Latest news with #PrashantJain
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Spa therapy 101: Beginner's guide to calming massages, benefits and how to pick the right one for you
Stress has become a baseline in a world that's constantly on the move because the internalised hustle is quick to guilt-trip moments of break. Always 'a lot' is happening, whether it is chasing work deadlines, cramming leisure time with a little bit of everything, or overcomplicating self-care with 10-step skincare routines. Spa therapies are emerging as one of the grounding ways to truly pause, take a breath and unwind. But if you are new to it, the options can feel overwhelming, too, but we have simplified it for you. Spa therapies can help to cool your down.(Shutterstock) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Megha Dinesh and Prashant Jain, co-founders, Meghavi Wellness Spa, unpacked what spa therapies have to offer. Spa therapies are becoming a calming reset button, a tranquil moment to unwind after long, hectic days. Addressing the rejuvenating benefits of these therapies, Megha said, 'From time-tested massages to transformative skin rituals, spa treatments offer a powerful way to feel recharged, relaxed, and completely reset, and sometimes deliver noticeable results from the very first session. Each therapy is designed not just to pamper, but to bring the body back to its natural state of harmony.' While spas are helpful to de-stress, they should not be mistaken as medical treatment, as Prashant added, "While these treatments don't replace clinical care, they offer an accessible gateway to regular wellbeing without downtime, prescriptions, or complexity.' Megha Dinesh and Prashant Jain shared a detailed yet simplified guide with us, outlining the key soothing massages and how it is done and how to identify if it is the right match for you: 1. Swedish Massage Swedish massage's strokes are gentle and long.(Shutterstock) How it is done: Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes, gentle kneading, and circular motions to ease muscle tension, enhance circulation, and encourage full-body relaxation. Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes, gentle kneading, and circular motions to ease muscle tension, enhance circulation, and encourage full-body relaxation. For whom it is ideal: Perfect for when you need to disconnect from a hectic week, this classic therapy uses long, flowing strokes to relax the body and ease everyday tension. Ideal for first-timers or anyone in need of a calming full-body experience, it's the equivalent of a mental reset button in physical form. 2. Deep tissue massage Deep tissue massage includes firmer and deeper strokes.(Shutterstock) How it is done: Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm pressure and deep strokes to reach the inner layers of muscles and connective tissue, helping to release chronic tension and stubborn muscle knots. Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm pressure and deep strokes to reach the inner layers of muscles and connective tissue, helping to release chronic tension and stubborn muscle knots. For whom it is ideal: If your body feels tight from too many hours at a desk or intense workouts, this therapy works into deeper muscle layers to release chronic tension. It's especially beneficial for active individuals or anyone feeling the effects of a high-stress lifestyle, bringing back flexibility and ease. 3. Hot stone therapy Warm stones are strategically placed in hot stone therapy. (Shutterstock) How it is done: Hot stone therapy involves placing warm basalt stones on specific points of the body and using them in massage to encourage deep muscle relaxation and boost blood circulation. Hot stone therapy involves placing warm basalt stones on specific points of the body and using them in massage to encourage deep muscle relaxation and boost blood circulation. For whom it is ideal: The perfect treatment for days when stress feels embedded in your bones. Heated stones are placed strategically to relax tight muscles and quiet the mind, making this a meditative experience that's as emotionally grounding as it is physically soothing. 4. Aromatherapy massage Aromatherapy massage utilises the power of essential oils and scents.(Shutterstock) How it is done: An aromatherapy massage combines soothing massage techniques with the healing properties of essential oils to relax the body, elevate the mood, and promote overall emotional and physical well-being. An aromatherapy massage combines soothing massage techniques with the healing properties of essential oils to relax the body, elevate the mood, and promote overall emotional and physical well-being. For whom it is ideal: For those seeking a more sensorial escape, this gentle massage blends essential oils like lavender or citrus to support mood and skin hydration. It's a multi-layered experience that not only smells divine but leaves you feeling balanced from the inside out. 5. Body wraps For body wraps, a special, soothing ingredient is smeared over teh targeted area and wrapped in thermal sheets,(Shutterstock) How it is done: Body wraps involve applying therapeutic ingredients such as mud, algae, or nourishing creams to the body, followed by wrapping in thermal sheets to help detoxify, hydrate, and firm the skin. Body wraps involve applying therapeutic ingredients such as mud, algae, or nourishing creams to the body, followed by wrapping in thermal sheets to help detoxify, hydrate, and firm the skin. For whom it is ideal: Great for a post-vacation reboot or pre-event polish, wraps made with seaweed, mud, or aloe help detoxify, tone, and deeply hydrate the skin. It results in a visible glow and that 'just-stepped-out-of-a-wellness-retreat' feeling in under an hour. 6. Facials Facials help alleviate skin fatigue.(Shutterstock) How it is done, types of facials: Using natural ingredients like honey, fruit enzymes, and clay, they deliver instant brightness, smoother texture, and a dose of feel-good confidence. Some popular types of facials, each designed to address specific skin concerns, include gold facials, wine facials, fruit facials, and more. Using natural ingredients like honey, fruit enzymes, and clay, they deliver instant brightness, smoother texture, and a dose of feel-good confidence. Some popular types of facials, each designed to address specific skin concerns, include gold facials, wine facials, fruit facials, and more. For whom it is ideal: Far from just a beauty ritual, modern facials address skin fatigue caused by pollution, blue light, and urban living. Massage therapy for back pain According to WebMD, massages offer relief in many ways, especially for back pain. Even a study hinted at the pain management effect of massage. The study was published in The Lancet Rheumatology in June 2025. However, the study's author noted that while massage may only assist with short-term symptom relief, it is not a long-term solution. For sustained pain management, treatment needs to be more holistic. This is why massage therapies should not be approached as a solution to a clinical problem. ALSO READ: Hot water baths to popping pimples: Dermatologist reveals biggest skincare mistakes you might be making Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
HDFC Balanced Advantage becomes first hybrid fund to cross ₹1 tn AUM
HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund (BAF) has become the first hybrid mutual fund (MF) scheme in India to achieve the ₹1-trillion asset milestone. This achievement makes it the second actively managed MF scheme—after Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund—to reach this 13-digit assets under management (AUM) mark. Launched in February 1994, HDFC BAF has consistently been one of the most popular MF offerings, largely due to its steady performance and stable fund management. Despite experiencing two changes in the fund house, the scheme was managed by the same fund manager for the majority of its lifetime. Prashant Jain, who managed the scheme from its inception, holds the record for managing an MF scheme for the longest period in India—28 years. Initially known as Centurion Prudence Fund, the scheme was renamed Zurich India Prudence Fund in 1999 when Zurich India acquired 20th Century Mutual Fund. In 2003, HDFC AMC acquired Zurich India, leading to the scheme being renamed HDFC Prudence Fund. It became HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund in 2018 following the merger with HDFC Growth Fund. After Jain's departure from HDFC AMC in 2022, the scheme has been managed by Gopal Agarwal, Anil Bamboli and Srinivasan Ramamurthy. HDFC BAF has delivered over 18 per cent annualised returns on lump-sum investments since its inception. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) investments have also yielded nearly 19 per cent returns. Currently, the scheme leads the balanced advantage category return chart across all time frames. As of 13 June, it delivered a 23 per cent annualised return over the three-year period and a 26 per cent annualised return over the five-year period, according to Value Research data. Gopal Agarwal attributes this performance to the scheme's model-driven approach. 'We follow a model-driven approach to asset allocation with focus on valuation metrics, macroeconomic insights and bottom-up stock selection. The model dynamically adjusts equity exposure based on changing market conditions, helping manage risk while aiming for long-term growth,' he said.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
IIMB announces this year's Distinguished Alumni Awards
Sandhya Shekhar, Prashant Jain, Mathew Cyriac, and Vineet Saraiwala are the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards given out by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) to its alumni. The awards will be presented on June 15. The DAA is presented to alumni in recognition of their achievements of exceptional merit and excellence in their chosen field of endeavour. Each awardee receives a citation and her/his name is engraved on the Wall of Fame in IIMB. Ms. Shekhar, (PGP 1984), is an advisor and strategy consultant to several corporate entities in the areas of business strategy and digital transformation and serves as an independent director on the governing boards of many companies. Mr. Jain, (PGP 1991), founder and chief investment officer of 3P Investment Managers, has 31 years of investment management. He holds the distinction of being the only fund manager in India and one of the few globally, to have continuously managed a scheme for over 28 years (HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund), and the first fund manager in India to have managed 1 lakh crore of equity funds. Mr. Cyriac, (PGP 1994) whose career spans over 30 years has been recognised for many firsts during his investing roles in India and the U.S.. He is now the executive chairman of the PE firm Florintree Advisors and co-founder at deep tech fund Yali Capital. Mr. Saraiwala (PGP 2015) is the founder and CEO of Atypical Advantage which has influenced corporate India's approach towards disability inclusion as a business imperative. The organisation received both the National Startup Award for Social Impact and the National Award for Best Placement Organisation presented by the President of India, in 2024. IIMB will also host the orientation for the incoming cohort of its two-year fulltime MBA programmes, PGP and PGPBA, 2025-2027 batch, on June 9.
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
IIM Bangalore announces Distinguished Alumni Awards 2025, four alumni to be honoured
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore will be awarding four aumni with the Distinguished Alumni Awards 2025. The four alumni include Sandhya Shekhar, Prashant Jain, Mathew Cyriac, and Vineet Saraiwala. The institute will present the awards on June 15, 2025, during the reorientation of the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA). Also read: IGNOU ODL, Online Admissions 2025: Register for July session via direct link here As informed by IIM Bangalore through a press statement, Sandhya Shekhar, PGP 1984, is an Advisor and Strategy Consultant to several corporate entities in the areas of Business Strategy and Digital Transformation. She serves as an Independent Director on the governing boards of Uno Minda Ltd., MI Torica, Mynda Onkyo, MITIL Polymer Pvt Ltd. and UCAL Ltd. Prashant Jain, PGP 1991, is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of 3P Investment Managers, and has previously served as Chief Investment Officer at HDFC Mutual Fund. Prashant has 31 years of investment management experience, and holds the distinction of being the only fund manager in India and one of the few globally, to have continuously managed a scheme for over 28 years (HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund), and the first fund manager in India to have managed 1 lac crore of equity funds. Also read: JAC Delhi Counselling 2025: Here's how to check round 1 seat allotment results at Mathew Cyriac, PGP 1994, is the Executive Chairman of the PE firm Florintree Advisors and Co-founder at deep tech fund Yali Capital. He earlier served as a founding member and PE Co-head of Blackstone India. He has been recognized for many firsts in his 30-year career spanning investing roles in India and the US. Vineet Saraiwala, PGP 2015, Founder and CEO of Atypical Advantage, has significantly influenced corporate India's approach towards disability inclusion as a business imperative. The Distinguished Alumni Awards was instituted in 2007 and presented to alumni in recognition of their achievements of exceptional merit and excellence in their chosen field of endeavor. Awardees receive a citation and her/his name is engraved on the Wall of Fame in the Institute. Also read: JoSAA mock seat allocation list 2025 out, here's how to check at IIM Bangalore said that the reorientation for the second-year students will include a series of faculty-led workshops focused on academic and professional recalibration for the final year. Additionally, the closing ceremony of the reorientation will feature PGP '94 alumnus Ganeshan Ramachandran, MD & Lead - Industry Groups, Accenture, and Raghu Polisetty, Senior Managing Director, Global Lead - Strategy & Consulting Global Network, Accenture, as Chief Guests. Meanwhile, the institute will host the orientation for the incoming cohort of its two-year fulltime MBA programmes, PGP and PGPBA, 2025-2027 batch, on June 9 2025. The chief guest of the programme will be Ronnie Screwvala, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Entrepreneur & Film Producer, who will be speaking at the inauguration ceremony to be held in the Open-Air-Theatre (OAT) at the IIMB campus. The orientation programme will provide briefings on programme expectations, online learning, administrative matters, activities, centres, committees, facilities, policies, and more. There will also be interactions with alumni groups. Furthermore, the programme will feature announcements of the Director's Merit List, the Director's Honours List, and key scholarship awards, IIM Bangalore informed. It added that the President of the Students' Affairs Council (SAC), Revanth Reddy, will address the gathering on student life at IIMB, followed by a cultural program to mark the conclusion of the ceremony.
Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
IIM Bangalore announces distinguished Alumni Awards 2025
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has announced the names of the recipients of the Institute's Distinguished Alumni Awards (DAA) for 2025. This year, DAA will be given to Sandhya Shekhar, Prashant Jain, Mathew Cyriac, and Vineet Saraiwala, with the awards to be presented on 15 June, during the reorientation of the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA). Sandhya Shekhar, PGP 1984, is an Advisor and Strategy Consultant to several corporate entities in the areas of Business Strategy and Digital Transformation. She serves as an Independent Director on the governing boards of Uno Minda Ltd., MI Torica, Mynda Onkyo, MITIL Polymer Pvt Ltd. and UCAL Ltd. Prashant Jain, PGP 1991, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of 3P Investment Managers, has previously served as Chief Investment Officer at HDFC Mutual Fund. Mathew Cyriac, PGP 1994, is the Executive Chairman of the PE firm Florintree Advisors and Co-founder at deep tech fund Yali Capital. Vineet Saraiwala, PGP 2015, Founder and CEO of Atypical Advantage. IIMB has hosted the orientation for the incoming cohort of its two-year full-time MBA programmes, PGP and PGPBA, 2025-2027 batch, on 9 June 2025. Ronnie Screwvala, Chairperson and co-founder, entrepreneur & film producer, had delivered the chief guest's address during the inauguration ceremony that was held at the open-air theatre on the campus. The programme will feature announcements of the director's merit list, honours list, and key scholarship awards. Leadership Programme to Build Resilient GCCs Meanwhile, IIM Bangalore has launched a programme for senior professionals in Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Classes in the new programme titled 'Leadership Programme to Build Resilient GCCs', will start on July 24. Interested candidates can apply by visiting IIM Bangalore's official website – The last date to apply for the programme is June 24. Designed for professionals with 15+ years of experience and currently in leadership positions in GCCs, the programme will be held for 10 days and be spread across four months. The programme is aimed at helping leaders navigate an increasingly complex business environment and drive long-term value creation. The new programme features include global leadership frameworks contextualised for these centres, strategy workshops and peer learning.
