ദേവദാസ് ടിപി ഇൻഡസ്ട്രി ടെക്നോളജി മീഡിയ  കറസ്പോണ്ടൻ്റ്.

അഭിലാഷമുള്ള യുവ മാസ്റ്റർ ഷെഫുകൾക്കായുള്ള ഒരു അനന്യമായ വേദിയായിരുന്നു ഈ പരിപാടി.

8 മുതൽ 15 വയസ്സ് വരെ പ്രായമുള്ള കുട്ടികൾക്കായി രൂപകൽപ്പന ചെയ്ത ഈ മത്സരത്തിന് 300-ലധികം യുവ പങ്കാളികൾ അവരുടെ പാചക കഴിവുകൾ പ്രദർശിപ്പിച്ചുകൊണ്ട് അമിതമായ പ്രതികരണമാണ് ലഭിച്ചത്.

കർശനമായ മൾട്ടി റൗണ്ട് ഓഡിഷൻ പ്രക്രിയയ്ക്ക് ശേഷം, 20 സെമി ഫൈനലിസ്റ്റുകളെ തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്തു, ഇത് ടോപ്പ് 10 പാചക പ്രതിഭകളെ ഉൾപ്പെടുത്തി ആവേശകരമായ ഗ്രാൻഡ് ഫിനാലെയിലേക്ക് നയിച്ചു: നിർവ്വി അശിഷ്, കൈരാ ജെയിൻ, സായ് പ്രീതം. ഡി, സുമയ്യ ഷെയ്ഖ്, നന്ദകിഷൻ, അഹമ്മദ്, മയൂഖ് നാഗരാജു, ഹിമന്യ, കുശാൽ. പി, ഗ്യാൻ എസ് കൊട്ടാരി.

രക്ഷിതാക്കളുടെയും മുഹമ്മദ് ആഷിഖ് (മാസ്റ്റർ ഷെഫ് ഇന്ത്യ), അർച്ചന ബിഎച്ച്, വർഗീസ് തോമസ്, ഷെഫ് നന്ദകുമാർ എന്നിവരടങ്ങുന്ന ബഹുമാനപ്പെട്ട ജഡ്ജിംഗ് പാനലിന്റെയും സൂക്ഷ്മ നിരീക്ഷണത്തിൽ ഫൈനലിസ്റ്റുകൾ നൂതനമായ വിഭവങ്ങൾ മുതൽ മധുര പലഹാരങ്ങൾ വരെയുള്ള വിഭവങ്ങളുടെ ഒരു ശ്രേണി തയ്യാറാക്കി.

 കുട്ടികൾ വൈവിധ്യമാർന്ന പാരമ്പര്യങ്ങളിൽ ആഴ്ന്നിറങ്ങിയ ഭക്ഷണങ്ങൾ അവതരിപ്പിക്കുകയും, സന്ദർശകരെയും ജഡ്ജിമാരെയും ആകർഷിക്കാൻ അതുല്യമായ ചേരുവകൾ ഉപയോഗിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തതോടെ ഈ പരിപാടി ഒരു സാംസ്കാരിക മൊസൈക്കായി രൂപാന്തരപ്പെട്ടു.

സായ് പ്രീതം അവരുടെ അസാധാരണമായ കഴിവുകളും സർഗ്ഗാത്മകതയും കൊണ്ട് ജഡ്ജിമാരെ ആകർഷിച്ചു, ടൈറ്റിൽ, ട്രോഫി, സർട്ടിഫിക്കറ്റ്, ₹50,000 ക്യാഷ് പ്രൈസ് എന്നിവ നേടി. ഗ്യാൻ എസ് കൊട്ടാരിയും മയൂഖ് നാഗരാജുവും റണ്ണർഅപ്പ് ടൈറ്റിലുകൾക്ക് അർഹരായി, യഥാക്രമം ₹25,000, ₹10,000 ക്യാഷ് പ്രൈസുകൾ ലഭിച്ചു.

പ്രതിഭകളെ തിരിച്ചറിയുക മാത്രമല്ല, പാചകം എന്ന ആകർഷകമായ കലയിലൂടെ കുട്ടികളിൽ ഉത്തരവാദിത്തം, സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യം, ആരോഗ്യകരമായ ശീലങ്ങൾ എന്നിവയുടെ മൂല്യങ്ങളിൽ ശ്രദ്ധ കേന്ദ്രീകരിക്കുകയുമായിരുന്നു ഈ മത്സരത്തിന്റെ ലക്ഷ്യം.

പരിപാടിയിലെ പ്രത്യേക ജഡ്ജിയായ മാസ്റ്റർ ഷെഫ് ഇന്ത്യയിലെ മുഹമ്മദ് ആഷിഖ് തന്റെ ആവേശം പങ്കുവെച്ചു: “കുട്ടികളിലെ ഒളിഞ്ഞിരിക്കുന്ന പാചക പ്രതിഭകളെ പുറത്തുകൊണ്ടുവരുന്ന ഇത്തരം സംരംഭങ്ങളുടെ ഭാഗമാകാൻ കഴിഞ്ഞതിൽ എനിക്ക് വളരെ സന്തോഷമുണ്ട്. യുവ ഷെഫുകളെ മെന്ററിംഗ് ചെയ്യുന്നതും അവരുടെ ശബ്ദം കണ്ടെത്താൻ സഹായിക്കുന്നതും വളരെ പ്രതിഫലദായകമാണ്. ഈ വേദി പാചക വ്യവസായത്തിൽ ഭാവി പര്യവേക്ഷണം ചെയ്യാൻ ആവശ്യമായ ഉപകരണങ്ങൾ അവർക്ക് നൽകുന്നു.”

ലുലു മാൾ ബെംഗളൂരു റീജിയണൽ ഡയറക്ടർ ശ്രീ. ഷെരീഫ് കെ കെ പറഞ്ഞു: “പാചകം ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ അവിഭാജ്യ ഘടകമാണ്. ഈ ആരോഗ്യകരമായ മത്സരം കുട്ടികളെ അവരുടെ പാചക കഴിവുകൾ മാത്രമല്ല, അവരുടെ അതിരുകളില്ലാത്ത സർഗ്ഗാത്മകതയും പ്രദർശിപ്പിക്കാൻ അനുവദിക്കുന്നു. അത്തരം സമഗ്രമായ വികസനം പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുന്നതിൽ ലുലു ഫണ്ടൂറ അഭിമാനിക്കുന്നു.”

ഈ പാചക മഹോത്സവം പഠനം, സർഗ്ഗാത്മകത, കുടുംബ വിനോദം എന്നിവ വിജയകരമായി സമന്വയിപ്പിച്ചു, കമ്മ്യൂണിറ്റിക്ക് അവിസ്മരണീയവും സമ്പുഷ്ടവുമായ അനുഭവങ്ങൾ സൃഷ്ടിക്കാനുള്ള ലുലു ഫണ്ടൂറയുടെ പ്രതിബദ്ധത ശക്തിപ്പെടുത്തി.

 ലുലു ഫണ്ടൂറ ബാംഗ്ലൂർ കർണാടകയിലെ ഏറ്റവും വലിയ ഇൻഡോർ അമ്യൂസ്മെന്റ് പാർക്ക് വിഭാഗമാണ്, ഇത് ആവേശകരമായ അന്തരീക്ഷവും എല്ലാ പ്രായത്തിലുള്ളവർക്കും വിനോദത്തിനുള്ള മികച്ച അവസരവും നൽകുന്നു. ഇന്ത്യയിലെ ബെംഗളൂരുവിലെ ഏറ്റവും വലിയ ഷോപ്പിംഗ് മാളായ ലുലു മാളിലാണ് ഫണ്ടൂറ സ്ഥിതി ചെയ്യുന്നത്.

Devadas TP- Industry Technology Media Correspondent.

Lulu Group India successfully launched its f ifth Lulu Daily Hypermarket in Bengaluru on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Global Malls Divinity, Nayandahalli, Mysore Road, Bengaluru.

The grand opening marked a significant milestone in the Lulu Group’s Bengaluru expansion strategy, bringing world class retail excellence to the city’s rapidly growing western corridor. Spanning 21,500 square feet, the new hypermarket witnessed an overwhelming response from the community, with thousands of shoppers thronging the store from the moment doors opened at 11:00 AM.

The inaugural day saw packed aisles, festive celebrations, and an enthusiastic embrace from residents of Nagarbhavi, Nayandahalli, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Ashraf Ali M. A., Executive Director, Lulu Group India along with other Lulu Group Dignitaries

Mr. Ashraf Ali M. A., Executive Director, Lulu Group India, commented, “Today marks yet another proud moment for the Lulu family. The love and response we have received from the people of Bengaluru across our five stores is truly humbling. Our Nayandahalli store is a testament to our commitment to being where our customers need us, delivering quality, affordability, and choice always under one roof.” The new Lulu Daily Hypermarket at Global Malls Divinity features, Farm-fresh produce section with direct sourcing from local Karnataka farmers and international suppliers. Premium meat and seafood counters offering hygienically processed, diverse culinary options. Extensive product range spanning fresh groceries, gourmet foods, household essentials, electronics, apparel, and more.

Over 1000+ direct and indirect employment opportunities are being created through this launch and special inaugural offers and promotions that saw enthusiastic participation from first day shoppers.

Also present on the occasion were Nishad M A, Director and CEO, Lulu Group India, Fahaz Ashraf, Director and COO, Lulu Group India, Anand AV, Director of Lulu International Holdings, Swaraj NB, Media Head, Lulu Group India, Shereef K.K., Regional Director of Lulu Karnataka Region, Jamal K P, Regional Manager, Lulu Karnataka Region and other Lulu dignitaries.

Lulu Daily Lulu Daily is a neighbourhood market concept by Lulu Group India, created to meet customers’ daily shopping needs.

These stores focus on providing a wide range of essentials, including fresh foods, groceries, and other daily necessities, all in a well organized and easily accessible shopping environment.

By bringing daily essentials closer to neighbourhoods, Lulu Daily strives to offer convenience, quality, and value under one roof, making it a go-to destination for customers seeking a reliable and hassle free shopping experience.

Devadas TP Industry Technology Media Special Correspondent-Bengaluru.

In  a heartfelt celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day, The Great Indian Salute event at Lulu Mall, Bengaluru, paid a moving tribute to the nation’s veterans, unveiling a permanent Wall of Fame to immortalize their sacrifices and heroism.

The Great Indian Salute was a unique initiative designed to celebrate the indomitable spirit of India’s armed forces and veterans.

The event featured the unveiling of the Wall of Fame, a dedicated space that pays homage to the heroes who have selflessly served the nation.

Visitors had the opportunity to walk through this inspiring exhibit, which showcases stories of valor, patriotism, and sacrifice, offering a poignant reminder of the freedoms we cherish today.

The event, held on August 13, 2025, drew hundreds of attendees, including veterans, families, and patriots, who gathered to honour India’s brave defenders. The event commenced at 5 PM in the South Atrium of Lulu Mall Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, where guests were greeted with stirring speeches, and interactive exhibits showcasing the legacy of India’s armed forces. Attendees shared personal stories, fostering a powerful sense of unity and gratitude. The Kargil War Memorial Model at the North Atrium of Lulu mall Bengaluru, adorned with imagery of the rugged Kargil terrain and silhouettes of soldiers standing tall against the mountains is a special public art installation designed to honour the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War.

The special highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Wall of Fame located on the 3rd Floor of Lulu Mall Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, this permanent installation features photographs, stories, and artifacts celebrating veterans’ contributions. Emotional moments unfolded as families traced their loved ones’ service histories. The showcase is open to public for another two months at Lulu Mall Rajajinagar, Bengaluru.

According to Mr. Shereef K K, Regional Director of Lulu Mall Karnataka

“This Independence Day, we want to move beyond celebration and reflect on the sacrifices that have shaped our nation. The Wall of Fame is our tribute to the heroes who have safeguarded India’s freedom, and it is more than a memorial also a promise to future generations that courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“The Wall of Honour is more than just an installation for us it is an emotion, a space where every visitor can pause and feel a sense of gratitude. On this 13th of August 2025, as part of our Independence Day celebrations, we wanted to create something that connects our community to the stories of service and sacrifice that protect our freedom every day.

This is our small effort to acknowledge a very big debt we all owe. We sincerely thank every individual we have honoured, and their families, for the courage and commitment they represent. We invite all our customers and guests to come, spend a few minutes at the Wall of Honour over the next month, and carry forward the spirit of respect and remembrance. Jai Hind” said Mr. Kiran V Puthran , General Manager, Lulu Mall Bengaluru.

LuLu Funtura, Bengaluru’s premier indoor amusement park, successfully concluded the highly anticipated “Little Star 2025” talent competition presented by Milkymist and Radio Partner 91.1 FM Radio City, marking its most spectacular edition yet. The event, designed for budding performers aged 8-15, transformed into a national phenomenon with overwhelming participation from young talents across India.

A Celebration of Young Brilliance for the competition received over 1,000 entries, with participants dazzling audiences in three dynamic categories singing, dancing, and musical instruments. After a rigorous selection process featuring multiple audition rounds and semi-finals, the grand finale unfolded as a breathtaking display of skill, creativity, and passion.

The winners took home incredible prizes, including ₹1 lakh for the champion, ₹50,000 for the 1st runner-up, and ₹25,000 for the 2nd runner-up, along with exclusive gifts.  Industry Experts was Impressed by Raw Talents that participated  in the programme.

Funtura Bangalore is the largest indoor amusement park section that offers an exciting environment and the perfect escape for entertainment for people of all ages.

Funtura, located inside Bangalore’s largest shopping mall, LuLu Mall, Rajainagar, Bengaluru, India.

According to Mr. Shereef Kochumon, Regional Director of Lulu Mall Bengaluru – “Little Star 2025” went beyond a contest and it became a movement to nurture creativity, build confidence, and inspire dreams. The event not only provided a professional platform for children to shine but also fostered a sense of community among families and art enthusiasts.

The sale spans across Lulu Mall, Lulu Hypermarket Rajaji Nagar, Lulu Daily, Lulu Connect and REO at VR Mall Whitefield, Lulu Daily at Forum Mall Falcon city, and Lulu Daily at M5 ECity Mall Electronic City, offering shoppers a chance to grab their favourite items at half price. Whether you are on the lookout for premium fashion, gadgets, home essentials, or event fresh groceries, Lulu has something for everyone at unbeatable prices.

During the event all the Lulu outlets will extend their opening hours until midnight, ensuring plenty of time to shop at own pace. Additionally, Lulu is offering an exclusive auction starting from July 3rd to July 6th, where customers can bid for a selection of latest electronics, home appliances, gadgets and much more starting from one rupee.

Lulu Mall Bengaluru continues to be the city’s ultimate destination for unforgettable experiences. Shoppers can enjoy the paradise during the biggest “LULU ON SALE”- Get Lost in Shopping, season at Lulu Mall, featuring fabulous deals across fashion, electronics, home decor, and more. Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, upgrade gadgets, or simply indulge in some retail therapy, Lulu Mall offers irresistible discounts that make every purchase rewarding. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to shop till you drop while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere with music and entertainment at Bengaluru’s premier shopping center.

Lulu Funtura, Karnataka’s biggest indoor amusement park, offers customers the thrill of experiencing the most number of rides under one roof and holds the title of being the largest in its category. During this EOSS period, customers get the exclusive challenge for Bowling at Funtura. They can showcase their bowling skills and walkaway with amazing prizes

According to Mr. Shereef Kochumon, Regional Director of Lulu Mall Bengaluru, “The End of Season Sale (EOSS) at Lulu Bengaluru is a shopper’s paradise, running with unbeatable discounts across fashion, electronics, home essentials, and more. While the sale offers ample time to explore and shop, the real excitement peaks from July 3rd to 6th featuring exclusive deals, limited time offers and thrilling in mall experiences.

Don’t miss out on the year’s biggest shopping extravaganza, where every day brings new surprises and savings”.

Special Bank Offers are also ensured for multiple cards and exciting programs are scheduled at Lulu Mall to extend the happiness of shopping. Sufficient parking is ensured for all the customers during these days.

With unbeatable prices, extended hours, and incredible auction opportunities, Lulu Bengaluru is the ultimate shopping destination of this festive season.

]]> https://malayalanad.in/2025/06/7805/feed/ 0 https://malayalanad.in/2025/06/7759/ https://malayalanad.in/2025/06/7759/#respond Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:13:03 +0000 https://malayalanad.in/2025/06/7759/ Devadas TP Industry Media Special Correspondent.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who holds Bengaluru development portfolio, received the Guiness World Record certificate from the adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar at a ceremony in Bengaluru on behalf of the board.

The board took up  a water conservation campaign  during March 21 to 28, began with Cauvery Aarti at Sankey Tank, has set a world record for maximum number of pledges from people (5.33 Lakh) to conserve water..

The record is for conducting the world’s largest water conservation pledge campaign.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Shivakumar said that the recent water price hike taken up by BWSSB  after over a decade was an attempt to reduce the losses to the board by about ₹500 crore annually. “We are still not able to break even. But we are trying to reduce losses,” he said,

He further said that the State government was planning to supply the Cauvery water to 2 crore people in the Bengaluru region.

 “Presently, we are now providing water to newly added areas to BBMP in 2007-08 through Cauvery V Stage, he said.

Referring to Cauvery VI Stage, he said that there  are about 50 lakh people around the city, to whom we are now planning to provide Cauvery water,” for which a detailed project report (DPR) is under way.

Mr. Shivakumar also pointed out that cities like Delhi had progressed to dual piping system, with drinking water and water for other purposes being supplied separately and said that Bengaluru should also follow the same path in the future.

Banu Mushtaq’s short story collection Hridaya Deepa (Heart Lamp), translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, bagged the £50,000 award at a ceremony held at London’s Tate Modern.

Her writing always entrenched with  the themes of secularism, harmony, and brotherhood.

She has published six short story collections, a novel, an essay collection, and a poetry collection.

Her work has been translated into Urdu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and English.

Banu Mushtaq was born into a Muslim family in Hassan, Karnataka.

In contrast to community expectations, she attended university and married for love at the age of 26.

She was a reporter for the newspaper Lankesh Patrike  and, for some months, she worked for All India Radio in Bengaluru.

In 2000, a three-month “social boycott” was announced against Mushtaq and her family in response to her “advocacy of the right of Muslim women to enter mosques.

Since the 1980s, Mushtaq has been involved in activist movements working to undermine “fundamentalism and social injustices” in State  of Karnataka.

The stories in “Heart Lamp ” reflect Mushtaq’s life as a journalist and lawyer, with a focus on women’s rights and resistance to caste and religious injustice in her  her part of the state.

Chair of the Booker International judges Max Porter said that although the stories are feminist, and “contain extraordinary accounts of patriarchal systems and resistance”, first and foremost they are “beautiful accounts of everyday life and particularly the lives of women”.

The Co -Winner of the International Booker Prize 2025 for Heart Lamp. Mrs.Deepa Bhasthi is a writer and literary translator based in Kodagu, Karnataka.

Deepa Bhasthi was the first Indian translator to win the prize and this was the first short story collection ever to win the prize

Bhasthi’s columns, essays and cultural criticism have been published in India and internationally.

Her published translations from Kannada include a novel by Kota Shivarama Karanth and a collection of short stories by Kodagina Gouramma.

Devadas TP Industry Technology Media Special Correspondent.

The Government of Karnataka, under the leadership of Shri M.B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, today hosted the first edition of Uthpadana Manthana, a post-Invest Karnataka 2025, initiative designed to fast-track the state’s vision of becoming India’s premier manufacturing hub. The day-long conclave served as a strategic platform to engage directly with industry leaders and co-create a clear, actionable roadmap for industrial growth.

The conclave brought together around 80 senior executives—CEOs and CXOs—from nearly 60 companies across key sectors. These leaders engaged in focused discussions around six priority areas identified by the Government: Aerospace & Defence (including Space Tech and Drones), Electronics and Semiconductors, Capital Goods and Robotics, Auto & Electric Vehicles, Technical and MMF-based Textiles, and Consumer Products such as FMCG, footwear, and toys. Shri M.B Patil attended each of these sectoral sessions, listening closely to the recommendations presented and engaging directly with stakeholders to co-develop actionable strategies.

Speaking at the conclave, Shri M.B. Patil said, “Uthpadana Manthana reflects our commitment to transform Karnataka into a global manufacturing powerhouse. This initiative goes beyond policy discussions—it’s about working directly with industry leaders to co-create practical, high-impact solutions. Your insights today on improving infrastructure, streamlining clearances, and building talent pipelines will shape our immediate action plan.

The broader objective of Uthpadana Manthana is aligned with the state’s vision to attract INR 7.5 lakh crore in investments and create 20 lakh jobs over the next five years.

 The Government is also focused on scaling up merchandise exports by leveraging Free Trade Warehousing Zones, export-oriented industrial parks, and faster port access. Karnataka seeks to establish itself as India’s most competitive ESDM manufacturing destination by attracting OSAT/ATMP players and strengthening the component ecosystem. With focused efforts in sectors like EVs, semiconductors, aerospace, and advanced textiles, this is just the beginning—Uthpadana Manthana will be a continuous engagement to drive real, lasting impact.”

Some of the eminent industry leaders who participated in the discussions included Prashant Prakash (Founding Partner, Accel), Aravind Melligeri (Chairman, Aequs), Niranjan Nayak (Managing Director, Delta Electronics), Avinash Avula (Country President, Applied Materials), Harish Hanagudu (Managing Director, Krones), Hiren Sodha (CEO, Wings Agro), Anand PB (Board Member & President – Corporate Affairs, Shahi Exports), Srikiran Kosanam (CTO, Knorr Bremse), and Dilip Chhabria (Co-founder, NewSpace).

During the conclave, sector leaders presented specific recommendations that were consolidated into a government action plan for the next 6–9 months.

Suggestions included integrating elective courses in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing into academic curricula with a focus on hands-on learning; improving port connectivity to Mangalore and Chennai from industrial clusters to ease exports; and streamlining customs clearance procedures to enhance ease of doing business.

There was also a strong call for the development of integrated industrial townships with plug-and-play infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and social amenities.

Further proposals included establishing an Advanced Manufacturing Institute in collaboration with CMTI and industry players to boost local talent and innovation, and promoting Karnataka’s capital goods manufacturing strength globally by setting up dedicated trade desks in countries like South Korea.

The need to simplify approvals for environmental and operational clearances (such as CFE and CFO), create shared factory spaces for startups, and offer incentives for apprenticeship-driven companies was also emphasized. Additionally, the industry recommended support for setting up dedicated facilities for aircraft-grade steel alloys and composite materials.

The state further aims to reinforce its position as the EV Capital of India by boosting domestic value addition, attracting more OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, and developing clusters for battery and motor components.

Other ambitions include anchoring Karnataka’s leadership in sunrise sectors such as green hydrogen, semiconductors, med-tech, aerospace MRO, precision engineering, and space tech.

To support these, the Government plans to build world-class industrial townships, promote sustainable and circular industrial practices, and offer green-linked incentives.

The Government of Karnataka will now establish dedicated task forces for each sector to implement the ideas and proposals emerging from Uthpadana Manthana, ensuring the state remains at the forefront of India’s industrial transformation.

 Dr. S. Selvakumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Commerce and Industries; Smt. Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Industries and Commerce, Dr. Mahesh M, IAS. Chief Executive Officer & Executive Member, KIADB were present during the Uthpadana Manthana event.

Bengaluru –  8 th  June, 2025 –

Devadas TP Industry Technology Media Special Correspondent

As part of the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and Pre-Kharif Campaign, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Honourable Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, visited the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru. His visit marked a pivotal moment in reinforcing the Government’s commitment to advancing Indian agriculture through sustainability, innovation, and a farmer-centric approach, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Pre-Visit Field and Facility Tour

Before arriving at ICAR-IIHR campus, the Minister toured the fields of progressive farmers cultivating high-value crops like dragon fruit (Kamalam) and tomatoes, gaining firsthand insight into the innovations and successes at the grassroots level.

He praised these farmers for their entrepreneurship and profitable cultivation models that inspire income security.

The Minister also visited the ICAR-IIHR Nursery, where lakhs of quality planting materials are produced and distributed to farmers, ensuring access to superior planting stock that can significantly enhance crop yields and resilience.

Further, Shri Chouhan explored the BESST-Hort Incubation Centre located on the ICAR-IIHR campus. This innovative facility supports young entrepreneurs and farmers who lack space, machinery, or technological expertise by providing shared resources to process their produce and access markets effectively. The incubation centre exemplifies the institution’s commitment to fostering agribusiness and rural enterprise development.

In his address to over 500 farmers, scientists, and staff, Shri Chouhan emphasized the critical role farmers play in ensuring national food security and economic prosperity. With conviction, he declared, “I am a farmer first,” underscoring his dedication to serve the farming community as a sevak rather than a politician. This humility and focus set the tone for the day’s events.

He lauded the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship displayed by farmers across India and urged them to embrace diversification, sustainable practices, and technology-driven farming. “India must become the world’s food basket,” he stressed, calling for empowered farmers supported by strong institutions and enabling policies.

Felicitation of Progressive Farmers

Highlighting real-world success stories, the Minister felicitated several progressive farmers who exemplify agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship. These farmers represent the navachar kranti—innovative revolutions that are driving India’s agrarian resurgence.

Bridging Lab to Land: The Real-Time Impact of Science

Shri Chouhan acknowledged the crucial role of ICAR-IIHR and other ICAR institutions in translating scientific research into practical farming solutions. The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan initiative is enabling over 16,000 scientists to collaborate closely with farmers,

 fostering a “One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team” ethos.

This integration accelerates the adoption of new technologies and practices, ensuring that scientific advancements reach fields in real time, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

Success Stories and Agricultural Transformation

The Minister shared inspiring examples such as Kamalam (Dragon Fruit) cultivation, where farmers have achieved profits as high as ₹7 lakh per acre over three years, moving away from distress sales toward financial security.

 He stressed the importance of crop suitability assessments, sustainable fertilizer use, pest management (notably control of stem borers in sugarcane), and value addition through processing as cornerstones of India’s agricultural transformation.

He further highlighted Karnataka’s horticultural potential, praising Bengaluru’s villages as beacons of horticultural prosperity poised to drive export-led growth. From Shimoga’s arecanut and pepper cultivation to millet farming and bee-based products, Shri Chouhan called for a shift beyond traditional farming towards crop diversity and enhanced processing.

Exhibition of Horticultural Excellence

As part of his visit, the Minister inaugurated a vibrant exhibition at ICAR-IIHR showcasing the latest varieties of mango, flowers, vegetables, and medicinal plants.

The exhibition highlighted cutting-edge research outputs of ICAR-IIHR and the Bengaluru based ICAR institutes on Climate-resilient crop varieties, post-harvest handling and technologies, Integrated pest and disease management strategies, Innovations in apiculture and mushroom cultivation, Development of medicinal and aromatic plants. These exhibits demonstrated the robust lab-to-land connectivity and technological progress driven by institutes under the umbrella of ICAR.

The programme was graced by several dignitaries, including: Dr. K. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Chikkaballapur), Shri S. R. Vishwanath, Hon’ble MLA (Yelahanka), Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticultural Sciences), ICAR, Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Sciences), ICAR, Dr. Venkata Subramaniam, Director, ICAR-ATARI. Dr. Tusa Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR hosted the programme. Their presence underlined the collaborative effort among policymakers, research institutions, and farmers to realize agricultural progress.

Towards a Food-Secure and Prosperous India

Shri Chouhan emphasized agriculture’s dual significance: though it accounts for around 18% of India’s GDP, it sustains nearly 50% of the population. With a recent Q4 growth rate of 5.41%, agriculture is primed for rapid advancement through innovation and government support.

He called for cooperative efforts between state governments, ICAR, agricultural departments, and farmers to build an enabling ecosystem.

 “Our farmers have the capability; we must provide the environment for their success,” he urged.

Concluding on a hopeful and determined note, the Minister promised, “I will return. Because I am a farmer—and a servant of farmers. Our mission is to transform their lives and ensure profit and pride in farming.”

The visit and programme at ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru was a compelling demonstration of India’s renewed agricultural spirit—rooted in tradition, empowered by science, and driven by visionary leadership. It reinforced the collective resolve to achieve Viksit Krishi for Samruddh Bharat, contributing significantly to the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

]]> https://malayalanad.in/2025/06/7634/feed/ 0 https://malayalanad.in/2025/06/7607/ https://malayalanad.in/2025/06/7607/#respond Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:05:37 +0000 https://malayalanad.in/2025/06/7607/

Bengaluru – Thursday, 05 June, 2025 –

Devadas TP Industry Technology Media Special Correspondent

In a heartfelt tribute to the city’s invisible environmental champions, Lulu Mall Bengaluru celebrated World Environment Day 2025 with a grand felicitation ceremony for the street warriors from Bengaluru.

The event, themed Keeping the City Clean, Keeping the City Green, was a vibrant acknowledgment of the indispensable role these Street Warriors play in maintaining the city’s cleanliness and sustainability.

Organized with the support of Hasiru Dala and Green Mic, the evening was a powerful reminder of the collective effort needed to build a greener future.

An evening of recognition and Inspiration, the event was attended by environmentalists, civic officials, corporate representatives, and community members, was a blend of celebration, storytelling, and advocacy.

Wall Of Fame  Inaugurated.

The highlight of the evening was the inauguration of the “Wall of Fame”, a permanent installation space dedicated to all the stories and reflections. In which the street warriors, their struggles, resilience, and contributions to Bengaluru’s waste management ecosystem were highlighted.

The event pulled off with the visually striking featuring and narratives of street warriors, humanizing their often overlooked labour.

The event focused on the felicitation ceremony with over 30 street warriors were honoured with awards for their exemplary service in segregating, collecting, and recycling waste.

Talking about the initiative, Mr. Kiran V Puthran, General Manager Lulu Mall Bengaluru said, “It is an honour for us to host this for the street warriors and thank them for their tireless work for Namma Bengaluru. Lulu Mall Bengaluru’s commitment is to uphold people and planet, looking at various initiatives we can take up to enable change.

Appealing all the corporates and individuals to support this street warriors for their needs, because they are the backbone to keep our city clean and tidy.”

Lulu Mall Bengaluru, a premier shopping destination with 5 floors housing over 150+ international and national brands. Spanning 7 Lakh sqft, our mall offers an unparalleled retail experience, complemented by 11 screens consisting of 3 VIP dedicated Audis for your entertainment. Enjoy a diverse culinary journey at our 5+ restaurants, 2 pubs and 30 food court outlets, all within a 1300+ seater food court.

With parking space for 1700+ vehicles, Lulu Mall Bengaluru ensures a convenient and delightful visit for all.