Star Estate surpasses INR 7,000 Cr in sales, eyes ₹10,000 Cr milestone next

New Delhi, 23rd April, 2025:  Star Estate, one of India’s most trusted real estate consultation firms, has crossed an important landmark—clocking approximately ₹7,000 crore in sales during the financial year 2024–25. This achievement solidifies the company’s status as among the fastest-growing real estate consulting companies in India.

Star Estate has diversified footprint in top-tier-I and tier-II cities over the last twelve months in areas such as Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad and widened presence in crucial micro-markets in northern as well as southern India. Behind this growth story of Star Estate there is a robust team, a customer-first approach and a leadership that believes in pushing boundaries.

Mr. Vijay Jain, Managing Director, Star Estate said, “We take pride in crossing the ₹7,000 crore sales mark, but it’s not the end—it’s a steppingstone. Success doesn’t come by chance, it’s a result of our deep expertise in market awareness, data-informed strategy, and our commitment to deliver smooth, efficient property purchasing experience. Now, we look forward to achieving the ₹10,000 crore mark, and we are ready for the climb. Every milestone we achieve is a testament to our commitment to investing in people and staying dedicated to our valued customers.”

Star Estate’s platform puts together top developers, selected properties, and technology-enabled consultation in order to deliver a seamless home-buying experience. Star Estate serves both end-users and investors and closely collaborates with developers in planning the right marketing, inventory and launch strategies.

During FY 2024–25, the company opened new offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru, further strengthening its organizational capabilities by bringing in experienced professionals across marketing, sales, and analytics. With a portfolio of projects from the top developers and over 1 lakh happy customers, Star Estate’s value proposition lies not just in numbers, but in the trust it has built.

The organization is now gearing up for the next leap—achieving ₹10,000 crore+ gross sales in FY 2025–26. The plan involves expansion into new emerging markets, technology-driven delivery of smart real estate solutions, and increased association with builders to accelerate absorption within luxury, mid-segment, and affordable housing segments as well.

As India’s real estate business keeps on accelerating, Star Estate keeps on maintaining its firm footing on the business pulse. Led by bold visions, core values, and with an increasing reach, the firm is setting standards in the brokerage of real estates and customer satisfaction. Thus, from ₹5,000 Cr to ₹7,000 Cr, and next looking even up—Star Estate is just started.

Popular cars with Built-in Air Purifiers for Daily Commuting

Air pollution continues to be a significant public health challenge in India, impacting both rural and urban communities. A recent report by Climate Trends highlights widespread elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), one of the most harmful types of air pollution, across the country. This data highlights that air pollution is not limited to urban areas but is, instead, a nationwide concern.

An average Indian spent 59 minutes to travel 20 kms one way to work last year in key metro cities, compared with 51 minutes to cover 17 kms before the pandemic, said the report, ‘2023 On Wheels: How India Moved In Sync’, by office commute platform MoveInSync. In response to this growing challenge, automotive manufacturers have started integrating sophisticated air purification technologies into their latest models. Here are list of popular models with integrated air purifiers.

MG Hector – The MG Hector stands out with its striking design and cutting-edge features, led by an advanced in-built PM 2.5 Air Purifier and Ionizer system for a consistently fresh cabin environment. The SUV boasts a 35.56 cm (14-inch) HD Portrait infotainment screen, complemented by innovative features like a Digital Bluetooth key with sharing function, wireless charging, and ventilated front seats. Safety and intelligence merge with Traffic Jam Assist among 11 ADAS features, while the i-SMART technology offers over 75 connected car features. Adding to its premium appeal, the Hector delivers exceptional value as the best-priced SUV with a panoramic sunroof in India.

Hyundai Venue – The Hyundai Venue, a compact SUV renowned for its feature-rich variants, offers three fuel-efficient engines and five gearbox options. It has the signature Hyundai quality, attractive design, and space to comfortably seat four occupants. It is equipped with HEPA filter technology; this urban SUV effectively cleanses the cabin air of harmful particles. The new Hyundai VENUE is designed to keep you connected to both your car, and the world around you. Between the Alexa and the 60+ feature-loaded Bluelink, you’ve got everything you need to make your drives exciting.

Kia Sonet – The new Kia Sonet along with a bold design comes equipped with pure air purifiers with virus and bacteria protection that sharpens the sense of comfort. It has a digital cluster of 10.25 inches (26.03 cm) along with a 360 degree camera with blind view monitor in cluster. Additionally, the new sonet is built with 15 safety features including ADAS Level 1 with 10 autonomous features.

Nissan Magnite – The Nissan Magnite offers an elegant Design with two engine options: a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 72 horsepower, which feels slow, and a more powerful and smooth 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 100 horsepower. Nissan offers the Magnite sub-compact SUV with an automatic PM 2.5 air purifier as a part of the optional Tech Pack which is reserved for the top-end XV Premium. Moreover, the new Nissan Magnite is packed with 55+ Active and Passive Safety Features (40+Standard) to ensure the highest standards of safety for you and your loved ones.

MG Gloster – The MG Gloster redefines premium SUV standards with its advanced dual-zone air purification system, featuring PM 2.5 filtration that ensures pristine air quality throughout its spacious cabin. This seven-seater marvel combines cutting-edge technology with luxury, offering seven driving modes, advanced driver assistance, and over 75 connected car features through i-SMART integration. The Gloster delivers premium amenities including a 20.32 cm Multi-Information System, leather seating, 64-color ambient lighting, and over 30 safety features. Every detail, from its best-in-class interior space to the sophisticated air management system, reinforces its position as a comprehensive luxury SUV package.

These vehicles represent a significant step forward in automotive technology, where the focus has expanded beyond traditional parameters like performance and comfort to include passenger health and wellness. As air quality concerns continue to grow in urban areas, these built-in air purification systems offer a valuable feature for health-conscious consumers, making the daily commute not just a journey from point A to B, but a breath of fresh air in an increasingly polluted world.

Amazon India Boosts “Make India Read More” Mission on World Book Day 2025

Bangalore, April 23, 2025: This World Book DayAmazon India is advancing its Make India Read More mission – a comprehensive effort to nurture India‘s reading culture through democratized access, innovative discovery and community engagement. This commitment builds on Amazon‘s ongoing work in expanding book accessibility to readers across the country.

Recent trends for Amazon India have demonstrated a growing appetite for books nationwide, with double-digit growth in both new customers and category sales. Tier 2 cities are notably driving this expansion, bringing new book customers at twice the growth rate seen in metros. To support this demand, the company has significantly expanded its same-day delivery capabilities, now reaching twice as many customers in top 20 cities compared to last year.

“Books are at the heart of Amazon’s identity, and our commitment to India‘s readers is deeper than ever,” said Rajarshi Guin, Director, Books & Toys, Amazon India. “From curating literature that reflects India‘s cultural and educational diversity, to investing in fast delivery and discovery, our focus is to make reading more rewarding, and more accessible. Whether it’s a young reader in a metro or a student in a Tier-3 town, we want to bring the right book to every doorstep.”

With a catalog of over 20 million titles across 14+ Indian languages, Amazon delivers books to 100% of India‘s serviceable pin codes. The category is witnessing strong double-digit growth in genres such as literary fiction, self-help, business, and children’s books, while regional language books in Malayalam and Tamil have doubled in demand year-over-year. Educational content remains strong with government exam preparation materials growing by over 30%, and specialized materials for engineering and law seeing growth of over 50% compared to last year.

To enhance discovery and customer experience, Amazon‘s monthly Book Bazaar is set to complete its 5th anniversary this year with 60 editions offering 300+ curated reading lists and deals on 30,000+ books across genres and languages. The company blends personalized algorithmic recommendations with trusted editorial curation through flagship initiatives like the Author of the Month, Amazon Book Talk series, and specialized destinations such as the Matrabhasha store for regional language titles. These efforts are further strengthened by Amazon’s partnership with over 30 national and international bestselling authors including Khaled Hosseini, Jeffrey Archer, Robin Sharma, Sudha Murthy, and Chetan Bhagat to provide authors a platform to connect with their readers.

In support of this missionAmazon has launched a nationwide book donation drive in partnership with the National Book Trust (NBT) and NCERT. Over the next 12 weeks, thousands of books will be distributed to Anganwadis, government schools, and grassroots organizations

“National Book Trust is delighted to collaborate with Amazon India on the ‘Make India Read More‘ initiative,” Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said. “This partnership reflects our shared vision of making books accessible to all. By combining NBT’s grassroots presence with Amazon‘s digital outreach, we aim to bring the transformative power of reading to every corner of the country.”

“NCERT is proud to support the Book Donation Drive with Amazon,” Aman Sharma, Secretary, NCERT said. “Through this initiative, 25,000 NCERT textbooks will be donated to underprivileged communities, promoting literacy and celebrating the joy of reading, aligning with the vision of the National Education Policy.”

Hitachi Vantara Unveils FY24 Sustainability Report

INDIA – April 23, 2025 – Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. , today released its FY2024 Sustainability Report, marking the second edition of its annual ESG progress and transparency reporting. Building on last year’s inaugural report, this year’s edition outlines Hitachi Vantara’s progress in sustainability, highlighting advancements in energy-efficient infrastructure, reductions in carbon emissions and responsible business practices. It showcases Hitachi Vantara’s key achievements in FY2024, including ENERGY STAR® certification for multiple storage solutions, the expansion of global greenhouse gas (GHG) management and new sustainability tools that help customers track energy and carbon usage.

 As businesses increasingly rely on AI and data-intensive workloads, the demand for power continues to grow, leading to higher energy costs and greater environmental impact. According to a 2024 Department of Energy report, data centers consumed 4% of U.S electricity last year and could reach up to 12% by 2028. Navigating this challenge requires solutions that balance performance with efficiency – helping organizations manage growing data needs while keeping costs and carbon footprints in check. The new report highlights how Hitachi Vantara is addressing these pressures by delivering energy-efficient infrastructure that not only reduces environmental impact but also drives measurable cost savings for customers.

 “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made since our inaugural Sustainability Report, but we know the journey doesn’t end there,” said Sheila Rohra, CEO of Hitachi Vantara. “Our focus remains on highlighting how sustainability, particularly in the data center, can be both a key driver of innovation and a business differentiator – from reducing carbon emissions to helping businesses achieve energy savings, enhance operational efficiency and meet their broader sustainability goals.”

 Key highlights from the report include:

  • Top ENERGY STAR Rankings: Several Hitachi Vantara storage solutions earned ENERGY STAR certification for their industry-leading performance and energy efficiency. Hitachi Vantara holds the top two rankings for the most energy-efficient storage systems in the ENERGY STAR NVSS Disk Online 4 category, with the Virtual Storage Platform One Block (VSP One Block) securing the highest spot.
  • Solar-Powered Distribution CenterHitachi Vantara’s state-of-the-art solar-powered distribution center in the Netherlands generates approximately 30% of the electricity consumption from on-site solar production. The remaining electricity is sourced through verified Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs), ensuring the center operates entirely on renewable energy.
  • Recycled Materials: Currently, 40% by weight of the materials used in the bezels of Hitachi Vantara’s VSP One Block and File storage models come from post-consumer recycled plastics. These flame-resistant bezels meet safety standards and help limit impacts of fire. Hitachi Vantara plans to increase recycled content to 50% by FY2030 through the expanded use of recycled materials in drive canisters, biomass-based parts and continued IT resource recycling.
  • Energy Consumption and Management: In FY2024Hitachi Vantara consumed 78,211 MWh of energy, with 90% of that from grid electricity and 35% from renewable sources, such as solar and wind. Notably, following a 2024 data center refresh at its Denver facility, which optimized the physical layout, consolidated infrastructure, and enhanced airflow, energy consumption was reduced by 50%, and power usage effectiveness (PUE) improved from 1.6 to 1.3, demonstrating the impact of energy-saving initiatives in Hitachi Vantara’s operations.
  • Carbon Neutrality and Sustainability Goals: Hitachi Vantara is committed to achieving carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by FY2030. The company has also set a target to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by FY2050.

 Hitachi Vantara’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond its own operations. Through its engineered products and solutions, the company helps enterprise customers and data center operators reduce their carbon footprints while lowering operational costs and complexities. A few recent examples include:

  • La Molisana (Italy): As one of Italy’s leading pasta manufacturers, La Molisana implemented VSP One Block, resulting in a 30% reduction in energy consumption and a 2.5x improvement in response times, supporting its global expansion and sustainability goals.
  • Malayala Manorama (India): This major media company benefited from a new low-latency infrastructure, powered by Hitachi Vantara, leading to a 66% reduction in rack space and a 70% reduction in power and cooling costs.
  • Elisa Eesti (Estonia): One of Estonia’s largest telecom providers, Elisa Eesti modernized its data infrastructure with Hitachi Vantara’s Virtual Storage Platform (VSP), tripling energy efficiency and significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

 Sustainability was an important factor in our selection of VSP One Block,” said Maurizio Maio, CIO of La Molisana. “Although the energy consumption of our data center is relatively low compared to our manufacturing operations, we are keen to implement eco-friendly IT solutions. The energy-efficient VSP One Block aligns perfectly with our vision.”

 While the FY2024 Sustainability Report reflects on the achievements of the past year, Hitachi Vantara recently introduced its first key sustainability commitment of FY2025: a new Sustainability Guarantee that will be offered as part of its storage platform going forward. Available with VSP One, the guarantee empowers businesses to track and optimize energy consumption. It also guarantees a maximum power consumption target, making it easier for organizations to achieve their sustainability goals.

Skin Care Tips for Brides Before Bridal Makeup

Everybody loves healthy, glowing, and smooth skin, and when it comes to brides, it becomes a matter of concern to have healthy skin. Here are a few tips a bride should follow before bridal makeup to have radiant and flawless skin on her auspicious day. The following are the skin care tips for brides before bridal makeup-

 Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue from your face. It is very important to clean your skin before and after applying makeup.

 Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother complexion. Exfoliation will make you feel confident about your look as it will be free from dead skin, with healthy and glowing skin.

 To tighten pores and balance the pH of the skin, use toner. It is important to balance the pH level of the skin to make it hydrated and refreshed.

 Apply a hydrating serum or essence to provide extra nourishment and improve skin texture. It will improve the tone and appearance of the skin.

 Moisturize your skin with a suitable moisturizer that addresses your skin’s needs. The moisturizer also reduces aging, fine lines, and wrinkles.

 Use an eye cream to hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes and reduce puffiness and dark circles. An eye cream provides extra nourishment and hydration to the skin with an illuminating appearance.

 Don’t forget to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from sun damage. Sunscreen will prevent skin from premature aging and sunburn.

 Consider using a facial mask that suits your skin type and concerns a day or two before the wedding for an extra boost of hydration or brightening. Face masks improve the appearance of pores and remove excess oil to have fine and smooth skin.

 According to Dr. Rishabh Raj Sharma, Dermatologist at NIIMS Medical College & Hospital-

Use products that you have used before to avoid any new skincare products close to the wedding day to prevent potential reactions or allergies. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet to promote overall skin health.  Consistency is key, so start your skincare routine well in advance to give your skin time to adjust and look its best on your big day.

 

Samsonite Teams Up with Manish Malhotra in Social Beat Campaign

When a legacy travel brand famous for innovations meets a visionary designer renowned for reshaping Indian couture—something iconic is bound to happen. Manish Malhotra x Samsonite is more than a collaboration — it’s a landmark moment that reimagines what luxury luggage can look and feel like. And Social Beat brought this collaboration to lifewith a campaign that felt just as elevated, stylish, and statement-making as the collection itself. 

The idea was simple: don’t just launch a bag—launch something rare, desirable, and bound in legacy.

The pre-buzz kicked off with subtle sightings of Manish Malhotra himself carrying the bag. No big reveal, no overt branding—just intrigue. This was followed by a curated wave of influencers who seamlessly seeded the collection into their worlds, helping the bag quietly (but powerfully) claim its place as the accessory of the season.

At the centre of the launch is a hero film that brings to life the idea of elegance meeting exclusivity. It showcases how everyone walks their own path in their own unique style, projecting the bag as an extension of their distinct self. Clean silhouettes and sharp frames mirrored the bag’s sleek elegance, while grunge-laced interiors brought in a raw edge. Esoteric by intent, the film carried Manish Malhotra’s refined aesthetic without ever spelling it out. A quiet, confident storytelling that lets the product do all the talking.

Anushree TainwalaExecutive Director at Samsonite South Asia, shared: “This collaboration was a milestone for Samsonite—a fusion of our legacy of innovation with Manish Malhotra’s timeless design sensibility. The campaign was crafted to reflect the sophistication of the collection while introducing a bold, fashion-forward chapter in the Samsonite journey.”

Ashish Tambe, National Creative Director at Social Beat, added: “The campaign had to evoke the emotion of owning a statement. The creative had to tick all the boxes that a launch must—from a brand and product lens—but at the same time, move beyond the tactical and create an aura of a fashion-first international traveller.”

Vikas ChawlaCo-founder of Social Beat, said: “Collaborating on this unique launch combines our capabilities across creative, films, media and technology. The goal was to build a campaign that did justice to the grandeur of the Manish Malhotra x Samsonite collaboration, and our team brought that vision to life across platforms with creativity, passion, and precision.”

The campaign unfolded as a full-fledged 360° digital experience — with a social media content strategy built around Manish Malhotra, influencer marketing to amplify reach, and sharp media planning & buying to drive results. Bold hoardings and luxe in-store setups brought the buzz offline, creating a seamless blend of digital and physical presence.

With striking visuals, a bold film, and a sharp digital rollout, the campaign did more than drop a collection—it redefined what luggage can be. Because when icons come together, travel doesn’t follow trends. It sets them.

Prime Video Brings Best-Selling Mystery Thriller “We Were Liars” to Life on June 18

MUMBAI, INDIA —April 23, 2025—Today, Prime Video released first-look images from the mystery thriller based on the best-selling novel by E. Lockhart, We Were Liars.” All eight episodes will be available on June 18, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

 We Were Liars” follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her tight-knit inner circle, nicknamed the Liars, during their summer escapades on her grandfather’s New England private island. The Sinclairs are American royalty—known for their good looks, old money, and enviable bond—but after a mysterious accident changes Cadence’s life forever, everyone, including her beloved Liars, seems to have something to hide.

 Starring “the Liars“: Emily Alyn Lind as Cadence Sinclair Eastman, Shubham Maheshwari as Gat Patil, Esther McGregor as Mirren Sinclair Sheffield, Joseph Zada as Johnny Sinclair Dennis; alongside Caitlin FitzGerald as Penny Sinclair, Mamie Gummer as Carrie Sinclair, Candice King as Bess Sinclair, Rahul Kohli as Ed Patil, and David Morse as Harris Sinclair.

 The series is written and executive produced by co-showrunners Julie Plec (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Legacies”) and Carina Adly MacKenzie (“Roswell, New Mexico,” “The Originals”). Also executive producing are Emily Cummins (“The Endgame,” “Vampire Academy”) for My So-Called Company and the novel’s author, E. Lockhart. Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Amazon MGM Studios are behind the project. The novel is published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.

 

Dr. Mayank Singh Appointed President of AHRS at HAIRCON 2025

New Delhi, 23rd April- 2025 — The 15th Annual Conference of the Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons of India (AHRS), HAIRCON 2025, was held recently, bringing together top hair restoration specialists from across the country. This landmark event marked a significant moment in the field with the appointment of DrMayank Singh, a board certified plastic surgeon and the Founder of CROWN – The Hair Transplant Experts, as the new President of AHRS.

AHRS is the only registered Indian association also recognized as the global council member of ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery). AHRS has members from the specialties of both plastic surgery and dermatology.

DrMayank Singh has made history by becoming the youngest plastic surgeon and the first non-founder member to lead this prestigious and globally connected organization. His appointment reflects his relentless commitment to innovation, ethical practices, and excellence in the field of hair restoration.

In recent years, the field of hair restoration in India has faced serious challenges due to the rise of unqualified practitioners and illegal clinics. Tragically, four patients have died during or after hair transplant procedures, largely due to surgeries being performed by non-qualified individuals—including technicians with no medical training—operating out of salons or unauthorized centers.

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, AHRS has submitted its recommendations to a committee appointed by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), proposing that hair transplant surgeries be brought under the Clinical Establishments Act. This move aims to ensure that only qualified surgeons perform these procedures in medically safe, regulated environments.

Speaking about this milestone, DrMayank Singh said:

“It is a deep honor to be entrusted with this responsibility by my peers. AHRS has played a vital role in advancing hair restoration science in India, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth, fostering transparency, patient awareness, and global standards of care.”

With over 15 years of experience and a clinic renowned for advanced techniques and natural results, DrSingh‘s leadership is expected to usher in a new era of transformation for AHRS and the broader field of hair restoration in India.

Letting Go: The Spiritual Art of Surrender

By AiR Atman in Ravi – Happiness Ambassador and Spiritual Leader

Many of us experience unhappiness due to our inability to accept things as they are, especially when it comes to letting go of people, events or situations we can’t change. We often believe we are entirely in control of our lives. While we have free will and can choose our actions, we also carry our past Karma from previous lives, which influences the circumstances we face. The Law of Karma ensures that we must settle our Karmic debts, and no one can escape this process.

AiR Atman in Ravi - Happiness Ambassador and Spiritual Leader

Challenges and events beyond our control are a part of this unfolding. Although we can continue to do good deeds for a happier destiny, the ultimate goal is to transcend Karma and attain Moksha or liberation. To truly let go and surrender, we must free ourselves from personal expectations. While it’s important to do our best in any situation, we must not fixate on a specific outcome, the fruits of our actions. The Divine Will, expressed through the Law of Karma, governs our lives, and everything that happens is part of this Divine unfolding.

When we face unavoidable circumstances like the loss of a loved one or other inexplicable hardships, we must gracefully accept them as part of our Karma and not protest. The ABCD Mantra — Accept, do your Best, in Consciousness, surrender the rest, living as a Divine Instrument holds the key to a peaceful and blissful life. Ultimately, we must realize that this world is a cosmic drama, a show and we are but actors who come and go.

When we understand this, we will sit back, be detached and dispassionate, and as spectators, enjoy the Leela of the Divine. On a daily basis, we must consciously let go of past hurts, grudges, regrets, painful relationships and toxic emotions. These are often the sources of our suffering and clinging to them only aggravates our suffering. We must also let go of the fear of the future, as worrying about what’s to come only robs us of peace and of the joy of the moment.

Letting go of material desires and choosing positive emotions is essential for happiness. Faith, Hope, and Trust are crucial in this process—Faith, Full Assurance In the Heart; HOPE, Having Only Positive Expectations, and TRUST, Total Reliance Unconditional Surrender To the Almighty.

Trust, and surrender to the Divine must be 100%. If it is 99%, it is not complete trust and surrender. When we recognize that we are not the body, mind, ego, but the immortal Divine Soul, a Spark Of Unique Life, a part of the Supreme Immortal Power we call God, we achieve complete surrender. We let go of our false identity — of the body, mind and ego and embrace the reality of our inherent Divinity. This realization of non-duality, where God is everything and we are one with the Divine, leads us to a life of eternal peace, love and bliss.

MGM Healthcare Performs Life-Saving Surgery on 6-Year-Old Boy with Severe Heart Blockage

Chennai, April 22nd, 2025: MGM Healthcare successfully performed a complex heart surgery on a 6yearold boy who was suffering from severe Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT) obstruction, a critical condition that severely blocked blood flow from his heart to the rest of his body in a dextrocardia heart. The medical team opted for the ‘Modified Konno Procedure’, a highly specialised procedure that relieves the obstruction while still preserving the child’s native heart valves – instead of conventional procedures like Ross procedure that would have involved implantation of artificial valves. The young patient has recovered well, with improved heart function.

The patient had been experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. Upon his admission, the medical team promptly diagnosed his condition of severe LVOT obstruction that could lead to heart failure or other life-threatening complications, if left untreated. Recognising the urgency, the hospital carried out the surgical intervention to relieve the blockage and restore normal blood flow from the heart. This life saving surgery was performed at MGM Healthcare in collaboration with Aishwarya Trust, ensuring the child receive world class care.

The surgery was successfully performed by Dr. R.K.R. Noveen Davidson, Senior Consultant, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, at MGM Healthcare with anesthesia support provided by Dr. Suresh Rao K.G and pediatric cardiology team.

Talking about the procedure, Dr. Noveen Davidson said that LVOT is a serious heart condition in which the flow of blood from the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart, to the rest of the body is significantly blocked. To treat the obstruction a Modified Konno Procedure, a complex and advanced heart surgery, was chosen to enlarge the narrowed outflow tract of the left ventricle. The procedure preserves the native valves, thus minimising the risk of repeated valve replacement surgeries in the future, as is the case with conventional Ross procedure.

“The operation was done through the chest bone, with the patient connected to a heart-lung machine to maintain circulation during surgery. The boy’s body was also cooled to a safe, controlled temperature to protect vital organs during surgery. After carefully opening the heart, we identified and removed thickened tissue and fibrous bands that were causing the blockage below the aortic valve. Since the outflow tract was still narrow, we made an additional opening through the right side of the heart to further clear the pathway. We used a medical-grade patch (synthetic patch – PTFE) to widen the passage and enlarged the aortic valve using a patch made from the patient’s own heart covering (pericardium). The heart was gradually brought back to normal temperature and rhythm and began beating on its own. A heart scan during surgery confirmed that the valve was working well and the blood flow from the heart had greatly improved, with no gradient. The patient was safely taken off the heart-lung machine and moved to recovery in stable condition,” he added.

Further Dr. Noveen Davidson added, “Modified Konno Procedure is especially beneficial in patients with severe narrowing that cannot be managed with conventional techniques. It helps improve blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body, reduces strain on the heart muscle, and significantly enhances the patient’s quality of life and long-term heart function”.