Keiko Okano, a Japanese dancer, has captivated audiences in India with her performances in Mohiniyattam, a traditional Indian dance form. Her journey began in 2004 when she enrolled in a Mohiniyattam class in Tokyo. She later trained under Hiromi Maruhashi and Mohiniyattam exponent Nirmala Paniker. Okano has been performing across Kerala and other Indian cities, as well as in Tokyo, where she explains the stories behind her acts to help the audience appreciate the dance form. Her dedication and ability to transcend cultural boundaries have earned her admiration from her guru and audiences alike.

Mudar Patherya, a communications consultant and heritage enthusiast from Kolkata, initiated a project to paint pavements with traditional motifs and create a 'Walk of Fame' featuring names of revered personalities. The project, aimed at heritage preservation and enhancing the neighborhood's character, received support from municipal councillor Manisha Bose-Shaw and 11 sponsors. Patherya's NGO, Kolkata Gives, previously mobilized significant resources during the pandemic. He emphasizes the need for the middle class to extend their sense of ownership to public spaces.

Minakshi Dewan, inspired by the death of her father Vijay Dewan and the rituals she encountered, wrote 'The Final Farewell' to explore the last rites across Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Sikhism. The book provides insights into the meanings behind religious rituals and promotes empathy and understanding among different faiths. It also touches on gender and caste discrimination in last rites, the role of professional mourners, and the unique perspective on death in Varanasi.

Prahlad Kakar discusses his recently released memoir, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in communication. He reflects on the digital transformation in advertising and the challenges of retaining audience attention. Kakar shares insights from working with celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar, noting their focus and humility. He also offers advice on maintaining a successful marriage, highlighting the importance of giving space and not taking one's spouse for granted.

Prahlad Kakar’s autobiography, co-written with Rupangi Sharma, is a captivating and humorous account of his life and career in advertising. The book offers a linear narrative from his school days to his successful advertising career, including behind-the-scenes stories of iconic Pepsi ads and Bollywood anecdotes. It highlights his mentorship of Aishwarya Rai and his various personal interests, making it a must-read for those in the advertising industry and beyond.

Sanid Asif Ali, an IT professional and comic artist, was inspired to create a comic about a cat named Beardo after seeing a waste dumping site. His comic, uploaded in June 2020, addresses themes like hunger and animal cruelty. Sanid, along with Sreeram KV and Tony Davis, organized the Indie Comix Fest (ICF) in Kochi, focusing solely on comics. The event saw participation from various artists, including an 11-year-old boy and a Mumbai-based group called Urban Collective. Despite financial challenges, the event was supported by a sponsor, Lilo Rosh, and saw growing local participation. HarperCollins' graphic novel 'Pig Flip' by Joshy Benedict was also highlighted.

In December 2015, documentary photographer KR Sunil visited Gothuruth island to document the Chavittu Natakam festival, a dance form developed by the Christian community in the 16th century. The festival features performers from Chellanam, who live in poverty despite their regal stage personas. Sunil's four-year project highlights the stark contrast between their artistic performances and daily struggles, emphasizing the impact of climate change as high tides inundate their homes.

Tushar Gandhi discusses the erosion of Mahatma Gandhi's ideals, the rise of Hindutva, and the fear among minorities in India. He criticizes the RSS and BJP for their divisive politics and expresses concern over the potential Balkanization of India. He also comments on the bleak situation in Palestine under Israeli apartheid and the need for continuous defiance against oppression. Gandhi advocates for secularism and warns against the dangers of extreme right-wing ideologies.

The article explores the documentary 'Chaityabhumi' by Somnath Waghmare, which celebrates the memory of BR Ambedkar and the Dalit movement. It highlights the significance of Ambedkar's legacy, the cultural and political aspects of the Dalit community, and the ongoing struggle against caste discrimination. The film captures the annual commemoration at Chaityabhumi, showcasing the vibrant cultural expressions and the deep emotional connections of the Dalit community. Waghmare's dedication to telling stories from the Dalit perspective is emphasized, along with the broader implications of caste dynamics in Indian society.

Pramila Venkateswaran, a professor and poet, won the Best Poetry Award at the New York Book Festival for her book 'We Are Not a Museum,' which explores the history and experiences of the Kochi Jews. The book reflects on her childhood memories and the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala. Venkateswaran's work has been praised for its sensitive and well-crafted poetry, blending historical records with personal reflections. Despite her success, she continues to face challenges in publishing her work. The article highlights her achievements, the themes of her poetry, and her ongoing dedication to literature.

The Kerala Police Training Academy celebrated the passing-out parade of 23 dogs and their 46 handlers, with State Police Chief Anil Kant as the chief guest. The dogs, trained for nine months, will join K9 squads across Kerala districts. The training includes socialization, obedience, and specialized skills such as explosive detection, drug identification, and search and rescue. The procurement of dogs involves a committee, and breeds like Belgian Malinois are sourced from institutes like the one in Ludhiana. Handlers are responsible for the dogs' care and are trained in various aspects of canine management. The article emphasizes the dogs' superior abilities compared to humans and their invaluable contribution to law enforcement.

The biography of M. Karunanidhi, written by Tamil writer Vaasanthi, explores his rise from a young boy affected by caste hierarchy to a five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The book highlights his dedication to social justice, administrative prowess, and the impact of his policies on the underprivileged. Vaasanthi contrasts Karunanidhi's leadership with that of J. Jayalalithaa, noting his superior administrative abilities. The biography also delves into his multifaceted personality, his involvement in the Dravidian movement, and his stance on federalism. Despite his achievements, Karunanidhi's misjudgment of the LTTE and his vulnerabilities are also discussed.

Award-winning author Benyamin discusses his new novel 'Sareera Shastram,' inspired by a real-life organ trafficking scandal involving leading surgeons in Delhi. The novel, originally published in Malayalam, explores themes of organ donation, religious manipulation, and the dark underbelly of organ trafficking. Benyamin reflects on the changing landscape of literature, emphasizing the need for engaging storytelling to captivate modern readers. Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, he remains optimistic about the increased readership and continues to work as a full-time writer.

Paris Laxmi, a Kerala-based actor and dancer, created a short film titled 'Mother Earth' to express her concerns about environmental pollution and the need for radical governmental action. The film features Laxmi wearing a striking Afghan tribal necklace and dancing in nature, which is later destroyed by pollution. Laxmi advocates for novel ideas to allow the Earth to heal, as seen during the coronavirus pandemic. She resides in Vaikom with her husband, Pallippuram Sunil, and runs the Kalashakti School of Arts. Laxmi has acted in several Mollywood films and is currently learning scriptwriting techniques due to the impact of the pandemic on stage performances.

Mathew Cherian, CEO of HelpAge India, recounts an incident of elderly abuse in New Delhi and discusses the broader issue of neglect and mistreatment of the elderly in India. He highlights the materialistic values leading to abuse, especially related to property, and the destitution of elderly poor in various states. Kerala is praised for its treatment of the elderly, attributed to its high literacy rate. Cherian warns of the challenges India will face as its elderly population grows, recommending measures such as a uniform pension, health and food security, and infrastructure development. His book 'Ageing and Poverty in India' was released on World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day to shed light on these issues.

Anto, a paraplegic lottery seller in Kochi, starts his day early and works long hours at Palarivattom Junction. After a tragic accident in 1999 left him paralyzed, he turned to selling lottery tickets to support his family. Despite numerous challenges, including fraud and financial difficulties, Anto remains dedicated to his work. His family, including his wife Daisy and daughters Delshy and Delmy, support him, with his daughters helping him at the junction. Anto's story highlights his resilience and the daily struggles he faces.

Joseph Sebastian, a 93-year-old Malayali, recounts his life journey from his early days in Kerala to his significant experiences in Calcutta. Expelled from Sacred Heart College for participating in a demonstration against Sir C P Ramaswamy Iyer, he moved to Calcutta, where he pursued higher education and built a successful career. He worked with Hoare Miller and later founded Comfort Mattress Manufacturing Company. His involvement with the St. Vincent de Paul Society spanned over 60 years, reflecting his commitment to social work. Despite facing challenges, including job loss, he successfully navigated life's hurdles, emphasizing humility and resilience.

Ravi Corea, Founder-President of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, discusses innovative solutions to human-elephant conflict, including the use of solar-powered electric fences and growing citrus fruits, which elephants avoid. These methods have proven effective in Sri Lanka and could potentially be adapted for use in Kerala. The article highlights the importance of mapping conflict hotspots and trying different solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Nandita Das's film 'Listen To Her' highlights the dual issues of overworked women and domestic violence, exacerbated during the COVID-19 lockdown. Triggered by a news report on increased gender-based violence, Das's film, supported by various UN organizations, aims to break the silence around these issues. The film has resonated with many, emphasizing the need for societal change and redefining gender roles.

The article highlights a unique initiative by Matria Hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala, where a mango sapling is gifted to families following the birth of a child. This practice, started by the late Dr. V K Kutty, aims to encourage environmental awareness and create a bond between the child and the growing tree. The initiative has been well-received by many, including notable personalities, and is seen as a delightful way to promote greenery and health. Dr. Mohamed Kasim, the current Executive Director, continues to uphold this tradition, emphasizing the importance of nurturing both children and trees.

Bose Krishnamachari, co-founder of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, has been in lockdown in Mumbai but remains confident that the Biennale will start as scheduled on December 12. He has been in contact with his team and curator Shubigi Rao, who has short-listed participants. Bose emphasizes the importance of public health and safety for the event and hopes for support from the Kerala state government and the Centre to boost local economy and tourism. Despite the pandemic, he believes there will be a heightened interest in art and culture.

Fr John Puthuva, who served as a counsellor in Tihar Jail from 2012-15, reflects on his interactions with the Nirbhaya convicts and his opposition to their impending execution. He recounts his efforts to console the convicts and his visit to their families in South Delhi. Fr John, now a parish priest, believes in the sanctity of life and advocates for exemplary punishment over the death penalty.

The article discusses the biography 'Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess' by Satyarth Nayak, which explores the life and career of Sridevi, India's first female superstar. It highlights her versatility, impact on women and the LGBTQ community, and her tragic death in 2018. The biography includes insights from her husband Boney Kapoor and colleagues like Nagarjuna and Pankuj Parashar, who reveal her struggles with low blood pressure, which may have contributed to her untimely death.

Sri Lankan artist Jasmine Nilani Joseph, during her residency at Fort Kochi's Pepper House, explores themes of abandoned houses and cultural fences through her art. Drawing from her experiences in Jaffna and her childhood in a refugee camp, Jasmine connects the display of abandoned houses to the tradition of storing jewels. Her work also addresses the physical and cultural barriers between communities, noting a gradual disintegration of fences between Sinhalese and Tamils, fostering mutual understanding.

K N Raghavan, inspired by a real-life story of persistent harassment, wrote his first novel 'A slice of Calicut Halwa' set in his alma mater, Calicut Medical College. The novel explores themes of harassment and personal struggle. Raghavan, a career bureaucrat and published non-fiction author, has also served as an umpire for the BCCI and currently holds a position with the Rubber Board of India. He notes a decline in physical bookshops and a shift towards digital reading among avid readers.

Adelaide-based artist Jane Skeer expressed her deep emotional connection to Kochi during her residency with the Kochi Biennale Foundation-Adelaide Residency Exchange. She admired the local culture, history, and people's love for family, contrasting it with the lack of vibrancy in Australian architecture. Jane's installation art at Pepper House featured discarded blue cement bags and a representation of the Indian national flag using sacks in saffron, white, and green. She also created a circular design with terracotta stones and displayed photographs that transform ordinary sights into extraordinary art. Jane, who discovered her passion for art at 47, has been holding exhibitions since 2015 and writes poetry in her spare time.

Manoj Joy, managing director of the Sailors Welfare Association (SWA), is actively addressing the challenges faced by Indian sailors amid the coronavirus outbreak. The SWA, part of the UK-based Sailor Society, provides various support services, including free medical care and assistance in securing compensation for sailors' families. The article highlights the difficulties of life at sea, the impact of technological advancements on sailors' lives, and the efforts of the SWA to support distressed sailors and their families.

Four veterans from Bhilai Steel Plant, PRN Pillai, N Ramadasan, MNC Pillai, and GVK Nair, embarked on a journey across Kerala to reunite with former colleagues. They traveled 750 km and met 75 families, reminiscing about their time at the plant and sharing anecdotes. Bhilai, designed by Russians and established in 1959 under Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure, once employed over 5,000 Malayalis. The trip was bittersweet as shortly after their return, they learned of the death of a colleague, KV Nair. The group, now in their 70s and 80s, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect.

Documentary filmmaker Chaitali Mukherjee shares her experiences and challenges in the field, including a tense encounter with Naxals in Andhra Pradesh. She emphasizes the need for an exclusive Indian documentary channel and highlights the difficulties Indian filmmakers face in securing funds and permissions compared to foreign filmmakers. Chaitali, who has won several awards for her documentaries, is in Kochi to conduct a workshop for aspiring filmmakers and plans to make a film on Kochi's rich history and culture.

British-born Rupert Evers and his Russian wife Olga, who moved to Kerala in 2008, have faced numerous challenges in their hospitality business on Marari Beach, including severe storms and local union issues. Despite these hurdles, they have successfully established Marari Villas, a collection of luxury serviced villas, which enjoy high ratings and attract both international and domestic tourists. The couple emphasizes the relaxed and safe environment of Kerala, although they note the negative international media coverage affecting tourism. Rupert also discovered a historical family connection to India, adding a personal dimension to their story.

Fabiyas MV, an English teacher from Kerala, has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize by the American magazine Poetry Nook. He is recognized for his English poetry that addresses social issues relevant to Kerala and India. Fabiyas has won several poetry awards and his work has been published internationally. His late father, MV Alikutty, a renowned Malayalam writer, was his biggest influence. Fabiyas's poetry is appreciated for its unique insight into the human condition, and he dedicates his earnings from writing to the welfare of orphans.

At the 40th National Masters Athletics Championship in Calicut, 77-year-old Snehlata Gulia Hooda won four gold medals in various events, including javelin, discus throw, and the 400m race. Despite undergoing angioplasty six months ago, she resumed her athletic career and continues to excel. Snehlata, who has a long history in athletics and has competed internationally, also runs a school for children of domestic workers and daily wage earners in Gurugram. Her resilience and dedication to both sports and social causes are highlighted, along with her personal challenges and triumphs.

City-based nutritionist and dietician V Gayathri discusses various personal issues and their impact on emotional eating in her book 'Diet and Meditation for emotional eating'. She emphasizes the importance of addressing childhood traumas, expressing true feelings, and practicing gratitude and meditation. Gayathri believes that positive individual changes can transform families and communities, highlighting the limitless potential and energy of humans.

Satis Bhat S and his wife are advocating for the use of edible cutlery at social events, emphasizing its benefits for sustainability.

Malayali residents in Beijing, including entrepreneur Suresh Varma, are taking precautions against the Coronavirus outbreak. They receive regular advisories from the Indian Embassy and local authorities, urging the use of facemasks and hydration. Despite the lockdown in Wuhan and Huanggang, no Malayali has been reported infected. The timing coincides with the Chinese New Year, leading to concerns about mass internal migration and potential spread of the virus. Efforts are underway globally to develop a vaccine.

The BSNL office in Tripunithura was found deserted and unmanned by entrepreneur Ramesh Menon, with no staff to assist customers. The office appeared forlorn due to a high number of employees taking voluntary retirement, with 68.9% of eligible staff in Kerala applying for VRS, the highest among all states. An electrician mentioned non-payment of dues to the security agency, while an official stated that holiday staffing usually includes one person to monitor equipment. Customers like Ramesh are concerned about the decline of BSNL, especially for the elderly who rely on landlines.

Bangalore-based IT expert Chad Voss commissioned mural artist Sasi K Warier to create a series of paintings on the 'Mysteries of the Rosary,' depicting episodes from the life and death of Jesus Christ. The artwork, which took a year to complete, was displayed at the Indian School of Arts in Kochi. Sasi's work incorporates Indian cultural elements, such as depicting Jesus and his disciples with black hair and traditional Indian attire. The series includes 20 scenes under various themes and has been praised for its unique and colorful representation.

In Kizhakkambalam, Kerala, former dental technician Suresh Kumaran is pioneering sugarcane cultivation in previously fallow paddy fields. With the support of Kitex Textiles Limited and a government loan, the project aims to produce 40,000 kgs of sugarcane per acre, which will be processed into 4,000 kgs of pesticide-free jaggery by a Kudumbasree team. Kitex's managing director, Sabu M Jacob, sees potential in sugarcane as a cash crop suitable for Kerala's climate and plans to create biodegradable products from the waste.

Mumbai-based musician Vyaasa M, inspired by Oprah Winfrey's speech, collaborates with lyricist Shamsher Singh Beniyaaz and producer Himonshu Parikh to create the song 'Wajood-e-Sabab'. The music video tells the story of a man overcoming self-doubt and emotional abuse at work to pursue his passion for singing. Despite initial rejections, he gains recognition by uploading his song on Facebook. Vyaasa, who discovered his musical talent during his time at the Institute of Hotel Management And Catering Technology, Kovalam, is optimistic about the independent music industry's growth and is preparing to release his next single, 'Kyu Tumne?', a love song about heartbreak.

Revathi Kant, Titan's Chief Design Officer, discusses the company's strategy of moving beyond traditional watch manufacturing to include wearables and accessories. Titan's various brands, such as Titan, Sonata, Raga, and Fasttrack, cater to different consumer segments with innovative designs. The company emphasizes understanding customer lifestyles to create resonant products. Revathi shares her career journey and leadership philosophy, highlighting the importance of empathy and mentorship in leadership.

Revathi, the Chief Design Officer at Titan, discusses the company's strategy of moving beyond traditional watch manufacturing to include wearables and accessories. Titan's brands, including Titan, Sonata, Raga, and Fasttrack, target specific consumer segments with innovative designs. The company emphasizes understanding customer lifestyles to create resonant products. Revathi highlights the importance of taking risks, continuous learning, and empathetic leadership in her career and advises women entrepreneurs to embrace these values.

The seminar 'Child pornography and its perils' in Kochi, led by child rights activist Mohamed Mustafa Saidalavi, highlighted the alarming frequency of child sex abuse videos reported online in India. Saidalavi shared harrowing incidents and emphasized the role of the dark net in facilitating these crimes. He noted that child porn videos often feature children aged 10 to 13 and are consumed by well-off individuals, with some women participating due to poverty. Despite the challenges, advancements in artificial intelligence and the efforts of the Kerala police offer some hope in combating this issue.

Bala, a bharatanatyam exponent and founder of Shree Padma Nrityam Academy of Performing Arts Inc. in New Jersey, is expanding her art to Kerala with a new center in Kakkanad, set to open on January 5. The center, directed by her former student Vidya Hari, aims to be a hub for students and scholars of various art forms. Bala, also an associate scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasizes the universal nature of art, transcending regional and cultural boundaries. Her work, based on ancient myths and texts, has garnered critical acclaim globally.

Highway Haze, a classic rock band, performed at David Hall in Fort Kochi, where A Hundred Hands, an NGO supporting handmade product artisans, held their annual exhibition. The event featured a variety of crafts and attracted visitors including social entrepreneur Divya Thomas. Founders Mala and Sonia Dhawan celebrated the NGO's tenth year, emphasizing their commitment to empowering artisans without middlemen. They also support the preservation of traditional art, as seen in the story of Jaipur-based artist Mohan Kumar, whose son Pavan became a full-time artist through the collective's influence.

Benyamin's new novel 'Al Arabian Novel Factory,' a sequel to 'Jasmine Days,' explores the aftermath of the Arab Spring and the pervasive authoritarianism in West Asia. The book, published in English by Juggernaut and translated by Shahnaz Habib, delves into the lack of political freedom and freedom of expression in the region. Benyamin, who lived in Bahrain for 20 years, shares insights into the lives of those who migrate to Europe to express their political rights and experiences.

Veteran editor Suma Varughese is set to conduct her writing workshop, 'The Zen Of Good Writing,' in Kochi. The workshop aims to help participants, primarily women, improve their writing skills by focusing on simplicity, brevity, and clarity. Suma emphasizes the importance of using dynamic words, active voice, and personal experiences to generate ideas. She also addresses common grammatical errors and the significance of editing. The workshop includes a month-long follow-up instruction on WhatsApp.

US-based professor and photographer Cathy Greenblat, who specializes in capturing images related to ageing, dementia, and end-of-life care, shared her experiences and work at an international conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Kochi. Greenblat's work documents the lives of people with dementia in nine countries, showcasing moments of joy and the capabilities that remain despite the disease. She advocates for a change in mindset towards dementia care, emphasizing the importance of meaningful activities and personal worth. Her work includes a photo exhibition and a project on end-of-life care in Kozhikode, highlighting the best examples of care and the universal need for compassion and dignity.

Manoj Abraham, IPS, Additional Director General of Police-headquarters, shared the success of Kerala Police's Operation P-Hunt at the 37th Interpol specialist group on crime against children in Lyon, France. The operation led to 38 cases and 650 arrests under the Pocso and IT Acts. The International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children awarded Kerala Police for their efforts. Manoj highlighted the West's determination to combat child sexual abuse and mentioned the willingness of Western governments and private companies to provide software to identify perpetrators. He also discussed the prevalence of child sex videos online, noting that most are filmed by someone close to the child and within the household.

Haseeb Ahsan, Clifin Francis, and Dona Jacob are embarking on an eight-month, eight-country, 10,000km cycling journey to Tokyo, aiming to reach the Olympics Village. They will gather wishes for the Indian Olympics team and work with NGOs to promote mental health, gender equality, women's empowerment, and education. The journey is also a personal quest for Haseeb to revive his passion for physical activities and contemplate his career priorities.

PS John, at 90 years old, participated in the All Kerala Senior Athletics Meet at Maharaja’s College, Kochi, winning the 100m and 200m events and the long jump in the 90 plus age category. Despite having heart surgery in 2017, John's passion for athletics, encouraged by his cardiac surgeon Dr Rajesh Raman Kutty, remained strong. John has a history of winning over 140 medals in athletics and leads an active life as a farmer in Kanjirapally. He aspires to compete in the senior world athletics championships in Toronto in 2020.

Nivedha, a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur, has developed an innovative machine called TrashBot that effectively segregates biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Her invention has been recognized internationally, winning a cash prize at the 2019 Impact Maker Awards in Oslo. With support from her mother and a grant from the Karnataka State Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology, Nivedha, along with her cofounder Saurabh Jain, successfully created TrashBot, which is now operational in the Basavangudi Municipal Corporation ward, contributing to cleaner streets in Bengaluru.

Entrepreneur Gautom Menon and his friend Paul George Vedanayagam embarked on a 27,500 km journey across 25 countries to raise awareness about the plight of tigers, highlighting that only 4,000 tigers remain worldwide, with 70% in India. Despite challenges, including a bribe-seeking policeman in Kyrgyzstan, they received positive receptions, except in China. Their journey culminated at the Tax Free World Association convention in Cannes, aiming to inspire global corporate support for tiger conservation. Menon criticized Indian corporates for their lack of environmental initiatives and emphasized the urgency of action to prevent tiger extinction.

Sr Jesme reflects on her life after leaving the Congregation of the Mother Carmelite 11 years ago, expressing relief and happiness in her newfound freedom. Despite facing societal challenges as a single woman, she remains positive and enjoys her solitude, working on her eighth book and engaging in hobbies. She comments on the changing attitudes of the Catholic laity and her former colleagues, as well as on the recent expulsion of Sr Lucy Kalappurakkal from the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, advocating for 'responsible obedience' over 'blind obedience'. Sr Jesme emphasizes that life is a gift to be cherished.

Audiographer Justin Jose discusses his work on the Malayalam film 'Kamala' and his extensive career spanning over 300 films in 15 languages. He highlights the creative process of sound design and mixing, his collaboration with other sound designers, and the passion directors bring to filmmaking. Justin, who has won National Awards for his work, enjoys the challenges and rewards of his profession, having worked on hits like 'Baahubali' and 'Sanju'.

In the late 1800s, ayurveda medicines were difficult to procure in Malabar, leading to the establishment of an enterprise by a healer who later became a renowned ayurvedic practitioner. This enterprise, which celebrated its anniversary last month, now includes hospitals in Kochi and Delhi, offering over 550 classical and new-generation formulations through various branches and dealers in India. The founder's nephew, PK Warrier, highlights the healer's legacy, which encompasses an ayurveda college, a temple, a herbal garden, a Kathakali academy, and a magazine. The healer, a student of Kuttanchery Vasudevan Mooss, also learned allopathy and was known for his secularist views, even advocating for Muslims during the Moplah rebellion.

Stephen Sebastian, an IT professional, developed the CharityMonk app to facilitate charitable donations through everyday purchases from major retailers like Amazon and Flipkart. The app allows users to select an NGO to receive a percentage of their purchase amount. CharityMonk has partnerships with 400 stores and 19 NGOs, with varying percentage cuts depending on the product category. Users can track their contributions through a dashboard. The initiative aims to provide regular business to retailers while supporting charitable causes.

Simmi Santha, a behavioural therapist from Toronto, Canada, is starting an autism clinic named Reeta Peshawaria Centre for Autism in Mallapally, Kerala. The clinic is named after Dr. Reeta Peshawaria-Menon, a teacher of Simmi's and sister of former IPS officer Kiran Bedi. The clinic will be inaugurated by Bedi, who will also release Simmi's 'Manual for Parents and Caregivers', funded by the Reeta Peshawaria Fellowship. The story also touches on the struggles of Reena Mathew, a mother of an autistic child, who inspired Simmi to start the clinic.