Bengaluru, October 8: The EcoGram Project, an initiative of The Anonymous Indian Charitable Trust (TAICT), has completed a decade of work with the Bettahalasuru Gram Panchayat in North Bengaluru to build a replicable model for sustainable waste, water and soil management. What began as a pilot in Tarahunise village in 2016 now spans 10 villages and 4,802 households. Over the past decade, EcoGram has saved 19,623 cubic metres of landfill space, equivalent to approximately 16 acre-feet, while recycling 1,524 MT of dry waste. Its interventions have also saved 8,647 trees through paper recycling, conserved 3,343 MWh of energy, saved 1,505 KL of fuel and reduced 5,583 MT of CO₂ equivalent emissions through FY26.

Myriam Shankar, Managing Trustee, TAICT, said, “Introducing source segregation in a locality where the practice had never existed was an uphill task. It required sustained engagement with local government representatives, villagers and commercial establishments, alongside the infrastructure, people and operations needed to make the system work. Over the past decade, we have built an end-to-end model spanning collection, transportation, secondary segregation and processing, with the active involvement of the local community.”

Mr. Jitendra Virwani, Chairman, Embassy Group, who has supported the project since its inception, said, “The most important lesson from EcoGram is that lasting environmental change begins with local ownership. Over the last decade, the people of Bettahalasuru, the Panchayat and project partners have shown that when communities are equipped with the right systems, solutions can become part of everyday life. What has taken shape here is a practical model that other communities can learn from and adapt to their own needs.”

The decade milestone was commemorated at the EcoHub in Bettahalasuru, the Panchayat’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Centre, bringing together community members, waste workers, Panchayat representatives and project partners. Smt. Meena Sheshadri, wife of Shri Krishna Byre Gowda, Hon’ble Minister for Greater Bengaluru Development, Government of Karnataka, attended as Chief Guest, with Mr. Virwani as Guest of Honour. Frontline workers were felicitated, while 30 Gram Panchayat members were recognised for their contribution to local environmental initiatives.

A key pillar of EcoGram is its integrated waste management system, built around the 2Bin1Bag model and the EcoHub. The system covers source segregation, collection, sorting and processing, with primary segregation crossing 96% in recent years. Wet waste is processed through biomethanisation and composting, while dry waste is sorted for recycling.

The initiative has also supported with the upkeep and beautification of Tarahunise and Thimmasandra Lakes, through measures including bund strengthening, vetiver planting and floating treatment wetlands. Biodiversity assessments at Tarahunise Lake have documented 469 species. In addition, agroforestry interventions have converted 11 acres of eucalyptus plantations into Malabar Neem and Silver Oak.

EcoGram has combined environmental action with opportunities for local livelihoods. Threads of Life, launched in 2022 with the Yuvalok Foundation, has enabled 169 local women to graduate from tailoring and skill-building programmes. Through its ReThread initiative, trainees have since upcycled more than 1,280 products from post-consumer textile waste.

The Bettahalasur Gram Panchayat, through EcoGram, has received several national accolades over the years, including the Gandhi Grama Puraskar Award for Sanitation, recognising its work in improving sanitation and environmental practices.

ಈ ಯೋಜನೆಯಡಿ, ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರು ತಮ್ಮ ಹಳೆಯ ರೇಷ್ಮೆ ಸೀರೆಗಳನ್ನು (ಬೆಳ್ಳಿಯ ಜರಿ ಇರುವ ಸೀರೆಗಳು) ಅವುಗಳ ಮೌಲ್ಯಮಾಪನದ ಆಧಾರದ ಮೇಲೆ ಹೊಸ ರೇಷ್ಮೆ ಸೀರೆಗಳು ಅಥವಾ ಇತರ ಬಗೆಯ ವಸ್ತ್ರಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಬದಲಾಯಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬಹುದು. ಇದರೊಂದಿಗೆ, ಶೇಕಡಾ 30 ರಷ್ಟು ವಿಶೇಷ ಹಬ್ಬದ ರಿಯಾಯಿತಿಯನ್ನೂ ನೀಡಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ.

ದೀಪಾವಳಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ನಿಮಿತ್ತ ಹೊಸ ಬಣ್ಣಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ವಿನ್ಯಾಸಗಳ ರೇಷ್ಮೆ ಸೀರೆಗಳನ್ನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಗ್ರಹಿಸಿಡಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರು ಈ ವಿಶೇಷ ಅವಕಾಶದ ಸದುಪಯೋಗ ಪಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕೆಂದು ಕೋ-ಆಪ್ಟೆಕ್ಸ್‌ನ ಪ್ರಾದೇಶಿಕ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕ (ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು) ವಿ. ಬಾಲಸುಬ್ರಮಣಿಯನ್ ಮನವಿ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಈ ಶೋರೂಮ್ ಪ್ರತಿದಿನ ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ 10:00 ರಿಂದ ರಾತ್ರಿ 8:30 ರವರೆಗೆ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತದೆ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾನುವಾರಗಳಂದು ಕೂಡ ತೆರೆದಿರುತ್ತದೆ.

ವಿಳಾಸ: ಕೋ-ಆಪ್ಟೆಕ್ಸ್, ನಂ. 109 ಮತ್ತು 110, ಗಾಂಧಿ ಬಜಾರ್, ಬಸವನಗುಡಿ, ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು – 560004.
ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ: 8124263646.

Located within Phoenix Marketcity White Filed mall, the new store brings Pepe Jeans London’s distinctive denim-led fashion proposition to one of Bengaluru’s prominent shopping destinations. Designed as a compact yet immersive retail space, the store offers an extensive selection for men, women and kids, spanning the brand’s denim, shirts and everyday styles.

The store features key Pepe Jeans offerings including denim, shirts, tshirts and more with denim innovations like Shiruku and Powerflex ranges, alongside a wider selection of casualwear designed for everyday dressing.
The Phoenix Marketcity White Field opening was part of Pepe Jeans London’s “Three Stores, One City, One Day” expansion on September 25. Earlier that day, the brand opened its new stores in Indiranagar and HSR Layout, before completing the Bengaluru-wide retail launch with the Phoenix Marketcity mall store.

Speaking about the Bengaluru expansion, Rakesh Jallipally, CEO – Pepe Jeans London (India), said: “Phoenix Marketcity White Field is an important addition to our Bengaluru retail network, giving us an opportunity to bring Pepe Jeans London closer to consumers in one of the city’s leading shopping destinations. The fact that we were able to open three stores across Bengaluru on the same day reflects the momentum behind our retail expansion in India.

From Indiranagar and HSR to Phoenix Marketcity White Field mall, each location allows us to engage with a different consumer environment while staying true to our core proposition of denim, casualwear and everyday style.”

With the Phoenix Marketcity White Field mall opening, Pepe Jeans London continues to strengthen its physical retail presence in Bengaluru while pursuing a larger expansion strategy across India. The brand currently has 200+ stores across the country and plans to add another 100 stores in the next 18 months.

ನಿರಂಜನಿ ಅಖಾಡ, ಹರಿದ್ವಾರದ ಆಚಾರ್ಯ ಮಹಾಮಂಡಲೇಶ್ವರರಾದ ಪರಮಪೂಜ್ಯ ಕೈಲಾಶಾನಂದ ಗಿರಿ ಮಹಾರಾಜರ ದಿವ್ಯ ಸಾನ್ನಿಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಭವ್ಯ ವಿಶ್ವಗುರು ಸಂಭ್ರಮೋತ್ಸವ ನಡೆಯಿತು. ಸನಾತನ ಧರ್ಮ ಮತ್ತು ಹಿಂದೂ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಗಳ ಪ್ರಸಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಿರುವ ಖ್ಯಾತ ವೈದಿಕ ವಿದ್ವಾಂಸ, ವಾಗ್ಮಿ, ಲೇಖಕ ಹಾಗೂ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ದುಷ್ಯಂತ್ ಶ್ರೀಧರ್ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಅತಿಥಿಯಾಗಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದರು.

ಇಸ್ಕಾನ್ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರು ಹಾಗೂ ಅಕ್ಷಯ ಪಾತ್ರ ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠಾನದ ಸಂಸ್ಥಾಪಕ-ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧು ಪಂಡಿತ ದಾಸ ಮತ್ತು ಇಸ್ಕಾನ್ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಹಿರಿಯ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರು ಹಾಗೂ ಅಕ್ಷಯ ಪಾತ್ರ ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠಾನದ ಸಹ-ಸಂಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ಮತ್ತು ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಚಂಚಲಪತಿ ದಾಸ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷತೆ ವಹಿಸಿದ್ದರು. ಭಕ್ತರು, ದಾನಿಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ಹಿತೈಷಿಗಳು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ್ದರು.

2025ರಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಯಾಗರಾಜ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಮಹಾ ಕುಂಭಮೇಳದ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಖಿಲ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಅಖಾಡ ಪರಿಷತ್, ಇಸ್ಕಾನ್ ಸಂಸ್ಥಾಪಕಾಚಾರ್ಯರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಎ.ಸಿ. ಭಕ್ತಿವೇದಾಂತ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಪ್ರಭುಪಾದರಿಗೆ ‘ವಿಶ್ವಗುರು’ ಗೌರವವನ್ನು ನೀಡಿತ್ತು ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಮರಿಸಬಹುದು. ಪರಮಪೂಜ್ಯ ಕೈಲಾಶಾನಂದ ಗಿರಿ ಮಹಾರಾಜರು, ವಿವಿಧ ಅಖಾಡಗಳ ಮಹಾಮಂಡಲೇಶ್ವರರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸೇರಿ, ಜಗತ್ತಿಗೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಸನಾತನ ಧರ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶ್ರೀಲ ಪ್ರಭುಪಾದರು ನೀಡಿದ ಅಮೂಲ್ಯ ಕೊಡುಗೆಗಳನ್ನು ಗುರುತಿಸಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ಗೌರವಿಸಿದ್ದರು.

ಶ್ರೀಲ ಪ್ರಭುಪಾದರು ಪವಿತ್ರ ಶ್ರೀ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮ-ಮಧ್ವ-ಗೌಡೀಯ ಸಂಪ್ರದಾಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವತರಿಸಿದ ಶಕ್ತ್ಯಾವೇಶ ವೈಷ್ಣವ ಆಚಾರ್ಯರು. ಅವರು ನಮ್ಮ ಸನಾತನ ಜ್ಞಾನ, ಭಾರತೀಯ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಜೀವನಪದ್ಧತಿಯನ್ನು ಭಾರತದ ಗಡಿಗಳನ್ನು ದಾಟಿಸಿ ವಿಶ್ವದಾದ್ಯಂತ ಪರಿಚಯಿಸಿದರು. ಭಗವಾನ್ ಶ್ರೀಕೃಷ್ಣನ ಸಂದೇಶವನ್ನು ಪ್ರಸಾರ ಮಾಡುವ ಅವರ ಅಪ್ರತಿಮ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಗಳು ಜಗತ್ತಿನಾದ್ಯಂತ ಲಕ್ಷಾಂತರ ಜನರ ಜೀವನವನ್ನು ಪರಿವರ್ತಿಸಿವೆ.

ಸಂಭ್ರಮೋತ್ಸವವು ಮಂಗಳಾಚರಣೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಉತ್ಸಾಹಭರಿತ ಹರಿನಾಮ ಸಂಕೀರ್ತನೆಯೊಂದಿಗೆ ಆರಂಭವಾಯಿತು. ನಂತರ ಗಣ್ಯರಿಂದ ಪ್ರೇರಣಾದಾಯಕ ಭಾಷಣಗಳು ನಡೆದವು. ಭಾರತದ ಗೌರವಾನ್ವಿತ ಪ್ರಧಾನಮಂತ್ರಿ ಶ್ರೀ ನರೇಂದ್ರ ಮೋದಿ ಅವರು ಶ್ರೀಲ ಪ್ರಭುಪಾದರ ಕೊಡುಗೆಗಳನ್ನು ಪ್ರಶಂಸಿಸಿದ ದೃಶ್ಯಾವಳಿಗಳ ಸಂಗ್ರಹ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಹಾ ಕುಂಭಮೇಳದ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಕೆಲವು ದೃಶ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ಒಳಗೊಂಡ ವಿಡಿಯೋವನ್ನು ಸಭಿಕರಿಗೆ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.

ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವು ಶ್ರೀಲ ಪ್ರಭುಪಾದರಿಗೆ ಗುರುಪೂಜೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸುವುದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ರುಚಿಕರವಾದ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಪ್ರಸಾದ ವಿತರಿಸುವುದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಂಪನ್ನವಾಯಿತು.

The campaign idea is rooted in consumer conversations in Karnataka, which revealed that consumers naturally associate the word ‘Kadak’ with things they enjoy and admire, from cinema and style to food and personalities. ‘Kadak’ is used to express something that is strong, impressive and full of character, while ‘Swadbhari’ brings in the dimension of warmth, richness and flavour. It is this cultural insight that gives the campaign its distinct Kannada flavour.

Built around the thought “Kadak Taste Iruva Kannadigara Kadak Saviruchiya Tea,” (A Kadak, Swadbhari tea for Kannadigas who love all things Kadak and flavourful) the campaign makes a simple connection: when the preference is for things that are ‘Kadak’ and full of flavors, the tea should be no different. Wagh Bakri Premium Leaf Tea brings the two together with a taste that is both Kadak and Swadbhari.

The campaign features Anushree, whose trademark energy, expressive style and distinctive personality complement the creative thought. A popular face in Karnataka, she brings her characteristic spontaneity and easy charm to communication.

Speaking about her association with the campaign, Anushree said, “We Kannadigas like things that are Kadak and Swadbhari. It is part of our personality and the way we enjoy the things we love. That is why this association with Wagh Bakri Premium Leaf felt so familiar to me. There is something very ‘us’ about a Kadak, Swadbhari cup of tea, and that is what made the thought so enjoyable for me.”

Commenting on the campaign, Gaurav Parashar, Chief Marketing Officer, Wagh Bakri Tea Group, said, “For Wagh Bakri Premium Leaf, we wanted to build a campaign that feels relevant to Karnataka while staying true to what the brand brings to the cup. ‘Kadak and Swadbhari’ became the heart of that idea, bringing together a cultural nuance with the taste experience of Wagh Bakri Premium Leaf. Anushree brings the right energy, warmth and personality to this thought, making the association feel effortless and relatable.”

Paras Desai, Executive Director, Wagh Bakri Tea Group, said, “Wagh Bakri is a legacy brand with a rich heritage, and our journey in Karnataka began a few years ago. We have seen encouraging acceptance from consumers in the state, and as we continue to grow, we see our journey here as one of building relationships, one consumer and one household at a time. With this campaign, we wanted to take that relationship a step further by bringing the brand closer to the culture, conversations and preferences of Karnataka. We hope to make Wagh Bakri Premium Leaf feel even more familiar, relevant and connected to consumers across the state.”

Produced by FatFree Production, the campaign brings this thought together in an engaging and relatable format, with Anushree at the centre of communication. Her personality gives the creative its warmth and energy, while Wagh Bakri Premium Leaf remains at the heart of the story.

Addressing the gathering, the guest of honour, Mr. Srinidhi Bengaluru, writer, director and Kannada filmmaker known for his movies ‘Blink’, ‘Jerax’ and ‘Video’ enthused the aspiring young filmmakers stating, “A film may begin with a script, but the process of filmmaking gives the story, a life of it’s own.” Further emphasizing on the importance of participation in challenges like Cinemates 4.0, he expressed “The real achievement is not always winning; it is having the courage to participate and put your work out there. Whether it’s a 48-hour filmmaking challenge or a feature film, the process will test you, but creating a film remains the best job in the world.”

Dr. Shraddha Kanwar, Chief Academic Officer, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), commended “The 48-hour short film making challenge is a celebration of human creativity, where imagination, emotion and storytelling come together under extraordinary constraints.” She further emphasised, “Technology may enable filmmaking, but human imagination remains the most powerful force behind cinema.”

Dr Bhargavi D Hemmige, HOD, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) applauded the participants and stated, “the participants battled corrupted memory cards, lost voices, unexpected background noise, and sleep deprivation and yet they did not quit. That grit is the true magic of cinema.” Further she added,

“Constraints don’t limit creativity; they spark it. Inspired by films like Swayamwara, which was shot in less than 24 hours and Vishwaguru, created under 51 hours, which holds a Guinness World Record for being produced as a full-fledged feature film. Exactly 48 hours ago, our participants began with a blank page, a few prompts, and a ticking clock. Today, they stand as young filmmakers, having created a short film in 48 hours, what often takes months or even years by experts.”

More than 25 teams across India participated in Cinemates 4.0, with 11 teams being shortlisted by the jury. The prelude for Cinemates 4.0 featured a Five-day workshop with sessions led by Aadarsh Eshwarappa, Director, Writer and Actor on 7th and 8th September, 2026 followed by sessions conducted by Chandra Keerthi, a Kannada theatre practitioner from 9th to 11th September, offering students’ practical insights into screenwriting, storytelling, theatre, and visual expression.

As part of National Cinema Day, Cinemates 4.0 brought together movie enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers for an engaging celebration of cinema, creativity, culture, and ideas. The programme will also feature “Mise-en-Scène” an intra-collegiate exhibition exploring the creative diversity of Indian cinema through themes such as horror, sci-fi, comedy, romance, thriller, and biopic on 22nd September, 2026.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations reached 13 locations across East Bengaluru this year, with ISKCON Whitefield recording a cumulative footfall of around 1.5 lakh on September 4.

The expanded celebrations were part of an initiative to take the festival beyond a single temple venue and bring Janmashtami closer to neighbourhoods and residential communities across East Bengaluru. Both the number of locations and overall participation increased significantly compared to previous years.

Along with the main celebration at the ISKCON Whitefield Temple, programmes were held at community venues in AECS Layout, Panathur, Kannamangala, Sarjapur, Kaggadasapura, Marathahalli, Whitefield Inner Circle, Attibele, Belathur, Budigere, Petanahalli and Prestige Lakeside Habitat.

The celebrations began at 6 am and continued past midnight, culminating in the midnight Maha-Arati. The programmes included devotional activities, Bhagavad-gita sessions, cultural performances, children’s programmes and community activities.

Children participated in competitions and Krishna-themed activities, while the evening featured cultural performances by children, devotees and Bharatanatyam artistes. Visitors also participated in Jhulan Seva, Tulasi Pradakshina and Japa Meditation.

Another major feature of the celebrations was the distribution of Maha-Prasadam. Visitors were served a variety of traditional vegetarian preparations throughout the day, while devotees observing the Janmashtami fast were served Maha-Prasadam following the midnight celebrations.

Speaking about the initiative, Sriman Harikshetra Das, President, ISKCON Whitefield Temple, said: “We have a larger vision for Bengaluru. We aspire to see Bengaluru become the first Krishna-conscious city in the world. Our endeavour is to take three things to every neighbourhood — Harinama, the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita and Maha-Prasadam. Through festivals like Janmashtami, we hope to bring these spiritual and cultural experiences closer to people, within their own communities.”

The celebrations also gave visitors an opportunity to learn about the upcoming ISKCON Whitefield Temple project and participate in various seva initiatives, including Ekadashi Sankalpa.

The expansion to 13 locations reflects ISKCON Whitefield’s growing community outreach across East Bengaluru, with the organisation seeking to reach more neighbourhoods with its programmes in the years ahead.

Netradeep has been designed to provide accessible and quality eye-care services, including consultations, diagnostics, treatment, surgeries, and other services. The center will focus particularly on individuals and families for whom access to timely and affordable eye care may otherwise remain difficult.

The initiative stems from Acer India’s belief that healthy eyes are fundamental to an individual’s ability to learn, work, remain independent and lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Yet, for many people, eye care can remain out of reach because of treatment costs, limited access to specialized healthcare, or lack of awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations.

Through Netradeep, Acer India, together with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar and the support of Shri N. A. Haris, aims to help bridge this gap by making professional eye care more accessible and encouraging earlier diagnosis and intervention. Many eye conditions can be better managed when identified at an early stage, making timely screening and access to professional medical care particularly important.

Eye-health concerns today cut across age groups. Ageing, diabetes, lifestyle changes and increasing exposure to digital screens are among the factors contributing to a growing need for greater awareness around eye health and preventive care. Through Netradeep, the initiative seeks to encourage people, particularly those from underserved sections of society, to prioritise regular eye examinations and seek treatment before conditions become more serious.

Mr. Harish Kohli, President & Managing Director, Acer India Group, said, “At Acer India, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond technology and business to creating a positive and lasting impact on the communities around us. Project Humanity represents that commitment, and Netradeep is an important addition to this journey. Good vision can transform a person’s ability to study, earn a livelihood, remain independent, and experience a better quality of life. Through Netradeep, our endeavour is to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent people from accessing quality eye care. We are grateful for the support of Shri N. A. Haris and our association with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar in helping bring this initiative to life. Together, we hope to make timely diagnosis and treatment accessible to many more people who need it.”

Shri N. A. Haris, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, said, “Accessible healthcare initiatives can make a direct and lasting difference to people and communities. Vision is closely connected to education, livelihood, independence and overall quality of life, yet eye health is often neglected until a condition becomes serious. I am pleased to support the Netradeep initiative, which brings together Acer India and Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar with the shared objective of making quality eye care accessible to those who need it most. Initiatives such as these demonstrate how organizations can come together to address important healthcare needs at the community level. I have given up my office in the building to give way for setting up of Netradeep. I wish Netradeep every success in creating a meaningful and lasting impact.”

Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar President & Chairman, Bangalore Indiranagar Rotary Trust (BIRT) Gopinath Narayanan said, “Netradeep will not just be a screening centre, but also a treatment centre. Several eye ailments will be treated here free of cost for BPL segments of society. For those other than the BPL category, the nominal CGH rates will apply. Patients requiring surgery will be taken to Globe Eye Foundation at Hoskote for surgeries and brought back after the surgery, including cataract eye surgeries. Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar supports cataract eye surgeries in a big way for the rural population. Regular eye camps are conducted in Kolar, Tumkur, Bangalore and Bangalore Rural areas already. The Netradeep centre at Domlur will conduct laser procedures apart from treating refractive errors, etc.

The Eye Clinic in Domlur will specialize in Cornea, Retina, and Glaucoma care. It aims to reduce blindness through early detection, affordable treatment, and community outreach. The Domlur area lacks specialized retina and glaucoma care, crucial for treating diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, which often lead to irreversible blindness. The new clinic will offer affordable, advanced services for underserved populations, breaking financial barriers and ensuring accessible, equitable eye care for economically disadvantaged communities through subsidized treatments and outreach programs”, he added.

Netradeep is part of Acer India’s broader Project Humanity CSR platform, through which the company supports initiatives across healthcare, education, inclusion and social well-being. The programme reflects Acer India’s approach of supporting interventions that address tangible societal needs and have the potential to create meaningful, long-term impact.

With Netradeep, Acer India, supported by its partners and stakeholders, is extending its CSR commitment into accessible eye care, with the objective of helping more people protect one of their most vital assets—their vision.

He has worked in Chennai, Salem, and Palakkad divisions of Southern Railway and Bangalore Division of South Western Railway. He has been associated with Electric Loco Maintenance and operations, as well as construction & maintenance of traction distribution. Prior to assuming charge, he was Executive Director in the Railway Board, in charge of Electric and Diesel locomotives and crew.

ಹರೇ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಹಿಲ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಇಸ್ಕಾನ್ ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಧಾ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಮಂದಿರ ಮತ್ತು ವೈಕುಂಠ ಹಿಲ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಇಸ್ಕಾನ್ ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಜಾಧಿರಾಜ ಗೋವಿಂದ ದೇವಾಲಯಗಳನ್ನು ಆಕರ್ಷಕ ಹೂವುಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ತೋರಣಗಳಿಂದ ಸುಂದರವಾಗಿ ಅಲಂಕರಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು, ಇದು ವಾತಾವರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಮೆರುಗು ನೀಡಿತು. ಈ ದಿನಗಳಂದು ಮೂಲ ವಿಗ್ರಹಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೊಸ ವಸ್ತ್ರಗಳು, ಆಭರಣಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಪರಿಮಳಭರಿತ ಹೂಮಾಲೆಗಳಿಂದ ಅಲಂಕರಿಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಭಕ್ತರು ವೈದಿಕ ಸಂಪ್ರದಾಯದಂತೆ ವಿವಿಧ ಸೇವೆಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಉಪಚಾರಗಳನ್ನು ಅರ್ಪಿಸಿದರು. ಅಭಿಷೇಕಗಳು, ಆರತಿಗಳು, ಚಪ್ಪನ್ ಭೋಗ, ಬೆಣ್ಣೆ-ಸಕ್ಕರೆ ಸೇವೆ, ಪುಷ್ಪಾಂಜಲಿ ಸೇವೆ, ಪಲ್ಲಕ್ಕಿ ಉತ್ಸವ ಮತ್ತು ಜುಲನ್ ಸೇವೆ ಈ ಆಚರಣೆಗಳ ಭಾಗವಾಗಿದ್ದವು. ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣನ ದಿವ್ಯ ಅವತಾರವನ್ನು ಸ್ಮರಿಸಿ ಸೆಪ್ಟೆಂಬರ್ 4ರಂದು ಮಧ್ಯರಾತ್ರಿ ಅಭಿಷೇಕವನ್ನು ನೆರವೇರಿಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಗೋ ಪೂಜೆ, ಕೋಟಿ ಜಪ ಯಜ್ಞ, ಗೀತಾ ಪಾರಾಯಣ, ನೃತ್ಯ-ಸಂಗೀತ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಂದ ಶ್ಲೋಕ ಪಠಣದಂತಹ ಇತರ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳನ್ನೂ ಆಯೋಜಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಪೋಷಕರು ತಮ್ಮ ಮಕ್ಕಳನ್ನು ರಾಧಾ-ಕೃಷ್ಣರಂತೆ ಅಲಂಕರಿಸಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ ಆನ್‌ಲೈನ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ವೇಷ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಯನ್ನೂ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಬಂದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಭಕ್ತಾದಿಗಳಿಗೆ ರುಚಿಕರವಾದ ಪ್ರಸಾದವನ್ನು ವಿತರಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಪಶುಸಂಗೋಪನೆ ಮತ್ತು ರೇಷ್ಮೆ ಸಚಿವ ಶ್ರೀ ಪುಟ್ಟರಂಗ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ, ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಪುರಸಭಾ ಆಡಳಿತ ಸಚಿವ ಶ್ರೀ ಎಚ್.ಸಿ. ಬಾಲಕೃಷ್ಣ, ಲೋಕಸಭಾ ಸದಸ್ಯೆ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಶೋಭಾ ಕರಂದ್ಲಾಜೆ, ಲೋಕಸಭಾ ಸದಸ್ಯ ಡಾ. ಸಿ.ಎನ್. ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್, ಮಾಜಿ ಕ್ರಿಕೆಟಿಗ ಶ್ರೀ ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ್ ಪ್ರಸಾದ್, ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಮಾಜಿ ಉಪಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಡಾ. ಸಿ.ಎನ್. ಅಶ್ವತ್ಥನಾರಾಯಣ, ಮಾಜಿ ಅಬಕಾರಿ ಸಚಿವ ಶ್ರೀ ಕೆ. ಗೋಪಾಲಯ್ಯ, ಸುಪ್ರೀಂ ಕೋರ್ಟ್‌ ಮಾಜಿ ನ್ಯಾಯಮೂರ್ತಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಎನ್. ಸಂತೋಷ್ ಹೆಗ್ಡೆ, ರಾಜ್ಯಸಭಾ ಸದಸ್ಯ ಶ್ರೀ ಜಗ್ಗೇಶ್ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಹಲವು ಗಣ್ಯ ರಾಜಕಾರಣಿಗಳು, ಚಿತ್ರತಾರೆಯರು ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜತಾಂತ್ರಿಕರು ನಮ್ಮ ದೇವಾಲಯಗಳಿಗೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣನ ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದ ಪಡೆದರು.

ವೈಟ್‌ಫೀಲ್ಡ್‌ನ ಕೆಟಿಪಿಒದಲ್ಲಿ ಆಯೋಜಿಸಲಾಗಿದ್ದ “ಫ್ರಂ ಯುವರ್ ಕಿಚನ್ ಟು ಕೃಷ್ಣ ವಿಥ್ ಲವ್” ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ, ಭಗವಂತನ 5253ನೇ ಪವಿತ್ರ ಅವತಾರವನ್ನು ಸ್ಮರಿಸಿ 5253 ಆಹಾರ ಪದಾರ್ಥಗಳನ್ನು ನೈವೇದ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಅರ್ಪಿಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಯುವ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಯನ್ನು ಹಬ್ಬದಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಿಸಲು ಯುವ ಬ್ಯಾಂಡ್‌ಗಳಿಂದ “ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಜ್ಯಾಮ್‌ಫೆಸ್ಟ್ – ಭಜನ್ ಜಾಮಿಂಗ್” ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನೂ ಆಯೋಜಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಬಹು-ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ವಿಜೇತ ಅಂತಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಕಲಾವಿದೆ ಅಬ್ಬಿ ವಿ ಅವರು ಭಕ್ತಿಪೂರ್ಣ ಸಂಗೀತದ ಮೂಲಕ ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಕರನ್ನು ರಂಜಿಸಿದರು. ಕೆಟಿಪಿಒದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಆಚರಣೆಗಳು ಸೆಪ್ಟೆಂಬರ್ 5ರಂದೂ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯಲಿವೆ.

ಪ್ರಪಂಚಾದ್ಯಂತ ಇರುವ ಭಕ್ತರ ಅನುಕೂಲಕ್ಕಾಗಿ, ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಜನ್ಮಾಷ್ಟಮಿ ಆಚರಣೆಯಾದ ‘ಸ್ವಾಗತಂ ಕೃಷ್ಣ’ವನ್ನು ಸೆಪ್ಟೆಂಬರ್ 4, 2026ರಂದು ರಾತ್ರಿ 8:00 ಗಂಟೆಯಿಂದ ನೇರಪ್ರಸಾರ ಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು.

ಇಸ್ಕಾನ್ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧು ಪಂಡಿತ ದಾಸ ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು, “ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಜನ್ಮಾಷ್ಟಮಿಯ ಪುಣ್ಯ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ನಮ್ಮ ದೇವಾಲಯಗಳಿಗೆ ಲಕ್ಷಾಂತರ ಭಕ್ತರನ್ನು ಸ್ವಾಗತಿಸಲು ನಮಗೆ ಸಂತೋಷವಾಗಿದೆ. ಜನ್ಮಾಷ್ಟಮಿ ಆಚರಣೆಗಳು ಕ್ರಮೇಣ ನಗರದ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ಮನೆ ಮತ್ತು ಕುಟುಂಬದ ಅವಿಭಾಜ್ಯ ಅಂಗವಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವುದನ್ನು ಕಂಡು ನಮಗೆ ಸಂತಸವಾಗಿದೆ. ಈ ದಿನಗಳಂದು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸ್ಥಳಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಸಂದಣಿಯ ಸುಗಮ ಚಲನೆ ಮತ್ತು ಸಮರ್ಥ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆಗೆ ನೆರವಾದ ನಮ್ಮ ದಾನಿಗಳು, ಹಿತೈಷಿಗಳು, ಸ್ವಯಂಸೇವಕರು, ಆಡಳಿತ ಮತ್ತು ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ನಾವು ಧನ್ಯವಾದ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ. ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಧಾ ಕೃಷ್ಣಚಂದ್ರರು ಇಡೀ ಮಾನವಕುಲಕ್ಕೆ ಅವರ ಆಶಯಾನುಸಾರ ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದ ನೀಡಲಿ ಎಂದು ನಾವು ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ.”