Palo Alto Networks Expands Cloud Infrastructure in Asia-Pacific and Japan

MUMBAI, India, 17 March 2025 — Palo Alto Networks® (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, announced that it is deepening its commitment to the Asia-Pacific and Japan region by investing in new cloud infrastructures across strategic locations in the region. The new cloud investment integrates Prisma Access Browser into existing infrastructure in markets such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan and Singapore, ensuring local and regional customers have access to browse bravely while helping organisations meet local data residency needs without compromising on security or performance.

In today’s modern workplace, the browser is where the majority of work happens. According to Gartner, by 2030, enterprise browsers will be the core platform for delivering workforce productivity and security software on managed and unmanaged devices for a seamless hybrid work experience.

Traditional internet browsers are vulnerable to a range of cyber threats, like phishing, account takeover attacks, malware infections and malicious extensions. This is a problem worsened by the widespread adoption of software-as-a-service (SaaS) and generative AI (GenAI) applications, as well as the increased use of unmanaged devices at the workplace. While these can improve employee productivity, they also increase the attack surface and offer new entry points for cyber criminals.

“Unmanaged devices are often the weakest link in an organisation’s security posture, especially as organisations increasingly embrace a distributed workforce model. Many organisations have reported significant gaps in their ability to decrypt network traffic for security purposes; on average, 64% of web traffic is left encrypted, and is therefore unavailable for security,” said Anupam Upadhyaya, Vice President Product for Prisma SASE, Palo Alto Networks. “With our new cloud locations in the region, we’re bringing secure connectivity to these workplace devices — managed and unmanaged — helping ensure critical information stays protected while enabling organisations to improve their overall security posture in the face of modern cyber threats.”

“Organizations across India are embracing hybrid work models and accelerating their shift to the cloud to enhance productivity and agility. As businesses navigate this digital transformation, securing workloads and ensuring seamless user experiences have become top priorities.

With our expanded cloud presence in India, we are strengthening cybersecurity and compliance by meeting the country’s data residency requirements. Our commitment to providing secure, scalable, and high-performance cloud solutions empowers our customers to confidently innovate while adhering to local regulations,” said Swapna Bapat, Vice President & Managing Director, India and SAARC, Palo Alto Networks.

The availability of the regionally hosted services is part of Palo Alto Networks’ continuous dedication to delivering the most complete set of security services locally for Asia Pacific and Japan customers. These services enable customers to balance data residency needs with the ability to detect emerging threats, providing a seamless, streamlined security solution operated and delivered within the region.

Shaping a Gender-Equal Tomorrow: The Power of Education and Empowerment

                                                                                     Mrs. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School

Women have made remarkable contributions in all walks of life, shaping innovation, driving economic growth, and reimagining scientific advancements. Yet, deep-seated disparities persist – most notably in education, where cultural attitudes, institutional predispositions, and uneven access to resources continue to exclude many girls from realizing possibilities.

Education is not merely an agent of change; it is the foundation of fairness. It empowers girls with the skills, confidence, and capability to break through barriers and claim their rightful position in a more complicated world. International Women’s Day is not only a celebration of success – it is a call for action towards an equal world. This year’s theme, “Accelerating Action,” highlights the need to break barriers that still inhibit women’s advancements.

Education: The Key to Progress

 Quality education drives stronger economies, thriving communities, and social progress. Educated women contribute more to the economy, yet barriers of cost, culture, and access persist. With continued investment and commitment from educators, policymakers, and industries, these obstacles can be addressed.

Education is a key building block of lifelong learning and career development. The schools should have gender-sensitive curricula, scholarship and financial opportunities, and mentorship that offers exposure to diverse career opportunities for girls. Teacher training programs need to focus on eliminating implicit biases and cultivating a healthy learning culture leading to academic and personal development.

Even with increased awareness, STEM disciplines still see lesser participation from women because of the lack of exposure, gender discrimination, and non-availability of role models. These not only limit personal career prospects but also suppress innovation and diversity in the overall scientific and technological manpower. To achieve this, educational institutions must, in the first place, institute an inclusive educational environment that is making conscious attempts to motivate girls to study STEM subjects. Mentorship programs and interaction with successful career women can enhance confidence and improve career options.

Education among women will give them greater power

 When women are educated, they enjoy more influence in the family, workplace, and wider institutions of society. Education and training investments as core human rights drive societal progress, yet the entrenched disparities can undermine access to quality education across the world for many women and girls. The world has reached a stage where learning cannot be done without the help of technology, which can lead to new opportunities in careers for women. It provides them with competencies to respond to changing societal and market needs, leading to a more inclusive and vibrant workforce.

Accelerating action for women’s empowerment through education is not the responsibility of governments alone. Policymakers, educators, business leaders, and communities all have a role to play in making it happen. Educational institutions need to integrate gender-inclusive curricula, workplaces need to facilitate skill-building programs for women, and communities need to challenge negative cultural norms that suppress women’s education goals. Investing in female education is more than a matter of equity, it is also an economic and social necessity. Nations that promote gender equality at the education level experience increased GDP growth, low child mortality, and increased societal resilience.

International Women’s Day reminds us of the necessity for change in women’s lives and the necessity of raising them in all spheres of society. Supporting women is critical for creating inclusive communities.

Zee 24 Ghanta’s ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo’ Premieres on 17th March 2025

Zee 24 Ghanta is set to revolutionize prime-time journalism with its latest news show, ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo’, premiering on 17th March 2025, which will be telecast daily at 9 PM. With a sharp focus on truth and accountability, the show aims to deliver in-depth reporting and fearless analysis, providing viewers across Bengal with journalism that goes beyond the headlines.

In an era of rampant misinformation and political biases, Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo stands out as a fearless voice committed to fact-based journalism. Hosted by Pew Roy, the newly appointed Deputy Editor of Zee 24 Ghanta, the show cuts through speculation and sensationalism to bring unfiltered, fact-checked news to the forefront. By challenging those in power, questioning narratives, and demanding accountability, it aims to ensure transparency in news reporting. At a time when many take sides with political parties, Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo remains dedicated to uncovering the true and unbiased story, empowering viewers with news they can trust.

Designed to be a powerhouse of investigative journalism, ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo’ will feature in-depth investigations, exclusive reports that challenge misleading narratives. Each episode will uncover compelling stories, raise crucial questions, and offer fact-based insights that impact everyday lives. Covering a wide range of topics—from political developments to social issues and economic affairs—the show is set to become the go-to platform for audiences seeking the unvarnished truth.

Mr. Ashish Dave, Channel Head, Zee Rajasthan & Zee 24 Ghanta, emphasized the show’s core mission, stating, “At a time when sensationalism is rampant, our goal with ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo’ is to bring back the essence of truth-based journalism. We will uncover facts, challenge misinformation, and deliver the truth with integrity. This show is about asking tough questions and ensuring that our viewers are truly informed.”

Mr. Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Limited, highlighted the channel’s unwavering commitment to impactful journalism, highlighting, “Our mission has always been to deliver fearless, fact-based journalism. With ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo,’ we are taking this commitment to the next level—challenging misinformation, demanding accountability, and ensuring that viewers receive news that truly matters. This show is not just another addition to our lineup; it is a statement of our dedication to truth-driven storytelling that makes a real impact.”

With the launch of this show, Zee 24 Ghanta reinforces its commitment to fearless journalism. The channel has built a reputation for its dedicated news coverage, and ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo’ is the next step in strengthening that legacy. Viewers can expect content that is investigative, thought-provoking, and focused on real issues that matter.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 21 News channels, reaching more than 555+ million viewers in current year through its linear properties.

SOPPA Urges NMC to Acknowledge Anesthesiologists as Key Medical Professionals

Hyderabad, March 17, 2025: A half-day Scientific Program of the Society of Perioperative  Physician Anaesthesiologists(SOPPA) was held at KIMS Hospital in Minister Road, Secunderabad on Sunday.

India’s first “Society of Perioperative Physician Anaesthesiologists” -SOPPA was formed in Hyderabad. In August 2024.  SOPPA is the first of its kind in the country, is officially registered and authorized, and now organizes the scientific program.

The association of Anaesthesiologists was formed with over 120 Anaesthesiologists in the city.

The scientific program objective was to authenticate and validate standards laid down by SOPPA for a perioperative physician acceptance by the medical fraternity particularly surgeons, NMC to consider anaesthesiologists as competent physicians. Acceptance as a capable perioperative physician in the eyes of the court of law, stated Dr. S. Kalyani while unveiling the objectives and goals of SOPPA

Dr Raja Narsing Rao, Secretary of SOPPA, gave opening remarks and said an Anesthesiologist is a perioperative physician who manages a patient’s care before, during, and after surgery. They are responsible for the patient’s overall medical management throughout the perioperative period, he said

Prof (Dr) Manimala Rao delivered a Foundational Lecture.  Prof (Dr) N Satyanarayana, President of SOPPA spoke on ‘Expanded Role of Anaesthesiologist as a Perioperative Physician’.   An anesthesiologist is an invisible doctor.

Every Anaesthesiologist should be capable of managing common comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, lung infections, COPD, and other diseases in patients, both before and after surgery. Their role should extend beyond anesthesia to function as a perioperative physician, said Dr Satyanarayana.

Speaking further, Dr Satyanarayana said the current scenario is that Anesthesiologists are inherently trained as physicians, but there is no uniformity in their practice across the country. In postgraduate training programs, the curriculum includes case discussions and clinical scenarios that cover the management of comorbid diseases.

However, Dr Satyanarayana adds the role of anaesthesiologists as perioperative physicians is currently limited to individual practitioners or certain institutions, with no standardized approach nationwide. Specialist consultations are typically sought only for critically ill patients, major surgeries, or medico-legal concerns.

Adds Dr Raja Narsing Rao, currently, the common practice in hospitals is for surgeons to refer patients with comorbidities to specialists such as general physicians, cardiologists, or pulmonologists to assess their fitness for surgery. These specialists evaluate fitness based solely on disease severity, often without considering anesthetic drugs, their interactions, potential complications, or the impact of different anesthetic techniques on comorbid conditions. In contrast, anesthesiologists, due to their physician training, are well-versed in the medications used for comorbid conditions and their interactions with anesthetic drugs, he added

Advantages of Anesthesiologists as Perioperative Physicians are huge.  A significant advantage of anesthesiologists serving as perioperative physicians is their expertise in drug interactions. Medications prescribed for comorbid conditions can interact with anesthetic drugs, leading to potential complications, Dr Raja Narsing Rao shared.

Anesthesiologists can preemptively adjust dosages or modify drug regimens before surgery to prevent such complications, areas that other specialists may not be trained in, he added

Dr S. Kalyani said, our aims are to establish uniformity in the role of anesthesiologists as perioperative physicians across the country.

We would like to recommend to the National Medical Council (NMC) that anesthesiologists be formally recognised as competent physicians. We will not stop there. We will work further to strengthen legal recognition by advocating in courts, based on NMC acknowledgment, that anesthesiologists are qualified to manage mild to moderate comorbid conditions, added many Anaesthesiologists who assembled for the scientific program

SOPPA and AIG are jointly organising the 1st Perioperative Medicine Conclave at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad on the 22nd and 23rd of March, informed Dr Sunil T Pandya, a member of SOPPA and Chief, Dept. of Anaesthesia, Perioperative Medicine & Critical Care, AIG Hospitals. This conference will bring together the perioperative physicians (anaesthesiologists), from around the globe, to explore the evolving field of perioperative medicine, which focuses on the comprehensive care of surgical patients, from preoperative assessment through postoperative recovery, either as day care procedures or in the Surgical Critical Care.

Dr Sunil Pandya said the Perioperative medicine is increasingly recognized as a critical component of patient care, aiming to optimize outcomes by managing medical conditions throughout the surgical journey. This multidisciplinary approach not only improves patient safety but also enhances overall surgical success.

Navigating Menopause with Confidence and Clarity

By: Dr. Shivani Chandan L, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster RV Hospital

During their lifespan, women undergo many physical and hormonal changes. One significant change in their life is the stage of menopause. Some women struggle to cope with it, while few others enjoy the process of their menstrual cycle coming to an end. However, it is an under reported transition, both by medical experts and women who go through this transition. As a result, there is little awareness of the fact that some women can begin perimenopause or the beginning of the menopause stage, as early as 40 years old or even younger in some cases. All women regardless of their age, should have access to medical information regarding menopause and be ready to deal with it in a healthy and safe manner.

During menopause, a woman’s ovaries cease production of eggs, leading to a lower level of oestrogen in their body. Oestrogen regulates the reproductive cycle in a woman. When the woman does not experience her monthly menstrual cycle for more than a year, it is said to be the period of menopause.

Symptoms

While menopausal symptoms can vary from one woman to another, there are a few general physical changes and symptoms every woman should be aware of, like irregular period patterns, missed periods, different flow, irregular hormone cycles, frequent urinary tract infections, vaginal dryness, painful sex, night sweats, and decreased libido. Psychological changes or symptoms include depression spikes, irritation, anger, hot flashes like panic attacks or heart palpitations, and difficulty sleeping.

Treatments

Treatment options focus on relieving symptoms and improving overall well-being. Some OF the common approaches include:

  • Hormone Therapy (HT) – Helps with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.
  • Non-Hormonal Medications which include Antidepressants, Gabapentin & Pregabalin. These medications can reduce hot flashes and improve sleep.
  • Vaginal hormone therapy such as Low-dose vaginal creams, rings, or tablets to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort.
  • Lifestyle and Natural Remedies include
  1. Dietary Changes: Eating soy products (phytoestrogens), whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  2. Exercise: Regular physical activity to maintain bone health and reduce mood swings.
  3. Stress Management: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
  4. Acupuncture: Some women find relief from hot flashes.
  • Alternative Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps manage mood swings and sleep disturbances.
  • Bone Health Management includes Calcium, Vitamin D supplements and medications like bisphosphonates (if needed) to prevent osteoporosis.
  • The best treatment depends on individual symptoms, health risks, and personal preferences. Always consult a doctor before starting any treatment.

Managing menopause

When it comes to managing menopause, knowledge is the key. Although there is a wide variety of material on the subject, it is crucial to discuss any worries with a doctor.

Women can better understand and manage the symptoms of menopause by being aware of their bodies, as is the case with many health-related issues. From a traditional paper calendar to more advanced techniques like apps, there are numerous ways to monitor one’s health. After that, women can show this information to a medical expert for a possible evaluation and diagnosis that is specific to their bodies, health, and well-being.

Because menopause symptoms can impact both physical and mental health, a positive outlook on wellbeing can sometimes reduce issues. Women should think about implementing strategies to reduce mental stress, like getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, practicing yoga, meditation, eating a balanced diet, and drinking less alcohol.

Lastly, starting a discussion about menopause is a terrific approach to find out more and discover some of the real resources and assistance that are out there. Women can also discuss menopause with other women, including friends, family, spouses, coworkers, and—most importantly—other women who may have gone through it. Finding out the age at which a mother went through menopause can sometimes be related to a daughter’s experience, therefore talking to one’s mother about it may also be helpful.

Women may also feel more supported if they are a part of an informed community. Overcoming obstacles can be aided by pooling information and experiences. Additionally, discussing problems can occasionally relieve stress, ease anxieties, and bring people together via common experiences and knowledge.

Skechers Welcomes Jasprit Bumrah as Brand Ambassador for High-Performance Sportswear

Mumbai, 17th March 2025: Skechers, the Comfort Technology Company®, expands its roster of elite cricket athletes by signing Jasprit Bumrah—one of the most celebrated cricketers and a globally acclaimed pace powerhouse. The India National Team and Mumbai Indians bowler now compete in Skechers Cricket footwear and will appear in Skechers marketing campaigns supporting the brand’s performance and lifestyle collections.

Bumrah joins a Skechers roster that includes cricket stars Ishan Kishan and Yastika Bhatia, who have been competing in the brand’s innovative footwear for the past year. Skechers also established itself in the cricket world by signing on as the official kit sponsor of the Mumbai Indians.

“I joined the Skechers family as they are known for blending comfort with cutting-edge innovation,” said Jasprit Bumrah, who recently earned the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award for the 2024 ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. “Their wide range of offerings make it a perfect fit for athletes who value performance without compromising on style, especially for bowlers like me. I’m proud to represent a brand that resonates with my approach to both cricket and life.”

 Rahul Vira, CEO of Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd., said, “Jasprit Bumrah’s relentless pursuit of excellence perfectly aligns with Skechers’ commitment to innovation and performance. Having him as part of the Skechers family adds to our stellar roster of ambassadors, including Yastika Bhatia and Ishan Kishan. The Skechers Team of athletes illustrate how the signature Comfort That Performs of Skechers Cricket footwear can help anyone’s game no matter what level you play. We’re excited to further elevate our journey in cricket and continue shaping the future of sports culture in India.”

Jasprit Bumrah has redefined bowling across cricket formats since his debut in 2014. Surpassing the milestone of 400 international career wickets in 2024, he also became the first bowler to hold the number one ranking across all three cricket formats and was honoured as the ‘Player of the Series’ in India’s 2024 World Cup triumph. In 2018, Bumrah was the first Asian bowler to take five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, and Australia within the same calendar year. Bumrah also received the BCCI Polly Umrigar Awards in 2018-2019 and 2021-2022. In 2024, he was honoured with the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. As a Mumbai Indians stalwart, he has been integral to all five of the team’s title wins, cementing his status as one of cricket’s most elite performers.

The Skechers Cricket range includes both full-spike and half-spike options. Skechers Cricket Elite, featuring 11 metal spikes, is ideal for players seeking exceptional traction and stability, enabling them to perform with confidence and deliver powerful movements on the field. The optimal grip helps players move swiftly and effortlessly, but stay grounded when executing powerful swings. Skechers Cricket Blade, with its seven metal spikes, is designed to provide a balanced mix of grip and agility, making it ideal for players who require quick movements and decisive actions on the field. Its design helps athletes react swiftly and perform critical manoeuvres with confidence.

Beyond cricket, the Skechers team of elite athletes competing in the brand’s performance footwear includes Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, as well as global icons like footballers Harry Kane, Baris Alper Yilmaz, Mohammed Kudus, and Isco Alarcón; basketball stars Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Terance Mann, Norman Powell and Rickea Jackson; golfers Matt Fitzpatrick and Brooke Henderson; pickleball pros Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau; and Major League Baseball players Clayton Kershaw and Aaron Nola, among others.

Zee Media announces Winners of Unveiling India Quiz

The grand finale of the Unveiling India Quiz, a landmark initiative by Zee Media in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), captivated audiences nationwide as it aired on Zee Media’s network, gaining its status as one of India’s most impactful knowledge-driven initiatives. The overwhelming response to the telecast highlighted the scale, excitement, and cultural significance of the event.

The telecast provided a riveting recap of the months-long journey—starting from an online Olympiad, advancing through intense state-level rounds, and culminating in a fiercely contested national finale. Viewers watched as the top eight teams battled for glory, with Army Public School, Jammu Cantt, emerging as the ultimate champions, securing the first prize. Rajagiri Public School, Kerala, claimed the second position, while Little Flower English Medium School, Kerala, took third place. Their stellar performances resonated with audiences, reinforcing the power of education in shaping future leaders.

The telecast also shed light on the quiz’s unique focus on Geographical Indication (GI) tags, a defining element that introduced young minds to India’s indigenous craftsmanship and region-specific products. This emphasis on cultural and economic awareness transformed the competition into an immersive educational experience beyond traditional learning.

Reflecting on the immense success of the initiative, Mr. Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL), said, “At Zee Media, we believe that news is not just about delivering information; it is about shaping a better, more informed society. Our commitment goes beyond headlines—we actively create platforms that empower different sections of society, be it through financial literacy initiatives, business summits, or programs that inspire and educate young minds. Unveiling India Quiz is one such initiative, designed to encourage school children to learn about India’s glorious past and promising future.”

Adding to this, Shri. Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, stated, “The Unveiling India Quiz has successfully instilled a deep sense of national pride and awareness about India’s economic and cultural diversity. This initiative is not just a competition—it is a long-term movement to nurture curiosity and appreciation for India’s vast legacy.”

As the winners celebrate their well-earned triumph, the Unveiling India Quiz leaves behind a profound impact, encouraging millions of students across the country to embrace our unique culture, explore their heritage, and take pride in India’s incredible journey. Zee Media and DPIIT remain steadfast in their commitment to expanding such educational initiatives, ensuring that young minds continue to be inspired, empowered, and prepared for a global future.

The resounding success of Unveiling India Quiz reaffirms the importance of knowledge-driven infotainment, setting a new benchmark in nationwide student engagement.
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USFDA Commends Zydus with Final Approval for Eluxadoline Tablets

Ahmedabad, India, 17 March, 2025:Zydus Lifesciences Limited (including its subsidiaries/ affiliates, hereafter referred to as “Zydus”) has received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to manufacture Eluxadoline Tablets, 75 mg and 100 mg (USRLD: Viberzi® Tablets, 75 mg and 100 mg).

Eluxadoline is a mu-opioid receptor agonist, indicated in adults for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Eluxadoline tablets will be produced at Zydus Lifesciences Ltd (SEZ), Ahmedabad.

Zydus was one of the first ANDA applicants to submit a substantially complete ANDA with a paragraph IV certification for Eluxadoline Tablets, 75 mg, and 100 mg. With this approval, Zydus is eligible for 180 days of shared generic drug exclusivity for Eluxadoline Tablets, 75 mg and 100 mg.

 

Brigade PU College and Arjunaa Academy Join Hands for Inspiring 2nd PUC Orientation Event

Hassan, March 17, 2025: Brigade PU College, Hassan kicked off its pursuit to new academic heights with an orientation & felicitation program for 2nd PUC parents & students.

Hareesh PK, CEO & Founder of Arjunaa Academy for Achievers (AAA) motivated the students by citing several case studies of people who have reaped massive returns by investing their time & energy in education. 

He also spoke about several challenges that a student commonly encounters during the preparation & equipped students with the right solutions to overcome these challenges.

“The heart of an institution is a highly qualified & dedicated faculty team”  said Mr. Vijay Shankar, Principal and Trustee of Brigade PU college and introduced the entire teaching & non-teaching staff to the students & parents.. 

A brief outline of the academic plan for an entire year was presented & competitive training for the 2nd PUC was inaugurated with a book launch ceremony, unveiling the competitive books that students would be solving during the academic year.

Mr. Sreekanth PK, Director of Arjunaa Academy encouraged the Olympiad toppers of 1st PUC by felicitating them.

Teachers from Arjunaa Academy covered competitive sessions in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & Biology after the orientation program.

Actors reminisce about Holi Celebrations in their Hometowns

Holi, the festival of colours, is a time of joy, traditions, and togetherness. For many, the true essence of the festival lies in the way it is celebrated back home with vibrant streets, age-old rituals, and the warmth of loved ones. &TV artists Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan) and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) fondly recall the unmatched beauty of Holi celebrations in their hometowns and express how much they miss being there this year. However, to keep the festive spirit alive, they plan to celebrate in their special way, following cherished traditions like making gujiyas and performing rituals that connect them to their roots.

Yogesh Tripathi aka Daroga Happu Singh shares, “Holi in my hometown in Uttar Pradesh is an experience like no other. The air is filled with colours, laughter, and folk music. Every year, we celebrate with prayers, followed by playing with gulaal, dancing, and enjoying festive treats like gujiya and thandai. The Lathmar Holi of Barsana and the Phoolon Ki Holi of Vrindavan are mesmerizing. This year, I will not be able to be there, and I will dearly miss the energy, the streets bustling with joy, and the warmth of celebrating with family and friends. But to keep the spirit alive, I will be preparing gujiyas at home and indulging in our traditional rituals. That way, even from afar, I will feel connected to my roots.”

Shubhangi Atre aka Angoori Bhabi echoes the sentiment, saying, “Holi in Madhya Pradesh has always been close to my heart. It begins with Holika Dahan, where we gather around the bonfire, praying for prosperity and happiness. The next day, the city is drenched in colours, and the joy is infectious! In Indore, Rang Panchami is another highlight, with grand processions, music, and dance. Being away from home this year makes me nostalgic for those vibrant celebrations. But to keep the festive spirit alive, I will be making namkeen and malpua just like we do back home. I will also perform the traditional Holika Dahan prayer here, ensuring that the warmth of my hometown’s Holi stays with me, no matter where I am. For me, Holi is more than just a festival it’s a feeling, a beautiful blend of tradition and nostalgia.”