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.”
ITC Hotels Named World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation at WSTHA 2025
Indian hospitality brand dominates WSTHA with four global awards for Responsible Luxury leadership
Bengaluru, November 6, 2025: ITC Hotels Limited has been named the World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation 2025 at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The group also won three other major global titles — World’s Leading Sustainable Food & Nutrition Initiative, World’s Leading Sustainable Marketing Campaign, and World’s Leading Sustainable Employer — making it the only organisation to bag four top honours this year.
The recognition highlights ITC Hotels’ commitment to its Responsible Luxury philosophy, which integrates sustainability, wellness, and community impact across its operations. Winners were chosen through a four-step process involving nominations, expert evaluation by the Sustainable Business Institute, review by the WSTHA Advisory Board, and global voting.
Speaking about the honour, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, said, “This recognition reinforces our belief that sustainability and excellence can go together. Responsible Luxury inspires us to lead with purpose and create experiences that contribute to a better, more sustainable world.”
The awards were presented in collaboration with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), which represents over 66,000 hotels and 300 brands globally. H.C. Vinayaka, Vice President – Technical Services, EHS & Sustainability, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “These honours motivate us to keep innovating towards a net-positive future and reflect our team’s dedication to sustainability.”
Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of WSHA, lauded ITC Hotels’ achievement, calling it “a powerful example of purpose-driven leadership that sets a global benchmark for sustainable hospitality.” Justin Cooke, Executive Vice President of WSTHA, added, “Winning four awards in one night shows that Responsible Luxury is more than a concept — it delivers tangible results through guest satisfaction, environmental gains, and commercial success.”
Launched at COP28 in Dubai, the WSTHA recognises excellence in climate action, biodiversity, community engagement, and responsible tourism. The 2025 awards ceremony was held on October 29 at Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, Expo City Dubai, providing ITC Hotels a global platform to showcase its leadership in sustainable hospitality.
Over 6,000 partners registered since April; Bengaluru hosts first facilitation camp
Bengaluru, November 6, 2025: Zomato and Blinkit, companies under the Eternal group, have launched a nationwide initiative to help delivery partners access central and state government welfare schemes. The campaign, in collaboration with social enterprise Haqdarshak, began with the first Government Scheme Facilitation Camp in Bengaluru.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. G. Manjunath, Additional Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka. Since its launch in April 2025, the initiative has enabled over 6,000 delivery partners to register for various schemes across India, unlocking benefits worth more than ₹150 crore. In Bengaluru alone, more than 280 partners enrolled during the camp, taking the city’s total to over 1,000 beneficiaries.
Delivery partners have shown interest in schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, e-Shram, Ration Cards, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and the Karnataka State Gig Workers Insurance Scheme. Many are choosing multiple insurance options, combining health, life, and accident coverage for better protection.
Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Eternal, said, “The wellbeing of delivery partners is central to our efforts. These camps bridge the gap between workers and the schemes meant to secure their futures.”
Manoj Joshi, Vice President (Product) at Haqdarshak, added, “Our collaboration with Zomato and Blinkit is making welfare access simpler through digital and human support.”
Similar camps are planned in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi in the coming weeks.
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.
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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