An Evening of Gratitude honours the Collective Spirit powering TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026

The Government of Karnataka, the Indian Army, Headquarters Karnataka & Kerala Sub Area, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru Police, NCC and Civic partnerships have been central to the event's growth

₹5.73 crore raised for social causes, honouring changemakers and recognising the collective efforts of NGOs, corporates, philanthropists and individual fundraisers

Bengaluru, July 2: Bengaluru's spirit of generosity was once again on full display as the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, World Athletics Gold Label race, achieved a significant philanthropy milestone, raising ₹5.73 crore through the collective efforts of NGOs, corporates, philanthropists, and individual fundraisers.

Building on the legacy of creating meaningful impact through sport, Procam International, pioneers of distance running in India, hosted the inaugural An Evening of Gratitude — a special celebration recognizing the people, partnerships, and purpose that continues to drive the TCS World 10K Bengaluru beyond race day.

Over the years, the TCS World 10K Bengaluru has evolved into much more than a race. It has become a powerful platform that inspires collective action, mobilises generosity, and creates opportunities for lasting social impact across communities.

The evening honoured fundraisers, corporate leaders, nonprofit partners, young changemakers, and supporters whose dedication transformed intention into action and action into measurable change.

United Way Bengaluru, the event's Philanthropy Partner, has played a pivotal role in strengthening the event's philanthropic ecosystem by connecting donors, fundraisers, corporates, and nonprofit organisations, helping transform participation into meaningful social impact.

For the 2026 edition, NGOs, corporates, and individual fundraisers collectively raised ₹5.73 crore, reflecting Bengaluru's unwavering commitment to creating positive change through collective action.

Since the inception of the philanthropy programme in 2008, the TCS World 10K Bengaluru has mobilised over ₹64.93 crore towards social causes, supporting initiatives across education, healthcare, sports, child welfare, livelihoods, and community development. This enduring legacy reinforces the event's position as one of India's most impactful sporting platforms for philanthropy, where every kilometre run, contributes to a larger purpose.

Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru, said, "The TCS World 10  said, "The TCS World 10K Bengaluru continues to demonstrate the extraordinary power of sport to unite people around a common purpose. At the heart of this movement are our NGO partners, whose tireless efforts bring meaning and impact to every contribution. It has been inspiring to witness first-time fundraisers, young changemakers, corporate teams, families, friends, and communities come together to support causes they deeply care about. When people see the difference, they are creating, they move beyond participation and become advocates for change—and that is the true power of philanthropy."

Fundraising Highlights

•   94 participating NGOs
•   12 cause categories aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
•   46 participating corporates
•   40 corporate teams
•    222 individuals signed up to raise funds
•    184 active fundraisers
•    15 Young Philanthropists, including 9 who raised over ₹1 lakh

Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, Bengaluru, Tata Consultancy Services, said, “The TCS World 10K Bengaluru reflects the city’s spirit of sport, community, and culture, that inspires millions. These awards are a testament to this collective ethos that recognizes the individuals and groups driving meaningful change by supporting social causes and community initiatives. I congratulate all the awardees for their exceptional contributions. It is encouraging to see that the event continues to stand as southern India’s leading sports philanthropy platform and a catalyst for social change.”

Shreepad Shende, Chief Marketing Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “When people come together with a shared purpose, they can create a big impact. The TCS World 10K Bengaluru is a wonderful example of this. At IDFC FIRST Bank, we are proud to support an initiative that helps communities and social causes. The Gratitude Awards celebrate the inspiring work of NGOs and partners who are making a real difference.”

Rajendra Kataria, Addl. Chief Secretary-Revenue & Home, Government of Karnataka, Said, "Bengaluru has built a remarkable culture around fitness and community running, and the TCS World 10K has become a true celebration of that spirit. It is inspiring to see the event grow every year, bringing together runners, families, volunteers and NGOs with a shared commitment to health and social impact. I congratulate the entire TCS and IDFC FIRST Bank team for their continued efforts and extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the NGOs whose contribution makes this event even more meaningful”.

N.A.Haris, MLA, Shantinagar, Said, "The true strength of any community lies not just in what people give, but in the time, they willingly dedicate to a cause. Money can always be earned again, but time is priceless, and everyone who contributes it deserves our deepest respect. We recently witnessed this spirit when 80,000 people came together to plant 15 lakh saplings across Bengaluru in just 12 hours, creating a Guinness World Record. The TCS World 10K reflects that same collective spirit of service, reminding us of Mahatma Gandhi's timeless words: 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others".

While philanthropy remains central, the successful execution of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru is made possible by the support of several stakeholders who work behind the scenes.

The National Cadet Corps (NCC), along with nine other institutions, joined Procam Race Force for the first time at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, strengthening the volunteer force that is integral to the event's successful execution. Their enthusiasm, discipline and commitment played a valuable role in enhancing the race-day experience.

Headquarters Karnataka & Kerala Sub Area extended invaluable support by providing the Start & Finish venues, enabling the smooth conduct of race-related activities and engagements.

Hasiru Dala Innovations, led by Pinky Chandran and Dr. Umashankar, played a pivotal role in advancing the event's sustainability efforts, helping the TCS World 10K Bengaluru achieve the Bronze-level recognition under World Athletics' Sustainability Programme – Athletics for a Better World.

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), Bengaluru Police and the Greater Bengaluru Authority have been steadfast partners in the event's growth, providing critical support in areas ranging from mobility and trafficmanagement to public infrastructure and civic coordination, thereby ensuring a safe, seamless and world-class race experience. We also recognise the contribution of the Karnataka Athletic Association. They have provided race officials and technical assistance to the event since its inception.

Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said, “The TCS World 10K Bengaluru has always been about more than just running—it is a platform that brings people together to create meaningful impact. Over the years, the event has inspired runners and citizens alike to give back to the city, fostering a culture of generosity, civic pride, and collective responsibility. Its continued success is a testament to the power of collaboration, with state authorities, the Indian Army, civic bodies, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and the wider community coming together to drive positive change and create a lasting legacy.”

Further adding, “An Evening of Gratitude is a celebration of this shared journey, honouring the remarkable contributions of fundraisers, NGOs, corporates, volunteers, and supporters who have played a vital role in the event’s success.

AWARD RECIPIENTS – INSPIRING CHANGE & TRANSFORMING LIVES

Highest Fundraising NGOs

•      GoSports Foundation – ₹81,88,402
•      Reaching Hand – ₹43,73,820
•      Neonates Foundation of India – ₹41,51,231

Highest Contributing Corporate Teams

•      ASM Technologies Limited – ₹74,10,000 for GoSports Foundation
•        OpenText – ₹25,57,136 for United Way Bengaluru
•        AtkinsRéalis – ₹25,00,000 for Right to Live Foundation

TCS World 10K Champions

(Individuals who raised ₹7 lakh and above)

•        Usha Baliga – ₹40,68,470 for Bangalore Kidney Foundation
• ·       Luke Ninan – ₹25,98,560 for Reaching Hand
• ·       Radha & Partha – ₹22,56,503 for WeLive Foundation
• ·       Sudhir Shetty – ₹7,03,041 for Veer Ratna Foundation

Impact Creator

(Individuals who raised between ₹4 lakh and ₹7 lakh)

CiscoRunners Balasubramaniam – ₹4,16,317 for eVidyaloka Trust

Trailblazers

(Individuals who raised between ₹2 lakh and ₹4 lakh)

Akhilesh Kamath – ₹3,56,377 for Gubbachi Learning Community

  Gautham CB – ₹3,52,905 for Neonates Foundation of India

·  Dr Vikas Satwik – ₹3,16,120 for Neonates Foundation of India

·   Neeraj Manivannan – ₹2,81,297 for Bhumi

·    Ramesh Talupula – ₹2,55,033 for Each One Educate One Foundation

·     Praveen Shetty – ₹2,49,303 for Veer Ratna Foundation

·      Arunita Walia – ₹2,10,103 for Charlie's Animal Rescue Centre

·      Jayanthi Yeshwant – ₹2,06,101 for One All Trust

·      Magesh Subramanian – ₹2,03,327 for PAPCP

·       Krishna Mohan – ₹2,01,202 for Each One Educate One Foundation

·       Shruthi Bopaiah – ₹2,00,502 for CJ Memorial Trust

Young Philanthropists

(Individuals below 18 years who raised a minimum of ₹1 lakh)

· Tia Bali – ₹11,75,695 for Neonates Foundation of India

·  Tabitha S. Pitchappa – ₹3,22,901 for Reaching Hand

·    Abigail Lisa Joshua – ₹2,86,100 for Reaching Hand

·      Johann Mathew Kurian – ₹1,75,450 for Vayah Vikas

·      Ayansh Ghosh – ₹1,29,112 for Gubbachi Learning Community

·      Naysa Bhattacharjee – ₹1,20,501 for Neonates Foundation of India

·      Siva Sabari Rahul K – ₹1,18,367 for Each One Educate One Foundation

·       Siddharth – ₹1,05,857 for Charlie's Animal Rescue Centre

·       Suhani Agarwal – ₹1,03,810 for Gubbachi Learning Community

    Special Recognition Awards

• Indian Army – For invaluable venue support
• National Cadet Corps (NCC) – For Volunteering support
• Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) – For facilitating ease of travel via early Metro            Services
•  Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) - Support for segregation, recycling,

Composting, energy recovery and Race Route

• Hasiru Dala Innovations – Sustainability effort
• Bengaluru Police –For Outstanding Public Service
• Digital Content Creator Awards – Jayashree Parihar (women), Devanshu Saran (Men) & Special Mention (Simran & Avik)
•  JJs Running – Run Club with Overall Highest Participation and Most Women Participants

•     Best Published Photograph Awards:

Winner - Chethan Shivakumar (The Times of India) 

1st Runner-up – Ranju P (Prajavani)

2nd Runner-up – Mohan Kumar B N (Hosadigantha) …

                                     

                                    

Rahul Dravid Unveils Glittering Maharaja Trophy for Season 5 ~ Indian cricket legend joins KSCA officials for the trophy unveiling ceremony ~

 Indian cricket legend and Karnataka icon Rahul Dravid unveiled the trophy for this year's Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 in Bengaluru on Thursday, marking another milestone in the build-up to the fifth edition of Karnataka's premier franchise-based T20 tournament.  

The trophy unveiling ceremony was attended by KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, KSCA Honorary Secretary Santosh Menon, Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Governing Council Chairman M.S. Keshava, KSCA Official Spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, franchise owners, office bearers and other distinguished guests of the KSCA  

Speaking at the event, Rahul Dravid highlighted the role of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 in creating opportunities for emerging cricketers and praised KSCA's efforts in strengthening the state's cricketing pathway.  

"The Maharaja Trophy is a very important tournament. Having myself been involved in the IPL for many years, I know for a fact that it is a tournament that is followed by a lot of IPL teams. There will be scouts who come to the games live, but many of them watch it on television as well. The scores, statistics and data from these matches are watched very closely and it really helps a lot of these players get into the IPL."  

KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad reflected on the significance of the tournament and its continued contribution to Karnataka cricket.  "The Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 continues to provide an important platform for young players to showcase their abilities, gain valuable experience and take significant steps forward in their cricketing careers. We are proud to offer a pathway that inspires the next generation of champions and contributes to the continued growth of cricket across Karnataka.”  

Honorary Secretary, KSCA, Santosh Menon also mentioned three key changes to the playing conditions for the 2026 edition of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20. The tournament will retain the Impact Player rule, with teams required to submit their playing XI before the toss, to emphasise the role of all-rounders. The competition will also adopt a provision whereby runs will not be awarded if a batter is dismissed off a free-hit delivery, rewarding bowlers for delivering a legal wicket-taking ball after a no-ball. In addition, if an on-field dismissal is subsequently overturned and the batter is found to be not out, any runs completed during the play will be restored to both the batter and the batting team.  

M.S. Keshava, Chairman, Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Governing Council, also announced that tickets for the Mysuru leg of the tournament will go on sale from 3:00 PM on June 12. The tickets will be available digitally through the District by Zomato platform, with prices ranging from ₹100 to ₹250 to ensure the matches remain accessible and affordable for fans.  

Earlier this month, the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Season 5 Player Auction saw the six franchises — Bengaluru Blasters, Mysore Warriors, Hubli Tigers, Gulbarga Mystics, Shivamogga Yodhas and Coastal Kings Mangaluru — finalize their squads for the upcoming season.  

The tournament will be played across Mysuru, Hubballi and Bengaluru from June 20 to July 12. Mysuru will host 12 matches from June 20 to 25, before the action shifts to Hubballi for a further 12 matches from June 27 to July 3. Bengaluru will then stage 10 matches from July 5 to 12, including Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the Final, as the six franchises battle for the coveted title.

                                      

Joyalukkas ‘Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show’ in Koramangala, Bengaluru from 15th May to 31st May 2026

The world’s favourite jeweller, Joyalukkas, is all set to mesmerise Bengaluru with the Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show, from 15th May 2026 at its Koramangala, Bengaluru showroom. This exclusive showcase promises an extraordinary celebration of artistry, elegance, and innovation in diamond jewellery.

Featuring an exquisite range that spans opulent bridal statements to refined contemporary designs for everyday wear, the exhibition brings together timeless craftsmanship and modern sensibilities. Each creation reflects exceptional detailing and design excellence, available only for a limited period during the show.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman G Managing Director of Joyalukkas Group, said:“The Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show celebrates our commitment to excellence and our passion for creating jewellery that resonates with elegance and individuality. Bengaluru has always been special to us, and we are delighted to present this exclusive collection to our customers, offering them an opportunity to experience diamonds in their most brilliant form.”

 Adding to the allure of the exhibition, customers will receive a free gold coin with every purchase of diamond jewellery worth ₹1 lakh and above during the show period, making the celebration even more rewarding.

The Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show will be held exclusively at the Joyalukkas Koramangala showroom in Bengaluru until 31st May 2026. Jewellery connoisseurs and patrons are invited to immerse themselves in a world of dazzling diamonds, where every piece embodies luxury, emotion, and timeless beauty. 

                                      

Tour de France Inspired World-Class Cycling Event Comes to India In Partnership with NEB Sports First Edition L'Étape Mysuru by Tour de France to be held in the Iconic City of Mysuru on October 04, 2026 In Association with Karnataka Tourism

NEB Sports today announced the official unveiling of the logo and website for L'Étape Mysuru by Tour de France, marking a significant milestone in the countdown to one of the most exciting sporting events Karnataka has ever hosted. The event is set for October 4, 2025, and will bring the spirit of the world's greatest cycling race to the streets and scenic landscapes of Mysuru.

Organised in association with Karnataka Tourism and in partnership with NEB Sports, L'Étape Mysuru is part of the global L'Étape by Tour de France series, the official amateur cycling programme run by Amaury Sport Organisation, the organisers of the Tour de France. It is the first time this prestigious event has come to India and Karnataka’s Mysuru has got the distinction of hosting this world class cycling event.

The event will offer four categories, making it accessible to everyone from competitive cyclists to families and young children:

• 100 km: The Race — for competitive riders

• 50 km: The Ride — for fitness enthusiasts

• 20 km: Family Fun Ride — open to all ages

• 1 km: Kids & Community Ride

Riders will take on routes set against the stunning backdrop of Mysuru and the KRS region — wide roads, heritage landmarks, and a city that has always known how to celebrate in style. The launch of the official website now enables participants from across India and around the world to explore route details, access training resources, and stay updated on event news. The registration for the event will be announced shortly.

Speaking at the launch, Nagaraj Adiga, Chairman and Managing Director, NEB Sports shared, “For us at NEB Sports, this is more than a cycling event. It is about putting India on the global sporting map, showcasing what Mysuru has to offer, and building a community around fitness, sustainability, and the joy of pushing your limits.”

Mr. Adiga further added, "We are delighted to bring L'Étape by Tour de France to Mysuru, a city known for its heritage, culture, and beautiful riding conditions. This event is not just about cycling; it is about creating a world-class sporting experience that celebrates fitness, tourism, and community participation. With categories for elite riders, fitness enthusiasts, families, and children, L'Étape Mysuru promises to be an inclusive and iconic event for India."

Sharing his views, Dara Rith UY, Project Manager, Amaury Sport Organisation, the organisation which conducts Tour de France, shared, "L'Étape by Tour de France represents the passion and spirit of the world's greatest cycling race. Mysuru offers a unique combination of scenic routes, excellent road conditions, and cultural richness that aligns perfectly with the values of L'Étape. We are excited to work with our Indian partners to deliver an authentic Tour de France experience in Karnataka."

The event will offer four categories, making it accessible to everyone from competitive cyclists to families and young children:

• 100 km: The Race — for competitive riders

• 50 km: The Ride — for fitness enthusiasts

• 20 km: Family Fun Ride — open to all ages

• 1 km: Kids & Community Ride

Riders will take on routes set against the stunning backdrop of Mysuru and the KRS region — wide roads, heritage landmarks, and a city that has always known how to celebrate in style. The launch of the official website now enables participants from across India and around the world to explore route details, access training resources, and stay updated on event news. The registration for the event will be announced shortly.

Speaking at the launch, Nagaraj Adiga, Chairman and Managing Director, NEB Sports 

Speaking at the Press Conference, Rajender Kumar Kataria IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Department of Revenue, Karnataka, said, “Karnataka is committed to promoting sports tourism and positioning Mysuru as a destination for international sporting events. L'Étape Mysuru will showcase the beauty, hospitality, and infrastructure of our state to participants from across the country and abroad. We are pleased to support an event that encourages healthy living, sustainability, and global engagement."

About the Tour de France-120 years of Cycling History:

Born in 1903 as a bold idea by French sports journalist Géo Lefèvre to boost the readership of his struggling newspaper L'Auto, the Tour de France has grown over 120 years into the most watched annual sporting event on the planet. That first edition sent 60 riders, mostly French, with a handful of Belgians, Swiss, Germans and Italians, out into the night on rough, unpaved roads covering 2,428 kilometres across six gruelling stages. Maurice Garin, a chimney sweep turned professional cyclist, crossed the finish line to a crowd of 20,000 in Paris and collected 3,000 francs for his effort.

The race survived two World Wars- was not held between 1915 and 1918, and again from 1940 to 1946, and emerged each time stronger and more beloved. The race has since produced legends- Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Induráin, and in the modern era, Tadej Pogačar, and has attracted riders from over 90 countries. Spanning roughly 3,400 kilometres across 21 stages each July, with millions of spectators lining mountain passes and village streets, the Tour de France is far more than a bicycle race. It is a celebration of human endurance, ambition, and the spirit of pushing beyond what seems possible.

About L’Étape by Tour de France:

L'Étape by Tour de France is the official global amateur cycling series owned and operated by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the organisers of the Tour de France. It gives riders around the world the opportunity to experience the excitement and challenge of professional cycling in their own countries.

What began as a single event in France has today grown into a series of more than 30 events across 21 countries, with over 50,000 participants worldwide. The series spans Europe, Asia, the Americas, and now India, with events in destinations as diverse as Turkey, Dubai, Brazil, the Czech Republic, China, and the United States. Each event offers closed roads, professional race infrastructure, official Tour de France timing systems, and the same sense of occasion that defines the professional race itself. The flagship event, L'Étape du Tour de France, takes place each July on the same mountain stage as the professional Tour. L'Étape Mysuru joins this global family, and with it, India takes its rightful place on the world cycling stage.

About NEB Sports:

NEB Sports is one of India's leading endurance sports management companies, organising large-scale marathons, cycling events, and fitness initiatives across the country. The company is committed to delivering world-class participant experiences and creating lasting community impact through sport

 

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Apollo Hospitals Scales Integrated Geriatric Care with ‘Seniors First’ Expansion Across Bengaluru

Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, today announced the expansion of Apollo Seniors First, a comprehensive geriatric care program designed exclusively for senior citizens, marking a significant step toward more structured and coordinated elder care in India. Following its initial rollout at Bannerghatta Road, the program will now be available across Apollo Hospitals’ Jayanagar, Sheshadripuram, and Sarjapur units, expanding access to integrated senior care across the city.

The launch also commemorates one year of the program at Bannerghatta, where it has helped establish a more continuous and patient-centric approach to senior healthcare—moving beyond episodic treatment toward long-term health management and recovery support.

At a time when India’s elderly population is growing rapidly, healthcare systems continue to face challenges in addressing the complex and evolving needs of seniors. Many older adults live with multiple chronic conditions, require frequent hospital visits, and depend on fragmented care systems that often lack coordination between hospital, home, and follow-up care. This gap not only impacts clinical outcomes but also places a significant burden on caregivers and families.

It is within this context that Seniors First has been designed—as a structured, multidisciplinary program that brings together preventive care, proactive wellness, and post-procedure recovery into a single, connected ecosystem. Built on Apollo’s four decades of clinical expertise, the program integrates multidisciplinary medical teams, personalized health plans, continuous monitoring, and seamless hospital-to-home transitions to support seniors at every stage of their healthcare journey.

Adding a clinical perspective, Dr. Steve Paul, Geriatric Specialist , noted, “Geriatric care requires a shift from reactive treatment to proactive and preventive health management. Seniors First is designed to anticipate risks, reduce complications, and provide structured recovery pathways, helping patients maintain independence and quality of life for longer.”

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Akshay Oleti, CEO, Karnataka Region, Apollo Hospitals, said, “With Seniors First, we are reimagining how care is delivered to senior citizens. The focus is on continuity—ensuring that care does not end at discharge but continues through recovery and long-term wellness. This integrated approach enables better health outcomes while also supporting families and caregivers.”

The program offers a comprehensive range of services that extend across the continuum of care—from preventive health assessments and personalized wellness plans to chronic disease management and rehabilitation following major medical procedures. Seniors recovering from orthopaedic surgeries such as knee and hip replacements, cardiac interventions including bypass surgery and angioplasty, neurological conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease, and oncology treatments including chemotherapy and surgical recovery, benefit from structured care pathways tailored to their individual health status and level of frailty.responsive, and seamless.

By addressing longstanding gaps in geriatric care—particularly the lack of integration, limited home-based support, and absence of structured recovery programs—Apollo Seniors First sets a new benchmark for elder care delivery in India. With its expansion across Bengaluru, Apollo Hospitals reinforces its commitment to enabling seniors to age with dignity, independence, and confidence.

A key strength of Seniors First lies in its ability to deliver coordinated care beyond the hospital setting. The program brings together Apollo’s broader healthcare ecosystem—including hospital services, home healthcare, diagnostics, pharmacy support, and digital health platforms—ensuring continuity of care through every stage of treatment and recovery. Seniors and their caregivers are supported through dedicated helplines, concierge services, priority access to consultations and admissions, round-the-clock medical guidance, and emergency coordination, making care more accessible…

About Apollo Hospitals

Apollo revolutionized healthcare when Dr. Prathap Reddy opened the first hospital in Chennai in 1983. Today, Apollo is the world’s largest integrated healthcare platform with over 10,400 beds across 79 hospitals, 6,800+ pharmacies, 2,900+ clinics, 500+ telemedicine centres. It is one of the world’s leading cardiac centers, having performed over 3,00,000 angioplasties and 5,00,000 surgeries. Apollo continues to invest in research and innovation to bring the most cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and treatment protocols to ensure patients have access to the best care in the world. Apollo’s 1,20,000 family members are dedicated to delivering exceptional care and leaving the world better than we found it.

                                 

  

Kerala Tourism’s ‘Lenscape Kerala’ photo exhibition at NGMA Show features 100 frames by 10 top travel and media photographers

Encapsulating God’s Own Country’s beauty, grace and cultural vibrancy in 100 frames, Kerala Tourism’s all-India photo exhibition ‘Lenscape Kerala’ opened at National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) here this evening.Dr Venu V, Chairperson of Kochi Biennale Foundation and former Chief Secretary of Kerala, inaugurated the exhibition, featuring an amazing array of visual splendours contributed by 10 top travelling and media photographers of India. NGMA Bengaluru Director Ms Priyanka Mary Francis was also present.Organised by NGMA in collaboration with Kerala Tourism, the show will run in the city till March 1. The gallery will be open between 11 am and 8 pm on February 28 and March 1.

The Lenscape Kerala exhibition is curated by eminent art curator and critic Uma Nair. Renowned wildlife and conservation photographer Balan Madhavan is the Director of Photography of the Lenscape Kerala project. 

 A unique initiative in tourism sector in the country, the participating photographers of Lenscape Kerala had travelled different places of the state and focused on diverse themes, chosen by each one of them.

In his message to mark the opening of the show in the city, Kerala Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas said this country-first project was conceived as venture to showcase the immersive experiences the state promises to visitors. We are delighted that this travelling show has come to this vibrant, cosmopolitan city that attracts people from all over India and abroad. It is all the more significant that this show is being hosted in NGMA, an institution that stands for promoting art and culture with an inclusive vision,” the Minister said.  

“Apart from the land’s verdant nature, architectural marvels that bear the imprint of its fascinating history shaped by cross-cultural encounters and art and cultural traditions, the show offers vivid glances into the harmony and togetherness that defines the true Kerala story,” the Minister said.

The Lenscape Kerala photo exhibition presents the many dimensions of Kerala in a manner that stimulates curiosity, deepens appreciation, and fosters an enduring sense of admiration. As seeing is believing, this exhibition testifies that the state is a photographer’s paradise, Dr Venu said in his inaugural address. 

More than merely captivating visual compositions, these photographs function as invitations-subtle yet evocative-emanating from Kerala’s mountains, coastlines, places of worship, fishing communities, performative traditions, and everyday social worlds, inviting the viewer not only to observe, but to engage, explore, and feel a sense of belonging,” he said.

In her presidential address, Ms Priyanka said: “At NGMA, we are committed to creating spaces where such cultural conversations flourish, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to this evocative celebration of Kerala’s visual narrative.”

The photographers who are part of the project are: H Satish, Kounteya Sinha, Shivang Mehta, Saibal Das, Umesh Gogna, Saurabh Chatterjee, Natasha Kartar Hemrajani, Aishwarya Sridhar, Amit Pasricha, Manoj Arora.According to Uma Nair, the exhibition is put together as a visual narrative threading the past and the present.Going by its scale and depth, the show stands out as an unparallelled initiative, said Balan Madhavan.

NGMA Director Ms. Priyanka and Uma Nair gifted Dr Venu two publications of NGMA celebrating Upendra Maharathi and Dhanraj Bhagat at 100 years. Both publications were authored by Uma Nair.

The participating photographers had travelled through different landscapes of Kerala for five days in last December, covering a range of themes such as nature, wildlife, heritage, rural and coastal life, architecture, festivals and spirituality.Starting from New Delhi, the show had toured Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Pune, before reaching Bengaluru. After enthralling viewers in the city,  the exhibition will move on to  Chennai (Mar 4-7), Hyderabad (Mar 12-14), Surat (19-21) and finally to Kolkata (March 27-29).…

 

 

Advanced Elevator Technology Enhances Passenger Safety in Namma Metro, says Bhatnagar

As Namma Metro undertakes a major expansion while placing passenger safety at the core of its growth plans, advanced elevator and escalator technologies are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring safe and seamless commuter movement, with around 500 elevators and nearly 1,000 escalators set to be deployed across the 78 km expansion, said Sumit Bhatnagar, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) official said on Thursday.

Representing Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), Sumit Bhatnagar speaking at The 2nd Smart Lift & Mobility World 2026 in Benguluru, said the metro network, which currently spans about 96 km with 83 stations, will expand to nearly 175 km with around 127 stations over the next two years.

Addressing a stakeholders’ meet, Bhatnagar said the scale of expansion will significantly increase vertical mobility requirements across stations, particularly at major interchange hubs and high-footfall locations.As the network grows, the need for elevators, escalators and travelators will rise sharply. In the next phase, we will be operating an inventory of around 500 elevators and close to 1,000 escalators, along with travelators at select stations to improve passenger movement,” he said.Namma Metro’s expansion is not just about adding new corridors, it’s about managing passenger movement at an entirely new scale. The deployment of 500 elevators and nearly 1,000 escalators by BMRCL in the upcoming metro network reflects how integral elevators and escalators have become to the everyday commuter experience,” said Anitha Raghunath, Co-Founder & Director, Virgo Communications & Exhibitions

He noted that nearly 78 km of metro corridors are currently under construction across Bengaluru, underlining the pace at which the system is expanding. With daily ridership touching around one million, efficient movement of commuters within stations has become as important as train operations, he added.Bhatnagar also highlighted the increasing focus on Make in India in metro infrastructure. He said that while elevators and escalators were largely imported in the early years of metro construction, current projects emphasise localisation, in line with government norms requiring at least 60 per cent local content.

Local manufacturing is essential not just to meet policy requirements, but also to remain cost-competitive, given the large volumes involved in metro procurement,” he said.

He further pointed out that all new procurements now include long-term maintenance contracts, typically spanning five to ten years, ensuring sustained performance and reliability of vertical mobility systems.

Bhatnagar said forums such as the Smart Lift and Mobility World help bring together metro operators and manufacturers at a time when Indian cities are witnessing rapid transit expansion.

Following his address, the organisers invited Dr H.R. Shivkumar, Secretary of Karnataka RERA, as Guest of Honour to speak on building a future-ready real estate ecosystem with a focus on regulation and governance.