak, who we have nurtured since 2018 as a Business For Impact. Having completed three decades in India, DBS Bank is more committed than ever to stay true to its purpose-driven vision and catalyse change. Together with Haqdarshak, we will take forward this shared mission to go beyond banking and empower communities through financial inclusion. By tackling real knowledge gaps with targeted solutions, we can enable pathways out of poverty and create lasting impact to help build a better world for generations to come.” Over the years, Haqdarshak has been engaging with and been supported by the DBS Foundation (DBSF), including via the 2018 DBSF Business for Impact Grant and the 2020 DBSF Business Transformation Improvement Grant. In 2023 Haqdarshak became a DBSF program partner in India to foster digital and financial literacy among citizens from vulnerable communities across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Through this initiative over 10,000 digital and financial literacy sessions were successfully conducted for over 2 lakh beneficiaries, along with entitlement screening and facilitation support to over 4 lakh individuals so they could avail relevant welfare schemes. Notably, around 90% of the participants trained in digital and financial literacy were women.

Commenting on the announcement, Aniket Doegar, Co-Founder and CEO of Haqdarshak, said "As we navigate an increasingly fast-paced world, it is important to support those who may need more assistance and ensure that no one is left behind. Our new program is aimed at fostering long-term economic resilience and self-sufficiency among underprivileged communities by giving them the skills and confidence to access the benefits of the formal system. The DBS Foundation has been instrumental as a trusted partner in our journey and their consistent support over the years has enabled us to scale our reach and impact more lives positively. We look forward to partnering once again on a very purposeful initiative, bringing about real impact by sparking collective action." This program is part of the DBS Foundation’s broader objective to support vulnerable communities and enable them to gain financial resilience across Asia, with a specific focus on the underprivileged and ageing members of society. By championing Businesses For Impact, DBS advocates for enterprises with a dual bottom line of profit and purpose, nurturing those that align with its mission and integrating them into DBS’s culture and operations.

 Enhanced DBS program builds on earlier purpose-driven partnership with Haqdarshak

Aims to improve financial resilience and social security for 500,000 beneficiaries, including 50,000 nano entrepreneurs in India

Sarkar steals the show yet again for Singams

 Sarkar steals the show yet again for Singams

It was a case of left-hand drive when it came to the Chennai Singams’ eighth league tie in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 2. Opener Jagat Sarkar returned to form with a bang while new-ball bowler Jignesh Patel starred with the ball during the Singams’ clash against Srinagar Ke Veer on Thursday. Sarkar’s serious six-hitting (45, 19b, 1x4, 4x6) meant the Chennai Singams put on a 108 for six in its allotted quota of 10 overs at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane. Patel then starred with two wickets to stretch the match into the very last over. Veer’s opener Sagar Ali then smashed a six and a four to snatch the victory away from Singams with only four balls to spare.

The unfortunate result notwithstanding, the Singams remained in the fourth position in the points table, with two more league games yet to be played. In-form Ketan Mhatre started the night game on a perfect note, sending Suvronil Roy packing over long-off for a huge six in the very first over of the match. Sarkar, the left-hander, joined the party in the next over, despatching a quick one by Firoz Shaikh over deep midwicket for a six.

While Mhatre – who became only the second player to cross the 200-run mark this season – was caught out in the next over, Sarkar carried on in rich vein. When Roy was reintroduced into the attack in the fifth over, Sarkar welcomed him with three huge sixes, including two of the first two balls. The over saw Singams adding 23 runs to race to 65 for two at the halfway stage. In the next over, Sarkar’s onslaught was over as he missed his fifty by only five runs. But V. Vignesh’s cameo and Patel’s six in the last over meant Singams crossed the triple-digit mark without any fuss. Patel’s two strikes in the sixth over to dismiss Sanskar Dhyani and Lokesh meant the Veer were reduced to 37 for three in six overs. Sagar then changed the course of the match with lusty blows to tilt the game in Veer’s favour.

Chennai Singams 108/6 in 10 overs (Jagat Sarkar 45, V. Vignesh 21; Sahil Longale 2/8) lost to Srinagar Ke Veer 112/3 in 9.2 overs (Sagar Ali 49 not out, Dilip Bajwa 26 not out; Jignesh Patel 2/17).

Step Into Sobé Decor: Bangalore’s New Luxury Home Decor Destination

              Bangalore’s New Luxury Home Decor Destination

Mumbai, February 2025: Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, has always been a city of contrasts, blending tradition with modernity. Now, the city's discerning residents have a new destination to indulge their passion for luxury home decor. Sobé Decor, the renowned name in the world of exquisite home decor and tableware, has opened its doors to a stunning new store in the heart of Indiranagar, Bangalore. Located in the iconic Falaknuma Building, the neighbourhood known for its upscale lifestyle and discerning clientele, makes it easily accessible to those who appreciate the finer things in life. The new store boasts a curated selection of premium brands, including the latest collections from Gloss from Norway, Chabby Chic, Copacabana, and Christina Oliver. Each collection is a masterpiece, reflecting exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design, elevating your living space tenfold. Originally established as an exclusive Noritake showroom, the space has been rebranded as Sobé Decor to include a curated selection of other premium brands, tapping into the city's evolving tastes for global luxury. The new store offers the widest range of Noritake collections in India under one roof, along with other renowned brands. Its premium setup reflects Sobé Decor’s ethos of providing an unparalleled luxury shopping experience, making it a standout destination for home and tableware enthusiasts. The prime location and the store's elegant ambience create an immersive shopping experience that is both luxurious and inspiring. Bangalore, known for its cosmopolitan culture and discerning taste, was a natural choice for Sobé Decor's expansion.

“Bangalore, a city of dreams and aspirations, has always captivated us with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. We are thrilled to bring the world of luxury home decor to the discerning people of Bangalore. Our new store is more than just a retail space; it’s a destination where elegance meets functionality. Our goal is to elevate the home decor experience, offering a curated collection of exquisite pieces that resonate with the city’s discerning taste. We’re confident that our new store will inspire homeowners to create spaces that are not just beautiful, but also deeply personal.” said Nivedita Jegadeesh, Founder of Sobe Decor.

So, whether you're looking to revamp your living room, bedroom, or dining area, Sobé Decor has everything you need to transform your space. Visit the Sobé Decor store in Bangalore today and discover a world of luxury and elegance.

About Sobé Decor: Sobé Decor is a premier luxury lifestyle brand that redefines opulence for discerning individuals. With a rich heritage spanning over two decades, Sobé Decor has established itself as a leading destination for exquisite tableware, kitchenware and home decor. Driven by a passion for perfection, the brand curates a stunning collection of international luxury brands, ensuring that every piece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. From elegant dinner sets to sophisticated home accents, Sobé Decor elevates everyday living to extraordinary experiences. With a strong presence in India through its exclusive stores and online platform, Sobé Decor continues to redefine the art of luxury living.

Captain Dhekale stars for Singams in Game 7

 Captain Dhekale stars for Singams in Game 7

Captain Sumeet Dhekale’s pyrotechnics helped Chennai Singams set a respectable total. But the Bangalore Strikers openers Ajaz Bepari and Saroj Pramanik took a cue from the in-form Singams’ opening combination to overhaul the target without much fuss in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 2. Despite the defeat, with Strikers overhauling a target of 88 in the eighth over at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane, the Singams maintained its third position in the points table. For the Men in Yellow, though, it was an evening that will be remembered for Dhekale’s dashing knock of unbeaten 40 (25b, 4x6).

For a change, the opening combination for the Singams failed to fire, thus pegging the team back. Jagat Sarkar was caught in the slips off the second ball of Farman Khan’s opening over. Prashant Gharat then smashed consecutive fours off Irfan Patel in the next over before perishing soon afterwards. At 19 for two, Dhekale took guard with Ketan Mhatre looking good at the other end. The left-handed Dhekale tonked Pramanik over deep midwicket in the fourth over to hint that it was his day. Even though the Singams kept on losing wickets at the other end regularly, Dhekale continued to bat swiftly.

At 56 for four, Dhekale decided to switch into top gear. Off the 11 balls he faced from the last overs combined, he scored a whopping 26 runs to catapult the Singams to a total of 87 for five off its quota of 10 overs. More than the two overs in Ashiq Ali’s penultimate overs, his last-ball six off Irfan drew one of the loudest cheers of the evening. More than the Singams’ bowlers, the Strikers opening combination of Pramanik and Ajaz Bepari took a cue from Dhekale’s exploits. The well-oiled Singams attack could not withstand the onslaught as Strikers cruised to the target.

In fact, the Singams were in danger of losing the match by 10 wickets, a rarity in ISPL. With five runs required to win and Bepari just three runs away from a fifty, he miscued a heave to be caught by Gharat off left-arm pacer Jignesh Patel in the deep. Sanjay Kanojiya then finished the game off with a six off the next ball.

Chennai Singams 87/5 in 10 overs (Sumeet Dhekale 40 not out, Ketan Mhatre 20) lost to Bangalore Strikers 89/1 in 7.2 overs (Ajaz Bepari 47, Saroj Pramanik 26 not out; Jignesh Patel 1/6).

AMFI 's Maha Kumbh campaign - Initiative Spreading Financial Literacy to masses

 AMFI 's Maha Kumbh campaign - Initiative Spreading Financial Literacy to masses

Mumbai, 6 th February 2025: The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) is making its presence felt at the Maha Kumbh 2025, where over 40 crore Indians are expected to visit. With a vision to spread financial literacy and educate millions of visitors about the benefits of Mutual Funds, AMFI’s campaign integrates innovative on-ground activities to ensure deep engagement.

Two specially designed buses have been stationed at high footfall areas, offering a unique experience where Kumbh visitors can watch engaging videos on the basics of mutual funds, participate in interactive quizzes, while re-charging their mobile phone at charging stations. People answering questions correctly are gifted a 12-year Hindu calendar, the Nivesh Panchang, highlighting auspicious days to start SIPs, making it a cherished keepsake.

A visually striking installation in the shape of a ‘kalash’, providing warm filtered water to visitors serves as another touchpoint for engagement. The ‘kalash’ carries messaging around SIP and how small savings can help to achieve dreams. To further strengthen its connection and help the crowd brave the cold, AMFI is distributing branded blankets to pilgrims housed in government-constructed tents, ensuring warmth and comfort while reinforcing its messaging around SIP. The initiatives not only focus on financial literacy but also keep in mind the need of the visitors in the cold weather thus building a strong brand connect and bridge the trust deficit.

Speaking about AMFI’s initiative at Maha Kumbh 2025, Navneet Munot, Chairman, AMFI, commented: "At AMFI, we are committed to empowering individuals with financial literacy. Our participation in Maha Kumbh is a meaningful step toward merging the essence of tradition with the opportunities of financial inclusion. Just as Kumbh symbolizes the confluence of culture and spirituality, mutual funds represent the confluence of faith and discipline—especially SIPs, which enable individuals and families to achieve their financial aspirations. We are honoured to bring this message to one of the world’s most iconic gatherings."

Adding further, Venkat N Chalasani, Chief Executive, AMFI, said: " The Maha Kumbh Mela allows us to connect with millions of people and create trust and recall by helping them understand the importance of financial planning and the role of mutual funds in achieving their life goals. Through innovative activations and culturally relevant messaging, we aim to empower individuals to take charge of their financial futures."

Adding to the vibrancy, the “Sahi Hai Mandli” troupe, dressed in ‘Mutual Funds Sahi Hai’ branded attire, which rewards positive acts like conserving water or maintaining cleanliness, while energizing the atmosphere with a live jingle sung by the troupe which talks about developing a new good habit of investing in mutual funds through SIP. The Sahi Hai Mandli gives the Nivesh Panchang as the reward, driving home the messaging of SIP.

The campaign also extends beyond the Kumbh grounds with a 30-day Out-of-Home (OOH) campaign covering key locations in Prayagraj and Varanasi, including railway stations and airports. The Ganga Gomti Express, which plies daily between Prayagraj and Lucknow has been branded with ‘Mutual Funds Sahi Hai’ messaging. Collaborations with local channels like UP Tak will amplify visibility through exclusive stage programming, nukkad natak on mutual funds, live streams, and strategic content placements. 

Through these initiatives at the Maha Kumbh Mela, AMFI aims to create awareness about Mutual Funds and lead to financial inclusion by blending financial literacy with cultural significance at this grand event.

Unique activations that focus on financial literacy and creates awareness about mutual funds amongst the visitors that are travelling from across the country

Creating one the biggest outreach through experiential marketing at MahaKumbh 2025, pegged as the world’s largest congregation of people

One of the largest interactive on-ground activations witnesses the spiritual journey of people

Vicky Kaushal seeks divine blessings at Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Vicky Kaushal seeks divine blessings at Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

 Chhaava kicks off its Pan-India promotional tour in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar! Vicky Kaushal seeks divine blessings at Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, invoking the strength of Lord Shiva before embarking on this epic journey.

A.R. Rahman’s musical brilliance is here – AayaReToofan, song is out now! Experience the epic saga of Chhaava, produced by Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film is releasing in cinemas on 14th February 2025!

Jab shaurya ki dhun bajti hai, toh sirf sangeet nahi, ek #Toofan uthta hai!

#Chhaava #ChhaavaOnFeb14

सोनी मराठी शोधत आहे मराठी परंपरेचा वारसदार,

कोण होणार महाराष्ट्राचा लाडका कीर्तनकार

सोनी मराठी वाहिनी गेल्या ६ वर्षांपासून सतत नवनवीन विषयांवर निरनिराळ्या मालिका आणि कार्यक्रम प्रेक्षकांसाठी घेऊन येत असते. हे कार्यक्रम प्रेक्षकांच्या पसंतीला नेहमीच उतरतात आणि प्रेक्षकांच्या मनात घरही करतात. यातच भर घालण्यासाठी सोनी मराठी वाहिनी एक नवा कार्यक्रम ‘कोण होणार महाराष्ट्राचा लाडका कीर्तनकार’ घेऊन येत आहे. या कार्यक्रमाद्वारे टेलिव्हिजनच्या जगतात सुरु होणार कधीही न झालेलं एक अद्भुत शोधपर्व! असा आगळावेगळा कार्यक्रम सोनी मराठी वाहिनी आपल्या प्रेक्षकांच्या भेटीला घेऊन येणार आहे.            महाराष्ट्राला संतांची भूमी म्हणतात. याचं कारण म्हणजे महाराष्ट्रात थोर आणि महान संतांनी जन्म घेतला आहे. वेगवेगळ्या पद्धतीनं काव्य, संगीत, अभिनय आणि क्वचित नृत्य यांच्यासह सादर होत असलेल्या भक्तिरसपूर्ण, कथारूप, एकपात्री निवेदनाला कीर्तन असं म्हणतात आणि हे करणाऱ्या व्यक्तीला कीर्तनकार. कीर्तनाची वैभवशाली परंपरा आपल्या महाराष्ट्राला लाभली आहे आणि असेच हजारो कीर्तनकार महाराष्ट्रात कीर्तन परंपरा जपण्यासाठी कीर्तन शिकत आहेत. ‘कोण होणार महाराष्ट्राचा लाडका कीर्तनकार?’ या कार्यक्रमात सहभागी होण्यासाठी नोंदणी प्रक्रिया सोनी लिव्हवर ७ फेब्रुवारीपासून २७ फेब्रुवारीपर्यंत घेण्यात येणार आहे. १२ वर्षं आणि त्यापेक्षा अधिक वय असलेला प्रत्येक स्पर्धक या कार्यक्रमात सहभागी होऊ शकतो. या कार्यक्रमात सहभाग घेण्यासाठी सगळ्यात आधी सोनी लिव्ह अँप डाउनलोड करा. ‘कोण होणार महाराष्ट्राचा लाडका कीर्तनकार’ च्या पेज वर जाऊन रजिस्ट्रेशन ला सुरवात करा. आवश्यक ती माहिती भरा व नियम आणि अटी मंजूर करून पुढे जा. आपला कीर्तनाचा १ ते २ मिनिटांचा ऑडिशन व्हिडीओ अपलोड करा आणि आपले ऑडिशन पूर्ण करा.

टेलिव्हिजनच्या इतिहासात पहिल्यांदाच कीर्तनकारांवर आधारित रिऍलिटी शो प्रेक्षकांच्या भेटीस येत आहे. कीर्तनाची परंपरा लाभलेल्या महाराष्ट्रात कीर्तनकारांसाठीचा हा कार्यक्रम ही एक सुवर्णसंधी ठरेल. इतकंच नाही तर महाराष्ट्रातील प्रत्येक जिल्ह्याच्या कानाकोपऱ्यातून कीर्तनकार शोधले जाणार आहेत. महाराष्ट्रात कीर्तनपरंपरा वर्षानुवर्षं सुरु आहे. हीच कीर्तनपरंपरा आणि कीर्तनाचा वारसा असाच पुढे वृद्धिंगत व्हावा यासाठी ‘सोनी मराठी वाहिनी’ हा नवा कार्यक्रम घेऊन येत आहे. ‘कोण होणार महाराष्ट्राचा लाडका कीर्तनकार’ या कार्यक्रमात भाग घेण्यासाठी सोनी लिव्ह या ऍपवर नोंदणी करावी लागणार आहे.

सोनी मराठी शोधत आहे मराठी परंपरेचा वारसदार, ‘कोण होणार महाराष्ट्राचा लाडका कीर्तनकार'