GECs
Viacom18 introduces VIACUBS – a day care facility for employees’ children
Mumbai: In continuation of its gender inclusive policies such as a 36-weeks maternity leave and flexible work arrangement, Viacom18 today announces the launch of Viacubs – a child day-care service for Viacom18 employees. Viacubs is a part of Viacom18’s WAVE initiative which focusses on safety, wellness, life events and career development of employees. By providing a reliable support system, Viacom18 aims to empower the working parent to focus on and balance both career and parental duties.
On launching Viacubs, Abhinav Chopra, Chief Human Resource Officer, Viacom18 said, “WAVE was introduced with the aim of encouraging women to grow and take on more leadership roles to promote gender equity and inclusion at the workplace. Our women employees should not be in a position where they must choose between their careers and family. Viacubs will ensure a smooth transition for the returning mother with the assurance that her child will be well attended to, in a nurturing environment.
At Viacom18, we aim to provide the best of both worlds to our employees – fulfilling careers and quality family time. We understand the concerns that parents face when there’s a new addition to the family. Therefore, Viacubs opens its doors to new fathers, as much as to the new mothers, towards supporting their parenting journey.”
Launching the first centre in Mumbai in partnership with KLAY Schools, Viacubs is spread across 2,500 square feet. This dedicated space for children will have facilities including an infant room, toddler room, nursing room, play areas, cozy-corners to read, a pantry area, etc. Depending on the child’s age group, fun and learning activities have been designed as part of the curriculum. Employees with 6-month-old infants to 6-year-old kids can avail of the various facilities being provided at Viacubs. A backup care facility is also available for parents who need to use the service for shorter periods in case of emergencies. Viacubs will provide a home away from home for employees’ children with adequate learning, enjoyment and expert care.
Providing the right support, safe environment and care for kids is the prime motto of Viacubs. Adequate caretakers will be present at the center to ensure best care. Caretakers will be present at all time to ensure the demands and requirements of the kids are met. The staff (caretaker) to child ratio is 1:2 for infants, 1:3 for junior toddlers, 1:5 for senior toddlers and pre-kindergarten and 1:8 for after school children. To ensure a secure environment, an online CCTV monitoring facility as well as an emergency doctor on call is also available.
Viacubs has currently been launched in the Mumbai office and will be subsequently launched in all Viacom18 offices across India.
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.
