Category Archives: News

A Moment of Grace: Most Rev. Udumala Bala from Warangal Assumes Archbishop Role in Visakhapatnam

Hyderabad, April 4: In a solemn and historic ceremony attended by thousands, Warangal, Telangana born Most Rev. Udumala Bala was officially installed as the new Archbishop of Visakhapatnam on Thursday. The installation was led by the Papal Ambassador to India and Nepal, His Excellency Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli, at a grand Eucharistic celebration held at St. Peter’s Cathedral Grounds, Gnanapuram.

The event was marked by the presence of over 25 bishops and archbishops from across the country, including His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and Bishop Emeritus Gali Bali, who delivered the homily. Also present were outgoing Apostolic Administrator Bishop Jaya Rao, along with more than 500 priests, 500 nuns, and an estimated 10,000 lay faithful who gathered to witness this significant moment for the Catholic Church in Andhra Pradesh.

In his first address as Archbishop, Most Rev. Udumala Bala described the occasion as a spiritual journey from “Dhanya Bhoomi to Punya Bhoomi.”

“While Warangal is my Dhanya Bhoomi, Vizag is now my Punya Bhoomi,” he said. “I express God’s special blessing in choosing me from Warangal—the blessed land of prime missionaries—to Vizag, the holy land of MSFS missionaries. The people here have a heart as vast as the sea, and I am truly excited to serve in this land of superabundant graces.”

Archbishop Bala called for unity, peace, and collaboration across all faiths and communities, emphasizing a shared responsibility in shaping a more harmonious society.

“I thank all the Catholics of Vizag and people of all religions for their love and welcome. Together, let us build a better Vizag, a better Andhra Pradesh, and a better India. This city and its people are blessed, and I pray for God’s grace upon the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam,” he added.

Vatican Ambassador Praises Vizag’s Vibrant Communities, Highlights Pressing Issues

At the solemn and joyous occasion of the Installation of Most Rev. Udumala Bala as the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli addressed the faithful with heartfelt words of encouragement and blessing. He said, “I am pleased to be with all of you on this joyful occasion of the Installation of Most Rev. Udumala Bala as Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, and to give thanks to God for the gift of a new Chief Pastor to the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam.”

He warmly congratulated Archbishop Bala on assuming his new pastoral responsibility and expressed confidence in his leadership. Archbishop Girelli reflected on the vibrancy of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam, noting that it has been blessed with a Catholic population of over one lakh, supported by a strong presence of priests, women religious congregations, and active lay participation in parish activities. He praised the involvement of the laity in pastoral work, the role of catechists in youth faith formation, and the vitality of various pious associations such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Youth Association, and the Altar Servers Association. He also observed that the faithful are deeply engaged in sacramental life and devotional practices, especially in Marian shrines, which reflect the spiritual depth of the region.

However, the Papal Nuncio also acknowledged the challenges faced by the Archdiocese, including economic difficulties, unemployment, the condition of migrants, and environmental vulnerabilities. He said these issues, while serious, are also opportunities for the Church to radiate the light of Christ more brightly and meaningfully.

In particular, Archbishop Girelli praised the newly installed Archbishop Bala for his intellectual and pastoral qualities. He highlighted Archbishop Bala’s richness of knowledge in Moral Theology, his pastoral sensitivity, teaching abilities, and his experience as Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Seminarians, Clergy, and Religious from 2015 to 2023. He expressed hope that these gifts would greatly benefit the Archdiocese in its journey ahead.

The Apostolic Nuncio also expressed gratitude to Archbishop Emeritus Prakash Mallavarapu for his long and dedicated service to the Archdiocese and thanked Bishop Jaya Rao for his pastoral leadership during his tenure as Apostolic Administrator.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of several senior Church leaders from across the country, including Archbishop Emeritus Prakash Mallavarapu, Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur of Raipur, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore who is also the Vice President of the CCBI, and Archbishop Raphy Manjaly of Agra, along with other archbishops and bishops.
The day began with a grand procession from St. Joseph’s College for Women Grounds, Waltair R.S., to St. Peter’s Cathedral. The installation ceremony was followed by a felicitation program and a festive dinner, with clergy and faithful joining in joyful celebration.

Archbishop Bala previously served as the Bishop of Warangal and has held several significant roles within the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. A scholar trained in Rome, he brings with him a deep pastoral experience and a vision rooted in compassion and inclusive growth.

His appointment signals a new chapter for the Church in Coastal Andhra, one rooted in service, dialogue, and dedication to the spiritual and social well-being of all people.

Filamchi Bhojpuri Rings in 5-Year Milestone with Star-Studded Month-Long Fiesta

INDIA, 3rd April: April marks a monumental milestone as Filamchi Bhojpuri celebrates its 5th Anniversary with 5 Saal Maha Dhamaal—a month-long extravaganza that honors this incredible journey. This special occasion promises to be one for the books, with a series of thrilling activities and engagements designed to thank and celebrate the loyal viewership that has been the heart of the channel’s success. As part of the 5 Saal Maha Dhamaal campaign, viewers have the chance to win daily gold coins, silver idols, air coolers, exclusive pooja hampers, and other exciting engagements through interactive activities on social media and on -air.

 At the forefront of this celebration is the much-anticipated release of Filamchi Bhojpuri’s third original movie, Kyunki Har Ek Saas Zaruri Hoti, which will have its World Television Premiere on Filamchi. But the excitement doesn’t stop there; The 9-day long Navaratri celebration also gives viewers a chance to win daily prizes. In addition, the channel will host a unique initiative titled Filamchi Premiere League where it will showcase blockbuster movies chosen in real time by the viewers, through an engaging contest where fans would vote for their favorite Nirahua and Khesari Bhojpuri titles they wish to see on Filamchi..

 Aditya Pittie, Managing Director, IN10 Media,“Celebrating our 5th anniversary is a testament to the immense trust and love we’ve received from our viewers. To mark this special occasion, we’re rolling out a month-long celebration filled with fresh content, exciting events and fantastic prizes to celebrate with our viewers. Looking ahead, Filamchi Bhojpuri remains dedicated to pushing boundaries and delivering innovative, engaging content for our ever-growing audience. We take great pride in curating entertainment that resonates with families, ensuring a viewing experience that brings them together.’’

 Amarpreet Saini, Vice President-Content Strategy, Filamchi Bhojpuri, “Our 5th anniversary is a true reflection of our commitment to the audience and the wonderful community we have built. The celebration is not just about our journey, but about the audience who have been with us every step of the way.n With our third home production movie release, Kyunki Haar Saas Zaruri Hoti Hai, and a lineup of interactive activities. From Original Premieres to Audience Curated Festivals To daily contests that reward them with exciting prizes every initiative is designed as a way to give back to our loyal viewers who have showered us with so much love and appreciation.

Workplace Excellence: Ryan Edunation Named a ‘Great Place to Work’ for 2025-26

Bengaluru, 3rd April, 2025 – Ryan Edunation (Edunation Services Private Ltd) is proud to announce that it has been certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the year 2025-26. This prestigious certification reflects the organization’s consistent commitment to promoting a positive and engaging work environment for its employees.

 Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation. The certification was awarded based on an independent employee survey conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute, the global authority on workplace culture. The survey evaluated various workplace culture factors, including employee engagement, satisfaction, and overall experience. Ryan Edunation received this prestigious certification thanks to overwhelmingly positive feedback from its staff, with 85% of employees showing high levels of job satisfaction, 86% speaking positively about management competence, and 91% stating the company treats people fairly.

 Commitment to Employee Well-being
The welfare of its employees has always been a top priority for Ryan Edunation, ensuring a healthy work-life balance and meaningful engagement initiatives. The certification highlights the group’s ongoing efforts to promote workplace happiness through continuous improvement programs.

 Mr. Ryan Pinto, CEO, Ryan International Group of Institutions, remarked on the achievement “We are thrilled to become Great Place To Work-Certified™ as we consider employee experience and our shared vision of transforming the K12 educational landscape in the country and to make quality education available for one and all. We owe our continued success to the vision of our Chairman Dr. A.F. Pinto and our Managing Director Madam Dr. Grace Pinto and our team of dedicated employees at Edunation Services. We celebrate and thank them for all they do to earn this incredible recognition.”

 Vinod Sharma, COO at Ryan Edunation, added, “We are extremely happy and proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 2025-26. This esteemed award demonstrates our steadfast dedication to creating a work environment that values collaboration, trust, and employee well-being. Since we consider our employees to be our most valuable resource, we constantly work to create an atmosphere where they feel appreciated, empowered, and motivated to advance both personally and professionally.”

HCGMCC Sets New Standard in Postoperative Care with Hematoma Reduction Protocol

Nashik, April 03: Nashik’s leading cancer speciality hospital – HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) has successfully developed a standardized surgical protocol that significantly reduces postoperative hematoma in head-and-neck cancer surgeries. The initiative, led by the hospital’s Plastic and Reconstructive Services team, marks a major advancement in surgical precision, improving patient safety and recovery outcomes. Implemented in April 2019, the standardized approach ensures meticulous hemostasis using bright illumination and loupe magnification to examine key bleeding sites. Following the protocol’s introduction, a study spanning April 2019 to December 2022 demonstrated a dramatic reduction in postoperative hematoma incidence from 4.38 per cent to 1.13 per cent i.e. 14 out of 1,234 patients.

Head-and-neck cancer surgeries, particularly those involving free flap reconstruction, are intricate procedures with a high risk of complications. Hematoma is a condition where blood pools outside of vessels post-surgery can lead to severe outcomes, including infection, airway obstruction, flap failure and even mortality.

“We conducted a study retrospectively between August 2017 and March 2019 and found that 4.38 per cent of patients (24 out of 548) developed postoperative hematoma, necessitating emergency re-exploration. Recognizing the need for a more effective strategy, we devised a comprehensive intraoperative checklist to enhance hemostasis and early hematoma detection and introduced the protocol which has proven to be a game-changer in head-and-neck cancer surgeries. By implementing the checklist, we have significantly minimized postoperative hematoma risks, improving surgical outcomes and patient safety. This approach can be easily adopted by head-and-neck surgeons worldwide to enhance care standards,” says Dr Mohsina Hussain, Consultant – Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, HCGMCC.

Implemented in April 2019, the standardized surgical protocol includes a checklist involving three primary studies including Primary Site Evaluation, Neck Dissection Assessment and Pressure Application & Valsalva Maneuver. While the initial study has shown remarkable success, HCGMCC aims to expand research through multi-institutional collaborations to further validate and standardize this protocol globally.

“With the protocol’s introduction all free flaps were salvaged, with no cases of flap failure or mortality due to hematoma. Additionally, the need for emergency re-exploration and prolonged ICU stays significantly declined, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. At HCG Manavata, our focus has always been on innovation that directly improves patient care. This protocol exemplifies how systematic surgical advancements can drastically reduce complications, enhance recovery and set new benchmarks in oncology care. Our ultimate goal is to integrate these best practices across institutions worldwide,” concludes Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, MD & Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services, HCGMCC.

Greenwood High’s Food Drive Highlights Student Commitment to Social Responsibility

Bangalore, April 03, 2025: Exhibiting a sense of social responsibility, the Grade 11 IBDP students at Greenwood High International School, Sarjapur, organised a week-long food donation campaign at their campus. Conducted as a part of their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program, the initiative was undertaken to support the Ruva Foundation, a girls’ orphanage located in Bangalore, by donating essential supplies and food, ensuring meaningful impact.

The program saw active participation from students of Grades 6 to 12, who undertook the noble initiative. Through their combined effort, they managed to collect more than 200 kg of supplies like rice, pulses, lentils, along with other daily essential items. By owning the project, students had firsthand experience in planning and coordinating a community event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School said: “Greenwood High remains steadfast to its belief of contributing to the society and the community, through various acts of philanthropy. We place a strong focus on holistic education, giving the children a strong sense of responsibility and empathy. The CAS program is an integral part of the IBDP curriculum, and through programs such as these, our students learn leadership, gain a profound understanding of social issues, and are able to indulge in the happiness of giving back to society.”

Greenwood High remains committed to fostering a culture of empathy and service, encouraging students to make a meaningful impact on the world around them. Through various initiatives like disaster relief efforts, social outreach programs, or ongoing community engagement, the school continues to inspire young minds to embrace social responsibility and contribute towards building a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Work, Wellness, and Menopause: 5 Crucial Health Tips for a Smooth Balance

In India, women usually go through menopause around the age of 46.2, which is earlier than the average age of 51 in western countries. During this time, it’s important for women to understand and manage menopause symptoms while balancing their work and personal lives.

In a survey by Abbott and Ipsos, 87% of people said that menopause has a big impact on a woman’s daily life. Symptoms like hot flashes, sweating, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and joint pain can be tough to handle. However, nearly 80% of those surveyed think that women often feel uneasy talking about these issues with family, friends, or coworkers. The survey took insights from more than 1,200 people across seven cities. The objective of the survey was to assess awareness levels, perceptions, and experiences women go through during menopause. The survey included women in the 45-55 years age group, as well as family members.

Menopause symptoms can make work life tough. According to the survey, 81% of working women have trouble concentrating, 73% need to take frequent leaves, and 66% often feel mood swings and irritability. These challenges can affect productivity, job satisfaction, and career growth.

Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India says, “Raising awareness about menopause is more than just sharing facts. It’s about creating a space where women feel comfortable talking about their experiences. The Women First website is one such platform that provides helpful information and encourages open, meaningful conversations with family, friends, and colleagues. This support empowers women to embrace this next chapter of their lives with confidence and ease.”

According to Dr. Sheela V Mane, Consultant, Anugraha Nursing Home, Bangalore, “Menopause is a unique experience for every woman, impacting health, well-being, and overall quality of life. A holistic approach can make this transition smoother and more comfortable. For working women, simple steps like taking short meditation breaks, maintaining a balanced diet even on busy days, and finding time for regular exercise are crucial. It’s also important to discuss treatment options with your doctor, as they can help alleviate symptoms impacting quality of life.”

Here are some tips to help you manage the symptoms better and take charge of your health as well as your career:

1. Speak up and reach out when you need it – Talk to your colleagues and supervisors about your symptoms and how they affect your work. Discussing about what you may be going through with your friends and family – and even trusted colleagues – can provide support while also potentially giving you a network of people who understand what you are going through. Others may have had similar experiences and can share how they managed it.
2. Create a supportive work environment –There may be small adjustments at work that can make your symptoms easier to manage. This could be as simple as having a desk fan or arranging flexible work hours to handle hot flashes or anxiety.
3. Prioritize self-care – Add stress-reducing activities to your workday. Practice mindfulness and relaxation and do some light exercise to help manage mood swings and fatigue.[1],5
4. Seek medical advice – Talk to a gynecologist about your symptoms and explore treatment options. Lifestyle changes and the right medications can effectively manage menopausal symptoms.
5. Access to trusted information – There are various resources including the Women First portal that should help you better understand and manage menopause. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to consult a doctor. You can also consider connecting with other women going through menopause.

MediaTek Kompanio Ultra Brings Cutting-Edge AI and Performance to Chromebook Plus

HSINCHU, Taiwan – April 3, 2025 – MediaTek today introduced the Kompanio Ultra, the latest milestone in AI-powered, high-performance Chromebooks. Leveraging MediaTek’s proven expertise in flagship innovation, this powerful new platform brings fantastic on-device AI capabilities, superior computing performance, and industry-leading power efficiency to the newest Chromebook Plus devices.

“The Kompanio Ultra underscores our commitment to delivering groundbreaking computing performance and efficiency that MediaTek has shown as a leader in the mobile compute space for many years,” said Adam King, Vice President & General Manager of Computing and Multimedia Business at MediaTek. “We worked closely with Google to ensure the newest Chromebook Plus devices enjoy next-generation on-device AI capabilities, superior performance per watt, and immersive multimedia.”

The Kompanio Ultra is MediaTek’s most powerful Chromebook processor to date, integrating 50 TOPS of AI processing power to enable on-device generative AI experiences. With MediaTek’s 8th-generation NPU, users can expect real-time task automation, personalized computing, and seamless AI-enhanced workflows—with local processing for enhanced speed, security, efficiency, and support for AI workloads without an internet connection.

Built on the cutting-edge 3nm process, the Kompanio Ultra features an all-big-core CPU architecture with an Arm Cortex-X925 processor clocked at up to 3.62GHz, delivering industry-leading single and multithreaded performance. Whether handling intensive applications like video editing, content creation, or high-resolution gaming, this processor ensures smooth, lag-free performance with unmatched multitasking capabilities.

“We’re excited for the next step in our MediaTek partnership. The Kompanio Ultra will open up new avenues for on-device AI features on Chromebook Plus devices, while delivering awesome power efficiency for those crucial extra hours while on the go,” said John Solomon, VP and GM, ChromeOS and Google for Education, Google.

Engineered to meet the need for high workloads and to help people get more done, the Kompanio Ultra delivers unparalleled power efficiency, ensuring all-day battery life without sacrificing performance. MediaTek’s advanced power management and large on-chip caches optimize energy usage, allowing users to work, stream, and game longer on a single charge.

The Kompanio Ultra powers seamless multitasking and entertainment with multi-display support for up to two external 4K displays. Advanced Hi-Fi audio processing ensures crystal-clear calls, and immersive sound. For ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity, this processor supports Wi-Fi 7 for superior range and reliability. Designed for sleek Chromebooks, it enables quiet, cool operation and lightweight portability for a premium user experience.

‘Colours of Concern’ by Concern India Foundation Highlights Art for Social Change

Kolkata, 3rd April, 2025: Differently-abled children with various cognitive challenges from three organizations in Kolkata gathered for a joyful day of fun and artistic expression at Colours of Concern, an initiative by Concern India Foundation. The event, held at the Freemasons Hall, brought together sixty children and was spearheaded by a student, Ms Nitya Himatsingka, as a part of her project Brainbow, which aims to support the development of differently-abled children.

The event was attended by staff members of Concern India Foundation, senior members of the Regional Grand Lodge of Eastern India and the District Grand Lodge of Bengal, as well as Nitya’s parents, who were there in full support of their daughter’s inspiring efforts.

A student of Class XII at Modern High School for Girls, Nitya not only raised funds to organize the event but also contributed towards Concern India Foundation’s ongoing work with differently-abled children across India.

“We are conducting this event after five years, thanks to Nitya’s incredible efforts in raising the necessary funds. It is truly inspiring and encouraging to see young individuals stepping forward to support our mission. We look forward to working further with Nitya and having her continue to help us in our goal of Helping People Help Themselves.”, said Mr Gaver Chatterjee, Branch Manager of Concern India Foundation

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring Colours of Concern back to life. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces and witnessing their uninhibited creativity was the most fulfilling experience. I hope this initiative inspires more young people to come forward and make a difference in their own way.” Said Ms Nitya Himatsingka, Student, Modern High School for Girls

Colours of Concern provided a platform for these children to express their creativity and emotions through the beautiful medium of art. The children were given complete freedom to draw, paint, and colour according to their abilities and what made them happiest. The day was filled with vibrant energy and excitement, culminating in a delightful magic show, which the children enjoyed immensely.

Nitya herself was actively involved in all aspects of the event, even conducting an interactive session with the parents of the children. She shared valuable tips on suitable nutrition for their children, following extensive research on the subject. As a follow-up, she plans to engage in volunteering activities with one of the participating schools or NGOs, in an effort to further support the children in reaching their fullest potential.

WorldQuant Kicks Off 2025 International Quant Championship

• Global registration opens to participate in one of the world’s most preeminent quant competitions
• India has been represented in the 2023 and 2024 IQC finals and comprises half of the users and a large portion of the consultants on WorldQuant’s BRAIN platform
• Participants compete for a chance to be crowned the International Quant Champion in Singapore, alongside prizes from a pool of $100,000 USD for the winning teams and potential career roles

India, April 03, 2025– WorldQuant, a global quantitative asset management firm, kicked off the fifth International Quant Championship (IQC), its flagship global quant competition. The IQC is a three-stage, team-based competition engaging students and early career professionals from around the globe. Participants will have a chance to compete against some of the brightest minds in finance, mathematics and technology while applying their quantitative skills at the intersection of data science and financial markets. Registration is open until May 14, 2025.

India has demonstrated consistent and robust participation across the IQC and WorldQuant’s BRAIN platform

• 14,000 of the total 37,000 registrants, nearly 40 percent, represented India in the 2024 IQC
• India comprised 34 of the top 100 teams and 54 of the top 100 teams in the 2023 and 2024 IQCs, respectively, as well as earned spots in the last two IQC finals
• India represents half of the users and a large portion of the consultants on WorldQuant’s BRAIN platform, with over 58,000 of the 100,000+ total users and consultants globally

“We’re excited to continue to expand the IQC and cement its role as one of the leading global competitions for quants. We will bring together exceptional people from around the world to compete for the title of International Quant Champion,” said Igor Tulchinsky, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of WorldQuant. “When we launched this competition, our goal was to identify the best. While this goal remains unchanged, the continued interest in the IQC demonstrates the growth of the field and how high-quality talent exists all over the world.”

Since inception, more than 98,000 contestants from over 5,000 universities across 110+ countries and regions have competed for the title of Champion. 13 finalist teams, representing 13 regions, competed to win during the IQC 2024 Finals in Singapore. Prior IQC winners have represented locations such as Taiwan, Canada, the UK and India.

The 2025 IQC, which takes place on WorldQuant’s BRAIN platform, builds on existing competitions hosted by WorldQuant and encourages talent from eligible regions and across experience levels to participate. Top-scoring teams may qualify to win cash prizes from a pool of $100,000^[1] and to participate in the global finals in Singapore in September. WorldQuant seeks to engage top talent around the world, and certain eligible participants who score well in the IQC may be considered for research consulting, internship or full-time employment opportunities at WorldQuant.

“The IQC is a cornerstone of our broader mission to make quantitative finance more accessible while we identify the most talented future quants around the world,” said Nitish Maini, Chief Strategy Officer at WorldQuant.“Through initiatives like the IQC, our BRAIN platform, and the Learn2Quant program that launched this year, we are creating multiple pathways for aspiring quants to begin their journey and refine their skills.”

WorldQuant BRAIN has 100,000+ users and over 5,000 research consultants globally, who are eligible to receive compensation based on the quality of their ideas. BRAIN features comprehensive data fields and toolsets, powerful performance dashboards and value-added measures. It seamlessly integrates machine learning modules and AI algorithms within its platform, providing an integrated environment. The opportunity includes:

• 125,000+ data fields, performance dashboards and value-added measures to leverage
• In-depth educational bootcamp, support and mentorship from experienced quants
• Platform and tools to learn and submit more advanced signals in addition to Alphas^[2]
• Real-time, actionable feedback
• A community that fosters collaboration, competition, and professional growth

Tradition Meets Celebration: Atmosphere O2 Hosts Grand Gudi Padwa and Ugadi Festivities

Mumbai, April 03, 2025: In a vibrant celebration of unity and tradition, Atmosphere O2 — the premium gated community in Mulund — recently hosted grand festivities to mark Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, heralding the New Year with infectious energy, joy, and communal harmony. The celebration was a resounding success, reflecting the spirit of togetherness as residents from all walks of life, castes, and religions came together to participate in the occasion.

The celebration began with chants of “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai”, echoing through the complex, creating a powerful and spirited atmosphere. True to tradition, the residents of Atmosphere O2 adorned themselves in saffron turbans, turning the entire complex into a sea of vibrant orange during the much-anticipated Shobha Yatra, the biggest attraction of the day.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the Lezim performance, a traditional Maharashtrian folk dance with historical roots tracing back to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. What made it even more special was the participation of children and senior citizens alike. Children, who usually spend their free time with gadgets and screens, enthusiastically practiced for 15 days prior to the event. Their dedication and enthusiasm turned the dance into a lively celebration and a refreshing workout for participants of all ages.

The rhythmic beats of the dhol filled the air, as even the elderly joined the dance floor, showcasing their enthusiasm and zest for life. The performance served as both a cultural expression and a joyful form of fitness, reflecting the community’s spirit of active, inclusive living.

Events like these have become a hallmark of Atmosphere O2, offering residents the opportunity to bond over shared cultural values and traditions. More than just a festive gathering, the Gudi Padwa and Ugadi celebrations exemplified the ethos of Atmosphere O2 — a community where culture meets connection and tradition is celebrated with modern spirit.

The event stood as a beautiful reminder that while rituals and customs may differ, the core values of hope, prosperity, and unity remain the same for all — making this celebration not just a cultural highlight, but a heartwarming expression of harmony.