National News
Jos Alukkas and PFC Kerala Unite for Football World Cup Dream
Renowned jewellery group Jos Alukkas is making a bold entry into football by partnering with PFC Kerala, officially recognized as an elite-category club tasked with training Indian players for the World Cup. Based in Parappur, Thrissur—a village synonymous with football—PFC Kerala has been nurturing talent since its inception in 2012.
The club boasts an impressive track record: six players have signed professional contracts with various ISL clubs. It has also contributed significantly to national and state teams, including one player each for the Santosh Trophy and the National Junior Team, 11 players for the State Sub-Junior Team, and five players for the Junior Team.
PFC Kerala’s Role in Mission World Cup 2047
PFC Kerala has been entrusted with the mission to train players for India’s World Cup team in 2047, a task assigned to just 32 academies nationwide, including ISL clubs. Notably, PFC Kerala is one of only two clubs in Kerala selected for this prestigious responsibility. This achievement grants the club direct entry into the National Youth League in the Under-13, Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories. The club has already excelled, winning championships in the Under-13 and Under-15 categories of the Kerala Youth League.
Operating as a residential academy for over a decade, PFC Kerala now trains 350 players without charging a fee, offering scientific and high-quality football training. The club’s efforts have earned it the Kerala Football Association’s Best Football Academy Award and an I-League membership.
Jos Alukkas: A Deep Connection with Football
The Jos Alukkas Group, under the leadership of Chairman Jos Alukkas, has been actively involved in Kerala’s football scene, both as a supporter and organizer. A former player himself, Jos Alukkas has played a key role in promoting the sport, including the successful organization of the Santosh Trophy in Thrissur. This edition of the Santosh Trophy, held under his leadership, was marked by record participation and profitability, becoming a milestone in Kerala’s sports history. Thrissur, the birthplace of legendary players like I.M. Vijayan and C.V. Pappachan, continues to be a vibrant hub of football passion.
“Jos Alukkas has taken up the big task of bringing Indian players to the World Cup. Chairman Jos Alukkas is a football star. We are proud to bring back his passion for football through PFC Kerala,” said C.C. Hanson, Founder of PFC Kerala.
“For the Jos Alukkas Group, football is more than just a game—it’s a mission. We are proud to support PFC Kerala in their journey to mold future stars for the World Cup,” said Group Chairman Jos Alukkas. He further added, “Football shaped me as a person and taught me valuable lessons that guide my business today. It is our duty to contribute to the nation by helping discover and nurture football talent.”
Highlighting the club’s goals, Managing Directors Varghese Alukkas, Paul J Alukkas, and John Alukkas stated, “A player’s true potential emerges through participation in competitive matches rather than intra-club games. Our priority is to ensure PFC Kerala competes in more matches to refine and showcase talent.”
At a special event in Thrissur, the new logo and jersey of the Jos Alukkas–PFC Kerala partnership were unveiled, symbolizing a fresh chapter in the club’s journey. With a clear vision and robust support, PFC Kerala’s dream of participating in the ISL is now within reach.
National News
Akshaya Tritiya 2026:Indian Consumers Balanced Record-High Prices With Age-Old Traditions
Narrative Of This Season Was One Of Value Over Volume
In the grand tapestry of Indian traditions, few threads shine as brightly as Akshaya Tritiya. Known as the day of “never-diminishing” prosperity, it is a time when the spiritual and the material converge. This year, as the sun rose on April 19, 2026, the festival once again transformed bustling markets into golden corridors of hope and heritage.
Despite the headwinds of record-high prices—with 24K gold touching nearly Rs. 1,56,000 per 10 grams—the Indian consumer’s bond with the yellow metal remained unbreakable. The narrative of this season, however, was one of “Value over Volume,” as buyers navigated a complex landscape of economic prudence and unwavering faith.
A Legacy of Trust and Gratitude
For established houses, the festival was a validation of decades of service. Kishorkumar Jindatta Shah, Chairman of Chandukaka Saraf, noted the profound emotional connection underlying the commercial activity:
“Akshay Tritiya has always been a symbol of prosperity, and this year, we are truly grateful for the overwhelming response from our customers. The strong sales reflect not just festive sentiment but also the trust our patrons place in us. We sincerely thank our customers for choosing Chandukaka Saraf and being a part of our journey.”
Regional Reverence: The Southern Stronghold
Nowhere was the fervor more palpable than in South India, the ancestral heartland of the festival. Accountable for nearly 40% of national sales, the region saw a unique blend of traditional reverence and modern pragmatism.
Surabi Karthik, State Vice President of IBJA Tamil Nadu and President of the South India Bullion Association, offered a candid look at the regional performance:
“This Akshaya Tritiya, it was truly heartening to see our customers keeping their traditions alive. Gold and silver purchases flowed in on this auspicious day. However, we must be honest—the volumes, especially across Tamil Nadu, were lower than expected. There are two primary catalysts for this dip: a surge in heavy buying that had already occurred between October and February, and the restrictive Election Code of Conduct, which dampened market sentiment.”
Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta, President of JAB-CMD at Laxmi Diamonds, Bengaluru, observed:
“This Akshaya Tritiya witnessed robust jewellery sales across South India, reflecting sustained consumer enthusiasm. With Akshaya Tritiya having its origins in South India, consumers have a strong emotional connection. While the overall volume remained largely in line with last year, the value of purchases saw a noticeable increase, driven by higher gold prices and evolving buying preferences.”
The Shift Toward “Functional Luxury”
The high-price environment of 2026 sparked a creative shift in consumer choice. The trend moved away from heavy, “locker-bound” pieces toward lightweight and versatile designs that offer daily utility.
Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta highlighted a prominent trend:
“Demand was particularly strong for lightweight jewellery, indicating a shift towards more contemporary designs. Additionally, consumers were actively exchanging old gold for new.”
Ashish Pethe, Partner at Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers, described a balanced market:
“Strong walk-ins throughout the day, balanced traction across gold, silver, and diamond segments, and sustained strength in bullion made this Akshay Tritiya a well-rounded success.”
Resilience Amidst the “Election Environment”
The 2026 season was not without its hurdles. With the nation in the midst of an election cycle, strict regulations on cash movement and the presence of the Model Code of Conduct created a more cautious atmosphere in certain corridors.
Anantha Padmanabhan, CMD of NAC Jewellers, reflected on this unique dynamic:
“Akshaya Tritiya continues to embody prosperity and tradition. This year, we have observed a modest moderation in sales, influenced by the prevailing election environment. However, the intrinsic trust in gold as a timeless asset remains unwavering.”
Gold as Financial Prudence
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from 2026 is the evolving psychology of the Indian buyer. Gold is no longer just an ornament; it is being cemented as a cornerstone of a disciplined financial portfolio.
Dr. B. Govindan, Chairman of Bhima Jewellery, explains this transition:
“The steady demand, despite record prices, reflects a clear shift in customer thinking. Buyers are focusing more on long-term security than short-term price movements. The preference for simple jewellery and investment coins shows that gold is being viewed not just as ornamentation, but as a reliable asset that blends tradition with financial prudence.”
As the doors of the jewellery showrooms closed and the Muhurat ended, one truth remained: whether through a 2-gram gold coin or a contemporary diamond-studded pendant, the spirit of Akshaya Tritiya endured. It is a festival that celebrates not just what we buy, but the enduring legacy of prosperity we hope to leave behind.
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