Latest news with #AnandMahindra
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi water metro to connect Kadamakkudy islands; launch expected ahead of Village Fest
KOCHI: For long, commuting has been an issue faced by visitors flocking to the scenic Kadamakkudy islands located on the outskirts of the city. But come this year's Village Fest there, dubbed as Kadamakkudy Carnival, the Water Metro authorities promise to launch ferry services to the serene island that recently captured the imagination of none other than industrialist Anand Mahindra. 'The construction work of Kadamakkudy terminal is in the finishing stages. We aim to finish the remaining works, mainly that of floating jetties, in another three months and start the service. We're slated to receive another vessel from the Cochin Shipyard next month, which will be deployed in the section,' Sajan P John, chief operating officer (COO), told TNIE. The authorities are planning to operate services to Kadamakkudy-Paliyamthuruth from High Court or Mattancherry water terminals. 'What we aim is to provide connectivity to Kadamakuddy island. Hence, similar passenger ferries will be deployed. However, we expect more tourists than normal passengers since there are only small numbers of residents in the islands. In the Fort Kochi section too, a lot of tourists are availing the normal service. We'll redefine the route either from High Court or Mattancherry terminal as per demand. Now the plan is to start the service from the High Court initially,' the official added. However, KWML won't be operating back-to-back services as in the case of Fort Kochi or Kakkanad sections.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Anand Mahindra praises Gurudongmar Lake as a ‘surreal vision'; here's how to reach this Himalayan gem and essential travel tips
Source: Incredible India Perched at a staggering 17,800 feet above sea level, Gurudongmar Lake in northern Sikkim is one of the world's highest and most awe-inspiring lakes. Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks and glacial terrain, it is more than a natural wonder—it is a site of spirituality, myth, and ecological importance. Named after Guru Padmasambhava, the revered 8th-century Buddhist saint, this lake attracts pilgrims, travelers, and adventure seekers alike. Recently, an image captured by ex-Indian Navy pilot Capt. Sumit Bhatnagar caught the eye of industrialist Anand Mahindra , who described it as a 'surreal vision,' quoting Rabindranath Tagore to capture its tranquil beauty. Anand Mahindra shares stunning photo of Gurudongmar Lake Industrialist Anand Mahindra recently drew attention to Gurudongmar Lake when he shared a stunning photograph captured by ex-Indian Navy pilot Capt. Sumit Bhatnagar. Describing the lake's beauty as a 'surreal vision,' Mahindra quoted Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore: 'In the mountain, stillness surges up to explore its own height; in the lake, movement stands still to contemplate its own depth.' His post highlighted not just the lake's mesmerizing stillness but also its spiritual and emotional resonance, sparking curiosity among his millions of followers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo Mahindra's appreciation placed this remote, high-altitude wonder firmly in the spotlight, inspiring travelers and nature enthusiasts worldwide. Anand Mahindra calls Gurudongmar lake a 'surreal vision'. The lake gained fresh attention when Capt. Sumit Bhatnagar, a former Indian Navy pilot, photographed its surreal landscape. Business tycoon Anand Mahindra shared the image on social media, calling it a 'surreal vision' and quoting Tagore: 'In the mountain, stillness surges up to explore its own height; in the lake, movement stands still to contemplate its own depth. ' The photograph showcased Gurudongmar not just as a travel destination but as a place of emotional depth, serenity, and natural artistry, inspiring global curiosity and admiration. Why Gurudongmar Lake is sacred and key to the Teesta river's origin The name 'Gurudongmar' honors Guru Padmasambhava, widely regarded as the second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism. According to legend, the lake once remained frozen year-round, making it impossible for locals to access water. Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have blessed the lake, ensuring that a portion of it remains unfrozen even during the harshest winters. This miracle gave the lake sacred status among Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus. Pilgrims visit to collect its water, believed to possess healing powers and divine energy. For Sikhs, the lake is linked to Guru Nanak's visit, adding another layer of faith and reverence. Source: X Beyond its spiritual aura, Gurudongmar Lake plays a vital role in Sikkim's ecosystem. It is fed primarily by glacial melt from the surrounding Himalayan peaks and flows into the nearby Tso Lahmu Lake before forming the Teesta River. The Teesta is the lifeline of Sikkim and parts of West Bengal, supporting agriculture, drinking water needs, and hydropower projects downstream. Despite appearing small due to its surrounding rugged terrain, the lake covers a vast area, its turquoise waters reflecting the dramatic mountain backdrop. At this high altitude, oxygen levels are significantly lower, making the journey challenging for both visitors and the region's sparse wildlife. How to reach Gurudongmar Lake Reaching Gurudongmar is an adventure in itself. Travelers can fly into Pakyong Airport, located around 30 km from Gangtok, or Bagdogra Airport, approximately 100 km away. From there, the road journey covers the route Gangtok–Mangan–Lachung, winding through mountain roads and breathtaking landscapes. Those traveling by train can opt for New Jalpaiguri station, the nearest railhead. Visitors require a special permit, as the lake is close to the Indo-China border, and acclimatization is crucial due to the extreme altitude. The journey, while challenging, rewards travelers with unmatched views and an unforgettable spiritual experience. Travel tips for visitors Best time to visit: March to June and October to early December are ideal for clear skies and accessible roads. Permits required: As the region lies near a sensitive border area, Indian nationals need permits issued by the Sikkim Tourism Department. Foreign nationals face additional restrictions. Altitude precautions: At nearly 18,000 feet, altitude sickness is common. Visitors should acclimatize in lower areas like Lachen or Lachung and carry essential medication. Clothing and essentials: Warm clothing, sturdy footwear, and hydration are crucial due to extreme weather and low oxygen levels. Also Read | This small European nation has no airport, no currency, yet is richer than most nations; the answer may surprise you; know more about the nation
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
Who Is Inderjit Singh? IAS Officer Credited With Transforming Lucknow's Landscape
Last Updated: IAS officer Inderjit Singh and his team worked tirelessly to improve the city's cleanliness ranking from 41 to 3 in just two years. An IAS officer in Lucknow is earning praise online for transforming garbage-filled plots into lush green parks. The City of Nawabs is renowned for its rich culture and delectable cuisine, but it has long struggled with proper sanitation. Several issues, including public spitting and improper waste management, prevented the city from ranking at the top of the Swachh Survekshan list. However, everything changed when IAS officer Inderjit Singh, the Municipal Commissioner of Lucknow, decided to take matters into his own hands, and the entire country took note. The latest to join the bandwagon in appreciating his efforts is none other than the business tycoon Anand Mahindra, the chairman of Mahindra and Mahindra. On Monday, July 28, the businessman took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share a post appreciating the efforts made by the IAS officer in transforming the city. 'The city of Lucknow has always had a formidable reputation for its culture and cuisine. However, cleanliness was never part of its claim to fame. Concerns included lack of dustbins, public spitting, and scattering of waste during festivals," he wrote. Anand Mahindra further talked about his special connection to the city, saying, 'I have a special place in my heart for the city, since it is where my mother grew up and became a teacher at IT college before moving to Mumbai." In the same post, the businessman praised the IAS officer for his tireless efforts. He mentioned, 'Behind this transformation is IAS Inderjit Singh, whose efforts have been described in the video. It proves that when your purpose is clear and you have a sense of mission, no bureaucracy is insurmountable, no change is impossible, including mindsets. For being an agent of transformational change, Inderjit Singh is my #MondayMotivation." The city of Lucknow has always had a formidable reputation for its culture and cleanliness was never part of its claim to fame. Concerns included lack of dustbins, public spitting, and scattering of waste during festivals. I have a special place in my heart… — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 28, 2025 What Is Lucknow's Rank On The Swachh Survekshan List? With his and his team's efforts, Inderjit Singh has successfully led the city to jump from No. 41 to the third position on the Swachh Survekshan 2024-2025 rankings. And as they say, Rome wasn't built in a day; similarly, the IAS officer, along with his team, put in efforts day in and day out for over two years to turn the garbage dumping sites of Ghaila and Shivri. While Ghaila now has over 1 lakh trees, Shivri, on the other hand, treats garbage and turns it into fuel. And his transformation drive didn't just stop there. He ensured that over 1,200 electric vehicles were deployed for garbage collection throughout the city, oversaw waste segregation, and even ended manual scavenging. The officer ensured that sanitation workers had proper equipment, including PPE kits, and underwent regular health check-ups, and personally trained them at night. Who Is IAS Inderjit Singh? The man behind this remarkable transformation, Inderjit Singh, is a 2016-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He is originally from Punjab and has a Master's degree in Applied Physics. Before joining the IAS, he reportedly worked as a bank PO and Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner at EPFO. Inderjit cracked the UPSC exam in his fifth attempt, securing a good rank. He worked as the Joint Magistrate of Etawah for 22 months and served as the Chief Development Officer of Gorakhpur before joining as the Municipal Commissioner of Lucknow. He is currently the Special Secretary, Energy Department and Director of UP NEDA and Uttar Pradesh Renewable and EV Infrastructure Ltd. view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 29, 2025, 10:47 IST News viral Who Is Inderjit Singh? IAS Officer Credited With Transforming Lucknow's Landscape Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Mahindra pats ex-LMC boss for swachh Lucknow
Lucknow: Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra acknowledged the efforts of former municipal commissioner Inderjit Singh for significantly improving Lucknow's performance in Swachh Bharat rankings. Mahindra posted on X, recognising Singh's efforts. He wrote, "The city of Lucknow has always had a formidable reputation for its culture and cuisine. However, cleanliness was never part of its claim to fame. Concerns included lack of dustbins, public spitting and scattering of waste during festivals. I have a special place in my heart for the city since it is where my mother grew up and became a teacher at IT College before moving to Mumbai. So, to hear about Lucknow becoming the third-ranked city in the Swachh Survekshan came as a very pleasant surprise, to put it mildly! He further wrote: "Behind this transformation is IAS Indrajeet Singh, whose efforts are described in the video. It proves that when your purpose is clear and you have a sense of mission, no bureaucracy is insurmountable, no change is impossible, including of mindsets. For being an agent of transformational change, Indrajeet Singh is my #MondayMotivation."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anand Mahindra on Divya Deshmukh's win in 2025 FIDE Women's World Cup: ‘Through this victory she…
Divya Deshmukh hugs her mom Divya Deshmukh, the 19-year-old chess player defeated seasoned compatriot Koneru Humpy in the 2025 FIDE Women's World Cup . Billionaire Anand Mahindra praised Deshmukh for her feat. Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mahindra wrote that through this victory, Divya Deshmukh has achieved a 'Grandmaster status' at just 19 years of age. 'And behind the Grandmaster is the caring mother…,' he continued. Here's what Anand Mahindra wrote: Divya Deshmukh, the Winner of the 2025 FIDE Women's World Cup. Through this victory she also achieves Grandmaster status. At the age of 19. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 World's Prettiest Star In The History Half Eddie Read More Undo And behind the Grandmaster is the caring mother… As always, the unsung hero behind many stars… Divya Deshmukh becomes fourth Indian woman to achieve Grandmaster title With the latest win, Divya Deshmukh has become the fourth woman from India to earn the Grandmaster title, and the 88th woman overall to achieve this milestone. The 19-year-old from Nagpur secured her victory after a closely contested match. The two classical games played on Saturday and Sunday ended in draws. In the time-controlled tie-breaker held on Monday - July 28, Divya played the first game with white pieces, which also ended in a draw. However, in the return game with black pieces, she defeated her opponent—who is a two-time world rapid champion—with a final score of 2.5-1.5. PM Narendra Modi congratulated Divya Deshmukh on her historic win. "A historic final featuring two outstanding Indian chess players! Proud of the young Divya Deshmukh on becoming FIDE Women's World Chess Champion 2025. Congratulations to her for this remarkable feat, which will inspire several youngsters," Prime Minister Modi wrote on X. Boat Aavante Prime 5.1 5000DA soundbar review: DOLBY ATMOS POWER!
