Latest news with #Thyagarajan
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First Post
11 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
Not just Dubai, Muscat is going big with grand Indian weddings, too
With cheap and direct air connectivity with major Indian cities, and a blend of the stunning views of the Arabian Sea juxtaposed against rocky mountains, Muscat has become the latest destination to say 'I do' for Indian couples read more Not just popular spots, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the latest Middle Eastern wedding destination Indians are eyeing is Muscat, the capital city of Oman. The destination-wedding industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is projected to grow substantially, rising from an estimated USD 3.7 billion in 2025 to USD 8.7 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% during the 2025–2035 period. While all of UAE combined contributes 50 percent to the total wedding tourism market, Oman alone contributes roughly 10 percent to that number, as per a report by STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Official records released by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, between 2022-2023, revealed that the nation hosted seven foreign high-profile weddings, primarily from India, with guest lists ranging between 400 and 800 guests from various parts of the world. The same year, the total number of Indian tourists in the country was over 6, 00, 000, according to reports. More from Business How Indian fintech startups are driving Malaysia's UPI-like digital payments revolution And, that figure on weddings? It has since increased 'twofold', officials claim. In fact, in 2024, Oman generated a total of 6 million Omani Rial (OMR) from wedding tourism alone, as per another report. Speaking about this sudden and rapid surge in Indian weddings in Muscat, Parthip Thyagarajan, co-founder, India's leading wedding media brand, said that while Dubai is not new to a lot of Indians, Muscat is, and it is this lack of exposure to its scenic beauty that has turned out to be Muscat's 'biggest USP'. 'The Oman tourism board knows the importance of wedding tourism and understands what it means to invite affluent Indians for a milestone event or a destination wedding. They are doing a good job with that,' explained Thyagarajan. Oman's strategic move—to promote Indian destination weddings in their country—is part of Oman Vision 2040, aimed at strengthening the tourism industry and celebrating cultural diversity, which has set a goal of reaching the 11.7 million international tourists target annually by 2040. The tourism ministry is relying on India's growing outbound tourism market to meet its 2030 goal of 6 million tourists. Destination weddings, common among upper-middle-class and wealthy Indians, are on the top of their agenda and the ministry is working closely with Oman Airports, the Royal Oman Police, and tourism operators to support wedding events, developing yearly strategies to draw more weddings to the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian couples, too, are surely reaping the benefits of the country's wedding tourism ambitions. 'Crazy Rich Indians' When it comes to the overall likeability of Muscat as a wedding destination, as pointed out by Krupa Khimji, Founder and Director of Mosaic Events Oman, it is the region's untapped beauty and overall proximity to several Indian as well as global destinations that makes it a hot favourite among brides and grooms. 'One of the key reasons is Oman's convenient proximity to India, the wider Middle East, and key European cities. It's just a short flight away. Also, Oman is still a relatively untapped gem in the world of destination weddings. From serene beaches to majestic mountains and rolling desert landscapes, each event can be set against a uniquely stunning backdrop, offering couples and their guests a refreshing alternative to the more commercialized wedding destinations.' The allure of the old-world Arabic charm may initially attract young, much-in-love Indian couples, but the factors that contribute to Muscat being the 'it' destination for brides and grooms are aplenty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Muscat and matters of the heart For newlyweds Yash Daswani and Roshni Patel, exchanging their vows amid the stillness of Muscat was a 'no-brainer'. 'Our venue nestled between two mountain ranges with stunning views of the sea, offering the full package of natural beauty and seclusion,' said the couple in unison. 'What made it even more remarkable was its versatility. With multiple options to choose from, all seven of our events were comfortably accommodated, each one feeling distinct and special for our 400 guests,' added the pair. Others, such as Uday Bhasin and Nanki Lamba, busy New Yorkers originally from India, felt the Omani people warmed the cockles of their hearts in an instant. 'Although Indian hospitality and food are unmatched, Oman did its due diligence. Omani people are extremely warm, and we felt very welcomed into the country,' shared the couple, before revealing that despite the many challenges of doing an out-of-country destination wedding, all their requirements were met and surpassed. 'We wanted mainly outdoor events. There were, of course, hurdles to overcome, as there will be for planning any event. One of the major things was trying to do an outdoor Anand Karaj, which is quite difficult, but we got there in the end with the team's support,' revealed Uday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the upcoming wedding season, another desi couple, Manav Agarwal and Sneha Khetan, are also tying the knot in Muscat. When asked about the theme for their grand Indian wedding, they proudly shared, 'We want the aesthetic to pay homage to Oman, something that embraces its natural beauty as well as its culture.' Sure, the Indians are marrying in Muscat for a plethora of reasons, and while the couples seem to be delighted with the choice they have made, these large-scale weddings come with their fair share of unique requests that everyone involved seems to enjoy taking on, from the event organizers to the wedding photographers. The fun, the daring, and the off-beat: What do Indian couples want in Muscat? Short answer: New-age Indian couples don't want to be 'boring' and 'conventional', and would like to enjoy the freedom to just be without having to host a series of chaotic events on the most beautiful days of their lives. The onus, therefore, is on the organising team to make things happen. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'What we love is the vibe of the couples who choose Muscat—they're usually looking for something different, and that shows in their energy. We've had bride and grooms make ATV entrances, we've made couples run into the ocean with their friends post-Haldi, and wild, laughter-filled moments that are pure gold for us as photographers,' said Ankita Asthana, Founder, WeddingNama, who has shot four weddings in Muscat in the last few years. While some couples like to unleash their adventurous sides during their wedding, others go for unheard-of themes on their big day. 'Indian weddings are typically known for their vibrant colors and bold décor, but one of the most unique celebrations I've worked on was an all-white themed party. From the floral arrangements to the attire and lighting, everything was styled in elegant white tones. It showed how Indian weddings today can be deeply personal and creatively reimagined,' shared Jannielyn Trinidad, Events Manager, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort, who is also in charge of planning Indian weddings at the luxury property. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some couples, on the other hand, like to incorporate their Indianness into the culture they later embraced in life, in an Omani setting. For instance, recently, an Indian couple living in Africa wanted their wedding to be an elegant mish-mash of their Indo roots and African ways of life. 'A large portion of this couple's guests flew in from various African cities as well as from different parts of the world. What made this wedding stand out was the beautiful fusion of African and Indian cultures. They requested a vibrant African décor, and the music seamlessly blended with the traditional Indian ceremonies, creating a truly unique and meaningful celebration,' concluded Lea Agnes Arbiol, Director of MICE and Events Management, Shangri-La Resorts. With the peak Indian shaadi season coming upon Muscat—between October and early April—industry insiders tell me the city is beyond ready to host what is famously known as the 'big-fat Indian wedding' the world over… one baraat, one mandap, one stunning couple at a time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
New Indian Express
11-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Residents resist bank eviction, unlock home
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Residents of Karode in Parassala took decisive action on Tuesday when they forcibly removed a lock placed by the bank on the home of Thyagarajan's family, who had been evicted the previous day due to a bank seizure. The family was forced out after bank officials sealed the premises over unpaid debts. Thyagarajan had borrowed Rs 8 lakh from the bank to renovate their home. Though he successfully repaid Rs 6 lakh, he faced challenges in settling the remaining balance due to financial difficulties. Bank representatives assert that the outstanding amount still totals Rs 8 lakh, despite the family receiving multiple notices about their debt. At the time of the eviction, Thyagarajan was away from home, leaving only his wife, Shiny, and their children behind. Stranded on the verandah, they found themselves without shelter. Local residents attempted to negotiate with bank officials for more time for the family to resolve their financial situation. When these discussions proved unsuccessful, the community stepped in, breaking the lock placed by the bank to support Thyagarajan and his family in their time of need.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
T.N. universities' V-Cs in a dilemma over Governor's invitation to higher education conference
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi's call to private, Central and State university Vice-Chancellors to participate in a conference to be held on Friday (April 25, 2025) has triggered a heated discussion among academicians. The conference will be inaugurated by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar at Udhagamandalam. But what has surprised academicians is the timing: it is being held just a week after a meeting presided over by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who, following a recent Supreme Court ruling, is now the Chancellor of State-run top court had declared the Tamil Nadu Governor's prolonged refusal to give assent to 10 Bills as illegal and erroneous in law. In light of these developments, it remains to be seen whether the V-Cs of State universities will attend the meeting. Of the 22 universities, 12 are functioning without a V-C. The State Higher Education Department had rejected the Governor's (then Chancellor) insistence on including the University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman's nominee in the V-C search panel for universities. At present, a convener committee is heading the universities without a V-C. The Higher Education Secretary is the convener in many of these universities. It is unclear whether the Secretary or his representative would attend the meeting. 'Governor still Chancellor' It is also unclear whether the Governor has been stripped of all powers of Chancellor, says former V-C of University of Madras S.P. Thyagarajan. 'The Governor, by virtue of the right vested in him by the Constitution, is still the Chancellor. He has the power to nominate members to the Syndicate,' he says. It is a tricky situation for the V-Cs; they were appointed by the Governor as the Chancellor, and are obliged to attend the meeting, he adds. 'They will be embarrassed and worried as to how the government will take it. This is an administrative embarrassment. In light of the original constitutional powers of the Governor, they also face a moral embarrassment,' Prof. Thyagarajan says. The Chancellor's role includes reviewing a university's upkeep and maintaining academic standards. The Chancellor must address with the Chief Minister administrative and financial difficulties and issues such as the elevation of standards, as the State government is funding the varsities. The Governor also has a role in disciplinary-related issues. He has the power to terminate the services of erring persons, on recommendation of the government, Prof. Thyagarajan explains. 'At a crossroads' E. Balagurusamy, former V-C of Anna University, says as Chancellor of State universities, the Governor has the powers to 'discuss all matters related to higher education in Tamil Nadu and guide them (universities) to implement the measures that are necessary to improve the quality of education and research in the universities.' The recent SC ruling is 'very unfortunate, which has left the universities in Tamil Nadu at a crossroads,' he says. The ruling has empowered the State government to appoint V-Cs but does not prevent the Governor from acting as the Chancellor. 'The situation has really created a power conflict between the two authorities,' he points out. Former V-C of University of Madras P. Duraisamy points out that it was disappointing that the Chief Minister did not address two pressing issues faced by State universities — that of funds and recruitment — in his recent interaction with V-Cs. The university has not recruited for the past 15 years. Madras University's syndicate has seven officials from the government, who let slide issues that have resulted in audit objections and denial of funds, he says. Meanwhile, the Raj Bhavan, on Wednesday (April 23, 2025) afternoon, clarified that the conference was necessitated as universities, until four years ago, functioned in silos to the disadvantage of students. The Chancellor's office prepares for the meeting for several months with the aim of achieving excellence in teaching, learning, innovation, and enterprise, a communique said.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officials say number of measles cases climbs to 163 across Texas, including 1 Austin
The Texas Department of State Health Services released its latest measles count Tuesday: 163 cases with 22 of those needing hospitalization. On Friday, there were 146 cases in the state. The count includes only one death, a school-age child in Gaines County. Most of the cases, 159, are in West Texas. On Friday, Travis County had its first measles case since 2019, an Austin infant, who was noted in an Austin Public Health news conference. That child was too young to be vaccinated and had traveled outside the U.S. when they became exposed. The infant's family were all vaccinated and are quarantining to prevent spreading the disease. Measles is a concern because 90% of people exposed to the virus who have not been vaccinated or do not have natural immunity will become infected after being exposed. It is one of the most infectious diseases. The virus can live on the surfaces of a room for two hours after the exposure. Most of the cases are in and around Gaines County in West Texas, not far from Lubbock and the Panhandle, but the state issued a warning for people in San Marcos, New Braunfels and San Antonio about a possible exposure after a person who later tested positive for measles traveled to Central Texas on Feb. 14-16. The measles infection of the Austin infant is not related to the person who traveled to Central Texas from West Texas. Most people don't know they are infected with measles before they have infected someone else, said Dr. Rama Thyagarajan, an infectious disease expert and an associate professor at the University of Texas Dell Medical School. The disease is not something primary care doctors are used to screening for or suspecting as a possible cause for the flu-like symptoms that begin a measles case, she said. "It is always a good idea with any respiratory illness to stay home," Thyagarajan said. After seven to 14 days of being exposed, measles starts with: Cough Runny nose Conjunctivitis Usually a fever of 103 to 104 Four days later: A rash starting at the head and working its way down the body appears. The rash can start as sore spots in the mouth. In severe cases: Inflammation of the lungs Pneumonia from a secondary infection Inflammation of the brain Years later: In some rare cases, measles can cause a fatal form of encephalitis, swelling in the brain, years after being infected. People with measles are infectious four days before the rash starts and then four full days after the rash begins. They should isolate an additional 10 days. If you have been exposed and have symptoms, you should call your doctor first instead of showing up at an emergency room or doctor's office. The measles vaccine is known as the MMR vaccine: measles, mumps and rubella (the latter is also known as German measles). It is a live vaccine and should not be given to pregnant women and some people with autoimmune issues, including some people who are undergoing treatment for cancer. Most children are vaccinated with the first dose when they turn 1. A second dose is given between ages 4 and 6. A second dose can be given as soon as 28 days after the first dose. A first dose of the vaccine can start giving someone some protection within 72 hours and can be used to fight a measles exposure. A first dose provides about 93% protection after two weeks. After the second dose, a person has 97% protection. For people who have been exposed, they can receive immunoglobulin within six days of an exposure to fight the virus. In some cases, you can give the vaccine to infants who are 6 months or older, especially if they have been exposed. Health officials have not made that recommendation for all infants 6 months or older, yet, said Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Austin-Travis County public health authority, but that recommendation might change if Austin does experience an outbreak. If you do get your 6- to 11-month-old vaccinated, they would need a second shot at age 1 and then a third shot at age 4. Infants who have not been vaccinated need to be kept away from exposure in an outbreak, and the people around them should be vaccinated, Thyagarajan said. The same is true for anyone who cannot receive the vaccine because of health conditions such as cancer treatments or an organ transplant. People who were born before 1957 are presumed to have immunity because of the amount of measles that was present during that time. People born after that time need to make sure they have been vaccinated with two doses. If you were born between 1957 and 1968, you might not have immunity because the vaccine at the time didn't use a live virus. Vaccine protection does wane over time. You can get a blood test to check your immunity level to be sure. If you have been pregnant in the last 30 years, you have already had your titer check for rubella, which is in the MMR vaccine and would have been told if you did not have immunity. For vaccinations, contact your primary care provider or you can go through Austin Public Health. You can get vaccinated as an adult if you have not been vaccinated previously. Austin Public Health offers vaccinations for free or at reduced rates for children and adults who do not have insurance, have Medicaid or are underinsured. The typical cost is $13 for children and $25 for adults. You can make an appointment at 512-972-5520 for either of the clinics at 405 W. Stassney Lane in South Austin or the 7500 Blessing Ave. location in Northeast Austin. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas measles cases climb to 163, including 1 Austin case
