GECs
Subhash Chandra Foundation launches ‘SACH Impact’ Incubation Programme for social ventures
MUMBAI: Subhash Chandra Foundation, the philanthropic initiative of Rajya Sabha MP and ZEE & Essel Group Chairman, Shri Subhash Chandra, has launched ‘SACH Impact’ Incubator – a programme to support early-stage social ventures aspiring to solve the problems of millions of Indians.
SACH Impact, a first-of-its kind initiative to identify and mentor fledgling social entrepreneurs from various parts of India, has been created, launched and will be run in partnership with LetsEndorse, a collaborative ecosystem of social change-makers and enablers.
The incubation programme embodies the philosophy of innovating to resolve the modern-day challenges facing the nation. Two annual cohorts of resolute social entrepreneurs shall be constituted every year, with each one working on one of the 8 focal areas (Education, Healthcare, Clean Energy, Agriculture, Inclusion, Waste Management, Livelihood, WASH), aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The programme aims to equip them with market access for pilots, financial support to do so, necessary mentorship, knowledge networks & more, to take their solutions to the next level and prepare them to scale and serve the large Indian population.
Commenting on the launch, Shri Subhash Chandra, Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman, ZEE & Essel Group said, “Most entrepreneurs work to earn big but few ideate for the betterment of society. Subhash Chandra Foundation is inviting social entrepreneurs, the change-makers, for SACH Impact Incubator, who want to impact the lives of people to make world a better place.”
Monika Shukla, Co-Founder & CEO of LetsEndorse said, “There is minimal emphasis given to pilot testing social innovations and following an agile method to solution-demography fit (like problem-solution fit or product-market fit). The incubator is a great opportunity for social entrepreneurs to test their ideas in real setting across multiple geographies by leveraging the wide outreach network that LetsEndorse has to offer. The much needed seed grant shall facilitate social entrepreneurs’ efforts to test the solutions, get necessary feedback and refine their offering.”
The selected teams will be mentored by the eminent leadership of Essel Group including Shri Subhash Chandra, the Chief Mentor, Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, ZEEL and Amit Goenka, CEO – International Broadcast Business, ZEEL, and senior management of Essel Group.
The programme will allow early-stage product, technology or process-based solutions which have the potential to solve problems at a large scale, registered as either for-profit or not-for-profit not before 1st April, 2016, to apply for the programme and undergo a selection process through a panel of experts. Ventures with already developed testable versions of their innovative product/technology/software, or those which have just begun conducting pilot tests on-the-ground and have the potential to make transformational impact on the society can apply online through this link: http://bit.ly/SACHImpact.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
