MAM
Jos Alukkas celebrates cultural pride at Miss South India 2025
MUMBAI: Jos Alukkas brought a touch of gold to the 23 edition of Miss South India, held recently in Bengaluru, as Liz Jaymon Jacob claimed the title of Jos Alukkas – Garden Vareli Miss South India 2025. Aishwarya Ullas and Ria Sunil were named first and second runners-up, among 21 finalists representing the vibrant cultural diversity of the southern states.
Jos Alukkas managing director Paul Alukkas said, “Miss South India 2025 is a celebration of individuality and tradition. Every contestant is a reflection of strength, elegance and cultural pride, values that align perfectly with what we stand for.”
John Alukkas managing director, added, “At Jos Alukkas, we celebrate the spirit of womanhood. The pageant brings together confidence, creativity and fashion, while remaining rooted in the rich heritage each contestant represents.”
The event showcased the innovation, grace and cultural vibrancy of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, featuring a mix of performances and personal stories that celebrated the spirit of the South.
Organised by Pegasus Global since 2002, Miss South India is one of the region’s most prestigious beauty pageants, highlighting empowerment and cultural heritage through rounds featuring ethnic wear, cocktail and gown segments.
For over six decades, Jos Alukkas has been a trusted name in jewellery, known for its Bis-certified gold and Iso 9001:2000 recognition, the first of its kind in the industry. Led by chairman Jose Alukkas and managing directors Varghese, Paul and John Alukkas, the brand continues to redefine modern jewellery retail with innovation and integrity across its 60-plus showrooms and online presence.
Brands
HP launches Smart Champs learning game show with JioStar for students
Sanya Malhotra hosts quiz series blending fun, learning and prizes
NEW DELHI: HP India has teamed up with JioStar to launch HP Smart Champs, a new learning-based game show designed to make education engaging for school students across the country.
Hosted by Sanya Malhotra, the 10-episode series brings together students from Grades 5 to 9, who compete in teams through quiz and puzzle-based challenges that test knowledge, logic and teamwork. The show will begin streaming on JioHotstar from April 11 and will premiere on Nick on April 18, with weekend episodes airing at 7 PM.
Powered by HP Smart Tank printers, the format integrates print-based learning into the gameplay, using worksheets, clues and visual problem-solving tools to encourage hands-on participation. The idea is to move students beyond rote memorisation and towards more applied, curiosity-led learning.
The competition promises high stakes, with winners set to receive a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while runners-up will take home Rs 5 lakh. Additional rewards include HP AI laptops, Smart Tank printers and accessories, while the winning school will be awarded an HP Smart Tech Lab.
Speaking about the initiative, HP India managing director Ipsita Dasgupta said, “At HP, we believe nurturing India’s youth is key to the country’s progress, and technology plays a foundational role in enabling this. With HP Smart Champs, we wanted to create something beyond traditional learning, a fun-filled platform where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking take centre stage.”
On the show’s reach, JioStar head entertainment sales Mahesh Shetty said, “HP Smart Champs reflects how children today learn through exploration and experience. With Nick and JioHotstar, we are creating a multi-screen approach that is both engaging and meaningful.”
Highlighting the role of print, HP India senior director print Satish Kumar said, “The show brings print-based learning to life in an engaging format, helping students develop deeper understanding through hands-on experiences.”
The journey to the finale began with participation from over 1,000 schools across 26 cities, narrowing down to 34 finalists who will compete in a studio showdown in Mumbai.
With its blend of entertainment, education and technology, HP Smart Champs is positioning itself as more than just a quiz show. It is a nationwide push to make learning interactive, accessible and, above all, a lot more fun.
