MAM
News18 and Harpic observe Jal Pratigya Diwas & World Toilet Day
NEW DELHI: Water conservation has been solely focused on the idea of saving drinking water; however, the pandemic of 2020 has taught people that it is essential to not just use water but utilise it in moderation. Taking a step towards raising awareness on water conservation to maintain hygiene as well as practice efficient water management, News18 and Harpic’s #MissionPaani campaign introduces Swachhta aur Paani (Hygiene and Water).
In a special virtual event hosted by News18, India vice president M Venkaiah Naidu, minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, minister of education Ramesh Pokhriyal along with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and other dignitaries extended their contribution and support to the cause by taking the Jal Pratigya (water conservation oath). Marking Jal Pratigya Diwas and World Toilet Day, the live event also witnessed the launch of a new campaign anthem which encourages society to take forward the responsibility mantle across the country. Anthem lyricist Prasoon Joshi and composer A R Rahman encouraged viewers to pledge their support to the cause.
The two-hour live event anchored by Anand Narasimhan and Kishore Ajwani saw several chief ministers lay out their 2025 water security and hygiene goals. Furthermore, former vice president of the US and environmentalist Al Gore and World Toilet Organisation founder Jack Sim shed light on some of the most pioneering initiatives around the cause. The event also invited several school principals and students from across the country to take the Jal Pratigya and share their stories on water conservation. The award-winning #MissionPaani initiative championed the cause by raising actionable awareness and lending support to water conservationists all around the nation. With the initiative’s extension and renewed objective, the aim is to collectively work towards ensuring water availability for our future generations.
The #MissionPaani campaign was inspired by PM Narendra Modi’s appeal to come together for water conservation with Jal Andolan. Network18 along with Reckitt Benckiser announced the #MissionPaani campaign in 2019, and through Swachhta aur Paani, they will highlight the critical components of both water and hygiene and bring everyone together in this mission for a safe & sustainable tomorrow.
Shekhawat said, “All of us must collectively work towards conserving water by 2024 so that each house is equipped with adequate water supply. We have been bestowed with ample of resources by Mother Nature and now we must learn to preserve and live a sustainable life. Water management and judicious water consumption being one of the ways.”
Network18 MD & group editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi said, “We at Network 18, are honoured to be the voice of the nation as we come forward to work towards our shared hope of a safe and sustainable future. We seek to bring a positive change in the society by raising awareness and supporting a cause that will help millions of people from around the country. As a media platform, our role in providing responsible information and ensuring its availability has helped us in driving impactful reforms.”
Reckitt Benckiser group global CEO Laxman Narasimhan commented, “Over a year ago we defined our purpose where we exist to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world. We also articulated our fight- to ensure access to high quality products, information that drives behaviour change and availability. Water is instrumental in enabling hygiene and sanitation. Because with the availability of water and our commitment to hygiene and sanitation we can put in place a first line of defense to address this issue. Today on World Toilet Day, we are reaching out to a wide audience on a common message on water conservation and hygiene. We can all be ambassadors of water and hygiene. I urge you all to join me to take your Jal Pratigya today.”
Climate Reality Project and Water Aid have joined hands with #MissionPaani – ‘SwachhtaaurPaani’ as Knowledge Partners.
MAM
L’Atelier 1664 returns to Lakmé Fashion Week with Abraham & Thakore
Design platform showcases ‘The Sari’torial’ blending tailoring and drapes.
MUMBAI: When couture meets craft, even a sari can learn a few new tricks. L’Atelier 1664 is returning to Lakmé Fashion Week 2026 in Mumbai, continuing its design led partnership with one of India’s most influential fashion platforms. The cultural platform will once again spotlight the intersection of fashion, craftsmanship and contemporary lifestyle, this time through a special runway collaboration with design house Abraham & Thakore.
Titled “The Sari’torial,” the curated showcase reimagines the sari through a conversation between structured tailoring and fluid draping. Drawing inspiration from the relaxed elegance of French style and the rich heritage of Indian textiles, the collection explores everyday silhouettes refined with signature fabrics, subtle detailing and a restrained colour palette highlighted by L’Atelier 1664’s distinctive house blue.
The collaboration marks a continuation of L’Atelier 1664’s presence at Lakmé Fashion Week after its debut association last year, reinforcing the platform’s growing engagement with India’s creative and fashion ecosystem.
Beyond the runway, the brand will also host its signature lounge at the fashion week venue, creating an immersive experiential space designed to bring together design, culture and contemporary lifestyle in one setting.
Carlsberg India vice president for marketing Partha Sarathi Jha said the association reflects the brand’s interest in supporting creative expression. “Lakmé Fashion Week is one of the most important platforms for fashion and creative expression in India. Through L’Atelier 1664, we aim to celebrate this intersection of culture, design and contemporary lifestyle. We are excited to continue our association with Lakmé Fashion Week and collaborate with Abraham & Thakore to bring this vision to life on the runway,” he said.
Designers David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore added that the collection explores a cross cultural design dialogue. “With Sari’torial, we wanted to explore a conversation between French ease and Indian craftsmanship. Our collaboration with L’Atelier 1664 blends a relaxed French sensibility with the richness of Indian textiles, reinterpreting traditional crafts through a modern lens,” they said.
L’Atelier 1664 is part of the portfolio of Carlsberg Group, the Denmark headquartered beverages company whose Indian arm has operated in the country since 2007. Today, Carlsberg India runs 14 breweries across the country, including eight company owned facilities and six contract manufacturers, supporting a portfolio that includes brands such as Carlsberg Smooth, Carlsberg Elephant, Tuborg Green, Tuborg Strong, Tuborg Ice Draft, Tuborg Classic and 1664 Blanc.
Through its continued presence at Lakmé Fashion Week, L’Atelier 1664 is positioning itself not just as a sponsor but as a cultural platform connecting fashion, design and lifestyle conversations in India’s evolving creative landscape.
