Archives June 2025

Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli |2 June 2025 Sri Madhusudan Sai is a visionary and a humanitarian whose mission of ‘Service and Spirituality’ spans 80 countries across the world. Inspired by the ancient Indian ideal of vasudhaiva kuṭuṁbakam – One World One Family, his mission has reached the unreached, served the unserved and done the undone, in the fields of Nutrition, Education and Healthcare, ever since the year 2012, benefitting over 13 million individuals worldwide.

Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence is a one-of-a-kind higher education institution which was established by Sri Madhusudan Sai in the year 2019 at Kalaburagi district in the North of Karnataka (India) as a State Private University. This is a unique institution, because it has completely decommercialised higher education, and has further empowered youth with employment after education. Set up in rural hinterlands for the rural youth of the country, this University is a residential gurukula system, and hence not only education, but also stay, food, stationery and other curricular and extracurricular amenities are given completely free of charge to all the students. More than 70% of the students who study in this University are first generation graduates and they mostly come from remote rural areas.

It is worth mentioning that, following a review, the University Grants Commission (a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Education, Government of India) recognised and placed it on record that the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence is the only one of its kind in India.

Taking over the Chancellorship from the octogenarian Sri B N Narasimha Murthy, who has served as an educator and mentor of young students for more than 50 years through his association with the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions, Sri Madhusudan Sai will be one of the youngest chancellors of the country.

In his address, Sri Madhusudan Sai appreciated the contribution of Sri B N Narasimha Murthy as the first Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, who inspired the younger generation through his commitment, dedication and devotion towards serving the humanity. Taking it on from here, he said, “This University is a vision, a dream and a prayer, which found its fruition through the commitment and hard work of so many people. We shall continue to foster its noble vision and inspire generations after generations.”

Kolkata, 2nd June, 2025: Woman Times, in proud association with Mamta Sumit Binani Foundation, CK Birla Hospitals CMRI and Sister Nivedita University successfully hosted “Astitwa: Ek Roop Kai Pehchaan” today at HHI, Kolkata, an emotionally resonant and socially impactful event celebrating the multifaceted essence of womanhood which was attended by: Rituparna Sengupta, Priyanka Sarkar, Santi Das Basak, Dr. Parnamita Bhattacharya, Zeba Akhtar Ali, Naina More & many others. The event, held in HHI Kolkata, brought together the significance of Mother’s Day and Women’s Day in a collaborative tribute, honoring women in all their diverse roles – mothers, daughters, leaders, creators, and changemakers.

The day was graced by the luminous presence of superstar actors Rituparna Sengupta and Priyanka Sarkar, who were both honored with the prestigious Astitwa Honour. This recognition celebrated their remarkable contributions to cinema and society, acknowledging their significant influence and inspiration.

“Astitwa: Ek Roop Kai Pehchaan” featured three enlightening and vital sessions designed to empower women with knowledge about their bodies, minds, and well-being. Experts delivered insightful presentations on Gynecology, Nutrition, and Dementia, providing attendees with crucial information for a healthier and more informed life.

On this Occasion, Mrs. Moonmoon Chakraborty, CEO of Woman Times, said, “We are truly heartened by the overwhelming response to ‘Astitwa: Ek Roop Kai Pehchaan.’ In many ways, this event feels less like ours and more like the people’s – because it reflects their voices, their stories, and their hopes. Health has always been at the core of our company’s mission, and this year, we are especially committed to initiatives that focus on health and well-being. Through this event, we hope to create meaningful awareness and inspire positive change in the community.”

Speaking to the media, Mrs. Mamta Binani, Advisory Board Member of Woman Times, said, “Astitwa: Ek Roop Kai Pehchaan is not just an event – it is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of womanhood. At Woman Times, we believe that recognizing and amplifying women’s voices in every sphere – be it health, leadership, or creativity – is essential for a more balanced and compassionate society. This platform reminds us that every woman’s journey is unique and worthy of honor. It is a privilege to be part of this movement that champions both awareness and empowerment.”

On this Occasion, Ms. Poulami Chakraborty, Founding Editor of Woman Times, said, “If human beings are the most powerful species, then women are perhaps something even beyond that. To be a woman is a beautiful, divine feeling and every woman deserves respect at all stages of her life, whether as a daughter, wife, mother, or simply as herself. Be it from her family, her husband, her children, or society at large, respect should never be a privilege, but a given.”

A significant highlight of the event was the spotlight on Team Puratawn, the creators of a compelling film centered on dementia. Their efforts were honored for bringing much-needed attention to this silent but growing geriatric challenge that India is grappling with, utilizing the powerful medium of cinema to raise awareness. We are also extending cash sponsorship to three underprivileged women who are currently facing difficult circumstances. This initiative is being supported by Mamta Binani, Naina More, and Sirshendu Niyogi.

Mumbai, 2nd June 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, today announced its upcoming coming-of-age drama, Lafangey. The streaming service unveiled a riveting trailer for the series, offering a glimpse into the lives of three childhood friends as they navigate the trials of adulthood while chasing dreams, facing dilemmas, and overcoming unexpected challenges. Directed by Prem Mistry and written by Abhishhek Yadav (who are also producers of the show), Lafangey boasts of a talented cast, including Anud Singh Dhaka, Gagan Arora, Harsh Beniwal, Barkha Singh, and Salonnay Gaur in pivotal roles. The slice of life drama will be available to stream – for free – exclusively on Amazon MX Player from 6th June.

The emotionally charged trailer transports viewers to the bustling streets of Noida, following Chaitanya, Rohan, and Kamlesh as they grapple with career woes, romantic upheavals, and familial and societal expectations. Chaitanya faces a moral dilemma, finding himself torn between his ambitions and his family’s expectations, while Rohan’s love life is tested by financial insecurities. Meanwhile, Kamlesh dreams of stardom but his reality is weighed down by conventional responsibilities. Through moments of chaos, laughter, and heartache, Lafangey captures the uncertainty and beauty of pursuing one’s aspirations while holding onto friendship.

Speaking about the series, Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, Amazon MX Player, expressed, “With Lafangey, we’re exploring the messy yet beautiful journey of adulthood through the lens of friendship and personal struggles. It’s a story grounded in reality, where every character is on a quest to figure out who they are and what they want. We’re thrilled to bring this authentic, fun, and heartwarming tale to our viewers, and we believe it will strike a chord with everyone who’s ever faced the challenges of balancing dreams with the realities of life.”

 “Lafangey is about everyone who dreams,” says Director, Prem Mistry. “Set against the backdrop of unemployment, it puts a spotlight on the youth of this country those who dare to do something unconventional while navigating the everyday struggles of middle-class life. It’s about testing your faith with destiny. With every project, we’ve tried building this genre for the young adults and with Lafangey, it finally feels like the audience is embracing it.”

Sharing insights about his character, Rohan, in the series, Gagan Arora said, “Rohan is someone who finds himself stuck in the middle of love, ambition, and life’s unpredictability. His story isn’t just about career choices, it’s about balancing who he is with the expectations others place on him. Playing such a layered character was an enriching experience, and I’m excited for viewers to see how Rohan evolves through the series, all while navigating the complexities of love and self-growth.”

Harsh Beniwal, who essays the role of Kamlesh, said, “Kamlesh is a dreamer – one who believes in chasing stars, no matter how far out of reach they seem. It was a pleasure to bring this character to life. He’s funny, and carefree. Yet, his journey is about finding the strength to embrace who he truly is, even when life tries to knock him down. I feel people will relate to his carefree spirit and the reality check that often comes with pursuing one’s dreams.”

Barkha Singh, who portrays the character of Ishita, shared, “Ishita is a modern woman with big dreams and a strong sense of individuality. Her relationship with Rohan goes through several ups and downs, and in many ways, it’s a mirror for everyone who’s had to balance love with personal aspirations. It’s been an exciting role to play, and I think Ishita will connect with viewers who know what it’s like to juggle their career ambitions with emotional decisions.”

New Delhi, 2nd June 2025 – Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading homegrown direct-selling companies, marked a major milestone—21 years of empowering lives—at a grand celebration held at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, New Delhi on Sunday. 

The event not only celebrated over two decades of entrepreneurial success but also spotlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to its core purpose: enabling holistic well-being, self-reliance, and financial independence for millions across India and other countries. Rooted in its guiding vision to help people live a life of economic independence on their own terms, Vestige has created a unique ecosystem that transforms aspirations into achievements. 

“At Vestige, we are not just counting years; we are celebrating countless stories of transformation, resilience, and pride,” said Mr. Gautam Bali, Founder & Managing Director, Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd. “Our 21st anniversary is a tribute to our distributors—the real pillars of our success and we are celebrating the strength of our community, built on trust, transparency, and shared dreams. This milestone reaffirms our purpose to be one of the world’s top direct selling companies by 2030 and continue empowering lives through a trusted and inclusive direct selling model.”

As part of this momentous occasion, the #GarvSeBoloHumHainVestige campaign also brings a powerful tribute to the enduring pride, identity, and trust of its vast distributor network. The campaign gives voice to the collective spirit that has shaped the remarkable legacy of Vestige across India and beyond.

In addition, Vestige also unveiled an internal initiative inviting distributors to share their personal journeys with the brand asking them to share their Garv moments with Vestige. These stories, rooted in hope reflects the deep emotional connection that Vestige shares with its community.

Vestige’s focus on digital innovation has played a key role in strengthening its distributor-first ecosystem. Tools like the Vestige 2.0 mobile app for seamless business management and the Vestige AR app for immersive product learning are examples of how the brand is building a future-ready, accessible direct-selling platform. Its multilingual website and catalogue further reinforce its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

Entering its 22nd year, Vestige remains firmly anchored in its values of trust, innovation, and empowerment. With a foundation built on integrity, Vestige is poised to redefine the future of direct selling—one that is driven by purpose, pride, and community. 

Bengaluru, 2nd June 2025:   Committed to addressing critical needs in India in food security and education, Newgen Software Technologies Limited has extended its support with The Akshaya Patra Foundation. This collaboration supports  mid-day meals for over 12,000 students across multiple locations including Lucknow, Baran, Mangalagiri, Gorakhpur, Nathdwara, Mant, Vrindavan, Puducherry, and Nellore for an entire academic year. Through this impactful collaboration, approximately 17 million nutritious school meals have been served, helping nourish young minds and support their learning journey.

Since 2017, Newgen has been judiciously supporting Akshaya Patra’s initiatives and helping it provide meals for thousands of children across India, every day. Such partnerships cater to the bright future of a child’s contribution to the great social well-being of communities.

During a recent meeting, Ms. Priyadarshini Nigam, Director and CSR Committee Chair at Newgen Software, was awarded a Certificate of Gratitude from Akshaya Patra in acknowledgment of their invaluable support. On this occasion, she said, “Newgen is proud to have Akshaya Patra as its implementation partner to achieve the goal of providing nutritious meals to the developing minds. The uniqueness of this partnership is how Akshaya Patra helps us reach the remotest corners of the country, to the regions where once a day meal at the school makes the student come back to school every day and focus on education. This year also, we intend to continue the joint effort and reach more students in the interior parts of the country.”

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Dhananjay Ganjoo, Chief Resource Mobilization & Marketing Officer, The Akshaya Patra Foundation said, “At The Akshaya Patra Foundation, we believe that no child should have to choose between education and a meal. Our partnership with Newgen Software has been instrumental in supporting our mission to provide nutritious meals to children, ensuring that the children focus on learning.”

This collaboration further emboldens the collective efforts of prioritizing children’s health, well-being, and education. By providing wholesome meals, they aim to encourage school attendance, improve nutritional status, and enhance the academic growth of students across India.

In a sector often defined by uncertainty and delay, RSP Developers has quietly yet emphatically redefined real estate in Delhi NCR with a proven portfolio exceeding ₹2,000 crore in delivered projects and an active development pipeline of over 1.5 million square feet across strategic locations. The company plans to invest an additional ₹600 crore over the next 2-3 years, with the goal of creating over ₹1,000 crore in new asset value.

Founded in 1996 by Raj Singh Yadav and Satya Priya Yadav, RSP Developers has emerged as a leader in Built-to-Suit (BTS) and institutional real estate. Their unique approach emphasizes long-term value, sustainability, and end-user customization – offering corporates a full-spectrum solution from land acquisition to final Workspace handover. “We don’t build for speculation – we build with purpose. Our team works toward a vision, not just targets, and that’s what sets us apart,” says Satya Priya Yadav, Co-Founder and Group CEO. “RSP doesn’t just build infrastructure – it builds trust.”

One of the company’s biggest success stories has been its early bet on the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) in Gurugram. Over a decade ago, when SPR was still on paper, RSP acquired and consolidated agricultural parcels to lay the foundation for what would become a major commercial corridor. The company has developed nearly 12 acre of state-of-the-art hub intended to be exclusively dedicated to corporate innovation, R&D and training, which is now leased by the BMW Group and Air India – resulting in a one of its kind, training hub in the world.

With over 1.5 million sq. ft.  delivered across prime sectors like 18, 44, and 75 in Gurugram, RSP is now focussing on 500,000 sq. ft. over the next two years. Its focus areas include R&D and Training Hubs in NCR,Wellness-orientedcampuses with low-density, green architecture,  Student accommodations for a new generation of urban learners,  Innovation labs and co-learning zones and EV-ready infrastructure and net-zero campuses.

RSP is also making strides in renewable energy, with a 10 MW solar power project underway in Haryana, scalable to 50 MW. This aligns with the firm’s sustainability-first ethos, embedded into each stage of design and delivery. “Sustainability isn’t a checkbox for us. From life cycle assessments to post-handover performance KPIs, we engineer long-term environmental stewardship,” says Satya Priya. Technology plays a vital role in RSP’s approach. From smart lighting and AI-enabled building management systems to IoT-based monitoring and predictive maintenance, RSP is building intelligent campuses that are both operationally efficient and future-ready.

With a track record of over ₹2,000 crore in delivered projects, and another ₹600 crore being invested in the mid to short term, RSP Developers is preparing to double down on its core philosophy: execution powered by vision, values, commitment, and excellence. “RSP is not just another real estate firm – it’s a mission for us, to reshape India’s corporate landscape,” said Satyansh Yadav, third-generation representative of the firm. “From developers of buildings, we are now evolving into enablers of growth by providing niche workspaces designed for the future.”

New Delhi, 2^nd June 2025: FUJIFILM India – a leader in imaging technology announces the launch of “instax mini 41™” (mini 41), allowing users to enjoy on-the-spot photo printing. It is available in the Indian market for users with an MRP of 13,999 across instax.in website and various e-commerce platforms.

The mini 41 is an analog instant camera that enhances the design and features of the popular “instax mini 40™” (mini 40), known for its classic camera design that appeals to a wide range of users. While maintaining the mini 40’s classic design, the mini 41 incorporates a sleek and stylish look with black and dark-toned silver as the base colors, accented with a touch of orange. This makes it an attractive fashion accessory as well.

Sharing his excitement about the new launch of instax™, Mr. Koji Wada – Managing Director, FUJIFILM India said, “At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to delivering innovative products and solutions that embody our Group purpose of ‘Giving Our World More Smiles.’ By blending diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people, we aim to create solutions that bring joy and smiles to the world. The new instax mini 41™ brings the spirit of instant photography to life – blending timeless style with effortless ease-of-use. As India’s love for visual storytelling grows, we hope to inspire a new generation to ‘develop their style’ and make memories that last forever.”

Mr. Arun Babu, Associate Director & Head of Digital Camera, instax™ & Optical Devices Business, FUJIFILM India added, “The Instax Mini 41 redefines simplicity with style – an everyday companion for those who love to capture life as it happens. Designed to blend iconic aesthetics with intuitive features like Close-up Mode and Automatic Light Adjustment, it offers a seamless instant photography experience. ‘Develop your style’ isn’t just our tagline – it’s an invitation to express yourself, your way. We can’t wait to see how India’s new-age creators make the mini 41 a vibrant part of their lifestyle.”

The mini 41 features a “Close-up Mode” that prevents discrepancies between the viewfinder field and the actual printout area in close-ups. With enhanced “Automatic Light Adjustment”, the mini 41 automatically determines the correct exposure for a given scene, ensuring the best brightness for each shooting scene. These functions make it easy for anyone to capture beautiful, clear and well-composed shots.

Bengaluru, 2 June 2025 – ALLEN Career Institute, Bengaluru, has achieved a historic milestone with its exceptional performance in the JEE Advanced 2025 results. A total of 17 students from ALLEN Bengaluru have secured ranks in the Top 500, reaffirming the institute’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success.

The results of the prestigious engineering entrance examination, JEE Advanced, were declared by IIT Kanpur on Sunday. ALLEN Bengaluru has once again proven its academic leadership by delivering outstanding results.
According to the compiled results, the following students from the Bengaluru center have achieved remarkable All India Ranks:

AIR 57 – Chinmaya Shankara Shastry (2-Year Classroom Program)
AIR 142 – Anirudh Sharma (2-Year Classroom Program)
AIR 143 – Rishabh Pandey (4-Year Classroom Program)
AIR 164 – Sankarshana Bahadur Raghubanshi (2-Year Classroom Program)
AIR 171 – Shaurya Rathi (3-Year Classroom Program)
AIR 181 – Raghav Jaggi (6-Year Classroom Program)

In total, 6 Students secured ranks in the Top 200 and 17 students secured ranks within the Top 500 from ALLEN Bengaluru, marking yet another year of consistent, high-level achievement.

This remarkable success is a testament to the students’ relentless dedication, perseverance, and discipline, along with the invaluable support of their parents. The commitment and passion of the faculty at ALLEN Bengaluru, who continuously evolve and upskill to meet the demands of competitive education, have played a pivotal role in this achievement.

Shri Mahesh Yadav, Vice President & Zonal Head of ALLEN South India Centres, extended heartfelt gratitude to the parents for their continued trust in ALLEN and for allowing the institute to mentor such exceptional students. He emphasized that this achievement reflects not just the hard work of the students, but also the consistent guidance and support provided by ALLEN’s experienced faculty.

ALLEN Career Institute Bengaluru continues to set new standards in academic excellence, empowering students to reach their highest potential. We wholeheartedly congratulate all our achievers and wish them continued success in all their future endeavours.

NEW DELHI, 02 June 2025: India’s and Iceland’s flag carriers, Air India and Icelandair, today announced their new codeshare partnership, significantly boosting connectivity between India and Iceland, while offering seamless travel options across 15 routes in India and Europe.

This strategic partnership strengthens travel and trade ties between India and Iceland, offering passengers greater flexibility and choice while ensuring a seamless travel experience with convenient connections times, unified baggage allowances, and enhanced connectivity through major European hub airports.

The two airlines signed the codeshare agreement on the sidelines of the 81^st IATA AGM in New Delhi.

Under this codeshare agreement:

• Air India customers will gain seamless access to Icelandair-operated flights to Reykjavik (KEF) via Air India’s European gateways. Air India will add its ‘AI’ designator code on Icelandair-operated flights between Reykjavik and London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Milan, and Zurich.
• Icelandair customers will benefit from convenient connections on Air India-operated flights to key Indian cities. Icelandair will add its ‘FI’ designator code on Air India-operated flights between Delhi and Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Heathrow; and between Mumbai and Frankfurt, London Heathrow.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, said: “We are happy to embark on this codeshare partnership with Icelandair, which unites two airlines committed to connecting the world. By combining our strengths, we are creating a seamless bridge between India’s vibrant destinations and Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes. This partnership underscores Air India’s ambition to expand our global reach while offering Icelandair’s customers seamless access to India’s diverse destinations.”

“This strategic partnership with Air India marks a significant milestone, opening up exciting new travel opportunities from across our network in North America and Europe to and from India,” said Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair. “It will connect Iceland to Air India’s extensive network, allowing us to introduce what Iceland has to offer to their customers. We have and will continue to expand our network of partner airlines, focusing on working with airlines like Air India that offer great service and connectivity.”

The start of a new school year is both exciting and challenging, especially for parents of children with diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, requiring regular blood sugar checks. With the right care and tools, your child can lead a normal, healthy life. To ensure their safety and health at school, it’s crucial to prepare, communicate with school staff, and have the necessary supplies ready.

Dr. Anjana Hulse

Dr. Anjana Hulse, Pediatric Endocrinologist, Hulse Clinic, Bangalore, said, “Incorporating a regular routine and physical activity into the daily routine of a child with Type 1 diabetes is important for their health and well-being. For parents, integrating structured measures such as diet, exercise and continuous monitoring can positively impact their child’s blood sugar control. It  also enhances their insulin sensitivity and support a healthier lifestyle. Helping a child navigate their diabetes journey can be made hassle-free by embracing advancements that help simplify diabetes management. For instance, parents can utilize continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, measuring glucose levels all day and night. These offer real-time data on how blood sugar levels respond to factors like meals, physical activity, and insulin doses.”

One of the most significant advantages of CGM technology is the stress relief it offers parents. With real-time hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia alerts sent directly to their phones, parents no longer have to constantly worry about their child’s glucose levels while they are at school. The connected care aspect of CGM devices allows healthcare providers and caregivers to access shared data, ensuring a collaborative approach to diabetes management. This not only enhances safety but also provides reassurance that any potential issues can be addressed immediately, giving parents peace of mind.

Dr. Kenneth Lee, Director, Medical Affairs, Diabetes Division, Abbott, said, “It is difficult to manage diabetes, especially for a child. In cases like these, parents play a crucial role in caring for them. For the ease of managing diabetes and enabling families to cope, technology-driven progress such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices can provide immense benefits. Unlike older CGM blinded technologies, which only provided retrospective data, advanced CGMs offer real-time, actionable insights that allow parents and children to respond to fluctuations immediately. With seamless smartphone integration, parents can remotely track their child’s glucose trends and receive alerts about unexpected highs or lows, helping them make timely adjustments. This level of data-driven feedback ensures better glucose management and a smoother school experience.”

Here are five must-know tips to help ease your concerns and support your child’s diabetes management.

1. Check blood sugar regularly: Parents should check the glucose levels of their kids before they go to school. Monitoring helps in determining the next dosage of insulin to be taken. You can do this easily with continuous glucose monitoring devices. With its connected care capabilities, parents can remotely monitor readings via a smartphone app, ensuring their child stays within the target range (70–180 mg/dL). The data insights also help recognize patterns influenced by stress, diet, or exercise, enabling better decision-making.
2. Finding enjoyable activities to exercise: The easiest way to keep children active is to find exercises they enjoy. Joining a team activity is a good idea. Activities like bike riding, dancing, playing cricket, or games like kho kho or kabaddi with family and friends are also great. To avoid isolation, involve the whole family. It’s a fun way to spend time together and stay fit. Make sure they get enough sleep too, as rest is important for children with Type 1 diabetes.
3. Teach Stress Management and Self-Care: School life comes with academic and social pressures, which can impact blood glucose levels. Encourage your child to recognize signs of stress, and take breaks when needed. Whether it’s reading, journaling, or socializing with friends, self-care plays a crucial role in overall diabetes management.
4. Keep a diabetes journal: It is important to understand how your child’s sugar levels react to different foods and activities. Document their blood glucose levels, the food they eat, and the exercises they engage in, with time stamps. This way, you’ll be able to adapt the plans based on what’s working and what’s not, whether that means switching up snack time or rescheduling a morning jog or an evening walk. Always consult a doctor before making changes to your child’s regimen or in case you have questions.
5. Encourage Smart Meal Planning: School lunches and unpredictable schedules can make meal management tricky. Help your child learn to identify balanced meals and understand how different foods impact their glucose.