Brands
Conrad Pune flips the script with Conread, a literary salon for serious (and stylish) readers
MUMBAI: In a city where reading in public is often mistaken for prepping for UPSC, Conrad Pune is on a mission to glam up bookworming. The luxury hotel is launching Conread, a monthly literary initiative that promises to bring together sharp minds, sharper questions, and a serious love for the written word—all set against the five-star finery of one of Pune’s swankiest addresses.
Kicking off on 21 April, just ahead of World Book Day, Conread is Conrad Pune’s plush new chapter in culture curation. Think intimate conversations with top authors, deep dives into everything from fiction to finance, and evenings where literary crushes might actually be seated next to you.
The premiere edition features bestselling author and finance whiz Devina Mehra, in conversation with Mint’s head of personal finance Neil Borate. The duo will unpack Mehra’s new release Money, Myths and Mantras – The Ultimate Investment Guide, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing session.
“With Conread, we are opening our doors to a new kind of luxury which is intellectual, immersive, and community-driven. This series is our way of giving back to the cultural fabric of Pune by creating a space where book lovers and thinkers can gather, converse, be bold and stay inspired. We’re thrilled to launch this journey with Devina Mehra and look forward to many more chapters to come,” said Conrad Pune general manager Abhishek Sahai.
Mehra, who is rarely short on candour or capital insight, said, “I’m excited to be part of the inaugural edition of Conread at Conrad Pune. The combination of my two favourites, books and investing/ finance in spaces that feel open, warm, and genuinely curious, sounds just perfect. And I have no doubt this evening will be just that. I truly appreciate Conrad Pune for creating a space where stories, questions, and real-life insights could flow freely. I look forward to sharing my journey and insights with everyone.”
The concept merges literature with luxury and intellect with indulgence. Each edition of Conread promises intimate author interactions paired with that classic Conrad hospitality—elevating the humble book club into a literary salon with candlelight, canapés, and conversation that crackles.
Brands
KKR sixes to power EV charger rollout under VIDA campaign
Cricket meets clean mobility as big hits spark India’s charging growth
NEW DELHI: VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, has teamed up with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that turns cricketing flair into real-world impact.
Titled ‘6 for 6’, the initiative promises to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The idea is simple but powerful, as each big hit on the field contributes directly to expanding India’s fast-charging infrastructure.
The campaign builds on VIDA’s growing network, which already spans over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. With EV adoption gaining pace, the brand is using cricket’s mass appeal to accelerate both awareness and infrastructure growth.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Hero MotoCorp emerging mobility business unit chief business officer Kausalya Nandakumar said, “Cricket has an incredible ability to unite and inspire millions across the country. With the ‘6 for 6’ campaign, we are turning every big hit on the field into a step towards a cleaner and a more accessible mobility future.”
She added that VIDA’s expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology are designed to make EV ownership more convenient and practical for everyday users.
From the franchise’s side, the campaign is also about giving on-field moments a larger purpose. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive officer Venky Mysore said, “The ‘6 for 6’ campaign exemplifies the potential of sport as a platform for meaningful, real-world impact. By linking every six to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, this partnership transforms fan excitement into tangible progress.”
As part of the rollout, VIDA has introduced co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colours, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. The chargers are designed for quick top-ups, powering VIDA scooters from zero to 80 percent in about an hour, while also being positioned along key highways to support longer journeys.
The initiative also taps into VIDA’s removable battery system, which allows users to charge using standard household plug points, adding flexibility to the charging ecosystem.
By blending the thrill of cricket with the urgency of clean mobility, VIDA and KKR have found a neat way to make every six count twice, once on the scoreboard and again on India’s road to an electric future.
