Forum South BLR Fest 2026 Showcases India’s Toy Heritage with 40-Foot Giant Doll

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Bengaluru, October 20, 2026: A 40-foot giant doll, traditional Indian toy-inspired installations, live musical performances and festive shopping rewards are among the attractions of Forum South BLR Fest 2026, the fourth edition of the annual festival organised by Forum South Bengaluru.

Titled The Indian Toy Tale, this year’s festival celebrates India’s rich toy-making heritage by bringing traditional art forms and regional craftsmanship into a contemporary shopping experience. The event also features shopping rewards worth up to ₹4 crore, with eligible shoppers getting a chance to win a one-gram gold coin every day.

The festival draws inspiration from traditional toys representing different parts of the country. Visitors can explore installations based on Karnataka’s Channapatna wooden toys, Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur dolls and Kerala’s Tholpavakoothu shadow puppetry. The installations aim to introduce visitors to the cultural significance and craftsmanship behind these traditional art forms.

The highlight is a 40-foot giant doll designed to recreate the childhood wonder of standing beside a toy larger than oneself. The installation seeks to evoke nostalgia and encourage visitors to reconnect with the simple joys of childhood through a larger-than-life experience.

Muhammad Ali, CEO of Forum Malls, Prestige Group, said the initiative was aimed at bringing India’s traditional toy-making practices closer to contemporary audiences.

“Traditional toys carry stories of regional craftsmanship, culture and shared experiences across generations. Through installations and interactive experiences, we hope to make these art forms accessible to today’s audiences while creating a distinctive festive destination for families in Bengaluru,” he said.

Music will be another major attraction, with playback singers Ananya Bhat, known for her contributions to the KGF film franchise, and Sooraj Santhosh, who received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Playback Singer in 2016, set to perform at the festival. Their performances are expected to add to the festive atmosphere.

The festival also offers a range of shopping incentives through the Forum Rewards programme. Shoppers spending ₹7,500 can enter the programme for a chance to win a one-gram gold coin, while those spending ₹75,000 or more are eligible for assured home appliances, daily lucky draws and a chance to win the bumper prize. Eligible customers can also avail themselves of gift vouchers, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.

Through The Indian Toy Tale, Forum South BLR Fest 2026 combines traditional craftsmanship, entertainment and festive shopping, offering Bengaluru visitors an opportunity to experience India’s diverse toy heritage in a contemporary setting.

City Today News 9341997936

“ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಜ್ಞಾನಕ್ಕೆ ಎಐ ಸ್ಪರ್ಶ” ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧುಸೂದನ್ ಸಾಯಿ ಅವರ ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಟ್ವಿನ್ ಲೋಕಾರ್ಪಣೆ

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

ವಿವಿಧ ಭಾಷೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ 24×7 ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನ; ಜಾಗತಿಕವಾಗಿ ವೇದಾಂತದ ಸಂದೇಶ ತಲುಪಿಸುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ

ಮುದ್ದೇನಹಳ್ಳಿ, ಅಕ್ಟೋಬರ್ 20: ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಜ್ಞಾನ ಮತ್ತು ಕೃತಕ ಬುದ್ಧಿಮತ್ತೆ (ಎಐ) ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನವನ್ನು ಸಂಯೋಜಿಸುವ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ, ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಗುರು ಹಾಗೂ ಜಾಗತಿಕ ಸಮಾಜ ಸೇವಕ ಸದ್ಗುರು ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧುಸೂದನ್ ಸಾಯಿ ಅವರ ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಟ್ವಿನ್ ಅನ್ನು ಎಐ ಆಧಾರಿತ ಟ್ವಿನ್ ಕೆಫೆ ವೇದಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಲೋಕಾರ್ಪಣೆಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ವಿವನ್ ಎಐ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಪಡಿಸಿರುವ ಈ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯು ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧುಸೂದನ್ ಸಾಯಿ ಅವರ ಬೋಧನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಆಧರಿಸಿದ್ದು, ಜನರಿಗೆ ವಿವಿಧ ಭಾಷೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ದಿನದ 24 ಗಂಟೆಯೂ ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನ ಪಡೆಯಲು ಅವಕಾಶ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

ಜೀವನದ ಉದ್ದೇಶ, ಆತ್ಮಸಾಕ್ಷಾತ್ಕಾರ, ವೇದಾಂತ ಮತ್ತು ನಿಸ್ವಾರ್ಥ ಸೇವೆಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಉತ್ತರಗಳನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸುವುದು ಈ ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಟ್ವಿನ್‌ನ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಉದ್ದೇಶವಾಗಿದೆ. ಸತ್ಸಂಗಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನೇರವಾಗಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗದವರಿಗೂ ತಮ್ಮ ಭಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ವಿಚಾರಗಳನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಇದು ನೆರವಾಗಲಿದೆ.

ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧುಸೂದನ್ ಸಾಯಿ, ಜಗತ್ತನ್ನು ಒಂದೇ ಕುಟುಂಬವಾಗಿ ನೋಡುವ ‘ವಸುಧೈವ ಕುಟುಂಬಕಂ’ ತತ್ವವನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಜನರಿಗೆ ತಲುಪಿಸುವ ಅಗತ್ಯವನ್ನು ಒತ್ತಿಹೇಳಿದರು. “ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನವನ್ನು ಸದುದ್ದೇಶದಿಂದ ಬಳಸಿದಾಗ ಅದು ಸೇವೆಯ ಪ್ರಬಲ ಸಾಧನವಾಗಬಲ್ಲದು. ಈ ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಟ್ವಿನ್ ಮೂಲಕ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು, ಗೃಹಿಣಿಯರು, ವೃತ್ತಿಪರರು ಮತ್ತು ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರು ತಮ್ಮ ಮಾತೃಭಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದ್ದಾಗ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನ ಪಡೆಯಬಹುದು,” ಎಂದರು.

ಟ್ವಿನ್ ಕೆಫೆಯ ಸಂಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ಮತ್ತು ಸಿಇಒ ಅಶುತೋಷ್ ಗರ್ಗ್ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, ಮೌಲ್ಯಯುತ ಜ್ಞಾನವನ್ನು ಅಗತ್ಯವಿರುವ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬರಿಗೂ ತಲುಪಿಸುವ ಉದ್ದೇಶದಿಂದ ಈ ವೇದಿಕೆಯನ್ನು ರೂಪಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಮೂಲ ಬೋಧನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಆಧರಿಸಿ ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿಯುತವಾಗಿ ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಟ್ವಿನ್ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಪಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಟ್ವಿನ್ ಕೆಫೆ ಇಂಡಿಯಾದ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಸಂದೇಶ್ ಗೋಯಲ್, ಭಾರತೀಯ ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಪರಂಪರೆಯನ್ನು ಜಾಗತಿಕವಾಗಿ ಹಂಚಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಎಐ ಹೊಸ ಅವಕಾಶಗಳನ್ನು ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ ಎಂದರು. ಒನ್ ವರ್ಲ್ಡ್ ಒನ್ ಫ್ಯಾಮಿಲಿ ಮಿಷನ್‌ನ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಬ್ರ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ಮತ್ತು ಸಂವಹನ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಸುಚೇತನ್ ಕೊಟ್ಟಾ, ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಟ್ವಿನ್ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಸೇವಾ ಮತ್ತು ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಸಂದೇಶವನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಜನರಿಗೆ ತಲುಪಿಸಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ಒನ್ ವರ್ಲ್ಡ್ ಒನ್ ಫ್ಯಾಮಿಲಿ ಮಿಷನ್ 100 ದೇಶಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇವಾ ಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಪ್ರಕಾರ, ಪ್ರತಿದಿನ ಒಂದು ಕೋಟಿಗೂ ಅಧಿಕ ಶಾಲಾ ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಪೌಷ್ಟಿಕ ಉಪಾಹಾರ ಒದಗಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಭಾರತ ಮತ್ತು ನೈಜೀರಿಯಾ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ವಿವಿಧ ದೇಶಗಳ 26 ಕ್ಯಾಂಪಸ್‌ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ 4,000ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಉಚಿತ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ನೀಡಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಭಾರತ, ಫಿಜಿ, ಶ್ರೀಲಂಕಾ, ನೈಜೀರಿಯಾ ಮತ್ತು ಅಮೆರಿಕದಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಉಚಿತ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸೇವೆಗಳನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ.

ಈ ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಉಪಕ್ರಮವು ಭಾಷೆ, ಸಮಯ ಮತ್ತು ಭೌಗೋಳಿಕ ಅಂತರಗಳನ್ನು ಮೀರಿ ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಜ್ಞಾನವನ್ನು ಜನರಿಗೆ ತಲುಪಿಸುವ ಹೊಸ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನವಾಗಿದೆ.

City Today News 9341997936

Canara Bank Celebrates Hindi Day, Underscores Hindi’s Role in Customer-Friendly Banking

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Bengaluru: Canara Bank celebrated Hindi Day at its Head Office in Bengaluru, highlighting the importance of language in making banking services simpler, more accessible and customer-friendly. The occasion underscored the Bank’s commitment to effective communication, inclusive service delivery and ensuring that customers can access banking services with greater ease and confidence.

The programme was presided over by Shri Brajesh Kumar Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Canara Bank. Smt. Kaya Tripathi, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Bengaluru Regional Office, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The event was attended by Executive Directors Shri Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia, Shri Bhavendra Kumar and Shri S.K. Majumdar; Chief Vigilance Officer Shri Nabin Kumar Dash; and executives and staff members representing various departments of the Bank.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Smt. Kaya Tripathi highlighted India’s rich multilingual heritage, describing its linguistic diversity as a rainbow of colours that enriches the nation’s social fabric. She observed that Hindi can serve as a bridge between people from diverse linguistic backgrounds, facilitating communication and fostering greater understanding.

She emphasised that the use of Hindi should not be viewed merely as a constitutional obligation but also as a social responsibility. In the banking sector, this approach assumes particular significance, as clear and accessible communication helps customers better understand banking products, services and processes. She stressed the importance of promoting Hindi while remaining mindful of India’s linguistic diversity.

Presiding over the programme, Shri Brajesh Kumar Singh emphasised that the effective and seamless implementation of Hindi was not only a constitutional responsibility but also an important means of strengthening customer service and advancing inclusive development.

He highlighted the need to make banking communication simple, practical and easy for customers to understand. The use of clear and accessible language, he noted, can help bridge communication gaps, enhance customer confidence and enable people from diverse backgrounds to engage more effectively with banking services.

He further underscored the importance of sustained efforts to make Hindi increasingly accessible in everyday banking interactions, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that language serves as a facilitator rather than a barrier to financial services.

The celebration reaffirmed the importance of customer-centric communication in banking, emphasising that language plays a vital role in building trust, improving service delivery and making banking more accessible and inclusive for all.

City Today News 9341997936

UDAAN 2026 to Bring Industrialists, Investors and Startups Together in Bengaluru on October 31

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

MIA to spotlight minority entrepreneurship, seek government policy support and recognise 30 promising startups

Bengaluru, October 19, 2026: The Muslim Industrialists Association (MIA) will organise UDAAN 2026 – Elevating Minority Entrepreneurship on October 31 in Bengaluru, bringing together industrialists, successful entrepreneurs, investors, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), startup founders and government representatives to strengthen minority entrepreneurship and promote business growth in Karnataka.

The event will begin at 9.30 am at Bearys Amity in HBR Layout. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs, improve access to government support and create new opportunities for startups through industry partnerships, investment and policy interventions.

Announcing the programme at a press conference held at the Bengaluru Press Club, MIA office-bearers said the event would serve as a platform for constructive dialogue between the government and the business community. Representatives from various commercial organisations, senior officials and industry leaders are also expected to participate.

MIA to seek policy support for entrepreneurs

One of the key objectives of UDAAN 2026 is to bring the concerns of minority entrepreneurs to the attention of the government. MIA plans to submit a memorandum of demands and recommendations to the concerned ministers, seeking better access to industrial subsidies, simplified procedures for government grants, entrepreneurship development initiatives and stronger policy support.

The association believes that addressing these issues is essential to helping entrepreneurs overcome financial and administrative hurdles, expand their businesses and contribute more effectively to Karnataka’s economic development.

Proposal for entrepreneurs’ hub and incubation centre

Recognising the role of startups in job creation, innovation and economic growth, MIA will present its vision for establishing an MIA Entrepreneurs Hub and Incubation Centre.

The proposed initiative aims to support emerging entrepreneurs through mentorship, skill development, industry connections, investor networking and access to relevant government assistance. The association also intends to work with the Karnataka government and other institutions to strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem.

The proposed centre is expected to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a platform to develop their business ideas, build industry connections and explore opportunities for sustainable growth.

30 promising startups to receive recognition

UDAAN 2026 will recognise 30 promising startups and entrepreneurs from the minority community for their potential in innovation, enterprise development and employment generation.

Selected entrepreneurs will also have an opportunity to showcase their business models and present their ideas to investors, industry leaders and other distinguished participants. The platform is expected to help startups explore investment opportunities, establish business partnerships and expand their market reach.

Beyond recognition, the event will focus on building meaningful connections between emerging startups and established industries. Organisers expect the interaction to encourage knowledge sharing, investment prospects and long-term business collaborations.

MIA’s role in promoting entrepreneurship

Established in 2004 and officially registered in 2007, the Muslim Industrialists Association has been working to promote entrepreneurship, industrial development, education and employment generation among minority communities.

Through UDAAN 2026, the association seeks to strengthen these efforts by bringing entrepreneurs, investors, industry representatives and policymakers onto a common platform to identify challenges and explore practical solutions.

The programme is expected to create fresh opportunities for entrepreneurs while encouraging greater cooperation between the government and the private sector.

Programme details

– Event: UDAAN 2026 – Elevating Minority Entrepreneurship
– Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
– Time: 9.30 am onwards
– Venue: Bearys Amity, HBR Layout, Bengaluru
– Organiser: Muslim Industrialists Association (MIA)

UDAAN 2026 aims to bring industry, government and entrepreneurship together to create new opportunities for business growth, investment and employment.

City Today News 9341997936

Dr Agarwals Opens 17th Bengaluru Centre, Bringing Specialised Eye Care Closer to Patients

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

New Sunkadakatte facility offers advanced diagnostics, eye surgeries and specialist consultations under one roof

Bengaluru, October 17, 2026: Residents of West Bengaluru can now access advanced eye care closer to home with Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital opening its 17th centre in the city at Sunkadakatte. Spread across 6,400 sq. ft., the new facility aims to reduce the burden of travelling long distances for specialised consultations, diagnostic tests and surgical treatment.

Designed around patients’ needs, the centre brings multiple eye care services under one roof, helping simplify the treatment journey. Its offerings include cataract surgery, LASIK, ReLEx SMILE, retinal care, diabetic retinopathy management, glaucoma treatment, corneal services, paediatric ophthalmology, squint management and dry eye evaluation.

Equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), fundus photography, corneal topography and optical biometry, the facility supports detailed eye examinations and timely diagnosis. Surgical services include advanced cataract procedures, laser-assisted vision correction, corneal transplantation and vitreoretinal treatment. Emergency eye care, laboratory services, an in-house pharmacy and cashless insurance processing for eligible procedures are also available.

Dr Srinivasan G Rao, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Karnataka, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, said the centre was established to make comprehensive eye care more accessible, from routine check-ups to complex surgical procedures. He emphasised that patients could receive specialised treatment closer to their neighbourhood without compromising clinical standards.

Emphasising Prevention and Early Diagnosis

Dr Antariksh J Mohta, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the centre, highlighted the growing incidence of digital eye strain, dry eyes and childhood myopia associated with increased screen exposure. He stressed that regular eye examinations and early intervention were essential to preventing avoidable vision complications.

The hospital will conduct community awareness initiatives on cataract management, glaucoma detection, diabetic retinopathy prevention and children’s eye health. Residents can call 9594360222 for further information.

Located in the fast-developing Sunkadakatte corridor, the centre will serve surrounding neighbourhoods, including Nagarbhavi, Annapoorneshwari Nagar, Bharath Nagar and Thavarekere.

By bringing diagnostics, specialist consultations and treatment closer to residential communities, the new facility aims to make eye care more convenient for working professionals, children, senior citizens and families across West Bengaluru.

City Today News 9341997936