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Mumbai, Dec 30: Global Maitri Festival 2025 at Police Parade Ground witnessed a massive gathering, marking its 7th edition as one of the year’s largest culture and consciousness-led festivals. Held in the guiding presence of Maitreya Dadashreeji, Founder of MaitriBodh Parivaar, the festival continues to celebrate Bharat’s rich sanskriti, earning the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in taking Bharat’s timeless sanskritic identity to the world.

Dadashreeji’s keynote address under the Chinta Mukt Bharat 2032 initiative offered profound guidance on mental health while reaffirming the timeless values of unity and Bharat’s rich sanskritic identity. His deeply moving discourse, which brought many to tears, shared practical insights on nurturing inner well-being. He shared, “Life is shaped by the actions we do. A Chinta Mukt life begins by becoming mindful of those actions. When the core is empowered, thoughts are given a direction, and right action naturally follows.”

The event was graced by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of AYUSH, Family and Health Care, who extended his support to this initiative by MaitriBodh Parivaar. He emphasised, “The Ministry of AYUSH is not limited to treatment alone. Our focus is prevention and sustained mental empowerment through Yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and meditation, proven paths to emotional balance and inner resilience.”

The teachings and philosophy of Maitreya Dadashreeji over the years were compiled and launched as a book series Beyond Enlightenment Towards Transformation; beginning with two volumes ready for the seekers to accelerate their growth. The book set was formally launched by veteran actors Jackie Shroff, Smita Jayakar, and Sr Executive Vice President, ABP News Network, Rajeev Khanderkar, marking a significant milestone in the journey of transformation.

Shri Gopal Krishna Aggarwal, National Spokesperson (BJP, Economic Affairs) and Patron of the Maitri Cultural Economy Summit, who was the cultural partner of the festival, shared, “A culture-driven economy draws strength from Bharat’s heritage and is shaped by five Ps: Performance, Potential, Path, Planning, and Policy.”

The stage came alive with Ashta Disha, a grand cultural presentation celebrating the depth and diversity of Bharat through a spectacular performance by over 60 dancers. The festival featured legendary Bharatanatyam exponents Padmadhri Shovana Narayan and Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan, popular singer Jonita Gandhi, theatre actors Makarand Deshpande and Aaditi Pohankar as well.

The festival saw participation from seekers, volunteers, thought leaders, dignitaries, and families from across India and the world. Global Maitri Festival 2025 reaffirmed its place as a powerful platform for sanskritic revival, mental well-being, and social transformation.

Hyderabad, Dec 30:- As part of celebration of International Year of Cooperatives, NABARD’s Telangana Regional Office organized Telangana Cooperative Conclave 2025 on 29 December 2025 in Hyderabad.

Shri Tummala Nageswara Rao, Minister for Agriculture, Co-operation, Marketing, Textiles and Handloom, Government of Telangana, was the Chief Guest. 

Shri Tummala Nageswara Rao, Minister, in his address said that it is an honour for him to be the part of the Cooperative Conclave as part of the International Year of Cooperatives.  He said that this is an initiative that places rural transformation at the very centre of our growth story.  He dwelt upon the various initiatives the Government of Telangana is taking up.  He said that with the Rice output at 189 lakh tonnes, Telangana stood as India’s second-largest rice producer in the country.  He further said that the year 2025, declared as the International Year of Cooperatives, underscores the vital role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive and sustainable development.  The Cooperative Principles aim at ‘One for all, All for one’ and that Cooperatives are people-centered and not capital-centred.  He appreciated the role of NABARD during the last decade which undertook a comprehensive set of interventions to build strong, resilient and future-ready cooperative institutions in Telangana.  He particularly praised the initiative of transformation of PACS into Multi-Service Centres  and setting up of Sahakara Sarathi Private Limited to facilitate technology and operational support.  He also congratulated NABARD for organising this ‘Sahakara Varotsavaalu’ and bringing together various types of Co-operative institutions from Telengana to convey the strong message of bringing about rural prosperity through Co-operation.

Shri Konduri Ravinder Rao, Chairman, NAFSCOB, speaking on the occasion, exhorted farmers to work with actions and implement best practices learnt from successful societies.  He emphasized the need for focus on inland fisheries.

During the Conclave, a Tripartite Agreement among NABARD, Telangana State Cooperative Apex Bank and 24X7 Moneyworks Consulting Private Limited was signed which will pave way for issuance of eKCC that enables farmers to apply for loans through digital platform.

Eleven best-performing PACS from Telangana have been felicitated at the hands of Hon’ble Agriculture Minister during the Conclave.

Cheques amounting to INR 15 lakh each were presented to 12 PACS as FPOs towards assistance by National Cooperative Development Corporation  during the Conclave.  Further, micro ATMs were also distributed by NABARD to VIJAYA Dairy Cooperatives from nine Districts of Telangana.

The Hon’ble Agriculture Minister has also released a booklet on NABARD’s Intervention towards Institution Building of Cooperatives of Telangana in last decade.

A presentation was made by Shri S Manikumar, CGM, NABARD, Mumbai, on Sahakara Sarathi Private Limited titled ‘Technology and Digital Transformation and way ahead for Rural Cooperative Banks”

Three Panel Discussions also were arranged on ‘Strengthening of Cooperatives especially PACS through Technology adoption, diversification into non-credit activities and forming new MPACS in potential areas’; ‘Promoting Dairy Cooperatives in Telangana Way Forward’; and ‘Promoting Fisheries Cooperatives in Telangana Way Forward”.

The fire side chat on Promoting Fisheries Co-operatives focussed on Innovative models, marketing linkage with Institutions, requirement of share capital & credit linkage with PACS.

Prominent among the dignitaries who attended the Conclave include Shri Chinmoy Kumar, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Hyderabad; Shri Y K Rao, Managing Director, Telangana Cooperative Apex Bank, delegates from DCCBs, FPOs, PACS, Farmer organizations.

The Conclave concluded with Vote of Thanks by Shri Samrat Mukherjee, General Manager, NABARD, Telangana Regional Office.

New Delhi, Dec 29: At Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi, Shri Ganesh Seva Mandal Delhi (Regd.), Laxmi Nagar and Rupamata Foundation, Dharashiv, Maharashtra will jointly organize ‘Vande Matrushakti Mahotsav’ as a grand festival on 30 December 2025 at 5:00 PM. Vande Matrushakti Mata Pujan Day 2025 is an important national event celebrating love for the mothers, maternal values, and the glorious tradition of motherhood in India. Through this program, an effort is being made to bring great mothers from across the country onto a single platform to honor and elevate the radiant values of motherhood. The program is being coordinated by Shri Mahendra Ladda, Founder President of Shri Ganesh Seva Mandal Delhi, Adv. Vyankat  Gund Patil Founder President of Rupamata Foundation and Dr. Kiran Zarkar, scientist and originator of the Skill Book initiative. Adv. Vyankat Gund Patil has played a significant role in the conceptualization, coordination, and execution of the event.

While addressing a press conference at press club of India in Delhi, Organizer  of the programme and Founder President of Shri Ganesh Seva Mandal Delhi ( Reg.) Laxmi Nagar ,Shri Mahendra Ladda Said,  “the program will be presided over by Mrs. Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, New Delhi. The event will be graced by Mrs. Justice (Retd.) Gyansudha Mishra, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, BJP MP Ms. Bansuri Swaraj along with three revered saints and national inspirational personalities. The Chief Guests will include Jagadguru Swami Rajendradass Devacharya Maharaj Ji, Swami Ramdev Baba of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji, Founder President of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati, and Mr. Ajay Chaudhary, Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi.”

Speaking about the initiative, organizer Adv. Vyankat Gund Patil stated that Vande Matrushakti Mata Pujan Day is not merely a cultural or religious program, but a value-based national movement aimed at re-establishing the position, importance, and dignity of motherhood in Indian society. A mother is the foundation of values, the heart of the family, and the moral center of society. Strengthening this message across the nation is the core objective of the event.

During the program, several mothers from across the country who have dedicated their entire lives to family, society, culture, education, service, and national interest will be specially honored with certificates of appreciation and mementos. The event will also witness the release of the book “Vande Matrushakti”. The book presents inspiring life stories of mothers who have shaped ideal sons for the nation. It is authored by Dr. Kiran Zarkar, with conceptualization by Adv. Vyankat Gund Patil and Shri Mahendra Ladda. Vande Matrushakti is a unique, value-enriched, and inspirational work dedicated to the sacrifice, values, competence, and compassion of Indian mothers.

In addition, a devotional Bhajan Sandhya by Kaliputra Kalicharan Maharaj will be organized, featuring traditional cultural compositions such as Shiv Tandav, Abhangs, and Devi Gondhal. Renowned kirtankars HBP Purushottam Maharaj Patil Aai Majhi, HBP Vishal Maharaj Khole famous for Pingala and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Powadas and HBP Sopan Sanap Shastri Maharaj will enrich the atmosphere with devotional abhang singing, making the evening deeply spiritual and inspiring.

New Delhi,  Dec 27: Art-e Mediatech, one of India’s top creative, media and MarTech agencies, has released a festive mashup video featuring Christmas campaign films from several leading brands. The video includes work created for IndiaMART, TCL, Firefox, Sharp, Dylect, and others. Before creating the mashup, Art-e Mediatech developed festive campaign films separately for each brand. The mashup video brings these individual campaigns together into a single AI-led presentation. It shows how brands are using Artificial Intelligence in real campaign work.

The mashup brings together short clips from festive films created for different platforms and audiences. Each film is built around its own brief and message. Brand style stays easy to recognise throughout. When brought together, the video shows how different creative ideas can work within a shared production process without blurring brand identity.

The release reflects how Artificial Intelligence has become part of everyday creative work during festive campaigns. These campaigns move quickly and demand several pieces of content in a short time. Brands need material ready for digital and social platforms without any lag. The mashup shows how teams manage this pace while keeping the work clear and well-structured.

Art-e Mediatech applies Artificial Intelligence at specific stages of the creative process. These stages include planning, visual development, execution, and adapting content for different platforms. This reduces time spent on repeated tasks. It also allows teams to focus on shaping the story, tone, and brand fit, which continue to be guided by people.

The video also reflects a change in how brands create campaigns today. Many brands have moved past small trials and now use Artificial Intelligence as part of regular creative work. This shift is visible in social-first campaigns, where speed and volume matter. By showing finished brand films, the mashup reflects how this approach is already in use.

Commenting on the release, Rohit Sakunia, Co-founder, Art-e Mediatech, said, “AI has quietly become part of the everyday creative workflow for many brands, especially when it comes to moment-based content. All the festive films in the mashup were first developed individually for each brand. The mashup reflects how these completed campaigns can be brought together using AI. What we are seeing now is less focus on experimenting with tools and more focus on using them responsibly to work faster and stay relevant. The role of human creativity remains essential, because it is what defines the story, the emotion, and how a brand shows up during cultural moments.”

Through this festive mashup, Art-e Mediatech presents a clear picture of how Artificial Intelligence is shaping campaign production today. The video focuses on completed work created for real brands. It shows how this approach supports timely, relevant storytelling while maintaining creative direction.

Mumbai, Dec 26: India’s winter pollution worsened across major metros in late 2025, with government monitoring agencies reporting sustained deterioration in air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi repeatedly slipped into the Severe and Severe Plus categories during November and December, triggering stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Air Quality Index (AQI) levels crossed 400 on multiple occasions, far exceeding safe limits.

Mumbai, while typically less affected than the capital, also saw air quality decline. Monitoring stations across the city recorded Poor to Very Poor AQI levels during peak winter weeks, particularly in high-traffic and industrial areas, indicating that pollution stress is no longer limited to North India.

Against this backdrop, consumer search behaviour across urban India points to a clear shift towards both preventive and compliance-driven responses. From protecting indoor air quality to meeting vehicular emission standards, urban consumers are acting with increased urgency and awareness.

According to data from Justdial Limited, India’s No. 1 local search engine, searches linked to pollution-related categories recorded a sharp rise during October November December 2025 (OND’25). To assess this behavioural shift, Justdial compared search trends between OND’25 and OND’24, as well as with the preceding quarter July–August–September 2025 (JAS’25).

Searches for Air Purifier Dealers surged significantly across the country, underlining growing concern around indoor air safety amid deteriorating outdoor air quality. Pan-India searches rose 103% year-on-year, while demand intensified sharply in recent months, with OND’25 searches becoming six times the levels in JAS’25. Delhi emerged as the strongest market, recording a 134% increase compared to OND’24, with November 2025 alone witnessing a sixfold jump over October 2025, reflecting the immediate impact of worsening air conditions. Other urban centres such as Gurgaon and Mumbai also saw notable spikes, pointing to a broader metropolitan response.

Alongside indoor air solutions, searches for Pollution Under Control (PUC) Testing also recorded consistent growth, signalling rising awareness around vehicular emission compliance. Pan-India PUC searches increased 55% year-on-year in OND’25, with a 4% rise compared to JAS’25. In Delhi, searches grew 38% versus OND’24, alongside an 11% quarter-on-quarter increase, indicating sustained intent rather than a short-term surge. Mumbai emerged as another key market showing notable growth in PUC-related searches.

Taken together, the data reveals a clear shift in urban consumer behaviour, where pollution is prompting both immediate protective actions within homes and a more responsible approach towards emissions on the road. While air purifier searches reflect an urgent need to secure indoor environments, rising PUC queries highlight growing accountability towards pollution control.

With search volumes rising across major metros, Justdial’s findings indicate that pollution is no longer viewed as a temporary seasonal challenge, but as a catalyst shaping everyday decisions and search behaviour across India’s cities.

Dec 26: United Way Bengaluru’s flagship water stewardship initiative, One Billion Drops (OBD), has been honoured with the SABERA Awards 2025 in the Environment & Consumption category, reaffirming its leadership in driving sustainable water conservation through collective action.

The SABERA Awards, recognised as South Asia’s most credible awards for brand-building, reputation management, and purpose-led communication, celebrate initiatives that create meaningful social and environmental impact while demonstrating excellence in strategy and execution.

The One Billion Drops campaign was recognised for its sustained, scalable, and collaborative approach to addressing India’s growing water crisis. By mobilising corporates, communities, government bodies, and civil society, the campaign has focused on water conservation, rejuvenation of water bodies, groundwater recharge, and responsible water consumption, creating measurable impact across urban and rural landscapes.

The award was received by Mr. Radhakrishna Pradeep, Senior Manager – Climate Action & Partnerships, United Way Bengaluru, along with Mr. Muniraju, a well digger from the Bovi community and a resident of Bovipalya, Karnataka. Today, nearly 120 families from the community are engaged with the initiative. With over 10,000 rainwater harvesting wells created in the city of Bengaluru, One Billion Drops has emerged as a milestone initiative contributing to India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.

Since its inception, the campaign has enabled the harvesting, replenishment, and conservation of millions of litres of water annually, while also building awareness around water-positive practices among citizens and institutions. Its integrated model combines on-ground action with advocacy, volunteer engagement, and long-term ecosystem partnerships.

The award underscores United Way Bengaluru’s commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, through innovative, inclusive, and impact-driven programmes.

United Way Bengaluru continues to work closely with corporates, civic authorities, and local communities to expand the reach of One Billion Drops, ensuring long-term water sustainability and climate resilience for future generations.

Rich tributes paid to the iconic Telangana leader and former Central Minister Dr. Mallikarjun, on his 23^rd death anniversary!

Hyderabad, Dec 26: On the solemn occasion of 23^rd death anniversary of, iconic Telangana leader and former Central Minister, tributes were paid at his statue at Mahabubnagar as well as at his samadhi at Nallagandla village by various dignitaries, members of civil society and citizenry.

Speaking at the event at Mahabubnagar, wife of Dr.  Mallikarjun, Bhagyalakshmi, along with son Manu Mallikarjun emphasized the need for the installation of a statue of the late leader at Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state. “Dr. Mallikarjun was an inspirational leader not just for Telangana but for the entire country. He deserves due recognition by the state government by way of having his statue established along with other icons of Telangana at tank bund. Our humble request regarding the matter is pending with the CM, we would like to take this opportunity to send a gentle reminder.” DCC President Sanjeev Mudiraj (Mahabubnagar) and DCC President Prashanth Reddy (Makthal) recalled the contributions of Dr. Mallikarjun towards the statehood movement, his pivotal role as central minister for the development of the country, state, and his constituency of  Mahabubnagar and previously, Medak.

Dr. Mallikarjun was a 6-time Member of Parliament and had served as central minister in the cabinets of Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and P.V. Narasimha Rao. Notable among the portfolios he had held during his long career in public service were Defence and Railways between the years 1991 and 1996. Having entered the public sphere with the Telangana statehood agitation of 1969 in which he played a key role as student leader, he went on to found and lead Congress Forum for Telangana towards the last years of his life. Dr. Mallikarjun was also a one-time APCC President, and is remembered for his principled approach to politics.

Proud Fathers For Daughters Campaign Connects Family Portraits with Girls’ Empowerment

Between November 28 and December 14, 2025, something meaningful unfolded across Mumbai. Father-daughter duos arrived for professional photoshoots, but left having contributed to something larger than a family portrait.

Project Nanhi Kali’s annual “Proud Fathers For Daughters” campaign, founded by Anand Mahindra and photographer Atul Kasbekar, has a straightforward model: families participate in photoshoots with top photographers, and the fees go directly toward educating underprivileged girls across India. Simple in concept, significant in impact.

The Frame Within the Frame

There’s a reason this works. The campaign taps into the father-daughter relationship at its best: supportive, encouraging, proud. By calling fathers “Her First Coach,” PFFD acknowledges the mentorship role many fathers play, while gently nudging those conversations into the broader arena of girls’ education and empowerment.

Over the campaign period, Mumbai families responded to the call through social media and registrations, participating in a two-day event where professional photographers captured genuine moments. Each session became a small act of advocacy, connecting individual families to the education of thousands of girls through Project Nanhi Kali.

The funds don’t just cover school fees. They support comprehensive programs including educational resources, physical education, and life skills, giving underprivileged girls the foundation to imagine different futures. Project Nanhi Kali works to break cycles of poverty through education, and PFFD provides the fuel for that work.

What makes the initiative resonate is its honest exchange: families get something meaningful (a professionally captured moment with their daughters), while contributing to educational access for girls who need it most. No one’s asking for charity. They’re offering participation in change.

Christmas with a Conscience: Rozlyn Khan, Natasha Fernandez, Shaily Priya & Gargi Kundu Support Preeti B Choksi’s Vision for Youth

In a powerful display of compassion, the Angel Express Foundation hosted an unforgettable Christmas gala at Bandstand to empower and uplift underprivileged children. Under the leadership of dedicated social activist Preeti B Choksi and Nikhil M Ruparel, the iconic venue was transformed into a sea of festive joy and community spirit.

The event aimed to provide a magical holiday experience for children who often miss out on such celebrations. Beyond the music and gifts, the day served as a call to action, reminding the city of the collective responsibility to support Mumbai’s marginalized communities.

The initiative was bolstered by the presence of prominent political leaders, including MP Varsha Gaikwad, MLA Aslam Shaikh, Tulip Miranda (President, Mumbai Mahila Congress), and corporators Akhilesh Yadav and Virendra Choudry, all of whom extended their full support to Preeti B Choksi.

The glamour of the entertainment industry further amplified the cause. Influencer and PETA model Rozlyn Khan was seen actively engaging with the children, joined by Jolly LLB 3 actress Natasha Fernandez, TV and OTT star Shaily Priya, and reality television personality Gargi Kundu.

These stars went beyond mere appearances, fully immersing themselves in the day’s activities by leading dance routines and hosting interactive sessions. A particularly moving moment featured the celebrities personally distributing Christmas gifts and sharing stories with their young guests.

Reflecting on the mission, Preeti B Choksi remarked,

“Our goal was to create lasting memories and a true sense of belonging. We are committed to bridging the gap between the city’s glamour and its deep social responsibilities”.

The afternoon concluded with a shared promise from all attendees to continue working toward the growth, hope, and empowerment of the city’s underprivileged youth.

Celebrating an Aatmanirbhar Christmas: Aara Play’s Design Challenge Captures the Heart of the Nation!

New Delhi, India, Dec 24: This Christmas, the greatest story isn’t coming from the North Pole –  it’s coming from right here in India. Aara Play is proud to report a phenomenal response to the DesignDollChallenge 2026, launched on Children’s Day to reclaim the narrative of Indian toys.

From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, participants are answering the call to create a doll that reflects our skin, our stories, and our style. “We started this journey on November 14th to find a ‘Bringer of Light’ (Aara), and the brilliance we’ve seen so far is blinding,” says Co-Founder Ankita Mehra.

As we celebrate the season of joy, we invite every Indian with a creative bone in their body to join this historic mission. Help us build a toy industry that doesn’t just import heroes but creates them.

The doors are open. The platform is yours. This Christmas, give India the gift of its own identity. Join the DesignDollChallenge 2026 today!