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New Indian Express
07-08-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Radiant Wellness Conclave 2025: Rooted in reflection
At a time when attention spans are shrinking and lifestyles have become increasingly fragmented, the Radiant Wellness Conclave 2025 returns to remind us of wellness that goes beyond trends. Set to take place on August 9 at Taj Coromandel, the event open to all for free, marks the 10th anniversary of the Radiant Wellness initiative and the eighth edition of a Conclave that has steadily grown into a platform for purpose-driven conversations. Curated by Dr Renuka David, the 2025 Conclave theme is '9 Dimensions of Wellness in an Era of Disruption', drawing attention to holistic well-being across physical, emotional, financial, environmental, and societal dimensions. 'One day at a time, one conclave at a time,' says Dr Renuka, reflecting on the decade gone by, where they have focused on a list of topics from preventive healthcare and cardiovascular diseases to fitness and work-life balance. These topics were important to talk about at that point in time. 'But today,' she explains, 'when we see ten years gone by, the spark with which we started seems subtle. It [the conclave] has gone to such a huge platform. Thought leaders have come together to share their views, and anyone coming in with curiosity has always got their answers here.'
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Senior Living Conclave 2025 to explore future of healthy ageing
Ashiana Vatsalya, in collaboration with The Hindu Group, will host the Senior Living Conclave 2025 on July 27 at Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam, starting at 9:30 a.m. Titled 'Rediscovering Joy at 50 and Beyond,' the conclave will bring together seniors, caregivers, healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders to engage in conversations around active ageing, retirement living, wellness and evolving care solutions. The event will spotlight the growing relevance of dignified and community-driven senior living in India. Ankur Gupta, joint managing director of Ashiana Housing Ltd., will deliver the keynote address, offering insights into the future of senior care and the importance of building age-inclusive, vibrant communities. With life expectancy on the rise and family structures shifting, there is increasing interest in secure and supportive living spaces tailored for the ageing population. The conclave will examine these needs and present forward-looking solutions for those seeking independence, community, and comfort in their later years. Tamil Nadu currently has an estimated 18 to 25 senior living projects, with Coimbatore and the Chennai–Kanchipuram region leading in numbers due to favourable infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and climate. Popular localities include OMR, Tambaram and ECR. Ashiana Vatsalya's homes are priced between ₹73 lakh and ₹1.42 crore, depending on configurations ranging from 1BHK to 3BHK. The conclave aims to initiate conversations around living well after 50 and creating environments for senior citizens. To register for the conclave, participants can scan the QR code or visit . For further details, contact 89392 83283.
Fashion Value Chain
16-07-2025
- Health
- Fashion Value Chain
Radiant Wellness Conclave 2025 Marks 10 Years of Inspiring Change, Brings Together Icons from Diverse Walks of Life
The Radiant Wellness Conclave returns with its eighth edition this year, bringing together a powerful gathering of visionaries, innovators and thought leaders. Conceptualised and curated by Dr. Renuka David, the Conclave is a platform that examines well-being through the lens of nine dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, social, technology, financial, environmental, emotional, occupational and health. Dr. Renuka David, Founder of Radiant Wellness Conclave and Managing Director of Radiant Medical Services, celebrating 10 years and 9 dimensions of wellness at the 2025 edition This year also marks 10 years of the Radiant Wellness initiative, a milestone that reflects the platform's sustained commitment to holistic living and meaningful dialogue on personal and societal transformation. The 2025 edition of the Conclave will take place on August 9 at Taj Coromandel, Chennai. The theme for this edition is '9 Dimensions of Wellness in an Era of Disruption' – an urgent and relevant conversation in today's fast-changing world. In addition to insightful speaker sessions, this year's Conclave continues to present the T.H.E. Awards 2025, which recognise innovation and impact in the fields of Technology, Healthcare and the Environment. The event will also honour veteran actor and social activist Shabana Azmi with the Radiant Lifetime Achievement Award for her unparalleled contribution to cinema and social equity. Nominations are now open for individuals and organisations leading to meaningful change in these sectors. Dr. Renuka David, Founder and Curator of the Conclave, said, 'In a world that is evolving rapidly and often unpredictably, we need to redefine wellness as something that goes beyond individual health. Through this year's edition and the T.H.E. Awards, we hope to not just inspire personal transformation but also celebrate those who are creating large-scale impact in society.' The 2025 edition of the Conclave features an extraordinary line-up of speakers who have made significant contributions to society across diverse sectors: Col. David Devasahayam, Patron of the Radiant Wellness Conclave and CMD of the Radiant Group, is a decorated veteran of the Indian Army. A paratrooper and NDA alumnus, he transitioned to corporate leadership after nearly three decades of military service. Under his guidance, Radiant Cash Management Services became a sector leader, culminating in a successful IPO in 2023. A Harvard Business School graduate, he champions inclusive business and employment-led poverty alleviation. Ms. Barkha Dutt, one of India's most renowned journalists and author, is best known for her fearless frontline reporting during the 1999 Kargil Conflict. With a career spanning over two decades, she has received numerous accolades including the Padma Shri, and international honours from the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association and the World Economic Forum. Ms. Dutt is the founder of Mojo Story and continues to be a strong advocate for truth, equity and freedom of expression. Mr. Boman Irani, acclaimed actor, director and screenplay mentor, is celebrated for his diverse roles in Indian cinema including Munna Bhai M.B.B.S, 3 Idiots, and Khosla Ka Ghosla. Founder of Irani Movietone and the mentorship initiative Spiral Bound, Mr. Irani made his directorial debut in 2025 with The Mehta Boys. His journey from theatre and photography to film direction exemplifies creative evolution. Dr. Renuka David, Managing Director of Radiant Medical Services, is a frontline doctor turned wellness advocate. She is the Founder of Radiant Home Healthcare and the driving force behind the Radiant Wellness Conclave. A seasoned public speaker, host, and editor, Dr. David has worked with the Indian Army, Apollo Hospitals, and numerous educational and corporate institutions to promote preventive healthcare and holistic well-being. Mr. Josh Foulger, President – Electronics at Zetwerk Manufacturing, brings with him over 30 years of global experience in electronics and manufacturing, including stints with Nokia and Foxconn. A champion for gender inclusion in industrial environments, Mr. Foulger is known for building successful global supply chains and driving people-centric execution. Ms. Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson and Publisher of The Hindu Group, has shaped the literary and journalistic landscape of India. As founder of The Hindu Literary Review and Lit for Life, she has championed literary excellence and cultural engagement. Her books The Tamils and Degree Coffee by the Yard explore identity, culture, and the evolution of Indian society. Ms. Padmini Sambasivam, Founding Principal of Shiv Nadar School, Chennai, is a leader in Indian education with nearly three decades of experience. A passionate advocate for progressive education and mental health, she has headed institutions like Welham Girls School, Arsha Vidya Mandir, and the Krishnamurthi Foundation. A former NCC solo pilot and Republic Day participant, she believes in education by design and holistic development. Ms. Shabana Azmi, legendary actor and five-time National Award winner, has starred in over 140 Hindi and 12 international films. A Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, Ms. Azmi is also a committed social activist and President of Mijwan Welfare Society. From global cinema to human rights advocacy, she remains an enduring force for change and equity. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and former UN Under-Secretary-General, is an internationally recognised author and diplomat. With over 25 published works and a career that spans global diplomacy, politics, and literature, Dr. Tharoor will bring powerful insights on leadership, civic responsibility and Indias evolving global role. Mr. Shyam Sekar, Founder of ithought, is a pioneering voice in personal finance and investment strategy. With six unique portfolio strategies and a robust wealth management practice, his mission is to make financial wellness accessible and sustainable. His latest initiative Milestones 2 Wealth aims to empower retail investors to build financial independence through mutual funds. Dr. Sowmiya Anbumani, sociologist, editor and environmental activist, heads the NGO Pasumai Thayagam and has represented India at several global environmental and social justice summits. She is a powerful voice in Tamil literary preservation and ecological consciousness. A former Lok Sabha candidate, she has also served as editor of Pasumai Thayagam Sutru Choozal, and advisor to Makkal TV. Dr. Shriram Madhav Nene, distinguished cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, is a visionary at the intersection of health, technology and entrepreneurship. Founder of Pathfinder Health Sciences and SNMD Ventures, and co-founder of Dance with Madhuri, Dr. Nene's work integrates digital innovation with wellness. A UCLA and Washington University alum, he now works to democratise precision healthcare. Together, these eminent guests and speakers reflect the spirit and substance of the Radiant Wellness Conclave 2025 – where wellness is redefined across physical, mental, emotional, financial, cultural and intellectual dimensions. About Radiant Wellness Conclave The Radiant Wellness Conclave, founded by Dr. Renuka David, is a unique forum that fosters dialogue across disciplines to promote complete well-being. With a strong emphasis on the nine dimensions of wellness, the Conclave invites thought leaders from various fields to contribute to a national conversation on holistic growth and personal transformation.
Mint
21-04-2025
- Mint
Meet the chef who went from cooking in ships to culinary stardom
In March, Bengaluru's Farmlore was named the 'American Express One to Watch' by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2025. The list recognises a dining institution as a rising star in Asia with the potential to break into the world's best restaurant list in the future. Nestled amidst an approximately 30-acre farm in Sathanur Village, Bagalur, it is a long drive from the city, 23 km from MG Road. At night, a solar-powered pathway leads you to the imposing black double doors. During the day, you can walk around the 12 hydroponic greenhouses. Once inside, what instantly strikes you besides the floor-to-ceiling glass wall is the calm. First-timers will admire the painted mural that covers one wall – a tribute to Bengaluru. They serve only chef tasting menus for lunch and dinner, with prior reservations. Farmlore came onto the culinary scene in 2021 with food that fuses hyper-local ingredients, sustainable practices, and cultural narratives to create a cuisine-agnostic dining experience, with a strong side of story-telling. It begins with Anjaneya , the custom-created fire pit in the kitchen named after the mythological story of Hanuman's (Anjaneya) burning of Lanka. This is seen in dishes like Seataphor, with its messages to 'save the ocean'. This featured snapper with two sauces – a blue one made of spirulina representing the sea, and a black sauce to represent oil spills, made ingeniously with coconut oil and charred coconut shells. It's finished with a cover of potato starch created to look like the plastic that fills our beaches. Also read: How to serve local flavours and stories In this 18-cover restaurant, the first course signals the beginning of a perfectly synchronised culinary experience. Dishes are plated, garnished, swiftly brought to your table, and their story narrated. The chefs calmly crisscross each other, rarely speaking yet so attuned to delivering the experience. The maestro behind this culinary orchestra wears a signature 1920s-styled beret and stands in the thick of things. He is chef Johnson Ebenezer, also the co-founder of the restaurant. Ebenezer, 45, grew up in St Thomas Mount, Chennai. Hailing from a family of policemen, he was enamoured by the life of one uncle, who chose a different path: working on a cruise liner. Wanting to emulate him, Ebenezer chose the culinary route. Unable to join a hotel management course because of the family's financial constraints, he opted for a craft course (skill-focused certification or diploma programmes) in bakery and food production after his 12th grade. In 1998, he worked in the butchery and continental sections of Taj Coromandel in Chennai. 'At Taj, I met chef Kiran Selvaraj, who often threw interesting questions at me – why is a tomato red, why does aubergine turn black on being sliced, etc . I would rush to the internet cafés close by in Nungambakkam, research, and return with the answers. I loved it all," he recalls. In 2000, Ebenezer joined the cruise liner Carnival Triumph as an assistant cook. In 2003, tragedy struck: a fire gutted his home in Chennai. From then until 2007, when he returned to India, he worked hard to earn enough to rebuild his home and then joined Radisson Blu Chennai. Ebenezer's curiosity was piqued by one chef's unused collection of molecular gastronomy texturas (products that can manipulate textures in cooking). 'I would go down a rabbit hole looking each one up, experimenting, and making notes. I placed things like spherified olives on the buffet table," he says. After two more stints aboard cruise liners, Ebenezer was back in Chennai. During his time with Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT, he connected with Kaushik Raju, Founder-Owner of Farmlore, for the first time in August 2016. Raju was looking for a chef for the private event of a friend, and Ebenezer fitted the bill perfectly. In September 2016, Ebenezer was roped in to conceptualise Nadodi, a South Indian degustation menu restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It went on to be mentioned in the Singapore Michelin Guide in March two years later. However, wanting to do something in his own country, he reconnected with Raju and found they had similar thoughts. Raju says Farmlore's vision was to use the power of storytelling through food as it engages all senses and memories. 'Johnson understood this and was not constricted by a particular cuisine, as stories shouldn't be limited to just one type," he adds. Ebenezer completed his stint at Nadodi in 2018. To kickstart Lore—as Farmlore was earlier known within the team—he began ideating, researching, and executing story-based, multi-course degustation pop-ups at various venues. They did the 'Circle of Life' - dishes that told a story from birth to death, at the Courtyard in Bengaluru; another on the 'history of Goa' for Sol de Goa, among others. This was the run-up to the opening of their restaurant Lore. Covid-19, however, had other plans. 'Everything that happened then on was in response to the pandemic. Rents were high in the city with no returns, and so we moved to the Sathanur farm owned by Raju's family. Thus, Lore was renamed Farmlore," recalls Ebenezer. To help the farm work better for the restaurant, Raju got Hydrolore going - a hydroponic set-up for vegetables to grow all year round in a controlled environment. Today, based on the seasons, the farm provides up to 80 percent of the restaurant's vegetables. Vertical farming systems maximise space. Ebenezer's team today has grown to 18, with chefs Prajwal R, Vineeth Kumar M and Babilesh Rajan as chefs de partie (heads of various sections). Their current menu showcases seasonal mangoes, octopus, red mullet, ice apples, raw jackfruit, and ridge gourd. 'Going forward, I want to take the philosophy of Farmlore around the world. We want to visit places like Korea, the Middle East, and Africa, cook with the local produce using our spice blends, and invite their chefs to our restaurant. Also in the works is a book, which will be part memoir and part recipes. All these recipes are in the DNA of my journey; they are just born at different times," ends Ebenezer. Also read: Squid cocktails and bone marrow shots at this new bar in Mumbai Ruth DSouza Prabhu is a features journalist based in Bengaluru.
