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Chapters by Conrad Pune Pours Inspiration with Sonal Holland’s ‘One in a Billion’ at the Third edition of ‘Chapters by Conrad’ at Conrad Pune

India, 27th October, 2025: Conrad Pune’s third edition of its signature monthly literary and experiential series, ‘Chapters by Conrad’, unfolded into an unforgettable and inspiring evening of storytelling featuring Sonal Holland, India’s first and only Master of Wine. As Sonal presented her recently launched memoir, one in a Billion, she shared fascinating anecdotes from her extraordinary journey that has taken her from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the vineyards of the world. Sonal took guests through her extraordinary journey of defying convention, chasing meaning, and ultimately creating history in a country that was still learning to sip wine.

Held at the hotel’s award-winning Asian restaurant, MASU, the evening brought together an elegant gathering of the city’s finest culture connoisseurs, journalists, wine aficionados and tastemakers, all united to celebrate the art of storytelling and passing behind every pour.

In an engaging conversation moderated by Mr. Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, Sonal opened up about her incredible and inspiring ascent in the world of wine, from breaking stereotypes, demystifying the myths surrounding the wine industry to becoming one of the world’s most respected wine experts. Sonal reflected on the turning point when she left her high-powered corporate career at thirty-three to pursue a passion that few in India understood. “Everyone thought I was crazy to leave a stable job for wine, but I was chasing meaning, not money,”

She also shared a glimpse into her once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including dining with Barone Ricasoli at the world’s oldest wine estate in Italy, tasting vintages steeped in centuries of history, and how those moments shaped her philosophy on balance, purpose and the importance of setting clear goal and following it with all your passion.

The session concluded with a lively Q&A, followed by an exclusive wine-tasting experience curated by Sonal Holland in association with Grover Zampa. Guests were treated to a selection of fine red and white wines paired with a bespoke high-tea menu, crafted by Conrad Pune’s culinary team to complement the evening’s flavourful narratives. The setting offered an intimate, elegant ambience that beautifully complemented the essence of the evening – thoughtful conversations over fine wine and even finer company.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, shared, “At Conrad Pune, our vision with ‘Chapters by Conrad’ has always been to curate experiences that go beyond the expected, where stories, ideas and inspiration come together. Having Sonal Holland with us for the third edition was truly special, her story is one of purpose and persistence, much like the Conrad spirit itself.”

Speaking about the experience, Sonal Holland added, “It was such a delight to be part of ‘Chapters by Conrad’. The evening felt like a celebration of dreams, dialogue, and stories that persevered. Sharing my journey over conversations, laughter, and a glass of wine was truly special, I was touched by the audience’s curiosity and warmth. And, of course, delighted to raise a glass to storytelling at its finest, as like great wines, stories only get richer with time.”

With each edition, ‘Chapters by Conrad’ continues to build a space that celebrates voices from diverse walks of life, where literature, art, and ideas come together in a setting that inspires connection and reflection. At Conrad Pune’s flagship cultural platform, it continues to celebrate authors and changemakers who inspire creativity and thought through their craft. The evening reaffirmed the hotel’s commitment to curating immersive, soulful, and luxurious experiences that stay long after the last sip.

Goa Welcomes First Charter Flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan for the 2025–26 Tourism Season

Bengaluru, October 27, 2025: The Grihshobha Inspire Awards, instituted by India’s iconic women’s magazine Grihshobha, returns with its Bengaluru edition on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC). The awards night will celebrate exceptional women achievers from across diverse fields – from STEM, arts, entrepreneurship, grassroots leadership, and business to social change, public service, and culture.

The Inspire Awards shine a spotlight on women who have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and led with purpose – redefining what leadership and inspiration mean in today’s India. The Bengaluru edition will bring together eminent personalities, thought leaders, and changemakers in an evening that honours excellence and resilience while also celebrating art and expression through a special musical performance.

Following the success of its inaugural edition in Delhi (March 2025), the Inspire Awards are now expanding to new regions to celebrate diversity and regional representation. Each edition aims to uncover powerful stories of women who are transforming their communities and industries through courage, creativity, and conviction.

Anant Nath, Editor of The Caravan and Executive Publisher of Delhi Press, said,

“The Inspire Awards began as a celebration and have now become a movement. The incredible response to our first edition reaffirmed that India is full of stories that deserve to be told. By expanding the awards to new regions, we hope to recognize the depth of talent and leadership across the country. These awards are about shining a light on women who inspire others to lead with purpose and leave behind a legacy of change.”

The Bengaluru event will also feature a musical tribute, a two-part tribute curated and performed by Ananyaa Gaur:

• Curtain Raiser: A Tribute to Feminist Icon Begum Akhtar
• Curtain Call: Celebrating Feminine Voices in Folk Culture

The jury panel for the Grihshobha Inspire Awards 2025 comprises accomplished women leaders who bring credibility, expertise, and cross-sectoral insight to the selection process. Leading the jury is Sathya Saran, former Editor of Femina, joined by Richa Shah, Director of Delhi Press; Padmapriya Janakiraman, Actor;Nuriya Ansari, Education & Social Impact leader; Dilshad Master, Media Veteran & Adventure Enthusiast; Surabhi Kanga, Web Editor of The Caravan; Sobha Narayan, Auhtor & Journalist; and Suparna Mitra, former CEO of Titan Watches & Wearables Division.

The Inspire Awards follow a rigorous, transparent selection process, moving from a longlist of over 200 nominations across India to final awardees chosen by the distinguished all-women jury. This process reflects Grihshobha’s commitment to celebrating leadership that transcends region, industry, and background – embodying its philosophy of empowerment and progress.

About Grihshobha

Published by Delhi Press, Grihshobha is India’s most-read Hindi women’s magazine with over one million readers, published in eight languages – Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Bangla. For over 45 years, Grihshobha has informed, inspired, and empowered readers through its rich blend of stories on home, lifestyle, health, and relationships.

Delhi Press is one of India’s largest and most diverse publishing houses with 36 magazines in 10 languages, spanning women’s interest, current affairs, family, and children’s segments.

Lighting Paths of Possibility: Lila Poonawalla Foundation’s Hyderabad Award Function Inspires with Purpose

Hyderabad, 27th October, 2025: The Lila Poonawalla Foundation (LPF), a non-profit organization committed to empowering girls through education, successfully completed its Hyderabad Scholarship Award Function 2025 at G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, today. The event was graced by Mr. Hussain Syed, Head of Service Delivery & Operations at Concentrix Hyderabad & Vizag, as the Chief Guest.

Recently, the Foundation also celebrated its 30^th Postgraduate Scholarship Award Function in Pune with Chief Guest Dr. Kiran Bedi (1^st Women IPS Officer Of India & Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry).

The Hyderabad ceremony marked yet another milestone in LPF’s ongoing journey of empowering deserving girls from financially challenged backgrounds to pursue higher education. During the function, new scholarships were awarded to meritorious girl students pursuing undergraduate courses, Bachelor of Engineering and Engineering After Diploma from colleges of Hyderabad region.

Speaking on the occasion, LPF’s Chairperson Padma Shri Lila Poonawalla highlighted that the Foundation’s vision goes beyond scholarships, it focuses on mentorship, personal growth, and leadership development to create confident and capable women changemakers.

Mr. Syed Hussain noted that it was an honor to be partnering with the foundation and being part of transforming the lives of many girls. As a company they are looking forward to continued partnership. Concentrix is one of our major partners and has been supporting the education of Engineering girls in Pune and Hyderabad.

The event concluded with heartfelt gratitude to LPF’s Founder Trustees, Board of Trustees, Corporate Partners, Individual donors, Trainers, Alumni, Well-wishers, and the office team whose unwavering support continues to make this transformative journey possible.

As LPF celebrates 30 years of excellence in education, the Foundation remains committed to its mission of transforming lives and aims to positively impact close to 25,000 girls by 2030, not only the girls but the families and communities they live in.

25th October, 2025: Mumbai Meteors defeated the Goa Guardians 15-8, 15-8, 16-14 to book a spot in the final of the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad on Friday. Shubham Chaudhary was named the Player of the Match. Mumbai will play the winner of the second semifinal between Bengaluru Torpedoes and Ahmedabad Defenders.

Goa showcased their attacking intent early on with Nathaniel Dickinson’s spike and Rohit Yadav’s power-packed serve. But Goa’s defence struggled against consistent attacks from Mumbai’s Shubham Chaudhary and Amit Gulia. Dickinson’s spike helped Goa win the super point, but Mumbai’s disciplined formation edged the Meteors ahead.

Prince tried to counter-attack for Goa from the middle zone, but Karthik kept Mumbai stable. Smart play from Shubham minimised Mumbai’s errors. Goa made a change in formation, bringing on setter Aravind to turn the momentum. A super serve from LM Manoj provided a moment to celebrate for the Guardians. But Prince’s overhit shot cost Goa a super point, helping Mumbai take a two-set lead.

Amit’s super serve continued Mumbai’s dominance while adding more pressure on Goa’s shoulders. Petter Ostvik won the battle against Prince in the third set, helping Mumbai dominate the middle zone. Vikram won a super point, giving a glimmer of hope to the Goa fans. But just when it looked like Goa would be able to fight back, Karthik blocked Chirag Yadav’s spike, helping his side win the game and reach the final.

Copenhagen, Denmark, October 24, 2025: The International Samarpan of the Shri Krishna Leela Collection in Copenhagen unfolded as a moving expression of India’s spiritual and cultural diplomacy at Asia House. The event highlighted India as the “Lands of Ayurveda: India’s ancient knowledge and wisdom.”

The ceremony was graced by His Excellency Mr. Manish Prabhat, Ambassador of India to Denmark, along with Mrs. Ruchi Narain, Mr. Prashant Kumar, Founder of Ramalaya, and JPSR Prabhu Shriram. Their collective presence lent warmth and purpose to the occasion, celebrating India’s essence through fragrance, devotion, and artistry.

In his address, Ambassador Mr. Manish Prabhat highlighted how India’s ancient wisdom continues to guide humanity toward balance and compassion. He said, “The Shri Krishna Leela Collection is a wonderful confluence of India’s art, devotion, and innovation. As Ayurveda nurtures the body and the environment, Krishna’s Leelas nurture the heart and the soul. Together, they embody the message of harmony that India shares with the world.”

Adding his reflections, Mr. Prashant Kumar said, “Through the Shri Krishna Leela Collection, we are able to celebrate India’s timeless heritage and share its spiritual richness with the world. This initiative reflects our commitment to cultural innovation while preserving the essence of devotion and artistry.”

The Samarpan ceremony was performed by Ambassador Mr. Manish Prabhat and Ms. Brit Kim, Founder of DAYA Ayurveda, before a beautifully adorned idol of Lord Krishna. The ritual was accompanied by the sacred chant: “Krishnāya Vāsudevāya Haraye Paramātmane Pranataḥ Kleśa-Nāśāya Govindāya Namo Namah,”rendered in the divine voice of Padma Bhushan Smt. Hema Malini. The fragrance of the Shri Krishna Leela Collection filled the hall, symbolizing India’s philosophy of Bhakti, Peace, and Global Harmony.

Adding to the ambiance, Danish artists performed soulful violin and guitar pieces, reflecting the spirit of ‘Harmony, Humanity, and Human First,’ echoing the event’s theme, “Sustainable Human and Environmental Symbiosis in the Landscape of Ayurveda.”

This Copenhagen Samarpan marks the third international launch of the Shri Krishna Leela Collection in Europe, following events in London (hosted at The Nehru Centre by the High Commission of India) and Paris (hosted by Ramalaya and JPSR Prabhu Shriram). Each event underscores India’s spiritual soft power, using fragrance and cultural artistry as a bridge to global peace.

About the Shri Krishna Leela Collection

A signature creation by JPSR Prabhu Shriram, the Shri Krishna Leela Collection portrays ten divine Leelas of Lord Krishna through rare fragrances and traditional Pattachitra art. It celebrates India’s intangible heritage by weaving together spiritual artistry and luxury craftsmanship.

About Ramalaya Foundation

An initiative of Mode Retails Sales & Marketing Pvt. Ltd., the Ramalaya Foundation is committed to spreading India’s art, heritage, and spiritual values across the world through storytelling, fragrance, and cultural innovation.

Mumbai, 24th October, 2025: Vietjet, Vietnam’s new age carrier, and global aviation education leader Airways Aviation have signed a strategic partnership to train high-quality personnel for the global aviation industry. The signing ceremony took place in Finland, witnessed by Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam and senior representatives from the governments and businesses of both nations.

Under the agreement, Airways Aviation will collaborate with Vietjet Aviation Academy (VJAA) to implement international-standard pilot training programs in Europe. These programs will comply with regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV). The specialised MPL (Multi-crew Pilot Licence) and CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) courses aim to develop a new generation of globally qualified pilots to support Vietjet’s global expansion and sustainable growth strategy.

Vietjet currently employs over 9,000 staff from more than 60 countries and territories, operating actively across Vietnam domestic and international markets. As a global aviation group, Vietjet continues to expand its flight network, attract top-tier talent, and offer world-class services and products. The airline maintains a strong presence across the Asia-Pacific region and is preparing for further expansion into major markets in Europe and the Americas.

With India emerging as one of Vietjet’s key markets, the airline has significantly strengthened its presence in the country, operating direct flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kochi with Vietnam’s most popular destinations including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Vietjet has also introduced convenient connections for Indian travelers to Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and other destinations across across Asia-Pacific via Vietnam.

As an IATA-accredited training partner in Vietnam, VJAA has trained nearly 400,000 pilots, flight attendants, engineers, dispatchers, and aviation professionals, empowering the dream of conquering the skies and driving the industry’s sustainable growth. Meanwhile, Airways Aviation is a globally recognised flight training academy with a strong presence across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, with over 45 years of experience.

Originating in Scotland and Ireland and popularly celebrated in the USA, Halloween has quickly become a worldwide sensation in recent years. Be it exciting haunted houses or costume parties, Halloween celebrations have evolved beyond just trick-or-treating, with destinations around the world transforming into festive, spooky wonderlands. Whether you’re looking for ghostly parades, haunted houses, or cultural twists on Halloween, here are Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s top Halloween festivals around the world to visit for a spine-tingling experience.

Salem, Massachusetts, USA  A Witch’s Paradise

Salem, known for its infamous 1692 witch trials, is a Halloween hotspot, offering a month-long celebration of all things spooky with its Haunted Happenings festival. The entire town transforms into a Halloween wonderland, featuring ghost tours, séances, haunted houses, and costume parades. What sets Salem apart is its historical connection to witchcraft, blending real history with eerie fun. Visitors can explore haunted graveyards, watch reenactments of the witch trials, and attend the annual Witches’ Ball. If you’re a history buff who loves a good scare, Salem is the perfect place to embrace the spooky season.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam  Halloween on the Streets

Vietnam may not be the first country that comes to mind for Halloween, but the celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City are quickly gaining popularity. Halloween in Vietnam is a vibrant street festival, with the city’s bustling streets, particularly around Bui Vien Street, transforming into a Halloween spectacle. You’ll find locals and tourists alike decked out in costumes, attending street parties and pop-up events at bars, clubs, and restaurants. The unique element of Vietnam’s Halloween is its blend of Western influences and local culture. Expect to see everything from traditional ghouls and ghosts to elaborately dressed characters from Vietnamese folklore. The street party atmosphere makes it a lively and engaging experience for travelers looking to join in on the Halloween fun.

Tokyo, Japan  A Halloween Parade Like No Other

The Kawasaki Halloween Parade in Tokyo is Japan’s biggest and most extravagant Halloween celebration. Held in late October, it features thousands of participants in elaborate costumes, ranging from traditional monsters to anime-inspired creations. The city becomes a colorful spectacle, blending spooky with quirky in true Japanese fashion. What sets Tokyo’s Halloween apart is the creativity and craftsmanship that go into the costumes. This festival is more than just spooky fun—it’s a showcase of artistic expression. Along with the parade, Tokyo hosts countless Halloween-themed events, including costume contests, haunted houses, and parties throughout the city. It’s a visual treat for both participants and spectators.

Disneyland Paris, France  A Magical Halloween

At Disneyland Paris, Halloween takes on a magical twist, making it an ideal destination for families and Disney fans alike. The park is adorned with festive decorations, spooky parades, and Disney characters in their Halloween costumes. During the Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival, visitors can experience themed attractions like Phantom Manor and enjoy meet-and-greets with classic Disney villains such as Maleficent and Captain Hook. Disneyland Paris brings a whimsical charm to Halloween, balancing eerie thrills with family-friendly fun. Special Halloween treats and limited-edition merchandise add to the experience, making it a must-visit for those looking for a magical spin on the spooky season.

Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights

For those seeking a truly terrifying experience, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore is one of Asia’s most intense Halloween events. Each year, the park transforms into a horror-filled destination, complete with haunted houses, scare zones, and live horror performances. The event is not for the faint-hearted, with scare actors dressed as zombies, ghosts, and other creepy characters ready to frighten visitors around every corner. The highlight of Halloween Horror Nights is the Zombie Apocalypse, a heart-pounding interactive experience that immerses guests in a survival scenario. If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for adrenaline-fueled scares, this is the Halloween event for you.

Seoul Lantern Festival, South Korea  A Spooky Twist on Tradition

Seoul’s famous Lantern Festival takes on a spooky transformation during Halloween, turning the city’s already stunning festival into a hauntingly beautiful event. Held along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, the festival showcases intricately designed lanterns that illuminate the night, many of which take on eerie, Halloween-themed forms during late October. In recent years, the city has added special Halloween events, including haunted houses, street performances, and costume parades. What makes Halloween in Seoul unique is its combination of traditional lantern displays with ghostly imagery, blending Korean cultural elements with global Halloween vibes. It’s a visually stunning way to celebrate the season while experiencing one of South Korea’s most popular festivals.

From the haunted history of Salem to the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Halloween is celebrated in diverse ways across the globe. Whether you’re into spooky traditions, cultural twists, or heart-racing thrills, these festivals offer something for everyone looking to embrace the Halloween spirit!

Greensole Foundation Leads the Conversation on Sustainability and Social Impact at Sustenance 2025

Mumbai, 23rd October, 2025:  Greensole Foundation, a pioneering social enterprise committed to sustainability and social equity, hosted Sustenance 2025 at Jai Hind College, Mumbai. The annual event brought together policymakers, academicians, corporate leaders, and changemakers to exchange ideas on sustainability, philanthropy, and innovation under the theme “Sustainability & Philanthropy: Building an Equitable Future.”

Founded by athletes Shriyans Bhandari and Ramesh Dhami, Greensole Foundation began with the idea of refurbishing discarded footwear to give it new life. Today, it donates over eight lakh pairs of shoes annually to children across India, while promoting environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, and circular economy initiatives.

The event commenced with an inaugural ceremony led by Chief Guest Shri Suresh Prabhu, along with Mrs Uma Prabhu, Shriyans Bhandari, Ramesh Dhami, Prof Dr Vijay Dabholkar, and members of the Bhasin family. The welcome address was delivered by Ms Vineta Fernandes, Head of CSR, Greensole Foundation, followed by a cultural performance by students of Jai Hind College. In his keynote, Shri Suresh Prabhu highlighted India’s global role in sustainability and the importance of engaging youth in driving social and environmental progress.

Two dynamic panel discussions anchored the day. The first, “Sustainability in Action: Innovations, Communities and Corporate Responsibility,” featured Pallove Raj, CSR Head at eClerx Services Limited; Bipin Joshi, Founder of Jhappi; Ranganath Totha, Head of Partnerships at Fuel-a-Dream; Varsha Gupte, ESG Lead at Worley India; Siddhartha Medhi, Senior Sustainability Manager at Accenture; and Meena Bhasin, Trustee, Bhasin Foundation. The session was moderated by Ms Manali Dhumal, Greensole Foundation. The second panel, “Philanthropy, Policy and Global Partnerships: Driving Collective Change,” brought together Pavan Muttepawar, Project Head at Govardhan Eco Village; Utkarsh Garg, Campaign Manager at PETA India; Yusuf Kabir, Water, Sanitation and Climate Specialist at UNICEF India; and Dr Rakhi Sharma, Head of Psychology Department, Jai Hind College, moderated by Ms Vineta Fernandes.

Speaking about the initiative, Shriyans Bhandari, Co-Founder, Greensole Foundation, said,

“Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment; it’s about creating opportunities and ensuring progress reaches everyone. Sustenance 2025 unites communities, corporates, and young minds to build an equitable tomorrow together.”

The event also marked the launch of Greensole’s new sustainable bins, made from recycled MLP (Multilayer Plastic) waste, utilizing 50 kg of plastic per unit. These bins, measuring 36″ x 24″ x 20″, come with a 6-month warranty on screw fittings and a lifetime waterproofing warranty. Made with sustainability in mind, they not only serve their purpose but also help reduce plastic waste, reinforcing Greensole’s mission of practical sustainability.

A donation drive was also conducted in collaboration with Zilla Parishad Shala, Kumbhar Shiv, where refurbished footwear and school kits were distributed to children. The activity was facilitated by Mr Mohan Patil, Ambassador, Greensole Foundation. Looking ahead, Greensole announced plans to launch new women-led skill centres across Daringbadi (Odisha), Pole (Maharashtra), Faridabad (Haryana), and Kolar (Karnataka) to empower communities through livelihood creation and sustainable innovation.

The event concluded with a networking session and group photograph, reflecting the shared commitment of all participants toward building a greener, more equitable future.