PUNE:  Airtel today marked Customer Day 2026, a mass movement within the organization focused on understanding customer pain points and continuously improving its delivered experiences. Nearly twenty thousand Airtel employees—from leadership teams to functional specialists—stepped out of their offices and into the field, working alongside frontline teams to engage directly with customers, shadowing field engineers, visiting homes and shops, and interacting at retail and service centres to gain an unfiltered view of the issues that matter most. Customer Day at Airtel serves as a deliberate pause for the organisation to introspect and ask a simple but critical question: what more can we do for our customers?

Commenting on the initiative, Shashwat Sharma, Managing Director and CEO, Airtel India, said: “Customer Day is an important reminder of our responsibility to listen deeply, challenge ourselves, and act with urgency. It strengthens our commitment to solving pain points, simplifying experiences, and continuously raising the standard of service we deliver to millions of our customers every day.”

This ritual and the culture of solving for customer pain points have been central to many of Airtel’s customer‑first innovations. From stronger spam and fraud protection to simpler, more intuitive digital journeys through the Airtel app and wider access to new‑age, AI‑enabled tools, Airtel’s solutions have been shaped by listening.

Customer Day also reinforces Airtel’s belief that experience improvement is not episodic, but continuous. By listening closely to customers and acting decisively on their feedback, the company continues to simplify processes, remove friction, and design services that are reliable, intuitive, and responsive. It unites Airtel behind a single, enduring purpose: to be a company where customer obsession is not a slogan, but a culture—one that drives constant improvement and ensures that every decision begins and ends with the customer.

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PUNE: The 146th Birth Anniversary of Sadhu T.L. Vaswani was observed at the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune, and at centres worldwide. Marked globally as International Meatless Day, the occasion brought together thousands in a shared commitment to compassion and reverence for all life.

At the headquarters, Pune, the day began with bhajans, prayers, and meditation, followed by a special seva for the limbless, where artificial limbs were distributed. Swami Mukundananda, Founder of JKYog, graced the gathering and spoke on Sadhu Vaswani’s life and teachings, while Didi Krishna also addressed the devotees. A community Langar served thousands, reflecting the spirit of unity. Bhajans and kirtans filled the evening satsang, and later, a satsang till midnight brought the day’s observance to a serene close.

Highlights

• In the USA, the Feast for Peace event with Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna brought youth and food lovers together to cook and enjoy a vegetarian meal while learning the value of a plant-based lifestyle. St. Thomas, Dallas, & Jakarta centers hosted similar Feast for Peace vegetarian cooking workshops. In Bengaluru and Delhi, the Mission’s youth group hosted the same event, offering participants a vegetarian cooking and dining experience.
• Peace rallies were held across cities, including Pune, Ulhasnagar, Bilaspur, Indore, and Ahmedabad. At Sadhu Vaswani International School, Pradhikaran, a massive rally attended by 3,200 participants was inaugurated by Didi Krishna, Head of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, who encouraged students to spread vegetarianism.
• Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor highlighted the day on FoodFood channel’s Instagram.
• A campaign entitled GREENHANDS was organised by the USA center, which was well received.
• The state of Uttar Pradesh, India, and various cities, including Bhopal, Kondhwa-Pune, Lonavala, Greater Bengaluru-Karnataka, Ahmedabad, Indore, Vadodara, Saharanpur-Uttar Pradesh, declared the closure of all slaughterhouses on 25^th November.
• In Penang, Malaysia, a talk by Dr. Kelvin Koay linked dietary choices to climate change, inspiring many—including leaders and educators—to pledge to go meatless.
• A new music video was released promoting the Campaign.
• Across West Africa, Panama, Ahmedabad, and Pune, restaurants and hotels marked Meatless Day by either remaining closed or serving exclusively vegetarian menus, with some even offering special discounts.

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Dada J.P. Vaswani championed the transformative power of forgiveness, teaching that it is essential for inner peace and healing. In this spirit, Global Forgiveness Day is observed on 2nd August, Dada’s birthday, with the Moment of Calm at 2 p.m. as a designated time to forgive.

The ‘Let-it-go’ box was unveiled recently by Didi Krishna Kumari, Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission. Inspired by the teachings of Dada, the box is a symbolic tool that encourages individuals to release negative emotions such as anger or fear by writing them down and dropping them in. The initiative teaches people not to suppress negativity, but to give it up completely — freeing themselves emotionally and spiritually. 450+ boxes were placed in locations across several countries. Many positive reviews poured in. Kavita from Bhopal shared how making forgiveness a daily practice has transformed her life. Once weighed down by sadness and poor health, she now feels lighter, more peaceful, and free from many ailments.

The Lion’s Club and corporates such as Mastercard and WeWork took part in the practice. Spiritual organisations, including Parmarth Niketan, Brahma Kumaris, and Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, also observed the Moment of Calm. School principals across India expressed appreciation for the practicality of the ‘Let-it-go’ box. Sadhu Vaswani Centres in places such as Singapore, Barcelona, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong also joined in the observances.

On 26th July, several events, including walkathons, were organized worldwide in cities such as New Delhi, New York, Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Singapore, Tenerife (Spain), and London. At Times Square, New York, an event named “Forgive. Release. Rise Free.” was held, drawing global attention.

In homes, offices, temples, and classrooms, people joined together to let go of grudges and other emotional baggage.

At the Mission’s headquarters in Pune, a three-day tribute was held, which included satsangs, bhajans, kirtan, and Dada Vaswani’s recorded teachings. Didi Krishna delivered LIVE talks, reminding that hiding one’s flaws serves no purpose. Instead, she urged that everyone should confess and seek the guru’s forgiveness and blessings.

Extensive seva activities were also carried out at the Mission and its institutions. 

Speaking on forgiveness, Didi said: “Nothing can make goodness flourish more than the attitude of forgiveness.” 

The Moment of Calm campaign continues to reach new audiences each year, as more and more people experience the emotional and spiritual relief that comes with letting go.

Dada J. P. Vaswani was one of India’s leading saints, a renowned educator, author, and humanitarian, universally acclaimed as a messenger of love. A scientist by training, he transformed lives with love, compassion, and spiritual insight. Once, when a student asked him, “What should I do if my friend keeps making the same mistake again and again?” Dada, with his characteristic wit, replied, “If he keeps on making mistakes, you keep on forgiving!” Dada has said, “Keep on forgiving! Forgive at least as many times as you would wish to be forgiven by God.”

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PUNE: In celebration of International Tiger Day today, the Pune-based Jungle Belles hosted a special awareness session for school students under their initiative ‘Supermom of our Forests’ at B.V.B. Paranjape Vidya Mandir K.M. Munshi Kaladalan, 4th Floor, Kothrud, Pune, to introduce children to the remarkable lives of tigresses and to foster a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.

Paranjape Vidya Mandir’s Secondary Headmistress, Smita Ranjekar, Primary Headmistress, Abhijata Chavan, Teachers of 5th and 6th standards of  Paranjape Vidya Mandir, Hemangi Vartak, founder of Jungle Belles, Sanjay Deshpande, Madhulika Tijare, Saurabh Chavan, Parth Salunke, Siddhesh Sonawane were present at the occasion.

Hemangi Vartak, through stories, visuals, and interactive discussions, brought to life the struggles and strength of the tigress, the top predator and arguably the most powerful mother in the forest.

She introduced the audience to some of India’s most iconic tigresses, including Chhoti Tara and Maya from Tadoba, Junabai from Tadoba Buffer, Mataram from Pench, Mausi Ma from Sanjay Gandhi National Park, K-Mark from Kolara, and others like F2 and Fairy from Umred Karandla. Students were shown photographs of these tigresses and learned fascinating facts about their lives, territories, and cubs.

She explained that a tigress usually lives for about 14 years. In her lifetime, she gives birth to 4 to 5 sets of cubs, with 1 to 5 cubs each time. Her pregnancy lasts around 3 months, and she takes care of her cubs for nearly 2.5 years. She raises them all on her own, without help from the male tiger. The tigress hunts, protects, and feeds her cubs by herself. This is why she is truly a ‘supermom’. She survives and raises her family using only her instincts and strong willpower.

The session also shed light on the conservation efforts of the Indian government, particularly Project Tiger, which has been active since 1973. Vartak explained how modern tools like GPS collars, mobile apps, and camera traps are now used to monitor tiger movements and ensure their safety. She also discussed measures such as forest patrolling, the creation of safe buffer zones, and community education in villages near forests.

Students participated eagerly, asking questions about tiger behavior, conservation, and how they could contribute to protecting wildlife. The session concluded with a message of hope and responsibility: that every young person can be a part of preserving the majestic tigress and her home in the wild.

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The plantation site, spanning approximately 3,000 square meters, was donated by the village Sarpanch and the villagers of Pur. The vacant land, which was at risk of turning into a landfill area, has been transformed into a green space through the collaborative efforts of the villagers and Siegwerk’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The donation of this land was made with the full support of the village community. Recognizing the threat that a landfill posed to the nearby live pond and the overall local ecosystem, the villagers took proactive steps to restore the land.

Siegwerk India has planted close to 1000 plants at the site, including a mix of fruit-bearing trees, shady trees, and medicinal plants. This diverse plantation is expected to enhance biodiversity, provide shade, and offer medicinal benefits to the community, thereby fostering a healthier and greener environment. The team also planted over 100 trees at their factory in Bhiwadi.

Speaking on the initiative, Manjusha Singh, CEO, Siegwerk India, said, “Our partnership with Pur village exemplifies how corporate and community efforts can come together to address environmental challenges. Transforming this land into a green space helps preserve water quality, enhances biodiversity, and inspires sustainable living. We look forward to continuing such meaningful projects that nurture both nature and society.“

Ajit Singh, CFO, Siegwerk India, added, “Environmental sustainability is a key pillar of our corporate responsibility. By collaborating with the Pur village community, we are not only protecting the natural habitat but also creating lasting benefits for the local ecosystem and residents.”

The initiative is not only aimed at greening the land but also at protecting the water quality of the nearby pond, preventing pollution that could arise from the land being used as a dumping ground. In addition to this annual CSR initiative, Siegwerk also previously undertook the restoration of a pond Dhaki village, increasing ToF (Trees outside Forest) to promote water resource management.

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Situated on a 50-acre campus near the Pale Caves in Maharashtra, Abhay Prabhavana reimagines the very idea of a traditional museum. It is among the largest private museums in the world, yet its significance lies not in its scale, but in its core. Every element across its 3.5 lakh square feet premises has been curated to celebrate India’s civilizational wisdom, right from the timeless principles of ethics, education, enterprise, non-violence, compassion, and spiritual inquiry.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhay Firodia, industrialist and founder of the museum, and Chairman of the Amar Prerana Trust, said, “India’s greatest heritage is the power of its values. We aimed to build a space where these values are experienced in all their depth, not simply observed. Abhay Prabhavana is a place where knowledge, aesthetics, and spirit come together to offer inspiration for generations to come.”

Thirty immersive galleries form the core of the museum’s narrative journey. Each gallery is a dialogue: through sculptures, dioramas, digital installations, and storytelling that invites visitors to engage with India’s philosophical legacy. Concepts such as self-restraint, plurality, letting go, and inner awakening are presented through engaging experiences, encouraging reflection and inquiry. Interactive technologies, ambient sound, and subtle scenography are employed with restraint and intelligence, ensuring that the medium never overwhelms the message.

Beyond its galleries, Abhay Prabhavana’s architectural and symbolic elements offer equally profound experiences. The Manastambh, a 100-foot pillar, depicts the stages of spiritual evolution. On the other hand, the awe-inspiring 43-foot sculpture of Rishabhdev, the first of the 24 Tirthankaras, whose vision of order, discipline, and civilisation laid the foundations of Indian values and thought, represents a sense of calm like no other. The Plaza of Equanimity, a contemplative space centred around the Sarvatobhadra statue, anchors the campus in stillness and symmetry.

Abhay Prabhavana means a lot more than a museum for enthusiasts. It is a knowledge centre, with spaces such as the Kundanmal Firodia Auditorium and the Taxila Library, dedicated to scholarship, dialogue, and cultural programs. From lectures and exhibitions to research and learning initiatives, the museum instills a living engagement with India’s intellectual traditions.

As museums across the world grow into something more significant, Abhay Prabhavana leads with clarity. It does not focus on artefacts alone, but on the values and ideals that give them meaning. On this International Museum Day, it stands tall as a beholder of civilizational wisdom, reimagined for the world we live in today.

The post Abhay Prabhavana is Shaping the Future of Museums in India appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Conrad Pune, the city’s leading luxury destination, is all set to turn a new page in the city’s cultural story with the launch of ConREAD, a signature monthly initiative that brings together authors, thinkers, and passionate readers for a compelling exchange of stories, ideas, and debates. Launching on 21^st April, just ahead of World Book Day, ConREAD aims to create a thriving community for those who find joy between the pages and meaning in conversations.

Curated to celebrate the written word, ConREAD will host monthly meet-ups where punekars can meet their favourite authors in an intimate setting. An extension of Conrad Pune’s ethos, where hospitality meets culture, ConREAD is a movement to encourage intellectual exchange, a deep dive into emerging publishing trends, and exclusive interactions with leading authors. From literature to finance to real-world insights, ConREAD will serve as a dynamic platform where ideas take center stage.

The inaugural edition will feature the celebrated and bestselling author and stock market expert Ms. Devina Mehra, in conversation with Mr. Neil Borate, Head of Personal Finance at Mint. Together, they will dive into her latest work, Money, Myths and Mantras – The Ultimate Investment Guide, followed by an interactive Q&A and book signing, giving readers a chance to connect directly with the minds behind the books they love.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, shared, “With ConREAD, we are opening our doors to a new kind of luxury which is intellectual, immersive, and community-driven. This series is our way of giving back to the cultural fabric of Pune by creating a space where book lovers and thinkers can gather, converse, be bold, and stay inspired. We’re thrilled to launch this journey with Ms. Devina Mehra and look forward to many more chapters to come.”

Excited for being part of ConRead, Author Devina Mehra shared, “I’m excited to be part of the inaugural edition of ConREAD at Conrad Pune. The combination of my two favourites, books and investing/ finance in spaces that feel open, warm, and genuinely curious, sounds just perfect. And I have no doubt this evening will be just that. I truly appreciate Conrad Pune for creating a space where stories, questions, and real-life insights could flow freely. I look forward to sharing my journey and insights with everyone.”

Set against the elegant backdrop of Conrad Pune, each edition of ConREAD will blend the charm of literary discovery with the signature warmth and hospitality of Conrad, creating moments that are as thought-provoking as they are unforgettable. It’s a community where the love for books finds its tribe.

The post Conrad Pune Unveils ConREAD appeared first on NRI News.

On 14^th February 2025, from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM, guests will be treated to an exclusive dining experience, featuring a specially curated four-course set menu that includes dishes such as Strawberry & Goat Cheese Crostini – Toasted baguette with creamy goat cheese, honey drizzle, and fresh strawberries, Heart-Shaped Bruschetta – Tomato, basil, and balsamic glaze on heart-shaped toasted bread and Beetroot Carpaccio – Thinly sliced beetroot with arugula, feta, and citrus dressing, that are designed by hotel’s Master Chef. To complement the evening, each couple will be welcomed with a bottle of bubbly, ensuring a luxurious and intimate celebration.

The specially decorated private tables, set against the backdrop of the tranquil poolside, will create the perfect setting for couples to cherish their special moments together.

Whether you are looking to surprise your partner, celebrate love, or create lasting memories, Dukes Retreat’s Valentine’s Day celebration at Panorama promises a night of gourmet indulgence, enchanting music, and breathtaking surroundings.

Event Details:

• Venue: Panorama, The Dukes Retreat
• Date: 14^th February, 2025, Friday
• Time: 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM
• For reservations, call: +91 8956723587

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WHEN: Friday, 14th February from 7 pm-9 pm

WHERE: At the newly opened Ugaoo store, North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune!

Registration fee: ₹1200 per person. If you’re a group of 3 or more we’re offering a group discounted price of ₹800 per person

To register, contact: +918888332614 or DM @hearandhow

The post Join Us for the ‘Pyaar Dosti Hai’ Valentine’s Day Event appeared first on NRI News.

Held as part of the UAE’s 53rd Eid Al Etihad celebrations, which saw the participation of the Indian Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, as the Chief Guest; the UAE Cultural Day featured a variety of cultural, heritage, and entertainment activities that showcased Emirati traditions and customs.

The event included a dedicated corner for Emirati craftswomen, who showcased traditional crafts such as Al-Talli and Al-Sadu. A traditional food station offered guests an array of Emirati dishes, including luqaimat, raqaq bread, harees, and traditional Arabic coffee, and a henna design corner was set up for attendees to experience this traditional cultural art.

UAE Cultural Day saw enthusiastic participation from guests, who commended the festive atmosphere and acknowledged the UAE’s remarkable journey of achievements and progress under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President.

As well as celebrating the UAE’s history and culture, the event highlighted the country’s strong ties with India, which span cooperation across the cultural, social, economic, and diplomatic fields.

Over the past year, the UAE-India relationship has strengthened, with bilateral trade between the two countries increasing to nearly USD 84 billion, with the UAE reinforcing its position as India’s second-largest export market, third-largest trading partner, and fourth-largest investor. Major milestones, such as the opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir and the establishment of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi underline the strength of cultural ties and people-to-people connections between the UAE and India.

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