Akhil Kishore

We all need to have the mindset of trusteeship! Mahatma Gandhi's trusteeship model, which suggests that wealth should be managed as a trustee for the benefit of society rather than for personal gain, remains highly relevant in today's world. However, the implementation of this model requires a holistic understanding of our moral responsibility towards society and the environment. The allocation of a 2% CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) fund, while a step in the right direction, may not be sufficient to address the multifaceted challenges facing our world, from hunger and environmental degradation to healthcare and sanitation. It's crucial to recognize that these issues are interconnected and often require more comprehensive and sustained efforts to achieve meaningful impact. Moreover, the widening gap between the rich and the poor underscores the need for greater equity and inclusivity in our approach to wealth distribution and social responsibility. While some individuals and corporations may contribute to CSR initiatives, systemic changes and collective action are necessary to address the root causes of inequality and poverty. As stewards of wealth and resources, we have a moral obligation to prioritize the well-being of all members of society and safeguard the environment for future generations. This entails not only fulfilling legal obligations but also embracing a broader sense of ethical responsibility in our actions and decisions. Ultimately, achieving sustainable development and social justice requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals alike. By adopting a mindset of trusteeship and actively working towards the common good, we can create a more equitable and sustainable world for everyone. #csr #philanthropy #csrmanofindia #mahatma #mahatmagandhi

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iSAFE Notes In India: Significance And Advantages #iSAFE (India SAFE) is an adaptation of the SAFE (Simple Agreement For Future Equity) document. Commonly used for seed-stage funding, they allow startups to raise funds quickly without valuation complexity. #100X.VC, an early-stage investment firm in India was the first to introduce the iSAFE in India in July 2019. It entails an agreement to acquire equity shares of a startup at a later date. #An iSAFE note is not a debt instrument but a convertible security note beneficial for both startups and investors. #In India, iSAFE note takes a legal form of Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) which are convertible on the occurrence of specific events. #They are governed by sections 42, 62, and 55 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014 and Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Rules, 2014. #Issuing iSAFE notes does away with the valuation exercise since the valuation is essentially postponed to a later date (when the priced round happens) #An outstanding iSAFE note would be referenced on the startup’s cap table like any other convertible security. GHC Growth Lab #Startups #FundraisingStrategies ##StartupSuccess

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Was nice to share some thoughts with Akshata Gorde and Financial Express (India) on SEBIs new proposed fixed price mechanism as an alternative to reverse book building for voluntary delisting schemes. Read on to know more: https://lnkd.in/g25YCj_D #SEBI #delisting #law

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A 31-year-old trainee doctor, dedicated to her duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, was brutally mutilated, violated, gang-raped, and murdered while on duty. The four-page postmortem report of the trainee doctor revealed that she was throttled to death. Her thyroid cartilage was broken due to strangulation, and injuries were found on her belly, lips, fingers, and left leg. The report also mentioned that the woman was bleeding from both eyes, mouth, and private parts. The wounds in her private parts were caused by "perverted sexuality" and "genital torture." (Source: https://lnkd.in/gXTvyQU9) I’ve added these graphic details to highlight the horror and the sickening mindset of perpetrators who feel no fear of punishment.(Period) This atrocity, happening in a metro city, raises a grave question: How can we safeguard our #NariShakti in other cities and villages if such horrors occur in our supposed safe havens? It’s deeply troubling that the college administration and police allegedly attempted to tamper with evidence and present this heinous crime as a suicide. Is there a conflict of interest, or pressure from powerful individuals? Is vote bank politics, safeguarding criminals, and protecting party workers more important than the oath to uphold #Nyay (justice)? (Source:- https://lnkd.in/gmpGQqde) As a nation, we must confront this shameful reality. A workplace, especially a hospital, should be a sanctuary of safety. The entire administration must be held accountable as employers who failed to protect their own. This case only garnered attention because the medical fraternity stood in solidarity and protested. The fact that such drastic measures were needed to bring this tragedy to light highlights a systemic failure. This is also a case of #WorkplaceSafety and #Security. All corporates should join in expressing their solidarity with the medical fraternity and pressuring authorities and internal management for strong actions to prevent such a disgusting act in the future. #78th Independence Day: The opening words of the poem Gitanjali by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore—“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high”—describe the essence of independence. Until all perpetrators of such crimes are severely punished, we cannot live with heads held high and without fear. @State and Central Government, the culprits must be punished swiftly and severely. The authorities must instill fear in the minds of criminals through the strongest and most urgent punishments so that every citizen can live with true freedom and without fear. #JusticeForNari #WomenSafety #EndViolence #StandForJustice #NariShakti #WorkplaceSafety @narendramodi @PMOIndia @INCIndia @BJP4India @NCWIndia 

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While my focus is usually on business case studies, today, I’m writing about something different—a deeply personal concern and a growing societal issue: elder care in India. Presently, 153 million Indians are aged 65 or older. In 25 years, this number will more than double to 350 million. With the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) dipping below replacement levels and life expectancy rising, India faces a profound demographic shift. As the dependency ratio crosses 15%, the need for a robust elder care ecosystem is no longer optional—it's urgent. Nuclear families are now the norm, and many elderly individuals live alone. Unlike previous generations, today’s seniors value independence and want to live life on their own terms. However, traditional community-based support systems are disappearing, and modern alternatives—like assisted living or professional caregiving—are yet to scale to meet demand. The gaps are evident: - Inadequate assisted living facilities. - Limited access to affordable home healthcare. - An unaddressed crisis of loneliness and mobility challenges. This challenge presents a significant opportunity for businesses, startups, and policymakers to innovate: 1. Tech-Driven Solutions: Apps and AI-led platforms tailored for seniors can provide services such as medical check-ups, medication management, and emotional companionship. 2. Affordable Assisted Living: Companies like Columbia Pacific Communities are designing retirement homes tailored to seniors’ needs, blending comfort, medical care, and recreational activities. 3. Combatting Loneliness: Programs like Silver Talkies create intergenerational connections and community engagement through activities and volunteer-driven support. 4. Public-Private Partnerships: Government incentives—such as elder-friendly infrastructure mandates or subsidies for care startups—can accelerate change. Elder care in India isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s also an untapped market. With the right focus on sustainable, tech-driven, and affordable solutions, this sector could become a cornerstone of India’s healthcare and service economy. Are we ready to rise to the challenge? #BridgingTheGap #HealthcareInnovation #TechForGood #DigitalHealthcare #HealthTech #ElderCare

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 (𝗜𝗗𝘀) 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆-𝟱𝟬 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗬𝟭𝟵 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗬𝟮𝟰. Some reasons for this increase are: 💠 The role of board directors off late has become more complex 💠 They now invest more time in understanding the business and navigating the volatile environment 💠 Regulatory requirements have become more stringent, depending strong governance overview by the IDs 💠 IDs today need to grapple with ESG, the threat of cybersecurity, the rising influence of #AI, and digitization 💠 Investors are now having a say on IDs and their role While the above justifies the reasons for the increased compensation, the reality on ground is often different. #Reality1 - 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨 Company size plays an important role in determining board compensation. It’s important to contextualize these trends within the specific challenges faced by different companies and industries. The compensation trends highlighted in the article may not fully represent the broader reality across all sectors. Companies should not undervalue the wealth of knowledge that IDs bring with them. Compensation ought to commensurate accordingly. #Reality2 - 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙮 A large number of people clear the ID course every year. These are all seasoned professionals with varied experiences. The open board positions for such people are however few. The wait to get into a board can take months and even years! The recent roundtable organized by IICA India with various hiring firms is a step in the right direction. The opening up of the IDs database to headhunters will make hiring of relevant board members easier for companies. #boardroomtalks #independentdirectors #compensation #expertise Divya, Vikesh, Niraj, Ajay, Poonam, Rajesh, Sitaram Kunte, Dr.Arvind Bodhankar, Sushmita, Vijaya, Praveen, Aarti, Kavita, Santhosh, Anil.

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THE WORLD’S LARGEST ELECTION - EFFICIENT & COST EFFECTIVE TOO Some headline numbers of Indian Lok Sabha elections of 2024, the largest election in the world thus far. * 968 million eligible voters, 642 million voted * Held in 7 phases from 19 April to 1 June (results announced within 2 days of close). * 6 national parties, 57 state parties, and 2,764 other parties * 543 seats (for for a population of 1.4 billion - compare with Sri Lanka’s 225 for a population of 22 million people). - Cost USD 14 mil (INR 1 bil) - Sri Lanka’s proposed presidential election is estimated to cost USD 33 mil (LKR 10 billion) more than double the cost of the Indian election. The elections were concluded smoothly as scheduled. Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) were used to compile and declare results within two days. Here is a short video on the EVMs developed in India. https://lnkd.in/gDW98shd India’s technical prowess on the global stage is very well established due to the nation’s investment in top class tertiary educational institutions (Indian Institutes of Technology). There is government support but no political interference in the education sector which also allows private tertiary educational institutions with state support. Today the CEOs of the largest tech companies such as Alphabet, Microsoft, IBM, YouTube and Adobe are of Indian descent. Much to learn from India! #indianelections

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🎥 How Can We Empower Informal Workers? Insights from Sonal Agrawal, Founder of SurakshitU We are pleased to share an insightful interview with Ms. Sonal Agrawal, the founder of SurakshitU, a social fintech dedicated to providing social security to informal workers, particularly women engaged in weaving, farming, and factory work. This interview was conducted by Professor D.V Ramana from XIMB. In this comprehensive discussion, Ms. Agrawal sheds light on the innovative insurance solutions that SurakshitU offers for India's low-income segment. These include hospital cash insurance, life insurance, medical insurance, accidental insurance, and mutual funds. The conversation also explores the broader context and challenges of delivering these services to underserved communities. Key Discussion Points: Government Policies: An in-depth look at government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Ayushman Bharat. These programs are designed to enhance financial security and healthcare access for low-income groups. Ms. Agrawal explains how SurakshitU aligns its offerings with these policies to maximize impact. Ms. Agrawal addresses the significant challenges in providing insurance to informal workers, including low awareness, accessibility issues, and trust barriers. She shares how SurakshitU tackles these challenges through tailored community engagement strategies, simplified insurance products, and education initiatives to build trust and understanding among potential beneficiaries. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Professor D.V Ramana for facilitating this important conversation and helping us bring attention to the vital work being done by SurakshitU. This interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in financial inclusion, social security for informal workers, and the intersection of fintech and social impact. Manu Bansal Dibyendu Nandi Bhavana Srivastava Suhas Ramegowda Jacob Poulose Flt.Lt. Sridhar Chakravarthi Mulakaluri© Find the link to the video here: https://lnkd.in/g-fEZJfS #SurakshitU #SocialFintech #Insurance #FinancialInclusion #WomenEmpowerment #InclusiveFinance #XIMB #LowIncomeSupport #EconomicSecurity #Healthcare #MutualFunds #InformalWorkers #GovernmentPolicies #ImpactStories

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Can you bootstrap when your competitors have raised millions? Building an organisation is hard and building an enterprise in a landscape overrun by venture backed competitors is down right exhausting. I have always believed in keeping my head down and let my work do the talking. However being honest, seeing fellow companies in the sector grab the best headlines in the media, does get overwhelming at times. We are a bootstrapped organisation and with our limited funds, we always prioritised putting all our resources into the core education product and research rather than PR. Over the years, our good work began getting organic recognition. We began getting featured as experts in many publications and this week The Economic Times has done a full spread on us covering our journey. Note: We are always hiring talented leaders NatureNurture. Apply and be part of team of passionate leaders reforming how children learn. Pooja Agarwal https://lnkd.in/gFpWhMcQ #Bootstrapped #Entrepreneurship #Startups #BusinessJourney #Resilience #Education #EntrepreneurMindset

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Very glad to see this! We have travelled down the path of Swadeshi and import substitution with disastrous results. Re-inventing wheel never makes sense. The main genius behind the telecom revolution was to adopt cheap and easily available technology to provide the service to masses, rather than develop our own that Sam Pitroda championed and wasted $10 billions on. The name of the game is to innovate and build on available technology. Encourage manufacturing in India to employ masses. Assert comparative advantage where we have it, as we have shown in IT services. We should have a huge comparative advantage in agricultural sector. Turn loose our entrepreneurs to take the world on in all emerging fields. They are already starting to prove their mettle in spacetech. The goal of Atmanirbhar should be limited to defense and armament industry. Everywhere else we ought to go for most economic way of providing goods and services for the masses.

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Right to Disconnect: An urgent necessity, not a luxury in the current times Recent tragic deaths of young employees at leading firms like Bajaj and EY highlight a critical issue. Work stress due to long work hours and extended targets is taking a toll on mental and physical health. The Right to Disconnect- the right to log-off or to enable a DND tag on their work profile -  is more important than ever. Employees need boundaries to maintain well-being especially when off-screen time is becoming most scarce. 20+ countries including France, Italy, Belgium, Australia etc have enacted laws, allowing employees to switch off after work hours or not respond to calls or messages beyond reasonable hours, without any fear of penalty. While Tech has enabled work from anywhere, it has also blurred lines of when and where work ends, dismantling barriers between work and leisure. This practice has picked up more post-covid, exacerbating stress levels. Organizations must prioritize #mentalhealth and create a culture where disconnecting is encouraged and respected. Let’s advocate for healthier work environments. Time to make a change. Time to value life.  #RightToDisconnect #MentalHealthMatters #WorkLifeBalance

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Benefits of Vadnagar being a District If Vadnagar is made a district, it can bring several advantages to the region and its people. Here are the key benefits: 1. Administrative Efficiency Improved Governance: As a district, Vadnagar would have its own administrative offices and departments, leading to faster decision-making and more efficient governance for local residents. Better Implementation of Policies: Being a district ensures that government schemes, infrastructure projects, and welfare programs are better implemented at the grassroots level. 2. Economic Growth and Development Boost to Local Economy: District status often brings increased funding from the state government for development projects, which can stimulate economic activities and job creation. Industrial Development: With better infrastructure and focused attention, Vadnagar could attract new industries, boosting local production and trade, particularly in sectors like agriculture, handicrafts, and tourism. 3. Tourism Development Heritage Tourism: Vadnagar is rich in historical and cultural significance, being the birthplace of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home to ancient monuments like the Buddhist monastery and Kirti Toran. As a district, it would likely receive more funds to promote tourism, preserve historical sites, and develop tourism infrastructure. Increased Tourist Footfall: District status would give Vadnagar a higher profile, encouraging both domestic and international tourists, leading to growth in hospitality services, local crafts, and guided tours. 4. Improved Infrastructure Enhanced Transport Links: District status would likely lead to improved roads, rail, and public transportation services, making Vadnagar more accessible for locals and tourists alike. Better Public Utilities: With district-level administration, Vadnagar could see improvements in essential services like healthcare, education, water supply, and electricity. 5. Cultural and Heritage Promotion Preservation of History and Culture: As a district, Vadnagar would have more resources for preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage, including its archaeological sites and ancient temples. Revival of Traditional Arts: Focused attention on local crafts, arts, and culture could help revive traditional forms of craftsmanship and performance art, creating economic opportunities for local artisans. 6. Focused Development Initiatives Local Development Projects: District status often brings special development packages or grants. This would lead to projects specifically tailored to Vadnagar's needs, such as rural development, urban planning, and agricultural support. Social Welfare: The establishment of district offices ensures that social welfare schemes, like housing, sanitation, and healthcare programs, reach every part of the region more effectively. https://lnkd.in/dTAEgywk

Just a humble thought once again. As per paras 111 & 112 of the hon'ble SC judgement of Rajeev Bansal, the AOs were supposed to pass 148A(d) Orders and issue fresh 148 notices under the new regime, within the surviving time period [30th June 2021 minus the date of issuance of original 148 notice under old regime on or after 1.4.2021]. So, for notices issued under old section of 148 on 30.6.2021 (and I believe there would be plenty) this surviving period comes to 0 or 1, if excluding the date of issue of notice. Therefore, it means that for Notices issued on 30.6.2021, the Orders u/s 148A(d) and fresh notice u/s 148 had to be issued either on the same day, on which the reply of the asseessee was received in response to deemed SCN u/s 148A(b) or 1 day more, if considering the grace day. But, practically, it would not have been done obviously. So, now whether department & ASG will say that, we will not follow this particular direction of the SC, and instead will consider the one month time period prescribed under the substantive legislative provision of section 148A(d). Now we will see the clock turning upside down, for such cases, very soon😊😊

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Insightful reminder on how resilience and pivoting is key to survival in the face of dynamic changes faced by business families and entrepreneurs

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Narendra Modi is so fond of technology. Then, why doesn't he get the files in the PMO digitized? Why doesn't the PMO receive only digital files from Ministries? This will cut down the delays in decision making as I witnessed in the Coal Ministry. It can be done. It should be done in the interest of improving governance but charity has to begin at home. PMO has to take the lead. I discuss this in the first of the series of articles on what Modi 3.0 should do. https://lnkd.in/g9dMyspj

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The government has done many wonderful things like improvement in infrastructure and digital financial transactions but missed out on a number of fronts, including "Make in India". The lion seems to have roared more than walked. One of the primary objectives, increasing employment opportunities, remains unfulfilled. In fact, it has emerged as the most serious problem today. Another critical area is the erosion of democratic institutions. These and many other issues are discussed in this free-wheeling interaction. https://lnkd.in/gKdVnWCn

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