ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಆಗಸ್ಟ್ 14 – ‘ಪರಮ್ ಕಲ್ಚರ್’ ಆಯೋಜಿಸಿದ್ದ ಪರಂಪರಾ ಸರಣಿಯ ಏಳನೇ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ‘ವಂದೇ ಮಾತರಂ’ ಡಾ. ಸಿ. ಅಶ್ವತ್ಥ ಕಲಾಭವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಭವ್ಯವಾಗಿ ನೆರವೇರಿತು. ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಪಂ. ಪ್ರವೀಣ್ ಡಿ.ರಾವ್, ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಹೆಗಡೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಗಾಯಕ ಶಂಕರ ಶಾನುಭೋಗ್ ದೀಪ ಬೆಳಗುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ಉದ್ಘಾಟಿಸಿದರು.
ಶ್ರೀ ಶಂಕರ ಶಾನುಭೋಗ್ ಅವರ ತಂಡದಿಂದ ದೇಶಭಕ್ತಿಗೀತೆಗಳ ಮಧುರ ವಾದನ – ಆಕಾಶಕೆದ್ದುನಿಂತ ಪರ್ವತಹಿಮ ಮೌನದಲ್ಲಿ, ತಾಯೆ ನಿನ್ನ ಮಡಿಲಲಿ, ಏ ಮೆರೇ ವತನ್ಕೆ ಲೋಗೋ, ವಂದೇ ಮಾತರಂ – ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಕರ ಹೃದಯ ಗೆದ್ದವು. ಸಹಗಾಯನದಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಮಾರಿ ಮೇಘನಾ ಹಳಿಯಾಳ, ಕೀಬೋರ್ಡ್ನಲ್ಲಿಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಉಡುಪ, ತಬಲಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಸುದತ್ತ ಎಲ್. ಶ್ರೀಪಾದ್, ಢೋಲಕ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಲೋಕೇಶ್ ಆರ್., ಕೊಳಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀ ರಮೇಶ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಜಿ.ಎಲ್., ರಿದಮ್ ಪ್ಯಾಡ್ಸ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಪದ್ಮನಾಭ ಕಾಮತ್ ಅವರು ಸಂಗತಿಸಿದರು.
ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಅಂಗವಾಗಿ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಸಹಯೋಗದಲ್ಲಿ, ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ ಕಲಾವಿದರಿಂದ ರಚಿಸಲಾದ ಅಪರಿಚಿತ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಹೋರಾಟಗಾರರ ಚಿತ್ರಸಹಿತ ಅಂಚೆ ಪತ್ರಗಳ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಾರಾಟವೂ ನಡೆಯಿತು. ಅಲ್ಲದೆ, ಆತ್ಮೀಯರಿಗೆ ಸಂದೇಶ ಬರೆಯುವ ಹಳೆಯ ಪತ್ರ ಬರೆಯುವ ಕಲೆಯನ್ನು ಪುನರುಜ್ಜೀವನಗೊಳಿಸುವ ವಿಶೇಷ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯೂ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿತ್ತು.
Bengaluru: The 354th Aradhana Saptarathrotsava of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji concluded on August 14 at the Nanjangudu Sri Raghavendra Swamiji Mata, Jayanagar 5th Block. The celebrations were held from August 8 to 14 under the guidance of His Holiness Sri Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji and led by the Matha’s senior administrator, Sri R.K. Vadindracharya.
The festival commenced on August 8 with the inauguration by Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji, Pejawar Mathadhipathi, who also delivered a three-day discourse on Srimad Ramayana prior to the start of the Aradhana.
Week-long Rituals and Cultural Programmes Daily special pujas were conducted in the mornings, while the grand Rajabeedi Utsava marked the concluding day. Each evening featured cultural performances:
Aug 8: Dasavani by Sri Jayateerth Tasgaon and troupe
Aug 9: Saxophone recital by Kum. Divyashree Ranganathan and troupe
Aug 10: Dasa Tarangini by Smt. Deepa Kasaravalli and troupe
Aug 11: Dasa Jhenkara by Smt. Ramamani Guruprasad and troupe
Aug 12: Dasalahari by Dr. Raichur Sheshagiridas and troupe
Aug 14: Bharatanatyam presentation titled Bhakti by students of Prabhat Art International, choreographed by Smt. Shakuntala Raghavendra Prabhat.
The Bharatanatyam featured performances by students Sheetal, Shilpa, Surabhi, Kashika, Mahati, Samhitha, Harshala, Aishwarya, Mridula, Deeksha, Ananya, Payal, Tanya, Sunishti, Swapnanthi, Vedhika, Pratyusha, Shashwati, Sharanya, Samnvitha, Bruhathi, Manya, Shreya, Saniha, Vaishnavi, Suparna, and Siri.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Nandakishore Acharya said the week-long celebrations concluded in a deeply devotional and vibrant atmosphere.
Karnataka and Chhattisgarh Forge Cultural Bonds at Chitrakote Sangama “Two-day Kannada–Chhattisgarhi confluence held in Bastar, 9–10 August 2025”
Bengaluru, 14 August 2025: In a rare example of citizen-led national integration, the Chitrakote Kannada–Chhattisgarhi Sangama united eminent personalities, artists, royals, and citizens from Karnataka and Chhattisgarh in a two-day cultural and intellectual gathering in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, on 9–10 August 2025.
The event was conceptualised and self-funded by Aakash Verma, a TV news producer from Chhattisgarh, and his wife Seema Mahotra Verma, a teacher from Jammu & Kashmir. The couple, currently based abroad, described the initiative as their “personal national duty” to promote linguistic and cultural harmony between states.
Notable Participation From Karnataka, distinguished attendees included Vijayanagara royal Shri Krishna Devaraya, Yakshagana artiste Smt. Nirmala Hedge of Sirsi, Wing Commander B.S. Sudarshan, tech education advocate Uday Raghunath Birje, Dakshin Bharat Rashtramat editor Shreekant Parashar, and singer–actor Padmini Oak (Grand Jury, Zee Kannada Sa Re Ga Ma).
The gathering also saw the presence of NDTV Consulting Editor Sumit Awasthi, Amar Ujala Digital Head Jaideep Karnik, Mumbai scholar Ravi Kumar Iyer, TV personality Mohammed Faiz Khan from Raipur, and cultural ambassador Ravi Badekar from Nashik, whose patriotic song during the Bastar Maharaja’s high tea left the audience in silence.
Day 1 – Warm Welcome & Heritage Tour On 9 August, the Karnataka delegation was greeted in Jagdalpur by Mayor Sanjay Pandey and his council with flowers and coconuts. The group visited Maa Danteshwari Temple at the Bastar royal palace, followed by a high tea hosted by Maharaja Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo.
Later, at the Chitrakote Waterfalls — known as the ‘Niagara of India’ — the guests enjoyed a traditional tribal welcome featuring the Bison Horn dance.
Day 2 – Jal Sangama & Cultural Exchange The second day began with a symbolic Jal Sangama at Chitrakote, where waters from Karnataka’s Cauvery and Tungabhadra rivers and Chhattisgarh’s Mahanadi were merged with the Indravati River, which later joins the Godavari.
At Hotel Grand Shilpi, the main session opened with Karnataka’s state anthem Bharat Janani Tanujate by Padmini Oak and Chhattisgarh’s Arpa Pairi Ke Dhar. The ceremonial lamp was lit by Rakshita from Sirsi and Rigvee Verma, the organisers’ young daughter, who learned the Karnataka anthem despite being raised abroad by non-Kannadiga parents.
Speakers included:
Ravi Kumar Iyer – historic ties and mutual contributions to nation building.
Mohammed Faiz Khan – the importance of citizen-led unity.
Wing Commander B.S. Sudarshan – Karnataka’s role in India’s defence, including Operation Sindoor.
Uday Raghunath Birje – from IISc’s legacy to the Mysore Lancers in WWI.
Maharaja Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo – Bastar’s historical and cultural connections.
Shri Krishna Devaraya – Vijayanagara Empire’s role in promoting linguistic and cultural diversity.
Shared Heritage on Stage A Yakshagana performance by Nirmala Hedge’s troupe and a Pandavani recital by Smt. Ritu Verma of Chhattisgarh reflected the artistic kinship of the two states. The presentations highlighted India’s cultural diversity as many shades of a single heritage.
A Message of Oneness Calling Kannada his Dodamma Bhashe (elder mother tongue), organiser Aakash Verma said, “All Indian languages belong to all Indians, and we must promote, respect, and learn from them as much as possible.”
Local Kannadigas in Chhattisgarh warmly welcomed the visiting delegation, hosting them in their homes. The Karnataka participants returned with memories of warmth, heritage, and unity.
The event details were formally shared at the Press Club of Bangalore by members of the Chhattisgarh Sangama.
Bengaluru, 14 August 2025 – Apollo Hospitals Seshadripuram marked its 10th anniversary with “Samarpanam” – a celebration of ten years of advanced, accessible healthcare – in the presence of Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., along with senior officials and distinguished guests.
Established in August 2015, the superspeciality hospital has grown into one of Bengaluru’s most trusted healthcare destinations, treating more than 1,000 outpatients daily and performing thousands of complex surgeries each year. Since 2017, it has also led several pioneering transplant procedures in India, cementing its position as a leader in organ transplantation in Karnataka.
Dr. Sangita Reddy said, “Apollo Hospitals has always aimed to combine clinical excellence with a strong commitment to community service. The decade-long journey of our Seshadripuram unit embodies this mission. By expanding access to advanced treatments and fostering trust with our patients, we have significantly contributed to Bengaluru’s healthcare ecosystem. As the city continues to grow as a medical hub, Apollo remains dedicated to raising standards in quality, innovation, and compassionate care.”
Specialised in cardiology, neurosciences, orthopedics, gastroenterology, and kidney transplantation, Apollo Seshadripuram was also the first in India to introduce the Moses 2.0 Laser for treating prostate enlargement and kidney stones in high-risk patients.
Vice President Uday Davda remarked, “Reaching this milestone is not only a moment of pride but also a promise to the future. We have consistently worked to make advanced medical care more accessible while handling some of the most challenging cases. With a new tower planned to meet increasing demand, we will continue to uphold the trust our patients place in us.”
The anniversary event featured cultural performances by staff, patients, and members of the local community. Moving forward, the hospital aims to expand its specialised care offerings, adopt AI-powered diagnostics, and further enhance its transplant and emergency services.
The Great Indian Salute Pays Tribute to Nation’s Veterans at Lulu Mall, Bengaluru
Bengaluru tribute honours armed forces and veterans, preserving their stories of courage for future generations.
Bengaluru, August 15, 2025 – As India marked its 78th Independence Day, Lulu Mall Rajajinagar hosted The Great Indian Salute, a heartfelt event honouring the courage and sacrifices of the nation’s armed forces and veterans. The occasion saw the inauguration of a permanent Wall of Fame, dedicated to immortalising stories of valour and patriotism.
The celebrations, held on August 13, drew a large gathering of war veterans, their families, and citizens. The South Atrium resonated with emotional speeches, personal accounts, and interactive exhibits that highlighted the legacy of India’s armed forces. Visitors also explored the Kargil War Memorial Model at the North Atrium, a striking installation depicting the rugged Kargil terrain and commemorating the soldiers of the 1999 conflict.
Located on the mall’s third floor, the Wall of Fame showcases photographs, service histories, and artifacts of veterans, offering visitors a space for reflection and gratitude. The installation will remain open to the public for two months.
“This Independence Day, we wanted to move beyond celebration and reflect on the sacrifices that have shaped our nation. The Wall of Fame is our tribute to the heroes who safeguarded India’s freedom,” said Shereef K K, Regional Director, Lulu Mall Karnataka.
“It is more than just an installation—it is an emotion. We hope every visitor spends a few moments here and carries forward the spirit of respect and remembrance,” added Kiran V Puthran, General Manager, Lulu Mall Bengaluru.
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