South African Tourism roadshow draws strong trade response in Bengaluru

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South African Tourism engages over 235 trade partners at Bengaluru roadshow

Initiative underscores India’s growing importance across leisure, corporate and MICE travel segments

Bengaluru, February 9, 2026:
South African Tourism on Monday concluded the Bengaluru leg of its Annual India Roadshow, engaging with more than 235 travel trade partners and reinforcing India’s position as a key source market for outbound travel to South Africa.

The Bengaluru event followed the roadshow’s opening in Mumbai and is part of a multi-city initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships with the Indian travel trade. The next stop on the tour will be Ahmedabad on February 10.

Led by Ms. Mitalee Karmarkar, Marketing and Communications Manager (MEISEA), the roadshow brought together over 40 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of tourism offerings across leisure, corporate and MICE segments. The platform also enabled discussions around evolving traveller behaviour and emerging business opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Karmarkar said India continued to be a priority growth market for South African Tourism, driven by increasing interest in family travel, experiential holidays and premium travel experiences. She noted that Indian travellers were now planning trips more strategically, leveraging AI-powered tools for research and customisation, travelling more frequently, and showing greater openness to exploring destinations beyond traditional favourites.

“This shift reflects a more confident and curious traveller profile and creates opportunities to spotlight lesser-known regions and experiences across South Africa,” she said.

Highlighting Bengaluru’s importance, Ms. Karmarkar described the city as one of South Africa’s key source markets in India. “Travellers from Bengaluru are digitally savvy, experience-driven and increasingly comfortable with long-haul travel. The roadshow allows us to deepen engagement with the local trade and enhance South Africa’s visibility in this market,” she added.

With a strong base of frequent international travellers, Bengaluru offers significant potential across premium leisure, adventure and wildlife tourism. Safaris continue to be a major draw, alongside growing demand for personalised itineraries that balance iconic attractions with lesser-explored destinations.

South African Tourism is targeting a return to pre-COVID Indian traveller volumes in 2026 and remains focused on long-term collaboration with Indian trade partners. The tourism board is also preparing to leverage the 2027 ODI World Cup, to be hosted by South Africa, as an opportunity to showcase the country’s tourism offerings to a global audience.

Through sustained trade engagement, targeted consumer outreach and innovative marketing initiatives, South African Tourism aims to strengthen its presence in India and position the country as a preferred long-haul destination in the years ahead.

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Bengaluru Rides Big as HCL Cyclothon Debuts with 1,850+ Participants

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Over 1,850 cyclists pedal through Bengaluru at inaugural HCL Cyclothon

Bengaluru, February 8, 2026:
More than 1,850 cyclists participated in the first edition of the HCL Cyclothon Bengaluru, signalling the city’s growing enthusiasm for competitive and recreational cycling. Organised by the HCL Group, the event began and concluded at the NICE tollgate in Hosakerahalli, offering a professionally managed course for both elite riders and amateurs.

The event was conducted under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), which served as the technical partner, overseeing route certification, safety measures and all race-related technical aspects to ensure international standards. The cyclothon featured multiple categories with a total prize purse of ₹23 lakh.

Held under the theme #ChangeYourGear, the initiative highlighted cycling as a catalyst for healthier lifestyles, sustainability and community engagement.

In the Professional Road Race (48 km) men’s category, Harshveer Singh (Punjab) clinched first place, followed by Sahil Kumar (Air Force), while Naveen John of Karnataka secured third position. In the women’s professional category, Swasti Singh (Odisha) emerged winner, with Soumya Antapur (RSPB) and Harshita Jakhar (Punjab) finishing second and third respectively.

The Amateur Road Race (50 km) also witnessed keen competition. In the men’s category, Basappa Teradal, Harsh Pawar and Muhammed Tahaa Sharaf finished as winner, runner-up and second runner-up. The women’s amateur race saw Arpita Ketan Pandya take the top spot, followed by Naga Siri H.N. and Vishu Dhama.

Commenting on the event, Sundar Mahalingam, President – Strategy, HCL Group, said the strong turnout in Bengaluru reflected cycling’s evolution into a mainstream lifestyle choice. “What began as an initiative has today become a nationwide movement, engaging over 16,000 participants across cities. The enthusiasm seen here reinforces our belief in cycling as a pillar of fitness, sustainability and inclusivity,” he said.

Echoing similar views, V.N. Singh, Director (Administration), Cycling Federation of India, noted that the Bengaluru edition underscored the rapid growth of cycling in India. “Such platforms not only promote fitness and sustainability but also help identify emerging talent and build competitive pathways for future champions. HCL’s continued support is vital in strengthening India’s presence on the global cycling map,” he said.

With its successful debut, the HCL Cyclothon Bengaluru has positioned itself as a significant addition to the city’s sporting calendar, blending competition with a strong message of active living.

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ಪ್ರತಿಧ್ವನಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಸಂಘವು ಟೆಕ್ನೋ ರನ್ ಕ್ಲಬ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಕಿದ್ವಾಯಿ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ ಆಂಕಾಲಜಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ (KMIO) ಸಹಯೋಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಜಯನಗರದ ರೋಸ್ ಗಾರ್ಡನ್ ಪಾರ್ಕ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಪಾದಯಾತ್ರೆ

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ರೋಸ್ ಗಾರ್ಡನ್ ಪಾರ್ಕ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಪಾದಯಾತ್ರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ ಜನರು

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು: ಪ್ರತಿಧ್ವನಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಸಂಘವು ಟೆಕ್ನೋ ರನ್ ಕ್ಲಬ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಕಿದ್ವಾಯಿ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ ಆಂಕಾಲಜಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ (KMIO) ಸಹಯೋಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಜಯನಗರದ ರೋಸ್ ಗಾರ್ಡನ್ ಪಾರ್ಕ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಪಾದಯಾತ್ರೆಯನ್ನು ಆಯೋಜಿಸಿತು.

ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಿದ್ವಾಯಿ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ ಆಂಕಾಲಜಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಹಿರಿಯ ವೈದ್ಯಾಧಿಕಾರಿ ಡಾ. ಎ.ಎಸ್. ಮಹಾಂತೇಶ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಓರಲ್ ಆಂಕಾಲಜಿ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥ ಡಾ. ನದೀಮ್ ಹೊಡಾ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಅತಿಥಿಗಳಾಗಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದರು. ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಅವರು, ಬಾಯಿ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ಕುರಿತು ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರಲ್ಲಿ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಮೂಡಿಸುವ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಒತ್ತಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು. ತಡೆಗಟ್ಟುವಿಕೆ, ಪ್ರಾರಂಭಿಕ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲೇ ಪತ್ತೆಹಚ್ಚುವುದು ಹಾಗೂ ಸಮಯಕ್ಕೆ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ ಪಡೆಯುವ ಮಹತ್ವವನ್ನು ಅವರು ವಿವರಿಸಿದರು.

ತಂಬಾಕು ಬಳಕೆಯ ವಿವಿಧ ರೂಪಗಳಿಂದ ಬಾಯಿ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ಪ್ರಕರಣಗಳು ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವುದರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ವೈದ್ಯರು ಗಮನ ಸೆಳೆದರು. ಜೀವನಶೈಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬದಲಾವಣೆಗಳನ್ನು ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದರಿಂದ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ಅಪಾಯವನ್ನು ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡಬಹುದು ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು. ನಿಯಮಿತ ಬಾಯಿ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ಸಮುದಾಯ ಮಟ್ಟದ ತಪಾಸಣಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳು ಆರಂಭಿಕ ನಿರ್ಧಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಉತ್ತಮ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ ಫಲಿತಾಂಶಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಹಕಾರಿಯಾಗುತ್ತವೆ ಎಂದು ಅವರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಪಾದಯಾತ್ರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ ನಿವಾಸಿಗಳು, ಫಿಟ್ನೆಸ್ ಆಸಕ್ತರು ಹಾಗೂ ಸ್ವಯಂಸೇವಕರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ್ದರು. ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ತಡೆಗಟ್ಟುವಿಕೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಕುರಿತು ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರಲ್ಲಿ ತಿಳುವಳಿಕೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸುವ ಉದ್ದೇಶದಿಂದ ಈ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಆಯೋಜಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು.

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Early Detection Can Save Lives, Say Doctors at Cancer Awareness Walk

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Bengaluru: Pratidhwani Sports and Cultural Association, in association with Trecho Run Club and the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), organised a cancer awareness walkathon at Rose Garden Park in Jayanagar on Sunday.

Dr. A.S. Mahantesh, Senior Medical Officer at KMIO, and Dr. Nadeem Hoda, Head of the Department of Oral Oncology at KMIO, were the chief guests at the event. Speaking on the occasion, they stressed the need to increase public awareness about oral cancer, with particular emphasis on prevention, early detection, and the importance of seeking timely medical care.

The doctors drew attention to the rising incidence of oral cancer, especially due to tobacco consumption in various forms, and highlighted the role of lifestyle modifications in reducing risk. They also underscored the value of regular oral examinations and community-level screening programmes in improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

The walkathon saw participation from residents, fitness enthusiasts, and volunteers, and aimed to promote informed public engagement in cancer prevention and awareness efforts.

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Narayana Health Strengthens Healthcare Workforce Through Udaan Initiative

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Bengaluru, February 7, 2026: Narayana Health on Friday highlighted the expanding impact of its flagship initiative Udaan, a long-term programme aimed at strengthening India’s healthcare workforce by enabling meritorious students from economically modest backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine and nursing through government institutions.
Over the past 12 years, Udaan has supported more than 1,200 MBBS students and over 800 nursing students, helping them enter India’s healthcare system.

Programme outcomes include 36 admissions to AIIMS and over 360 students securing seats in government medical colleges in the last three years alone.
The initiative provides structured academic guidance and financial support to help students secure admissions in government medical, nursing and paramedical colleges, thereby contributing to the country’s long-term goal of improving the doctor-to-population ratio. As part of the programme, Dr Devi Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health, felicitated Udaan-supported students who are progressing into government medical and nursing careers, underscoring the programme’s growing reach and impact.
Despite improvements in healthcare infrastructure, India’s doctor-to-population ratio—officially estimated at around 1:811—continues to conceal stark regional disparities. In several rural and underserved states, the ratio drops to as low as 1:2,700. Conceived under Dr Shetty’s vision, Udaan seeks to address this imbalance at its root by enabling talented students from underserved communities to pursue formal medical education and eventually serve regions with limited access to healthcare.
“India’s healthcare future depends on narrowing the gap between the number of doctors and the patients who need care,” Dr Shetty said.

“Through Udaan, we are supporting capable young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to study medicine or nursing. When they go on to serve areas where doctors are scarce, the impact goes far beyond individual success—it strengthens the healthcare system itself.”
During the interaction, Dr Shetty engaged with NEET scholars, MBBS scholarship recipients and current NEET aspirants supported under the programme. Many students, often first-generation doctors or nurses from humble socio-economic backgrounds, spoke about the role of mentorship, academic guidance and structured support in shaping careers focused on community service.

Launched in Karnataka in 2014, Udaan has since expanded into a multi-state initiative. The programme traces its origins to West Bengal in 2008, where it was initially known as Uttayer Pathey (Path of Rising/Awakening), before being unified under the name Udaan. To date, it has supported over 1,500 NEET aspirants, more than 1,200 MBBS students and over 600 nursing students.

In FY 2024–25 alone, Udaan supported 800 MBBS students across 15 government medical colleges and 800 nursing students across 13 nursing colleges. Women constituted 53% of NEET aspirants under the programme, reflecting its emphasis on inclusion.

The scale of outcomes has continued to grow. During the 2024–25 academic year, 36 Udaan students secured admission to AIIMS, while four joined Lady Hardinge Medical College. Of the 475 students supported that year, 205 gained admission to government medical colleges across more than 30 institutions nationwide, including AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Nagpur, Bangalore Medical College, Mysore Medical College and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College, Bengaluru. Over the last three years, more than 360 Udaan scholars have entered government medical colleges.

The average cost of training one doctor under the programme stood at ₹2.5 lakh in FY 2024–25, highlighting the initiative’s efficiency and potential for scalability.

As India grapples with rising healthcare demands and persistent workforce shortages, Narayana Health said initiatives such as Udaan demonstrate how sustained, education-led interventions can play a crucial role in building a more equitable, resilient and accessible healthcare system.

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