All posts by rekha nair

Mumbai, January 24, 2025: This Republic Day, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, invites guests to celebrate the nation’s spirit of unity, diversity, and shared heritage.

With vibrant tricolour-themed decorations, traditional music and dance performances and specially curated menus, select properties are set to offer unique experiences to honour India’s 76th Republic Day. Guests can enjoy culinary delights such as tricolour sandwiches, dumplings, and idlis, complemented by vibrant desserts and mocktails inspired by the Indian flag, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Through these specially curated offerings, The Fern Hotels & Resorts aims to create an experience that brings our guests closer to the heart of India and the ideals that make our nation truly great.

Celebrate the essence of India with The Fern Hotels & Resorts, where every detail reflects the pride and diversity of our great nation.

23rd January 2025: Smashing boundaries both on and off court, Sports Brand PUMA India has just made its biggest serve yet! The brand recently welcomed PV Sindhu, one of India’s most celebrated badminton players, as its newest brand ambassador, and in style! Upon taking the court today at the 2025 Badminton India Open in New Delhi, Sindhu debuted in a voluminous, custom-made, black PUMA jacket layered over a court-dress, and paired with Accelerate Nitro Indoor Court Shoes by PUMA on feet. Completing her look, Sindhu also carried a customised black PUMA bag, adorned with sport-inspired shoelaces, baddy-themed charms and miniatures, including a PV doll and a racquet-shaped face mirror.

PUMA’s tribute jacket for Sindhu is a result of the brand appointing Rhycni, a contemporary Indian homegrown brand launched in 2022, to style one of its existing black jackets. Together, the two brands reimagined the classic black PUMA jacket, incorporating ruched design on the sleeves. This unique feature allows the sleeves to transform into different styles by simply adjusting the strings around the shoulders and arms, adding a versatile and innovative edge to the design.

Sharing her excitement on the partnership, PV Sindhu said,“I’ve always pushed boundaries on the court, and now, I’m thrilled to push those boundaries off the court as well. My partnership with PUMA will create a platform to bring a whole new dimension of style to the badminton court, merging sports and fashion for the first time in the country. I feel, what we wear is more than just an outfit—it’s a statement and a great tool of self-expression. I love athleisure, it’s an everyday essential for me. With PUMA’s versatile range in my wardrobe now, I am excited to mix and match and create looks that are both functional and stylish.”

Reflecting on the collaboration, Rhycni, the co-creator of the jacket said,“At Rhycni, we thrive on the idea of spontaneity, crafting designs fueled by instinct and raw creativity. Every piece is a burst of inspiration, unplanned but with real purpose behind it. Collaborating with PUMA for PV Sindhu has been a thrilling experience. PUMA’s ability to blend performance, innovation, and style really resonates with our approach, making this partnership the perfect platform for creative experimentation. The inspiration behind the jacket is Sindhu—a legendary athlete who embodies femininity in a way that’s subtle yet powerful. We love how our design, and the fabric capture her balance of strength and softness, bringing our shared vision with PUMA to life.”

Additionally, PUMA will soon unveil images from an exclusive photoshoot where Sindhu will bring a bold, stylish edge to the badminton court like-never-before.

With her trailblazing journey and unstoppable spirit, PV Sindhu has cemented her place as a global icon, becoming the most-followed badminton athlete on Instagram with an impressive 4 million fans. As the recipient of numerous prestigious accolades, including the Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan, Sindhu continues to inspire excellence both on and off the court. By teaming up with Sindhu, PUMA India is reimagining and redefining badminton, not just as a sport but as a movement rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and bold, cutting-edge style.

In India, Badminton is a vibe! From matches in local lanes to the roar of fans at national tournaments, it’s become the ultimate cultural flex, especially for the youth and millennials. It is the second-most played sport in the country, after cricket, and has seen a remarkable 65% rise in active participation over the past four years. This fast-paced, adrenaline-packed game has everyone hooked, bringing people together across age and gender. The partnership with Sindhu reflects PUMA’s bold vision to unlock badminton’s untapped potential as a high-performance sport in India and build a thriving badminton ecosystem.

To cater to the growing popularity, PUMA will also be launching an exclusive badminton-inspired collection for enthusiasts later this year. From high-performance gear to sleek badminton shoes, the range will cater to players and fans alike, combining top-notch functionality with heavy dose of design.

PUMA has been a driving force in elevating sports culture and championing women in sports across India by collaborating with athletes from cricket, boxing, football, para sports, and badminton. The brand’s commitment to this narrative goes beyond the game itself, celebrating its women athletes as icons of strength and individuality. PUMA’s groundbreaking collaborations with cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, boxing legend MC Mary Kom, para shooter Avani Lekhara, and most recently cricketer Richa Ghosh, have left an indelible mark, showcasing the perfect fusion of sport and style.

Nonprofit shares data analysis to demonstrate Missouri’s child care system evolution since COVID-19.

(St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 22, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently released its “Child Care Landscape in Missouri” report which examines the region’s child care system from 2020 to 2024.

The up-to-date report explores how Missouri’s child care system has been significantly shaped by the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various challenges addressed include an increase in child care deserts, child care affordability, limited resource accessibility, and the expiration of federally funded programs like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit organization that focuses on comprehensive early childhood education and its impact on families, child care professionals, businesses, and communities. CCAMO holds exclusive statewide licenses for Show Me Child Care Resources, a web-based portal providing more than 2,000 resources for child care educators and business owners, as well as T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Missouri Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than 2,600 scholarships across Missouri since its inception.

CCAMO’s report provides researched solutions and actionable recommendations such as expanding affordable care access with a focus on rural and underserved areas; investing in workforce retention through better wages and benefits; sustaining public funding to stabilize and grow the sector; and promoting innovative child care models to meet diverse family needs.

“Our detailed analysis depicts numerous barriers in Missouri’s child care infrastructure since the pandemic,” said CCAMO CEO Robin Phillips. “We have addressed these issues – from workforce development resources to policy recommendations – to assist our region in its quest for quality answers to our current child care climate.”

Child Care Aware of Missouri’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options.

Agra, Uttar Pradesh/9th January 2025: The Badminton Association of Agra is proud to host the UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025, a celebration of skill, determination, and the enduring love for badminton. Scheduled from 10th January to 12th January 2025, the tournament will take place at the Prakhar Agarwal Memorial Academy, Agra, and is dedicated to the memory of the late Shri Vijay Sharma Ji, whose legacy continues to inspire the sporting community.

This championship brings together over 300 veteran players from across Uttar Pradesh, competing in age categories ranging from 35+ to 70, for both men and women. It’s not just a competition; it’s a stage where seasoned players come to relive their passion for the sport, connect with their peers, and inspire the next generation of athletes.

The UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025 will kick off with an Opening Ceremony on 10th January 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Prakhar Agarwal Memorial Academy, Agra, graced by Smt. Anupam Kulshreshth, IPS, Additional Director General, Agra Zone, as the Chief Guest. The tournament will conclude with a Closing Ceremony on 12th January 2025, at 3:00 PM at the same venue, with Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, Government of India, honoring the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The championship will also welcome some of the most distinguished names in Indian badminton, including Arjuna awardees and renowned national players, whose presence will serve as a beacon of inspiration for both participants and spectators.

A Message from the President

Speaking about the event, Dr. Beena Lawania, President of the Badminton Association Agra, shared: This championship is more than just a tournament. It is a tribute to resilience, a platform for veterans to showcase their talent, and an opportunity to rekindle the camaraderie that sports bring to life. Hosting this event in memory of Shri Vijay Sharma Ji is our way of honoring his immense contribution to the sport and to our community. We invite everyone to be a part of this remarkable journey and cheer on these exceptional athletes.”

Join Us

The UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025 is not only a competition but also a testament to the timeless spirit of sportsmanship. We warmly invite media personnel to cover this inspiring event, as we celebrate the unwavering dedication of these remarkable players and shine a spotlight on their extraordinary stories.

Michelle Heiliger and Keith Pickerel bring extensive experience to the nonprofit.

St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 31, 2024: Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently added Michelle Heiliger and Keith Pickerel to its board of directors for three-year terms.

Michelle Heiliger

Michelle Heiliger brings more than 20 years of human resource management experience to the board. She is the owner of HR Heroes, a boutique human resources firm supporting small businesses and municipalities. Heiliger currently serves as the Mayor of Wright City, Mo. and previously was a member of the Wright City Board of Aldermen.

Keith Pickerel

Keith Pickerel, a retired CPA, joins the board with nearly 40 years of extensive tax experience. He previously worked at Emerson Electric Co. for over 15 years, most recently as the Director of State & Local Taxes at Emerson Electric Co. Pickerel is a member of the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants and previously served on the Associated Industries of Missouri Tax Committee and as Chairman of the State & Local Tax Committee of Tax Executive Institute – St. Louis.

“Michelle and Keith bring valuable, practical knowledge to our organization,” said Child Care Aware of Missouri’s CEO Robin Phillips. “Their commitment to our mission of addressing Missouri’s child care shortage is evident as they have both experienced the challenges of securing quality child care for their own children and grandchildren.” Phillips added that “we are excited to welcome their expertise and dedication to our board.”

Founded in 1999, Child Care Aware of Missouri is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options.

Mumbai, December 27, 2024: The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, invites guests to welcome 2025 with a celebration of togetherness, joy, and unforgettable experiences. With properties spread across India, The Fern Hotels & Resorts offers an ideal destination for every traveller to mark the beginning of the New Year in style—be it amidst serene mountains, tranquil beaches, coastal retreats, or the rich heritage of the country.

The thoughtfully curated New Year packages go beyond offering opulent accommodations. Guests can indulge in unique experiences tailored to their preferences, from cultural immersions and lively celebrations to serene getaways. The packages include engaging activities such as bonfire nights, live performances, themed dinners, and adventure sports, ensuring a vibrant and memorable start to the year. For those seeking relaxation, wellness offerings, including rejuvenating spa treatments and yoga sessions, provide the perfect balance of tranquillity and renewal.

Culinary excellence is at the heart of these celebrations. Specially crafted menus featuring gourmet delights, lavish buffet spreads and festive drinks promise a dining experience that complements the festive spirit. Whether guests prefer indulgent feasts or lighter, healthier options, the culinary offerings cater to every palate.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts is committed to creating moments that matter. Whether celebrating with family, friends, or embarking on a solo retreat, the New Year events promise to leave lasting impressions. Every detail is meticulously managed to ensure guests can focus on creating cherished memories with loved ones. Celebrate the magic of the season and step into 2025 with joy, hope and endless possibilities.

List of participating properties:

Pic Credit: @_ManmohanSingh (Fan Page)

Mumbai, December 27, 2024 – Shreyas Webmedia Solutions, a leading digital marketing and web solutions company, expresses its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India.

Dr. Singh, a revered statesman and economist, played an instrumental role in shaping India’s modern economic landscape. His leadership and vision during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 transformed the nation, especially through landmark reforms that opened India to the global economy and strengthened its position in the international arena. His legacy is not only one of economic growth but also of integrity, wisdom, and service to the people of India.

The team at Shreyas Webmedia Solutions mourns the loss of this great leader and visionary. Mr. Neel Achary, CEO of Shreyas Webmedia Solutions, shared, “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s leadership was a beacon of integrity, humility, and vision. His profound contributions to India’s economic growth and global stature will continue to inspire future generations. On behalf of our entire team, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and to the people of India. His legacy will remain a guiding light for all of us.”

As a company committed to progress, innovation, and social responsibility, Shreyas Webmedia Solutions stands in solidarity with the nation in this moment of grief.

About Shreyas Webmedia Solutions

Shreyas Webmedia Solutions is a leading digital marketing agency offering innovative web development, search engine optimization (SEO), and online brand management services. With a focus on delivering results-driven solutions, the company works with clients across various industries to enhance their online presence and achieve business success.

New Delhi, December 27, 2024: Dr. Birbal Jha, a scholar and social activist, fondly remembers the late Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, highlighting his warm and gracious response to an invitation extended by Dr. Jha for the Lalit Divas event held on February 2, 2017, in Delhi.

In his letter, Dr. Manmohan Singh expressed his enthusiasm for commemorating the birth anniversary of Shri Lalit Narayan Mishra, the former Minister in the Union Government, acknowledging the significance of honoring his contributions to the nation. Though Dr. Singh was unable to attend the event, he graciously conveyed his regrets and wished the Lalit Divas function a great success.

Dr. Jha remembers Dr. Manmohan Singh’s humility and vision as an inspiring leader who always prioritized the nation’s welfare. The late Prime Minister’s thoughtful words continue to resonate, inspiring future generations to uphold values of integrity, humility, and service to the country.

This tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh’s enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and preserving the contributions of key historical figures. Dr. Birbal Jha’s ongoing efforts to commemorate the life and work of Shri Lalit Narayan Mishra through events like Lalit Divas reflect his commitment to safeguarding India’s rich heritage and promoting the values of leadership, humility, and public service.

The awardees include the First Pilot from the Vysya community; Anuradha Vobbilisetty, a Senior Advocate from Dubai; Aruna Subbarao Melody Maker, Deepthi Matta, the first lady production executive in the film industry in South India and others.

Siva Kumar

Hyderabad, December 24, 2024….Vyshya Limelight Awards for Women 2024 were presented on Monday night at HICC. A select few women achievers of the Vysya community were hand-picked for their professional excellence and were befittingly felicitated in the presence of a 500-plus audience.

Some of the recipients of the awards include Anuradha Vobbilisetty, a Senior Advocate at Azza Ebrahim Hussain Almulla Advocate and Legal Consultants at Dubai and Madhu Krishna, the first lady pilot from Arya Vysya; Aruna Subbarao, Melody Maker; Sunaina Badam, Comedienne of the Year; Deepthi Matta, Production Manager of the Year

Anuradha Bron in Andhra Pradesh moved to Dubai and has been practising law, saving the lives of 14 Indians by getting it reduced from death sentence to life imprisonment. She has helped many innocent accused in Dubai.

Madhu Krishna from Mysore is now a captain with Air India Express. She has 20 years of experience. Time is precious to pilots. Sometimes we need to act swiftly.

Deepthi Matta was the first female production executive in the film industry in South India. She worked on more than 60 films.

Anuradha Vobbilishetty_ a Senior Advocate at Azza Ebrahim Hussain Almulla Advocat and Legal Consultants also seen TG Venkatesh

The other awardees include Dr. Sirisha Bysani, Manufacturer the Year; Nagaruchika Kiran, Startup of the Year, Shruthi Karthik, Businesswoman of the Year – NRI, Dubai, UAE; Vani Nagendra, Singer of the Year; Chaitanya Jaini, Beurocrat of the Year; Padamaja Rani K, Government Official of the Year; Sushmitha Vuppla, Music Artist of the Year – NRI, Australia; Meera Ramesh, Educationist of the Year, Trichy, Tamilnadu; Ashwini Srikanth, Chef of the Year, Bangalore; Rajani Sakuntala, Author of the Year; Soujanya MV, Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year and Raghava Ratna, Businesswoman of the Year, AP

On the whole 17 Vysya women were recognised and honoured by a few invited eminent people as part of the community outreach program said Siva Kumar Emmadi, Founder, of Vysya Limelight Awards

The guest who graced include Singer Mangli, Mr TG Venkatesh, former MP; Ms Naina Jaiswal, Table Tennis Player; Mrs Kaluva Sujatha, Telangana Arya Vysya Corporation Chairperson; Mr Ganesh Bigala, Former MLA, Nizamabad; Mr Uppala Srinivas, Former Chairman, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation; Mr Amaravadi Laxminarayana, Former Chairman, Telangana State Industrial Development; Dr T.A Sharavana, MLC Karnataka

The guests gave away the awards. Mr Gowra Srinivas, former President of FTCCI is the Jury Chairman of the awards. He said these are the 7th edition of awards. The Vysya Limelight Awards is gaining a lot of prominence, he said.

The Vysya women who broke the glass ceiling in their industry, in their chosen professions, fields, and sectors were invited from across the globe. The award nominations were sourced globally through self-nominations, community networks, and organisations, and are rigorously assessed, adds Siva Kumar Emmadi.