Snehalaya Inaugurates Another facility : A CSR initiative of MRPL | Global TV
Snehalaya, a home for psycho social rehabilitation, a beacon of compassion and love , had yet another day to mark in golden letters. On 5-6-2025 Snehalaya marked the inauguration of their newly constructed terrace roofing and flooring at its De-Addiction Cente. This facility is provided through the generous support of MRPL Mangalore under their CSR initiative. This facility will be utilised and dedicated space for expressive art therapy and various healing activities aimed at empowering individuals on their path to recovery.
The inauguration ceremony was very meaningful and a touching event, graced by the presence of several distinguished guests. Mr. K. Nagaraj Rao, Senior Manager of the CSR Department at MRPL, had the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon, symbolizing the opening of a new chapter for the center on behalf of Shri Krishna Hegde Miyar, Group GM, HR MRPL-ONGC Mangalore in his absencia as chief guest.
Other esteemed attendees included:
Mr. John B. Monteiro, President of Rachana Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mangalore
Mr. Raja Balchada, Arasu Manjihnar Kshetra, Udyavara Mada
Rev. Fr. Cyril D’Souza, Chaplain of Snehalaya
Mr. Rafeeq Master, Motivational Speaker from Mangalore Br. Joseph Crasta, the founder and Executive Director of Snehalaya, warmly welcomed the guests and shared the heart and soul behind the organization’s mission. His words echoed the dedication that has shaped Snehalaya into a sanctuary for those seeking freedom from addiction. The event’s proceedings were seamlessly conducted by Mr. Geo Dsilva whose vibrant presence kept the gathering engaged and inspired. and Mrs. Olivia Crasta joined in expressing profound gratitude to the guests especially to MRPL Mangalore and all those whose support made this dream a reality.
The guest speakers praised Snehalaya’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives, emphasizing how the new terrace space would play a vital role in healing through creativity and expression. Their heartfelt messages served as powerful reminders of the ripple effect that compassionate service and responsible corporate citizenship can form a paradise here.
Question Hour – A Revolutionary Happiness Program | Transforming Lives, One Question at a Time
In a world overflowing with information but starving for reflection, Question Hour emerges as a revolutionary movement—an hour that doesn’t offer answers, but dares to ask the right questions. It’s not a lecture. It’s not therapy. It’s not motivation for a moment. Question Hour is a mirror held up to the soul, a structured space where self-inquiry becomes the gateway to happiness, freedom, and purpose. Why Question Hour? Most people are living out inherited beliefs, social scripts, and unconscious routines. We chase success but feel empty. We achieve goals but lose peace. Why? Because we’ve never been taught to ask the right questions.
Question Hour is born from a single insight: Happiness begins not when we get ready-made answers, but when we begin asking questions that truly matter.
Key Features of the Program
The Power of Reflective Questions Participants are guided through life-shifting questions like: Am I living my values, or performing for approval? Is my happiness real or borrowed from others’ expectations? What is success for me? These questions are designed using psychological, philosophical, and spiritual insights. They break internal patterns and spark awakening.
Thematic Clarity: From Confusion to Congruence Each session focuses on one key theme: Self-Worth, Positivity, Relationships, Success, Education, Respect, Contribution, etc. The structure helps participants move from emotional confusion to clarity, and eventually, to personal congruence—the alignment of thought, emotion, and action.
The ‘Pause and See’ Framework In a fast world, this program creates an intentional pause—a sacred hour to reflect. It includes: Silent Reflection moments, Guided Self-Inquiry Exercises, Personal Insight Journaling. It’s not just an hour. It’s a lifestyle reset.
No Judgment, Only Awakening Unlike debates or traditional sessions, Question Hour is non-judgmental and deeply personal. It’s not about right or wrong answers. It’s about facing oneself honestly, with compassion.
Science + Soul Approach Combining psychological tools, logical frameworks, and soul wisdom, the program weaves: The 4D Formula for Positivity, The Three Levels of Congruence, The Success Reimagined Model. This makes it a complete psycho-logical experience—deep yet simple, rational yet soulful. The program is for Anyone longing for Happiness, Greater inner peace, Authentic success, Joyful relationships, Emotional resilience, A sense of meaning and purpose. From students to CEOs, homemakers to healers, Question Hour is universal in its reach. Question Hour is not just a program—it’s a social revolution. It’s about creating a Better World through Better Minds—where people don’t just function, but flourish. As people begin asking real questions and finding their authentic answers, Families heal, Workplaces evolve, Leaders make positive decisions, and Society becomes more respectful, ethical, and joyful. The world does not change when people are told what to do. It changes when they ask themselves: “Am I living the life I truly want?”And that is where Question Hour begins. With one hour. One question. One honest self-reflection. Because the happiness revolution isn’t a future event. It begins the moment we dare to ask.
The City Built Around the Church: A Reflection with Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandez | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
In a quiet, contemplative corner of Mangalore city, the heart nestled within the sacred precincts of Kulshekar Church, I had the proud privilege of conversing with Rev. Fr Clifford Fernandes; Parish Priest, scholar, and thinker whose words carry the weight of lived experience and spiritual wisdom.
What began as a casual recollection soon unfolded into a profound reflection on the unseen, yet deeply transformative, influence of the Church on the landscape of communities and cities. The story he shared was deceptively simple. It took place during his tenure as Asst. Parish Priest at the historic Mother of Sorrows Church in Udupi, a vibrant parish situated in the heart of the city.
One afternoon, a Tahsildar; a Hindu by faith, came visiting. The two exchanged pleasantries, and as they conversed, the priest pointed out on to the surrounding noise, characteristic of a busy urban center. “I told him the church is in the middle of the city,” Rev. Fr Clifford Fernandes recounted. “Immediately, he corrected me. ‘No, Father,’ he said. ‘What are you saying? The church is not in the middle of the city. The city is built around the church.’”
That reply struck like a chord resounding with forgotten truths. The Tahsildar’s statement was not just a poetic comment; it was a profound sociological observation. He went on to explain how the presence of the church had triggered a ripple of growth around it. “When a church comes up,” he said, “it brings along a small tailoring school, a dispensary. Because Christians are a community that worships together, people gather. One vendor comes to sell vegetables.
Next day onions, garlic, then pork, cheese. Slowly, a tea stall appears. Then someone starts making Goli Bajje and Ambade. And so, the city grows; not just with buildings, but with life, community, commerce, and care.”
The Tahsildar’s insight reframed not just urban geography, but our understanding of how civilization itself sprouts; around spaces of faith, of congregation, of shared hope. More Than a Building: The Church as a Living Root
Rev. Fr Clifford Fernandes reflected deeply on the Tahsildar’s words. “That day I understood something important,” he said. “We often underestimate the impact of the Church. But when the Church takes root, everything around it begins to change. There is a transformation of the entire environment.”
This is not merely about bricks and mortar. The Church, he explained, acts like a living root system. Silent and hidden beneath the surface, its presence nourishes, connects, and ultimately reshapes everything above ground.
Indeed, history has shown us that towns and cities across the world have grown around places of worship; be it temples, mosques, synagogues, or churches. But in the Christian context, especially in the Konkan region of Karnataka, churches often came not only with spiritual intent but also with a mission of education, healthcare, skill-building, and community development.
Rev. Fr Clifford Fernandes illustrated this further. “Even in remote places,” he noted, “when a congregation purchases a small piece of land to build a chapel, the land value shoots up. Local people know: soon a school might come, a clinic, maybe a small charity kitchen. Development follows the chapel.”
This organic development is not driven by profit, but by presence; the presence of people who live by service, prayer, and social responsibility.
The Invisible Infrastructure
What is striking in Rev. Fr Clifford Fernandes’ story is the recognition of an invisible infrastructure; moral, emotional and spiritual architecture that underpins physical development. In today’s discourse on urban planning and sustainable growth, this dimension is often overlooked.
Churches, especially in India’s coastal regions, have long functioned as anchors of stability. They become meeting points, cultural hubs, educational centers, and places where the elderly and the poor find dignity. While governments invest in schemes and institutions, churches quietly invest in human beings.
“The quality of the Church,” Rev. Fr Clifford mused, “is not just in how many benches it has, or how big the building is. It is in the lives it touches. The service it renders. The value it silently adds.” There’s a sacred ease to this transformation: not through slogans or mega projects, but through small, consistent acts of love.
A woman receives free medicine at a dispensary. A child learns at a school. A young boy is mentored by the parish priest. A lonely widow finds community during Sunday Mass. This, too, is infrastructure. This, too, is nation building.
A Lesson for Today
The world increasingly fragmented by consumerism and urban isolation. The Church offers a counter-model; a community centric ecosystem that thrives not on accumulation, but on communion. Rev. Fr. Clifford’s encounter with the Tahsildar reveals how those outside the Church often see its value more clearly than those within. “Sometimes we don’t realize the worth of the service we are doing,” he said. “But others do. We should look around to see them.”
There is a quiet challenge in those words: to rediscover the value of the Church, not only as a spiritual home, but as a catalyst for wholeness in society. The story invites not just Catholics, but citizens of all faiths to reconsider the true markers of progress. In the eyes of one humble government officer, the church was not merely a building in the middle of a busy city. It was the heart around which the city found its rhythm. What a monologue to celebrate the vibrance!
Epilogue: The Ripple Effect of Faith
Rev. Fr. Clifford’s anecdote may be a singular memory, but it speaks a universal truth. The presence of faith; authentic, grounded, and community-minded, creates ripples that change the world. Cities may grow skyward, but their soul still rises from humble places, like a pious church on a noisy street, where service, faith, and silent transformation take root. The city is not the center. The Church is.
Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, hailing from Kelarai, was ordained a priest on April 21, 2005. He began his priestly ministry as Assistant Parish Priest at Mother of Sorrows Church in Udupi (2005–2007). Prior to ordination, he completed his priestly formation at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, where he studied philosophy and theology as part of the formal academic and spiritual preparation for the priesthood.
Following his initial pastoral assignment, he pursued his post-graduate theological studies at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore (2007–2009), further deepening his understanding of Catholic theology and pastoral ministry.
He then served as Spiritual Director at Jeppu Seminary (2009–2018), nurturing seminarians’ spiritual growth. Subsequently, he became Parish Priest at Jeppu (2018–2021), and since 2021, he has been serving as Parish Priest at Holy Cross Church, Cordel, Kulshekar. A serene nature where you are illuminated inside.
Fr. Clifford is renowned for his compelling homilies and active engagement in diocesan events. Notably, he delivered an inspiring sermon during the Relic Feast of St. Anthony of Padua at Milagres Shrine, emphasizing the importance of proclaiming God’s glory through our gifts. His leadership and spiritual guidance continue to enrich the faith community in Mangalore.
2000 ജൂൺ 15 വ്യാഴാഴ്ച്ചയാണ് സെമിനാരിയിൽ ചേർന്നത്.അന്ന് സംസാരിച്ചതും ഭക്ഷണം വിളമ്പിതന്നതും സെൻ്റ് സെബാസ്റ്റ്യൻ എന്ന ജീപ്പിൽ എടൂരേക്ക് തിരികെ പോകുന്ന എൻ്റെയും പൊന്നമ്പേലച്ചൻ്റെയും മാതാപിതാക്കളെ ആശ്വസിപ്പിച്ച് യാത്രയാക്കിയതും എല്ലാം എനിക്ക് നല്ല ഓർമ്മയുണ്ട്.അന്നത്തെ പത്താംതരക്കാരൻ്റെ കൗതുകങ്ങളെ,ചോദ്യങ്ങളെ, തർക്കങ്ങളെ,ആകുലതകളെ എത്ര സ്നേഹത്തോടെയാണ് അങ്ങ് പൗരോഹിത്യ സ്വപ്നത്തിലേക്ക് ആഴപ്പെടുത്തിയത്.
അച്ചനോർമ്മയുണ്ടോ മൈനർ സെമിനാരിയിൽ വന്നതിൻ്റെ തൊട്ടടുത്ത നാളിൽ സീനിയേഴ്സിൻ്റെ നാടകത്തിന് പ്രോപ്പർട്ടീസ് ഉണ്ടാക്കാൻ ഏൽപ്പിച്ചത്.മേജർ സെമിനാരിയിലെ നാടകത്തിൻ്റെ ആൽബങ്ങൾ കാണിച്ച് കർട്ടൻ വരക്കാൻ പ്രോൽസാഹിപ്പിച്ചത്. അഭിനയവേദിയിലും രംഗവേദിയൊരുക്കുന്നതിലും അങ്ങ് സ്നേഹമോടെ പകർന്ന അറിവനുഭവങ്ങളാണ് ചിലപ്പോഴെങ്കിലും കാർക്കശ്യത്തോടെ ഞാനിന്ന് വിളമ്പുന്നത്.
വീടിൻ്റെ നിലവിളികളെ, രോഗപീഡകളെ അച്ചൻ ആശീർവദിച്ചത്. ഓരോ കണ്ടുമുട്ടലിലും വീടും വീട്ടുകാര്യങ്ങളും അന്വേഷിച്ചറിഞ്ഞതും മറക്കാനാവില്ല.എൻ്റെ വാക്കും വരയും വായനയും എല്ലാം അങ്ങ് ശ്രദ്ധിച്ചിരുന്നു.അങ്ങയുടെ പ്രോൽസാഹനങ്ങൾ നിരന്തരമെന്നെ പിന്തുടർന്നിരുന്നു.
അങ്ങ് പഠിപ്പിച്ച വിഷയങ്ങൾ, അങ്ങയെ നയിച്ച നിലപാടുകൾ അവയെല്ലാം മനസ്സിലുണ്ട്. എനിക്കെന്തോ വലിയ ഇഷ്ടമായിരുന്നു, ആദരവായിരുന്നു. പറയുന്നതെല്ലാം ജീവിച്ച് കാണിച്ച് അങ്ങ് ഞങ്ങൾക്കൊരു വണ്ടറായിരുന്നു.അങ്ങയുടെ വാക്കിൻ്റെ മൂർച്ചയും കണിശതയുള്ള നിലപാടുകളും അപാരമായ ഹ്യൂമർ സെൻസും ആത്മാർത്ഥമായ അധ്വാനവും അതിലേറെ ദിവ്യകാരുണ്യ ഭക്തിയും പ്രതീക്ഷാനിർഭരമായ സംസാരങ്ങളും ഒരുപാടിഷ്ടമായിരുന്നു.
പരിശീലനത്തിൻ്റെ പല സമയത്തും അത്താണിയായിരുന്നു.മുന്നോട്ടുള്ള ചുവടുകൾക്ക് ഉത്തരവും.ചമ്മലില്ലാതെ മനസ്സ്തുറന്ന് വെക്കാൻ പറ്റിയൊരിടം… എല്ലാം പറഞ്ഞിറങ്ങുമ്പോൾ കരുത്തുള്ള ഒരു ഹസ്തദാനം….കൂടെയുണ്ടെന്ന് കണ്ണുകൾ കൊണ്ട് വീണ്ടും വീണ്ടും പറഞ്ഞിരുന്നു.
നേടിയ വിജയങ്ങളിൽ ഒപ്പം സന്തോഷിച്ചു, പരാജയം രുചിച്ചപ്പോൾ ചേർത്തു പിടിച്ച് ആശ്വസിപ്പിച്ചു, അഭിമാനത്തോടെ എല്ലായിടത്തും അവതരിപ്പിച്ചു. അങ്ങ് എന്നെ ആദ്യമായി യൂത്തിന് ക്ലാസെടുക്കാൻ പാണത്തൂരേക്ക് വിളിച്ചു. ഞാൻ പിന്നീടവിടെ കൊച്ചച്ചനായി. പിന്നെയും എത്രയോ തവണ എത്രയോ അവസരങ്ങൾ.. ഏത് ആൾക്കൂട്ടത്തിനിടയിലും സ്നേഹമുള്ള ഒരു കണ്ടുമുട്ടലായിരുന്നു അങ്ങ്. ‘മനോജ്’ എന്ന വിളിയിൽ എല്ലാമുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. പൗരോഹിത്യ യാത്രയിലെ എല്ലാ പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങളിലും അങ്ങയുടെ ആശീർവാദം ഞാൻ സ്വീകരിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. ഒരുവേള പ്രീസ്റ്റ് ഹോമിൽ വിശ്രമിച്ചപ്പോൾ വലിയ നോവോടെ അങ്ങ് എന്നെ കേട്ടിരുന്നതോർക്കുന്നു, ബലപ്പെടുത്തിയതും. അന്ന് എന്തിനാ കണ്ണ് നിറഞ്ഞത്….? വേദനയുടെ ലഹരിയിൽ വരഞ്ഞ ചിത്രങ്ങൾ പിന്നീട് നമ്മുടെ സംസാരത്തിൻ്റെ ഭാഗമായി. എൻ്റെ ഭാഗ്യവും.
നമ്മളവസാനം കണ്ടത് എടൂര് കുടിലിലച്ചൻ്റെ ചാച്ചൻ ( വല്യച്ചാച്ചൻ ) മരിച്ചപ്പോഴാണ്. എൻ്റെ ഉള്ളിൽ അന്ന്പെയ്ത സങ്കടത്തെ ”മനോജേ” എന്ന ഒറ്റവിളി കൊണ്ട് അങ്ങ് കുട ചൂടിച്ചു. മിഴിവുള്ളയാ പുഞ്ചിരി കൊണ്ട്, കരുതലുള്ളയാ സ്പർശനം കൊണ്ട് രോഗാതുരമായൊരു മനസിനെ അങ്ങ് ആരുമറിയാതെ സുഖപെടുത്തിയിരുന്നു.
രോഗബാധിതനായതും പതിയെ പതിയെ അതങ്ങയെ ശ്വാസമുട്ടിക്കുന്നതും എൻ്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനയെ കണ്ണീരുള്ളതാക്കി. കടൽ കരയിലെ നമ്മുടെ സെമിനാരിയിലൂടെ നടക്കുമ്പോൾ പഴയ ഓർമ്മകളുടെ വേലിയേറ്റം. ചാപ്പലും റെഫക്ടറിയും വരാന്തകളും സ്റ്റേജും ഗ്രൗണ്ടും അങ്ങ് എവിടെയാണ് ഇല്ലാത്തത്… സഹപാഠി ജോം മാർപാപ്പയുടെ ആശീർവാദം ഫോണിൽ വീഡിയോ കോളിലൂടെ അങ്ങേക്ക് കൈമാറിയപ്പോൾ എന്തോ വലിയ സന്തോഷം തോന്നി.ലോകം മുഴുവനും അങ്ങയുടെ രോഗ കിടക്കക്കരുകിൽ വന്നു നിൽക്കുന്നുവെന്ന് വിശ്വസിച്ചു.
രണ്ട് നാൾ മുമ്പ് പ്രാർത്ഥനകൾക്കിടയിലൂടെ വണ്ടറച്ചൻ യാത്രയായി എന്ന വാർത്ത കേട്ട് അലറിക്കരയുന്നൊരു മൗനമായീ ഞാൻ. എന്തോ ഒരു വാർത്തയും അത്രമേൽ മുറിവേൽപ്പിച്ചിട്ടില്ല. അത്താഴ മേശയിൽ വച്ച് ഇന്ന് ആ വാർത്ത ഉറപ്പിച്ചപ്പോൾ എന്തോ… ഒരു വല്ലായ്മ…ഒരുപിടച്ചിൽ.. പട്ടത്തിൻ്റെ മെമൻ്റോയിൽ എഴുതിയത് ഓർത്തു. ” അങ്ങയുടെ രാജ്യം വരണമേ അങ്ങയുടെ ഹിതം നിറവേറണമേ “ വണ്ടറച്ചാ ആദ്യ കോൺഫറൻസിൽ അങ്ങു പറഞ്ഞു തന്നയാ സൂത്രവാക്യം കൊണ്ട് തന്നെയാണ് ഞാനിന്നും ജീവിതത്തെ നേരിടുന്നത്.
ഞാനിത് എഴുതുന്നത് മൈനർ സെമിനാരിയിലാദ്യമായി ധ്യാനിക്കാൻ നമ്മളൊരുമിച്ചുകൂടിയ അണ്ടർ ഗ്രൗണ്ട് ചാപ്പലിൽ അങ്ങയുടെ വരവു കാത്തിരിക്കുമ്പോഴാണ്. പാതിരാത്രിയാവുന്നു.. പുറത്ത് ഒരു മഴതേങ്ങുന്നുണ്ട്.. ഇത്തിരികൂടി കഴിയുമ്പോൾ അങ്ങ് വരും.. പതിവുപോലെ മനസറിഞ്ഞെന്നെ കേൾക്കും. എൻ്റെ നൂറായിരം ചോദ്യങ്ങൾക്ക് ഉത്തരം തരും. കഴുത്തിലെ വടുക്കളിൽ കരം ചേർത്ത് ആശീർവദിക്കും. നാമൊരുമിച്ച് എല്ലാം ദൈവഹിതമെന്ന സങ്കീർത്തനം പാടും. കണ്ണീരിനിടയിലൂടെ പ്രസാദമുള്ള പുഞ്ചിരിയായ് സ്വർഗ്ഗവീടോളം യാത്രാമൊഴിചൊല്ലും.
ഞാനെന്ന പച്ചവെള്ളത്തെ ഇത്തിരിയേലും രുചിയുള്ളതാക്കി തീർത്തതാണ് വണ്ടറച്ചാ അങ്ങ് എനിക്കായ് ചെയ്ത വണ്ടർ!
The VIBEX GML is the District Governor’s official monthly communication, highlighting service projects and achievements of Rotary members across the district | Global TV
Mumbai, June 1st, 2025– Rotarian Lal Goel, Charter & Vibrant President of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International, expressed heartfelt gratitude to District Governor Chetan Desai for featuring his profile in the Governor’s Monthly Letter (VIBEX GML) for June 2025.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to you for including my profile in the VIBEX GML for June 2025. This recognition means a great deal to me personally and to our club’s mission of promoting Organ Donation awareness,” stated Rtn Lal Goel.
The recognition comes as an acknowledgement of Rtn Lal Goel’s dedicated humanitarian work in advancing Organ Donation awareness through the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International, which he founded as Charter President.
“Your support and encouragement have been instrumental in motivating us to continue our work in this vital humanitarian cause. Being featured in the district publication not only brings visibility to our efforts but also helps spread awareness about the critical need for Organ Donation in our community,” Rtn Lal Goel added.
In his statement, Rtn Lal Goel also extended appreciation to the publication team responsible for the Governor’s Monthly Letter. “I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the exceptional publication team who made this possible. Please convey my sincere thanks to Editor Sree Nandy, DS Ashish, and their entire super team for their dedication and professionalism in creating such an outstanding publication.”
The VIBEX GML serves as the District Governor’s official monthly communication, highlighting service projects and achievements of Rotary members across the district. Rtn Lal Goel emphasised the publication’s significance, stating, “The VIBEX GML continues to be a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the diverse service projects and achievements of our district members. I am truly humbled to be part of this edition and grateful for the platform to share our club’s journey and mission.”
The Rotary Club of Organ Donation International, under Rtn Lal Goel’s leadership, has been actively working to raise awareness about Organ Donation “Thank you once again for your leadership and support, and for providing opportunities to highlight meaningful service initiatives that make a difference in people’s lives,” Rtn Lal Goel concluded.
This conflict has shown us the capability of modern standoff Precision Guided Munitions, fired from distant delivery platforms, sometimes from as far as 400 kms away. With both sides claiming to have shot down enemy aircraft in their own airspace, from across the border with Air Defence Systems that have a range of upto 400 kms, in the case of the Russian S-400s.
The incoming drone and missile attacks have replaced the night time air raids of earlier wars when attacking aircraft would actually come over their targets in enemy airspace, to release their bombs in daring low level bomb runs, amidst wailing air raid sirens and blackouts. Even in the 2019 Balakot raid, our aircraft had to cross over, but today they can do all that from the safety, if it can be called that, of their own airspace.
And it has almost done away with another fact of life from previous wars…the POWs, the Prisoners of War. We released 93000 of them after the 1971 war, but in the wars of today and of the future, there won’t be any because no one would be crossing over, in most scenarios.
A lot of the erstwhile anti aircraft gunfire has now been replaced by SAMs, the surface to Air missiles fired by the Air Defence batteries, which are routinely taking down enemy drones and missiles, even when the response time is sometimes counted in a few heartbeats.
That is the biggest change that this conflict has showcased, from traditional warfare as we have known it till now. With its overwhelming reliance on advanced technology and AI, much of it homegrown in the DRDO and ISRO labs in our case, it has been fought by both adversaries from their own side of the lines.
And that is how it is always going to be, in the days to come!
So it’s out in the open now! The answer to the question everyone has been asking, on whether the IAF lost a fighter jet , or more, in Op Sindoor.
Posted on June 1
With the CDS apparently admitting to one such loss , in an interview to an overseas anchor yesterday.
The fact is, the IAF had never denied it in the first place.
The DG Air Operations, Air Marshal Bharti had earlier stated at a Press Briefing, that losses were intrinsic to military operations and were therefore, by implication , not a big deal, so long as the objectives were achieved.
The CDS in his interview on Saturday, said much the same thing, adding that what is important is, did we learn our lessons from the loss, did we amend and adapt our strategies according to the battle scenario, and did we then go on to hit the enemy hard and bring him down to his knees, begging for a cessation of hostilities?
The world already knows the answer to those questions!
And I am reminded of a similar scenario from an earlier conflict, almost exactly twenty six years ago in the skies over Kargil, when the IAF lost two fighter aircraft, a MiG-27 and a MiG-21, and a Mi-17 helicopter in the first two days of Air Operations.
Leading to much jubilation in the enemy camp, who thought they had knocked out the Indian Air Force!
Similar to Pakistani claims this time too.
And then came the blasting to smithereens, of their prime logistics support base at Muntho Dalo and the Command Centre at Tiger Hill, which was hit with pinpoint accuracy by Mirages, using the first ever precision guided bomb fired by the IAF!
And that was the beginning of the end of THAT incursion, which the Pakistan establishment still denies it had any hand in!
Just as it stays deafeningly quiet on what really prompted them to beg for a ceasefire in less than four days this time!
Bright Products. Dark Intentions: Unmasking the Tobacco Industry’s Appeal Global TV
By Dr. Srinivas Ramaka, MD, DM
Chairman, Srinivasa Heart Foundation, Hanumakonda, Telangana, India
Consultant Cardiologist, Srinivasa Heart Centre
Each year, World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) reminds us that behind every tobacco product lies a calculated strategy to addict, deceive, and profit. In 2025, the theme “Bright Products. Dark Intentions. Unmasking the Appeal” draws urgent attention to how the tobacco industry is targeting children and youth through flavoured, attractively packaged, and deceptively marketed products. The campaign, spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), demands collective action to expose and counter these tactics before another generation falls victim to addiction.
WHO: Leading the Global Fight
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in global tobacco control. Through the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC); the world’s first public health treaty, WHO provides clear guidelines for member countries to reduce tobacco use. For WNTD 2025, WHO highlights the urgent need to ban flavours, regulate misleading product designs, eliminate tobacco advertising, and enforce smoke- and nicotine-free environments. According to WHO, “flavours hide the truth,” and the appealing design of tobacco products masks the real, lethal risks these products pose; particularly to children.
WHO’s research has shown that flavoured products, misleading descriptors, and aggressive digital marketing all contribute to the global youth tobacco epidemic, making it more difficult for users to quit and easier to get hooked. WHO calls for governments to act now, not only to protect individual health but to uphold the right of every citizen to live in a tobacco-free environment
The Seductive Packaging of Poison
Modern tobacco and nicotine products are meticulously designed to lure young users. Bright colours, toy-like shapes, cartoon characters, and candy flavours like bubble gum or mango are not coincidences; they are psychological triggers. E-cigarettes disguised as pens or cosmetics, nicotine pouches in mint tins, and cigarettes with crushable flavour capsules all speak to a disturbing reality: these products are designed to look harmless while delivering addiction.
As WHO warns, this deceptive design undermines smoke-free policies and exploits regulatory gaps. Over 37 million children aged 13–15 years worldwide already use tobacco, and in several countries, youth use of e-cigarettes surpasses adult rates. On social media alone, tobacco marketing has been viewed over 3.4 billion times by young people
The Sweet Trap of Flavours
Flavours are not harmless. Menthol, vanilla, cotton candy, and thousands of other flavours are designed to mask the bitterness of nicotine and ease inhalation; creating a smoother path to addiction. WHO underscores that more than 16,000 unique flavours exist in tobacco and nicotine products, with flavours often cited as the number one reason for initiation among youth
These additives are often toxic when inhaled, and many have been associated with respiratory illnesses and long-term harm. Even flavour accessories; such as flavour cards or beads, help users circumvent flavour bans and continue usage under the radar of regulation.
Filters, Design, and Deception
Cigarette filters, once marketed as a health “improvement,” have proven to be nothing but a tool of deception. WHO confirms that filters do not reduce health risks. Instead, they make it easier for young users to start smoking and harder to quit. New devices also include customization features, such as adjustable nicotine levels, app connectivity, and even music playback, falsely portraying tobacco use as modern, sleek, and socially acceptable
This strategic manipulation conceals the danger, promotes deeper inhalation, and increases both addictiveness and exposure to harmful toxins; a reality far from the clean, futuristic image projected by these products.
The Digital Battlefield: Marketing to Youth
Tobacco companies have moved from billboards to feeds. Social media influencers, product placements in entertainment, and interactive content have replaced conventional advertisements. WHO has identified that these industries use covert and unregulated marketing tactics online, particularly targeting platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These posts are often free of age restrictions or health warnings, flooding young users with pro-nicotine messages.
What makes this more dangerous is that many “nicotine-free” products were found to contain nicotine upon independent testing. Meanwhile, descriptors like “smooth,” “organic,” or “clean” are used to mislead consumers into believing they are choosing a safer option, further eroding public awareness
What Must Be Done — A WHO-Backed Roadmap
In response, WHO recommends a comprehensive regulatory approach:
Ban flavours to eliminate the key driver of youth initiation.
Enforce plain packaging to remove visual appeal.
Regulate product design to minimize addiction and toxicity.
Ban advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, particularly online.
Impose higher taxes to reduce affordability.
Create tobacco- and nicotine-free public spaces to safeguard clean air.
Invest in quitting support programs and evidence-based cessation tools.
More than 50 countries have banned flavoured tobacco, over 40 countries ban e-cigarettes, and yet flavour accessories remain dangerously under-regulated. WHO calls on all countries to close these loopholes and adopt strong enforcement mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable.
As a cardiologist deeply concerned with the rising incidence of heart and lung disease tied to tobacco, I echo WHO’s call. We must educate our youth, empower our communities, and expose the industry’s lies. It’s not just about tobacco control; it’s about reclaiming health, dignity, and truth.
This World No Tobacco Day, let us pledge to unmask the appeal and dismantle the machinery of manipulation. With WHO’s leadership and collective will, we can break the cycle of addiction; and build a tobacco-free future for all.
A Life of Purpose and Passion: The Inspiring Journey of Mrs. Vajra N. Rao | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
20 year old Sharmila 40 year old Vajra
Vajra N. Rao stands is a lighthouse of wisdom, strength, purposeful action, and enduring commitment. An educationist by calling, an environmentalist by passion and an author with delight; she embodies the rare blend of compassion and pragmatism in her everyday actions. What makes her story truly remarkable is her seamless integration of environmental consciousness into her personal and professional life. Long before waste management and sustainability became buzzwords, she had already begun her grassroots revolution in Mangalore.
With the help of a few like-minded partners, she organized a community waste collection initiative that involved over 600 households. The collected waste was converted into organic compost, not only promoting a cleaner environment but also setting a precedent for sustainable living. The compost was then sold, further reinforcing the economic value of eco-friendly practices.
Beyond waste management, Mrs. Rao has been a tireless advocate for tree planting and green public spaces. She has planted trees along roadsides, campaigned for green cover in residential layouts, and encouraged community members; especially the youth, to take ownership of their surroundings.
She also led the movement for reducing plastic usage, emphasizing the use of cloth bags over single-use plastics, an initiative that has significantly influenced local behavioural change. The picture in which Venkayya Naidu, Vice President of India honouring her for her environmental stewardship speaks a lot.
The First Turning Point: A Marriage That Moved Her World
When asked about the major turning points in her life, Mrs. Rao smiles with the humility of someone who has lived through eras of change. “The turning point,” she says simply, “was my marriage.”
She was just 17 years and 10 months old, a bright, carefree student at St. Agnes College, living happily in the hostel, immersed in her studies. Life was filled with friends, laughter, and dreams. Then came the unexpected: her father suffered a heart attack. Fearing for her future and believing deeply in ensuring her well-being, he arranged her marriage. Her husband was from a respected family, and held an important post in Delhi; a world entirely unfamiliar to young Vajra.
From the familiar coastal lanes of South Canara, she was suddenly uprooted and flown by plane to the vast, bustling capital of Delhi; an experience so rare at the time that her college mates exclaimed in awe: “You are going by plane?!”
“That was a turning point,” she reflects, “because it took me from everything, I knew to something entirely unknown.”
Overcoming Challenges: Adapting with Dignity
The transition wasn’t easy. A teenage girl thrown into the complexity of a new home, a new city, and a new culture; far from her roots. But Mrs. Rao chose to adapt, not retreat. Instead of letting the differences overwhelm her, she embraced them. With time, she understood that every challenge was a stepping stone. She learned new ways of thinking, of interacting, of seeing the world.
S. Narayana Rao; The Quiet Diplomat, The Gentle Historian
Vajra Rao’s husband, S. Narayana Rao, was a scholar, a diplomat, a thinker, and above all, a gentleman whose every action was underscored by a deep sense of duty and inner clarity. During the transformative decades of the 1970s, he served as India’s Counselor for Science and Education in Yugoslavia, from 1978 to 1982. It was a role he held with distinction and humility. He believed in bridges; not just political or scientific, but human, emotional, and cultural. And wherever he represented India, he carried her soul: thoughtful, curious, and compassionate.
Their time in Yugoslavia was a golden chapter in their lives. As the diplomat’s wife, Vajra Rao rose to the occasion with elegance and warmth, turning their home into a cultural haven. Indian food, music, and kindness flowed freely from their residence. He, in the embassies and meetings with scholars and ministers; she, at the heart of hospitality and grace. They were a team, moving through unfamiliar lands with a shared purpose: to represent India with honor and warmth. From Marshal Tito to Murad-e-Jaisai, and later Indira Gandhi and Narasimha Rao, many would remember their visits not only for political significance but for the taste of India served from her kitchen and the intellect and grace offered by her husband across the table.
Following their cherished years in Yugoslavia, S. Narayana Rao was posted to the Indian High Commission in London from 1986 to 1990. This assignment added yet another distinguished chapter to his diplomatic journey. During this period, Vajra Rao was invited to High Tea at Buckingham Palace with the Queen Mother; an honour accorded to few.
She also met Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana at a Garden Party at the Palace, marking moments of immense pride and recognition. These were not just ceremonial encounters; they were acknowledgments of a couple who carried the dignity and warmth of India into the heart of Britain’s highest circles.
An expert on India’s border relations, S. Narayana Rao played a significant role in shaping India’s understanding and policies concerning sensitive frontiers; India-China, India-Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Burma. His insights were valued for their depth, precision, and unwavering integrity. Long after his formal retirement, India came calling again. The Ministry of External Affairs commissioned him to write a book; a history of the ministry itself. He accepted the task as one would accept a sacred duty. His study became a sanctum of thought. That book was a reflection of his lifelong commitment to national service.
He was a builder of institutions and relationships, a chronicler of a nation’s global journey, and the rock around which a remarkable family grew. A statesman of silence. A historian of truth. And a companion and guide to a woman who matched his brilliance step for step.
A Force of Nature, A Foundation of Values; The Unbreakable Bond Between Vajra N. Rao and Her Daughter
Among those most deeply influenced by Mrs. Vajra N. Rao’s extraordinary life is her daughter, Sharmila Rao; a daughter who speaks of her mother not only with love but with profound admiration. “My mother is a force of nature,” she says, her words filled with both reverence and awe. In Sharmila’s eyes, her mother isn’t just a parent; she is a living example of action over words, values over vanity, and intellect over idle comfort. Unlike most others, Mrs. Rao never asked questions about daily routines. Her concerns were grander and more purposeful. She would ask who is the corporator, whether we were doing our part as citizens.
She never told us what to wear, but always asked what we were reading, what our plans were, where we were going in life. Her parenting style was firm in values and liberal in freedom. Mother’s ethos left a deep mark on Sharmila and her siblings. Mrs. Rao gave her daughters the freedom to make choices, the encouragement to pursue education, and the expectation that they stand on their own feet. “She never said no to us,” Sharmila recalls. “But she made sure we knew what responsibility meant.”
It’s a relationship rooted in shared ideals and mutual respect; one that has only deepened with time. As a grandmother, Mrs. Rao has become a beloved figure in the lives of her grandchildren too. Her legendary cooking, warmth and the way she spoke to them, her language, lineage in diplomacy; knowledge from gadgets to geopolitics; everything was impressive to them. “She can talk about Apple computers as easily as she can about Narendra Modi” Sharmila says, smiling. “That’s why the kids adore her. She is never out of touch.” My mother like Narendra Modi, she admires him a lot since he is a doer. She loves those who are doers than mere speakers. Perhaps the most touching reflection comes when Sharmila quietly adds, “For a daughter, what is most important is knowing that your mother is a nurturer; and mine, in every way, is the best.”
A Mother’s Daily Pilgrimage: Six Years of Unseen Strength
At Delhi, amid the chaos of a government servant’s household, Vajra N. Rao carried a weight that few could fathom. With three children to raise and limited financial resources, life was already a balancing act. But when her young son began facing unexplained problems with his eyesight, that fragile balance was shattered. What followed was a relentless ordeal; six years of daily hospital visits, including long drives to AIIMS, battling uncertainty, exhaustion, and fear.
Through it all, Vajra never lost hope. While her two young daughters waited at home, she juggled hospital runs and housework, cooking meals and managing every responsibility on her own. Yet, amid the hardship, she found time to teach her son the alphabet at just one and a half years old.
His teachers were astonished by his brilliance, unaware of the storm that raged quietly behind his cheerful smile. Today, her son’s success stands as a story of a mother who refused to give up, even when life gave her every reason to.
Holding the Fort Alone: When Illness Struck Early
As if navigating her son’s health crisis wasn’t enough, life soon dealt another difficult hand. Her husband, just 40 at the time, fell seriously ill. It was a crushing moment for the young family. While he returned to their native place to recuperate under the care of her in-laws, Vajra made the painful decision to stay behind in Delhi with her children. Pulling them out of school would have meant sacrificing their academic future; a price she was not willing to pay.
There were no mobile phones back then, no easy ways to stay connected. Each day was a lesson in patience, endurance, and emotional strength. With no partner beside her, she became mother and father, caregiver and guardian, planner and provider. The silence of those days was filled with her strength, and the love she poured into raising her children became the foundation of their futures. “Looking after the children and the husband was the most difficult time,” she says now, not with bitterness but with quiet pride.
A European Sojourn: Light After the Storm
After years of darkness, a new chapter opened with the dawn of a diplomatic posting to her husband to Yugoslavia. It was the breath of fresh air Vajra had long deserved. “That was the happiest moment,” she recalls, her voice lighting up with memory. The government arranged everything; a home, a servant, seamless travel, lifting the burdens she had long shouldered alone.
In Yugoslavia and across Europe, she found herself not only as a diplomat’s wife but as an ambassador of Indian culture and hospitality. Her husband took her on multiple tours of the continent, and for once, life was effortless and full of joy.
She met world leaders like Marshal Tito, Murad-e-Jaisai, Indira Gandhi, and Narasimha Rao; not just as participants at formal events, but as guests who came to know and admire her personally. Those years abroad were more than a respite; they were a celebration of her spirit, and a recognition of her excellence.
The Children of Vajra N. Rao and S. Narayana Rao
The legacy of Vajra N. Rao and S. Narayana Rao shines brightly through the remarkable lives and achievements of their three children; Mrs. Sharmila Rao, Mr. Krishna Rao, and Mrs. Suchitra Rajendra. Each of them has carved a distinct and impactful path, carrying forward the values of education, service, and excellence instilled by their parents.
Mrs. Sharmila Rao
A distinguished alumna of King’s College London, Sharmila holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and Language. With a deep love for language and the arts, she founded the Kingsworth English Skills Academy, where she pioneered the use of English through Drama as a method to teach language skills to both adults and children. Her approach fostered confidence, creativity, and fluency, making language learning an engaging and empowering experience. Sharmila has also made significant contributions to social development by conducting numerous workshops for underprivileged children, helping bridge educational disparities through interactive and inclusive teaching methods. Her work is a beautiful blend of pedagogy, compassion, and innovation; truly an extension of the values she grew up with.
Mr. Krishna Rao
A Master of Engineering from the prestigious Imperial College London, Krishna Rao has had a formidable career in the global financial sector. He served as a Partner at Goldman Sachs, where he headed the firm’s Global Equity and Credit Derivatives division, a role that placed him at the forefront of international markets and financial strategy.
Following his retirement from Goldman Sachs, Krishna continues to engage in international finance as an active investor in global financial markets, bringing with him a wealth of experience and insight. His disciplined approach reflects the intellectual rigor and global outlook nurtured by his upbringing.
Mrs. Suchitra Rajendra
With an impressive career spanning over 32 years, Suchitra Rajendra is a seasoned leader in corporate strategy, human resources, and organizational development. She has held influential roles across Australia, Asia Pacific, India, and Europe, and was notably the Country Head and Vice President of HR at Colt Technology Services. Before that, she served as the Head of HR for PepsiCo India, contributing to strategic transformations within the company.
Today, she is an Independent Director on the boards of HMVL (Hindustan Times Group) and The Hi-Tech Gears Ltd., and is the Founder and CEO of QED HR, a consulting firm that mentors HR leaders and strengthens people-first business strategies. Deeply committed to philanthropy, Suchitra actively advises NGOs and supports social causes. She lives in Gurgaon with her husband and two daughters, continuing to inspire through both her professional achievements and community engagement.
Chutneys and Diplomacy: When Culinary Art Won Hearts
Beyond political protocols and high-level diplomacy, Vajra’s cooking brought a personal, heartfelt touch. While dignitaries stayed in hotels, the food they longed for and requested came from her kitchen. Her mastery of traditional Indian cuisine, especially her innovative and flavourful chutneys, became the stuff of legend in diplomatic circles.
It was Prime Minister Morarji Desai himself who once remarked, “Your wife should write a book on chutneys,” after savouring her creations. Inspired by his words and the consistent appreciation from others, she compiled a remarkable book of 52 chutney recipes. Chutney’s Book a collection born from tradition, experimentation, and pure culinary love. Her book was a reflection of her journey; how, even in the shadows of difficulty, she created joy, nurtured others, and left a lasting flavour of kindness and grace wherever she went.
Success Stories That Blossom in Community
Environmental award from Vice President of India for starting Suchitva Sadhana in 1995.
Returning to Mangalore later in life, Mrs. Rao began sowing the seeds of what would become her proudest achievements. She established the Cambridge Nursery School, not merely as an educational institution, but as a nurturing environment for children to learn with love and values. Her ability to teach with warmth and discipline made her beloved among students and parents alike.
Teaching children about vermiculture
Her love for the environment translated into action. In collaboration with her peers, she spearheaded a waste management initiative that collected garbage from over 600 households, turning it into organic compost. This not only contributed to cleaner neighbourhoods but created a local eco-economy.
She planted trees along streets, championed the use of cloth bags over plastic, and encouraged Mangaloreans to take personal responsibility for their surroundings.
“What is the learning from your stories?” we ask. She pauses. “Everything that happens,” she says thoughtfully, “is a chance to learn. You may not know it then, but later you’ll see. Marriage, change, hardship, joy; they all teach you.”
From a bright college girl unexpectedly thrust into marriage, to a woman who nurtured her environment, and now pens short stories releasing on her 80th birthday; Vajra N. Rao has never stopped learning, and never stopped inspiring.
Honouring Milla Magee’s Vision to Promote CPR Training Globally | Dr. Srinivas Ramaka
By Dr. Srinivas Ramaka, (Chairman and Managing Trustee, Srinivasa Heart Foundation,Warangal, Telangana State)
Amidst the glamour, glitter, and global gaze of the Miss World contest, there often lies a deeper narrative; one that transcends appearances and touches the very soul of what the title “Beauty with a Purpose” is meant to embody. While this year’s Miss World may have her own merits, it is Miss England, Milla Magee, who has truly shown the world what it means to blend beauty with a cause that saves lives.
Whatever the controversy surrounding the contest may be, one thing is abundantly clear: Milla Magee deserves universal applause for her tireless advocacy of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training, especially among high school students. In an age where heart health crises are on the rise, Magee has chosen to shine her spotlight not on herself, but on the critical need for ordinary citizens to become life-saving lay rescuers.
A Miss World in Spirit
Midway through the Miss World contest, efforts were made by concerned individuals; myself included, to reach out to the organisers, proposing that the powerful platform be used to promote lay rescuer CPR training globally. Sadly, these efforts were met with silence. In a world that often glorifies style over substance, this indifference reflects a deeper problem: the lethargy and apathy in recognising and supporting initiatives that actually matter.
And then came Milla Magee; already engaged in CPR advocacy long before the spotlight found her. Upon discovering her commitment, I was struck with awe. If I had been a judge (a highly unlikely scenario), I would have crowned not the one with the finest gown or walk, but the one who walked the talk, the one who gave meaning to every beat of a life saved.
Milla Magee may not have walked away with the Miss World title, but she walked tall. Her work represents a quiet revolution; a mission to equip the next generation with the skills to be first responders, to be heroes, to be hope when seconds matter most. She has embodied the very essence of “Beauty with a Purpose” and that deserves global recognition.
Why CPR Advocacy Matters
Each year, millions of lives are lost globally due to sudden cardiac arrests, many of them in public spaces, homes, or schools; far from the reach of trained medical personnel. Studies have shown that bystander CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. Yet, less than 3% of the general population in most countries is trained in CPR. Why? Because of indifference, lack of awareness, and the absence of structured community-level training.
This is where lay rescuer CPR steps in. It is not just a medical technique; it is a public health movement, and it needs champions like Milla Magee to bring it to the forefront. Her decision to promote CPR training among high schoolers is particularly strategic and brilliant. These students are energetic, willing to learn, and can become ambassadors of lifesaving knowledge in their communities.
Recognising the Real Heroes
The world loves its spectacles. But amidst the pomp, it often fails to recognise those who quietly commit to real change. We live in a time where influencers with millions of followers may never use their voice for anything more meaningful than brand endorsements. And here stands Milla Magee, using her moment in the sun to push a message that can save lives.
She is, in every sense, a crowning glory. Not just for England, but for the world. It’s unfortunate that more people don’t see it. But to those who understand the true value of a life saved, she is Miss World in every way that matters.
Let us not allow this moment to slip unmarked. Let Milla Magee’s advocacy be a wake-up call. Let us push for mandatory CPR training in schools. Let us build a global army of lay rescuers. Let us ensure that the next time someone’s heart stops beating, there is a trained hand nearby to start it again.
Let every stage, every podium, and every platform promote a cause like this. Let the true meaning of “Beauty with a Purpose” be more than a slogan; let it be a commitment.
Dear Milla, you may not wear the Miss World crown, but you wear something far more precious: the gratitude of lives you may never meet, but whose heartbeat you helped restore. Thank you for showing the world that beauty is not just in the face or form, but in the courage to care and the resolve to act.
The world needs more people like you and we are proud that you chose to use your platform to advocate for something so vital. Here’s hoping the world takes notice. And here’s hoping your work inspires a global revolution in CPR awareness. Because in the end, the real crown belongs to those who choose to save lives.
Young Talents staying Back to Build Forward: A Salute to the Young Innovators of Our Land
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Karuvanchal, Kerala: Many young talents are seeking opportunities abroad. But, three enterprising friends from Kerala have chosen a different path. The path that they have chosen is the one rooted in their homeland, driven by innovation, and committed to serving their community. Their methodology of shared career is a model for many youngsters to come together and create big enterprises.
Nikson Joseph, Akhil Mathew, and Jibin Varghese, the dynamic trio behind Flymate Tours & Travels, have transformed their shared dream into a fast-growing travel enterprise with branches in Karuvanchal, Iritty, and Poovam.
What began as a passion project has quickly earned a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and customer-centric service. Flymate Tours & Travels has carved a niche in the highly competitive travel and tourism industry by offering comprehensive solutions under one roof. From foreign tour packages to visa support, passport assistance, and UAE attestation, the firm is helping clients turn their travel dreams into seamless realities.
“We wanted to make international travel accessible and affordable to people in our own community,” says Akhil Mathew. “Instead of watching everyone fly out for better prospects, we thought, why not bring the world to our people?”
Their establishment has particularly gained recognition for its expertly curated foreign tour packages, which include best-value deals to destinations such as Canada, London, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Israel, Italy, and Malta. Whether clients are looking for a honeymoon package, a family vacation, or a student travel plan, Flymate ensures a hassle-free experience; from air ticket booking to guided tours.
Their service portfolio is extensive:
Tour Operations to both domestic and international destinations
Air Ticketing with access to special fares
Visa Services for tourists, students, and professionals
Passport Assistance for new and renewal cases
Travel Insurance to ensure journey protection
UAE Attestation for document verification and processing
With operations based out of their head office in Karuvanchal (Opp. Little Flower Church), the team ensures a walk-in experience for locals and also offers telephonic support through +91 8281 222 035, operating between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Their motto, “നിങ്ങളുടെ സ്വപ്നയാത്രകൾ ഇനി ഞങ്ങളോടൊപ്പം!” (Your dream journeys, now with us), encapsulates the heart of their service; to be more than a travel agency, but a dependable partner in every traveller’s journey.
As Flymate Tours & Travels continues to grow, it stands as a shining example of homegrown entrepreneurship, proving that innovation, determination, and a deep connection to one’s roots can create success stories that inspire and impact.
Staying Back to Build Forward: A Salute to the Young Innovators of Our Land
This is a role model for young visionaries and talents who choose not to flee, but to stay and shape the future of their state. These are the unsung heroes who see opportunity in their soil, potential in their people, and innovation as a path to uplift their communities. This is not just a business; it’s a sentiment.
“We believe in our state. We believe in its people. We believe that dreams can be realized right here.” Across Kerala and beyond, more young entrepreneurs are choosing the path of purpose over the path of escape. They’re starting farms, launching startups, reviving traditional arts, and digitizing local services.
They’re working in tourism, technology, wellness, education, and social change. And in doing so, they are creating jobs, empowering communities, and redefining what it means to be successful. While there’s nothing wrong in seeking opportunity abroad, it is equally important to celebrate those who plant their flags locally, especially in a time when brain drain threatens to hollow out the creative and entrepreneurial core of our communities.
These young innovators are not just building businesses; they are building hope. They show us that innovation is not the privilege of metropolitan cities or foreign lands. It is alive in every village, every town, and every determined heart that refuses to give up on home.
As a society, we owe it to them to support, invest, and celebrate their efforts. We must create ecosystems that nurture local talent and encourage those with ideas to take the bold step forward; right here, where their roots are.
To every youngster who stayed back to build instead of leaving to search: You are the real changemakers. You are the architects of a brighter, self-reliant future. And you deserve to be celebrated. We Salute You!
