4, Sep 2025
Environment Minister of India, Delhi CM and others participate in ISKCON Creators Summit
Environment Minister of India, Delhi CM and others participate in ISKCON Creators Summit, Inspire Youth to Embrace Culture and Wellness
New Delhi, September 4, 2025: The ISKCON Creators Summit 2025 witnessed 500+ digital creators and influencers gathering at The Zora Delhi Convention Centre on September 2, 2025. Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, participated as the Chief Guest along with the Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, who was the Special Guest at this summit on “Bharatiya Culture, Tourism & Wellness”. Shri Kapil Mishra, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Tourism, Culture, Art, Legal and Labour, Govt of NCT-Delhi, attended as Guest of Honour.
While there have been other social media summits,this was first of its kind which brought together some of India’s most impactful content creators such as Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps), Faizal Khan (Khan Sir), Richa Anirudh, Alakh Pandey (PhysicsWallah), Anand Kumar (Super 30), Aman Dattarwal, Sonu Sharma focusing on promoting sharing and promoting India’s traditions and culture.
Speaking at the summit, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, said,m“I commend ISKCON for bringing together young influencers on one platform to inspire the younger generation towards the path of culture, unity, and nation-building. In today’s time, it is essential that our youth remain connected with their roots and develop a deep sense of pride and responsibility towards our Swadesh. Such initiatives play a significant role in guiding the energy of young India in the right direction, fostering values of harmony, wellness, and love for the nation.”
The lead behind this initiative Sriman Yudhistir Govinda Das, Trustee & Country Director of Communications, ISKCON India, said, “Today, there is a dire need for India’s story to be shared with the world. From our culture to cuisine to lifestyle to philosophies, it has over the millenniums demonstrated how to make progress and be in harmony with the nature, other beings and our own selves. The digital medium is one of the strongest forces shaping the mindset of today’s generation. ISKCON’s aim is to guide creators to use their influence responsibly to spread wellness, positivity, and our culture. We plan to bring forth more initiatives where culture meets creativity to help the youth connect with their roots and build a prosperous future.”
In his keynote address, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India said, “India’s culture and heritage are among the most profound in the world. Our values, traditions, and diversity make us unique as a nation. If creators highlight these treasures with authenticity, it will not only strengthen our youth but also enhance tourism and project India’s soft power across the globe.”
The summit emphasized guiding Gen Z to reconnect with their roots and embrace a lifestyle grounded in wellness and cultural values. The evening opened with soulful kirtans by ISKCON devotees, followed by panel discussions among the influencers wherein they shared their journey, challenges and the opportunities, along with insightful talks by ISKCON mentors.
The event concluded with the felicitation of select creators for their contributions to spreading spirituality, culture, and wellness in innovative ways. The summit reinforced ISKCON’s long-standing role in nurturing youth and preserving India’s rich traditions.
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- By Neel Achary
4, Sep 2025
Child Care Aware of Missouri Hires Community Support Specialist
Affrika Blackmon brings 10 years of social services experience to the growing nonprofit.
(St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 4, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently named Affrika Blackmon as one of its Community Support Specialists. With more than 10 years of experience in social services, Blackmon will focus on connecting families, child care providers, and community members with the information and support they need through Missouri’s statewide Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) system.
Blackmon’s newly created position is made possible by a contract with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood, which provides dedicated focus in serving Missouri families with young children in need of help. In her position, she will represent CCAMO and serve the Missouri Childhood Resource and Referral (MCRR) Center, which provides crucial child care subsidy navigation for parents going to school or taking a job and connects families to essential resources across the state including locating child care.
Prior to joining CCAMO, Blackmon was the Social Service Coordinator for Volunteers of America and a Senior Social Services Specialist at the Department of Mental Health. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Criminal Justice from Ashford University in San Diego, California.
“We are delighted to have Affrika bring her deep commitment and proven leadership in social services to our organization,” said CCAMO CEO Robin Phillips. “Her expertise will be instrumental as we work to break down barriers to ensure every Missouri family can find and access quality child care.”
Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.
3, Sep 2025
PerformAce’s ConnectX Secures Exclusive Rights to the Indian Sneaker Festival
New Delhi, September 03,2025 – In a landmark move set to redefine India’s sneaker and streetwear culture landscape, PerformAce today announced that it has acquired the exclusive rights to the Indian Sneaker Festival (ISF), India’s biggest celebration of sneakers, fashion, music, and lifestyle.
With the support of PerformAce’s ConnectX, ISF aims to pursue a new level of growth, broaden its horizons, and elevate street-wear in India to an international level, as The Indian Sneaker Festival has evolved into the one stop destination for sneakerheads, collectors, streetwear aficionados, artists and brands, intersecting fashion, music and lifestyle into rare experience.
ISF is known as India’s largest sneaker and streetwear culture festival with:
• Sneakers & streetwear showcase: Exclusive product drops, limited-edition launches, and exhibits from both global and local brands.
• Music & cultural PerformAce: Line ups with global superstars and India’s hip-hop pioneers. In 2025, Grammy award-winning rapper 21 Savage was our headliner which was a watershed moment for India’s music and streetwear scene. We have had past performances from sensational acts such as Seedhe Maut and Wazir.
• Experiential zones: Live flea markets, sneaker-trading, customization stations, graffiti art, workshops and interactive brand activations.
Speaking on the acquisition, a leadership spokesperson from PerformAce said:
“We are delighted to present ISF solely under the PerformAce banner. The meaning behind the Streetwear and sneakers category runs deeper than products – it represents identity, creativity, and culture. In partnership with ISF, we want to create a global platform, here in India, enabling youth to connect, collaborate and celebrate.”
2, Sep 2025
Anytime Fitness Opens New Club in Gurgaon’s Sector 29, paving the Way for Growth in Delhi NCR
Gurgaon: Anytime Fitness India, a 24-hour fitness franchise focused on convenience and community wellness, has opened a new club in Sector 29, Gurgaon. This opening is significant as it marks the first venture for franchise owners Ms. Shivani Saini and Mr. Vikas Saini. It is also the 17th Anytime Fitness club in the city.
As Gurgaon becomes one of India’s most active fitness areas, the launch in Sector 29 shows the brand’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality wellness spaces. Members will find a gym designed for modern lifestyles, featuring great equipment, functional training areas, expert coaching, and 24-hour access.
Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director of Anytime Fitness India said, “Anytime Fitness has been steadily strengthening its presence across India, and it is heartening to see the growing awareness among people about health and their demand for clubs that offer holistic wellness. Sector 29 is a vibrant community that values fitness and active living, and bringing Anytime Fitness here allows us to meet that need with a space designed not just for equipment, but for a supportive environment where members feel motivated every day. We are delighted to welcome Ms. Shivani and Mr. Vikas Saini to our expanding network of dedicated franchise partners.”
Unlike traditional gyms, Anytime Fitness combines technology and personal support throughout the member experience. Features like Body Composition Analysis, guided workout plans on the Anytime Fitness App, and access to a global network of over 5,500 clubs provide a smooth fitness journey both locally and abroad.
Since launching in India in 2013, Anytime Fitness has grown to more than 170+ clubs across the country. Beyond gyms, the brand has fostered community-driven initiatives like FitCraft and Be Fit Fest, bringing together members, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts to celebrate active living. The brand continues to support entrepreneurs while promoting healthier communities. The new club in Gurgaon Sector 29 is another step toward the goal of reaching 500 clubs nationwide within five years.
2, Sep 2025
Remove GST on After-School Skill Development Programs: Dinesh Victor, MD, SIP Academy
Hyderabad, Sept 02, 2025 – “Remove GST on After-School Skill Development Programs,” urged Mr. Dinesh Victor, Managing Director of SIP Academy and a recognised authority on skill development in children in India.
He was addressing 570 young artists and their parents at Kolor Champ 2025—the city’s largest regional-level art competition—organised by Global Art Academy at SR Classic Convention, Shamshabad. Mr. Dinesh Victor was the Guest of Honour at the event.
Speaking to the media alongside Mrs. Shailaja Reddy, noted educationist and Principal of Meridian School, Uppal, he said: “Why should parents pay 18% GST on after-school programs like Abacus, Art, Dance, Music, Yoga, and Languages? These are not ‘extras’—they are essential skills for the future. When GST was introduced in 2017, school and college education were kept tax-free. The same logic should apply here.”
Mr. Dinesh further argued that after-school learning today is as crucial as formal education was in the 1950s. Taxing it, he said, only burdens middle- and low-income families, depriving many children of vital life skills.
“Investing in children’s skills is investing in India’s future. GST should be 0%—or at least significantly reduced—to make these opportunities affordable for every parent.”
1, Sep 2025
Mahadivya Sangam at Akshar Yoga Kendraa, Bangalore
Mahadivya Sangam at Akshar Yoga Kendraa Marks Historic Milestone with the Divine Presence of Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji and Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji
Bangalore, 1st September, 2025: In a historic and spiritually uplifting gathering at Akshar Yoga Kendraa, Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru, the august presence of Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji, the current pontiff of the Sri Pejavara Adhokshaja Matha, Udupi, Karnataka, infused the event with inspiration, divine grace, and timeless wisdom. The occasion, celebrated as Mahadivya Sangam, brought together seekers, yogis, and devotees for a rare confluence of yoga, spirituality, and service.
One of the most significant highlights of the event was the formal announcement of two landmark initiatives, envisioned by Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji, aka Grand Master Akshar Ji and Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa. To underline their spiritual and social significance, these initiatives were blessed and announced by the revered Jagadguru himself, ensuring that they were placed before society with divine sanctity and guidance.
Global Delegation to Asia
The first major announcement marked a bold stride in Akshar Yoga Kendraa’s international expansion. A special delegation has already been dispatched to regions including China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and North-East Asian countries with the mission to establish robust foundations of yoga education.
As part of this initiative, a second delegation of senior master teachers will travel in September 2025. Their mission is to train and certify 10,000 professional yoga teachers over the next two years through Ministry of AYUSH-accredited Teacher Training Programs.
This pioneering effort not only strengthens Akshar Yoga Kendraa’s global footprint but also ensures that the true essence of yoga knowledge reaches diverse communities, fostering health, peace, and cultural exchange across Asia.
300-Acre Transformative Project in Odisha
The second announcement unveiled a visionary 300-acre development project in Odisha, a state deeply revered for its spiritual and cultural legacy. This monumental campus will embody a holistic approach to service and education, anchored in dharmic values and compassion.
Key features of the Odisha project include:
• A Gau Shala housing 1,000 cows, dedicated to preservation, care, and the continuation of India’s sacred traditions.
• A fully functional academic school (Classes 1–10) offering completely free education to underprivileged, needy, and deserving children.
This initiative goes beyond infrastructure—it represents Akshar Yoga Kendraa’s commitment to service through knowledge and transformation, empowering future generations through education, values, and opportunities.
Words of Inspiration from Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji
On the occasion, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Jagadguru’s presence and blessings. He noted:
“These initiatives symbolize our dual mission: to spread the light of the Himalayan tradition of yoga across the world and to uplift communities within India through education, compassion, and service. With the blessings of Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji, these projects will not only create opportunities but also inspire generations to live with discipline, devotion, and selflessness.”
Blessings from Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji
In his address, Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji commended the vision and dedication of Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji, emphasizing the importance of blending spiritual practice with service to humanity. He blessed the initiatives and encouraged seekers to participate wholeheartedly in building a society rooted in dharma, compassion, and wisdom.
A Defining Moment for Akshar Yoga Kendraa
The announcement, made during the Mahadivya Sangam 2025, marked a defining moment in Akshar Yoga Kendraa’s journey. Already celebrated worldwide for its achievements—including 21 Guinness World Records in yoga—this event further underscored the institution’s dual commitment: advancing yoga as a universal discipline and strengthening the social fabric of communities through noble projects.
With a vibrant digital following of over 2.5 million and more than 8,000 media features worldwide, Akshar Yoga Kendraa continues to amplify the reach of yoga, making it accessible, practical, and transformative for all.
The convergence of Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji blessings with the visionary leadership of Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji made the Mahadivya Sangam not just a gathering, but a spiritual milestone — one that will be remembered as the dawn of a new era of yoga, seva, and global transformation.
1, Sep 2025
Hotel Sahara Star Celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with Devotion and Grandeur
Mumbai, 1st September 2025: Hotel Sahara Star embraced the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi with a vibrant and heartfelt celebration, creating a memorable experience for guests and team members.
The hotel showcased an eco-friendly idol of Lord Ganesha, elegantly adorned with floral arrangements, toransand festive accents that set a sacred and welcoming ambiance. Daily rituals included soulful Aartis, bhajans and the offering of ChappanBhog along with traditional prasad like modaks, fostering a sense of devotion and communitythroughout the celebrations.
Adding to the festive spirit, Mr. Romie Dutt, Executive Director of Aamby Valley City & Hotel Sahara Star, joined the team in the celebrations. He shared, “At Sahara Star, Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival but a tradition that unites us all in devotion and joy. Welcoming Bappa to our hotel is always a privilege and though His stay with us was brief, the blessings and positivity He leaves behind remain with us throughout the year.”
The festivities culminated with an energetic Ganpati Visarjan ceremony, filled with the beats of dhol, chantsand dancing, as a heartfelt farewell was bid to Bappa, with a promise of His grand return next year.
1, Sep 2025
The St. Regis Mumbai Appoints Nishanth Vishwanath as General Manager
The St. Regis Mumbai, the epitome of timeless luxury and bespoke hospitality is elated to announce the appointment of Nishanth Vishwanath as Multi-property General Manager. In his new role, he will spearhead The St. Regis Mumbai and Courtyard by Marriott Agra’s vision to elevate guest experiences and drive continued success.
A seasoned hospitality leader with over two decades of diverse experience across Marriott International’s portfolio, Vishwanath brings with him an extensive record of operational excellence, strategic innovation, and market leadership. His career began in 2001 with Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel in the Food & Beverage division. Over the years, he rose swiftly through leadership positions, making significant contributions in enhancing F&B reputation, positioning hotels as premier destinations for luxury events, and driving consistent growth in revenue and guest satisfaction.
From shaping JW Marriott Pune and Renaissance Mumbai as landmark wedding and conference venues to positioning JW Marriott Bengaluru as a market leader during his tenure as Director of Operations, Nishanth has showcased his ability to deliver results with creativity and passion. He later joined as General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, before taking on the coveted responsibility of Area Director – Operations for South & East India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, where he played an instrumental role in strengthening Marriott’s market presence across the region.
Throughout his career, Nishanth has been celebrated for his people-first leadership style, mentoring associates, guiding pre-opening teams, and consistently championing service excellence. His approach combines innovation with empathy, ensuring that both employees and guests remain at the heart of every initiative. Beyond his professional journey, Nishanth holds a degree from Mangalore University in hotel management. An avid traveler with a deep appreciation for culture and history, he also pursues fitness and reading as part of his personal passions.
The St. Regis Mumbai will build upon its legacy of timeless luxury and bespoke service under his dynamic leadership.
1, Sep 2025
Cairn Oil and Gas Vows to Boost Output for India’s Energy Aatmanirbharta
Cairn Oil & Gas reaffirms commitment to enhancing production from the field for India’s energy aatmanirbharta
New Delhi, 1st September 2025 : Cairn Oil & Gas, part of Vedanta Limited, and India’s largest private oil and gas exploration and production company, has completed 16 years of First Oil from its legacy Mangala field in Barmer, Rajasthan. Discovered in 2004 and brought into production in 2009, Mangala remains the largest onshore oil discovery of its time. Since inception, the field has produced over 535 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), playing a vital role in meeting India’s energy needs and driving socioeconomic progress in Rajasthan.
Cairn’s operations in Barmer have transformed the region’s economy, with the district’s GDP rising by over 650%, creating employment, entrepreneurial avenues, and sustainable livelihoods. With an untapped reserve base of 650 mmboe, the Rajasthan basin continues to hold immense potential to power India’s growing energy demand.
The Mangala field has also been a hub for world-class innovations. Cairn commissioned the world’s longest continuously heated and insulated pipeline (~705 km) from Rajasthan to Gujarat, executed the world’s largest Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) project and jet pump network.
To achieve energy security and build national energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical scenarios, the company continues to invest in exploration and enhance recovery, to unlock the additional reserves and sustain long-term production from the fields. Cairn implemented India’s largest commercial ASP injection in Mangala last year, boosting recovery by additional 20%, and is set to begin Phase two of ASP injection across its Rajasthan fields.
After the successful Tight Oil project in Aishwariya, the same is planned to be executed in Barmer Hills basin.
Cairn has awarded contracts to global leaders such as Halliburton, Nabors, Baker Hughes, and Weatherford to bring advanced technologies and best practices to India’s largest onshore field. In addition, nearly two dozen global technical experts have been onboarded, many of them stationed in Barmer, to execute high-capex exploration and production campaigns.
Beyond its core operations in the region, Cairn’s social impact programmes in areas of healthcare, sanitation, education, and women empowerment have positively impacted 197 million lives in the last six years. The company’s flagship women-led initiatives, such as Jiji Bai, Maru Udaan, and the Handloom Center, have empowered over 6,500 women through skill development, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy programs.
As a key private player in India’s energy landscape, Cairn Oil & Gas is committed to contributing 50% of the country’s domestic oil and gas production, while progressing towards its vision of a sustainable, energy-secure future.
30, Aug 2025
Balanced Growth: Manufacturing, Construction, and Services Drive India’s 7.8% GDP
By-Mr Samyak Jain, Director, Siddha Group
“India’s Q1 GDP growth of 7.8% once again reinforces the country’s position as the fastest-growing major economy globally. The encouraging aspect is the balanced nature of this performance—manufacturing and construction are expanding close to 8%, while services are growing at a robust 9%+. This construction sector growth is particularly significant for the real estate industry, as it reflects strong infrastructure development and housing demand across urban and emerging markets.
On the demand side, momentum is equally broad-based, with private consumption, investments, and government spending all rising in healthy tandem. From a real estate perspective, this translates to sustained demand for both residential and commercial properties, driven by rising disposable incomes and corporate expansion. The healthy investment climate is fostering new real estate projects and infrastructure development, creating a positive cycle for the sector.
That said, challenges remain. The recent 50% U.S. tariff on Indian exports, along with external headwinds, will pose some risks in the months ahead. However, with ongoing reforms, policy support, and inflation remaining relatively benign, India’s macroeconomic story continues to be among the strongest and most compelling globally. For real estate, this stable macroeconomic environment, stable interest rates, coupled with urbanization trends and government housing initiatives, presents significant opportunities.
We expect FY25-26 growth to be steady & above global peers – providing a solid foundation for corporate earnings expansion and equity market performance. This sustained economic growth will continue to drive real estate demand, particularly in tier-1 and tier-2 cities, supporting both residential sales and commercial real estate investments.”
