by Bess | Feb 20, 2024
Manta Air, the premier airline of Maldives, has marked a historic milestone with the planned commencement of direct flights from India to the Maldives, starting from March 1st, 2024. The inaugural charter flight from Bengaluru to Dhaalu Airport in its breathtaking Kudahuvadhoo Dhaalu Atoll took place on Friday, February 16th, heralding a new era of seamless travel between India and the Maldives.
By offering direct flights from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to Dhaalu Airport, Manta Air eliminates the need for travelers to transit through Male, streamlining the journey and providing direct access to the stunning luxury resorts nestled in Dhaalu Atoll. With flights scheduled on Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays, guests can maximize their stay in the Maldives, arriving in the morning and departing late in the evening.
The Dhaalu Atoll boasts some of the Maldives’ finest resorts, including Kandima Maldives, Niyama Private Islands, St. Regis Maldives, RIU, Baglioni, Angsana Velavaru, and Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offering unparalleled experiences amidst pristine natural beauty.
During the inaugural flight, esteemed travel partners, media representatives, and journalists from India experienced firsthand the convenience and luxury of the new route, including a special familiarization tour of Dhaalu Airport upon arrival with a fabulous stay at the game changing Kandima Maldives and the all-inclusive RIU Hotels & Resorts.
In collaboration with premium partner resorts, Manta Air has curated exclusive packages offering end-to-end convenience for international travelers from India, ensuring significant savings on flight time maximining their holiday time, extensive saving on costs and unmatched convenience be it a solo traveler or a family travelling to enjoy a holiday in the Maldives. These packages are tailored to provide an unforgettable experience, seamlessly connecting guests to the luxurious escapes of Dhaalu Atoll.
The package offers by Kandima Maldives starting from $2658 for a minimum 3 nights package for 2 people including return airfare from India (Bengaluru) to the Maldives (Dhaalu) on full board basis. As an exclusive designed inaugural package, you also get their oh-so kool inclusions like the floating breakfast (only for villas with pools), sunset cruise, a free room upgrade on availability and over 50% discount on Spa packages.
https://kandima.com/en/offers/your-tropikal-flight-to-kandima
The offers by RIU Hotes & Resorts starting from $2986 for a minimum 4 nights package for 2 people inclusive of international return fare from India (Bengaluru) to the Maldives (Dhaalu), all-inclusive meals and airport transfers.
With this visionary initiative, Manta Air aims to elevate the in-flight experience, simplify international travel processes, and eliminate the need for intermediary travel requirements, setting new standards of excellence in air travel between India and the Maldives.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Neeraj Seth
Cluster Director – Public Relations
Pulse Hotels & Resorts
Write to: neeraj.seth@pulseresorts.com
About Manta Air:
Manta Air is the leading airline of Maldives, committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences and unparalleled convenience to passengers. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Manta Air continues to set new benchmarks in the aviation industry, connecting travelers to the breathtaking beauty of Maldives and beyond.
For more details about the offers and ticketing, please contact our partners:
Reollo Travel https://reollo.travel, reservations@reollo.travel
InterGlobe, Manta Air (GSA, India), mantaair@interglobe.com
Or Visit https://mantaair.mv
Manta Air Media Gallery : Media Gallery
by Bess | Feb 13, 2024
Himalaya Wellness Company, one of India’s leading wellness brands, announced its Muskaan initiative in the highly anticipated 2024 edition. This humanitarian initiative, known for spreading smiles and fostering well-being among children with cleft lip and palate is expanding its reach to 35+ districts in its newest edition after facilitating 1800+ free cleft lip surgeries, in partnership with Smile Train India, across the country. On this occasion, cricket icon Yuvraj Singh pledged his support to the cause, propagating the need for greater awareness on the condition of cleft in children and how a small contribution can help bring about – ‘Ek Nayi Muskaan’ on their faces.
The event saw Yuvraj Singh sharing anecdotes and experiences from his own life, encouraging and inspiring children with cleft to lead healthy and full lives by eradicating social stigma. Himalaya Wellness Company in collaboration with Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused NGO, has been dedicated to spreading awareness on about the facial birth difference of cleft lip and palate and supporting 100% free cleft surgeries, has been providing healthy smiles to underprivileged children for more than 8 years.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director, Consumer Products Division, Himalaya Wellness Company, said, “As the market leader in the lip balm category, Himalaya is proud to continue setting standards for quality and efficacy. With each passing year, we remain dedicated to fostering greater brand love among our valued customers, ensuring that Himalaya Lip Balm remains their trusted choice for lip care. Muskaan holds a special place in our hearts, and witnessing numerous children gaining access to a healthier and more joyful life through cleft repair surgeries is an enriching experience. A smile is an expression of happiness, and with “Ek Nayi Muskaan”, we intend to create more smiles by helping children achieve their dreams and live a fulfilling life. This initiative reflects our overall brand thought – ‘Khush Raho Khushaal Raho’ that captures our vision of ‘Wellness in every home, Happiness in every heart’.”
Since the inception of this initiative in 2016, Himalaya, in collaboration with NGO Smile Train India, has relentlessly pursued spreading smiles to cleft affected children in need. Himalaya donates Rs 5 towards cleft surgery r every purchase of Premium lip care pack.
Indian Cricket icon, Yuvraj Singh added “Our future hinges on the well-being of children, and nothing should hinder their genuine happiness. The ‘Muskaan’ initiative, dedicated to bringing everlasting smiles to children with clefts, stands as a crucial and indispensable cause. It not only guarantees a bright future for these children but also extends its positive impact to their families. I am delighted and fortunate to be part of this journey dedicated to spreading joy and smiles.”
Highlighting the significance of the Initiative, Mamta Carroll, Smile Train’s Senior Vice President & Regional Director for Asia said “Cleft conditions significantly impact a child’s health, affecting basic functions like eating, breathing and speaking, and may also lead to social stigma and isolation. Timely cleft surgery and associated cleft care is crucial, not only transforming a child’s appearance but also preventing potential health issues and improving their quality of life. Delaying surgery can lead to speech, hearing, and mental wellness difficulties. With Muskaan and our partnership with Himalaya Wellness Company, our aim is to raise awareness about clefts, making free surgeries and comprehensive care readily available to more children in India.”
About Himalaya Wellness Company
In 1930, a young visionary by the name of Mr. M. Manal foresaw the benefits of herbal remedies while riding through the forests surrounding Dehradun. After diligently researching the science of the traditional field of Ayurveda, he decided to dedicate his life to creating products that would improve millions of lives across the world. Today, with a history spanning nine decades in herbal research, Himalaya has positioned itself as a brand that cares about not only enriching people’s lives but also the environment. With the ‘head-to-heel’ range of products, Himalaya aims to provide a holistic solution to everyday ailments.
Seeped in a legacy of researching nature, Himalaya has successfully been able to harness the science of Ayurveda through cutting-edge research to become a brand that is safe, gentle, and trustworthy. For more information, please visit: https://himalayawellness.in/
About Smile Train India
Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgeries and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children’s lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. Since the year 2000, Smile Train India has supported more than 700,000+ free cleft surgeries in India through a network of 150+ partner hospitals. To learn more about Smile Train’s India’s sustainable approach, please visit: www.smiletrainindia.org
For more information, please reach out to:
Namrata Sharma | namrata.sharma@genesis-bcw.com
by Bess | Nov 5, 2023
Himalaya Wellness Company, one of India’s leading wellness brands, organized The Mindful Strides Walkathon 2023 on Sunday, November 5, at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The invigorating 5K Walkathon was a community event dedicated to promoting mental wellness and raising awareness about the importance of mental health. From children to seniors, from avid fitness enthusiasts to casual walkers, the event attracted diverse participants who were united in their quest for mental well-being.
KG Umesh-Director, Human Resources at Himalaya Wellness Company, flagged off the event at 7:30 am at Kanteerava Stadium, an iconic arena with a rich sporting history that serves as a hub for sports enthusiasts and talented athletes in the city hosting numerous sporting events.
Speaking about the event, Jayashree Ullal says, “The Mindful Strides Walkathon was a celebration of the importance of mental health. With increasing stressors and the fast-paced nature of modern life, mental health has become a critical concern. As individuals and a community, we should come forward to make a real difference in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.”
“A healthy mind is the greatest treasure. Taking a positive step today will help you lead a better tomorrow. Educating ourselves and others helps in fostering open dialogue through community-led platforms like walkathons. Practicing empathy, embracing compassion, and normalizing help-seeking behavior can go a long way in supporting those who need it. Himalaya Wellness Company is committed to raising awareness about mental health,” KG Umesh adds.
Participants at The Mindful Strides Walkathon enjoyed a scenic route that took them through some of the city’s most picturesque spots, such as Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hall (Central State Library), Band Stand at Cubbon Park, and Jawahar Bal Bhavan Auditorium. The event was not just about completing the 5K course; it was a holistic experience nurturing body and mind—emphasizing the connection between physical activity and mental tranquility.
Himalaya will continue to be at the forefront of initiatives that break the stigma surrounding mental health. Guided by the core business philosophy, ‘Care for Community,’ Himalaya partnered with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in 2022 to develop a suicide prevention research and surveillance framework called SURAKSHA. The initiative aims to improve access to mental healthcare in Karnataka’s Ramanagara district and test the feasibility of an indigenized pilot research model. The project aligns with WHO’s ‘LIVE LIFE’ framework for suicide prevention.
About Himalaya Wellness Company
In 1930, a young visionary by the name of Mr. M. Manal foresaw the benefits of herbal remedies while riding through the forests surrounding Dehradun. After diligently researching the science of the traditional field of Ayurveda, he decided to dedicate his life to creating products that would improve millions of lives across the world. Today, with a history spanning nine decades in herbal research, Himalaya has been a brand that cares about not only enriching people’s lives but also the environment. With a head-to-heel range of products, Himalaya offers holistic solutions to everyday ailments.
Seeped in a legacy of researching nature, Himalaya has successfully been able to harness the science of Ayurveda through cutting-edge researched and is a brand that is safe, gentle, and trustworthy. For more information, please visit: https://himalayawellness.in/
Contact for Journalists:
Namrata Sharma – namrata.sharma@genesis-bcw.com – 9035472440
by Bess | Nov 3, 2023
CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF), the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand Group (CapitaLand), is collaborating with Pratham Education Foundation to pilot the latter’s holistic learning programme “Hamara Gaon” in 12 more underserved communities in Karnataka state where the children of the two schools supported under the CapitaLand Hope School Programme are from. CHF has committed to kickstart the programme with a donation of S$108,000 (INR 6.5 million) to support the first year’s funding. The funding will also support the ongoing programme in 50 communities located across Devanahalli and Kolar districts. This will increase the total number of beneficiaries to more than 3,000 children aged three to 14.
CHF’s support for the learning programme is part of CapitaLand’s #GivingAsOne 2023 and is announced during the CapitaLand International Volunteer Expedition (IVE) to improve the facilities and engage the students of Government Kannada and English Medium Higher Primary School in Bangalore. Over three days from 28 to 30 October 2023, more than 50 CapitaLand staff volunteers from six countries – India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, United Kingdom and Vietnam – decorated the school classrooms and common areas with hand-painted wall murals, enhanced the play area with a sandpit, and added more shelves and books in the reading room. They also organised CapitaLand’s “Little Architect Programme” workshops to broaden the students’ knowledge and interest in architecture, sparking their imagination and creativity.
Government Kannada and English Medium Higher Primary School is one of three schools in India under the CapitaLand Hope School Programme. The other two are Government Hi-Tech Kannada and English Medium Higher Primary School, also in Bangalore, and Government Marathi Medium Higher Primary School, in Pune. To date, CHF has contributed over INR 100 million to support the development of the schools, which serve close to 1,300 students yearly. Including these three schools, the CapitaLand Hope School Programme has supported the educational needs of underserved children from 32 schools in China, India and Vietnam by providing them with a safe and conducive learning environment.
Mr Tan Seng Chai, Executive Director of CHF and Senior Executive Director of CapitaLand Investment, said, “At CapitaLand, we are committed to doing good and building resilience in the communities where we operate. Through our long-running IVE programme, which has returned after a three-year COVID-19 hiatus, we hope to strengthen our employees’ sense of purpose by providing them with an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the communities we support and witness first-hand the social impact of our giving efforts. The IVE is a highlight of CapitaLand’s annual #GivingAsOne campaign, which rallies our staff, tenants and partners to augment our giving effort through collective participation. We are grateful to our volunteers for their dedication, compassion and commitment in making our #GivingAsOne campaign a success.”
Mr Sanjeev Dasgupta, CEO, CapitaLand Investment India, said, “Our commitment to improving access to learning among underserved children extends beyond enhancing their school facilities to providing them with continual support, as exemplified by our collaboration with the Pratham Education Foundation. The learning programme enables us to reach out to a wider society beyond our immediate communities and make a meaningful impact in their lives. We also take immense pride in welcoming staff volunteers from all around the world to India, showcasing the potential of collective action and the positive change we can achieve when we come together.”
“Pratham is committed to helping children build and sustain their foundational learning skills. We’re thrilled to partner with CapitaLand Hope Foundation, and for getting us closer to ensuring every child is learning well,” added Dr Rukmini Banerji, CEO, Pratham Education Foundation.
Amplifying collective impact through CapitaLand’s #GivingAsOne 2023
The third edition of CapitaLand’s annual #GivingAsOne global campaign was held from September to October 2023 for staff, tenants, business partners and customers to do good together by uplifting the lives of vulnerable groups in communities where CapitaLand operates. In all, over 1,300 staff, tenant and community volunteers from various parts of the world came together to support over 7,300 beneficiaries in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
35 activities were organised during the campaign months, contributing to over 9,700 volunteer hours. For every volunteer hour contributed to #GivingAsOne, CHF has committed to donate S$20 to support education, health and well-being initiatives for children, youth and seniors. In conjunction with the CapitaLand IVE to Bangalore, CHF has also committed to donate S$20 for every CapitaLand employee who took part in recording a “Namaste India” video greeting to delight the students of Government Kannada and English Medium Higher Primary School. At the conclusion of #GivingAsOne 2023, CHF has pledged to donate over S$600,000 (INR 36 million) to support a variety of community initiatives, including committing S$108,000 (INR 6.5 million) to the learning programme with Pratham Education Foundation.
About CapitaLand Group (www.capitaland.com)
CapitaLand Group (CapitaLand) is one of Asia’s largest diversified real estate groups. Headquartered in Singapore, CapitaLand’s portfolio focuses on real estate investment management and real estate development, and spans across more than 260 cities in over 40 countries.
Within its ecosystem, CapitaLand has developed an integrated suite of investment management and operating capabilities that supports its real estate businesses and platforms in building core competencies across the real estate value chain. With this full stack of capabilities, CapitaLand can optimise the strategies of its listed real estate investment management business CapitaLand Investment, and its privately held property development arm CapitaLand Development; to drive competitive advantage for its businesses.
CapitaLand places sustainability at the core of what it does. As a responsible real estate company, CapitaLand contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
About CapitaLand Hope Foundation (www.capitalandhopefoundation.com)
CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand Group, has been established since 2005. As a registered charity and grantmaker, the Foundation contributes towards building resilience in communities where CapitaLand operates, through supporting education, health and well-being initiatives, targeting at children, youth and seniors. Going beyond donations, the Foundation also advocates volunteerism as an integral part of building a caring and inclusive community.
Follow @CapitaLand on social media
Facebook: @capitaland / facebook.com/capitaland
Instagram: @capitaland / instagram.com/capitaland
Twitter: @capitaLand / twitter.com/capitaland
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/capitaland-limited
YouTube: youtube.com/capitaland
Issued by: CapitaLand Limited (Co. Regn.: 198900036N)
For queries, please contact:
Anirban Choudhury
Head, Communications, India
CapitaLand Investment
Tel: +91 99800 00733
Email: anirban.choudhury@capitaland.com
by Bess | Oct 12, 2023
“Launches VISTA – The Vertical AI for Education”
Taking a pioneering step in the realm of education built on new age tech platform, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, fresh off its announcement of joining the 100cr club and achieving profitability, proudly unveils its magnum opus: IL VISTA: Virtual Intelligent System for Tailored Academics. This landmark initiative is underpinned by an impressive investment of close to a million dollars, with an anticipated commitment of an additional 4-5 million dollars set aside for its upcoming phases.
IL VISTA is a ground-breaking tech initiative in the world of education. The Virtual Intelligent System for Tailored Academics, aims at leveraging the full potential of AI, to resolve the challenges faced by educators and learners alike. The vision is brought to life for the users through unified mobile and web applications in the form of various tools, ensuring that cutting-edge technology is always at their fingertips.
Our Unique and innovative approach to conversational AI-enabled scaffolding is the core of VISTA’s commitment to a personalized approach towards learning. Traditionally, a teacher caters to learners guiding them with hints to develop the right approach until they are independent to resolve the questions on their own. In VISTA’s world, scaffolding is taken up by Doubts AI, a new-age ally of educators with traditional values. It will comprehend and steer the student’s learning, guiding them step-by-step, in a way that they grasp the concept and not just the answer.
However, the learning curve of a learner is incomplete without assessments- a “process of gathering data to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of student’s learning. IL VISTA’s Assessment for Learning seeks to transform the inputs and feedback that educators provide to learners during evaluation. This will primarily empower educators, if every student’s learning is assessed not by weary human eyes, but through efficient and unbiased AI.
The current trend in edtech shows that learners in today’s time and age watch videos to learn the concepts. The Check for Understanding (CFU) amplifies student’s learning from the videos. The tool enables guided learning through a series of checkpoints in the videos, where a question pops up to improve a student’s focus and check their understanding.
Recognizing the pivotal role of educators, VISTA’s Teacher Assistant is tailored to be every educator’s digital confidant. The aim is to ‘Empowering Educators for Tomorrow’, from conceptualizing lesson plans to pinpointing resources and gleaning pedagogical insights, this tool ensures educators are armed with the finest digital arsenal, recalibrating their teaching strategies for a new era.
“Ever since I began my educational journey, my goal has always been to uplift and provide the best learning experiences. It’s truly amazing to see our dreams come to life, where technology is like a friendly guide, making teaching easier for educators and learning more fun for students. As I think about what’s next, I’m filled with so much excitement. I imagine a future where countless teachers feel supported and countless students benefit from our latest offering, VISTA by Infinity Learn. This launch is our big step into creating that brighter, more inclusive world of learning for everyone..” Said Ms Sushma Bopanna, Academic Director of Sri Chaitanya Educational Institutions and Founder Director/infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya.
Ujjwal Singh, the Founding CEO of Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, further elaborated, “Beneath the surface of IL VISTA lies a powerful AI engine, diligently analysing every interaction, every query, and every feedback from learners and educators. This isn’t just about streamlining the learning process but elevating the entire educational ecosystem. While our journey with AI in education has only just begun, the initial pilot of VISTA has shown immense promise. As we continue to innovate and refine our approach, I am confident we’re on the cusp of delivering a mature product that will redefine the educational landscape. The early results have already sparked excitement and anticipation, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the leaps we’ll make in the coming days.”.”
The Road Ahead – As Infinity Learn embarks on this monumental journey with IL VISTA – vertical AI for Education, it signals the commencement of a new chapter and the dawning of an era where education and technology converge to create unparalleled learning vistas.
About Infinity Learn:
Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya is India’s only EdTech platform delivering outcome-based learning at scale. Serving a community of over 7 million registered users, with over 750K actively subscribing for premium content, our primary mission is to nurture and elevate every learner’s potential. Our platform is rich with diverse study resources, including an extensive collection of questions, content and intuitive learning tools tailored to modern educational needs.
At the heart of Infinity Learn lies a dual commitment: firstly, to our vast learner base, ensuring they always have access to quality content that propels their academic and personal growth, and secondly, to our dedicated team, whose continuous efforts and innovations lay the groundwork for our success. Our overarching vision – ‘Powering Learners Progress’ by simplify the learning experience and amplify the learning, making education both accessible and affordable for all.
For deeper insights, exclusive interviews, or additional media resources, please contact:
Priyadarshini SK | 91000 27043 | priyadarshini.sk@infinitylearn.com
Priyanka Rao | 8335846549 | priyanka.rao@mslgroup.com
Website: www.infinitylearn.com
