Author: Rabindra

FITPASS Aims for Nationwide Dominance with Strategic Hires and Ambitious Expansion Plans

India, 11th September 2024: India’s leading fitness membership, FITPASS, is embarking on an aggressive growth strategy to dominate the fitness industry. The company has announced a significant expansion of its leadership and operations teams, with plans to penetrate the aggregation and standardisation of gyms and fitness centres to reach 500 cities across India by mid-2026. This strategic hiring spree is driven by FITPASS’ commitment to strengthening its core verticals—network expansion, monetisation, sales, and category growth – in response to the rising demand for accessible, affordable, convenient and innovative fitness solutions. By capitalising on this trend, FITPASS aims to reshape the fitness landscape across India.

Spearheading this ambitious drive is Mr. Avnish Sharma, newly appointed Vice President of Network Growth & Monetisation. Sharma, a veteran with over 14 years of experience at tech giants Paytm and Practo, will be instrumental in FITPASS’ rapid expansion into tier 2 and tier 3 cities. His role is pivotal not only for growth but also for driving profitability and optimising revenue streams across the network of gyms and fitness centres in both new and established markets.

Ms. Preeti Singh steps in as AVP of Growth and Alliance (Corporate Sales). With over a decade of experience in corporate sales and benefits consulting with renowned organisations like HCL Tech, Squickr, Via.com and more, Singh will report to Mr. Mohit Dang, Vice President of Revenue & Partnerships (Corporate Sales). Together with Mr. Dang, she will work on expanding FITPASS’ corporate partnerships and driving significant market penetration.

Complementing the brand’s future vision, they have also onboarded four other experts to propel its aggressive expansion:

Mr. Manish Prajapati, appointed as AVP of Network Growth and Monetisation, brings significant expertise from his tenure at healthcare leaders Apollo and Practo. He will work closely with Mr. Sharma to drive brand’s network growth and expansion. His extensive experience in scaling networks within the healthcare sector will be instrumental in driving FITPASS’ expansion efforts, as he possesses a profound understanding of regional dynamics and growth strategies.

Mr. Rishabh Tiwari joins as Senior Manager of Network Growth and Monetisation under the leadership of Mr. Sharma, bringing nine years of industry experience to the table. Tiwari’s expertise in market analysis and strategic planning will be instrumental in identifying high-potential markets and optimising FITPASS’ expansion strategy across diverse geographical regions.

Ms. Savneet Kaur joins as Senior Sales Manager (Corporate Sales), bringing nine years of experience from industry heavyweights like Cure.fit and ITC Fortune. Kaur will assist Mr. Dang and Ms. Singh to accelerate sales growth, playing a key role in FITPASS’ aggressive growth agenda.

Mr. Yusuf Ahmed takes on the role of Category Manager, leveraging his decade of experience across major fitness brands such as Cure.fit (Cult.fit), Fitline India, Fitness First India, and Gold’s Gym. Ahmed will lead efforts to keep FITPASS at the forefront of industry trends, ensuring that its offerings continue to set new benchmarks.

This expanded team aims to grow FITPASS’ premium gym and fitness centre network to over 10,000 locations by the end of 2025 while broadening the company’s footprint across 1,500-1,600 PIN codes. The focus extends beyond mere expansion, with a clear mandate to drive profitability, optimise revenue streams, and keep FITPASS at the forefront of industry trends.

“Our team’s expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to revolutionising the fitness industry in India,” said Mr. Akshay Verma, Co-founder of FITPASS. “The collective expertise of our new leaders will enable us to scale rapidly and effectively, especially as we expand our network into tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Currently, users across 573 cities are already engaging with our platform’s digital offerings- A.I. fitness training module and nutrition consultations, this is a significant milestone, not just for FITPASS, but for a fitter Bharat. We are confident that with their combined strengths, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to our users and partners while leading the industry’s evolution.”

This strategic move comes at a crucial time for India’s fitness industry, which is undergoing rapid transformation driven by a post-pandemic surge in health and wellness priorities. By strengthening its leadership and focusing on innovation, FITPASS is not just adapting to market trends—it’s reshaping the future of fitness in India, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. The company is poised to meet the rising demand for new-age and flexible fitness solutions, solidifying its position as the go-to platform for health-conscious Indians across the nation.

PHDCCI to Host 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit, Bringing Together Industry Leaders for a Greener Future

New Delhi, 11 September: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) is set to host the 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit on 17th September 2024, at Lakshmipat Singhania Auditorium, PHD House, New Delhi. This annual flagship event brings together key stakeholders from the textile industry to discuss and explore innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

The summit is expected to attract over 200 delegates, including representatives from textile and apparel manufacturers, exporters, traders, supply chain managers, compliance officers, environmental consultants, research institutions, technology providers, retailers, and brands.

Mr. Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will grace the occasion and deliver the keynote address during the inaugural session, titled “The Urgency for a Sustainable Textile Solutions and Future Opportunities.”

The inaugural session will delve into the economic and environmental impacts of the current textile industry, global trends in sustainability and consumer demands, policy landscapes and government initiatives, and the challenges and opportunities for a sustainable textile future.

Smt. Prajakta L Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will deliver a special address during Session 1: Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Textile. This session will focus on sustainable raw materials, clean technologies, and circular economy solutions.

The 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit is supported by the leading organizations committed to sustainability in the textile industry. Notable partners include:

· Premium Partner: RSWM Limited

· Associate Partners: Ecocert Group, Oerlikon Textile India Pvt. Ltd., Filatex India, Polyester Textile and Apparel Industry Association

· Delegate Kit Partner: Fairtrade India and CSM

· Knowledge Partner: Wazir Advisors

· Sustainability Partner: CDP India

In addition to the keynote addresses and special address by the leaders in the textile sector, the summit will feature a panel discussion on “Ethical Sourcing, Labor Practices, and Reducing Carbon Emissions for a Sustainable Textile Future.” The event will also include a session on “Building Sustainable Supply Chains towards a Sustainable Fashion Future.”

The esteemed speakers for the Summit include:

· Mr. B M Sharma, Jt. Managing Director, RSWM Limited

· Mr. Anil Jadhav, Regional Director-South Asia & Middle East, Ecocert

· Mr. Sudipto Mandal, Sr. Manager-Sales & Marketing, Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division, MMF Solutions Unit, Oerlikon Textile India Pvt. Ltd.

· Mr. Abhishek Jani, CEO, Fairtrade India

· Mr. Varun Vaid, Business Director, Wazir Advisors Pvt. Ltd

· Ms. Shweta Basu, Manager: Corporate Engagement and Partnerships, CDP Operations India Private Limited

· Mr. Rohan Batra, Textile & Retail Sustainability, Marks & Spencer

· Mr. Kamlesh Kumar Pal, Assistant Program Manager- Alternate Materials, IDH, the Transforming Markets

· Mr. Manish Dabkara, Chairman & MD, EKI Energy Services Ltd

· Mr. Balkrishan Sharma, Business Head, DYB, RSWM Limited

· Ms. Shammi Singh, Head Global Hub, Internal and Supplier Assurance Solutions, BSI Group

· Mr. Manish Gupta, Senior Manager – Supply Chain and Traceability
Better Cotton Initiative

· Mr. Akhil Sivanandan, CEO, Green Story

· Mr. Piyush Girotra, Business Lead – South Asia, Fashion Snoops/ Wazir Advisors

Zydus Lifesciences Completes Phase II(a) Trial of Usnoflast for ALS

Ahmedabad, India, 11 September, 2024

Zydus, a leading discovery-based, global pharmaceutical company, announced the completion of its Phase II(a) clinical study of NLRP3 inhibitor ‘Usnoflast (ZYIL1)’ in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

ALS patients experience neuroinflammation and rapid neurodegeneration. Axonal neurodegeneration leads to formation of neurofilaments which first accumulate in CSF of ALS patients, and then slowly these neurofilaments enter blood circulation. Owing to rapid neurodegeneration, steady loss of the ability to move, speak, eat, eventually breathe, paralysis and death have been reported in ALS patients.

ALS affects approximately 32,000 people in the U.S.A and on an average 5,000 new patients are diagnosed every year with this disease in USA as per statistics from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 30,000 people are estimated to be living with ALS in Europe (European Union and United Kingdom), while India has an estimated 75,000 people living with ALS. People living with ALS have an average survival of approximately two to five years from diagnosis, with most ALS patients dying from respiratory failure.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Pankaj Patel, Chairman, Zydus Lifesciences Limited said “This is a first-in-class innovation and represents a significant scientific breakthrough in our quest for finding new medicines for treating ALS patients. We are excited to report that Usnoflast has been able to reach therapeutic concentrations in CSF of ALS patients and reduce the neurofilaments in CSF in this initial Phase 2(a) study. Clinicians have reported improvements in ALSFRS-R score. The improvement observed in SVC (Slow Vital Capacity) in ALS patients has been encouraging in this 12-week trial. We now look forward to conducting a larger Phase 2b clinical trial in consultation with the regulatory authorities.”

The Phase 2(a) randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial recruited 24 ALS patients across 7 clinical trial sites in India and evaluated the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Usnoflast in Subjects with ALS [ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05981040]. Zydus will publish the detailed clinical trial results in leading medical journals and upcoming scientific conferences.

Usnoflast (ZYIL1) is a novel, oral small molecule NLRP3 inhibitor. Studies have demonstrated that Usnoflast is highly potent in human whole blood assay and can suppress inflammation caused by the NLRP3 inflammasome. Usnoflast was found distributed in the brain and CSF of various nonclinical species including mice, rats and non-human primates. The efficacy of Usnoflast has been established in several pre-clinical models of neuroinflammation, Parkinson’s disease8, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Usnoflast, has an acceptable Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME) profile, with a good safety margin. In Phase I studies, Usnoflast was found to be safe and well-tolerated. Zydus has established the Phase 2 proof-of-concept in CAPS patients [NCT05186051] and had earlier published the data in journal ‘Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development’. The USFDA has granted Zydus an ‘Orphan Drug Designation’ for Usnoflast to treat patients with Cryopyrin Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS), a rare auto-inflammatory disease. Zydus has initiated a Phase 2 clinical study of Usnoflast in Ulcerative Colitis

Track3D, an Industry-First Unified Reality Intelligence Platform For Construction, Secures dollar4.3 Million Seed Funding

Hyderabad – September 11, 2024 – Track3D, an AI-first startup pioneering a groundbreaking reality intelligence platform for the construction industry, announced today that it has secured $4.3 million in seed funding. The round was led by Endiya Partners, with participation from Shadow Ventures, Monta Vista Capital, and others. This investment will drive the adoption of Track3D’s unified reality capture data platform, which is designed for intelligent, comprehensive, AI-powered construction progress monitoring.

“Track3D is a unique example of a vertical, AI-first company shaping the digital transformation of a pivotal sector. We believe the time is now for a unified, data-agnostic construction monitoring solution to realize real-time, accurate and cost-efficient progress tracking and deviation analysis. We’re thrilled to back Track3D’s progress, and the team which is driven by the passion to enable structural change in an industry,” says Sateesh Andra, Managing Director, Endiya Partners.

Track3D, co-founded by Chaitanya Naredla (“NK”), Kiran Gutta, and Vineeth Paruchuri, is the built environment’s only AI-first Reality Intelligence Platform. It serves as a central hub for all visual data, transforming reality capture data from a system of record to a system of intelligence. Utilizing visual data from drones, 360 cameras, laser scanners, and mobile devices, Track3D provides actionable insights to enhance project oversight and decision-making within a single intuitive system.

Track3D’s Hyderabad office, with about 100 experts in Product, ML/AI, Engineering, and Support, is central to the platform’s development. They drive key advancements in AI-driven analytics and 3D computer vision, enhancing reality intelligence platforms on both the Web and Mobile.

Beyond technology, Track3D has significantly contributed to the local economy through job creation and partnerships with educational institutions in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The company plans to expand its workforce in India and is set to open a new office next year to support its ongoing growth and innovation.

“The financial support from these premiere investors is a testament to how bullish the industry is on the Track3D platform,” said Track3D CEO and co-founder NK Chaitanya. “Reality capture isn’t particularly new, but Track3D’s Reality Intelligence Platform is a first-of-its-kind unified platform that turns raw data into exponentially more valuable information with advanced AI tools. No more guesswork. Whether you’re in pre-planning, mid-project, or final handover, Track3D acts as your platform for all reality intelligence with a level of detail not offered by any other platform. If you can see it, we can capture and analyze it, without the need for BIM.”

Track3D’s platform has boosted productivity by 15%, improved schedule adherence by 12%, and cut rework costs by 20%, winning enterprise clients like Hensel Phelps and PCI.

”Our partnership with Track3D marks a pivotal shift from juggling multiple reality capture solutions to embracing a unified, standardized platform. With Track3D, we’ve achieved a perfect synergy of speed, accuracy, and cost-efficiency that’s pivotal for modern construction monitoring,” says Thai Nguyen, Director of Innovation, Hensel Phelps. “Since our initial collaboration in mid-2023, we have expanded our operations from a single pilot to over 30 projects this year alone. The responsiveness and robust support from Track3D have been instrumental, setting us on a promising path to scale to 100 projects next year. Track3D isn’t just a tool; it’s a game-changer for the construction industry, redefining how we approach project monitoring and execution.”

New Balance expands in north India with its newest store in Jalandhar.

India, 11th September, 2024 – New Balance, a brand popular for its quality craftsmanship and unparallel comfort, advances its growth aspiration in the northern region of India with the launch of its first store in Jalandhar, at Model Town Market.

The new, multi-story, retail concept offers consumers a dynamic shopping environment, featuring New Balance’s iconic styles like the 1080, 9060, BB550, 2002R along with a host of latest styles in their high-performance Fresh Foam X and FuelCell technologies. This amazing collection ensures that the consumers have an elevated shopping experience when they are visiting the new store at Model Town Market.

Radeshwer Davar, Country Manager, New Balance India expressed enthusiasm about this significant milestone, stating: ‘We are delighted to announce the opening of our New Balance store in Jalandhar. We are a brand with a strong heritage in performance footwear and this perfectly aligns with Jalandhar’s ever-growing athletics environment, making the city a great choice in our expansion journey. This new store allows us to showcase New Balance’s latest collection not only to the city’s sports enthusiasts, but also the next fashion influencers that come out of Jalandhar. We would invite the people of Jalandhar to visit the New Balance store and we hope that our brand can inspire the next generation of sports talent coming out of here.’

Novotel Mumbai International Airport has elevated Sugandh Ahuja to the position of Director of Operations

National, 11th September 2024 – Novotel Mumbai International Airport announces the promotion of Sugandh Ahuja to the position of Director of Operations. Sugandh who previously served as Rooms Division Manager, comes with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

In her new position, she will oversee multiple departments, focusing on operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and regulatory compliance along with strategic planning. Sugandh has a proven track record of driving operational excellence and improving financial performance at various hotel properties.

Rachita Sood, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai International Airport, commented on the promotion, “Sugandh has been an integral part of our team, and her dedication to guest satisfaction and operational efficiency has been truly exceptional. We are confident that in her new role as Director of Operations, she will continue to elevate the standards of service and excellence that Novotel Mumbai International Airport is known for.”

Sugandh Ahuja holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Studies. She has further honed her skills through several prestigious programs, including the Accor Mini Master (General Manager Development) Program and the Accor India Leadership Program (IELP).

Expressing her excitement on her promotion, Sugandh Ahuja mentioned, “I am delighted to take on the new role at Novotel Mumbai International Airport. I look forward to continuing our journey of delivering outstanding guest experiences while driving operational success. My focus will remain on fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork, ensuring that we meet and exceed our guests’ expectations.”

Sugandh is highly proficient in key hospitality management systems such as Resa Web Opera PMS and Revenue Management. When Sugandh isn’t immersed in work, she loves to unwind by traveling to new destinations and exploring different cultures.

India to raise Ambition and Achieve Global Leadership in Sustainable Mobility

Mumbai, 10 September 2024: The 64th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) discussed strategies to achieve “Global Leadership in Sustainable Mobility.”

Guest of Honour, Mr. Anurag Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Government and the automotive industry to drive sustainable growth, mentioning, “As we aim to transform India into a developed country by 2047, substantial effort is required across various sectors. Our roadmap for the development of National Highways and the expansion of the metro network from 21 cities to 60 by 2047 reflect our commitment to enhancing infrastructure. Our vision for Amrit Kaal is anchored by four principal pillars: efficient and equitable logistics, safety in movement, sustainability in transport, and enhanced user convenience”.

Mr. Shailesh Chandra, Vice President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “Attaining global leadership in sustainable mobility demands our focus on critical future areas such as hydrogen utilisation, adoption of circular economy, and shared mobility solutions. We will explore strategies for aggressive localization in India’s manufacturing sector. Additionally, we will look at methodologies to position India among the top five low-cost manufacturers globally, leveraging our unique capabilities and innovations.”

Mr. Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Management Board & CEO of Škoda Auto a.s., said, “Skoda has been a significant player in Europe for 129 years, and is the best-selling EU brand in India. We aim for CO2-neutral production by 2030, utilizing green energy and managing resources sustainably. We are not just part of India’s automotive story—we are committed to driving it forward, responsibly and sustainably.”

Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., said, “India’s automotive future is bright, with innovative clean energy technologies and bio-fuels, reducing dependency on imports and enhancing our exports. Inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s vision for decarbonisation, Industry’s mindful consumption and circular economy can propel India to become a world leader in sustainable practices.”

Mr. K N Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO of TVS Motor Company Ltd., said, “Industry and Government’s net-zero target and sustainability should ensure that policies are customer centric. Role played by auto component manufacturers in India is phenomenal as we continue to deliver world class products in India and across the globe.”

During the session, Mr. Nitesh Gupta, Partner and Leader of Auto Practice in India at McKinsey & Company, gave an insightful presentation and underscored the urgent need for sustainable solutions to reduce emissions generated by the transport sector.

Tamil Nadu Witnesses State’s First Successful and A Scar less Robotic Thyroidectomy Treatment for Thyroid Cancers

Chennai, September 10th, 2024 – Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) in Chennai, has successfully performed Tamil Nadu’s First Scar less Robotic Thyroidectomy–a game changer in thyroid cancer treatment. Thyroidectomy is a surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck.

•  For benign enlarged thyroid glands as well as malignant cases, this form of Thyroidectomy is a safe and well-designed procedure
• Thyroid glands up to 8 cm can be removed safely without any neck scar.

Robotic Assisted Breast Axillo Insufflation Thyroidectomy (RABIT) technique provides remarkable cosmetic benefits with no visible neck scar. This innovative procedure ensures speedy recovery and less complications. It marks a significant advancement and provides excellent quality of life to the patients.

Thyroid cancer rates in India have seen a concerning increase, particularly among women and younger individuals who are under 30 years of age. Over the past decade, the incidence of thyroid cancer has surged by 62% in women and 48% in men. Thyroid cancers are highly treatable, and the most important treatment is surgery followed by radioactive iodine therapy.

Robotic thyroidectomy is a minimally invasive procedure where the thyroid gland is removed without leaving any scars on the neck. A tiny cut measuring not more than 4 mm is made in the underarm for the procedure. Apart from the cosmetic benefits, the 10x magnification and 3D vision of the robotic system, allow better visualization and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. Hence, the most common complications of thyroidectomy, such as change in voice and hypocalcemia (abnormally low calcium levels in the blood) can be minimized.

Mrs. Kalavathy (name changed), a 45-year-old cancer winner, reported to have swelling in the front of her neck. Imaging revealed a localized disease, and diagnostic tests verified that the patient had PTC (papillary carcinoma thyroid–is an epithelial malignancy showing evidence of follicular cell differentiation and distinctive nuclear features).

She underwent a robotic total thyroidectomy at Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai, in March 2023. After a successful surgery, she was discharged the following day. After 18 months, Mrs. Kalavathy is living a normal live with no visible scars.

Another cancer winner, Mrs. Parvathy, 34, was diagnosed with papillary carcinoma thyroid in August 2023. She opted for robotic thyroidectomy on the da Vinci platform, resulting in superior cosmetic outcomes and minimal postoperative pain. The procedure has enabled her to recover quickly and lead a normal life.

Dr P Venkat, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, said, “Robotic Assisted Breast Axillo Insufflation Thyroidectomy (RABIT) approach is a significant advancement in robotic thyroid surgery. It offers superior cosmetic results, and a safe and minimally invasive procedure for both malignant and benign cases. This method can remove thyroid glands up to 8cm in size. It ensures safe procedures without neck scars. This transformational approach is an ideal choice for patients suffering from thyroid cancers, especially, for the growing young population who are being diagnosed with this condition.”

Encouraged by the advancement in cancer care, Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, said, “At Apollo Cancer Centres, we are committed to rewriting the future of cancer care. Our oncologists are leading the charge in innovation, tirelessly pushing boundaries to ensure every patient receives not only the most advanced treatment but also the most compassionate care. With the adoption of path-breaking technologies like scar less robotic thyroidectomy, we are not just performing surgeries — we are transforming lives. As the first in Tamil Nadu to offer this revolutionary approach, we are setting new benchmarks in patient care, allowing our patients to heal faster, live confidently, and thrive without visible scars. This is our unwavering commitment: to elevate the standard of care and improve the quality of life for every individual who entrusts us with their health.”

Mrs. Kalavathy (name changed), the cancer winner, said, “Initially, I was apprehensive about surgery. With the help and support of Dr Venkat and the team at Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai, my journey was smoother than expected. After opting for the scar less robotic thyroidectomy, I had a quick recovery, along with cosmetic benefits without visible scars. Their expertise and care have truly been life-changing, and I am eternally grateful for this second lease on life.”

Bilateral Axillo-Breast Approach, an innovative approach executed at ACC, Chennai, sets a new benchmark for thyroid cancer treatment that prioritizes patients’ emotional and cosmetic well-being in addition to their medical needs.

Vi invites citizens of Bengaluru to conduct a Pious, Safe and Sustainable Ganesha Visarjane

Ganesha Chaturthi heralds the start of the most anticipated ten-day Festival when people across Karnataka welcome their favourite Lord Ganesha to their homes to worship him and seek his blessings. However, in recent years, traditional immersion practices of lakhs of Ganesha idols have been causing environmental concerns, due to the non-degradable waste that get left behind in water bodies. Recognizing that Ganesha worshippers have been on the lookout for eco-friendly solutions that permit them to abide by cultural/religious rituals, Vi has planned this initiative to enable worshippers in bidding farewell to their beloved Ganesha in an environment friendly way.

Specially designed Vi Vehicles will travel to different housing societies in several areas of Bengaluru like Koramangala, Sarjapur Road, Yelahanka, Banashankari, JP Nagar, Indiranagar, Domlur, Malleshwaram, Electronics City, Basaveshwaranagar, Rajarajeshwarinagar, Yeshwatpur, BTM Layout, etc. These vehicles are equipped with immersion tanks, to enable residents to conduct a safe and sustainable Ganesha Visarjane. The initiative aims to provide opportunity to residents to immerse their idols in the mobile immersion tanks at their doorstep. This has been designed to prevent the idols from getting immersed in lakes or ponds which pollute the water bodies and harm the aquatic life due to the presence of toxic paints, accumulation of adornments, sedimentation of water bodies, etc. This drive will also eliminate the need for citizens to travel to crowded water bodies, thus reducing congestion and ensuring an organized and eco-friendly immersion process.

Speaking about the initiative, Anand Dani, Cluster Business Head- AP & Telangana, Karnataka, Vodafone Idea, said “As a brand, Vi believes in celebrating festivals with joy and responsibility. As much as we feel an integral part of the Ganesha festival buzz, we are aware of the impact that the immersion leaves on the environment. In today’s world, people are more environmentally conscious than ever. The Govt. also has been requesting citizens to undertake immersion at home in order to protect water bodies from getting polluted. Vi recognizes this need of the new age Indian and is committed to support the needs of today’s eco-aware citizens. With this initiative, we at Vi are taking a meaningful step to connect with the community and inspire a shared sense of responsibility by helping them carry out Ganesha Visarjan in an eco-friendly manner. We invite all residents to participate in this initiative and join us in promoting a cleaner and greener Bengaluru. I would like to wish all the Residents of Karnataka, a Very Happy Ganesha Festival.”

This Ganesh Festive Season, explore these films and series that you will enjoy

The happiest time of the year is here! It’s time to embrace the festive spirit and celebrate with gusto! Whether it’s visiting vibrant pandals, savoring delicious sweets, or dancing to the peppiest tunes, there’s no limit to the joy we share during this time of the year.

To add to this festive fervor, why not gather all your loved ones, grab some tasty treats, and enjoy a delightful collection of entertaining films and series? Here are an interesting mix of 5 movies, web shows, and audio series that will keep you hooked this Ganesh festive season.

Shree Ganeshji Ki Janamkatha (Sony LIV)

If you are looking to educate the family’s younger generation on the power and magic of Ganesha, there is no better TV serial than ‘Shree Ganeshji Ki Janmakatha’ to start their learning journey. Entertaining and enlightening in equal parts, the show charts the journey of Ganeshji from his initial days to the enigmatic final form he takes that the whole world worships today. Youngsters will also learn about the strength of Goddess Parvathi and the might of Lord Shiva, the parents of Shree Ganesh through this story.

Yeh Meri Family (Amazon Prime Video)

This simple and adorable show will take you right down memory lane, as it transports us back to the 90’s to tell the tale of a tight knit middle class family. Told from the perspective of a confused middle child, ‘Yeh Meri Family’ captures the magic of those ‘good old days’ when landlines still ruled the roost and television sets were big and bulky boxes. Every episode will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with your loved ones all over again. The perfect festive watch for the entire family!

The Return (Listen on Pocket FM)

Six years after an unexpected betrayal, Navya crosses paths with Avinash, the man who unknowingly changed her life forever, bringing with him the promise of a new beginning. Listen to The Return encapsulating the journey of Navya, only on Pocket FM.

Gharat Ganpati- Marathi with English subtitles (Amazon Prime Video)

Shot in the majestic Konkan belt, this family drama introduces us to the Gharats, a huge clan spanning across generations. Preparing to welcome the sacred Gauri Ganpati at their ancestral house, ‘Gharat Ganpati’ depicts how age-old traditions bring everyone together, strengthen bonds and clear many generational gaps in the family. Filled with heartwarming scenes and clean comedy, this one is a must-watch to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.

Abhayrakshak Amrit (Listen on Pocket FM)

Sameer is ready to take the poison of death for his brother, but he receives the essence of nectar. What will happen when, in the next life, he has to fight against his own brother and the killers, across the time. Will he be able to use the powers gained from the nectar to stop his brother and the deadly assassins? Or will he fall into the trap set by them? To find out, listen to Abhayrakshak Amrit only on Pocket FM.