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Manappuram Unique Times Business Summit 2026 Puts Healthcare and Wellness Tourism in Focus

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The Unique Times Business Summit 2026, presented by Manappuram Finance Ltd and organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., was successfully held on August 9, 2026, at Le Méridien Kochi. Powered by FICF, INMECC, Alcazar Watches, Vibe Munnar and DQUE T-Shirts, the summit brought together distinguished leaders from the healthcare, hospitality, tourism and business sectors to deliberate on the theme, “Transforming Tourism Through Hospitality, Healthcare & Wellness.”

The function was inaugurated by Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd. The discussion was moderated by M. P. Joseph IAS, former IAS officer and former United Nations civil servant.

The summit featured an eminent panel comprising Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd.; Dr. S. Sajikumar, Chief Physician and Managing Director of Dhathri Ayurveda Hospital & Panchakarma Centre; Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram, Founder and Chairman of Heart Care Foundation; Shri James Mathew, CEO and Managing Partner of UHY James; Prof. (Dr.) Suresh H. Advani, Chairman of Smita Memorial Hospital and Research Centre; Shri Manu G, Airport Director of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL); and Shri Rajesh Malik, Promoter of Carnoustie Ayurvedic & Wellness Resort.

The panel discussion explored the growing synergy between tourism, hospitality, healthcare and wellness, highlighting Kerala’s potential as a global destination for medical tourism and holistic wellness experiences. The speakers collectively emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainable development and strategic collaborations in enhancing the tourism ecosystem and strengthening the state’s position on the international stage.

The summit, led by Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., served as a significant platform for industry experts and policymakers to exchange ideas on the future of wellness-driven tourism. The event reinforced the need for integrated approaches that combine healthcare excellence, world-class hospitality and sustainable tourism practices to drive economic growth and global recognition.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

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‘She Walks for Cause’ Showcases the Power of Women United for Change

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FICF She Walks for Cause, organised in association with INMECC and powered by Manappuram Finance Ltd., Lexus, and Klamy New York, was successfully held on 23rd May 2026 at Le Méridien Kochi. Conceptualised and founded by Dr Ajit Ravi, the event brought together leading women entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals, and beauty queens on a common platform dedicated to social responsibility and community welfare. The initiative celebrated the power of women coming together to create meaningful change while supporting charitable causes.

The walk featured an inspiring lineup of women entrepreneurs and business leaders, including Jyothi Aswani (Managing Partner, Aswani Lachmandas Group), Sheela Kochouseph (Founder & CMD, V-Star Creations Pvt. Ltd.), Preethi Parakkat (Managing Director – Public Relations, Parakkat Jewels), Aishwarya Nandilath (Director, Nandilath G-Mart), Priya Fazil (Founder & Managing Director, Dream Flower Builders), Lekha Balachandran (Managing Partner, Resitech Electricals), Divyaa Prashanuth (Marketing Manager, Malayala Manorama), Deepthi Vijayakumar (Managing Director, Aiswaria Advertising), Euphie K. Paul (Founder & Chairperson, Little Britain Preschool and Managing Director, Welmont Hospital), Dr. N.R. Mini Varma BAMS (Managing Partner, Varma Ayurvedics), Laila Sudheesh (Managing Partner, Care4u Facility Management Services), Jayani Bennheim (Executive Director & Chairperson, Bennheims Group) and Preena Anuraj (Managing Director, Anaswara Jewellers & Rithu Diamonds).

Adding further inspiration to the event were accomplished pageant titleholders, including Cinda Padamadan (Miss Queen Kerala 2024 & Miss South India 2024), Lakshmi Menon (Miss South India 2018 & Miss Queen of India 2018), Pournami Murali (Miss India Glam World 2026), Nikita Thomas (Miss South India 2019), and Soumya S. Thomas (2nd Runner-Up, Miss Queen Kerala 2025 & 1st Runner-Up, Miss India Glam World 2026). Their participation reinforced the event’s message of confidence, leadership, and social commitment.

What made the initiative truly special was its philanthropic mission. 100% of the revenue generated will be dedicated to charitable causes, ensuring that every contribution directly supports meaningful social impact. By bringing together successful women entrepreneurs, professionals, and beauty queens for a common purpose, the event demonstrated how leadership, compassion, and collective action can make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.

Pic courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright