MAM
Zee Bharat Youth Fest spotlights Gen Z energy in Ahmedabad
From ideas to music, young voices drive a vibrant campus celebration
AHMEDABAD: If the future had a soundtrack, it would probably sound a lot like the Zee Bharat Youth Fest 2026. Held at Gujarat University, the event turned an ordinary campus day into a lively mash-up of ambition, ideas and music, drawing students and young achievers from across the city.
With free entry and open doors, the fest quickly became a buzzing hub where conversations flowed as easily as playlists. The day kicked off with a ceremonial lamp lighting in the presence of ministers Kaushik Venkariya and Pravin Mali, MLA Amit Thakar, ZMCL CEO Raktim Das and Z 24 Kalak editor Dixit Soni.
Minister Pravin Mali struck a forward-looking note, praising the clarity of today’s youth and stressing that governance must keep pace. He also announced plans for a faceless RTO system in Gujarat, aimed at digitising transport services, cutting corruption and boosting transparency.
MLA Amit Thakar captured the mood of a generation rewriting its own rulebook. Today’s youth, he said, are moving beyond the traditional job hunt to become job creators. In an AI-driven world, staying informed is no longer optional but essential.
Adding weight to the proceedings, deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi launched a 100-metre road safety drive and unveiled the ‘generation z india’ poster, underlining the role of responsible citizenship. The event also honoured emerging youth icons from Gujarat, giving the audience real-life role models to cheer for.
The tone shifted from policy to personal when influencer Nitin Jani, widely known as Khajur Bhai, took the stage. His advice was simple but sticky: start small and start now. Reflecting on his journey, he spoke candidly about ignoring negativity and focusing on what truly matters.
A lighter, witty touch came from podcast creators Manan Desai and Chirayu Mistry of ‘Lavari’. Their mix of humour and honesty resonated with the crowd as they unpacked the realities of building a creative career in a digital-first world.
As evening fell, the fest found its rhythm. Singer Ishani Dave lit up the stage with a performance that blended traditional notes with contemporary beats, turning the campus into a lively concert ground.
For Raktim Das, the message was clear. India’s growth story, he said, will not just be written in boardrooms but across classrooms and communities. The festival, he added, is a platform to amplify young voices and shape the idea of a developed India.
More than just a day-long event, the Zee Bharat Youth Fest felt like a snapshot of a generation in motion restless, expressive and ready to take charge.
Brands
JP Morgan names Rahul Badhwar as senior country officer for India
HSBC veteran to drive growth and strategy as US bank strengthens India presence
MUMBAI: JP Morgan has appointed Rahul Badhwar as its senior country officer for India, signalling a renewed push in one of Asia Pacific’s most critical markets.
Badhwar, who joins from UK-based HSBC, brings three decades of experience in sales and trading, most recently serving as global head of corporate sales for markets and securities services in London. His career spans stints in India, Dubai and Hong Kong, giving him a strong international perspective.
He will replace Kaustubh Kulkarni, who left JP Morgan in September 2025 to join rival Citigroup. Badhwar will be based in Mumbai from July, report to Leenart, and join JP Morgan’s Asia Pacific Management Committee.
According to an internal memo reviewed by PTI, Badhwar’s responsibilities include expanding the bank’s full suite of offerings to clients, strengthening governance and controls, and supporting talent development and community initiatives.
JP Morgan operates across trade solutions, investment banking, and equity capital markets in India, employing more than 55,000 people nationwide. Badhwar’s appointment is expected to reinforce the bank’s strategy and growth ambitions in a market critical to its Asia Pacific operations.
