Young Thalassemia Survivor meets German Lifesaver, Emotions Run High

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Roman travelled all the way from Germany to meet Chirag on World Thalassemia Day

Bangalore, May 08, 2024. In a heart-warming moment, 17-year-old Chirag, a thalassemia survivor from India, finally met the man who gave him a second chance at life his stem cell donor, Roman Simnizki from Germany. Chirag battled thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. For most of his childhood, Chirag had to endure fatigue and other health complications along with regular blood transfusions.

For ten years, his family tirelessly searched for an unrelated donor. Their efforts finally yielded results in 2016 when a perfect match was found Roman, a 29-year-old from Münsingen, Germany, through the DKMS database.

“Meeting Roman was an overwhelming experience,” shared Chirag. “Words cannot express how thankful I am for his selfless act. He didn’t just donate stem cells; he gave me a future.”

Roman, who travelled to India to meet Chirag, echoed the sentiment. “There’s no greater joy than knowing you’ve helped someone in need. Seeing Chirag healthy and full of life is the biggest reward.”

The emotional meeting, filled with gratitude and joy, marked the culmination of a life-changing journey for Chirag and Roman. Chirag, now free from the limitations of thalassemia, can dream of a bright future. Roman’s act of altruism, a simple cheek swab, and later blood stem cell donation, has demonstrably changed a life across continents. Chirag’s parents, who witnessed their son’s struggle and eventual recovery, expressed their heartfelt appreciation to Roman for his selfless act.

Chirag’s treating physician, Dr Revathi Raj, Paediatric Haematologist, Apollo Hospitals Chennai, said, “There is a significant burden of Thalassemia in our country, as more than 10,000 children are born with the disease every year. Beta-thalassemia major is a severe form of the disease that requires regular blood transfusions and, potentially, a stem cell transplant for a cure. I am happy that today Chirag is recovered and a bright future awaits him. I hope more people like Roman register as potential stem cell donors so more patients can undergo lifesaving stem cell transplants.”

In a stem cell transplantation, healthy blood stem cells from a matching donor are infused into the patient to help resume healthy blood production. The best stem cell transplant outcomes happen when a patient’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and the HLA of a potential donor. This is much more complex than matching blood groups. About 30% of patients find an HLA- matched donor within the family; however, the rest, 70% of the patients, have to look for an “unrelated” donor with matched HLA.

Talking about the DKMS-BMST Thalassemia program, Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS-BMST, said, “To support Thalassemia patients in India, we have launched the DKMS-BMST Thalassemia program. Under this program, DKMS-BMST collaborates with local NGOs and transplantation clinics to organise camps where pediatric thalassemia patients and their families travel from far places, sometimes from very remote places in India, to give buccal swab samples for HLA typing. Samples from the camps are analysed in the DKMS laboratory based out of Germany and clinical matching reports of the same are provided. In cases where there is no HLA match sibling for a sick child, we also support unrelated donor searches for patients.”

“Donating blood stem cells is a voluntary act of solidarity with a seriously ill person. The availability of matching blood stem cell donors remains a significant challenge for Indian patients in need of life-saving transplants. India has a young population, so it is crucial to encourage more people to register as stem cell donors. Their continued participation in the registry significantly improves the chances of locating matching donors for patients requiring assistance,” said the spokesperson at the event, Dr. Sunil Bhat, Director & Clinical Lead, Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Narayana Health.

Chirag’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for thalassemia patients and their families and highlights the impact of the DKMS-BMST Thalassemia program. It emphasises the critical role of organisations like DKMS-BMST in facilitating life-saving transplants and the profound impact of anonymous donors like Roman, who selflessly offer a chance at a healthier future.

To register as a potential stem cell donor, you must be a healthy Indian adult between 18 and 55. When you are ready to register, all you need to do is complete a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect your tissue cells. Your tissue sample is then sent to the lab to be analyzed for your HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) and listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. If you’re eligible, register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at http://www.dkms-bmst.org/register

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ಗುರು ರಾಯರ ಬೃಂದಾವನಕ್ಕೆ “ಶ್ರೀಗಂಧ ಲೇಪನ” ಅಲಂಕಾರದ ವಿಶೇಷ ಸೇವೆ 10-5-2024

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ಜಯನಗರದ 5 ನೇ ಬಡಾವಣೆ ನಂಜನಗೂಡು ಶ್ರೀರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಗಳ ಮಠದಲ್ಲಿ ಪರಮಪೂಜ್ಯ ಶ್ರೀ1008 ಶ್ರೀ ಸುಬುಧೇಂದ್ರತೀರ್ಥ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದಂಗಳವರ ಆದೇಶಾನುಸಾರ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಠದ ಹಿರಿಯ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಆರ್.ಕೆ. ವಾದೀಂದ್ರಾಚಾರ್ ಅವರ ನೇತೃತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಕ್ಷಯ ತೃತೀಯಾ ಪ್ರಯುಕ್ತ ಮೇ 10ನೇ ತಾರೀಕು ಶುಕ್ರವಾರದಂದು ರಾಯರ ಬೃಂದಾವನಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣವಾಗಿ ಶ್ರೀಗಂಧದಿಂದಲೇ ಅಲಂಕಾರವನ್ನು ಮಾಡಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಗಳ ಬೃಂದಾವನಕ್ಕೆ ವರ್ಷಕ್ಕೊಮ್ಮೆ ಆಚರಿಸುವಂತಹ ಬಹಳ  ಅಪರೂಪವಾದ “ಶ್ರೀ ಗಂಧ ಲೇಪನದ ಸೇವೆ”. ಈ ಸೇವೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಭಕ್ತಾದಿಗಳು ಆನ್ಲೈನ್  ಈ ನಂಬರ್ -9449133929 ಮುಖಾಂತರ ಸೇವೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಗಳ ಅನುಗ್ರಹಕ್ಕೆ ಪಾತ್ರರಾಗಬಹುದು ಎಂದು ಶ್ರೀ ನಂದಕಿಶೋರ್ ಆಚಾರ್ಯರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಈ ಸೇವೆಯನ್ನು ಮಾಡಿಸಿರುವ ಭಕ್ತರಿಗೆ ಶನಿವಾರ 11ನೇ ತಾರೀಖಿನಂದು ಶ್ರೀಗುರು ರಾಯರ ಬೃಂದಾವನಕ್ಕೆ  ಸಮರ್ಪಿಸಿ ಅಲಂಕರಿಸಿದ ಶ್ರೀಗಂಧದ ಪ್ರಸಾದವನ್ನು ಕೊಡಲಾಗುವುದು. ಈ  ಸೇವೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಭಗವತ್ ಭಕ್ತರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿ, ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಗಳ ಅನುಗ್ರಹಕ್ಕೆ ಪಾತ್ರರಾಗಬಹುದು. ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಾಗಿ-08022443962-9945429129-9449133929-8660349906

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Mastercard powers the launch of first-of-its-kind prepaid card to boost medical tourism in India,Collaborates with Bangladesh’s Eastern Bank PLC to simplify domestic patients’ access to healthcare in India

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Bengaluru, India, May 7, 2024: With the objective to simplify access to healthcare in India for Bangladeshi patients, Mastercard has collaborated with Bangladesh’s Eastern Bank PLC. (EBL) to power the launch of the first prepaid card for medical tourism. 

The new dual currency card features exclusive offers, such as a 10% discount on in-patient hospital bills across 120+ hospitals in India, including top healthcare facilities in Bengaluru along with hospitals in Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and other cities. It will also provide cardholders complimentary dental and eye check-ups, along with a complimentary city tour during their visit to India. 

These offers are designed to enhance cardholders’ medical tourism journey along with hassle-free travel arrangements, no cost airport transfers in India, and access to Mastercard Flight Delay Pass, which provides enhanced airport experience.

To avail of these offers, cardholders will simply need to submit a treatment inquiry on a dedicated web page by EBL and select the most appropriate treatment option and cost estimate from a wide network of hospitals in India. They will also receive comprehensive support services including assistance with medical visas, hotel accommodations, doctor appointments, and on-site support. 

Cardholders will also get other exciting benefits, such as 24/7 cash withdrawals worldwide.

Speaking about the significance of the launch, Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard, said, “This collaboration reiterates Mastercard’s commitment to streamline domestic and cross-border payments in the healthcare sector. It also underlines the company’s vision of leveraging innovation to support new use cases, such as those combining healthcare and travel. Along with contributing to the growth of medical tourism to India, this new card will provide unmatched security and convenience to cardholders in Bangladesh.”
Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director, Eastern Bank PLC., said, ‘We are proud to pioneer the first prepaid medical tourism card in collaboration with Mastercard, revolutionizing healthcare accessibility for our customers. With exclusive discounts on hospital bills, complimentary health check-ups, and curated travel experiences, we are committed to ensuring a seamless and rewarding medical tourism experience for our customers. This initiative reaffirms our position as a leader in customer-centric product and service solutions.”

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VST ZETOR Unveils range of Tractors.Trusted by Generations, Timeless in Performance, Tough in Every Terrain

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Bangalore, 6th May 2024:VST ZETOR Private Ltd., the joint venture between VST Tillers Tractors Ltd and HTC Investments a.s (Owner of the “ZETOR” brand), announced the launch of three best-in-class higher HP tractors in the country today. Mr. Antony Cherukara, Managing Director, VST Zetor and Mr. Filip Soka, Vice Chairman, VST Zetor, jointly announced the launch in Bengaluru. The three new tractors launched in the range of 41 to 50 HP are VST ZETOR 4211, VST ZETOR 4511, and VST ZETOR 5011. These products are jointly developed by VST & ZETOR after rigorous testing and technological integration post taking valuable inputs from the farming community in India.



VST Zetor tractors developed at VST Zetor plant in India, features an indigenously made powerful, best-in-class DI Engine, fully constant mesh transmission with helical gears and VZmatic hydraulics. Its wider Platform, dual diaphragm clutch, optimum turning Radius, adjustable premium seat, dual-acting power steering and aerodynamic styling ensure ease of operation with desired comfort.



VST ZETOR tractors are best suited for a wide range of applications starting from land preparation to post-harvest operations. It is highly compatible with all heavy-duty non-agriculture tasks along with all primary, secondary tillage and haulage applications of Agriculture.

Mr. Antony Cherukara, MD VST Zetor, said “The launch of these tractors is a significant milestone as with these models we are entering into the 60% of the tractor industry of India, i.e. the higher HP segment. These tractors will help to strengthen our brand and build a much stronger tractor portfolio to cater to a wide range of farming applications and geographical market needs. VST Zetor has launched these tractors after thorough research and understanding of the requirements of the Indian farming community. These tractors are engineering marvels developed with the FAST FRUGAL and FUTURE READY approach of VST with TRUSTED, TIMELESS & TOUGH Identity of ZETOR, to offer technological efficiency for better earnings to the farmer. Going with its vision statement to emerge as the best solution provider for farm mechanization VST Zetor will introduce many more products in the Indian and International markets soon”.

Mr. Filip Soka, Vice Chairman of VST ZETOR, highlighted ZETOR’s 60-year legacy in India, renowned for its durability, reliability, and versatility. “Today, we fulfill the long-awaited desire to see ZETOR tractors in action on Indian soil. Our launch unveils three models tailored to meet the diverse needs of Indian farmers. Leveraging VST’s expertise in 4WD compact tractors, well-received in Europe, this collaboration promises to raise agricultural standards in India”.

“With a global presence in 130+ countries, our partnership with VST aims to strengthen our footprint in India, the world’s largest tractor market. Together, we empower Indian farmers with machinery embodying trust, timelessness, and toughness”.

Some of the Key features of the VST Zetor Tractors are –



*  VZ Series Powerful Engines with Unit Cylinder Wet Liner Technology (UC-WLT)

*  Helical Constant Mesh Gearbox with Forced Lubrication System

*  Heavy Duty Rear Axle & Cold Forged Differential Gear

*  Heavy Duty Hydraulics with Auto Depth & Draft Control (ADDC) and VZ-Matic

*  Side Gear Shift, Under Hood Muffler, Heavy Duty Fenders

*  Heavy-duty Box type Front Axle for application versatility.

*  Spacious Wider Platform with Adjustable Deluxe Seat.



Taking operational comfort to the next level These Tractors have Integrated Car-like Headlamps, Compact packaging with under hood Muffler, a Stylish SMC Bonnet, a Stylish Dashboard with a Digital Cluster, a Heat Deflector, a Stylish & fully Covered Fenders, a Side Shift lever and GSPTO.

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MTR KARUNADU SWADAA Unique Food Festival Celebrating Karnataka

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Bengaluru, 03 May, 2024 – Continuing with its 100-year celebration, MTR is back with the 3rd edition of its iconic Food Festival – MTR Karunadu Swada. This cherished food festival is being held on 4th and 5th May at Jayamahal Palace Convention Centre in Bangalore with an aim to delight the hearts of consumers and make them experience often-forgotten recipes from various parts of Karnataka.

The festival was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice N. Santosh Hegde, Former Solicitor General of India.
Under the leadership of MTR’s cuisine centre of excellence, over 50 home chefs are showcasing more than 100 dishes from six regions of Karnataka, including Uttara Karnataka, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Kalyana Karnataka, Udupi and Hale Mysuru, taking the attendees on a sensory journey through the state’s culinary legacy.

MTR Karunadu Swada is a one stop celebration of Kitchens across Karnataka, using locally sourced ingredients, unique spice blends and recipes passed on through generations.
On this occasion, the brand is extending this unique experience beyond the food festival by launching a special recipe book which is inspired by the dishes showcased at the festival.

The book features a curated collection of over 100 forgotten recipes from Karnataka, allowing people to recreate these forgotten dishes at home.
Mr. Sunay Bhasin, CEO MTR, expressed his thoughts, “MTR Karunadu Swada is born out of MTR’s love for the food and culture of Karnataka. It is a celebration of Karnataka’s diverse flavours and our commitment to uphold the rich culinary heritage of the state. With evolving consumer needs and fast-paced lifestyles, we’ve inadvertently lost touch with traditional recipes and flavours that once defined our culture. This food festival serves as a bridge back to our roots, a heartfelt effort to preserve a piece of Karunadu heritage through these treasured dishes.”

In addition to the gastronomic experience, the event features celebrated Karnataka dance forms like Yakshagana and Dollu Kunitha, making it a complete cultural immersion, and highlighting Karnataka’s vibrant artistic traditions.
Witness this culinary affair by securing your tickets, available exclusively on BookMyShow.com.

City Today News 9341997936