Author: Team

Witness Live Aartis from Jyotirlingas on JioHotstar This Mahashivratri, 26th February

February 27, 2025; National: JioHotstar is all set to offer an extraordinary and immersive Mahashivratri experience with Mahashivratri: The Divine Night, a 12-hour special LIVE stream on 26th February, starting 6PM that will showcase the grandeur of the celebrations of the sacred festival across the country. A first-of-its-kind, multi-format, multi-location, multi-stream live event, Mahashivratri: The Divine Night promises to unite India in a divine celebration with real-time access to 20+ Aartis from Jyotirlingas across the country, allowing viewers to partake in the festivities from the comfort of their homes.

With a live event, across multiple streams, viewers can witness over 20 aartis from all Jyotirlingas in real time, bringing the celebrations from across the country to their devices. They can also understand the significance of the aartis as well as delve deeper into the meaning of the rituals. JioHotstar has partnered with the Isha Foundation to live stream their grand rituals, including musical performances by a diverse array of artists, ensuring nationwide access to the night-long celebrations. This will also include the meditations and preachings of Sadhguru. The live event will entail performances inspired by and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The night of musical offerings, cutting across different genres, will be fronted by popular singer, lyricist, and composer Sona Mohapatra. The event on the platform will also entail live meditations from The Art of Living, led by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Adding to the spiritual and cultural experience, viewers can re-live the magic of Devo Ke Dev… Mahadev with a special three-hour episode showcasing the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as a tribute to the occasion of Mahashivratri. JioHotstar brings Mahashivratri traditions from across the country to audiences in a seamless and engaging way, fostering deeper community connections. Customized integrations, immersive storytelling, and real-time interactions will come together to elevate the shared moments of collective participation.

Speaking on the initiative, a JioHotstar spokesperson said, “We are redefining the way India experiences seminal cultural moments, breaking barriers of access, scale and immersion. With the ‘Mahashivratri’ live event, we are leveraging the power of digital innovation to turn centuries-old traditions into an immersive, interactive, and intuitive nation-wide experience. We want to unlock the power of aggregated community experiences and believe that the occasion of Mahashivratri is a moment which millions must share with each other.”

Commenting on the special live stream, Sri Sri Ravishankar (Gurudev), said, “Mahashivratri is an occasion to align with the cosmos to connect with the Divinity within. This sacred night brings us together in devotion, gratitude and joy.”

Talking about this association, Sadhguru, Founder, Isha Foundation, added, “Mahashivratri is a time to turn inward, reflect, and connect with the divine. It is a night of immense energy, where seekers from all walks of life come together. Through JioHotstar, this powerful night becomes even more accessible, where technology bridges distances and spirituality unite us all.”

With a fine blend of technology and tradition, JioHotstar offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Mahashivratri celebrations from anywhere in the country. Viewers can seamlessly join in the rituals and live through the magical experience, making it simpler than ever to be a part of the grand festivities like never before.

Stars Align at Rajat Sharma’s Birthday Bash, Featuring a Cricket Triumph

New Delhi, 25th February 2025: Media titan Rajat Sharma’s birthday resonated with star power and patriotic fervor. A glittering celebration, hosted by wife Ritu Dhawan, unfolded at Grappa Bar, where Bollywood megastar Salman Khan, singer-composers Jasbir Jassi and Anu Malik, celebrity director Madhur Bhandarkar, political icons like; Piyush Goel, Vasundhara Raje, Kamal Nath,Raghav Chadha, Manoj Tiwari joined. Kavita Bharatiya, Tikka Shatrujit Singh and Sunil Sethi from the world of fashion and Arpita Khan Sharma. Business Leaders like C K Birla, Rajan Mittal Hari Bharatiya, Ajay Singh, Sandeep Jajodia, Ajay Shriram along with famous Judges, lawyers , doctors were among the distinguished guests who gathered to raise a toast to Sharma’s incredible journey.

The evening witnessed conversations flowing effortlessly over fine drinks and dinner, with laughter echoing through the venue, making it an evening to remember. India’s thrilling six-wicket cricket victory over Pakistan transformed the already joyous celebration into a double triumph, with guests erupting in cheers and applause. The evening was a vibrant testament to Sharma’s enduring influence, showcasing the deep friendships he has cultivated across diverse fields.

Earlier in the week, social media platforms were flooded with warm wishes from fans, colleagues, and admirers, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to Indian journalism. The birthday bash served as a powerful reminder of Sharma’s ability to unite people, celebrating not only his personal milestone but also the shared passions that bind the nation.

Ultimately, the evening transcended a simple birthday party, evolving into a celebration of enduring friendships, professional achievements, and the shared love for cricket that unites India.

Achieving Spiritual Fulfillment Through the Power of Self-Acceptance

By-AiR – Atman in Ravi: Happiness Ambassador, Author, Spiritual Mentor and Philanthropist

Self-acceptance is the ability to understand and perceive oneself fully, including one’s strengths and weaknesses, accept oneself without any judgment or criticism, and with the only motive to progress, grow and reach the highest potential in life. One can accept oneself wholly, only when he is fully aware of himself and his truth. One can accept oneself fully, only when he has attained Self-Realization. Thus, Self-Realization is the foundation of self-acceptance. An individual attains Self-Realization when he understands and realizes the answers to the two most profound questions that also form the epicentre of Spirituality.

 1. Who am I?
2. Why am I here?
The answer to the first question gives the truth of what the individual is – his true identity and the answer to the second question reveals the purpose of his birth on this earth. The answers of these two questions can be realized only when one attains Enlightenment and has the Realization of the Truth.

 The first question – ‘Who am I?’ – is answered by the four principal statements or the Mahavakyas of the Vedas and Upanishads. The first Mahavakya says, ‘Neti, Neti. Tat Twam Asi,’ meaning, ‘Not this, not this. Thou Art That.’ It means that we are not this body, mind and ego that we identify ourselves with. Rather, we are the Atman, the Soul, the Spark Of Unique Life. The second Mahavakya says, ‘Ayam Atman Brahma,’ meaning, ‘The Atman or Soul is SIP, the Supreme Immortal Power that we call, God.’ It means that the Soul comes from the SIP and merges back into the SIP at its departure. It is a part of the Supreme Power, the Divine. The third principal statement says, ‘Aham Brahmasmi,’ meaning, ‘I am God.’ This statement means that every individual is a speck of God, the Supreme Power. Without the Divine, no one would have existed. The fourth Mahavakya states, ‘Prajnanam Brahma,’ meaning, ‘The wisdom and the intuition of SIP, the Supreme Immortal Power is everywhere and in everything.’ This means that everything that we see is a manifestation of the Divine. Answering the first question of Self-Realization and explaining the four Mahavakyas in a crux, it is, ‘I am the Soul; The Soul is SIP, the Supreme Immortal Power, the Divine; Therefore, I am SIP; And SIP is in all.’ Therefore, we are the Soul and a manifestation of the Divine, a part of the Divine.

 The second question – ‘Why am I here?’ – is a deep Spiritual question about our existence in this world and our birth. Spirituality believes in the concept of rebirth and many lifetimes. It also believes in the Universal Law of Karma or actions that says, ‘As you sow, so shall you reap.’ The Law of Karma records every action of the human being and gives the fruits of those actions eventually. The gross physical body may be the doer of these actions but the director is the subtle body – the Mind and Ego, ME. That is why when the body dies, the Mind and Ego carry the unredeemed Karma and take another birth with a different body to settle the Karmic accounts. Understanding why one has taken a birth on this earth under what circumstances and the reason, also makes one realize the purpose of life and attain Enlightenment. Thus, realizing the truth about oneself and one’s birth leads to Self-Realization. This is a huge milestone in Spirituality, a step towards realizing God and attaining Liberation or Moksha. Self-Realization also creates a strong foundation for self-acceptance of an individual.

 What is Spiritual fulfillment? Spirituality is the science of the Spirit, the Atman or the Soul. The ultimate goal of Spirituality is to reach the stage of Spiritual Awakening, where one realizes his true self and realizes God. When an individual experiences contentment, knowing the tenets and values of Spirituality, begins to feel calm, experiences a deeper sense of inner peace, realizes his purpose in life and is in a state of bliss, aligning to the core beliefs of Spirituality and feels a deep connection with the Divine, we can say that he is experiencing Spiritual fulfillment. An individual experiencing Spiritual fulfillment lives his life realizing its full Spiritual potential. That individual is in a state of contentment, fulfillment, Consciousness, eternal bliss and everlasting happpiness because he has attained Enlightenment and the Realization of the Truth about himself.

 Is there a connection between self-acceptance and Spiritual fulfillment? Yes, there is a deep connection between self-acceptance and Spiritual fulfillment. To be Spiritually fulfilled, one must deeply accept oneself and not criticize or judge thyself harshly. Embracing oneself wholly, along with all the flaws and imperfections is an important and necessary step towards finding a deeper meaning and purpose in life and this is often seen as a key element of Spiritual growth. Fully accepting oneself allows him to connect more authentically with his inner self and the world around him, leading to a sense of fulfillment on a Spiritual level. Self-acceptance means accepting one’s flaws and limitations. It reduces internal conflict, allowing for greater peace of mind, which is often seen as a foundation for spiritual development. Self-acceptance often involves practicing self-compassion and self-love, which extends to a broader sense of compassion for others, contributing to spiritual growth. Silence, Meditation and mindfulness techniques can be powerful tools to cultivate self-awareness and acceptance, facilitating a deeper connection to one’s inner Spiritual self. Self-acceptance, thus, leads one to experience Spiritual fulfillment. Self-acceptance helps one let go of negativity, past mistakes, burdens, baggages and limitations. It encourages one to release the burden of negative self-talk and self-criticism, creating space for positive Spiritual growth. Therefore, concluding the discussion, we can say that self-acceptance and Self-Realization helps an individual develop faith and connection with the Divine, helps him realize God, focus on the positive aspects of life even during challenges and cultivate a sense of faith, acceptance of the situation, total surrender to the Divine will, gratitude and appreciation, contributing to the overall wellbeing and Spiritual fulfillment of the individual.

Garuda Aerospace Joins NDRF Rescue Operations Using Drones at SLBC Tunnel Collapse in Telangana

Nagarkurnool, Telangana – February 27, 2025 – Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone company, has deployed its consumer drone, Droni, to support the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in the critical rescue operation at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapse in Nagarkurnool, Telangana. Eight workers were trapped on Saturday, February 22, during repair work to address a water leak within the tunnel.

The rescue effort is facing significant obstacles due to substantial water and mud infiltration, creating a hazardous environment with extremely limited visibility. Garuda Aerospace’s drones are being utilized for mapping and strategic rescue planning. They are also helping to locate trapped workers amidst the challenging conditions, transmitting real-time video feeds to provide rescuers with a clear visual of the tunnel’s interior despite the extremely low visibility.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, expressed his commitment to supporting the NDRF, stating, “Our drones are designed to provide critical data in challenging environments, and we are committed to supporting the NDRF in their efforts to rescue the trapped workers. The current situation demands the best technology available, and we are proud to contribute to the operation. This is not the first time we have worked with the NDRF. Our drones have consistently proven their capabilities in disaster response operations.”

Garuda Aerospace, known for its expertise in providing drone solutions across various sectors, including agriculture, industrial inspections, and disaster management, continues to leverage technology for the benefit of society. The company has previously collaborated with the NDRF to deliver essential supplies during floods in Assam and Andhra Pradesh.

ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar Awarded Special Jury Award for Industrial Water Efficiency at FICCI Water Awards 2024

ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar have been honoured with the Special Jury Award in the “Industrial Water Efficiency” category at the FICCI Water Awards 2024, held on February 24, 2025. This accolade recognizes ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar’s dedication to sustainability, state-of-the-art water efficiency practices, and unwavering commitment to ITC Hotels’ ethos of Responsible Luxury.

The recognition of ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar underscores their position as pioneers in sustainability. As LEED Platinum-certified buildings, both hotels adhere to global standards in eco-friendly design and operations.

ITC Sonar is the second hotel in the world to be awarded the LEED Zero Water Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED Zero sets a new benchmark for cities, communities, and buildings striving for a sustainable future. In LEED Zero Water, total potable water consumption is balanced with total alternative or recycled water use.

ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar have made significant strides in water efficiency and decarbonization, working towards Net Zero Carbon. By integrating advanced water-efficient technologies, the hotels ensure exceptional water performance. Key initiatives include, Scale and Bio-Removal System (SBR), Advanced laundry machines and modern dishwashers that consume less water, Automatic chiller tube cleaning system, SunyaAqua (Zero Mile Travelled Water): Sustainable In-House Water Bottling, Water Pressure Management Across the Building, Rain water harvesting. Additionally, 100% of used water is responsibly recycled through an advanced treatment system. Recycled water meets the requirements for room flushing, HVAC cooling towers, and irrigation, ensuring maximum water optimization.

Speaking on the accolade, Mr. Gaurav Soneja, Cluster General Manager, ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar, stated:, “This accolade highlights our dedication to integrating sustainability into our core operations. At our hotels, we believe that luxury and sustainability can seamlessly coexist. This recognition underscores our ongoing commitment to offering a one-of-a-kind experience in a carefully nurtured environment, defining our ethos of Responsible Luxury.”

Amitava Bhattacharya, Head of Technical Services at ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar, added: “The Hotel’s journey towards Net Zero Water includes advanced water-efficient systems, switching to high-efficiency laundry machines and kitchen dishwashers, automatic chiller tube cleaning, and rainwater harvesting. These innovations optimize water performance, ensuring our hotel leads in water efficiency.”

Protect Your Eyesight: Prevent Cataracts with Routine Eye Exams

New Delhi, 27th February 2025 – Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness among people over the age of 50, according to the National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey India (2015-19). They account for 66.2% of blindness cases and over 70% of moderate visual impairments in this age group. While these numbers are concerning, the good news is that cataracts don’t have to result in permanent vision loss—early detection through regular eye exams is the key.

Cataracts form when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy due to protein buildup. Imagine the lens as a camera. When it’s clear, images are sharp and bright. But as cataracts form, they cause blurry or foggy vision, faded colors, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts are most commonly caused by aging, but they can also develop due to diabetes, excessive sun exposure, smoking, or the use of certain medications. Since cataracts develop gradually, many people don’t realize they have them until significant vision loss has occurred.

Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director, Orbis(India), stressed the importance of timely intervention: “Cataracts are one of the most common and preventable causes of vision loss. Regular eye exams are critical because they allow us to catch the condition in its early stages, often before the patient notices any symptoms. Early detection doesn’t just preserve vision—it can also improve a patient’s quality of life by preventing unnecessary complications and providing treatment options before surgery is needed.”

The early symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, trouble seeing at night, colors that appear faded, and double vision in one eye. If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling an eye exam is essential. Early detection allows for options like updated glasses, anti-glare lenses, or lifestyle changes, such as wearing sunglasses, to manage cataracts before they require surgery.

Regular eye exams aren’t just about treating cataracts—they’re about preserving independence and quality of life. By staying ahead of the condition, patients can avoid the frustration of significant vision loss and continue enjoying their everyday activities without limitations. If your world is starting to seem a little foggy, don’t wait. A simple eye exam could be the first step to protecting your vision for years to come.

Khoya’s Festive Delights Set the Perfect Mood for a Flavorful Holi

As Holi approaches, Khoya Mithai, the maker of artisanal Mithais, presents a special collection that complements the season’s warmth, colours, and traditions. This year, the brand brings together time-honoured recipes, fine ingredients, and expert artistry to create a selection of handcrafted gujiyas, signature mithais, and much more, each prepared with care and precision.

This collection marks the return of everyone’s beloved gujiya, introduced in a refined half-moon shape. With four special varieties, Classic, Walnut, Rose, and Coconut, each one highlights a unique blend of flavours and textures. The Classic Gujiya remains a cherished favourite, filled with rich khoya, cashews, almonds, and pistachios in a crisp, golden crust. The Walnut Gujiya brings a deep, nutty richness, while the Rose Gujiya balances gulkand with a delicate, buttery exterior. The Coconut Gujiya features a hint of beetroot, adding natural colour and a mellow taste. For those looking for an alternative, Khoya introduces its Sugar-Free Classic Gujiya, crafted with stevia and polyols for a balanced experience.

Beyond gujiyas, the Holi collection also offers a selection of signature mithais that define the vibrancy of the festival. The Thandai Barfi carries notes of saffron, aromatic spices, and rose petals. The Rose Pista Mithai, finished with silver varq, blends pistachios and gulkand with a whiff of peppermint. The Khoya Malai Ladoo, made with slow-cooked khoya and handpicked nuts, is enriched with saffron and pistachios.

This year, Meva Vati will also be introduced, a preparation of khoya, angoori petha, and premium nuts wrapped in a silver finish. For a refreshing take on tradition, Khoya’s Thandai Rasmalai combines saffron-infused milk, cardamom-scented dumplings, and a garnish of pistachios and almonds. Adding to the festivity, Khoya’s Thandai Powder presents a classic blend of saffron, almonds, cashews, green cardamom, black pepper, fennel, melon seeds, dried rose petals, and misri, perfect for mixing into warm or chilled milk for a refreshing festive drink. For those who prefer convenience without compromise, Khoya’s bottled Thandai Milk delivers the same rich, spiced flavours in a ready-to-drink form, balancing tradition with fulfillment.

Adding a savour to the Holi spread, Rajasthani Hing Kachori makes its debut, a crisp, golden pastry aromatised with the bold fragrance of asafoetida (hing) and stuffed with a spiced blend of chickpea flour (besan), split green gram beans (moong dal), and dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi). Inspired by Marwari culinary traditions, this flaky delicacy is best paired with Khoya’s signature Saunth Chutney, a tangy complement to its rich flavours.

Sid Mathur, Founder and Director of Khoya Mithai, shares, “Holi is a time for connection and tradition, and nothing brings people together quite like familiar flavours made with care. At Khoya, we honour recipes passed down through generations while enriching them with the finest ingredients and craftsmanship. This collection fulfills Holi in the most vibrant, festive, and timeless way.”