MAM
Prapti Anand joins Stepathlon advisory board to boost social impact
Mumbai: Stepathlon proudly announces the appointment of Prapti Anand to its global advisory board, reinforcing its dedication to ‘Commerce with Compassion’. Prapti brings extensive international expertise in strategic philanthropy across both public and private sectors, most recently leading CSR investments and partnerships for Fondation CHANEL in APAC.
Stepathlon CEO, Ravi Krishnan expressed enthusiasm about the new addition: “Stepathlon’s mission is to be both a ‘thought and thoughtful leader’. Prapti has the capability and conviction to carry and ensure we fulfil our purpose.Prapti’s active involvement and experience will strengthen our commitment to ‘Commerce with Compassion’ and ‘Endeavour with Empathy’”
Anand’s reputation for building impactful, multi-sector partnerships aligns seamlessly with Stepathlon’s goal of promoting well-being. Her leadership is set to enhance the company’s initiatives that foster social impact through strategic alliances.
Anand shared her excitement: “I am excited to join a company that prioritises well-being and social impact blending purpose with commerce. I look forward to contributing to Stepathlon’s ambition to create a healthier, happier population and planet!”
Stepathlon’s commitment to improving global well-being is set to deepen with this strategic appointment, advancing its vision for a compassionate approach to business and community growth.
MAM
Raghu Rai passes away at 83, leaves behind iconic legacy
Padma Shri-winning photographer documented history across 5 decades.
MUMBAI: The lens may have stilled, but the stories it captured will never fade. Raghu Rai, one of India’s most celebrated photojournalists, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. He breathed his last at a private hospital in New Delhi after battling cancer and age-related health issues.
His son, Nitin Rai, revealed that Rai had been diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, which later spread to the stomach and, more recently, the brain. Despite multiple rounds of treatment, his health had declined in recent months.
Born in 1942 in Jhang, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Rai entered photography in his early twenties, inspired by his elder brother, photographer S. Paul. Beginning his career in the mid-1960s, he went on to build a body of work that spanned more than five decades, contributing to global publications such as Time, Life, GEO, Le Figaro, The New York Times, Vogue, GQ and Marie Claire.
His global recognition took a decisive leap in 1977 when legendary French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson nominated him to join Magnum Photos, placing him among the world’s most respected visual storytellers.
Rai’s lens chronicled both power and poignancy. He photographed towering figures such as Indira Gandhi, Dalai Lama, Bal Thackeray, Satyajit Ray and Mother Teresa, while also documenting defining moments like the Bhopal gas tragedy later captured in his book Exposure: A Corporate Crime.
Over the years, he published more than 18 books, building an archive that blended journalism with artistry. His contributions were recognised early when he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 for his coverage of the Bangladesh War and refugee crisis. In 1992, he was named “Photographer of the Year” in the United States for his work in National Geographic, and in 2009, he was honoured with the Officier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.
Rai is survived by his wife Gurmeet, son Nitin, and daughters Lagan, Avani and Purvai. His last rites will be held at Lodhi Cremation Ground in New Delhi at 4 pm on Sunday.
With his passing, Indian photojournalism loses not just a pioneer, but a patient observer of history, one frame at a time.
