In a milestone development for India’s entrepreneurial landscape, IIT Kanpur’s Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council For Start-up India (CSI). This collaboration marks a significant step toward accelerating innovation, nurturing start-ups, and strengthening India’s position as a global hub for technology-driven enterprises.

The Council for Start-up India, chaired by Hon’ble Former Chief Justice of India Justice K. G. Balakrishnan, with Padma Vibhushan Dr. R. A. Mashelkar as Co-Chairperson, brings together an exceptional blend of legal wisdom, policy vision, and scientific expertise. This high-level leadership is expected to guide and inspire the framework for fostering a robust start-up ecosystem that can tackle India’s most pressing challenges while creating jobs and driving economic growth.

Through this partnership, FIRST at IIT Kanpur—already renowned for its pioneering work in technology incubation and entrepreneurship—will collaborate closely with CSI to create impactful platforms for innovation. The alliance will focus on nurturing early-stage ventures, facilitating access to mentorship, funding, and cutting-edge research, and promoting policy interventions that benefit start-ups nationwide.

Both institutions share a vision of positioning Indian entrepreneurs at the forefront of global innovation. By leveraging IIT Kanpur’s academic and technological strengths alongside CSI’s leadership and advocacy, the MoU is expected to generate far-reaching outcomes—encouraging bold ideas, accelerating commercialisation of research, and enhancing India’s competitiveness in critical sectors such as deep tech, healthcare, sustainability, and digital transformation.

This landmark partnership reflects India’s collective resolve to empower its start-up community and unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth and national development.

In the sacred traditions of Sanatan Dharma, it is said that every individual has not one, but three mothers—the biological mother who gave us life, Mother Cow (Gau Mata), and Mother Earth (Dharti Mata). Each plays an irreplaceable role in our survival, nourishment, and spiritual evolution. While our biological mothers are celebrated, many elderly women today find themselves in old age homes, abandoned in the very twilight of life when they need love and care the most.

Even more forgotten is Gau Mata—the divine cow, born from the celestial event of Samudra Manthan. She is Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow, who grants abundance, fertility, and spiritual prosperity. In her reside the 33 Koti Devi-Devtas, the 11 Rudras, 12 Aadityas, 8 Vasus, and the 2 Ashwini Kumars. Her very existence is symbolic of Sanatan values and the purity of Bharat’s soul.

Sanatan scriptures describe her four udders that feed not only humanity but the divine as well:

Swahakar – for the Devtas,

Swadhakar – for the Pitras (ancestors),

Vashatkar – for Bhuteshwar Devtas,

Hantkar – for humans.

And yet, today, the very same mother cow is left to wander the streets, consuming waste, plastic, and rotten food in desperation. This not only dishonors her sacred place in our tradition but also creates sanitation, health, and traffic problems across our cities and towns.

This article is a humble plea to our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji to take meaningful and immediate action. Let this not be reduced to a political slogan of “Sanatan-Sanatan” or “Hindu-Hindu.” What we need are real, measurable steps at the grassroots level.

Through the platform of Sanatan Parliament, I urge the Indian government to:

Declare the Cow as the National Animal of India.

Allocate a dedicated annual budget for cow protection, care, and rehabilitation.

Involve local governance bodies like corporations, municipalities, and panchayats to create cow shelters that are hygienic, well-managed, and equipped to treat injured or ill cattle.

This is not merely an issue of faith—it is about cultural preservation, ecological balance, and humane responsibility. Let us not wait for another crisis to remind us of the value of our Gau Mata. Her protection is our Dharma, and her service is the truest seva to Sanatan Dharma.

Let this be a turning point in our national conscience.
Let us honor the mother who has given so much, expecting nothing in return.

Venue: Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi

A powerful and insightful seminar on “Indian Knowledge System” was held on June 2, 2025, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi, jointly organized by the World Intellectual Foundation and DAIC, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Among the distinguished speakers:

• Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), reflected on the philosophical depth and civilizational continuityof Bharat, emphasizing the layered wisdom inherent in India’s ancient traditions.
• Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice-Chancellor of JNU, powerfully highlighted India’s long-standing feminist roots, illustrating how women in ancient Indian civilization were central to intellectual, spiritual, and cultural life.

The session was moderated by Ms. Hemangi Sinha, Project Head at the World Intellectual Foundation, who ensured that the dialogue remained focused, insightful, and inclusive.

Prof. Rubina Mittal, Director – Research & Innovation at the World Intellectual Foundation, felicitated the panelists and stressed the importance of mainstreaming Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), especially among today’s youth. She stated that rediscovering one’s Bharatiya identity is key to strengthening India’s cultural confidence. She also emphasized the role of WIF as a Delhi-based think tank committed to positive narrative building for India.

The seminar underlined the fact that India’s civilization is over 10,000 years old, offering deep contributions to the world in areas like philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, architecture, and governance.

Mr. Akash Patil, Director of DAIC, extended a warm welcome and delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all collaborators who made this meaningful gathering possible.

The event was graced by several eminent personalities including Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Former Governor of Assam; Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Sanjay Kulkarni, and academicians from IIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi, JNU, DU, Ambedkar University, along with Bharatiya Jnana Parampara practitioners and social leaders from across India.

Maha Kumbh 2025: A Convergence of Faith, Humanity, and Sewa

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is no ordinary gathering—it is the world’s largest peaceful congregation of humanity, where faith transcends borders, spirituality finds expression, and service touches millions of lives. A universally-recognized event, the Maha Kumbh is a celebration of Hindu culture and heritage, embodying the ancient wisdom of divinity and humanity in harmony.

The event’s celestial significance, linked to the planetary alignments of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, underscores its sanctity. While Kumbh Melas occur rotationally every three years at Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik, the Maha Kumbh, held exclusively in Prayagraj every 144 years, is the most auspicious of them all.

The Grand Spectacle of Maha Kumbh 2025

On January 13, 2025, the sacred city of Prayagraj came alive with the commencement of the 45-day-long Maha Kumbh Mela. This extraordinary gathering is expected to attract an estimated 450 million devotees—nearly twice the population of Uttar Pradesh—to the banks of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Hindu ascetics, saints, ash-smeared Naga Sadhus, and the enigmatic Aghoris will join pilgrims from across the globe in a vibrant spiritual mosaic.

As the pilgrims take the holy dip or ‘Amrit Snan’ at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, they participate in a ritual that symbolizes purification and self-realization. The Maha Kumbh, derived from the Sanskrit word for “pitcher,” is rooted in the legend of the divine nectar of immortality, reflecting the eternal union of divinity and humanity. Beyond its spiritual essence, the Maha Kumbh is a celebration of India’s rich cultural tapestry. From the mesmerizing processions of ascetics to the vibrant colors of market stalls, the event showcases the enduring power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit.

A Unique Blend of Spirituality and Humanity

The Maha Kumbh is more than a religious gathering; it is an unparalleled socio-cultural phenomenon. It represents the intersection of faith, service, and humanity. The Kumbh Mela site at Prayagraj's Triveni Sangam covers approximately 4,000 hectares, divided into 25 sectors, and is home to around 50 bathing ghats along the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Numerous non-governmental organizations have set up camps to serve the pilgrims, offering a spectrum of Sewa such as food distribution, medical care, yoga and meditation sessions, accommodation, awareness camps, and more. Among the sea of spiritual seekers and devotees, many arrive with unmet medical needs, reflecting the profound importance of initiatives like Netra Kumbh 2025.

Netra Kumbh 2025: Aiming for a World Record

Netra Kumbh 2025 is set to redefine benchmarks in eye care services, with a grand eye fair established in Sector 6 near Nagvasuki, spanning approximately 9 acres. This year, a world record is anticipated, with eye tests planned for 500,000 people and the distribution of 300,000 spectacles—an unprecedented feat for a single event. The previous Netra Kumbh earned a place in the Limca Book of Records for its remarkable achievements. In 2019, over 200,000 pilgrims were served, with 155,000 glasses distributed and 23,000 surgeries performed. Despite the challenges of the pandemic in 2021, 48,000 pilgrims received care, with 38,000 glasses distributed. The 2025 goal aims to serve 500,000 pilgrims, distribute 300,000 eyeglasses, and conduct nearly 50,000 eye surgeries. With 250 empaneled hospitals nationwide, Netra Kumbh ensures continuity of care beyond the mela grounds, empowering countless lives.

State-of-the-Art Facilities at Netra Kumbh 2025
Netra Kumbh 2025 has been meticulously designed to cater to the massive influx of pilgrims with world-class facilities and dedicated halls for various services. Screening halls like Rajju Bhaiya OPD 1 and Bhaurao Ji Devras OPD 2 ensure streamlined eye check-ups, while the Shri Radchhordas Ji Bapu Hospital Hall manages the distribution of spectacles. Pilgrims and volunteers have access to well-furnished dormitories such as Ahilyabai Holkar Niwas specifically for the female volunteers (commemorating her 300th anniversary), Ganga Niwas, Yamuna Niwas and Sarswati Niwas Niwas for other volunteers and staffs. For healthcare professionals, Bhagwan Dhanvantari Niwas provides dedicated accommodations. In addition, the Chandra Shekhar Hall is dedicated for welocoming the guests and Sants Soordas Sabhagar is the seminar hall where conferences and workshops featuring Knowledge, Spirituality and Sewa take place regularly and Annapoorna Prasadam Hall offers food, ensuring three wholesome meals daily for thousands. ISKCON, under the guidance of Guru Gaurang Das, is managing these meals, symbolizing the spirit of sewa (selfless service) that lies at the heart of the Bharatiya civilizational ethos. These facilities collectively represent the scale and dedication of Netra Kumbh, making it not just a healthcare initiative but a testament to humanity’s capacity for compassion and care.

Faith in Action: Sewa at Maha Kumbh

Netra Kumbh is made possible by the collective efforts of service-oriented organizations, including Saksham, The Hans Foundation, Swami Vivekananda Health Mission, Shri Bhaurao Deoras Trust, and many more. Together, they exemplify the spirit of sewa (selfless service), ensuring that the Maha Kumbh 2025 leaves an indelible mark not just on the spiritual lives of devotees but also on their physical well-being.

The Socio-Economic Impact of Netra Kumbh

India is home to over 35 million people with visual impairments, of whom 1.25 crore are visually disabled. Preventable blindness remains a critical issue, often exacerbated by lack of awareness, inaccessible healthcare, and economic constraints. Netra Kumbh addresses these challenges head-on, transforming the lives of individuals by restoring sight and enhancing productivity. The initiative also serves as a platform to promote awareness about corneal donation, a vital yet overlooked aspect of combating blindness in India. By providing comprehensive eye care services, Netra Kumbh not only uplifts individuals but also contributes to the socio-economic development of entire communities.

Join the Movement: Transform Lives

The Netra Kumbh 2025 is not just an event; it is a call to action. By participating in or supporting initiatives like Netra Kumbh, you can play a part in transforming lives and building a future free from preventable blindness. As the sacred waters of Prayagraj welcome millions of devotees, let us remember that the true essence of spirituality lies in service. Together, we can make Maha Kumbh 2025 a beacon of faith, humanity, and hope.

The article has been authored by Hemangi Sinha, Project Head at the World Intellectual Foundation, and Pravin Kumar Singh, Senior Project Associate at the World Intellectual Foundation.

New Delhi, December 14, 2024: The World Intellectual Foundation (WIF), a prominent Delhi-based think tank, launched its much-anticipated report, “Delhi: A City in Crisis”, at the iconic PMML, Teen Murti Bhawan.

Prepared under the guidance of Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra, Former Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, the report examines critical governance gaps in the capital, including pollution, infrastructure shortcomings, public health and education deficiencies, and urban development challenges. It also proposes policy recommendations emphasizing collaborative governance, technology-driven solutions, and a citizen-centric approach to address these pressing issues.

The report reflects WIF’s mission to produce actionable research and foster multi-stakeholder dialogue aimed at strengthening governance in India. Speaking on the report’s significance, WIF representatives underscored the need for coordinated efforts to resolve Delhi’s deepening crises and ensure sustainable urban development.

The event saw an esteemed gathering of policymakers and thought leaders, including Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Former Governor of Assam and Nagaland; Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog; Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Union Minister of State; Shri Sanjiv N. Sahai, Director of PMML; Shri Pankaj Pushkar, Former MLA; and Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, alongside legislators and representatives from civil society.

In his remarks, Justice Mishra emphasized the report’s focus on actionable solutions, while other dignitaries lauded WIF’s commitment to addressing Delhi’s governance challenges through evidence-based policy frameworks.

The comprehensive report is available on WIF’s website at www.wifdelhi.org, offering insights and pathways for stakeholders to work towards a more resilient and sustainable Delhi.

Indo-Canadians came together in remarkable numbers to joyously celebrate Dussehra. Festive commemorations took place in numerous temples across the region, with Brampton's Hindu Sabha temple being a focal point of the grandeur. A staggering crowd of over ten thousand individuals graced this auspicious occasion. The Indian diaspora converged in Brampton, where they relished the vibrant re-enactment of Ram Leela and the symbolic burning of Ravan's effigy, all set against the backdrop of a spectacular fireworks display.

Speaking at the event Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities of Govt. of Canada said “As Hindus in Canada and across the world break their fast as Navratri ends, I wish everyone celebrating a very Happy Dussehra! This joyous celebration marks the victory of good over evil and the triumph of righteousness, symbolized by the victory of lord Rama over the demon Ravana.”

Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton said “Jai Shri Ram, wishing Brampton a prosperous Dussehra this evening. The turnout is incredible. May the triumph of good over evil inspire us all.”

Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament, Brampton North stated that It's an absolute pleasure to celebrate Dussehra with the community in Brampton; Dussehra is a major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. Like past years, this year, the Hindu Sabha Mandir entertained the thousands of people in attendance with a beautiful rendition of Ramlila, a dramatic performance of the story of Lord Rama, teaching the harm of letting one’s vices take control. At the end of the play an effigy of the demon Ravana, built 4 stories high was lit on fire, signifying the victory of Lord Rama.

Swami Advaitananda Giri, Chairman of, the International Meditation Foundation explained that “The ten heads of Ravan are symbolic and they are interpreted as Ego, Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, Selfishness, Jealousy, Arrogance, Ignorance & Injustice.

Meditation practices can be a transformative path to convert the ten sins associated with Ravana into ten virtues. Through deep introspection and mindfulness, individuals can dismantle their ego by recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Lust can be transmuted into a deep appreciation for the beauty of life without attachment. Anger can be replaced with inner peace and emotional balance. Greed can be replaced by contentment and generosity. Attachment can transform into detachment, allowing one to let go gracefully as explained by Swami Advaitananda Giri.

Swami Advaitananda Giri further stated “Selfishness can be dissolved by cultivating selflessness. Jealousy can be overcome through practicing gratitude and celebrating others' successes. Arrogance can be humbled by recognizing our inherent limitations. Ignorance can be dispelled through knowledge and wisdom gained from meditation. Injustice can be replaced by a commitment to fairness and compassion towards all. Ultimately, meditation fosters self-awareness and helps individuals cultivate virtues that align with a more harmonious and compassionate way of living.”

Swami Advaitananda Giri, who advocated for the inclusion of universal human values in India’s National Education Policy 2020, suggested that Canada and other part of the world should also make Universal Human Values as part of their education curriculum. In America, US CDC 2021 reports that 32.4% overall population is affected with Anxiety or Depression disorders, out of this 46.6% of youth in the age group of 18-29 were also reported to be affected with Anxiety or Depression disorders.

A serious question arises If 32.4% population is having serious mental health issues like anxiety or depression then It can be safely presumed that to have an anxiety or depression rate of 32.4 %, there must be a need for at least 3 times more sad people in the population, this leads to 32.4% x 3 = 97.2% of the total population. If 97.2% population is sad then there is a likelihood that 99% population must be experiencing the emotions of worry, fear, the feeling of failure, etc... The feeling of worry forms the basis of sadness, sadness leads to anxiety or depression, and further anxiety or depression results in the very serious act of suicide or violent behavior.

Depression or anxiety doesn’t occur directly. It is caused in progressive stages out of the feeling of sadness or dejection etc… As the sadness or dejection type of emotions deepens then only it will take the shape of depression or anxiety, not straightway. This means that depression or anxiety is an outcome of the prevalence of sadness among the larger population. For example, if one person has been diagnosed with depression or anxiety that means behind this there must be at least three people or more who were already experiencing sadness or dejection type of emotional imbalance explained Swami Advaitananda Giri.