Archives January 2025

Hyderabad, January 27, 2025: To commemorate the 76th Republic Day, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in partnership with the Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society, organized a special successful blood donation camp at the National Police Academy. The camp aimed to provide vital support to individuals suffering from thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder. All the blood units collected was donated to the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society.

SVPNPA Director, Amit Garg, IPS and Dr. Chandrashekar along with Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society and Mr. Aleem Baig, Joint Secretary, TSCS attended the event and expressed their gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, and blood donors.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President, TSCS said, “We are truly grateful to the donors and others who have come forward and donated blood to meet the blood requirements of thalassemia patients. We are extremely honored that the National Police Academy members have participated in the blood donation camp.”

Aleem Baig, Joint Secretary of TSCS, spoke about the blood donation camp, saying, “TSCS has been at the forefront of conducting mega blood donation camps in Hyderabad. We thank all the guests and donors who have extended their support to us and also promise to continue promoting awareness of thalassemia and its eradication.”

Hyderabad, 27th January 2025: The third edition of the iconic 3-day music and dance extravaganza, ‘Ramayana Kalpavrksam’, conceived and curated by Hyderabad based acclaimed dancer Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, a celebrated artist and cultural ambassador, will be hosted from 31st January 2025 to 2nd February 2025, at the CCRT campus, Hyderabad. The signature festival and India’s finest talents in classical arts in a unique confluence of art, tradition, and scholarship is being presented by Shankarananda Kalakshetra and Natyarambha, in collaboration with Brhat. The festival is to be inaugurated by Chief Guest Sri Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament.

According to Ananda the creator of the annual festival, Ramayana Kalpavrksam brings Sri Rama Chetana back into our lives, a 3-day immersion into all things Rama through the prism of top class performances, of dance, music and Harikatha, by stars and doyens in the field, inspiring and scholarly talks, by renowned and young scholars, learning workshops on Indic knowledge, exhibitions, crafts and more.

The highlights performances in the evening segment, ‘Ramarasa’ promises to be a mesmerizing celebration of art and devotion, featuring an array of stellar performances from the worlds of Carnatic music, classical dance, and storytelling, with the renowned Carnatic duo Ranjani-Gayatri, premiering their much-anticipated musical feature, ‘RAMA by RaGa’; Vishaka Hari, the Harikatha legend, will enchant the audience with ‘Ramayana: The Life-Giving Tree’; a breathtaking presentation of Rukmini Devi Arundale’s iconic dance choreography, ‘Sabari Moksham,’ brought to life by the Kalakshetra Foundation; the rare and vibrant Manipuri Raas, Pung and Dhol Cholam, performed by the JN Manipuri Dance Academy, Imphal, transporting audiences to the cultural heart of Manipur and a soulful invocation, ‘Takkuvemimanaku,’ performed by the Shankarananda Kalakshetra ensemble. Each performance is a testament to the timeless legacy of Indian art forms, weaving together music, dance, and storytelling in an unforgettable homage to Lord Rama.

The morning sessions, ‘Ramamrita’ brings together six remarkable and scholarly speakers, each offering a unique perspective on the timeless epic of the Ramayana. Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, renowned for his deep understanding of Sanskrit literature and philosophy; Yashodeep Deodhar, creator of the widely popular 21Notes, sharing innovative insights into the Ramayana; Ami Ganatra, acclaimed author of bestselling books on the Ramayana, known for her fresh and thought-provoking interpretations; Dr. Anupama Kylash, a celebrated dance scholar, illuminating the Ramayana through the lens of classical Indian dance and culture; Dr. DK Hari and Dr. DK Hema, creators of the Bharat Gyan series, bringing their extensive research on India’s ancient wisdom and the Ramayana to life and Vikram Sridhar, a gifted young storyteller, weaving the magic of the Ramayana with his compelling narratives. This exceptional lineup promises to delve into the myriad facets of the Ramayana, blending scholarship, creativity, and storytelling to inspire and enlighten.

As part of the vibrant three-day festival, an array of engaging learning workshops and unique experiences await participants, in ‘Kala Charan’: a Sanskrit Learning Workshop, led by Udaya Shreyas of the Sanskrit Channel, offering an immersive dive into the beauty and essence of Sanskrit. A hands-on fabric painting session will have the young and talented artist Anusha Namburi, exploring the art of adorning fabric with creativity and a traditional Cheriyal Painting art form is brought to life by acclaimed Cheriyal artist Madhu Merugoju. The fest will also have a captivating display of vintage lithographs from the treasured collection of Pratima Sagar and MC Mohan, showcasing the divine in Indian households, ‘Framing Divinity – Devas in Our Homes’ as well as ‘Kala Grama’, a bustling bazaar celebrating the craftsmanship of talented artisans, offering a glimpse into India’s rich heritage and artistry, Ramayana Kalpavrksam promises to captivate attendees and leave them enriched by India’s timeless traditions.

On this Republic Day, as we stand tall in the pride of our nation’s journey, it’s important to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves some tough questions. Kamya Panjabi, who plays the character of Mohini in Sun Neo’s Ishq Jabariya, shared some of the tough questions that crossed her mind on this significant occasion and expressed her thoughts on the matter.

Kamya says, “Republic Day is a reminder of the strength and beauty of our democracy, but it also makes me question are we truly living up to the ideals set by our Constitution. We speak of equality, yet many in our country are still struggling for basic rights. We celebrate freedom, but is everyone really free to express their opinions without fear?”

The Ishq Jabariya Actress further continues, “I love my country deeply, and that’s why I feel the need to speak up. Patriotism isn’t just about waving flags or singing the anthem it’s about standing up for what’s right, even if it’s uncomfortable. It’s time we stop hiding behind traditions and start addressing issues like corruption, discrimination, and injustice head-on. On this Republic Day, I urge everyone to not just celebrate, but also reflect and act. Real change starts with us.”

Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo at 7:30 PM, is an engaging love story centred around Gulki, a determined young woman with big aspirations. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in key roles, bringing depth and emotion to this captivating narrative.

Chennai, 27th January 2025: Indian Bank today celebrated our nation’s 76th Republic Day at its Corporate Office and Head Office at Chennai. Shri Binod Kumar, MD & CEO of Indian Bank hoisted the National Flag. A guard of honour was presented by the guards of the Bank.

In his Republic Day address, Shri Kumar recalled the contribution and sacrifices of our Martyrs in establishing free India and acknowledged the resilient and relentless efforts by Bank’s pioneer.

As a part of its CSR initiatives, Bank sponsored an ambulance to Rajiv Gandhi Govt. General hospital, Chennai. Shri Kumar handed over the vehicle key to the hospital authorities. Executive Directors- Shri Mahesh Kumar Bajaj, Shri Ashutosh Chaudhury, Shri Shiv Bajrang Singh, Shri Brajesh Kumar Singh and Chief Vigilance officer Shri V K Srivastava along with senior officials, staff members and their family participated in the event.

Hyderabad, January 27, 2025…… The 108-year-old Industry, Commerce and Trade body the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) celebrated the 76th Republic Day and President Suresh Kumar Singhal hoisted the national flag at the Federation house.

Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Kumar Singhal said, “This occasion marks the day India adopted its Constitution in 1950 and stands as a testament to the democratic values and principles that continue to guide our nation forward.”

Today, as we stand here under the proud shadow of our Tricolor, we are reminded of the immense responsibility we hold as citizens, as business leaders, and as contributors to our nation’s growth and prosperity. The Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as one of the state’s leading voices for trade and industry, has a critical role to play in shaping the future of Telangana and India as a whole, Singhal told the gathering.

On this Republic Day, I urge each one of you to recommit to the values of our Constitution and take pride in the role we play in building a stronger and more prosperous India. Let us work to make Telangana an example of excellence, innovation and sustainability, he said.

KK Maheshwari, the Vice President of FTCCI said we got our own Constitution two and half years after Independence. It was drafted and redrafted to make India a strong nation. The 18.36% literacy at the time of our Independence has now reached almost 100%. To make a strong nation we need a strong education and industrial base.

Hyderabad, January 25, 2025…..School Games Competitions were organised for Govt Schools under a novel initiative ‘Project Champion’ an initiative of the Hyderabad Runners Society to provide Govt School kids with 30-40 minutes of exercises and games where there is no Physical Training Teachers available, to promote movement and active lifestyles

The Hyderabad Runners Society organized the Project Champion Annual Sports Meet, bringing together 1,600 students from nine government schools. The Sports Meet concluded at Gachibowli stadium on Saturday evening informed Vijay Yaragal, Outreach lead of Hyderabad Runners Society.

The nine government schools include NBT Nagar Primary and High School; School; Shaikpet Primary and High School; MGN Primary School; MRC Colony Primary School; NATCO Borabanda Primary and Higher School; Govt Upper Primary and High School, KPHB; Chowraha Zinsi Govt High School;

The event celebrated the athletic spirit of the participants, with 538 students emerging victorious across various events- Running (All tracks), Long jump, Tug of War, volleyball, handball, Kho Kho etc. These winners were awarded medals and certificates and enjoyed refreshments as part of the celebration.

Under the guidance of Physical Education teachers appointed by Hyderabad Runners, the students underwent rigorous training for over 100 days before the annual sports meet.

The event was inaugurated by the Office Bearers from the Hyderabad Runners Society. Medals and certificates were presented to the honoured students by core members of the Hyderabad Runners Society, alongside the school headmasters.

Physical Education teachers, appointed by Hyderabad Runners, diligently trained the children for over 100 days.

Hyderabad Runners Society, the only organisation to institutionalise running in India, launched the Project Champion initiative in five Government Schools in Shaikpet Mandal in October 2023, in collaboration with Kriti Social Initiatives. The project so far has positively impacted ten government schools and 5900+ children. This initiative aims to engage children in sports, games, and physical activities, fostering a active lifestyle. Since its inception, the project has significantly improved student attendance and punctuality.

By integrating sports into education, Project Champion has motivated students to attend school regularly, instilling values such as teamwork, citizenship, and discipline. The school games have strengthened community bonds, promoting camaraderie and mutual support among the children.

Bengaluru, 27th January 2025: Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (KMBL) has launched the Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme along with a nationwide marketing campaign. This initiative, part of Kotak’s CSR efforts, aims to help early-stage startups overcome growth challenges and scale their businesses.

In collaboration with incubators like IIMA Ventures, NSRCEL, and T-Hub, Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme will offer mentorship, market access, funding opportunities, and advisory support. The programme has already enrolled over 200 startups and conducted 15 roadshows in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities such as Indore, Surat, and Warangal.

Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme aims to support around 1,000 startups in sectors like agritech, climatech, fintech, healthcare, edtech, and sustainability. The accelerator programme features a Virtual Knowledge Centre, providing resources like the Online Startup School, guides, and networking opportunities as well as mentoring and grant funding of Rs. 15 lakhs to select startups.

In order to spread awareness about the programme, Kotak has launched an integrated marketing campaign that includes a digital film that captures the spirit of entrepreneurs, set to the tune of “Ohh Dreamers, Tere Crazy Dreams Ki Talaash Hai.” The film highlights how entrepreneurs live and breathe their ideas, with Kotak BizLabs offering up support to further their growth.

Kedarswamy Ravangane, Executive Vice President – Marketing, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “Small businesses are the backbone of the Indian economy. With Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme, we provide a platform to help them navigate challenges, grow sustainably, and scale their operations. This campaign is our commitment to reaching out to small business owners across India and showing how this programme can help them chase their dreams.”

GRT Jewellers, a trusted name in fine jewellery for six decades, marks its 60th anniversary with a remarkable achievement – breaking its own Guinness World Record. The brand has once again etched its name in the Guinness World Records by surpassing its own previous record. This time, it unveiled the Mega Golden Jhumkas, a breathtaking creation in 22-carat gold weighing 3.527 kilograms, now officially the world’s heaviest pair of gold earrings.

This extraordinary design pays tribute to South India’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship of GRT’s artisans. The adjudicator from the Guinness World Records presented the historical recognition to GRT Managing Directors Mr G.R. ‘Anand’ Ananthapadmanabhan and Mr G.R. Radhakrishnan.

Reflecting on the milestone, Mr ‘Anand’ Ananthapadmanabhan said, “This recognition is a humbling moment in our 60-year journey. It reflects our commitment to preserving legacy heritage while embracing innovation.”

Mr Radhakrishnan added, “This milestone belongs to our loyal customers, whose trust and encouragement motivate us to excel, and to our team & artisans”

With this achievement, GRT continues to inspire generations, setting new benchmarks in the jewellery industry while celebrating its legacy of trust, artistry, and timeless designs

By- Vaibhav Sadhwani, Co-founder, Behind The Scene Weddings – Destination Wedding Planner

The reason luxury destinations have surged in popularity, is because couples are seeking exclusive, once in a lifetime experiences in some of the most breathtaking locales of the world. This shift has fuelled the demand for expert guidance in planning this extra ordinary event giving rise to a new class of professionals who are often called as luxury wedding destination consultants. These specialists craft dream weddings by blending vacation, culture and personalised service turning the entire wedding journey into an immersive, memorable experience. Lets see how these wedding experts are re shaping the ultimate wedding experience.

Curating unforgettable destinations:
Luxury wedding consultants have a keen understanding of zeroing in on exotic locations, from private mediterranean islands to palatial venues in India. The insider knowledge allows them to offer exclusive access to hidden gems most travellers wouldn’t even know exist. Beyond merely selecting a picturesque location, these experts design a setting that reflects the couple’s personality, values and aesthetics. Adding to it, the experience resonates with the deep values of guests on a personal level.

Curating seamless experiences
Finding a destination for wedding comes with complex logistics from handling travel arrangements to ensuring smooth operation of multi day events. Luxury expert consultants co ordinate the details related to logistics, transportation and guest experiences to create a seamless flow. With everything organized to perfection, couples and their guests can immerse in wedding festivities without worrying about anything.

Incorporating unique cultural experiences
Today’s couples often seek authentic cultural experiences to make their wedding feel both unique and meaningful. Luxury wedding consultants excel at weaving local traditions and cultural elements into the celebrations. Whether it is a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony in Rajasthan or a sunset yacht party in Maldives or a Tuscan vineyard dinner with locally sourced wine and ingredients. This adds authenticity, making the wedding a cultural journey for the couple as well as their guests.

Customising every detail
From personalised wedding gifts to unique culinary experiences, luxury consultants offer a high level of customisation to elevate the wedding experience. They work closely with the couple to understand their vision and preferences, curating every detail to align with their tastes. This customization could range from commissioning bespoke invitations to décor and designing personalized itineraries for the guests, ensuring that everyone feels truly special.

Curating the guest experience
Destination wedding consultants recognize that while the couple is the focus the experience of each guest is equally essential. To make everyone feel appreciated and pampered luxury consultants often organise curated pre and post wedding activities. Spa treatments, private tours and more. This thoughtful approach ensures guests leave with unforgettable memories feeling like they were part of something truly exceptional.

Sustainability and ethical practices
Many luxury wedding consultants are increasingly prioritising sustainable practices. This includes collaborating with eco friendly vendors, minimising waste and choosing venues that adhere to positive environment practices. Ethical practices are essential, especially for couples who want their wedding to reflect their values and leave a positive impact on the host community.

The role of technology in destination weddings
Technology has transformed how luxurious destination weddings are organized. From digital planning tools to virtual site tours to customized expert guidance at every step. Many consultants offer virtual consultations and real time planning updates making it easier for couples to stay informed and engaged even from afar. Guests can also enjoy interactive experiences like custom apps with event details and enhancing the experience for everyone involved.

Hyderabad, January 2025: Prabhakar is donating for the 84th time & his son Abhiram, who turned 18 today, making his first donation!

Prabhakar Aedunoothala, a Resident of Saketh colony, Kapra & Founder of Saadhikar Insurance Consulting IMF Private Ltd., donated blood for the 84 time today and he took along his son Abhiram, who turned 18 today for the blood donation.

Prabhakar is the recipient of awards for blood donation promotion from his excellency Governor Shri ESL Narasimhan garu in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2015.

Today, he added another person to the blood donation movement, his elder son, AVS ABHIRAM, pursuing his B.Tech. Abhiram has crossed 18 years.

Today both father and son duo together donated blood at Indian Red Cross Society blood bank, vidya Nagar. Now onwards Abhiram like his father wants to donate blood after every 90 days.