Mumbai Diary: Sunday Dossier

Keeping the faith

Sunita Ramnathkar

It is tariffs and Trump dominating the news today. Yet, for all the barbs and jibes, there are those who are keeping the faith and still believe Indo-US ties are a vibe. Like Sunita Ramnathkar, president, IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who believes we need to keep the faith. Said Ramnathkar, “The IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry has noted with concern the 25 per cent tariff on imports from India by the US. However, IMC remains confident in the Government of India’s proven track record of adept and calibrated trade negotiations, and we trust that it will take all necessary steps, diplomatic and policy-driven, ensuring that India’s exporters — especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) — are supported in navigating this challenge.” Uncle Sam and apna Bharat, full steam ahead, we say.

Roaring for India

Dr Latika Nath (R) unveiling a tiger statue as part of the celebration

Sonic Tigress is the world’s first all-women’s music festival, celebrated International Tiger Day on July 29 by honouring the other tigresses of India — women who lead, protect and inspire. The rather windy evening began at Soho House, Juhu, with a screening of snippets from the National Geographic film A Queen is Born: Tiger Queen of Taru by director Aishwarya Sridhar. The film is about Maya, a tigress from the jungles of Tadoba, Maharashtra, as she fights against all odds to make her own rules.

This was followed by a panel discussion with leading women, including influencer and host Miss Malini, hospitality veteran Aditi Dugar, and Dr Latika Nath, India’s first woman biologist, known as the Tiger Princess of India. The “tigresses” being celebrated shared stories of their journey, how they are inspired by the wild spirit of Maya, and what it means to carve out their own path. As the evening drew to a close, Sonic Tigress reminded everyone that true power often roars the loudest when it comes from women lifting each other up — a fitting tribute to every woman unafraid to rule her own jungle.

Changing AI bias, the first step

Ritesh Bhatia. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE

The we Allies Foundation, in partnership with the CyberPeace Foundation, launched India’s First AI Elevation Lab at Vile Parle’s Pravin Gandhi College of Law (PGCL), last week. Organised by cybercrime specialist Ritesh Bhatia, the event brought together thought leaders across sectors to spotlight AI bias and its real-world consequences. The lab aims to create awareness around algorithmic bias in fields like law, healthcare, and recruitment, and to empower students and professionals to advocate for inclusive, ethical AI.

Nostalgic nevertheless with 1971 cricket

The Sportsweek cover with members of the 1971 Indian cricket team. From left are Administrators KK Tarapore, Prof MV Chandgadkar, Syed Kirmani, behind his left shoulder S Venkataraghavan, skipper Ajit Wadekar, Abbas Ali Baig, partly hidden Hemu Adhikari, P Krishnamurthy and D Govindraj in shades, partly hidden Ashok Mankad (in shades), K Jayantilal and GR Vishwanath (holding cricket bats)

Our in-house cricket nut is hoping that the Oval cricket Test match between India and England ends in a victory for the visiting team. If the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is thus shared, he says his joy won’t be too less than what he felt when Ajit Wadekar’s India won the 1971 Oval Test for the team’s first series win in England. Our cricket nut also produced from his collection a Sportsweek issue which had a colour photograph of the team on the magazine’s cover, on their arrival at Santacruz airport. “Your readers will turn nostalgic,” he insisted, refusing to buy the argument that the result could go either way in the ongoing Test. “Cricket lovers would like to see their old heroes in colour nevertheless,” he stressed. We gave in, so here is the cover irrespective of the 2025 Test result.

Help for senior animal caregivers

PAL aims to help caregivers in need. REPRESENTATIONAL PIC/ISTOCK

Concerned about what happens when caregivers of street animals themselves fall ill or pass away, Pure Animal Lovers Foundation (IG @palfoundation.in) is setting up a support group for senior citizen feeders and pet owners, especially those who are living alone or only with their spouse. Its founder, Senior Inspector Sudhir Kudalkar, says this group will help track, support, and respond proactively, “with compassion and responsibility”. Concerned feeders can inform the group — by WhatsApp message only — at 9975575986.

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