GECs
Rising Ahmedabad kicks off Network18’s urban growth series in style!
MUMBAI: What happens when a city with a rich history meets cutting-edge innovation? Well, Ahmedabad transformed into a hub of progress, sustainability, and inspiration!
Network18’s Rising Cities series debuted with Rising Ahmedabad on 10 January 2025 at the vibrant Binori Hotel, marking the start of an ambitious journey to spotlight India’s urban evolution.
Presented by Maruti Suzuki and backed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, this inaugural event gathered government leaders, industry visionaries, and community champions to celebrate Ahmedabad’s transformation. From discussing Sadak Suraksha (road safety) to driving Swachh Bharat (cleanliness), the event showcased the city’s dynamic efforts in urban excellence. But this wasn’t just a corporate shindig—it was a celebration of how cities can rewrite the playbook on sustainable living and urban growth.
The event featured an illustrious line-up of speakers who brought Ahmedabad’s inspiring journey to life:
. Ahmedabad mayor Pratibhaben Jain hailed the city’s transformation into a model of sustainable urban living.
. Municipal commissioner M. Thannarsan shared insights on innovative urban planning.
. AMC’s Standing Committee chairman Devang Dani provided a peek into projects redefining cityscapes.
. Architects Hiren Patel and Ashish Trambdia envisioned a greener Ahmedabad.
. Historian Rizvan Kadri beautifully juxtaposed the city’s heritage with its modern aspirations.
. Adding corporate wisdom were Deepa Builders MD Nilay Patel and CREDAI-India Youth Central Zone coordinator Parth Patel who explored the role of real estate in shaping sustainable cities.
So, what was on the menu for discussions? A smorgasbord of themes that resonate with urban dwellers:
1. Sadak Suraksha (Road Safety): Practical measures to make commuting safer for everyone.
2. Swachh Bharat: A cleaner Ahmedabad, one initiative at a time.
3. Sustainability: Designing an eco-friendly urban framework.
4. Skill Development: Empowering Ahmedabad’s youth for future challenges.
The event wasn’t just talk. Real solutions and actionable insights emerged, providing a blueprint for other Indian cities to follow.
The Rising Cities series has just begun its journey. After Ahmedabad’s grand start, the series plans to visit Gurugram, Pratapgarh, Mumbai, Lucknow, and beyond. Each city will get its moment to shine, as the series explores their unique challenges, celebrates their strengths, and sparks dialogues on their growth trajectories.
Ahmedabad’s story is more than just a case study; it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when communities embrace innovation and collaboration. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create cities that balance heritage with modernity, Rising Ahmedabad has the answers. Plus, who doesn’t love a good underdog story? From bustling streets to green city dreams, Ahmedabad is proving that the future of urban India is brighter than ever.
Missed the event? Don’t worry—you can still be part of the dialogue! Share your thoughts and vision for India’s cities with #RisingAhmedabad and #UrbanInnovation.
What’s your city doing to catch up?
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
