MAM
Stepathlon strengthens advisory board with renowned industry leaders
Mumbai: Global fan engagement and data platform Stepathlon welcomes four new esteemed advisors to its already impressive advisory board:
. Jim Glover is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in global partnerships and client relationships. He previously served as deputy chairman at CSM Sport and Entertainment, where he played a key role in driving growth and success
. Ashutosh Srivastava, a renowned media and entertainment expert with extensive experience as former CEO of GroupM in APAC, who brings deep understanding of fan engagement, content creation, and brand building
. Nextdoor co-founder and CTO Prakash Janakiraman, who brings his expertise in leveraging data to drive business growth and unlock the power of user insights and personalize experiences.
. Advait Pandit, a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years of experience building high-growth companies, comes in with his experience as Chief Architect at JioMart. His experience in product development, market strategies, and scaling operations will be crucial as Stepathlon expands its reach.
Stepathlon founder and CEO Ravi Krishnan said: “We are privileged to welcome Jim, Ashutosh, Prakash and Advait to the Stepathlon Advisory Board. Their diverse expertise aligns perfectly with our vision for business growth. Their insights and guidance will be instrumental in creating innovative experiences that connect with audiences on a deeper level and to drive qualitative and quantitative benefits for our business, our clients and their stakeholders.”
Excited to collaborate with Stepathlon, the advisors shared their perspectives.
Jim Glover stated: “Throughout my career, I have witnessed the power of sports to unite communities and inspire individuals. Stepathlon’s innovative approach to fan engagement leverages this power to create meaningful experiences that go beyond the game. I’m thrilled to join the team and contribute my experience to help them unlock the full potential of their platform and connect with fans in even more impactful ways.”
Ashutosh Srivastava added “I’m passionate about the power of storytelling and community engagement, and Stepathlon’s platform has the potential to create truly transformative experiences for fans. I’m excited to contribute my expertise to deepen their audience connections and enhance engagement.”
Prakash Janakiraman added “I see Stepathlon as a platform brimming with data potential. Its commitment to ethical collection and personalized experiences resonates deeply with my values. Leveraging my expertise in uncovering user insights and driving data-driven growth, I’m excited to join the team and help Stepathlon realise its full potential to create positive change for fans, rightsholders, and brands alike.”
Advait Pandit added: “The ability to scale and adapt to a growing audience is crucial for any successful platform. Stepathlon’s unique proposition lies in its flexibility and inclusivity, and I’m excited to bring my experience in building scalable technology solutions to support their expansion plans. I believe that by optimizing both the user experience and operational efficiency, we can further harness the immense potential of Stepathlon to engage and connect with even wider communities.”
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.
