10, Dec 2025
ADP Appoints Gaurav Rathee as Head of HR for Global Shared Services International India & the Philippines

Hyderabad, Dec 10: ADP India, the world’s largest provider of human capital management solutions, has announced the appointment of Gaurav Rathee as Divisional Vice President and Head of Human Resources, overseeing the people strategy for two of ADP’s Global Shared Services International (GSSI) operations – India and the Philippines.

Gaurav Rathee

With a proven track record of over 25 years in human resources leadership, Gaurav brings deep expertise in building world-class talent ecosystems, driving large-scale organizational transformation, and fostering inclusive, high-performing workplaces. In his new role, he will lead the HR strategy for more than 15,000 associates across multiple locations.

Gaurav’s career began in 1999 with the Indian Army, Parachute Regiment Special Forces, where he served for eight years. During this time, he led Special Forces troops in high-pressure environments, overseeing training, performance, welfare and grievance management, and coordinating with government agencies on civic action and disaster relief missions. This early foundation in leadership, resilience, and people management has shaped his approach to building strong, purpose-driven teams throughout his corporate career.

Prior to joining ADP, Gaurav held senior leadership roles at Aon and Genpact, where he played a pivotal role in scaling global capability centers, strengthening leadership pipelines, and enhancing employee experience across diverse functions such as technology, analytics, operations, growth functions, and transformation teams. At ADP, Gaurav’s focus areas include strengthening ADP’s culture of collaboration, nurturing next-generation talent, and reinforcing the company’s position as an employer of choice in the industry.

Speaking about his appointment, Vijay Vemulapalli, General Manager and Managing Director, GSSI said,

We are delighted to welcome Gaurav to ADP. His extensive leadership experience, strategic mindset, and deep commitment to people development make him an invaluable addition to our Global Shared Services International leadership team.”

Gaurav Rathee, Divisional Vice President and Head of HR, GSSI added,

Stepping into ADP feels like joining a team that already knows the playbook of best practices, and is ready to invent a few new moves. Workforces today want more than roles, they want purpose, growth, and energy. ADP already has the foundation, and I’m delighted to help amplify that energy across India and the Philippines.” 

Gaurav holds a Bachelor of Science from Delhi University, an MBA in Human Resources from the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad, an Executive Certificate in HR Management from XLRI Jamshedpur, and a Post Graduate Certification in Business Administration from the Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon.

10, Dec 2025
MYNUSCo Expands Into Everyday Living With New Biomaterial Products

MYNUSCo Expands from Automotive to Everyday Living: Biomaterials Pioneer Scales Impact Through Home, Packaging, and Lifestyle Products

New Delhi, Dec 10: MYNUSCo, the Bengaluru-based biomaterials enterprise that transforms agricultural waste into high-performance materials, has scaled beyond automotive applications into consumer markets. This post-COVID strategic shift marks a turning point for the company founded in 2015 by Mahadev Chikkanna and Shruthi Ujjani Ramesh, positioning it to scale its environmental impact significantly.

The company spent its first five years in R&D mode, developing proprietary biocomposite technologies without external funding. The breakthrough came in 2019 with a contract from a global automotive OEM to supply biocomposites for car interiors. However, the pandemic forced a complete strategy rethink.

Spokesperson Mr Mahadev_&_Shruthi Ujjani Ramesh

“COVID-19 disrupted supply chains globally and clarified our path – we needed materials that touch everyday life, not just automotive interiors,” says Mahadev Chikkanna, Co-Founder, MYNUSCo.

That realization sparked eha.eco, a consumer brand offering sustainable lifestyle products, including planters, homeware, and gifting. Recent launches include Loopac.eco for circular packaging and 3s.eco for carbon-negative construction solutions. MYNUSCo started as a biomaterials company but has evolved into a one-stop, end-to-end biomaterials and circularity adoption platform – from sourcing crop waste to supplying ready-to-use finished products. It is one of its kind, not just in India but globally.

MYNUSCo’s biocomposites are made from bamboo waste, rice husk, straw, coir, and other agricultural by-products that would otherwise be burned. These materials are categorized as BioDur for durable goods and BioPur for compostable applications. Every material is backed by an ISO-verified Life Cycle Assessment system, providing transparent carbon accounting from source to finished product. MYNUSCo’s work has prevented over 2,000 tons of CO₂ emissions – equivalent to taking roughly 1,400 cars off the road for a year.

Globally, 45% of carbon emissions stem from material production – plastics, cement, steel. Yet, most climate action focuses on energy transition. MYNUSCo addresses this gap with cost-competitive, scalable alternatives requiring no major tooling changes.

“Industries and consumers shouldn’t have to choose between sustainability and performance,” Mahadev Chikkanna explains. “We’re giving them a verified path to circularity that fits existing norms.”

With more than half of its staff being women across different levels, the company has its biocomposites manufacturing base in Mysuru and collaborates with partner molding units across India to convert these biomaterials into finished products. This partnership-driven model supports existing manufacturing ecosystems to transition to sustainable materials while accelerating scale and impact.

“Sustainability must include social equity,” says Shruthi Ujjani Ramesh, Co-Founder, MYNUSCo. “We’re committed to creating shared success across our entire value chain, not just for the company and shareholders. What was once perceived as challenging has now become one of our key strengths.”

Looking ahead, MYNUSCo plans expansion into new product categories. The company’s impact has accelerated dramatically – carbon reductions that took a year to achieve five years ago now happen in under a month. This momentum is expected to continue as MYNUSCo develops new materials, products, and markets. With stricter sustainability regulations and growing consumer awareness, the company aims to become the preferred partner for brands seeking verified low-carbon alternatives.

For a company that started with curiosity about climate change, MYNUSCo has evolved into one of India’s credible circular economy platforms – proving that sustainability can move from lab experiments to everyday impact.

9, Dec 2025
Scrub Typhus on the Rise: Key Prevention Tips for 2025

Hyderabad, Dec 9:- Andhra Pradesh is witnessing an unusual spike in Scrub typhus cases this season, with more than 174 confirmed infections and Visakhapatnam reporting over 130 cases, according to state health officials. The disease, which has already claimed eight lives, is prompting renewed attention to preventive health and personal immunity.Dr. Anubbha

Scrub typhus is not new to India, but its rising incidence in rural and semi-urban pockets has become a growing concern. The infection is caused by a bacterium called Orientia tsutsugamushi, spread through the bite of infected chiggers tiny larval mites found in grassy, bushy, and wooded areas. The CDC notes that the illness is common in parts of Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and other tropical regions.

How the Disease Spreads;

People generally contract scrub typhus when they come into contact with vegetation where infected mites are present. Farmers, field workers, children playing outdoors, and individuals living near dense greenery are at higher risk. Symptoms often begin with fever, body aches, headache, and may escalate if untreated.

Prevention Is the Strongest Defence;

Public health experts emphasise simple but effective prevention measures:

  • Avoid sitting or sleeping directly on grass.
  • Wear full-sleeved clothing when in fields or forested areas.
  • Keep surroundings clean and free from overgrown vegetation.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if fever develops after outdoor exposure.

Can Immunity Play a Role?

While environmental precautions are essential, many doctors believe that strong baseline immunity can influence how the body responds to infections.

Hyderabad-based classical homeopathy practitioner Dr. Anubbha explains that long-term constitutional care can help improve an individual’s resistance to seasonal and vector-borne illnesses.

 “In classical homeopathy, each remedy is tailored to the person’s genetic constitution. When immunity is strengthened, the body becomes less reactive to infectious triggers. We observed this even during COVID-19—patients with consistent constitutional support tended to cope better,” she says.

According to Dr. Anubbha, classical homeopathy does not act as a vaccine, but it enhances the body’s internal defence system, helping individuals remain more resilient when exposed to infections like scrub typhus.

Holistic Prevention Matters;

Experts agree that a combined approach works best:

  • Environmental care to reduce exposure
  • Timely diagnosis to prevent complications
  • Immunity-building practices, including classical homeopathy, for long-term resilience

As scrub typhus cases continue to rise in Andhra Pradesh, a stronger focus on prevention and personal immunity can help communities stay prepared and protected.

Dr. Anubbha, BHMS,

Classical Homeopathy Specialist,

Dr. Anubbha’s Homeopathy, Kondapur & Masab Tank.

9, Dec 2025
KLM Adds Fourth Weekly Flight on Hyderabad–Amsterdam Route for Winter 2025

Hyderabad, Dec 9:- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced an increase in its Hyderabad Amsterdam operations for the ongoing winter season. From January to March 2026, KLM will operate four weekly flights from Hyderabad to Amsterdam, up from the current three weekly services. This seasonal enhancement reflects positive travel demand from the region and highlights Hyderabad’s growing importance within the Air France-KLM India network. Hyderabad became KLM’s fourth gateway in India in September 2025, complementing its services from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.

The expansion provides travellers from Telangana and neighboring states with greater flexibility during the peak winter travel period.

Further this increase is part of the broader Air France-KLM India winter schedule, under which the airlines will operate up to 55 weekly flights from four gateways: Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

Commenting on this development, Laure Daynié, Country Manager India said;

“Hyderabad is an important market for Air France-KLM, and we are pleased to increase frequency to four weekly flights during the winter peak. This increase in frequency will provide customers with more travel flexibility and strengthen connectivity to our global network via Amsterdam. We look forward to welcoming more travellers from Hyderabad on board our flights.”

9, Dec 2025
Terre des Hommes India to Host ‘Children and Climate 2025’ for Stronger Child-Centric Climate Action

New Delhi, Dec 9: Terre des hommes  India, the country’s first dedicated child rights organisation working at the intersection of climate vulnerability, health, protection, and migration, will convene Children and Climate 2025 on 11th December 2025 at Magnolia Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The event will be a multi-stakeholder consultation aimed at reimagining child-centred responses to the climate crisis.

As climate change intensifies, children remain amongst the most disproportionately affected. Globally, almost every child is exposed to at least one major climate or environmental hazard, while nearly half live in extremely high-risk countries. For children in India, the impacts are already visible be it extreme heat, malnutrition, waterborne diseases, displacement, loss of schooling, and heightened risks of violence and exploitation.

Children and Climate 2025 seeks to bridge these gaps by bringing together donors, practitioners, researchers, youth speakers, community organisations, and policymakers to co-create more integrated pathways. The consultation will focus on strengthening the linkages between climate action and social protection, embedding child-responsive approaches into migration and health systems, and exploring opportunities for innovative financing and programme design.

Structured around the principles of project cycle management, the conference will guide participants through key stages of building effective climate-responsive programmes. It will include problem identification, resource mobilisation, implementation, collaboration, and evaluation.

Through this convening, Tdh India aims to catalyse a shared, multi-sectoral commitment to place children at the centre of climate resilience planning and ensure that the next decade of climate action in India is rooted in protection, equity, and inclusion.

9, Dec 2025
Khaitan & Co Appoints Dr. Vimal Choudhary as COO to Drive Strategic Growth

Khaitan & Co Appoints Dr. Vimal Choudhary as Chief Operating Officer, Strengthening Leadership Amidst Strategic Growth

Bengaluru, Dec 09Khaitan & Co, a leading full-service Indian law firm, has announced the appointment of Dr. Vimal Choudhary as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Dr. Choudhary brings more than 23 years of deep experience in global consulting, strategy and operations, most recently as Head of McKinsey’s Global Centres in India and Global Chief Strategy Officer at McKinsey Global Services. He will be based at the Firm’s Mumbai office.  

Dr. Vimal Choudhary

Haigreve Khaitan, Senior Partner at Khaitan & Co said 

We are thrilled to have Vimal join the Firm as our new COO. This appointment marks an important step forward in our continuous pursuit of excellence, transformation and strategic growth. In an era where operational sophistication and forward-thinking digital capabilities set industry benchmarks, Vimal’s exceptional track record in building world-class teams, leading global transformation, and driving strategic outcomes at scale will be crucial as we power the next chapter of our Firm’s evolution. His leadership comes at an exciting juncture for us, amplifying our ambition to deliver outstanding value for clients, strengthen our organisational foundations, and accelerate our journey as an employer of choice in the legal sector.”  

As COO, Dr. Choudhary will lead all of Khaitan & Co’s internal functions, with a sharpened mandate to drive strategic initiatives, infuse digital and AI-led innovation, optimise operational infrastructure, and elevate the Firm’s knowledge and capability platforms. His leadership will span all aspects of operations, with focus areas including the implementation of next-generation technology solutions, and instituting best-in-class processes for enhanced collaboration, resilience and scale. 

A Chartered Accountant and an MBA, Dr. Choudhary is a McKinsey veteran where during his 23-year tenure, he held several global leadership roles – shaping strategy and operations for McKinsey Global Services, overseeing the Firm’s largest office complex outside the US in India, and stewarding key initiatives around client services, acquisition integration, digital capability building, talent development and business expansion. He was also served on the Board of Directors at McKinsey Global Capabilities and Services and ETML Singapore, a boutique analytics company acquired by McKinsey. 

Dr. Choudhary’s appointment underscores Khaitan & Co’s commitment to industry leadership, sustainable growth, and fostering an environment that attracts and nurtures top talent. It sets the stage for bold advances in client service, operational excellence, and the Firm’s long-term competitiveness in the evolving legal landscape.

9, Dec 2025
DS Group Expands Hospitality Portfolio in the NE

Guwahati, Dec  9: Expanding its hospitality portfolio, the Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a leading FMCG conglomerate and multi-business corporation, has announced a strategic expansion of its hospitality portfolio in the North East with significant developments at its existing property – Radisson Blu Guwahati. This move introduces the largest pillar less convention centre in the North East, alongside 85 additional rooms, bringing the property’s total room inventory to 280. The new purpose-built convention centre boasts a 25,000 sq. ft. area which includes a 15000 sq. ft. pillar-less hall having a capacity for 1500 guests, effectively positioning Radisson Blu Guwahati as the region’s largest integrated convention and stay facility that addresses a significant gap in its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) infrastructure as well as weddings.

Nathan Andrews, Business Head, Hospitality, DS Group

The new 25,000 sq. ft. convention centre at Radisson Blu, Guwahati will significantly enhance the region’s capacity for large-scale, multi-day conferences and events with integrated accommodation which was a need in this market. It is also ideal for weddings and large functions. This strategic expansion aligns with DS Group’s hospitality growth strategy, targeting high-growth markets with untapped potential. Guwahati was selected due to its emergence as a key economic and administrative hub in Northeast India, presenting a compelling combination of economic significance and rising demand.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Nathan Andrews, Business Head, Hospitality, DS Group said,

“DS Group’s expansion aims to reposition Radisson Blu, Guwahati, as a preferred destination for business and leisure events, leveraging the city’s evolution as a gateway to the Northeast. By focusing on personalized service, authentic local experiences, and a tranquil ambiance, the property can seamlessly integrate its unique cultural ethos, continuing to serve diverse travellers while attracting a new segment of business, policy and cultural events.”

The additional rooms are expected to be operational by end of 2026, further enhancing the property’s ability to host large-scale, multi-day events with seamless guest experience. The expansion also elevates Radisson Blu Guwahati’s competitive positioning—not just within the city, but across the broader region.

The Radisson Blu in Guwahati offers an exotic and unique dining experience that truly highlights the rich culinary heritage of India’s North East. While Café B-You provides a diverse selection of international buffets and à la carte options with Mediterranean and Indian influences, the true gem for food enthusiasts is Nest Asia. Nest Asia is a major draw for guests, offering a curated North-Eastern dinner that takes diners on a delectable journey through the flavours of the “Seven Sisters” states. Here, one can savour authentic local cuisine, such as the comforting Aloo Pitika, a flavourful mashed potato dish, and the tangy Masor Tenga, a traditional Assamese fish curry. The meal culminates in the unique and subtly sweet Black Rice Kheer, a dessert that perfectly encapsulates the region’s distinct culinary identity.

Radisson Blu Guwahati aims to provide guests with an ideal starting point to explore the vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes of Assam. Conveniently situated just 10 km from the airport, the hotel offers easy access to key attractions such as the sacred Kamakhya Temple (about 9.8 km), the picturesque Amchong Tea Estate (about 45 km), and the renowned Kaziranga National Park (about 174 km). This makes it a serene yet well-connected base for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel distinguishes itself through its exceptional service, thoughtfully curated regional experiences, and meticulous attention to aesthetic detail, seamlessly blending global standards with authentic local flavour. Guests consistently praise the warm hospitality, immersive experiences, and sense of serenity that embody the property’s unique cultural ethos.

DS Group’s long-term vision for its hospitality division is to become a leading player in the Indian market with a strong, diversified portfolio of modern, luxurious, and sustainable hotels across India. The growth strategy involves aggressive pan-India expansion through asset management and brand partnerships, targeting high-growth Tier I and Tier II cities, and capitalizing on the opportunity in domestic and international tourism with a mix of city and resort properties. The company plans to significantly expand its room inventory, aiming to double its current room count by 2029. This ambitious growth will be supported by an investment of INR 1000 crores over the next few years, funded through internal resources and strategic partnerships, leveraging the hospitality sector’s increasing contribution to the group’s overall revenue. While focusing primarily on luxury and mid-scale hotels, DS Group aims to have 10-12 hotels in its portfolio within the next three years, strategically located in key cities across India, including new developments in the North and East, and an expanded presence in the Northeast.

The DS Group has been in the hospitality business since 2000. Presently, its hospitality portfolio encompasses six distinguished properties which include The Namah Corbett and Namah Nainital are Radisson Individual Resorts, Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati, InterContinental, Jaipur, Holiday Inn Express, Kolkata Airport and the Renaissance Hotel in Bengaluru.

9, Dec 2025
Brakes India and TBK sign business alliance agreement

Chennai, Dec 9: Brakes India Private Limited and TBK Co., Ltd. recently signed a capital and business alliance agreement. With this, Brakes India, a TSF Group Company, acquires 10% shareholding in TBK through a primary capital infusion. The investment marks an important development for both organisations. This paves the way to leverage the strength of both the companies for commercial vehicle braking and create enhanced value for customers and stakeholders.

(L) Mr Kaoru Ogata, President & CEO - TBK with (R) Mr Sriram Viji, MD - Brakes India

TBK, a leading global auto component manufacturer in the M&HCV segment specialises in brakes, pumps, and engine-related components.  This move gives both organisations the scope to draw on each other’s strengths. It provides access to complementary geographies and has the potential to engage new customers and explore new supply chains. This opportunity introduces Brakes India’s existing hydraulic and pneumatic products into new export markets. It also opens avenues to extend the complementary product portfolio of TBK in the Indian domestic market. “Through this partnership, both companies will mutually complement each other’s technological strengths and customer bases to the fullest extent, jointly creating high value-added products and solutions for respective markets. Together, we aim to unlock new opportunities and contribute to the advancement of next-generation mobility” said Mr Kaoru Ogata, President & CEO, TBK.

“This milestone is a starting point for a long-term association with TBK. It reinforces our commitment to strategic, long-term growth. With this agreement, Brake India has access to TBK’s line-up of products for the Indian market and will offer Brakes India’s leading pneumatic braking products to new customers outside of India” said Mr Sriram Viji, Managing Director, Brakes IndiaThis collaboration drives the development of cleaner, safer and more efficient commercial vehicle braking technologies, supporting the industry’s shift towards advanced and sustainable mobility.

9, Dec 2025
AAEON’s UP Brand Partners with DEEPX to Deliver Ultra-Efficient AI Performance Across Hardware Platforms 

Taipei, Taiwan, Dec  9:AAEON’s UP brand, a leading designer and manufacturer of industrial development boards, today announced its collaboration with DEEPX, a pioneer in producing power-efficient yet sophisticated AI acceleration modules. 

UP Xtreme ARL AI Dev Kit

The partnership will see multiple models from UP’s Development Kit and Mini PC series utilize DEEPX’s innovative DX-M1 AI chip to satisfy market demand for ultra-low power, compact, and AI-ready edge platforms upon which customers can build new, innovative industrial automation solutions.

Designed to bring GPU-class AI model execution at just 2W–5W, DEEPX’s DX-M1 AI chip is particularly well-suited for integration with the UP brand’s portfolio of small form factor products, given the module’s low power footprint and innovative thermal management. 

The first UP products to be equipped with the DX-M1 chip will be the recently-released UP Squared Pro TWL and UP Xtreme ARL Development Kits, granting the platforms a boost of 25 TOPs of AI performance alongside preinstalled Linux Ubuntu Pro 24.04 LTS with the UP AI Software Suite and NPU driver. 

The partnership between the two companies will also see AAEON stock the DX-M1 M.2 2280 expansion module for use with a range of AAEON’s UP Mini PCs, allowing customers to install the module on standard UP Squared and UP Squared Pro Edge systems via their M.2 M-Key slots. Meanwhile, AAEON has also announced its intentions to expand existing Mini PC lines to include models with the DX-M1 module preinstalled, with the Intel® Processor N97-powered UP Squared 7100 Edge expected to be the first. 

DEEPX will also add to its own AI System product line with the release of the DX-AiPlayer-N97, a turnkey system that will combine the UP Squared 7100 Edge with an integrated DEEPX® DX-M1 M.2 LPDDR5 AI accelerator for customers wishing to test the NPU on trusted, compatible hardware. DEEPX have confirmed the official unveiling of the product will take place at the DEEPX booth (LVCC #8745) during CES 2026. 

Our collaboration with DEEPX marks an important milestone in making advanced AI performance accessible to industrial developers,” said Irene Lin, Product Manager at AAEON’s UP brand. “By integrating the DX-M1 module across our UP platforms, we’re bridging the gap between ultra-efficient AI acceleration and the flexibility of embedded edge computing empowering our customers to deploy smarter, more sustainable solutions with ease.”

Following these initial rollouts, the two companies plan to expand their collaboration across the entire UP Mini PC product line, building upon their respective presences across markets in Asia, Europe, and the US. In addition to this, DEEPX will be actively expanding mass production programs to target key industries to accelerate the uptake of the combined offering across smart factory and smart city projects. 

UP Squared Pro TWL and UP Xtreme ARL Development Kits with preinstalled DX-M1 modules are now available for preorder on the UP Shop. For detailed specifications for the UP Squared 7100 Edge and the DX-M1 M.2 2280, please visit their respective product pages on the AAEON website.

9, Dec 2025
Kristu Mahotsav 2025 Celebrates 600+ Specially-Abled and Underprivileged Children with Inclusive Festivities

KRISTU MAHOTSAV 2025 Concludes with 600+ Specially-Abled and Underprivileged Children in a Celebration of “Including Everyone, Excluding None”

New Delhi, Dec 09: KRISTU MAHOTSAV 2025 the National Inter-Religious Ecumenical Christmas Celebration—concluded with profound joy and unity as over 600 specially-abled and underprivileged children participated in an evening filled with compassion, cultural vibrancy, and festive spirit. The event was hosted by filmmaker, philanthropist, and global cultural icon Dr. Sanjanaa Jon, who also served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, bringing her signature warmth and humanitarian spirit to the celebration.

KRISTU MAHOTSAV 2025 Concludes with 600+ Specially-Abled and Underprivileged Children in a Celebration of “Including Everyone, Excluding None

The evening opened with a deeply moving Buddy March, led by the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, who entered the venue hand-in-hand with specially-abled children, symbolising solidarity and dignity. Ambassadors, interfaith leaders, and officials joined the march, creating a historic moment of inclusion that received an overwhelming standing ovation.

The event was jointly organised by the Chavara Cultural Centre, New Delhi, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), and the Association of Catholic Rehabilitation Centres in India (ACRCI). This year’s celebration also marked the 5th Anniversary of the Chavara Cultural Centre, honouring five years of interfaith harmony, cultural exchange, and social transformation.

Guided by the theme “Including Everyone, Excluding None,” KRISTU MAHOTSAV 2025 featured more than fifteen uplifting performances by differently-abled children, including wheelchair dance, inclusive choir, theatre, and cultural presentations that showcased extraordinary talent, confidence, and joy. The event reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a society where every child is celebrated, every ability honoured, and no one is left behind.

A major highlight of the evening was the release of a new book authored by Hon’ble Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, unveiled on stage during the celebrations. The book, which includes songs and poems penned by Dr. Bose, reflects themes of peace, compassion, and the triumph of the human spirit—resonating beautifully with the message of Kristu Mahotsav. The audience was especially moved when select verses from the Governor’s poems were presented during the event, adding literary and artistic depth to the Christmas celebration.

The gathering also honoured Bishop Stephen Fernandes on his gracious appointment as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay. Organisers, dignitaries, and attendees extended heartfelt congratulations and prayerful wishes as he begins this new chapter of pastoral service. A special tribute was dedicated to Rev. Fr. Joseph Puthenpura, Founder President of ACRCI, on the Golden Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination. His five decades of service uplifting specially-abled children and marginalised communities were celebrated with immense gratitude and admiration.

Ambassadors, diplomats, interfaith leaders, civil servants, academicians, and cultural icons graced the Buddy March and the celebrations, enhancing the spirit of unity and shared purpose. Their presence underscored the event’s commitment to inclusivity and collective responsibility in building a compassionate society.

 Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose described the children as “the true stars of Christmas—reminding us that peace grows when we include and uplift one another.” Rev. Dr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre, along with Rev. Fr. Roy Kannanchira CMI, President of ACRCI, and Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of CBCI, extended heartfelt thanks to all dignitaries, institutions, and volunteers for making the event a powerful expression of love and inclusion.

KRISTU MAHOTSAV 2025 concluded with a renewed mission to promote peace, compassion, and interfaith understanding. The Buddy March, the spirited performances, and the participation of hundreds of children reaffirmed the central message of the evening: “Peace begins when we celebrate others.”