Latest news with #GenNext
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh's Raja turns 91,lives by open hand legacy
Public-spirited industrialist Rajendra Kumar Saboo or Raja, as he is affectionately known, is synonymous with Chandigarh. Having seen almost a century of change, if there's one attribute that has remained unchanged, he says it's being a person of integrity and values. (Keshav Singh/HT) One of the earliest settlers, Saboo, who turns 91 today (August 11), has lived by his Rotary International presidency theme of 'Look beyond yourself' since he held the post over three decades ago in a city envisioned for upholding the value of giving and reaching out with an open hand. Awarded the Padma Shri in 2006 for philanthropy, particularly for polio eradication, Saboo shared his thoughts of a life well-lived, starting with empathy. 'In any interaction, put yourself in the other person's shoes. If you can do so, your judgement of people and situations will be on point. This ability should be your conduct when dealing with family, employees, business partners or even strangers. Once you place yourself in the other's position, not only will you appreciate their point of view but also come to the right conclusion.' This too shall pass Second, he advises remembering four words in happiness and grief: This too shall pass. 'Everyone goes through difficult situations but you should have the ability to get over them. In euphoria, remind yourself to stay balanced for it's not permanent either. Dwelling on the past is a drag and unpleasant thoughts of the future is fear. Keep learning and moving,' he says. Having seen almost a century of change, if there's one attribute that has remained unchanged, he says it's being a person of integrity and values. 'With changing times, many believe ethics and morals are different, but I know that integrity is not being redefined and values are invaluable. Don't take shortcuts, they cause short-circuiting,' says Saboo, sharing his third lesson with a smile as he enjoys his cup of coffee and favourite bar of chocolate. Chase perfection, catch excellence Having cut his teeth in business at Hindustan Motors, a Birla Group company, he is reminded of the 'parta' system of monitoring performance that taught him the importance of aiming for 'optimum plus'. 'The parta formed the foundation of the Birla empire in business. In chasing perfection, one catches excellence,' he says. His fourth lesson is on handling success. 'Success with humility is an ornament. It will continue to live in the perception of others long after you are gone. Success with arrogance is no success.' Saboo's tip for GenNext holds his fifth lesson: Respect relationships. 'If you've made a mistake or hurt anyone, don't be afraid to say sorry even if the person is junior or younger to you. It's a sign of strength. Don't fail to say thank you and develop an attitude of gratitude. Respect begets respect,' says the founder of the Bhavan Vidyalaya chain of schools in the tricity. Saboo acknowledges the pivotal role played by his wife, Usha. 'She is service-minded and the force behind my accomplishments. Otherwise, I had joined the Rotary Club in 1961 for networking and was set to climb the corporate ladder, but God opened another door,' he says of a lifetime dedicated to community service. While his autobiography, My Life's Journey, A Personal Memoir, was released by justice SS Sodhi (retd) on his 90th birthday last year, he admits he is working on its second volume because there's so much more to share from a sharp memory. He credits his elder son, Yashovardhan, for encouraging him to pen down his experiences during the Covid pandemic.
Los Angeles Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Cafeteria Raises $3-Million Growth Round to Expand Gen Z Insights
Cafeteria, a consumer insights platform that enables Gen Z and Alpha to earn for direct and private brand insights, announced a $3-million growth round, valuing the company at $22 million. The round adds participation from Marquee Ventures, Listen Ventures and Thayer Investment Partners. With the new capital, it is set to expand AI capabilities and scale data infrastructure to transform unstructured text and voice into actionable insights. 'We are reimagining the relationship between Generation Next and brands by delivering them a platform for work and private insights software for clients. Our text and voice data are compounding, and we are investing in AI capabilities that are truly in-context of the generation,' said Rishi Malhotra, chief executive and co-founder of Cafeteria, in a statement. Since January, the company has more than doubled its userbase and tripled the volume of insights produced. Brands across fashion, beauty and consumer goods are utilizing its teen-to-brand operating system and enterprise software for authentic Gen Next intelligence. Brand partners include category leaders across beauty, retail and consumer goods. Cafeteria previously raised a multimillion-dollar seed round in July 2024, led by Collaborative Fund and Imaginary Ventures, with additional participation from Bertelsmann and music mogul Guy Oseary, that valued the company at $12 million. Information for this article was sourced from Cafeteria.
Hindustan Times
29-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
In new avatar, Hazratganj must not lose its soul: Stakeholders
Even as Hazratganj, the heart of Lucknow, is once again gearing up for a makeover, local stakeholders are keen on preserving the charm and character that make 'Ganjing' a way of life. Hazratganj underwent a major restoration in 2010 through a unique collaboration between the government, private sector, and the public. (FILE PHOTO) The iconic stretch, which has seen constant evolution and is often referred to as the 'living room of Lucknow,' will soon see a fresh coat of paint. Vinod Punjabi, spokesperson for the Hazratganj Traders Association, confirmed the new colour scheme. 'The colour code of Hazratganj is set to change,' he said. 'From the current lemon walls with pink borders, the new look will feature light peach walls with walnut brown borders. However, the signage colours are still under discussion. While we prefer continuing with the existing black and white signage, the administration is exploring other options. A final decision is expected soon,' he said. The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has once again consulted architect Ashish Srivastava, who led the previous renovation in 2010–11 along with Naser Munji. Srivastava emphasised that the spirit of Ganjing — the act of leisurely walking through the area — must remain intact. 'Ganj is not just a commercial hub. It's a civic and cultural space where the city's past and present coexist,' he said. 'From pensioners entering the DRM office to schoolchildren walking to Cathedral or St Francis, Ganj captures a full spectrum of urban life. We want to ensure that magic isn't lost.' Srivastava also noted the setbacks faced during the construction of the Lucknow Metro, when many green spaces and civic infrastructures were disrupted. 'Sewer lines, water connections, and green areas that were part of the earlier beautification were damaged. Now, we aim to restore them,' he added. 'Hazratganj, the iconic one-kilometre stretch in the heart of Lucknow, holds a unique charm that has fascinated people from across the world. It embodies the legacy of Lucknow's rich culture and history, encouraging present generations to preserve and share it far and wide,' said Chanderprakash, whose family has been connected to this landmark since the 1930s, reflecting this deep-rooted pride and emotional bond when Universal Book sellers came up. 'It is a matter of joy that the administration is paving the way for another facelift and infrastructure rejuvenation and we will soon see a more contemporary and more relevant Ganj which will continue to fascinate the GenNext,' he added. Hazratganj underwent a major restoration in 2010 through a unique collaboration between the government, private sector, and the public. Noted poet Sarvesh Asthana described Ganj as a place 'where leisure meets legacy.' 'Before malls and multiplexes, people came here simply to walk. Lovers, retired officers, students — all would gather, not for errands, but for conversations, reflection, and connection. Ganj taught us how to pause,' he said. He reminisced about a time when intellectuals and scholars spent hours at Ram Advani Booksellers or the British Library, and when debates unfolded outside Capoor's Hotel. 'Today, as we talk about uniform signage and footpaths, my only request is that we preserve this spirit — so that Ganjing never dies,' he added. Bishop Gerald John Mathias of Catholic Diocese of Lucknow said, ' Hazratganj is more than just a bustling shopping place—it is a place where faith, history, and identity quietly converge. Landmarks like St. Francis' College and the Cathedral Church and School serve not only as longstanding educational institutions but as custodians of the area's rich heritage.'
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ouch…To Be Young
Ouch…To Be Young Renuka Bisht TNN Jul 18, 2025, 20:26 IST IST In a major vibe shift, 50-somethings have begun to look at 20-somethings less with jealousy, more with pity. GenNext is falling behind on not just good jobs, but also marriage, migration and parties Forever young, I want to be forever young. These words of an Alphaville song have felt anthemic far, far beyond their origins in 1984, West Berlin. They capture the vibe of all of modernity everywhere – age envying youth's energy, idealism, rebellion, fearlessness. But with Gen Z, the digital natives , something is shifting profoundly. Now 50-somethings look at 20-somethings less with jealousy, more with pity. Sure, they want the abs and acuity, skin and knees of younger persons. They are cracking the code to enjoy all this well past middle age. But younger persons themselves have never had it bleaker in living memory. Once, the future was something GenNext would shape. When their tomorrows look more endangered than our retirement, something's gone wrong.
