Category Archives: News

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.

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.”

St. Regis Mumbai Appoints Shri Raj Goswami as Director of Food & Beverage, Penthouse Mumbai

The St. Regis Mumbai is pleased to announce the appointment of Shri Raj Goswami as the Director of Food & Beverage for Penthouse Mumbai, effective November 2025. With over 12 years of experience across some of the world’s most renowned luxury hospitality brands, Shri Raj brings strong operational acumen, international exposure, and a refined leadership approach.

In this role, Shri Raj will lead the Food & Beverage vision for Penthouse Mumbai, shaping its culinary identity, enhancing guest experiences, and elevating its position as one of the city’s most exclusive luxury destinations.

Shri Raj previously served as the Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, where he oversaw signature dining venues, large-format banqueting operations, and curated elevated guest journeys. His tenure included key leadership roles such as Director of Restaurants, Bars & Banquets, highlighting his depth across diverse F&B environments.

His global experience spans roles with Four Seasons Hotels in Maldives and Bahrain, where he managed fine dining concepts, sophisticated bar programs, and high-performing multicultural teams. Earlier in his career, Shri Raj contributed to luxury service standards at The Oberoi Hotels in Agra, establishing a strong foundation in personalised hospitality.

Speaking on his appointment, Shri Raj said;

“The St. Regis Mumbai has always set the benchmark for luxury dining in the city. My approach will be centred on innovation, consistency, and people. Together with the team, we aim to craft elevated dining moments that reflect the evolving expectations of our guests and the energy of Mumbai.”

Outside of work, Raj enjoys reading and watching or playing cricket.With his international perspective, operational excellence and passion for contemporary luxury dining, Shri Raj is set to shape the next chapter of Penthouse Mumbai at The St. Regis Mumbai.

Triton Hotels & Resorts Boosts CSR Efforts with Donation & Textile Recycling Drive at Fairmont Jaipur

CavinKare’s Indica Easy Redefines DIY Grooming with a Humorous Twist in Its “So Easy, Anyone Can Do It” Campaign

Chennai, Dec 09: Bringing together wit, creativity, and brand purpose, Indica Easy, India’s No.1 Shampoo Hair Color brand (Source: NielsenIQ Retail Measurement Report, MAT Sep25) from CavinKare, has rolled out a brand-new digital campaign titled “So Easy, Anyone Can Do It!”.  Through Ten short, character-driven films, the campaign delivers a fun and relatable take on self-reliance, establishing Indica Easy as the most effortless DIY hair color and the ultimate go-to choice for anyone.

Created to further reinforce the brand’s offering of hassle-free hair color, the campaign smartly flips the script on everyday dependency. It showcases characters who usually lean on others for the simplest tasks but become surprisingly self-sufficient when it comes to coloring their hair with Indica Easy. The result is a light-hearted, sharply observed storytelling format that uses humour to reinforce the functional proposition of ease and convenience.

Speaking about the campaign, Mr Rajat Nanda, Business Head, Personal Care- CavinKare said:

“With our brand-new digital campaign, ‘So Easy, Anyone Can Do It!’, we wanted to celebrate the confidence and independence that comes with taking control of your own hair color. Indica Easy has always been about making hair coloring simple for everyone. Through this campaign, we showcase everyday characters who, despite relying on others for routine tasks, can easily achieve professional-quality hair color at home. The short, engaging films highlight how stress-free the process is, bringing a sense of fun to self-grooming. We are delighted to connect with our audience in a relatable and authentic way, reflecting the growing cultural shift where people value everyday practicality over perfection. Ultimately, this campaign reinforces that with Indica Easy, anyone can confidently color their hair- quickly, easily, and beautifully, without any compromise.”

The DVC series demonstrates how Indica Easy makes hair coloring elementary, convenient, and accessible for everyone. Through everyday, engaging stories, characters like “Lazy Dad”, a father too idle for chores yet confident with his hair, and “Clueless Husband”, who struggles with daily tasks but achieves salon-quality results at home, showcase the brand’s effortless usability. Other films, including Boss, Messy Roommate, Neighbor Aunty, Help Wife, Daughter Dad, Clumsy Husband, and Clueless Friend, bring everyday situations to life with a light and entertaining approach.

The campaign was rolled out across Indica Easy’s official social media channels, leveraging storytelling and wit to spark organic conversations around DIY grooming, convenience, and self-empowerment. Using short-format videos optimized for digital engagement, the campaign taps into a growing cultural shift, where audiences increasingly value authentic, everyday experiences over aspirational perfection.

Rotary Bangalore Midtown Hosts Mast Maja Carnival for children from marginalised communities.

Bangalore, Dec 8: Rotary Bangalore Midtown proudly organized the Mast Maja Carnival at Rangoli Garden, Jakkur, offering a day of joy and enrichment to 325 children aged 9 to 12 from migrant communities  and village communities of  Doddaballapur. This inclusive event featured cultural performances,  village tour, fitness dance sessions, motivational talks, interactive games, pottery and  magic show, all aimed at boosting the children’s confidence, social skills, and emotional well-being.

A seamless and comfortable experience including breakfast, Lunch,  transport was arranged .

Rtn Rajesh Shah, President of Rotary Midtown Bangalore, emphasized the initiative’s significance: “The Mast Maja Carnival is an inclusivity-driven project that empowers children from marginalized communities by giving them opportunities to develop their confidence, social skills, and sense of belonging.”

Youth Services Directors Rtn Vinay Choradia, Rtn Roopamouli, and Chair- Womenwelfare and girl empowerment ,Rtn Nishu Ravikiran expressed their joy at witnessing the event’s success, noting, “The bright smiles on the children’s faces at the end of the day reflected the positive impact the carnival made in their lives.”

Rotary Bangalore Midtown remains committed to creating meaningful experiences that uplift and inspire children from underserved communities.

Unlimitr Welcomes Ex-Googler Gaurav Agarwal as New Co-founder

India Dec 8: Unlimitr an AI-enabled global wellness platform offering accessible, personalized, and culturally adaptive health support  has expanded its leadership team with the induction of Gaurav Agarwal as Co-founder. A seasoned technology leader with expertise in enterprise systems and large-scale architecture, Gaurav has contributed to building billion-dollar product solutions for Fortune 500 giants including Google, Johnson & Johnson, and ExxonMobil.

Born From Personal Struggle, Built for Global Wellness

Unlimitr was founded by Dr. Ruchika Gupta, inspired by her own battle with postpartum health challenges. Despite being a medical professional, she realized that wellness guidance is often fragmented, inaccessible, and lacking contextual empathy — especially for women navigating recovery, motherhood, careers, and household responsibilities.

Her journey shaped Unlimitr’s founding philosophy:

“People don’t just need knowledge, they need support that understands their context,”
said Dr. Ruchika Gupta, Founder & CEO.
“Unlimitr exists so no one feels alone in their wellness journey — especially during life transitions like motherhood.”

A Shift in Purpose: The Co-founder Story;

During this phase, Gaurav was simultaneously navigating a demanding global leadership role across multiple time zones and inconsistent routines. The struggle to maintain wellness amid constant travel sparked a realization.

“Health isn’t a project we do when we have time  it must travel with us,”
he shared.
“Our goal is to build wellness that adapts to real life  for new mothers, working professionals, and people living out of airports.”

Leaving behind a successful role at Google, Gaurav now drives AI product innovation, automation and global scale at Unlimitr.

What Makes Unlimitr Unique;

The platform blends technology with empathy through:

• AI-driven personalization

• Certified human coaching

• Cultural and lifestyle-aligned habit guidance

• Visual and contextual progress insights

Dr. Ruchika added,

“Gaurav brings deep product-thinking and real-world understanding of what professionals need. His expertise will accelerate our vision of an AI-first wellness ecosystem that adapts to individuals across routines, cultures, and geographies.”

Gaurav’s Mandate as Co-founder;

He will lead development and global scaling of:

• AI-driven habit & wellness models

• Travel-friendly seamless continuity systems

• Personalized habit, nutrition & lifestyle recommendations

• Automation architecture for international expansion

• Hybrid AI + human coaching frameworks

His mission focuses on ensuring travelers, global professionals, and mobile users can access wellness guidance anywhere, anytime.

A Growing Global Footprint;

Today, Unlimitr supports individuals across 40+ countries with a network of 5,000+ certified wellness coaches. Valued at $7 million, the platform is expanding in India, the US, and emerging global regions, while strengthening its AI ecosystem for always-on wellness access.

What began as one mother’s fight for holistic recovery has evolved into a global wellness movement  bridging science, empathy, and accessibility.

“Our vision is global, but our empathy comes from lived experience,”
said Dr. Ruchika.
“If Unlimitr can support someone on the day they need it most  that is success.”

BharatBenz Reinforces Commitment to Intercity Mobility with the Launch of New 19.5 Tonn Heavy-Duty Bus

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, today launched the BB1924, the upgraded heavy-duty bus designed specifically for India’s rapidly expanding intercity passenger transport segment. With a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 19,500 kg (19.5T), the BB1924 addresses the critical needs of India’s intercity bus operators who are seeking higher payload capacity, lower operating costs, and enhanced passenger comfort to capitalize on the country’s growing travel demand. With India’s bus market valued at USD 51.09 billion and expanding at 5.36% CAGR through 2030, the new chassis positions BharatBenz to capture a larger share of the premium intercity segment.

Commenting on the launch, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, DICV said,

“The BB1924 represents a paradigm shift in how we think about intercity mobility. By combining advanced safety features, industry-leading localization, and a focus on total cost of ownership, BharatBenz sets a benchmark for value and reliability in intercity mobility. Our extensive field trials with leading operators across routes like Mumbai-Pune, Delhi-Jaipur, and Chennai-Bangalore have demonstrated significant reduction in total cost of ownership compared to existing solutions. 

Comprehensive Support Ecosystem for Operator Success

The BB1924 will be available across BharatBenz’s extensive network of 398 authorized touchpoints across India, ensuring convenient access and pan-India delivery support. To make acquisition seamless, BharatBenz has partnered with 15+ leading banks and NBFCs including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Bajaj Finserv, offering competitive financing with interest rates starting at 8.5% per annum and flexible EMI tenures up to five years. 

BharatBenz’s commitment extends well beyond the point of sale through industry-leading after-sales support. Every BB1924 comes backed by a comprehensive 6-year or 6 lakh kilometer powertrain warranty, complemented by 24×7 roadside assistance across the country. The company guarantees 95% parts availability within 24/48 hours through its robust localized supply chain, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational continuity. Operators can further enhance their fleet management through predictive maintenance enabled by IoT-based telematics, while comprehensive driver and technician training programs conducted in regional languages ensure optimal vehicle performance. The new bus with a maintenance pack (AMC) for up to 6 year/6lakhs kilometer and a dedicated customer support helpline for a complete ownership experience, reinforcing its commitment to long-term operator profitability and peace of mind.

Focus on Passenger Safety

Safety remains a defining pillar of BharatBenz’s engineering philosophy. The BB1924 has been meticulously designed to deliver uncompromised safety for passengers, drivers, and operators alike. Equipped with advanced systems such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC) and a CAN based, ECU controlled electromagnetic retarder with 5-stage control mechanism, ensures enhanced vehicle control and shorter braking distances even under demanding road conditions. The high-tensile steel chassis provides superior structural integrity and crash protection, while factory-fitted Michelin radial tubeless tires offer improved traction and durability. In line with BharatBenz’s holistic approach to safety, dedicated driver training programs and predictive maintenance solutions further strengthen the company’s commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient intercity transportation.

Product Overview

The BB1924 features a 19,500 kg GVW enabling higher passenger capacity (up to 51+1+1 seats) and luggage loads, maximizing per-trip revenue for intercity operators. Built on BharatBenz’s 92% localized supply chain, the chassis delivers superior cost competitiveness and parts availability.

Technical Specifications:

Powertrain

• BS-VI OBD-II OM926, 6-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger & intercooler, producing 241hp of power & 850 Nm of flat torque over wide RPM range
• 6-speed synchromesh gearbox optimized for highway efficiency
• 6-year 6 lakh KM powertrain Warranty 

Safety & Comfort

• Front & rear pneumatic suspension with anti-roll bars
• ABS with EBD
• 5-stage electromagnetic retarder (reduces brake wear by 40%)
• Electronic Stability Control
• Cruise control
• Brake hold assist
• Warning through TFT display

Chassis & Build

• High-tensile steel frame: 255 x 73.3 x 7 mm
• Wheelbase: 6,850 mm
• Factory-fitted Michelin 295/80 R22.5 radial tubeless tires

Operational Features

• Fuel tank capacity: 380L (1,300+ km range)
• Service intervals: 1st service at 60,000 km after that at every 1,20,000 kilometers
• Designed for 10–15 years service life

Vedanta Presents Immersive ‘Dastaan-e-Metals’ Experience at Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025

Chandigarh, Dec  08: Vedanta Ltd, world’s leading critical minerals, energy transition metals, oil & gas, power and technology conglomerate, marked a successful association with Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious platforms celebrating Urdu language, art and culture. Held from 5th– 7th December, the festival featured legendary writer-poet Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, renowned singer Sukhwinder Singh, over 300 artists, and 35 enriching sessions, bringing together some of the most influential voices from India’s cultural landscape.

The festival provided Vedanta with a powerful platform to present “Dastaan-e-Metals From the Art of the Past to the Metals of the Future,” an immersive experience tracing the company’s journey from India’s ancient metallurgical heritage to its future-ready industrial innovations.

The centrepiece of the showcase was a cutting-edge VR experience that transported visitors deep into Vedanta’s Rampura Agucha Mine in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district, the world’s largest and a global benchmark in sustainable mining. Through this immersive tour, guests witnessed how modern technology, scientific extraction methods, and responsible practices come together to produce critical minerals. The journey seamlessly traced the complete lifecycle of metals: from ore discovery beneath the Earth’s surface to Vedanta’s advanced smelters, where they are transformed into high-quality zinc, lead and other vital resources.

The virtual walkthrough then opened into a curated gallery demonstrating the indispensable role of these refined metals in everyday life aluminium from Vedanta’s world-class Jharsuguda smelter powering mobility and aerospace, copper enabling India’s electronics and digital infrastructure, zinc strengthening national infrastructure through galvanisation, and silver driving the future of clean and renewable energy.

Adding a powerful historical dimension was a rare 2,500-year-old zinc retort from the world’s most ancient Zawar mines of Vedanta in Rajasthan. This remarkable artefact not only reflects India’s pioneering mastery of metallurgy but also embodies the legacy of innovation that Vedanta continues to advance through its fully integrated mining-to-metals value chain.

Vedanta also supported the Rekhta Mushaira on 6th December, which brought together celebrated Urdu literary voices including Wasim Barelvi, Javed Akhtar, Hilal Fareed, Shariq Kaifi and others. The session added to the cultural richness of the festival and further strengthened Vedanta’s support for India’s literary traditions.

Extending beyond industry, Vedanta showcased a social impact display featuring live art demonstrations by artisans along with traditional craft forms such as Odisha’s Dhokra sculptures, Saura paintings, Rajasthan’s Ajrak textiles, and Bilona ghee produced by rural women’s collectives. This segment reflected Vedanta’s commitment to cultural preservation, sustainable livelihoods and community empowerment.

Lt.Col. Dinesh Garg (Retd.) visited Vedanta’s stall and said

“This is the Dilli Haat of metals and mining a uniquely curated space where you can explore everything from ancient metallurgical heritage to the most advanced technologies shaping India’s future”

Another visitor added,

“I’ve never seen metals storytelling and technology blended so seamlessly. The VR-led Dastaan-e-Metals experience was truly amazing, and the community initiatives showcase with live artisan demonstrations added a powerful dimension, reflecting real craftsmanship, real impact and the deeper purpose that defines Vedanta’s vision.”

Reflecting on the association, Vedanta’s spokesperson noted that Jashn-e-Rekhta offered an important opportunity to celebrate the confluence of heritage and innovation. The Dastaan-e-Metals experience, they shared, reflects Vedanta’s belief that India’s future is rooted in its cultural legacy, where the artistry of the past and the science of the future come together to shape national progress.

Apart from Jashn-e-Rekhta, Vedanta supports several distinguished cultural and literary platforms, including the Vedanta Jaigarh Heritage Festival, the Jaipur Literature Festival, and the Vedanta Udaipur Music Festival. Through these initiatives, Vedanta brings heritage, community and innovation together on a single stage, strengthening its vision of an India that stands as a global cultural capital, an economic powerhouse and a symbol of resilience and opportunity. 

Commandant Swati Sharma Honoured for Outstanding Service to Rajasthan Home Guards

SpinItUp Secures INR 50 Lakh Pre-Seed Funding from Zee TV Ideabaaz Titans

India, Dec 8:- SpinItUp, India’s first interactive music commerce platform that lets club-goers pay to request their favorite songs during live DJ sets, today announced that it has secured INR 50 Lakh in pre-seed funding from Zee TV Ideabaaz Titans; Jimmy Mistry (Della Adventure Resorts), Anupam Bansal (Liberty Shoes) and Archana Jehagirdar (Rukam Capital), at a valuation of INR 10 Crore.