Category Archives: News

Lupin Receives EIR from U.S. FDA for its Pithampur Unit-3 Facility

Mumbai, 06th November, 2025: Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) today announced that it has received the Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) for its Pithampur Unit-3 facility, following an inspection from July 7 to July 17, 2025. The facility manufactures metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, topical formulations, and nasal solutions.

Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director, Lupin said, “We are pleased to have received the EIR from the U.S. FDA for our Pithampur Unit-3 facility. This demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and quality, as we aim to deliver high-quality, affordable medicines from world-class factories for patients worldwide.”

Virtusa Foundation Revives Ranglal Kunta Lake in Hyderabad

Virtusa Foundation Restores Ranglal Kunta Lake in Hyderabad’s Financial District

India, 06th November, 2025: Virtusa Corporation, a leading product and platform engineering services company, through its philanthropic arm, Virtusa Foundation, has successfully completed the restoration of Ranglal Kunta Lake in Hyderabad’s Financial District. In partnership with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and implemented by United Way of Hyderabad, the project has transformed the 3.5-acre lake near Virtusa’s Hyderabad campus into a thriving urban ecosystem and a clean, green recreational space for the surrounding communities.

The rejuvenation underscores Virtusa Foundation’s continued efforts to create sustainable environmental impact and improving community well-being. The comprehensive restoration program over two and a half years has transformed the dry lakebed into a healthy water body now capable of sustaining both nature and community life. This dry lakebed has regained its full water-holding capacity of 24 million litres, ensuring year-round water retention. The return of over 14 native species of birds, butterflies, and other fauna and flora have revived the local ecosystem. The enhanced groundwater recharge and an improved microclimate have brought direct benefits to employees working within the immediate vicinity of the financial district.

The Ranglal Kunta Lake had long suffered from continuous sewage discharge from the Nanakramguda area. With support from GHMC, these sewage inflows were diverted to a nearby drain, addressing a long-standing environmental challenge and enabling the restoration to move forward. The rejuvenation involved extensive desilting and deepening of the lakebed, construction of a stone-pitched bund, and installation of bio-remediation systems with aeration support. The project also introduced a pedestrian walkway with secure fencing, a landscaped green zone with a plantation, a gazebo, a pergola, and seating areas, along with a weir gate to regulate water levels and maintain ecological balance. The restored lake now serves as a community-friendly green space that connects people with nature while supporting a healthy ecosystem. This, in turn, contributes to Hyderabad’s vision for sustainable urban living and reflects Virtusa’s belief that healthy environments nurture stronger communities. 

The replenished lake was inaugurated today in the presence of Arekapudi Gandhi, MLA, Serilingampally; Hemanth Borkhade, IAS, Zonal Commissioner, GHMC; M. Kavitha, Zonal Commissioner, TGIIC; Madhuri Duggirala, Vice President, gTech Ads Solutions, Google Hyderabad Site Lead. Their participation reflected a shared vision for sustainable urban development and environmental rejuvenation in Hyderabad’s Financial District. 

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Bajoria, Chief Financial Officer, Virtusa Corporation, said, “

At Virtusa, sustainability is a core responsibility that guides how we contribute to communities and the environment. The restoration of Ranglal Kunta Lake reflects our belief that progress and purpose can move together. What was once a barren space has now become a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity and community well-being. This transformation shows that when organizations, civic bodies, and citizens work with shared intent, change becomes visible, lasting, and deeply fulfilling. For Virtusa, this initiative reflects our purpose of making experiences better with technology and responsibility, bringing together innovation and compassion to build communities that thrive.”

This initiative is part of Virtusa’s broader sustainability vision, reflecting its commitment to engineering measurable environmental impact and fostering sustainable urban ecosystems. Through strategic partnerships and active community engagement, the Virtusa Foundation continues to address societal challenges while empowering individuals and communities to create lasting social outcomes, guided by its purpose of making experiences better with technology.

Curtain Up on a Bigger Canvas: TIFA 2025 Poised to Elevate Young Filmmakers and Content Creators

Bangalore, 6th November 2025: The Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) 2025, hosted by RV University’s School of Film, Media & Creative Arts in Bengaluru, is set to become an even more powerful stage for young filmmakers and content creators aged 13 to 25. Building on its recent growth, TIFA has quickly established itself as the city’s third-largest film festival after BIFFES and BISFF.

At its core, TIFA is not just a festival, but a launchpad where budding filmmakers meet industry. At the curtain raiser of TIFA 2025, H. N. Narahari Rao, President of Suchitra Film Society, unveiled the festival catalogue and teaser. The event also featured the screening of select films representing four continents and spanning four genres, offering a glimpse into the diversity and creative spirit of this year’s festival.

This year, the five-day festival is thoughtfully structured around key thematic zones, moving beyond a standard film celebration: Media Day (focused on journalism and media), AVGC Day (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), Regional Cinema Day (Karnataka as state in focus) and the Awards Night.

The esteemed jury panel features prominent names, including Television and Film Actor Amit Behl; Editor – International at TV9, R Sridharan; Assamese filmmaker and critic Utpal Datta; CEO and Founder of The Bridge, Amanda Groom; and Founder of Custard Apple Pictures, M.N. Gujari, Author, Ed Vollans, among others.

TIFA 2025 is deepening its focus on industry connections through partnerships with leading media houses and film production companies. Major players in the realm of Film and Media, such as Frameboxx, Hombale Films, TV9, among others will host dedicated sessions and masterclasses throughout the festival.

The festival will host a series of high-stake competitions designed to discover emerging voices in Film, Media & Creative Arts, including the AVGC Hackathon, RJ Hunt, and The Talent Hunt for Emerging Filmmakers of Tomorrow (THEFT), a thrilling 48-hour filmmaking challenge where winners stand a chance to be launched by Hombale Films.

“At 300+ submissions from 40 countries and six continents, TIFA, in its fourth edition, has truly emerged as India’s largest student-led global film festival dedicated to teenage and young adult filmmakers” said Prof. Piyush Roy, Founding Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at RV University. “With TIFA, we are creating a clear pathway from campus to screen, from idea to audience, and from young talent straight into professional careers.”

“With finalists having been selected across several genres – fiction, documentary, experimental and animation – and from different regions of Karnataka, India and the world, the festival is also emphasising its regional, national, and global breadth. TIFA will feature an opening film from North East India and has a clear roadmap for a future roadshow in Guwahati to further extend the platform’s national reach will seek to underline themes of childhood and diversity in the youth experience from across the world,” said Vedant Panamgipalli, 3rd Year BSc. Filmmaking Student at the School of Film, Media and Creative Arts and Festival Director of TIFA 2025.

Those interested in attending the festival must register ahead to join this unparalleled celebration of youth creativity.

10th International Conference on Waste to Worth Technologies

Mumbai, 5th November, 2025:  “India’s future lies in converting waste and agricultural biomass into clean energy. This mission is not only about waste management, it is about protecting our ecology, improving public health, and strengthening India’s development vision” said Mr Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India in his video message at the CII 10th International Conference on Waste to Worth Technologies.

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India in his video message underscored that India’s future lies in converting waste and agricultural biomass into clean energy an import-substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free solution to make the country self-reliant. He emphasized that innovation in bioenergy is crucial to curb air pollution caused by crop residue burning and to accelerate the shift toward a circular economy

The third edition of the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF–3) was also launched at the 10th International Conference on Waste to Worth Technologies to accelerate India’s transition towards a resource-efficient and sustainable circular economy. NCEF–3 expands its scope to twenty priority materials and focuses on actionable implementation, measurable outcomes, and accountability to operationalize circularity at scale.

While addressing at the Inaugural session, Shri V K Chaurasia, Advisor in-Charge, CPHEEO, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs emphasized that true progress in waste management and circularity will come through collective effort, with industry, innovators, and government working in close coordination to create an enabling framework for sustainable growth. 

In his Welcome address, Mr Masood Mallick, Chairman, CII National Committee on Waste to Worth Technologies, Managing Director & Group CEO, Re Sustainability highlighted the need for improved processing and value creation, which shall help accelerate India’s journey towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy. He called for establishment of a transparent circularity measurement systems, the creation of green jobs, and strengthening India’s global collaborations through international missions.

Nearly 50 organizations were felicitated at the 6th edition of the CII 4R Awards 2025 that recognize and celebrate organizations demonstrating outstanding leadership in Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair (4R) practices. A Compendium of Best Practices highlighting innovative circular economy models and scalable waste-to-worth solutions was also released during the conference. 

The conference also witnessed the maiden launch of Young 4R Awards. The award aims to motivate young minds below the age of 35 and promote sustainability and waste management.

Nearly 10 organizations also showcased their waste to worth technologies at the Conference. 

The conference was attended by over 300 delegates, including senior government officials, industry leaders, international experts, and academic thought leaders, who engaged in day-long discussions on a wide spectrum of themes. The deliberations focused on governance frameworks, the transition to a circular economy, technological innovations, intellectual property partnerships for sustainable growth, and emerging opportunities in waste management and circular practices.

TiE Delhi-NCR & Binary Semantics Reveal 2025 Emerging Finance Leaders

Celebrating Financial Visionaries: TiE Delhi-NCR and Binary Semantics Announce Winners of the 3rd Emerging Finance Leader Awards 2025

New Delhi, 05th November, 2025: The 3rd edition of the Emerging Finance Leader Awards 2025, jointly hosted by TiE Delhi-NCR and Binary Semantics, culminated in a grand celebration at TiEcon Delhi 2025, held on October 29–30, 2025, at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. The awards shone a spotlight on India’s most visionary finance leaders, the strategic minds driving innovation, accountability, and growth across the country’s dynamic startup ecosystem. 3rd edition of the Emerging Finance Leader Awards 2025, jointly hosted by TiE Delhi-NCR and Binary Semantics, concluded on a high note at TiEcon Delhi 2025, celebrating the finance leaders powering India’s entrepreneurial success.

Held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, the awards spotlighted the trailblazing CFOs and financial strategists who are steering India’s new-age businesses with innovation, accountability, and foresight. The initiative, originally launched as the Startup CFO Awards in 2023, has evolved into a platform that honors leaders who combine financial acumen with transformative thinking to build sustainable, scalable organizations.

The 2025 edition recognized excellence across seven categories: B2B & Cleantech Finance Leader of the Year, Consumer Startup Finance Leader of the Year, Governance, Compliance & Reporting Excellence Award, AI & Digital Enablement Finance Leader of the Year, Fintech Finance Leader of the Year, Most Capital-Efficient Finance Leader of the Year, and Fastest Growing Startup Finance Leader of the Year.

Honorees this year represented a wide spectrum of industries, from AI, fintech, and governance to B2B and cleantech, celebrating excellence and innovation across sectors including:

• Praveen Boda, CFO – Mygate (Vivish Technologies Private Limited) under Most Capital Efficient
• Abhilove Sharda, Head of Finance & Director – Credflow under Fintech
• Tanmay Kumar, Group CFO – Shiprocket under Fastest Growing
• Utkarsh Khandelwal, Founder & CFO – Infloso AI under AI & Digital Enablement
• Priyanka Gupta, Head of Finance – Ignox Labs Pvt. Ltd. (EMOHA) under Governance, Compliance & Reporting
• Apurva Dalmia, Head of Finance, Legal & Admin – Pepper Content under B2B & Cleantech
• Anant Kapur, Director & CFO – NICO Nanobubble India Co. (M/s Neer Shakti Systems Pvt. Ltd.) under B2B & Cleantech

“In its 3rd year of association with Binary Semantics, we’re glad to celebrate the 2025 cohort of Emerging Finance Leaders, representing the best of India’s new-age economy. These visionaries from diverse sectors are driving incisive innovation and strategic growth, redefining finance as a force shaping the future of Indian enterprise,” said Upasana Sharma, Executive Director, TiE Delhi-NCR.

The distinguished jury, comprising Kunal Singhal (MD, Eazy ERP Technologies Pvt Ltd) and Sandeep Gupta (Managing Partner, SRGA & Co.), evaluated nominations across parameters of governance, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable impact.

Srijan Choudhary, Director at Binary Semantics, added, “This year’s winners exemplify how technology and finance can converge to drive responsible growth. From harnessing AI and automation to building scalable and compliant systems, these leaders are setting new standards of excellence. At Binary Semantics, we’re proud to partner with TiE Delhi-NCR in recognizing those who are reimagining financial leadership for a digital-first, innovation-driven economy.”

All shortlisted finalists will receive a six-month complimentary subscription to GSTrobo®, Binary Semantics’ AI-powered GST compliance software, as part of the initiative’s commitment to enabling technology-driven finance excellence.

Now in its third year, the Emerging Finance Leader Awards have become a movement, spotlighting financial stewardship as a strategic pillar of startup success. By bridging innovation and integrity, these awards reaffirm TiE Delhi-NCR and Binary Semantics’ shared vision of empowering finance leaders to shape the future of business in India.

Saudi Arabia Launches Second Edition of ‘Global Harmony’ with Spotlight on India Week

New Delhi, 3rd November, 2025: The Ministry of Media, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, launched the second edition of the ‘Global Harmony’ initiative on November 2, with ‘India Week’ as its inaugural celebration under the Riyadh Season. 

Part of the Quality-of-Life Program supporting Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative seeks to celebrate the diversity of residents living in the Kingdom spotlighting their contributions, cultural heritage, and successful integration into Saudi society.

The Global Harmony initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, coexistence, and cross-cultural understanding. It highlights the lives of residents in Saudi Arabia across all aspects professional, social, and recreational and celebrates their role in enriching the nation’s cultural and economic landscape.

As part of this year’s edition, the Ministry of Media, in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), will host a series of cultural and entertainment events within the Riyadh Season. The festivities will begin with ‘India Week’, honoring the Indian community’s longstanding contribution to the Kingdom and showcasing India’s vibrant cultural identity through music, dance, cuisine, art, and traditional crafts. Prominent Indian media representatives, artists, and cultural personalities will participate, highlighting the shared cultural bridge between the two nations.

Appreciating the efforts by the Ministry of Media and the General Entertainment Authority for organizing the Indian cultural festival at the Suwaidi Park in Riyadh under the Global Harmony Initiative, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said “Building on the success of the last edition in 2024, this year’s preparations promise to be an even bigger celebration of Indian music, dance, cuisines and handicraft, with the participation of well-known Indian artists and performers. I once again complement the Ministry of Media and the General Entertainment Authority for their significant contribution in promoting cross-cultural understanding under the Global Harmony Initiative. It’s an excellent effort to build cultural bridges, promote stronger people-to-people ties and reaffirm the close historical bonds between India and Saudi Arabia.”

The wider Global Harmony Initiative will celebrate 14 diverse cultures represented by residents in the Kingdom, including those from India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Uganda, and Ethiopia among others. The events will feature concerts, traveling performances, family-friendly cultural activities, traditional foods, and handicraft showcases, welcoming citizens and residents of all nationalities.

Canon India Adopts 10th Village, Sathanuru, Under ‘Adopt a Village’ Initiative

Canon India marks milestone with the adoption of its 10th village, Sathanuru, Karnataka, under the ‘Adopt a Village’ initiative

Karnataka, 1st November, 2025:  Strengthening its commitment towards sustainable growth across regions of India, Canon India announced the adoption of Sathanuru Village in Karnataka, marking the 10th village to join Canon’s ‘Adopt a Village’ flagship initiative. Marking this milestone, Canon aims to set forth its efforts towards continuous and inclusive growth in southern region, bringing education infrastructure, women empowerment, environmental awareness, and a vision to solidify the communities. The inaugural celebrations were led by Mr. C. Sukumaran, Senior Director, Product and Communication, Canon India, in the presence of Mr. Mattigowda Block Education Officer. 

The new village adoption marks the next strategic expansion of the initiative in Southern India, where Canon has been driving holistic transformation in villages like Maharaja Katte and Annadodi near Bengaluru. Under the adoption of Sathanuru Village, Canon will focus on its key pillars of community development including Education, Eye Care, Environment, and Empowerment bringing together a fostered, self-reliant and sustainable community ecosystem. Further, underscoring Canon India’s ongoing mission to uplift the underserved communities and contribute meaningfully to inclusive growth.

As part of the ‘Adopt a Village’ initiative launched in 2012, Canon India has been undertaking the overall development of villages across India for a certain period. Through its efforts, Canon has touched more than 300,000 lives across the country, with active involvement of over 11,500+ volunteers from Canon. This year, the initiative has successfully completed the five-year transformation journey of Parivali Village in Maharashtra and celebrated the three-year milestone of its association with Nandrampur Bass in Haryana. Both the villages stand as strong examples of Canon’s sustained interventions, which has collectively nurtured self-reliant and sustainable communities.

Speaking on the announcement Mr. C. Sukumaran, Senior Director, Product & Communications, said “At Canon, we believe real development begins when communities are empowered to shape their own futures. For over 14 years, our ‘Adopt a Village’ initiative has created pathways to education, livelihood, and sustainable progress across rural India. Today, as we mark the landmark 10th village adoption with Sathanuru in Karnataka, we are proud to extend this journey of transformation. In Southern India, villages like Maharaja Katte and Annadodi, near Bengaluru, stand as living examples that access to quality education and sustainable development can inspire self-reliance. With Sathanuru, we reaffirm our commitment to driving long-term community empowerment and nurturing change that will impact generations to come.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Sends 100 Skilled Youth for Global Training to Japan

Mumbai, 1st November, 2025: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced that 100 members will travel to Japan to participate in the Global Skill-Up Training (GST) program at Toyota Motor Corporation. The initiative reflects TKM’s deep commitment to nurturing globally competitive talent and aligns with the Government of India’s Skill India Mission and the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) a collaborative framework between the Governments of India and Japan for international skill development and talent exchange.

The Global Skill-Up Training Program at Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan, spans 11 months, combining classroom sessions with intensive on-the-job training. It emphasizes Toyota’s core principles while nurturing teamwork, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding. Trainees are also oriented towards Japanese language, culture, and civic responsibility to prepare for global integration.

The event was graced by the presence of Hon’ble Minister Dr. Sharanaprakash Rudrappa Patil, Minister for Skill Development, Government of Karnataka and Ms. Sonal Mishra, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India along-with Toyota Kirloskar India Team.  

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We at Toyota Kirloskar Motor are deeply committed to nurturing globally competitive talent from India. The Global Skill Up Training Program is more than just a learning opportunity; it is a journey to experience excellence, discipline, innovation, and respect on a global stage. Through this initiative, we aim to empower our youth with world class technical expertise and the values that define Toyota’s culture, while contributing to the Government of India’s Skill India vision. Together, we aspire to make India a global hub for people, solutions, and automobiles, and together we will make that vision a reality.”

Appreciating TKM’s training program, Dr. Sharanaprakash Rudrappa Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development, Government of Karnataka, “We are proud to see our youth getting access to this global opportunity with Toyota. This program aligns strongly with our vision to position Karnataka as a hub for advanced skills while empowering rural talent to access world-class career opportunities.”

Ms. Sonal Mishra, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, “The collaboration between MSDE and Toyota under the TITP framework represents India’s growing role as a trusted global source of highly skilled professionals. This international apprenticeship opportunity will accelerate India’s contribution to global value chains and enable our youth to build future-ready careers.”

As an National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)-approved Sending Organization, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has facilitated the overseas training of over 1000 youth in countries including Japan, Jordan, Qatar, and Slovakia, reinforcing its commitment to advancing global mobility and cross-cultural learning. The TITP framework provides Indian youth with an opportunity to acquire international technical experience, contribute to Japan’s workforce, and return as globally skilled professionals ready to support India’s industrial growth.

Guided by the vision “Grow India and Grow with India” and the mission “Producing Happiness for All,” TKM believes that industrial progress and social progress must advance together. Since its establishment in 1997, the company has focused on developing people and creating shared value for the community through holistic learning and skilling initiatives.

Toyota’s Skilling Initiatives

Under the Toyota India Center of Excellence, TKM has built an integrated framework for human resource development that operates at three levels.  At the elementary level, it instils discipline, responsibility, and good citizenship among school students through value-based education. At the technician level, it develops world-class technicians through the renowned Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) model, combining classroom and on-the-job learning. At the advanced level, it focuses on leadership and new-age skill development, preparing Auto-IT technicians and engineers in partnership with universities to meet emerging industry demands.

Through this multi-tier skilling initiatives, over 1,40,000 youth across India, many from Karnataka, have been trained and empowered. TKM also supports over 100 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Karnataka through faculty development, infrastructure support, and culture-building. In collaboration with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka, TKM is further enhancing vocational education for 800 students across seven districts, fostering employability and social progress.

Through initiatives such as Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), Toyota Kaushalya, and leadership programs under the Toyota India Center of Excellence, TKM continues to champion the “Rural to Global” transformation — building human capability that drives both national development and international collaboration.

Amla Navami and Radha Pada Darshan: A Divine Glimpse of Devotion and Nature in Odisha

The sacred month of Kartik holds immense significance in Odisha’s spiritual calendar. Among its many divine observances, Amla Navami, also known as Radha Pada Darshan, stands out as a festival that beautifully blends devotion, mythology, and reverence for nature. Celebrated on the ninth day (Navami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Kartik month, the day is believed to bring endless prosperity, purity, and blessings to devotees.

The Sacred Tree of Immortality

On this auspicious day, devotees worship the Amla (Indian Gooseberry) tree, considered a sacred embodiment of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that any act of charity or devotion performed under an Amla tree on this day yields Akshaya Punya—merit that never diminishes. This belief gives the festival another revered name, Akshaya Navami.

In traditional Odia households, especially among Habisyalis (women observing Kartik vows), special rituals are performed under the shade of the Amla tree. Devotees bathe the image of Lord Vishnu with holy water beneath the tree, cook simple sanctified food (Habisya Anna), and partake in it as prasada. Circumambulating the tree is believed to grant longevity, good health, and divine blessings. The day is thus not only a religious observance but also a celebration of nature’s generosity — expressing gratitude to the life-giving environment.

The Legend of Radha Pada Darshan

Beyond its ecological symbolism, Amla Navami holds a deeply spiritual connection in Odisha, particularly at the Sakhigopal Temple, near Puri. Here, the festival coincides with the Radha Pada Darshan Yatra, a day when devotees are granted a rare glimpse of Maa Radha’s sacred feet — a vision believed to absolve one of countless sins and bless the devotee with eternal bliss.

According to the temple legend, Lord Krishna once appeared in the form of Sakhigopal (Witness Gopal) to defend the honor of a humble devotee. Over centuries, the divine idol journeyed from Vrindavan to Kanchi, and eventually to Odisha, where King Purushottama Deva enshrined Him near Puri. But when the Lord took residence there, His beloved Radha remained in Vrindavan, leading to their separation. To fulfill this divine longing, Radha was later reborn in human form as Lakshmi, the daughter of the temple priest Beleswar Mahapatra of Satyabadi. Each night, the Lord would secretly visit her — their reunion celebrated in the sacred groves known as Bakula Ban, often described as “Gupta Vrindavan” or the hidden Vrindavan of Odisha.

When the king mistakenly accused the priest of wrongdoing, Lord Sakhigopal appeared in the king’s dream, revealing the divine truth and commanding that a golden idol of Radha be created and installed beside Him. The day this idol was consecrated, Lakshmi left her mortal body, and her tomb was later transformed into a Mahavir Temple, which still stands near the shrine.

The Divine Vision and the Odia Attire

The story further tells that, in memory of Radha’s human incarnation, her idol remained draped year-round in long garments — concealing her divine feet. But once a year, on Amla Navami, she appears in her Odia attire (Odiani Besha), and devotees are blessed with the rare opportunity of Radha Pada Darshan — the sacred sight of her lotus feet.

On this day, both deities are dressed in resplendent attire. Lord Gopal is adorned in the Natabara Besha (the charming dancer form), wearing a golden crown and holding a golden flute, while Maa Radha is decorated with traditional Odia ornaments — paunji (anklets), kundala (earrings), chandrika, nose ring, and the sacred Amla mala (necklace made of gooseberries). The temple resonates with devotional songs, rituals, and the fragrance of flowers and incense, as thousands gather for a glimpse of the divine pair.

Outside the temple, devotees tie red threads smeared with vermilion around Amla trees, praying for the fulfillment of their wishes, marital happiness, and the well-being of their children.

A Celebration of Nature, Faith, and Eternal Love

While the legends and rituals give the day its deep spiritual essence, Amla Navami also stands as a reminder of India’s ancient tradition of living in harmony with nature. Worshipping the Amla tree signifies gratitude to the environment that sustains life. Sitting beneath its shade or partaking of food there is believed to heal the body and calm the mind.

The spiritual significance of the day — the union of Radha and Krishna, nature and divinity, devotion and gratitude — makes Amla Navami a celebration of love and balance. Whether one believes in the myths or cherishes the symbolism, the festival’s essence remains universal: to honour the divine in nature, to find purity in devotion, and to live in harmony with all that sustains us.

Conclusion

Amla Navami and Radha Pada Darshan together remind us that faith is not separate from nature — it flows through the trees, rivers, and traditions that define our culture.

Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 Unveils Second Round of Speaker Announcements

Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, Presented by Vedanta, Announces More Names in Second Speaker Announcement

Jaipur, 30th October 2025: The Jaipur Literature Festival, celebrated globally as an iconic celebration of books, ideas and storytelling, announces another set of distinguished speakers for its upcoming 19th edition. The Festival will take place from 15th to 19th January 2026 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, and continue its tradition of bringing together diverse voices that shape literary and cultural landscapes.

This year’s announcement introduces an array of authors, thinkers, and artists who represent a rich variety of perspectives and disciplines. The confirmed names include Senior Physicist at CERN Geneva Archana Sharma; former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India Arvind Subramanian; Nobel Prize-winning economist Esther Duflo; Nobel Prize-winning economist Tanya Talaga; former Taoiseach of Ireland Leo Varadkar; noted art historian and curator Debra Diamond; editor of Private Eye and renowned satirist Ian Hislop; celebrated poet and novelist Jeet Thayil; Booker Prize-winning author Kiran Desai; award-winning nature poet Alice Oswald; art critic and broadcaster Andrew Graham-Dixon; bestselling novelist Ashwin Sanghi; pathbreaking writer Kunzang Choden Roder; historian and biographer Narayani Basu; acclaimed nutritionist and author Rujuta Diwekar; award-winning writer and chronicler of the Himalaya Stephen Alter; disability rights activist and writer Tarini Mohan; literary advocate and publisher William Sieghart; and Telugu feminist writer Volga.

Namita Gokhale, Co-Director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, shared: “Come January, the greatest literature festival on earth returns to Jaipur! It provides a crucial cross-fertilisation of ideas and literary narratives in our fractured world. The multilingual lineup of writers and speakers is as diverse and eclectic as ever, showcasing the best of recent writing from across the Indian languages and the globe. With themes that are classic, radical and timeless the 19th edition of our festival provides windows to many worlds and glimpses into the future.

William Dalrymple, Co-Director, added: “This year we present one of our most extraordinary line-ups since the festival began, including many of the world’s most celebrated writers, thinkers, poets and satirists. Do not miss Jaipur ’26- it’s going to be completely astonishing.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said: “The Jaipur Literature Festival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of free expression, diversity, and the power of narrative to build bridges. As we approach our 19th edition, we’re proud to offer a platform where voices from around the world can engage, inspire, and transform audiences through the art of storytelling.”

Priya Agarwal, Director, Vedanta Resources, said: “At Vedanta, our partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival reflects our belief that when creativity and conversation come together, they can shape a more connected and compassionate world. As the Festival enters its 19th edition, we are proud to support a platform that celebrates diverse voices and the timeless power of storytelling to drive progress.”

Alongside its literary sessions, Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 will present a diverse programme including the much-loved Heritage Evenings, set against the historic backdrop of Jaipur, featuring music, poetry, and performance. The Jaipur Music Stage will showcase leading Indian and international musicians in performance alongside the festival. The industry-focused Jaipur BookMark (JBM) will once again provide a premier platform for publishers, agents, authors, and other stakeholders to network and collaborate. Now in its 19th year, the Jaipur Literature Festival remains committed to being an accessible, inclusive space where writers, thinkers, and audiences come together to celebrate ideas and the universal love for stories.