Category: Award

Vidya Sampath Creates History as First Indian to Win Mrs Earth International 2025

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A Global Triumph: Indian Mom from Mangalore Wins Mrs Earth International

Mangaluru/Bengaluru:
In a landmark moment for India, Vidya Sampath from Mangalore has been crowned Mrs Earth International 2025, becoming the first Indian woman to bring home the prestigious global title. The event, held in Manila, Philippines, featured contestants from 22 countries and concluded with a grand coronation on December 8.

Vidya, who represented India with poise and confidence, stood out across all rounds of the week-long competition that began on December,1.

A Striking Tribute to India

Her performances reflected a powerful blend of artistry and national pride:

Talent Segment: A compelling showcase rooted in traditional Indian culture.

National Costume: Designed in Mangalore, the elaborate creation featured a lifelike tiger, a blooming lotus, and a dynamic peacock prop, symbolising India’s national icons. The costume received widespread appreciation for its creativity and craftsmanship.

Major Milestone for Astral Pageants

National Director Pratibha Saunshimath, who mentored Vidya for the international stage, said the win is a moment of immense pride as Astral Pageants moves towards its 10th edition in 2026. She added that the achievement underscores Astral’s longstanding focus on disciplined training, structured grooming, and preparing Indian women to compete globally.

Vidya, who earlier held the Mrs India Astral Karnataka Runner title, credited her success to the constant encouragement of her husband Mr. Karkera, who accompanied her to Manila, and Regional Director Mr. Deepak Ganguly, whose guidance shaped her preparations.

Inspiration for Women Across India

Vidya’s triumph marks a proud chapter not just for Astral Pageants but for Karnataka and the country. Her journey stands as a motivating example for aspiring women—especially those from tier-2 cities—proving that with determination, a strong platform, and expert mentorship, global dreams can be realised.

Astral Pageants has hailed the victory as a historic milestone and reaffirmed its commitment to empowering more Indian women to shine at world pageants.

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Prakash Pirgal Honoured with Prestigious “Samaj Bhushan” Title at Bengaluru Town Hall

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Bengaluru, November 16, 2025:
In a distinguished ceremony marked by dignity and community pride, Sri.Prakash Pirgal, President of The Bangalore Wholesale Cloth Merchants Association (R), was conferred with the revered “Samaj Bhushan” title by the Akhil Bhartiya Oswal Parishad. The event, held at the historic Town Hall, drew the participation of community leaders, dignitaries, and members of the Oswal fraternity.

The felicitation was carried out by Honourable Shri P. Krishna Bhat, Former Judge of the Karnataka High Court, who delivered an inspiring address highlighting the importance of ethical leadership and dedicated social service. He commended Sri.Prakash Pirgal for his longstanding contributions to community welfare, organisational strengthening, and for championing initiatives that have positively impacted the merchant fraternity in Bengaluru.

Speaking on the occasion, members of the Parishad noted that the “Samaj Bhushan” title is awarded only to individuals who embody exceptional commitment to social upliftment, integrity, and public service—qualities that Prakash Pirgal has demonstrated consistently in his leadership journey.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude and appreciation from the organisers, acknowledging the collective efforts of the Oswal community in fostering unity, service, and cultural preservation. The gathering also celebrated the achievements of the honouree, whose work continues to inspire many within and beyond the business community.

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ಅಮೆರಿಕಾದ ವಿಸ್ಡಮ್ ಯೂನಿವರ್ಸಿಟಿಯಿಂದ ಜಾವೀದಖಾನ್‌ಗೆ ಗೌರವ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್

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

ಸೆ.20ರಂದು ಜಾವೀದಖಾನ್‌ಗೆ ಗೌರವ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಸೆ.17: ಜನಸೇವಾ ಫೌಂಡೇಶನ್ ರಾಜ್ಯಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಹಾಗೂ ದಲಿತ ಸೇನೆ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸಂಘಟನಾ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಜಾವೀದಖಾನ್ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಅಮೆರಿಕಾದ ವಿಸ್ಡಮ್ ಫೀಸ್ ಆಫ್ ಯೂನಿವರ್ಸಿಟಿಯ ಏಷಿಯಾ ಇಂಟರ್ ನ್ಯಾಷನಲ್ ಕಲ್ಚರಲ್ ಅಕಾಡೆಮಿ ಮತ್ತು ರಿಯಾಲಿಟಿ ಬುಕ್ ಆಫ್ ವರ್ಲ್ಡ್ ರೆಕಾರ್ಡ್ ವತಿಯಿಂದ ಗೌರವ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಪ್ರದಾನವಾಗಲಿದೆ. ಈ ಗೌರವವನ್ನು ಸೆಪ್ಟೆಂಬರ್ 20ರಂದು ದೆಹಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯುವ ಸಮಾರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ ನೀಡಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದು ಜನಸೇವಾ ಫೌಂಡೇಶನ್ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಪ್ರೊ. ಚಂದ್ರಶೇಖರ್ ತಿಳಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಸುದ್ದಿಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರು ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, “ಜಾವೀದಖಾನ್ ಸಮಾಜ ಸೇವಾ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಣನೀಯ ಕಾರ್ಯಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಹಮ್ಮಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ವಿಶೇಷವಾಗಿ, ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳು, ಶಾಂತಿ–ಸೌಹಾರ್ದತೆ ಕಾಪಾಡುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಗಳು, ಮೈಕ್ರೋ ಫೈನಾನ್ಸ್ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ಕಿರುಕುಳದಿಂದ ಜನರನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸಲು ನಡೆಸಿದ ಹೋರಾಟಗಳು ಗಮನಾರ್ಹ. ತುಂಗಭದ್ರಾ ಎಡದಂಡೆ ಕಾಲುವೆಯ ಕೊನೆಯ ಭಾಗದ ರೈತರಿಗೆ ಸಮರ್ಪಕವಾಗಿ ನೀರು ತಲುಪಿಸುವ ಹೋರಾಟ ಹಾಗೂ ಭ್ರಷ್ಟಾಚಾರದ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ನಡೆಸಿದ ಅಭಿಯಾನಗಳು ಸಮಾಜದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಕಾರಾತ್ಮಕ ಬದಲಾವಣೆಗೆ ಕಾರಣವಾಗಿವೆ. ಈ ಎಲ್ಲ ಸೇವಾ ಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಪರಿಗಣಿಸಿ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಗೌರವ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್ ಪ್ರದಾನಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ” ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು.

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Bangalore Senior Citizen Sets Rare Record at Everest Base Camp and Thukla Pass

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Bengaluru / Kathmandu:
In a feat that redefines age and endurance, Acharya Raghu, a 63-year-old yogi and martial arts practitioner from Bangalore, has accomplished a record-setting trek in the Himalayas, inspiring people across generations.

Acharya Raghu successfully completed a grueling 40-kilometer climb from Namche Bazaar to Gorakhshep — a key point near Everest Base Camp — in just 15 hours and 22 minutes. The climb, undertaken on November 18–19, 2024, was marked by extreme night-time temperatures ranging from -10°C to -24°C. The high-altitude trek began at 11:00 PM on November 18 and concluded by 2:22 PM the following day.

He was accompanied by Indian Air Force veteran Santosh Kumar and fellow adventurers Rupesh Reddy and Gagan Gowda. The achievement was recognized by the India Book of Records under the category:
“Maximum Distance Covered in EBC Route within 24 Hours by a Sexagenarian.”

Demonstrating further resilience, the very next day, Acharya Raghu undertook a symbolic physical challenge at Thukla Pass (above 16,000 ft) to pay homage to the 330 mountaineers who lost their lives on Mt. Everest. At this high-altitude location, where oxygen levels drop to 55%, he performed 333 Indian Burpees — also referred to as Yaksha Pranamas — a physically intense sequence combining elements of squats, wrestler push-ups, forward lunges, and jumps, similar to Surya Namaskars but performed at rapid, anaerobic pace.

This physically demanding ritual drove the heart rate to 150–180 bpm and was sustained for over 35 minutes — a performance widely considered impossible at such elevations. This act too has been officially recognized by the India Book of Records as:
“Most Burpees Performed at High Altitude (Above 16,000 ft) by a Sexagenarian.”

Acharya Raghu’s message is clear: fitness is not a luxury but a necessity, regardless of age. Through his efforts, he is actively promoting a health and wellness initiative called “Mountains for Health”, advocating the integration of mountain training, trekking, and trail running as holistic approaches to address modern health concerns.

The announcement of these achievements was made during a press conference held at the Press Club of Bangalore, by Dr. M.R. Seetharam, MLC, Vice Chairman of GEF, Director of MSRIT, and President of ASAI.

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Swachha Parisara Marks 10th Anniversary with Felicitation Ceremony and Educational Kit Distribution

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Bengaluru, Gandhi Bhavan:
The 10th anniversary celebration of Swachha Parisara, a weekly newspaper dedicated to environmental awareness and social responsibility, was held with great enthusiasm at Gandhi Bhavan. The event featured a felicitation ceremony honoring achievers from various fields, alongside the distribution of school bags and notebooks to underprivileged students.

The event was inaugurated with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by the editorial team and dignitaries, including Editor Aravind Yogaraju, Honorary Editor Lion R. Venkatesh, Associate Editor Srinivas, senior physician Dr. Anjanappa, Raghunath, Hayath Beg, Girish, Ravishankar, G.S. Gopal Raaj, Praveen JK, and Ravikumar.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Anjanappa emphasized the crucial role of journalism in correcting the course of society. “Simple habits like regular handwashing can significantly protect health. Farmers are the backbone of our nation, and their children must be empowered through education,” he said. He also cited Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on sanitation and added that rural health has improved with increased toilet construction in villages.

Dr. Anjanappa further advised parents and teachers to instill hygiene habits in children, such as trimming nails and maintaining clean hands, to ensure their healthy development. He also warned against neglecting dog bites, including those from domestic pets, due to the risk of rabies.

Congress leader Raghunath, speaking on the occasion, stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in and around homes. “Segregating wet and dry waste and handing it over responsibly to sanitation workers is essential. True societal progress comes from educating underprivileged children by supporting them like one’s own,” he remarked.

Editor Aravind Yogaraju reflected on the newspaper’s journey, stating, “Swachha Parisara was started under the guidance of retired IAS officer Puttarangappa and Sachiva Shridhar. Over the past decade, with the support of Associate Editor Srinivas and others, the publication has continued to highlight important social issues. Running a newspaper is no easy task, but it is fulfilling when it leads to positive change in society.”

City Today News 9341997936