India to Host 8th Session of Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs in Guwahati

Guwahati, Assam| 13th Oct, 2025: India, the “Spice Bowl of the World,” is set to host the 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH8) from 13 to 17 October 2025 at Hotel Vivanta, Guwahati. Organized by the Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, this global meeting reaffirms India’s leadership in setting international standards for spices and culinary herbs.

Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Hon’ble Governor of Assam will inaugurate the CCSCH 8 on 13th October 2025. The session will bring together international delegates, policymakers, scientists, and trade experts from Codex member countries to deliberate on global standards that ensure the safety, quality, and fair trade of spices and herbs. Around 140 delegates from 38 countries are expected to attend the session.

Hosting CCSCH8 in Guwahati highlights India’s commitment to strengthening Codex initiatives and promoting spice diversity from the North-eastern region—home to unique indigenous varieties. Assam, known for its breathtaking landscapes, world-renowned tea gardens, and rich cultural heritage, provides a fitting backdrop for this global gathering.

As the host, India continues to play a pivotal role in developing Codex standards for spices and culinary herbs, ensuring consumer protection and facilitating fair international trade.

Powerful 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Drake Passage Between South America and Antarctica

EARTHQUAKE

Pic Credit: Pexel

A strong earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale rocked the Drake Passage, the oceanic strait located between South America and Antarctica, early Saturday morning. According to reports, the tremor was felt at around 1:59 AM Indian Standard Time.

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) stated that the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 10 kilometers beneath the seabed. Coordinates place the epicenter at 60.18° south latitude and 61.85° west longitude, a region known for frequent seismic activity due to the tectonic boundary between the South American and Antarctic plates.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the earthquake’s depth to be around 10 kilometers. Following the quake, authorities issued tsunami warnings as a precaution, but later clarified that there was no immediate threat of a tsunami in the region.

This seismic event follows a recent earthquake of magnitude 7.4 that struck the Mindanao region of the Philippines on Friday. In response to the Philippine quake, local authorities issued tsunami alerts and warned residents about the possibility of aftershocks. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the Philippine earthquake occurred at a depth of 62 kilometers.

In the aftermath of the Drake Passage quake, coastal residents in nearby areas were advised to move to higher ground and comply with government instructions to ensure safety.

Earlier this month, on October 1, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 struck the central Philippines, resulting in over 60 fatalities. This recent spate of strong earthquakes highlights the ongoing seismic risks faced by regions along tectonic plate boundaries.

Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely and urge residents in vulnerable zones to remain alert and prepared.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Leads the Way in Travel Health: Hosts 2nd National Conclave to Strengthen India’s Preparedness

Bhubaneswar, October 11, 2025: AIIMS Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, successfully hosted the 2nd National Conclave on Travel Health Clinics (THCs). The two-day event concluded on Friday, bringing together health leaders, policymakers, and medical experts to discuss the critical importance of travel health in the context of increasing national and international mobility.

A Nationwide Vision for Travel Health

Delivering the inaugural address, Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, emphasized the urgent need to scale up Travel Health Clinics across the country. He proposed a hub-and-spoke model with AIIMS Bhubaneswar as the central training and coordination hub, guiding other regional clinics and enabling efficient knowledge-sharing and operational support.

“Travel medicine is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” Dr. Biswas stated. “In an interconnected world, strengthening travel health infrastructure ensures our preparedness for health risks that emerge beyond borders.”

Expert Insights: In-Transit Care and Policy Integration

One of the key highlights was a session by Dr. S. Senthilnathan, Deputy Director General (Public Health – International Health), DGHS, who explored the feasibility of in-travel medical care. He pointed out that with the right training, paramedical staff and health workers can effectively manage basic health conditions during travel — even in the absence of on-board doctors.

“Preparedness in transit is as critical as at the point of departure or arrival,” said Dr. Senthilnathan, emphasizing the scope of expanding healthcare accessibility across all modes of transport.

The conclave also featured Dr. Bisworanjan Dash, Public Health Specialist, Airport Health Organization (APHO), Bhubaneswar, who brought valuable insights on the role of airport-based health units and the need for enhanced coordination between airport authorities and travel health clinics, especially for screening and vaccination of outbound travelers.

Joining the dialogue, Dr. Suchitra Sasmal, Senior Regional Director, Regional Office of Health & Family Welfare (RoHFW), Bhubaneswar, highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration at the regional level to effectively roll out Travel Health Clinics across urban and rural geographies.

Showcasing Odisha’s First Travel Health Clinic

In 2023, AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s Department of Community and Family Medicine established Odisha’s first Travel Health Clinic, making it one of the pioneering institutes in the country to offer specialized care for travelers. The clinic provides services such as pre-travel consultations, vaccinations, risk assessments for international travel, and emergency preparedness training — setting a national benchmark.

Who Participated?

The conclave brought together representatives from:

  • Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
  • Ministry of External Affairs
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Directorate General of Shipping
  • National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
  • 16 AIIMS institutions and multiple state medical colleges

Dignitaries included:

  • Dr. Madhabananda Kar, Executive Director, AIIMS Darbhanga
  • Dr. Sachidananda Mohanty, Executive Director, AIIMS Avantipora
  • Dr. Sanjay K. Rai, Professor, AIIMS Delhi
  • Commander Kaushik Roy, Ministry of Defence
  • Dr. Ramya P, Director General, Shipping
  • Dr. Meera Dhuria, Joint Director, NCDC
  • Dr. Vikas Bhatia, HOD, CM & FM, AIIMS Bhubaneswar
  • Dr. Sonu Hangma Subba and Dr. Swayam Pragyan Parida, AIIMS Bhubaneswar

The diverse participation underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration to effectively tackle health challenges arising from national and international travel.

The Way Forward: Research, Policy, and Training

Panel discussions and live demonstrations at the event reinforced the need for:

  • Standardized training in travel medicine
  • Structured curricula for healthcare workers
  • Research-based policy formulation
  • Digital surveillance systems for monitoring disease spread via travel routes

The event concluded with a strong consensus that Travel Health Clinics are essential not just for disease prevention but also for enhancing India’s public health resilience during global health emergencies.

Conclusion

The 2nd National Conclave hosted by AIIMS Bhubaneswar reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing travel health as a core part of its public health strategy. With increasing international travel and the ever-present threat of pandemics, building a national network of Travel Health Clinics will be critical in protecting the health of travelers — and by extension, the nation.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar is leading this movement with vision, innovation, and collaboration — setting a roadmap for the future of travel health in India.

From Labs to Leadership The leading 7 Indian Pharma Giants Shaping 2025

  • Sun Pharma  

Managing Director: Dilip Shanghvi

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited stands as India’s largest pharmaceutical company and ranks among the top six generic drug manufacturers globally. The company develops and markets a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), serving patients across more than 100 countries. In a recent strategic move, Sun Pharma completed the acquisition of 100 percent equity in Libra Merger Ltd, an Israel-based firm.

  • Laborate 

Director – Arpit Bhatia, Laborate 

Laborate Pharmaceuticals India Ltd. is one of India’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, recognised for its high-quality formulations and growing global footprint. The company develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of medicines across therapeutic segments including antibiotics, pain management, cardiovascular, and dermatology. With a presence in over 30 countries, Laborate delivers affordable and effective healthcare solutions to millions worldwide through its advanced manufacturing facilities and strong R&D capabilities.

  • Cipla 

MD & Global CEO: Umang Vohra

Founded in 1935 by Khwaja Abdul Hamied, Cipla Limited is one of India’s most trusted and diversified pharmaceutical companies. Operating through two key segments Pharmaceuticals and New Ventures  the company focuses on developing and delivering high-quality, affordable medicines across therapeutic areas such as respiratory care, cardiovascular health, diabetes management, and mental well-being. With a strong global presence, Cipla continues to drive innovation and access to healthcare in over 80 countries worldwide.

  • Mankind  Pharma  

CEO: Sheetal Arora

Incorporated in 1995, Mankind Pharma Limited is one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies, known for its wide portfolio spanning antibiotics, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, dermatological, and erectile dysfunction therapies. The company is committed to delivering affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions and improving patient outcomes across diverse medical needs. Demonstrating its focus on advanced research and innovation, Mankind Pharma made an additional investment of £1 million in Actimed Therapeutics in 2023 to support the development of novel treatments for cancer cachexia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other muscle-wasting disorders.

  • Dr. Reddy’s Lab 

Co-chairman & MD: GV Prasad

Founded by Dr. Kallam Anji Reddy, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories is a leading Indian multinational pharmaceutical company with a strong presence across global markets. Leveraging decades of research expertise and innovation, the company develops, manufactures, and markets a wide spectrum of high-quality medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) across major therapeutic areas. Strengthening its focus on women’s health and wellness, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories recently acquired MenoLabs from Amyris Inc., expanding its portfolio in dietary supplements and holistic healthcare solutions.

  • Aurobindo Pharma

Executive Chairman: P.V. Ramprasad Reddy

Founded in 1986 by Penaka Venkata Ramprasad Reddy and Kambam Nithyananda Reddy, Aurobindo Pharma Limited is one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies, known for its strong presence in the production of generic medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The company has built a robust global footprint through its commitment to quality, affordability, and innovation across multiple therapeutic segments. In a recent development, one of its subsidiaries received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for Posaconazole Injection, a key treatment used to prevent severe fungal infections.

  • Lupin Limited 

Managing Director: Sharvil P. Patel

Lupin Limited is one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies and ranks among the top global manufacturers of generic medicines. With a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and accessibility, the company operates across key therapeutic areas including paediatrics, cardiovascular health, anti-infectives, diabetology, respiratory care, and anti-tuberculosis treatments. Backed by world-class R&D and a growing international presence, Lupin continues to advance its mission of providing affordable healthcare solutions to patients in over 100 countries.

Manipal cGMP Forum Marks 3rd National cGMP Day with Special Postal Cover Release

Manipal cGMP Forum & 3rd National cGMP Day Celebrate Excellence in Pharmaceutical Quality with Historic Postal Cover Release

Manipal, 11th October 2025: The Centre for cGMP at Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), a constituent Institution of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, hosted the inaugural Manipal cGMP Forum alongside the 3rd National cGMP Day celebration, marking a significant milestone in advancing pharmaceutical quality and manufacturing standards in India.

Manipal cGMP Forum & 3rd National cGMP Day Celebrate Historic Postal Cover Release

The event’s centrepiece was the release of India’s first Special Postal Cover dedicated to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)—a pioneering initiative conceived by Dr Girish Pai K, Coordinator, Centre for cGMP, MAHE, in collaboration with Sri. Bharat Shah, National President, IDMA, and Dr. George Patani, Senior Vice President, IDMA.

The Special Postal Cover was unveiled in the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Sri. Bharat Shah (National President, IDMA), Sri. K Raja Bhanu (Director General, Pharmexcil), Mrs. Aditi Kare Panandikar (Hon. General Secretary, IDMA), Sri. Amit Raj Sinha (MD & CEO, Sigachi Industries Ltd), Sri. K Prakash (Chief Postmaster General), Dr. Sharath Rao (Pro-Vice Chancellor, MAHE), and Dr. Srinivas Mutalik (Principal, MCOPS).

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, emphasized the significance: “This marks a momentous milestone as we celebrate 2025 as the ‘Year of Excellence in Industry-Academia Collaborations.’ The Special Postal Cover is expected to generate nationwide awareness on the importance of cGMP and medicine quality.”

Sri Bharat Shah, National President of IDMA, announced IDMA’s proud sponsorship of this maiden initiative, remarking, “We believe this is a pioneering initiative to raise awareness not only among industry professionals, academia and regulators, but also among dispensing pharmacists, the patient community and the general public.”

Dr. Girish Pai K presented the Centre’s inspiring journey since its 2023 inception, highlighting pioneering initiatives including the cGMP Awareness Series, cGMP Lecture Series, cGMP CONNECT Newsletter, and the Train the Pharmacists program. He described the Special Postal Cover as “a symbol of national recognition and respect for cGMP,” expressing gratitude to IDMA and Sri Bharat Shah for their generous sponsorship.

Dr. Pai also welcomed the inclusion of cGMP as an elective in the PCI-prescribed BPharm syllabus, calling it “a timely development, coinciding meaningfully with the third National cGMP Day celebrations.”

The forum featured several notable achievements and presentations. The prestigious National cGMP Day Award 2025 was conferred upon Mr. Ananthakrishna Padiyar, Chief of Quality, Cipla Ltd, Mumbai, in recognition of his exemplary contributions to pharmaceutical quality. Phase II of the MANIPAL cGMP MUSEUM was unveiled as a digital tribute to Dr. TMA Pai, generously sponsored by Sri. Mehul Shah, MD, Encube Ethicals Pvt Ltd. The latest edition of the cGMP CONNECT Newsletter, Vol 2, Issue 2, was also released during the event. Expert sessions were delivered by Mr. Dinesh Kashikar, Senior Consultant, Zenshin Pharmatek LLP, who elaborated on Revised Schedule M Guidelines, and Mr. Allen Dass, GM, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd, who addressed Quality Issues and Business Impact. Best Poster Awards were presented to deserving participants with certificates, cash prizes, and Special cGMP Gifts sponsored by Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Under the theme “cGMP for Sustainable Quality” (unveiled in April 2025), the conference featured plenary sessions, poster presentations, interactive industry-academia dialogues, and engaging student activities, including a Quality Jingle, Innovation Pitch, and Tree of Quality—fully sponsored by Akums.

Held at the Dr. TMA Pai Auditorium, Manipal, the forum successfully bridged the gap between revised Schedule M guidelines and academic understanding, bringing together industry leaders, academia, students, and regulatory experts.

The concept of National cGMP Day was initiated by Dr. Girish Pai K in 2023 and has been celebrated annually in collaboration with IDMA, PCI, FOPE, Pharmexcil, and other leading industry bodies.

The Centre for cGMP at MAHE expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, sponsors, and guests for making the Manipal cGMP Forum and National cGMP Day 2025.

Diwali Cooking Made Easy leading 3 KAFF Appliances to Celebrate the Festival of Lights

India, 11th october 2025: Diwali is the season of lights, sweets, and scrumptious home-cooked meals. Amidst the excitement of decorating your home and preparing for celebrations, cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming. This festive season, KAFF makes it effortless with appliances designed to simplify your kitchen tasks while adding a modern touch to your culinary space. From quick snacks to elaborate festive meals, here are the top four KAFF appliances that every kitchen should have this Diwali.

KAFF’s Coffee Machines

  1. KAFF Coffee Machine  Brew Joy This Diwali

Diwali celebrations are incomplete without a perfect cup of coffee shared with loved ones. KAFF’s Coffee Machine lets you brew café-style beverages effortlessly at home from rich espressos to frothy cappuccinos. Designed for precision and convenience, it ensures every cup is aromatic and full-bodied. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet festive morning, this coffee machine adds warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to your celebrations.

  1. KAFF Convection Oven  Perfect for Baking and Roasting

Be it baking delectable cakes or roasting marinated vegetables for your Diwali celebration, the KAFF Convection Oven is an essential addition to your kitchen. Its state-of-the-art heating technology provides uniform cooking, while multiple preset modes make it convenient to cook a range of dishes. From classic mithai to gourmet breads, this oven is your one-stop solution for festive baking and roasting.

  1. KAFF Induction Cooktop  Fast and Energy-Efficient Cooking

The KAFF Induction Cooktop is made with speed, precision, and safety in mind. With its super-speedy heating technology, you can prepare complex Diwali dishes in record time, and the temperature control guarantees flawless consistency. Lightweight, portable, and energy-saving, this device is perfect for small kitchens or when additional cooking space is required for festive gatherings.

This Diwali, KAFF appliances make it easier than ever to create delicious, festive meals with minimal hassle. Upgrade your kitchen and enjoy a celebration filled with taste, convenience, and joy!

NIFTEM-K Partners with IIIT-H and IIT-H to Boost Research and Innovation

NIFTEM-K Signs Strategic MoUs with IIIT Hyderabad and IIT Hyderabad to Strengthen Research, Innovation, and Academic Collaboration

Hyderabad, October 11, 2025 : National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K)  an Institute of National Importance (INI) under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India — has entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with two premier institutions: the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H). These strategic collaborations aim to foster excellence in research, innovation, academic exchange, and human resource development in food technology, digital transformation, and allied sectors.

 IIIT Hyderabad and IIT Hyderabad to Strengthen Research, Innovation, and Academic Collaboration

The MoUs were formally exchanged between Prof. Sandeep Kumar Shukla, Director, IIIT-H, Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT-H, and Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K. These agreements mark the beginning of partnerships designed to leverage the complementary strengths of NIFTEM-K and the two institutes to address national and global challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Under the MoUs, the scope of collaboration includes several key areas:

  • Research and Development: Joint development of industrially funded and government-supported projects, with outcomes including publications, patents, and technology transfers being jointly owned by the partnering institutions.
  • Capacity Building: Organization of workshops, seminars, conferences, symposia, and hands-on training programs to enhance knowledge and practical skills in food science, food engineering, postharvest management, interdisciplinary sciences, data analytics, and food business management.
  • Internships and Placements: Facilitation of student internships and placements, supporting professional development and bridging academia with industry.
  • Joint Certificate Programmes: Launch of joint certificate programs (physical or online), subject to mutual agreement and statutory approvals, aimed at promoting industry-ready skills and knowledge.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi emphasized, “These collaborations bridge the gap between food technology, digital innovation, and interdisciplinary research, creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and the industry.”

This dual MoU initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening India’s food innovation ecosystem, combining NIFTEM-K’s expertise in food science, processing, and entrepreneurship with IIIT-H’s technological prowess and IIT-H’s research excellence.

JMR Infotech Brings AI Driven Solutions for BFS at Oracle AI World 2025

Dubai, 11 October 2025 – JMR Infotech, a global leader in digital transformation and banking technology solutions and an Oracle Platinum Partner, will participate in Oracle AI World 2025, taking place October 13–16 in Las Vegas. The company will demonstrate how AI, combined with Oracle technologies, can help organizations make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, and accelerate growth.

Building on nearly two decades of experience delivering banking technology solutions globally, JMR Infotech combines deep domain expertise with AI-driven innovation to help organizations transform how they operate and make decisions. At Oracle AI World 2025, the company will showcase solutions that leverage intelligent applications, agentic AI for rapid implementations, and AI-powered accelerators — designed to help enterprises turn data into actionable insights, accelerate digital initiatives, and achieve measurable
business impact.

Jayafar Moidu, Founder & CEO of JMR Infotech, will represent the company at Oracle AI World and will be available to meet with attendees to discuss practical ways and tailored strategies to leverage AI for business impact.

“Oracle AI World is an ideal platform to explore the possibilities of AI in enterprise transformation,” said Jayafar Moidu. “We look forward to engaging with industry leaders, sharing insights from our global experience, and helping organizations make AI work for their business.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how JMR Infotech can partner with them to unlock AI’s potential and drive meaningful transformation across their organizations.

International Samarpan of Shri Krishna Leela Collection Held at Nehru Centre, London

Kathak, Cinema, and Fragrance Come Together in a Spellbinding Tribute to Shri Krishna

London, October 10, 2025: In a memorable and soulful evening at the Nehru Centre, London, the International Samarpan of the Shri Krishna Leela Collection was held in the august presence of Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Nehru Centre, London, and renowned Kathak artist Richa Srivastava. The evening gracefully wove together art, fragrance, film, and devotion, celebrating Krishna—a tribute to India’s timeless cultural and spiritual heritage.

 Shri Krishna Leela Collection

The evening commenced with a divine invocation of “Om Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane,” invoking Lord Krishna’s boundless grace. This was followed by the screening of a short film on the Shri Krishna Leela Collection, showcasing the artistic journey, craftsmanship, and spiritual inspiration behind the fragrances that translate divine stories into sensory experiences.

Following the film, Mr. Prashant Kumar, CMD, Mode Retails Sales and Marketing Pvt. Ltd., and Founder of Ramalaya & JPSR Prabhu Shriram, addressed the gathering. In his inspiring speech, he shared how fragrance can become a form of prayer and philosophy, connecting people with India’s cultural consciousness.

“Each of our creations is not just a product; it is a living story — a confluence of bhava (emotion), bhakti (devotion), and sugandha (fragrance),” said Mr. Kumar. He further added that as India reclaims its place as Vishwa Guru, it offers the world pathways of harmony, sustainability, and consciousness through its ancient wisdom and culture.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Nehru Centre, London, remarked, “This International Samarpan beautifully represents India’s cultural diplomacy, where fragrance, art, and dance together communicate the universality of Krishna’s message of love and harmony.

The highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing Kathak performance by Richa Srivastava, themed “Krishna in Kathak.” Her dance depicted three divine Leelas:

1. Kaliya Mardan – symbolizing the victory of purity and nature over evil,
2. Vastra Haran – representing Krishna as the compassionate protector and eternal Nayak, and
3. Radha Krishna Thumri – expressing the divine union of love and consciousness.

Her performance enthralled the audience, bringing alive the spiritual essence of Krishna’s eternal play through movement, rhythm, and expression.

The Shri Krishna Leela Collection, unveiled during the event, is a fragrant tribute to Lord Krishna’s divine wisdom and joy. Each fragrance embodies a distinct Leela – Makhanchor’s innocence, Govardhan’s gratitude, Sudama’s humility, and Raas Leela’s transcendental love. Curated under the Ramalaya initiative by JPSR Prabhu Shriram, the collection serves as an artistic confluence of India’s devotion, craftsmanship, and sensory storytelling.

The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of the Shri Krishna Leela Collection to the Nehru Centre representatives, symbolizing India’s offering of love, balance, and harmony to the world.

The event reaffirmed India’s growing leadership in cultural diplomacy and soft power, where fragrance, film, and performance together create a universal dialogue of peace, devotion, and consciousness.

KLM Marks 106 Years of US Ties with Special Delft Blue House in Leiden

KLM celebrates 106 years of connection with the US with a special Delft Blue house in the heart of Leiden

India, 10th Oct 2025: KLM marked its 106th anniversary by unveiling a new Delft Blue house: the former sexton’s residence, Villa Rameau, located next to the Pieterskerk in Leiden. The Pilgrims stayed here for twelve years before they set sail on the Mayflower to America in 1620.

106 years of transatlantic ties: from pilgrims to Joint Venture

The Pilgrims’ journey began a lasting connection across the Atlantic, one that KLM has proudly continued for 106 years. As the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name, KLM has played a key role in linking the Netherlands and Europe with the United States. As part of the Air France-KLM Group and in Joint Venture with Delta Air Lines, KLM carries millions of passengers each year between Europe and the US, serving a network of fifteen US destinations. These connections support the economies and prosperity on both sides of the ocean.

“With the unveiling of Villa Rameau as our 106th Delft Blue house, we’re not only celebrating our birthday, but also the importance of connection and resilience,” said Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM. “These values are reflected in the story of the house and the Pilgrims, and they’re also at the heart of KLM. For 106 years, we’ve been building global connections. Especially in challenging times, this house reminds us how vital it is to stay connected. It’s a small symbol with a big story about how we keep innovating and shaping the future of aviation.”

A rich Leiden history

Villa Rameau, now home to the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, has a storied past. The Pilgrims’ first harvest festival here, inspired by the Relief of Leiden, eventually became what Americans know as Thanksgiving, a tradition still honored every year at the Pieterskerk. Later, the Rameau family, residents of the house, played a crucial role in the local resistance during World War II. This spot in Leiden stands for perseverance in turbulent times and forging new bonds, values KLM holds dear.

Peter Heijkoop, Mayor of Leiden, said: “It’s an honor that Villa Rameau, with its unique history and central place in Leiden, is now part of the KLM miniature house collection. This house tells an important part of Leiden’s story, from the Pilgrims to the resistance. We’re proud to see this story shared with the world in this special way.”