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Unleashing Talent: mPokket EmpowersYoung Talent with the mPokket Idols – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
In an endeavor to empower the underserved youth of India, mPokket – the leading digital lending platform for millennials – hosted the #mPokketIdols contest. The mega contest emerged as an exciting opportunity for the youth to showcase their exceptional talent and compete for a cash prize of Rs1 lakh. The contest not only recognized exceptional skills and rewarded talented individuals but also served as a platform to empower the youth and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
The winner, a first-year college student, Suvrat Jain from Jaipur, received the grand prize of Rs 1 lakh from Gaurav Jalan, CEO & Founder of mPokket, for his exceptional talent and dedication for playing guitar and singing. Additionally, mPokket recognized the first runner-up Paramjeet Kaur with the Brand’s Choice award, presenting them with high-quality speakers from BOAT worth Rs 4K as a special recognition for their performance in mono acting. Moreover, all participants received Amazon vouchers as a token of appreciation for their efforts. The contest received more than 100 entries with over 1 million views and received a 106% spike in followers in just a week of the launch.
Emphasizing the significance of empowering the youth in driving India’s growth and progress, Gaurav Jalan, CEO & Founder of mPokket,said, “Our primary objective at mPokket is to eliminate the financial barriers that impede the growth and aspirations of the youth. This is why we are thrilled by the overwhelming response to the contest. The tremendous participation is a testament to the immense talent that resides within our country. mPokket remains firmly committed to empowering college students and young working professionals in India. We are proud of the exceptional performances of these participants and thank our followers for their enthusiastic engagement and support.”
The contest tagline, “Ab Sapne Huye Sach”, resonated with participants from diverse backgrounds, who revealed their talent in singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, mono-acting, mimicry, and more. Contestants were asked to create and share videos of their talent, which captivated the hearts of the audience. To add extra excitement to the contest, mPokket collaborated with renowned influencers, Luv Juyal, Panvelkars Crew, and Abdul Mukhri, as part of the campaign. Their involvement inspired further participation, fostering a vibrant community of aspiring talent.
To ensure fairness and transparency in the judging process, mPokket invited its social media followers to vote for their favorite contestants using Instagram polls. Entries attracting the highest engagement, including likes, comments, and views were showcased on mPokket’s Instagram stories. The social media followers chose between “Yes” and “No” for each participant and the entry that garnered the most votes emerged as the winner.
mPokket’s commitment to empowering the youth extends beyond this contest. With a core mission to facilitate financial independence for the youth, mPokket provides instant personal loans specifically tailored for college students and young professionals. This allows them to pursue their dreams and aspirations without the burden of financial constraints. Through initiatives such as the #mPokketIdols contest, mPokket is dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for passionate youth, empowering them to pursue a specific passion and realize their full potential.
Himalaya, firmly believes that genuine beauty radiates when one liberate oneself from the constraints of stereotypes – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
The campaign’s video captures the essence of stepping beyond the confines of societal beauty ideals. The video showcases a dynamic installation set up within a bustling mall, immediately grabbing the attention of passersby and involving them in a thought-provoking experience.
Commencing with a captivating time-lapse of the carefully arranged installation in the mall, the video portrays a creative whiteboard installed on the premises that has beauty stereotypes like “Only fair is beautiful,” “Tea makes your complexion black,” and “Girls look better when fair” written on it. These stereotypes that are prevalent in society are to be erased with the help of a duster – reminiscent of Himalaya’s Rose Face Wash – symbolizing liberation from these constraints. The video captures the diverse reactions of mall visitors – curiosity, agreement, and a yearning for change, along with their unique experiences that they were kind enough to share.
The core theme of the campaign comes to the forefront as various individuals step up to challenge biases that clash with their beliefs, each making a sweeping gesture against stifling conventions. The event’s host actively participates, interacting with the volunteers and acknowledging their contributions. As a token of appreciation, Himalaya Wellness Company distributed the face wash to encourage consumers to move towards a stereotype-free society. The subsequent compelling montage showcases participants proudly displaying the products or striking poses. The model’s once-concealed face emerges confidently, mirroring the potential societal transformation achievable through the defiance of stereotypes.
The video concludes with a poignant message emphasizing the concept of embracing authenticity: “Celebrate the Power of Being Yourself with Himalaya Natural Glow Rose Face Wash.” This impactful tagline serves as an encouraging call to action, inspiring individuals to cast aside established norms and wholeheartedly embrace their true selves.
Ms. Gayatri Kabilan, Category Manager – Face Wash, expresses her thoughts on the video, sharing, “At Himalaya, we firmly believe that genuine beauty radiates when we liberate ourselves from the constraints of stereotypes. We are of the view that everyone possesses unique and innate beauty, irrespective of age, gender, or skin tone. Through this initiative, Himalaya Wellness Company seeks to empower everyone to challenge beauty stereotypes and embrace their authentic selves.”
The campaign reaches its zenith with the appearance of the Himalaya Wellness Company logo and the showcased product, Rose Face Wash, accompanied by the resounding message, “Every face glows.” This serves as a reminder that genuine radiance emanates from embracing one’s distinct identity.
Human library event at Stonehill Lit Fest 2025 – Books have voices too
In an inspiring initiative to foster empathy, dialogue, and deeper understanding, Stonehill International School organised a ‘Human Library’ as part of its annual Literature Festival – Stonehill Lit Fest 2025 that was a week-long celebration of books, literature and storytelling.
Drawing from a movement that started in 2000 at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark – The Human Library Organization, the Human Library in Stonehill invited staff members to become ‘human books’ sharing their personal stories with students in small group settings, aligning with the theme of the Lit Fest – ‘I am a Story. You are a Story. We are a Story’.
This experience nurtured open-mindedness, communication skills, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse journeys that shape who we are, among students.
The event provided students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with the lived experiences of teachers and staff — from tales of overcoming adversity and navigating cultural shifts, to humorous anecdotes and reflections on life’s unexpected turns; from adopting an abandoned pet to being a motorbike enthusiast!
Each of the 12 sessions every day allowed students to ‘borrow’ one human book based on their interest. Students asked questions, and learned not just through facts, but through feelings and firsthand accounts.
The event highlighted the power of storytelling as a bridge across generations and backgrounds. Aayaan (Grade III), said, “I liked the Human Library book which spoke about us being ourselves and overcoming our fear”.
What turned out to be one of the most impactful events of the Human Library, was the inclusion of the school’s support staff such as drivers and gardeners as storytellers. To bring out the richness of their experiences, the personal accounts were translated, allowing students to access stories in multiple languages. This emphasized not only inclusivity but also the value of communication beyond linguistic boundaries.
Vijay Kumar, a support staff at Stonehill, narrated his journey from being a farmer to becoming a gardener at the school. “I truly enjoyed telling my story to students. From farming to working at Stonehill, every step has taught me something valuable. I feel proud and happy to be where I am today,” he said.
“I learnt what the Support staff do when they are here in school. I liked how the support staff had a chance to express themselves about how they feel. We often don’t see the support staff and without them the school wouldn’t be able to function,” said Jonathan (Grade III).
Wonderla Bengaluru gears up for a merry and bright Christmas extravaganza Bengaluru
Wonderla Bengaluru gears up for a merry Wonderla Holidays Ltd., India’s largest amusement park chain is all set to welcome the holiday season.
Wonderla Bengaluru has geared up in full swing to host a festive Christmas celebration from December 23rd, 2023, to January 1st, 2024. This joyous event promises to bring the community together for a memorable and magical experience.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of the Christmas Band as they lead a cheerful procession, filling the air with the sounds of the season along with live shows, fun games, food fest and much more along with thrilling 61 rides. Step into the whimsical world of Santa Street, where children and adults alike can meet and greet Santa Claus, share their Christmas wishes under the 25ft tall Christmas tree, and capture the magic of the season.
As part of the Christmas initiative, the park has announced a special evening entry in addition to the normal park timings. The evening entry will be available from 4 PM to 8:30 PM, with rides operational until 7 PM. This is an opportunity to unwind and experience the thrill during evening hours, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Furthermore, enjoy a lineup of captivating performances by the ever-energetic live band featuring Beat Gurus, followed by DJ shows with DJ Snasty, DJ Shyam, DJ Milan, DJ Vinay, DJ Kamra, and Zumba on select days. Be prepared to be thrilled with the Musical Ball Girl, LED Juggling Act, Magic, and Illusion Acts, taking place each day of the event from December 23rd to January 1st, from 6 PM to 8:30 PM.
Arun K. Chittilappilly, Managing Director of Wonderla Holidays commented, “Embrace the enchantment of the season at Wonderla, where the holiday spirit comes alive in every corner. As we eagerly anticipate the joyous holidays, let Wonderla be your destination for magical moments and festive wonders. Here’s to a season filled with community warmth, shared togetherness, and the sparkle of holiday magic. May our days be filled with merriment, our nights be illuminated with brightness, and our hearts resonate with the true enchantment of the season!” Visitors can enjoy a range of additional discounts at Wonderla.
Wonderla offers a 20% discount to students on park entry tickets upon presentation of their Student ID. This offer is applicable for the age group of 16 to 24 years. In addition, people celebrating their birthdays can avail a ‘Free Park Entry ticket’ to Wonderla by booking tickets online either before or after 5 days of their birthday. For those who prefer bus travel, Wonderla offers a BMTC offer, providing visitors with a 15% discount on park entry tickets upon presentation of their BMTC Volvo bus ticket at the counter. Wonderla encourages visitors to book their entry tickets in advance through their online portal https://bookings.wonderla.com/.
Devi Song: Unmasked Goddess” Unveils a Powerful Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment
It is with great enthusiasm that Director Neha Lohia announces the release of “Devi Song: Unmasked Goddess,” a groundbreaking project that unveils the empowering story of Devi Maa and takes listeners on a powerful journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The song which features actress Rituparna Sengupta, “Devi Song” is set to spark a global conversation on women’s empowerment.
“Devi Song: Unmasked Goddess” is more than just a song; it’s a transformative experience that takes the audience on a journey from darkness to light, exploring the depths of self-discovery and empowerment. The song’s narrative revolves around the empowering story of Devi Maa, shedding light on her unmasked essence.
Rituparna Sengupta, a celebrated figure in the world of cinema, shares her excitement about this project, stating ”Devi Song is a remarkable ode to the strength and resilience of women. It’s an honour to be a part of this project that brings Devi Maa’s story to life in such a unique and powerful way”
Neha Lohia, the visionary director behind “Devi Song,” envisions this project as a catalyst for a global conversation on women’s empowerment. She comments“Devi Maa’s story is not just a tale of mythology; it’s a reflection of the inner strength and divinity within every woman. With this project, we hope to inspire and empower women across the world to embrace their true power”
“Devi Song: Unmasked Goddess” isn’t just an auditory experience; it’s a powerful and immersive narrative that transcends traditional boundaries.
She holds the coveted #91 spot, commanding a community of fans, creators, and dreamers
Riding high on the electric success of her latest anthem “India Ka IPL” with none other than DJ Bravo, the magnetic Shivangi Sharma is proving why she’s a force to be reckoned with in the global music scene.
With chartbusters like Sexy Saiyyan, Roshni, Zindagi, YOLO, Dooba Dooba, Ishq Dawa with Amit Tandon and the effervescent Bring It On Babe under her belt, she’s already earned her stripes as a genre-defying musical powerhouse. But it’s the high-octane track “The OG Party Party Girl”, again in league with Bravo, that’s sent dancefloors and digital charts into overdrive.
Having performed at over 800 global shows, from intimate venues to massive festivals, Shivangi’s electric stage presence and infectious charisma have captivated audiences across continents.
Recognized for her cultural impact and entrepreneurial spirit, Shivangi was recently honoured with the prestigious 40 Under 40 Achiever’s Award, a tribute to her relentless drive, artistic brilliance, and evolution as a woman who leads with both passion and purpose.
If that wasn’t enough, Shivangi’s digital influence is equally trailblazing — officially ranked as one of Instagram’s Top 100 personalities, she holds the coveted #91 spot, commanding a community of fans, creators, and dreamers who resonate with her bold, fearless spirit.
”I’ve always believed in chasing passion with fearless intensity. Every song, every performance, and every moment on stage is a reflection of my journey — one that’s powered by love, resilience, and a deep connection with my audience. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for everything that lies ahead” shares Shivangi Sharma
A gastronomic adventure with Bamboo Rice, a unique and sustainable culinary delight
“Sadguru Krupa, born out of a fervent love for food and hotels, began its journey when Dhairya Asher’s passion for food overtook his initial plans to pursue an MBA.
What started as a modest stall in Malad, featuring the crowd-favorite morning Misal crafted by Dhairya’s mom, expanded into a thriving outlet.
The venture ventured into the realm of tiffin services, operating as a cloud kitchen in an outlet in Kandivali for three years during and post the Covid era.
On February 14, 2023, we relocated to Malad (West) Mindspace, our current location, introducing a Pure Veg aesthetic experience. Our diverse menu spans starters, Chinese, Thai, delightful Ice creams, and freshly crafted Mocktails.
The success of Sadguru Krupa lies not only in its mouth-watering Indian dishes but also in the unwavering dedication of Dhairya’s family and the entire team, ensuring every customer leaves with a contented stomach and a smile.
Lets step into Sadguru Krupa, where culinary excellence meets comfort. Our carefully crafted menu invites you on a journey of delightful indulgence, featuring a medley of flavors that cater to every craving.
Whether you’re enjoying our mouthwatering starters or savoring our hearty mains, rest assured that our offerings are not only delicious but also budget-friendly.
Join us for a dining experience that promises warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of culinary magic.
Bamboo Rice
Embark on a gastronomic adventure with our Bamboo Rice, a unique and sustainable culinary delight. Infused with the subtle aroma of bamboo, each grain tells a story of exotic indulgence. A must-try for those craving an exotic twist to their dining experience.
Volcano Pot Rice
Prepare to be mesmerized by our Volcano POT Rice, a culinary spectacle that erupts with flavors. Served piping hot in a dramatic presentation, this dish blends the finest ingredients in a fiery embrace.
A feast for the eyes and the palate, promising an unforgettable dining experience.
Thai Red, Yellow, and Green Curry Rice:
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Thailand with our trio of Thai Curry Rice – Red, Yellow, and Green.
Each variant is a symphony of aromatic herbs and spices, delivering an authentic Thai experience. Immerse yourself in the rich, flavorful journey of Southeast Asia.
Paneer Pattaya
Indulge in the tropical charm of our Paneer Pattaya, a fusion masterpiece that combines the richness of paneer with the vibrant flavors of Thai palette. Let each bite unfold a tantalizing journey, where the richness of flavors creates an enchanting dance on your taste buds
Broccoli and Cheese Soup & Coconut Spicy Soup
Warm your soul with our soul-soothing soups – the creamy allure of Broccoli and Cheese Soup, a comforting embrace of velvety textures; and the exotic Coconut Spicy Soup, a tantalizing fusion of coconut’s sweetness and a kick of spice. A duo that promises to elevate your soup experience.
These dishes are just a glimpse into our diverse menu, where culinary innovation meets traditional favorites.
Explore a symphony of flavors with our pizzas, pasta, quick bites, momos, and quench your thirst with our refreshing mojitos, shakes, and ice creams featuring unique flavors like rose petals, roasted almonds, spicy guavas, and orange ice cream served in actual orange skins.
Experience culinary delight like never before at Sadguru Krupa ! Visit us or order Online for a culinary journey that transcends ordinary dining
Courtesy : In Conversation with the Restaurateur ‘Dhairya Asher at SADGURU KRUPA – food for your soul’ at Malald West , Mumbai
How India Travels for Honeymoon’ Report Offers New Perspectives on Couples’ Travel Preferences
A honeymoon is unlike any other travel experience — it marks a couple’s first trip together as newlyweds, making it a deeply personal and memorable milestone. Newlyweds don’t just seek a vacation; they want to create unique, meaningful experiences that will create lasting memories. Whether relaxing on exotic beaches or exploring serene hill stations, Indian honeymooners’ preferences are as diverse as the regions they come from.
But where exactly are Indian couples headed for their honeymoons, and what are the experiences they are seeking? MakeMyTrip’s latest report, ‘How India Travels for Honeymoon’, analyses booking data from October 2023 to September 2024, compared to the same period in the preceding year, offering interesting insights into the evolving travel preferences, trends, and behaviours of couples embarking on this special journey.
Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, said “As the wedding season in India approaches, the spotlight turns to honeymoon travel—where couples look to craft a truly special, once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the first time, we are sharing unique insights into the distinct booking patterns that set honeymoon travel apart from leisure trips. Our aim is to provide a deeper understanding that will allow us—and the broader travel and wedding ecosystem—to create experiences that are not only romantic and memorable but also aligned with the evolving preferences of today’s honeymooners. As couples increasingly seek personalized experiences, luxury, and unexplored destinations, we remain dedicated to delivering a variety of choices and travel planning experience for honeymooners.”
Beach Destinations Reign Supreme for Honeymooners
On the international front, Thailand tops the list of favourite honeymoon destinations for Indian couples, recording the highest share of honeymoon package bookings in 2023-24 on MakeMyTrip. Thailand increased its booking share by an impressive 5.2% year-on-year (YoY), surpassing Maldives, which led the rankings last year. Maldives saw a 16.2% YoY decline in honeymoon package bookings while all other top five international destinations – Indonesia, Mauritius, and Vietnam – gained share this year.
On the domestic front, the Andamans replaced Kerala as the most booked honeymoon destination, increasing its share of honeymoon package bookings by 6.9% YoY. Kashmir, which gained 3.6% in bookings, moved to third place. The number of bookings for Goa remained the same as last year while Himachal Pradesh saw a decline of 4% in honeymoon package bookings. The North-East, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra also drew attention from Indian couples seeking domestic honeymoon destinations.
Indian Couples Travelling Far and Wide to Make Their First Trip Together Special
There is an increasing appeal for new and diverse destinations among Indian honeymooners. While international destinations such as Bhutan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles have seen a significant YoY growth in honeymoon package bookings, this trend was not just limited to short haul destinations. Long-haul destinations also featured prominently in the honeymoon travel plans of Indian couples. Easy visa destination Japan witnessed the highest YoY growth of 388% in honeymoon package bookings. Other long-haul destinations that have seen maximum growth for honeymoon package bookings include Scandinavia, the United States, South Africa, and Australia and New Zealand.
Honeymooners increasingly opt for Longer, Luxurious and Multi-City Adventures
Couples are willing to spend extra for luxury and indulgence during their honeymoon. The average spending per couple has increased by 13% YoY. Notably, 68% of newlyweds chose 4-star or 5-star properties for their stay. 1 in every 5 honeymoon package bookings were for a 5-star property between 2023-24, reflecting a 10% YoY growth.
There is also a growing trend of couples exploring multiple destinations within the same trip. On the domestic front, the share of couples visiting four or more cities increased from 35% in 2022-23 to 39% in 2023-24. Internationally, while more than half of honeymooners still prefer single-city itineraries, the share of couples opting for two or more cities rose from 32% to 47%.
In terms of travel duration, 78% of domestic honeymooners booked packages for up to 5 days in 2023-24, in line with the booking trends for the previous year. However, for international travellers, the percentage of couples booking a honeymoon package of more than 5 days increased from 34% in 2022-23 to 42% in 2023-24, reflecting a trend toward longer honeymoons. This shift also aligns with the increase in preference among couples to travel to multiple cities.
TOTO Expands Bathroom Portfolio, Aligns Indian Consumer Demand for Luxury & Technology
TOTO India has announced an exciting expansion of its portfolio with the launch of season-inspired basins, faucets and a new water-efficient WC range. Each product reflects TOTO’s philosophy of combining Japanese craftsmanship, advanced technology, and timeless design to make everyday living more beautiful and sustainable.
After introducing the Matte colour edition, the brand now unveils a new seasoned themed basin inspired by the elegance of nature and the four seasons. Featuring sleek, flowing designs, the basins bring a sense of calm to modern interiors. The collection consists of four colours, each representing a season: Forest Green for Spring, Mandarin Orange for Summer, Scarlet Red for Autumn and Ash Bule for Winter. Enhanced with TOTO’s CEFIONTECT glaze, the basins stay cleaner for longer, reducing the effort needed for maintenance while ensuring a consistently fresh look.
TOTO also introduces faucets in Rose Gold and Graphite finishes, adding a striking layer of sophistication to luxury bathrooms. These finishes are the result of meticulous artistry, ensuring both beauty and durability. Perfectly complementing the season-themed basins, the faucets are crafted using PVD technology for long-lasting matte black colour, while sustainable manufacturing processes reuse up to 90% of wastewater, making these them as responsible as they are refined.
Completing the collection is a New WC lineup featuring sleek, fully concealed and stylish models-CW362MUNW1 in square shape, CW592MUNW1 in round shape. Designed with TORNADO FLUSH technology for powerful yet water-saving performance and dual flush options as low as 3.0L, the range offers a balance of efficiency, hygiene, and style. The bowls, available in both square and elongated designs, fit seamlessly into contemporary spaces while reducing water consumption without compromising comfort.
“Today, Indian consumers are looking for bathroom solutions that go beyond functionality. They want products that are stylish, comfortable, and sustainable. With these new launches, we are bringing together design and innovation in a way that makes every bathroom experience more thoughtful and enjoyable”, said Mr. Shiozawa Kazuyuki, Managing Director, TOTO India.
Cheesy Burger With Fried Special Dish
Wafer cake sweet roll cheesecake ice cream gingerbread sweet. Wafer gingerbread apple pie cotton candy jelly. Toffee oat cake oat cake toffee tootsie roll muffin sugar plum.
Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.bonbon.Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.
Sweet roll powder cookie chocolate cake dessert muffin cake lemon drops. Soufflé halvah fruitcake sweet roll muffin. Wafer danish cupcake jelly cookie. Jelly-o marshmallow oat cake brownie.
Caramels muffin chupa chups. Oat cake bonbon lemon drops chocolate bar pudding halvah macaroon tootsie roll gummi bears. Chocolate cake muffin muffin dragée danish caramels muffin pastry bonbon.Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.