Category: Celebrations

15 Years, 5 Lakh Lives: VIDYA South Zone Celebrates a Milestone of Impact

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Bengaluru: VIDYA (Vidya Integrated Development for Youth and Adults), one of India’s longstanding NGOs known for its work in education and empowerment, announced the South Zone’s 15-year milestone at a press meet held at the Press Club of Bangalore. Over the past four decades, VIDYA has directly impacted more than 8 lakh individuals and reached 24 lakh others through 300-plus projects focused on education, digital literacy, vocational training, and women’s empowerment.

Founder Smt. Rashmi Misra, reflecting on VIDYA’s journey, said, “What began as a small learning initiative for five children at my IIT Delhi home has today become a nationwide movement. Every child, youth, and woman who found confidence and new possibilities through VIDYA has contributed to this story of change. The South Zone’s 15-year journey proves that empowering one life can uplift an entire community.”

VIDYA’s footprint now spans Delhi, Gurugram, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and other regions, supported by a strong network of schools, community centres, government partnerships, and skill programmes.

In the South Zone, VIDYA has grown from supporting 150 beneficiaries in 2010 to transforming more than 5 lakh lives through education, digital empowerment, and livelihood initiatives. The organisation currently runs three Centres of Excellence in Bengaluru and Chennai, 146 active projects, and 75+ institutional collaborations, powered by a dedicated team of 125 staff members—half of them VIDYA alumni.

The 15th Year Celebration will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Town Hall, JC Road, Bengaluru, with high tea at 4:00 pm, followed by the main event from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Senior leaders Rekha Srinivasan, Devika Mathur, Sunitha Menon, and Kavitha were present at the press meet.

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12th Annual “Drivers’ Day” to be Celebrated on Nov 9 – Actress Rachita Ram Named “Auto Ambassador”

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Bengaluru: The 12th annual “Drivers’ Day” will be celebrated on November 9 at Shalini Grounds, Jayanagar 5th Block, marking the birth anniversary of late actor Shankar Nag. The event will be graced by Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer, Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji.

Raghu N. Narayan Gowda, President of the Peace Auto and Taxi Drivers Union, announced that actress Rachita Ram has been chosen as the “Auto Ambassador” for this year. Senior, women, and honest drivers will be honoured with gold medals.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Dr. C.S. Ashwath Narayan, and Dr. M.A. Saleem are among the dignitaries expected to attend. Driver associations have urged the government to officially declare Shankar Nag’s birthday as “Drivers’ Day.”

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Laksha Deepotsava Held at Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matt for Universal Well-Being

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Bengaluru:
A grand Laksha Deepotsava dedicated to the welfare of the world was celebrated with devotion and splendour at the Nanjanagoodu Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matt in Jayanagar 5th Block. The event was organised under the divine guidance and blessings of His Holiness Sri 1008 Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji, and led by the Matt’s senior administrator, Sri R.K. Vadheendra Acharya.

Marking the auspicious occasion of Karthika Purnima, the temple premises were beautifully decorated with flowers and illuminated by thousands of lamps, symbolising prayers for global peace and prosperity. According to priest Sri Nandakishore Acharya, devotees offered special prayers and lit lamps as part of their spiritual resolve, seeking the blessings of Sri Guru Raghavendra for the well-being of all.

Thousands of devotees and volunteers participated with deep reverence, receiving the holy prasada after the ritual.
The event also saw the presence of the Matt’s religious head Sri Krishna Gundacharya, the team of archakas, staff members, and several prominent devotees who collectively contributed to the success of the sacred celebration.

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Vijayadasa Aradhane Celebrated with Devotion at Jayanagar Raghavendra Swami Matt

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Bengaluru: Under the divine guidance and blessings of His Holiness Parampujya Sri Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji, the Vijayadasa Aradhane was observed with great devotion at the Nanjanagudu Sri Raghavendra Swami Matt, located in Jayanagar 5th Block, Bengaluru.

The event was organized under the leadership of Sri R.K. Vadindra Acharya, the senior administrator of the Matt. The day’s celebrations included a special floral and devotional decoration of the deities, Haribhajane by members of the Sri Poornaprajna Bhajana Mandali from Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Kanakabhisheka, Mahamangalarati, and Annadana Seva (community meal).

Devotees participated in large numbers, expressing their reverence for Sri Vijayadasaru, also known as the “Tapomurti of Chippagiri,” whose life and teachings continue to inspire faith and devotion.

Prominent devotee Dr. Madhusudan Havaldar was among those present on the occasion and received the blessings of Sri Hari Vayu Gurugalu. Speaking on the event, Sri Nandakishore Acharya of the Matt said that the Aradhane was conducted with complete spiritual fervour and in accordance with the long-standing traditions of the Raghavendra Matt.

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Grand Tulsi Vivah Celebration at Sri Raghavendra Swamy Math-Lakshadeepotsava on November 5

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Bengaluru, November 5:
The Tulsi Vivah Mahotsav was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur at the Nanjanagoodu Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matt in Jayanagar 5th Block, under the divine blessings of His Holiness Sri 1008 Sri Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji. The event was organized under the guidance of the Math’s administrator, Sri R.K. Vadeendra Acharya.

Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the auspicious rituals performed by the priests -Krishnacharya, Ramachandra Acharya, Nandakishore Acharya, and Dharmadhikari Krishnagundacharya—seeking the blessings of Sri Hari, Vayu, and Guru. The entire Matt was beautifully decorated with lamps and flowers, resonating with devotional chants and bhajans.

Speaking on the occasion, Nandakishore Acharya announced that on the auspicious day of Kartika Purnima, Wednesday, November 5, the traditional “Lakshadeepotsava” will be held at 6:30 PM at the Matt premises.

Devotees who wish to participate in this sacred service can register or contribute online through the Math’s WhatsApp number 9449133929. Lighting lamps in the holy presence of Guru Raghavendra during Kartika month is believed to remove hardships and bestow divine blessings upon devotees.

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