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‘Traditionally Modern’: AIAMA’s Visionary Expo Set to Redefine the Future of Fragrance Industry

Posted on July 18, 2025 by City Today News (City today.media)

AIAMA to Host India’s Biggest Agarbathi Expo, Aiming to Position the Country as a Global Incense Powerhouse

Bengaluru, July 18, 2025:
The All India Agarbathi Manufacturing Association (AIAMA) has officially announced AIAMA EXPO 2025, the largest international exhibition and conference in the incense industry, as part of its mission to establish India as the global hub for agarbathi manufacturing.

The three-day event, scheduled from November 6–8, 2025, will be held at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru, under the theme “Traditionally Modern.” The Expo will bring together manufacturers, exporters, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators from India and abroad.

The announcement was made by senior AIAMA leaders, including:

Mr. Ambica Ramanjaneyulu, President of AIAMA and Director, Ambica Agarbathies Aroma & Industries

Mr. Arjun Ranga, AIAMA EXPO 2025 Chairperson, Immediate Past President of AIAMA, and MD, Cycle Pure Agarbathis

Mr. Krishna T.V, Vice President, AIAMA and Director, Amrutha Aromatics

Mr. Sharath Babu P.S, Past President, AIAMA and Director, Beeju Sugandhi

Mr. Sapthagiri S. Boggaram, Past President, AIAMA and Director, Sugandha Lok

According to research by AIAMA, demand for agarbathis has risen sharply both in India and globally over the past five years. The Expo is expected to serve as a major platform for business networking, policy dialogue, and industry innovation, featuring discussions on employment generation, raw material sourcing, packaging evolution, sustainability, and new consumer trends.

A Platform to Shape the Future of Incense

Mr. Ambica Ramanjaneyulu, President of AIAMA, stated, “Our vision is to transform India into the global hub for incense production. This Expo will not only highlight innovation and sustainability but also foster a deeper sense of cultural pride among stakeholders. By celebrating our traditions and embracing modern approaches, we can chart a progressive future for the industry.”

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Chairperson of AIAMA EXPO 2025, added, “Global interest in agarbathis is growing rapidly. The Expo is a step towards uniting the entire agarbathi ecosystem to keep pace with evolving opportunities. From showcasing pioneering products to hosting knowledge-driven sessions, the event is designed to uplift and empower manufacturers at every level.”

He also revealed that the Expo will include a heritage gallery featuring rare agarbathi samples, historic photographs, industry awards, and memorabilia, offering attendees a rich narrative of the sector’s legacy and growth.

Key Features of AIAMA EXPO 2025:

Spread across 120,000 square feet

Over 5,000 participants expected

Delegations from countries including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Europe

Curated seminars and workshops covering:

Fragrance innovation & R&D

Raw material procurement

Women’s participation and entrepreneurship

Export opportunities

Packaging trends and modern marketing

Employment generation in rural India

Industry Collaboration and Global Participation

The event has garnered support from leading organizations, including:

Fragrance and Flavours Association of India (FAFAI), Mumbai

Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj

Essential Oils Association of India (EOAI)

With international exhibitors and a comprehensive industry agenda, AIAMA EXPO 2025 is poised to be a landmark event—spotlighting India’s leadership in incense production and laying the foundation for stronger global partnerships and innovation in the sector.

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MICA Unveils India’s First School of Applied Creativity, Bridging AI and Imagination

Posted on July 18, 2025 by City Today News (City today.media)

Mumbai, July 16, 2025: MICA (formerly Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad) has taken a groundbreaking step by launching the School of Applied Creativity—India’s first institution solely dedicated to nurturing future-ready talent at the intersection of creativity, storytelling, media, and artificial intelligence.

Located at its Ahmedabad campus, the school is designed to welcome students from across the globe. It features a studio-based, hands-on curriculum, drawing inspiration from globally acclaimed institutions such as Central Saint Martins (UK), Nottingham Trent University, and the University of Southern California (USC). The teaching model includes global faculty, industry co-teaching, and experiential learning.

Flagship Programs Introduced:

Crafting Creative Communications (CCC): A newly structured one-year residential program focused on applied creativity.

Postgraduate Programme in Media, Content & Entertainment: A two-year immersive course designed to shape future leaders in the creative and media industries.

The inaugural academic year begins in July 2026, with an intake of 80–100 students in the first phase. Admissions will be through the MICAT entrance exam.

Notably, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur joins as Chief Mentor, and MICA also plans to roll out online masterclasses in the near future to reach learners worldwide.

The launch event, held in Mumbai, was attended by notable figures including Ms. Tina Ambani (Chairperson, MICA Foundation), Ms. Jaya Deshmukh (Director & CEO, MICA), and Mr. Ramkumar Ramamoorthy (Partner, Catalincs and former CMD, Cognizant India).

Speaking on the occasion, Tina Ambani remarked, “Since its inception, MICA has consistently stayed ahead of the curve—whether by embracing digital early on or integrating design thinking into business education. Today, we take another leap by recognizing imagination as the new strategic resource of the future.”

Formation of MICA AI Advisory Board

A major highlight was the announcement of the MICA AI Advisory Board, comprising leading experts from organizations such as Amazon AGI, Salesforce, and Google DeepMind. This board will serve a three-year term, offering strategic counsel to the Director, CEO, and leadership team.

Dr. Githa Heggde, Dean of MICA, emphasized the board’s role in guiding the institution’s innovation journey and fostering leadership in the emerging “Age of Imagination.”

Ms. Jaya Deshmukh, Director and CEO of MICA, added, “As AI makes knowledge universally accessible, it is human imagination and cultural intelligence that will drive real value. MICA’s new school addresses the rising demand for creative professionals who can work at the intersection of technology and imagination.”

The event concluded with a thought-provoking fireside chat titled Beyond Data: Why Imagination Will Define the Next Economy, moderated by MICA alumna Malika Rodrigues. Panelists included Aparna Kumar (Former CIO, SBI & HSBC), Shekhar Kapur, and Suraja Kishore (former CEO, BBDO), who shared insights on creativity as a strategic and economic force in the AI-driven future.

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Devotional Rituals and Bharatanatyam Performance Mark Festivities at Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mata

Posted on July 18, 2025 by City Today News (City today.media)

Bengaluru, July 17:
In accordance with the guidance of His Holiness Sri Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji, the Nanjanagudu Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mata, located in Jayanagar 5th Block, hosted a series of religious and cultural events on Thursday that drew thousands of devotees.

The morning rituals commenced with a ceremonial ‘Mango Fruit Abhisheka’ offered at the sacred Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, accompanied by special decorations, Kanakabhisheka (offering of gold), Maha Mangalarati, and annadana (community meal) for devotees, according to Sri Nanda Kishore Acharya.

The evening featured a vibrant sequence of celebrations including Rathotsava (chariot procession), Gajavahanotsava (elephant procession), Pallakki Utsava (palanquin procession), Thottilu Seve (cradle ceremony) and a concluding Ashtavadhana Maha Mangalarati.

As part of the cultural segment, students of Natya Veda Nritya school delivered a Bharatanatyam performance, choreographed and directed by renowned dancer Vidushi Smt. Samana Achar. The performance, especially by young children, was well-received by the audience.

Devotees from across the city gathered in large numbers to seek the blessings of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy, receive Teertha, Prasada, Phala, and Mantrakshate, and participate in the spiritual and cultural festivities.

All events were meticulously organized under the leadership of senior Matha administrator, Sri R.K. Vadindra Acharya, ensuring a smooth and devotional experience for all attendees.

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Father Christopher White Appointed as Parish Priest; MLA A.C. Srinivas Inaugurates Water Purification Unit at St. Anthony’s School

Posted on July 17, 2025 by City Today News (City today.media)

Bengaluru, July 17:
A.C. Srinivas, MLA from Pulakeshinagar constituency, inaugurated a newly installed water purification unit at St. Anthony’s School on Thursday. The initiative aims to provide clean and safe drinking water to the students, ensuring better health and hygiene on campus.

On the same occasion, Reverend Father Christopher White was officially appointed as the new parish priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, located near Coles Park. A special welcome ceremony was organized to mark the appointment, attended by key members of the Christian community who extended their heartfelt congratulations.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were Dr. Younus Jones, Mr. Stephen Raj, Mr. Yasir, Mr. Guna Shekhar, Mr. Fiyaz Khan, Mr. Vinod Benjamin, and Mr. Balaraj, along with other senior leaders from the local Congress committee.

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ಪ್ಯಾರಿಷ್ ಪಾದ್ರಿಯಾಗಿ ಫಾದರ್ ಕ್ರಿಸ್ಟೋಫರ್ ವೈಟ್ ನೇಮಕ; ಶಾಸಕರಿಂದ ನೀರು ಶುದ್ಧೀಕರಣ ಘಟಕ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆ

Posted on July 17, 2025 by City Today News (City today.media)

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಜುಲೈ 17:
ಪುಲಿಕೇಶಿ ನಗರ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಶಾಸಕ ಎ.ಸಿ. ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ್ ಅವರು ಸೇಂಟ್ ಆಂಟನಿ ಶಾಲೆಯ ಆವರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರ್ಮಿತವಾದ ನೀರು ಶುದ್ಧೀಕರಣ ಘಟಕವನ್ನು ಗುರುವಾರ ಉದ್ಘಾಟಿಸಿದರು. ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕರ ಕುಡಿಯುವ ನೀರನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸುವ ಉದ್ದೇಶದಿಂದ ಈ ಘಟಕವನ್ನು ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ.

ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ, ಸೇಂಟ್ ಫ್ರಾನ್ಸಿಸ್ ಕ್ಸೇವಿಯರ್ ಚರ್ಚ್ (ಕೋಲ್ಸ್ ಪಾರ್ಕ್ ಸಮೀಪ) ನ ಪ್ಯಾರಿಷ್ ಪಾದ್ರಿಯಾಗಿ ರೆವರೆಂಡ್ ಫಾದರ್ ಕ್ರಿಸ್ಟೋಫರ್ ವೈಟ್ ಅವರನ್ನು ಅಧಿಕೃತವಾಗಿ ನೇಮಕ ಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು. ಅವರ ಸೇವೆಯನ್ನು ಸ್ವಾಗತಿಸಲು ಏರ್ಪಡಿಸಲಾದ ಸಮಾರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ರಿಶ್ಚಿಯನ್ ಸಮುದಾಯದ ಹಲವು ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಮುಖಂಡರು ಹಾಜರಿದ್ದು, ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಡಾ. ಯೂನಾಸ್ ಜೋನ್ಸ್, ಶ್ರೀ ಸ್ಟೀಫನ್ ರಾಜ್, ಶ್ರೀ ಯಾಸಿರ್, ಶ್ರೀ ಗುಣ ಶೇಖರ್, ಶ್ರೀ ಫಯಾಜ್ ಖಾನ್, ಶ್ರೀ ವಿನೋದ್ ಬೆಂಜಮಿನ್, ಶ್ರೀ ಬಲರಾಜ್ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸಮಿತಿಯ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಸದಸ್ಯರು ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು.

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