Category Archives: News

One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025 Kicks Off at Sathya Sai Grama

One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025 Kicks Off at Sathya Sai Grama – 100 Days, 100 Nations, One Mission of Global Harmony

Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli – A spectacular global gathering began today as the One World One Family Mission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture World Oe, Government of India, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), launched the Onne Family World Cultural Festival 2025 at Sathya Sai Grama, Karnataka.

The Festival will run for 100 days, uniting 100 nations in a celebration of culture, spirituality, service, and shared humanity. From sacred traditions to modern expressions, from interfaith dialogue to artistic performances, the Festival seeks to reaffirm a simple truth: despite borders and divisions, the world can still stand together as one family.

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Honourable Minister of Culture, Government of India, extended a warm welcome to all participating nations and announced a special cultural exhibition supported by IGNCA to showcase the richness of Indian heritage.

Mr Mahendra D, Regional Director of IGNCA Southern Regional Centre, Bengaluru, expressed strong support for the Festival’s vision of harmony and unity.

Padma Bhushan Shri Subramanian Ramadorai, Chairperson of Mission Karmayogi Bharat and Former Chairman of Kalakshetra Foundation, emphasised the Festival’s message of “caring and sharing, generosity, goodwill, understanding, and cooperation”.

Dr T. B. Jayachandra, Honourable MLA from Sira and the State’s Special Representative in Delhi, praised the initiative as both a celebration of global culture and a continuation of a legacy rooted in love and service.

Delivering the keynote, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Founder of the One World One Family Mission, described culture as “connection, concern, collaboration, coexistence, and cocreation”, and invited the world to join this once-in-a-century experience of oneness, love, and peace.

The celebrations concluded with a powerful cultural performance, “Vande Mataram”, by students and staff of the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, setting the tone for the days ahead.

The World Cultural Festival 2025 promises to be a landmark in global cultural and spiritual exchange, shining a light on the values that unite humanity beyond geography, faith, and tradition.

BCI Chief Manan Kumar Mishra Urges Law Graduates to Prioritize Service, Outlines Legal Career Stages

14th August 2025: Urging aspiring lawyers to serve society and help build a better nation, Member of Parliament and Bar Council of India Chairman, Hon’ble Shri Manan Kumar Mishra, called upon them to prioritise pro bono service over monetary gains.

The senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India, speaking as Chief Guest at the Convocation Ceremony of SVKM’s NMIMS Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, said that those entering the litigation field without any godfather are ‘first-generation warriors’ who must pass through multiple stages of hard work and perseverance before they start earning in lakhs for just a few minutes of arguing in court.

“Those who enter litigation with no godfather will have to go through four stages. Most get disheartened in the first stage and look for alternative careers. But a determined few move to the second stage, here they get a senior’s office, some work, a few clients, but still no money. The third stage is when your dedication is recognised and some money starts to come in. The fourth and final stage is the most rewarding, when you have your own juniors doing research, preparing briefs, drafts, and citations. You walk into court, argue for just a few minutes, and get paid in lakhs,” Mishra said.

He emphasised that degrees alone are not enough to practise law, and that the real filter is the All India Bar Examination, which must be cleared to be eligible for practice. “You, as students of Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, NMIMS, are fortunate to have good colleges, libraries, teachers, and facilities. But over 70% of law institutions lack proper infrastructure and quality faculty. There are unfair practices during exams, PhDs and degrees are being sold. Hence, the Bar Council of India introduced the All India Bar Examination. A lawyer may get a degree but cannot practise in court without clearing it,” he added.

The convocation saw degrees conferred upon students from the BA LL.B. (Hons.), BBA LL.B. (Hons.), and Master of Laws (LL.M.) programmes, with awards presented to high performers, all-round achievers, faculty, and staff.

Dean Dr. Durgambini Patel presented the annual report and congratulated the graduating batch. “Today signifies a momentous occasion when we continue to set new benchmarks. We celebrate our students for crossing a huge milestone and our teachers for passing on the legacy of shaping excellent legal minds. The 2025 batch exemplifies resilience, excellence, and ambition,” she said.

She also highlighted student placements with leading organisations such as Bharucha & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, IC Universal Legal, Khaitan & Co., Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd., JSA, and Rastriya Banijya Bank. “Remember, students, you are not just graduates, you are the torchbearers of justice, innovation, and leadership,” she added.

The ceremony concluded with the Graduate Oath and a Sustainability Oath, highlighting the school’s commitment to ethical and socially conscious law practice.

Freedom Within: Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary Launches Immerse in India This Independence Day

When devotion blends with introspection, freedom finds its truest meaning within.
From 15th to 17th August 2025, Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary, nestled in the tranquil embrace of Peacock Valley, Khadakwasla (Pune), announces ‘Immerse in India, The Wellness Way’, a three-day experiential retreat in collaboration with HG Radheshyam Das and Air Commodore (Veteran) Nitin Sathe. Seamlessly aligning Janmashtami and Independence Day, the retreat invites seekers to make the most of the long weekend by exploring Bhakti, Balance, and Patriotism through an immersive journey of spiritual and cultural awakening.

Guided by the wisdom and presence of HG Radheshyam Das he is giving a lecture on Janmashtami (ISKCON NVCC), the day unfolds through an immersive talk session on Glory of India by Air Commodore (Veteran) Nitin Sathe.

Following this, the day continues with Kirtans, a soul-stirring cultural performance, the divine ritual of Pushp Abhishek, and moments of collective joy through music, dance, and prasadam. Over the weekend, participants will also experience curated yoga sessions, Gau Puja, Ayurveda consults, Agnihotra fire rituals, Bhartiya and Satvik meals, and interactive sessions like Rang De Deep and Mystic Patterns, each thoughtfully designed to calm the mind, restore inner balance, and support physical rejuvenation. Together, these practices create a bridge between the ancient and the contemporary, nurturing both peace within and vitality in the body.

Retreat Details:

• Dates: 15th to 17th August 2025
• Location: Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary, Khadakwasla, Peacock Valley, Pune
• Participation: Adults, Children below 5 years – complimentary entry

In a world dominated by hustle, overstimulation, and digital fatigue, retreats like Immerse in India offer more than just an escape, they serve as sanctuaries of realignment. Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary is emerging as a rare destination that blends India’s spiritual legacy with modern self-development science. It doesn’t just offer stillness, it teaches how to access it from within.

For those seeking pause, depth, and inner sovereignty this Independence Day, Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary Pune, offers not just a retreat, but a homecoming.

Robin Hood Army’s Mission Sankalp 78

Robin Hood Army’s #MissionSankalp78 to serve 78 lakh citizens and transform 78 community spaces this Independence Day

Delhi, 14th August 2025: The Robin Hood Army (RHA), a volunteer-led, zero-funds organization with over 300,000 members, is in the final stretch of #MissionSankalp78, a nationwide Independence Day campaign aimed at creating a hunger-free India and strengthening communities for the future. Launched on August 1, the initiative brings together citizens, corporates, municipalities, and influencers to serve meals and essentials to 7.8 million underserved people, while transforming 78 community spaces across the country. This is part of the Robin Hood Army’s broader ambition to serve 0.5 billion meals by 2030, strengthen global civic communities across South Asia and Africa, and expand its Academy to reach 100,000 students.

The campaign has rapidly gained momentum with support from corporate partners including Unilever, Compass Group, ABP Network, Swiggy, Kcorp, Snowman, PMR and Adonmo and is actively supported by influential voices such as Ranveer Allahbadia, Vineet Kumar, Mehak Mirza, Yashita Soni, Sabyasachi Satpathy, Vanikaa, Helly Shah, Gunjan Saini, Shenaaz Gill, Ravi Sing, Romi Rajput, Aashka Goradia and Amandeep Singh Khayal, who together reach over 20 million people. Key hospitality partners, including TFS- Travel Food Services, Ibis Hotels, Biryani Blues, Biryani by Kilo, The Lalit, Bread Talk, Defence Bakery, Novotel, and Wow Momos, are all contributing surplus food to fuel the effort.

Traction on meals to be served during the fortnight and achieving all overall goals, has begun well and the continued focus remains on reaching vulnerable citizens and areas where help is needed most. As part of #MissionSankalp78’s two-pronged approach, Project 78 delivers meals, rations and essentials to underserved communities, while Project Sankalp focuses on restoring public spaces into places where culture, learning and community can thrive. Recent efforts include the art-led renewal of Mankhurd Station in Mumbai, the refurbishment of the science lab at Purandare School in Lonavala, and classroom upgrades in Jamshedpur, and the transformation of the Beghar Nivara Ashram in Nashik where walls and a flag hoisting space were painted to reflect smiles, dignity, and new beginnings.

As part of the ongoing #MissionSankalp78 drive, a team from Robinhood Army, -transformed the hall of a Blind Persons Association School, Uttam Nagar in New Delhi, so that fifty girls can now use with ease the walls: with the addition Braille art. To help them learn and connect with alphabets in their own way, in a welcoming and vibrant way.

Susmita Srivastava, Head of Swades (Rural Initiative), Robin Hood Army, said: “This Independence Day, we are turning solidarity into action not only by feeding people but by building spaces that will nourish hope for years to come. Our mission is rooted in the belief that no one should go hungry in a country that has the resources to share, and when people unite for a cause, the change we create, can last for generations.”

In the past decade, the Robin Hood Army’s unique zero-funds model has enabled the redistribution of surplus food from restaurants, hotels, and partners to underserved communities without raising or spending money. This citizen-powered approach has served more than 162 million meals across over 400 cities worldwide, driven by a mission to make food accessible for all and a vision to inspire everyday people to find local solutions to hunger.

Since 2014, the organization’s Independence Day missions have delivered millions of meals and vital services across India, contributing significantly to the 158 million meals served between 2020 and 2024. Well- known celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar, recording a promotional video and an anthem song, respectively. Other supporting friends include Vikas Khanna, Saina Nehwal, Vishal Dadlani, Sunil Grover, Annu Kapoor, Vineet Kumar Singh, Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, Hansika Motwani, Abhi & Niyu, and Revant Himatsingka. Uber, Air India, and Paytm have also stepped up as key supporters in past missions. All of them have actively supported by helping spread awareness about RHAs work through their voices and platforms.

MKB Foundation Lays Foundation Stone for Landmark Shiv Temple in Juhu

A Thoughtfully Designed Temple to Serve as a Pillar of Peace, Culture, and Togetherness

Mumbai, August 13, 2025: In a significant step toward preserving heritage and promoting community well-being, the Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya Foundation (MKB), led by philanthropist and changemaker Mr. Mohit Kamboj, performed the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony to mark the beginning of construction for a grand Shiv temple project in Juhu Tara Road, Mumbai.

Conceived as a serene and inclusive space for reflection, harmony, and public engagement, the temple will draw inspiration from sacred architectural styles rooted in India’s heritage. Its design will feature intricately carved pillars, elegant spires, and traditional layout principles that blend aesthetic excellence with deep cultural meaning.

More than a spiritual landmark, the temple is envisioned as a community asset, offering a tranquil environment for contemplation, cultural programs, wellness activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions. It will be open to people from all walks of life, serving as a symbol of unity and collective upliftment.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Mohit Kamboj, Founder of the MKB Foundation, said: “This temple is being built with a simple yet powerful intention, to bring people together. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the symbol of transformation and inner stillness, we hope this space becomes a sanctuary where individuals and families can pause, reflect, and grow, spiritually, emotionally, and culturally amidst the rhythm of a bustling city like Mumbai”.

The initiative reflects the MKB Foundation’s broader commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive environments that honour tradition while meeting the needs of modern society.

IIT Roorkee, Jal Shakti Ministry Partner to Modernize Irrigation Systems

IIT Roorkee Joins Hands with Jal Shakti Ministry to Modernize Command Area Development (M-CAD)

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India , 13 August 2025: In a significant step toward transforming irrigation practices and advancing rural sustainability, the Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) wing of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.

The partnership aims to strengthen the Modernization of the Command Area Development (M-CAD) Programme through focused research, capacity building, and policy innovation. It is focused on improving how water is delivered to farmlands across India. Through research, training, and policy recommendations, this collaboration will help farmers access more efficient, sustainable, and reliable irrigation practices.

This collaboration holds special relevance for Uttarakhand, where efficient water management is critical due to hilly terrain, fragmented landholdings, and increasing climate variability. The partnership is expected to pilot and scale innovative irrigation models that can serve as templates for both the Himalayan and plain regions of the country.

The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, who emphasized the need for a robust and contextualized approach to irrigation modernization. She stated, “There is a critical need for documentation of CAD modernization efforts across India, indigenization of irrigation technologies such as center pivot tailored to Indian conditions, and inclusion of women in Water Users’ Associations and decision-making.”

The Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (CSRD), established at IIT Roorkee in 2024, will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and training to support M-CAD initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. V. K. Malik, Dean, Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy (SRIC), said “that the Centre will engage in collaborative projects to build knowledge, develop scalable models, and enhance the capacity of stakeholders involved in sustainable rural development.”

Given Uttarakhand’s unique topography and agricultural practices, IIT Roorkee’s expertise will play a vital role in contextualizing solutions for hill and semi-hill areas, ensuring that rural and remote communities benefit directly from modern irrigation techniques and inclusive water governance.

Reflecting on the significance of this collaboration, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, remarked, “This partnership reaffirms IIT Roorkee’s commitment to national development and societal well-being. Through this initiative, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the modernization of India’s command area, ensure inclusive participation of rural communities, and support evidence-based policymaking. This aligns directly with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and the goals of Jal Shakti Abhiyan, strengthening water security and agricultural resilience for future generations.”

The MoU was signed by Shri. Anuj Kanwal, Commissioner, CADWM wing, Ministry of Jal Shakti & Prof. Vivek K Malik, Dean SRIC IIT Roorkee. Prof. Ashish Pandey, Head, Centre for Sustainable Rural Development, IIT Roorkee, Prof. Kritika Kothari, Department of Water Resources Development & Management, and Joint Faculty, CSRD & Shri Ashok K Jeph, Director, CADWM wing from the Ministry have played a crucial role and were actively involved in formalizing this collaboration.

The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in aligning academic excellence with national development priorities. It harnesses IIT Roorkee’s multidisciplinary strengths to tackle ground-level challenges, paving the way for a more self-reliant and sustainably developed rural India. This collaboration represents a transformative step in bridging cutting-edge research with grassroots realities. By uniting the technical expertise of IIT Roorkee with the strategic vision of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the initiative aims to empower farmers, enhance irrigation efficiency, and foster inclusive rural growth. More than just a technological intervention, this partnership is about creating a meaningful impact, uplifting communities, revitalizing agricultural ecosystems, and contributing to India’s ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

AiR-Atman in Ravi Unveils Mission to Spark Inner Awakening through Bring Back Consciousness Wristbands

Bengaluru, 13 August 2025: Renowned Author, Spiritual Mentor, Happpiness Ambassador, and Philanthropist, AiR – Atman in Ravi, has set out on a worldwide transformational quest to help people move beyond the mind and discover the truth in consciousness. AiR with his committed team has embarked on the mission to do so by passing out “Bring Back Consciousness” (BBC) wristbands to encourage everyone across the globe to switch from the mayhem of the mind to a state of perpetual bliss through illumination.

The BBC initiative is not merely a campaign but a deeply personal and passionate mission for AiR. “The mind is a source of misery, ignorance, negativity and desire,” says AiR – Atman in Ravi. “It bombards us with up to 50,000 toxic thoughts a day, acting like a mind-killer—a weapon deadlier than any other weapon. The BBC wristbands serve as a constant reminder to tame the monkey mind and make it a monk by flipping to consciousness—a state of awareness, peace, love and bliss.”

The concept of BBC, which began just weeks ago, is rooted in the idea that our consciousness is often clouded by negative thoughts, much like dark clouds obscure the sun and sky. By wearing a BBC wristband, individuals are reminded to conquer the mind’s destructive tendencies and the monsters it creates—fear, worry, stress, anxiety, regret, shame, guilt, anger, jealousy, and pride—and activate their intellect to discriminate and choose the path of clarity and Enlightenment. “One who has conquered the mind is greater than one who has conquered anything in the world. It is only when the mind is stilled and we are in consciousness that we can attain our ultimate goal—Enlightenment, Moksha,” AiR emphasizes.

AiR’s mission of distributing consciousness reminder wristbands does not have specific goals or limits. AiR and his team aim to reach as many people as they can, around the world, and to share the profound importance of awareness and inner awakening until every individual has been touched by this enlightening experience. “This is not a campaign; it is my mission,” AiR affirms.

2.Oh! Named Official Gifting Partner for Grehlakshmi Mrs. India 2025

Mumbai: August 12, 2025 – 2.Oh!, a science-first hair products company whose products are crafted in Italy and created for India, has been chosen as the official gifting partner for Grehlakshmi Mrs. India 2025 — India’s biggest beauty pageant for married women.

2.Oh!’s diverse range of hair products include 23 bold, vibrant and damage-free, semi-permanent hair colors in shades like signature browns, Vivids and Pastels, Reconstruction shampoo & Mask, Leave-in Conditioner, Hair Repair Serum, Hair Gloss and the 3-in-1 Hair Styling Spray.

“Our products are loved by confident, purposeful and strong women across all walks of life who love to express themselves unabashedly through their hair! Our collaboration with Grehlakshmi Mrs. India is the perfect fit of our ideologies and we are excited to celebrate these bold, inspiring women who express their most confident self both on and off the stage,” said Ritu Vijayvergiya, Co-founder 2.Oh!

Launched in 2022 by Grehlakshmi magazine, India’s leading Hindi women’s magazine, the annual beauty pageant offers married women a platform to break stereotypes, while empowering them to embrace their beauty, intelligence, and inner strength, on this enriching journey of personal growth.

This year, 50+ women are participating in the contest. The grand finale will be held on August 24, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Mayur Vihar, Noida.

Filmfare Punjabi Awards 2025 to Return After Eight Years, PCA Stadium Mohali to Host for the First Time

Mohali, 11th August 2025 — The Filmfare Punjabi Awards are set to make a much-anticipated return this year after an eight-year gap, with the 2025 edition to be staged at the PCA Stadium, Mohali. This marks the first time the venue will host an event of this scale, adding to the anticipation surrounding the awards.

The official executing partner for the event is Force of Talent Private Limited. Earlier today, Chairman & Managing Director Shri Abhishek Singh, along with title sponsor representative Mr. Ashwini Chatterley, met the Hon’ble Chief Minister to apprise him of the plans for the awards and its significance for the Punjabi film industry.

The evening will celebrate excellence in Punjabi cinema, with performances from leading artists and recognition for outstanding work across categories. With the return of the Filmfare Punjabi Awards after nearly a decade, there is already significant buzz among audiences and the film fraternity.

Grand Jhakar Saim Yatra, Immersed in Devotion and Cultural Colors

9th August 2025, Haldwani, Uttarakhand: The grand Jhakar Saim Yatra concluded amidst deep devotion and joy. The journey began from Haldwani and passed through Dana Golu Temple in Almora, Chitai Golu Temple in Almora, Vriddh Jageshwar, and Jageshwar Dham, finally reaching the Jhakar Saim Temple. A special night of devotional singing (bhajan) and jagar (traditional Kumaoni spiritual singing) was organized in the temple premises.

During the spiritually charged yatra, the divine presence of Saim Devta, Golu Devta, Harju, Mata Bhagwati, Kali Mata, and several other deities descended into Dev Dangar (the spiritual medium), blessing the devotees.

The yatra was led by Kumaon’s renowned Golu Dangar and devotee Harish Khati. The event saw the presence of Dr. Virendra Singh Karki, Kamal Jeena, Shivam Daseela, along with a large number of devotees.

The purpose of this yatra was to introduce the younger generation to the rich culture and faith of Kumaon, ensuring they remain connected to their traditions.”