Soulful Farewell to Bappa: Nirvaan Birla Presents His Rendition of ‘Jai Ganesha Deva’

A Soulful Farewell to Bappa: Nirvaan Birla Presents His Rendition of ‘Jai Ganesha Deva’ As the beats of dhol-tasha gradually make way for the emotional farewell to Ganpati Bappa, the spirit of devotion continues to linger in our homes and hearts. Some songs are not merely heard; they are passed down from one generation to another, becoming a part of our celebrations, memories and prayers. As this year’s Ganesh festival draws to a close, Artist and Founder of Sounds For The Soul, Nirvaan Birla, brings his own musical interpretation to one such familiar devotional favourite, ‘Jai Ganesha Deva’, which he has sung and composed himself. For this soulful rendition, Nirvaan Birla has collaborated with Trilok, coming together to give the timeless devotional classic a fresh and contemporary musical expression. A prayer that generations have grown up listening to, the song receives a soulful rendition in their distinctive style, bringing together the timeless essence of devotion with a contemporary musical sensibility. Speaking about the song, Nirvaan Birla, Artist and Founder of Sounds For The Soul, says, “‘Jai Ganesha Deva’ is a prayer that has been a part of our lives and celebrations for generations. I wanted to present it in a way that feels personal and contemporary, while keeping its devotion and purity intact. For this rendition, Trilok and I have come together to bring our musical offering to this timeless prayer and give it a fresh expression. Through Sounds For The Soul, my endeavour is to make spiritual music something that the younger generation can also connect with, experience and carry forward. With the festival coming to an end, the song also carries that feeling of saying goodbye to Bappa, with the faith that He returns soon.” For Nirvaan, the idea is not to change the essence of devotional music, but to create another doorway into it. With Jai Ganesha Deva, a prayer that has been heard for generations gets a fresh voice, while its emotional core remains untouched. Trilok’s musical offering adds another layer to the rendition, complementing Nirvaan’s interpretation and giving the familiar prayer a fresh sonic character. The song captures the bittersweet emotion of bidding farewell to Bappa while holding on to the faith that next year he will be back. Through Jai Ganesha Deva, Nirvaan and Trilok hope to keep the spirit of devotion alive beyond the festival and make its timeless message resonate with a new generation.

D. Hinduja Hospital Marks World Heart Day 2026 with the Launch of Heart Failure Clinic and ‘Cancel the Kal’ Initiative

. D. Hinduja Hospital Marks World Heart Day 2026 with the Launch of Heart Failure Clinic and ‘Cancel the Kal’ Initiative Mumbai, September 28, 2026: On the occasion of World Heart Day, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre announces the launch of a first-of-its-kind dedicated Heart Failure Clinic in Mumbai, strengthening access to specialised and coordinated care for patients living with heart failure. The clinic offers advanced treatment options, including Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) therapy, for eligible patients with advanced heart failure 1Additionally, the hospital also organized an interactive public awareness initiative, ‘Cancel the Kal’, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Metro Station. The striking heart-shaped installation brought to life a familiar tendency among Mumbaikars to say ‘Kal Kar Lenge’, while encouraging them to instead “Cancel the Kal” and take action for heart health today. Through the interactive experience, participants moved from the “Risky” to the “Safe” zone, reinforcing the message that while time cannot be turned back, timely action can help protect heart health. Heart failure often requires ongoing monitoring, specialised care and advanced treatment as the condition progresses. The first-of-its-kind Heart Failure Clinic at P. D. Hinduja Hospital brings together a multidisciplinary team to provide coordinated, personalised care across different stages of heart failure. A key focus of the clinic is advanced mechanical circulatory support, including Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) therapy, with access to the latest LVAD technology for eligible patients with advanced heart failure. The clinic is headed by Dr. Kaushal Pandey, Consultant - Cardiovascular Surgeon, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre. The clinic will operate every Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Mahim unit of P. D. Hinduja Hospital. Mr. Gautam Khanna, CEO, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, said, “At P. D. Hinduja Hospital, our focus has always been on advancing specialised care while encouraging timely action for better heart health. On the occasion of World Heart Day, the launch of our first-of-its-kind dedicated Heart Failure Clinic in Mumbai marks an important step in this direction, bringing together multidisciplinary expertise and advanced treatment options, including LVAD therapy. Alongside this, our ‘Cancel the Kal’ initiative takes the message of timely heart care beyond the hospital and into the community, encouraging people to move beyond the tendency to postpone their health and take action today. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to advancing treatment, promoting timely care and improving the overall quality of life for patients.” Dr. Kaushal Pandey, Consultant - Cardiovascular Surgeon, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, said, “Heart failure is a progressive condition that may require increasingly specialised care as the disease advances. Our first-of-its-kind dedicated Heart Failure Clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and individualised care based on each patient’s condition. For eligible patients with advanced heart failure, LVAD therapy offers an important option for mechanical circulatory support, with the potential to improve functional status and quality of life. Early assessment and timely intervention are critical to identifying the appropriate treatment pathway and ensuring continuity of care.” Together, the Heart Failure Clinic and ‘Cancel the Kal’ initiative reflect P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre’s commitment to strengthening the continuum of heart care, from advanced treatment for patients with heart failure to greater awareness of the importance of timely attention to heart health.

World Heart Day -29th september 2026

World Heart Day -29th september 2026 Heart Disease Is No Longer an Age-Defined Illness; Mumbai Experts Urge Early Risk Detection Mumbai, September 28, 2026: Heart disease is no longer a health concern that can be viewed primarily through the lens of age. Mumbai’s fast-paced urban lifestyle, coupled with sedentary habits, tobacco exposure, unhealthy dietary patterns, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol, chronic stress and inadequate sleep, is creating a growing cardiovascular risk burden—even among people who may appear healthy and symptom-free. The concern extends beyond conventional lifestyle factors. A study assessing the health impact of particulate pollution in Mumbai estimated that 10,880 deaths annually were attributable to PM2.5 exposure in 2015, with ischemic heart disease accounting for about 33.3% of PM2.5-attributable mortality in the analysis. More recent research across Indian cities has also found that a 10 µg/m³ increase in short-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 1.4% increase in daily mortality, highlighting the wider health implications of urban air pollution. “Heart disease is no longer a condition that can be viewed primarily through the lens of age. We are increasingly seeing the importance of identifying cardiovascular risk much earlier, particularly among individuals with multiple risk factors,” said Dr. Ashish Mishra, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. According to Dr. Mishra, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia can remain clinically silent while progressively affecting blood vessels and the heart. The combination of multiple risk factors can accelerate cardiovascular risk, making early identification particularly important. “Preventive cardiology should move from a symptom-driven approach to a risk-based approach. A young person may feel completely healthy while already having several interacting cardiovascular risk factors. The objective is not to subject everyone to extensive cardiac testing, but to identify those who require earlier assessment based on their personal and family history, metabolic profile and lifestyle,” Dr. Ashish Mishra, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road added. Dr. Anand Ram, Consultant Cardiologist, Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, emphasised that warning symptoms should never be dismissed, particularly when they are sudden, unusual or persistent. “Heart health should never be treated as an issue that can wait. Symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, unusual sweating, sudden fatigue or palpitations may sometimes indicate an underlying cardiac problem and should not be ignored,” said Dr. Ram. He added that Mumbai’s urban lifestyle can make preventive health particularly challenging, with prolonged sitting, irregular eating patterns, stress, smoking and uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes potentially adding to cardiovascular risk. “The key is early recognition and timely medical evaluation. Regular health check-ups, a heart-healthy diet, physical activity, adequate sleep and effective management of risk factors can go a long way in protecting the heart. Most importantly, prevention is not a one-day effort—it is a lifelong commitment to better heart health,” Dr. Anand Ram, Consultant Cardiologist, Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai said. For Mumbai citizens, experts emphasise that cardiovascular prevention should begin before symptoms appear—with awareness of personal risk, regular monitoring and timely medical intervention when required.

Post

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC Elevates Thirupathi Gasiganti to Director of Information Technology Hyderabad, September 2026: Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) has announced the elevation of Thirupathi Gasiganti to Director of Information Technology, marking another milestone in his nearly two-decade journey with Accor. Thirupathi brings over 16 years of experience in IT-enabled services and hospitality, with a career that reflects a steady progression through technology and leadership roles. He began his journey with Accor in 2007 as a Trainee System Administrator at Novotel HICC and has since held several positions across Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, and Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC. Most recently, he served as Cluster IT Manager from 2022 to 2025. In his new role, Thirupathi will oversee the property’s IT operations, infrastructure, systems, security, technology projects and business continuity, supporting the seamless functioning of the hotel and HICC. His expertise spans infrastructure management, disaster recovery, IT asset management, project implementation, vendor management and hospitality applications including Opera, Micros and Simphony Cloud. Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, said, “Thirupathi’s elevation is a reflection of his years of dedication, technical expertise and deep understanding of our property and its operations. Having grown through the ranks with Accor, he brings with him not only strong technological knowledge but also a clear understanding of how technology can enable people and enhance operational efficiency. We are delighted to see him take on this responsibility and look forward to his continued contribution to the property.” During his tenure, Thirupathi has spearheaded several technology initiatives, including network and Wi-Fi infrastructure upgrades, server upgrades, EPABX migration, hospitality ERP implementation and the development of business continuity and disaster recovery frameworks. He has also led system audits, security procedures, technology training and compliance initiatives across hotel operations. Commenting on his elevation, Thirupathi Gasiganti, Director of Information Technology, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, said, “I am honoured to take on the role of Director of Information Technology at a property that has been an important part of my professional journey. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to learn, take on new responsibilities and work alongside some exceptional teams. I look forward to building on this experience, strengthening our technology infrastructure and continuing to create solutions that support our colleagues, operations and guests.” His contributions have earned him industry and organisational recognition, including IT Person of the Year at the Hotelier India Awards 2019, IT Person of the Year at the Accor Hotels India Awards in 2018, and HOD of the Year at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre in 2023. A certified ITIL V3 Foundation professional and graduate of the Accor Global Leadership Program, Thirupathi holds a B.Sc. from Kakatiya University, along with a B.Ed. and a professional qualification in Computer Hardware and Networking. As Director of Information Technology, Thirupathi will continue to focus on technology-led operational efficiency, system resilience and delivering seamless digital support across Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC.

TVS MOTOR COMPANY, SHE FOR SOCIETY AND TALIRU FOUNDATION JOIN HANDS TO EMPOWER WOMEN AUTO DRIVERS IN BENGALURU

TVS MOTOR COMPANY, SHE FOR SOCIETY AND TALIRU FOUNDATION JOIN HANDS TO EMPOWER WOMEN AUTO DRIVERS IN BENGALURU 16 Pink E-Autos Delivered Under “Building Queens from the Grassroots” Initiative to Empower Women Auto Drivers Bengaluru, September 25, 2026: TVS Motor Company, part of TVS VENU, is a leading global manufacturer of two and three-wheelers, today joined hands with She for Society (Women Biker NGO & Club), and Taliru Foundation to support women's economic empowerment through the official launch of 16 pink electric autos in Bengaluru. The initiative, titled “Building Queens from the Grassroots,” aims to strengthen livelihood opportunities for women auto drivers in Bengaluru. 16 pink electric autos are being delivered to women beneficiaries identified by Taliru Foundation, marking the first phase of a planned scale-up to 100 vehicles. The initiative seeks to support more women in establishing sustainable livelihoods and participating in the commercial mobility ecosystem. The initiative has been backed by financial support from women's organisations across India, reflecting a collaborative commitment towards enabling women's financial independence and mobility. Through this partnership, TVS Motor Company, She for Society, and Taliru Foundation seek to create pathways for women to participate in the commercial mobility ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurship, income generation, and greater economic participation. The launch event was graced by Smt. Aishwarya Mahadev, Vice Chairman, Karnataka Road Development Ltd., KPCC Social Media President, and AICC Spokesperson. The initiative marks TVS Motor Company's large-scale Pink Auto project and represents the first phase of a broader programme aimed at enabling more women to build sustainable livelihoods through commercial mobility. Commenting on the initiative, Rajat Gupta, Business Head, Commercial Mobility, TVS Motor Company, said, “At TVS Motor Company, we believe mobility can play a meaningful role in creating opportunities and strengthening livelihoods. Our collaboration with She for Society and Taliru Foundation reflects our commitment to enabling inclusive and sustainable commercial mobility. The Pink Auto initiative is a significant step towards supporting women entrepreneurs and helping them build greater economic independence. We are proud to contribute to an initiative that brings together mobility, community support, and social impact.” Speaking on the initiative, Harshini, She For Society, said, “Queens Drive is our endeavour to build queens from the grassroots by enabling women to become financially independent through mobility. With the support of women's organisations across India and our collaboration with Taliru Foundation and TVS Motor Company, we aim to create sustainable opportunities for women auto drivers. These 16 pink electric autos mark the beginning of a larger movement that we hope will empower 100 women and inspire communities across the country.” Chitra from Taliru Foundation, said, “Through this initiative, we are working towards creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for women who aspire to become independent earners. The delivery of these 16 pink autos is an important milestone for our beneficiaries, and we are grateful to She for Society, TVS Motor Company, and the supporting women's organisations for helping turn this vision into reality.” The initiative underscores the importance of partnerships between mobility companies, social organisations, and communities in enabling inclusive economic growth and supporting women's participation in India's evolving commercial mobility landscape.

Post

Rapido Launches Ownly in Hyderabad, Celebrates the City’s Captains with a Biryani Party After Bengaluru, Ownly has brought its Food Promise to Hyderabad, a model that puts restaurants and consumers first and keeps the bill simple: you pay only for your food and your delivery, nothing more. National, India, September 28, 2026: Known for its biryani houses, Irani cafés and late-night kitchens, Hyderabad is one of India’s most food-loving cities. Mobility platform Rapido today announced the launch of Ownly, its standalone food delivery app, in Hyderabad, the brand’s second city after Bengaluru, where it first launched earlier this year. With Ownly now live across the city, Hyderabad becomes the newest home for the platform’s zero-commission, price-honest approach to food delivery. As Ownly begins its journey in Hyderabad, the brand is placing its Captain community in the front. Captains have always been central to Rapido’s journey since its inception, powering millions of everyday rides and forming the backbone of the platform’s presence across cities. With Ownly, they will also play an important role in taking the food delivery experience to consumers across Hyderabad. To celebrate the Captain community and mark Ownly’s arrival in the city, Ownly hosted a special biryani party for Rapido Captains in Hyderabad. The celebration brought together Captains from across the city over one of Hyderabad’s most loved foods, recognising the people who make Rapido’s and Ownly’s services possible every day. As part of the launch, Telugu Superstar Nani joined the event and spent time interacting with the Captains from across Hyderabad. At the heart of Ownly’s proposition is its zero-commission model, under which restaurants pay no fees and customers are charged only an honest delivery fee that reflects the actual cost of getting food to their door. Speaking at the launch, Aravind Sanka, Co - Founder, Rapido and Ownly said: “Hyderabad is one of the most passionate food cities in the country, especially when it comes to biryani; and that makes it a natural next home for Ownly. Our model is simple: restaurants keep what they earn, customers pay only for their food and delivery, and nobody pays for anything in between. Bengaluru showed us that people respond to honesty in pricing, and we expect Hyderabad to hold us to it just as closely. It felt right to begin here with our captains, because they are the ones who carry this promise to every doorstep in the city.” The launch of Ownly is set to create additional earning opportunities for Rapido Captains in Hyderabad, allowing them to participate in food delivery demand alongside Rapido’s growing mobility ecosystem. As Ownly scales across the city, the Captain network will remain an integral part of delivering a reliable and accessible experience for consumers. With its Hyderabad launch, Ownly aims to bring healthier competition to the city's food delivery market, one that benefits both consumers and restaurants. As a new venture under the Rapido umbrella, Ownly builds on its parent company's focus on affordability, convenience and transparency in solving large-scale, everyday problems. About Ownly Ownly is a standalone food delivery platform, built by Rapido, on a mission to make food delivery affordable for the next 100 million Indians, and fundamentally fairer for the restaurants who make it possible. Ownly operates on a restaurant-first, zero-commission model: partner restaurants keep the full value of every order, freeing them to invest in quality and offer everyday low prices rather than discount-led deals. For consumers, Ownly brings discovery, ordering and delivery together in one simple, price-honest experience - no inflated menus, no hidden costs. Every delivery is powered by Rapido's trusted network of Captains, who earn on each order and bring proven scale and reliability. Ownly is available as a standalone app on iOS and Android, and through the Rapido app.

Post

Accor Appoints Vipin Khattar as Chief Commercial Officer, South Asia National, India: Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has announced the appointment of Vipin Khattar as Chief Commercial Officer, South Asia. In this role, he will lead the Group's commercial strategy across the region, overseeing sales, revenue management, marketing, digital distribution, loyalty, partnerships, and transformation initiatives. With more than two decades of international hospitality experience spanning India, the Middle East, Africa, and the United Kingdom, Vipin brings a distinguished track record of driving business growth, building strategic partnerships, and leading high-performing teams. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated strong commercial acumen, operational excellence, and a commitment to delivering sustainable business results. Prior to joining Accor, Vipin served as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah. He previously held several senior leadership roles with Marriott International, including General Manager of JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity and a multi-property General Manager position in Dubai. His career portfolio also includes leadership assignments across renowned brands such as The St. Regis, Delta Hotels, and Marriott Residences. Earlier in his career, Vipin held senior commercial and operational leadership roles with Hyatt across the UAE and Egypt, including General Manager and Area Director of Sales & Marketing. His experience with Atlantis The Palm and Grand Hyatt Dubai further strengthened his expertise in sales, business development, MICE, and commercial strategy. This diverse background across commercial leadership and hotel operations positions him strongly to advance Accor's growth ambitions and commercial performance across South Asia. Commenting on the appointment, Ranju Alex CEO, Accor South Asia, said: "We are delighted to welcome Vipin Khattar to Accor as Chief Commercial Officer, South Asia. His extensive experience across commercial strategy, sales and marketing, and hotel operations makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team. Vipin's strategic vision, business acumen, and ability to align commercial opportunities with operational excellence will play an important role in strengthening Accor’s commercial platform across the region. As we continue to accelerate our growth ambitions, I am confident that under his leadership we will further enhance our brands, deepen key partnerships, and unlock new opportunities across markets and segments." Commenting on his new role, Vipin Khattar, Chief Commercial Officer, South Asia, Accor, said: "I am excited to join Accor at such a dynamic phase of its growth journey in South Asia. The region presents tremendous opportunities, and I look forward to collaborating closely with our teams, hotel owners, and partners to strengthen commercial performance, elevate our brands, and drive sustainable growth across the market." Vipin's contributions to the hospitality industry have been recognized through several prestigious accolades, including Best Luxury General Manager of the Year 2026 at the Marriott EMEA Awards and recognition among the Top 100 General Managers of the World 2024 by the Luxury & Lifestyle Awards. An alumnus of IHTTI School of Hotel Management, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Vipin specialized in Hospitality Operations and has since built deep expertise across commercial leadership, sales, marketing, revenue generation, and organizational development. He is widely recognized for his ability to cultivate strong teams, foster innovation, and deliver measurable business impact.