Star Health Strengthens Virtual Doctor Consultations And Home Health Care In Karnataka

* Policyholders can call ‘Talk to Star’ at 7200 222 333 for Home Health Care and planned hospitalisation support.

* Non-policyholders can access free 24/7 Virtual Doctor Consultations through the Star Health Customer app.

Quick media bites for Karnataka

In Karnataka, Star Health recorded a 3X increase in Home Health Care utilisation for fever and infectious diseases in FY26 compared with the previous year.

Telemedicine and Virtual Doctor Consultations are seeing strong adoption, with more customers choosing them as their first point of medical consultation.

Policyholders can ‘Talk to Star’ at 7200 222 333; press 1 for Home Health Care and 2 for planned hospitalisation.

Non-policyholders can access free 24/7 Virtual Doctor Consultations through the Star Health Customer app.

As Karnataka gears up for the monsoon season, when dengue, malaria, fever and other infectious diseases typically rise, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH; BSE: 543412), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance companies, is stepping up its monsoon healthcare outreach in the state. Star Health’s FY26 Karnataka data shows a 3X increase in Home Health Care utilisation for fever and infectious diseases. Alongside this growth, the company has seen strong demand for its Virtual Doctor Consultation service across the state, with a growing number of customers choosing it as their first point of medical consultation.

Karnataka recorded a 3X increase in Home Health Care utilisation in FY26 compared with FY25. The state saw the highest number of Home Health Care cases for dengue, viral fever and lower respiratory tract infection.

The outreach focuses on early investigation and timely medical advice by connecting policyholders to ‘Talk to Star’ and Home Health Care support, while enabling the general public to access free 24/7 Virtual Doctor Consultations through the Star Health Customer app.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Aditya Omprakash Biyani, Business Head, Karnataka, Star Health Insurance, said:

“Behind every monsoon infection is a family managing uncertainty, disrupted routines and concern for a loved one. The threefold rise in Home Health Care utilisation in Karnataka during FY26 shows the growing need for timely support that is easier to access, particularly for children, senior citizens and patients who may find hospital visits difficult. Our responsibility goes beyond arranging treatment. We want patients and caregivers to feel informed, supported and confident about the next step in their care. Through ‘Talk to Star’, policyholders can receive guidance on Home Health Care or planned hospitalisation, while the public can access free 24/7 Virtual Doctor Consultations through the Star Health Customer app. Our focus this monsoon is to help people seek advice early, receive appropriate care and recover with less stress and disruption.”

Lower costs and rain-ready care: The case for Home Health Care

Data from the National Statistical Office’s 80th round survey on household health expenditure, released in 2026, highlights the financial burden of illness and hospitalisation on households. Private hospitalisation costs an average of ₹50,573 in rural Karnataka and ₹56,930 in urban Karnataka. Healthcare expenses remain high across the board, leaving many individuals and families to cover these costs out of pocket.

The initiative brings together three timely service interventions for the monsoon season:

Unlimited teleconsultations for policyholders: Policyholders can access unlimited teleconsultations during the policy period, encouraging timely medical advice at the first sign of fever or infection.

‘Talk to Star’ for policyholders: Policyholders can call 7200 222 333 for guided support. Press 1 for Home Health Care and 2 for planned hospitalisation. The service helps customers understand care pathways, cashless processes, network hospital options and documents to keep ready.

Cashless Home Health Care: For eligible policyholders whose conditions can be managed at home under medical supervision, Star Health covers doctor-prescribed home treatment. This may include professional nursing care, routine blood tests and monitoring, IV fluids and injections delivered at the patient’s home.

Free Virtual Doctor Consultation for the general public:

For non-policyholders and members of the general public, access is available through the Star Health Customer app, where users can book a free 24/7 Virtual Doctor Consultation for common monsoon symptoms.

To access the service, users can:

Download the Star Health Customer app on a smartphone.

Sign up with basic details, including name, email ID and date of birth, to access available health benefits.

Open the menu and select ‘Telemedicine’ within the app.

Book a free online consultation with experienced doctors across relevant specialties.

As part of the outreach, Star Health is encouraging households across the region, especially those with school-going children and senior citizens, to follow a monsoon-first health protocol: do not ignore persistent fever, seek early medical advice and choose the right access route.

About Star Health and Allied Insurance: Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH; BSE: 543412), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance companies, commenced operations in 2006 as India’s first standalone health insurance company. Star Health provides Health, Personal Accident and Travel Insurance to its customers. The Company has grown to emerge as one of the preferred health insurance companies in India with several pioneering products and services to its credit. With customer-centricity at its core, the Company has developed superior and innovative product offerings, service capabilities and a seamless claims management process. Star Health offers tailor-made products to cater to needs such as cancer, diabetes and cardiac illnesses, as well as specific segments such as senior citizens, women and children. Star Health is India’s first health insurance company to settle over 1 crore claims.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. has a strong multi-channel distribution network of 900+ offices, over 8 lakh agents and robust bancassurance and financial institution partners. The Company has 15,000+ network hospitals and 18,500+ employees.

Talk to Star: Helping policyholders plan care with confidence: Star Health offers guided support through 7200 222 333 for eligible policyholders seeking Home Health Care or planned hospitalisation assistance. Customers can call the number and press 1 for Home Health Care or press 2 for planned hospitalisation. The service helps customers understand coverage, network hospital options, the cashless process, required documents and care pathways before admission or home-based treatment. Non-policyholders can access free 24/7 Virtual Doctor Consultations through the Star Health Customer app.   

Why No Ayurveda Drugs Are Sold Overseas? Experts Discuss At The Wellness Summit 2026

By Manu Sharma

The Wellness Summit 2026 was organized by Karnataka Tourism Forum (KTF) on July 12 at the Soul Nest Retreat, Pyramid Valley International, Bengaluru. There were several experts from Ayush services as well as leading traditional and alternative medicine systems. They discussed the growth, challenges and the road ahead for Ayurveda drugs in India and abroad.

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. It focuses on balancing the mind, body, and spirit through herbal medicines, dietary changes, yoga, and purification therapies. In spite of this it has not been able to penetrate the overseas market, says Dr Dr Narendra Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer At Kshemavana.

Dr Shetty highlights that while India remains the undisputed hub for authentic practice and exports, the system is deeply ingrained in the culture and traditional medicine of several other South Asian nations like Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

“There is a credibility gap for ayurveda drugs and ayurveda faces difficulty getting acceptance abroad and no Ayurveda drug has received foreign approval., China on the other hand has been successful in positioning its traditional medicines more effectively. The proposal from Dr. Shetty was to inculcate the need for evidence-based treatment protocols. This will make the research behind traditional systems visible to customers. This is particularly important for international visitors who are concerned about whether a treatment is scientifically supported.”

FDA Views On Ayurveda Drugs

Ayurvedic medicines often contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. They are either added intentionally for supposed healing benefits or enter as contaminants from the soil. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that these metals can cause severe poisoning, kidney injury, and high blood pressure.

Dr Shetty recalls that early wellness facilities struggled with hygiene, accreditation, and had unclear standards. He urged the need for stronger protocols and clearer evidence. There have been cases of radical remission of cancer and these make a strong argumentt that health and well-being are better in some cases than standard medical treatment.

Wellness Centres In India

Primary wellness travelers come to India specifically for healing and these account for 20% of the segment. Secondary wellness travelers visit for family or business reasons and add wellness to the trip. ; The second category accounts for the larger 80% segment. The opportunity exists to serve both, while building stronger support and promotion for travelers whose primary purpose is to seek treatment.

Karnataka The Preferred State

Karnataka’s climate provides advantage over regions in India which have more extreme summers and winters. Wellness centers have 80% to 90% occupancy during six to seven months of the season and the off-season occupancy drops to 30% to 40%.

Institutions With Integrated Medicine Departments

Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, and Harvard Medical School are examples of institutions with integrated medicine departments, including spiritual medicine. In contrast there is an absence of a spiritual medicine department at the All India Institute of Medical Science. There is a need for more collaboration between public and private organizations. A global capability center for health and well-being, stronger yoga and naturopathy development, and a library for yoga research were also needed in Karnataka.

Research On Yoga

The speaker described work by a team of 10 doctors over 10 two years collecting research on yoga and naturopathy. Intertestingly, 92% of the research had been conducted by allopathy doctors rather than non allopathy practitioners. There needs to be reduction in e the confusion caused by having by 40 to 50 treatment modalities. There needs to be a more intelligible protocol instead of asking customers to choose from an overwhelming and complicated menu.

The Five Pillars Of Human Body

Dr Shetty proposed a framework that centers on mind-body medicine, sleep as medicine, energy medicine, nutrition as medicine, and gut health. Its underlying explanation was that stress can switch off the body’s ability to heal itself, so the program aims to shift people from a stress response to a relaxation response.

Sleep & Stress Management

Stress is a major contributor to lifestyle-related disease, with protocols matched to different stress levels: breathing exercises and relaxation at one level, meditation at another, and clinical psychologist or psychiatric intervention at higher levels. Lack of quality sleep was linked to exposure to blue light from televisions, phones, laptops, and LED lighting. The practical emphasis should be on going to bed early, getting up early, reducing late-night screen exposure, and using a gratitude journal before sleep and again the next morning.

Nutrition And Diet

Nutrition was linked to an anti-inflammatory diet, and gut health was presented as another important part of the model. There is a need for wellness providers in Karnataka to work together, add spiritual and evidence-based dimensions to existing offerings, and develop the state as a destination for yoga, research, and broader health and well-being.

Now Ayurveda Medicine Is Covered By Insurance In India

Dr Shetty highlights that ayurveda is now covered under health insurance in India. Insurance companies bundle this as AYUSH benefits ( Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy). The General Insurance Council even created a cashless network. It links top centers like the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) to 32 major insurers.

About Trippy.in

Trippy.in is a travel-tech startup that uses AI to find you the cheapest and most luxurious travel combinations. It acts like a super-smart travel assistant. It scans hundreds of sites and uses travel hacks to lower costs. Think of it like a smart calculator for flight and hotel math. A trip has thousands of possible combinations. If you check these by hand, you will miss out on cheap deals.

About Kshemavana

Kshemavana is a 20-acre forest wellness and naturopathy retreat located in Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Karnataka. It offers holistic, drugless healing therapies including Ayurveda, mud therapy, hydrotherapy, and Panchakarma.

Kshemavana is owned and managed by the SDME Trust (Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational Trust) under the vision of philanthropist and hereditary administrator Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade. It operates as part of the SDM group of naturopathy and yogic sciences institutions.

Soul Nest Resort At Pyramid Valley International

Soul Nest is a luxury holistic wellness retreat located within Pyramid Valley International on Kanakapura Road in Bengaluru. Surrounded by wilderness, it features air-conditioned rooms, a large auditorium, outdoor swimming pool, on-site vegetarian restaurant, and a spa. Proceeds fund the center's charitable activities.

Others who spoke at the summit included Mr Patrik, President of Karnataka Tourism Forum (KTF) and Mr Nishant of Soul Nest Resort, Bengaluru, the host of the day long event and the event was moderated by Meenakshi Gupta, Editor-in-chief @Corporate Outbound.

Air India’s WiFi On Board Enables Over 1 Million Passengers To Power Up Their Inflight Digital Experience

Wi-Fi connectivity at 35,000 feet has now become a staple of the modern flying experience. Marking a milestone in enhanced passenger experience and digital engagement, more than 1 million users aboard Air India flights connected to the inflight WiFi service, according to the latest usage tracking from June 2025 through June 2026.

Operating across a schedule of over 55 daily flights, Air India travellers enjoy seamless internet access during their flight enabling them to catch up on emails or browse social media. Usage has grown steadily over the year with onboard Wi-Fi consumption surging from 30% in June 2025 to 55% in June 2026. This clear upward trajectory underscores an increasing demand for inflight internet connectivity.

Connectivity at 35,000 feet

Nearly 89% of connected passengers choose to stream content on social media while in transit. The remaining 11% opted for web browsing, emails and messaging apps. The consistent demand for the service resulted in nearly 500 TB worth of data consumption over the year. By category, streaming services accounted for 86% of total usage while web browsing comprised the remaining 14%.

These numbers represent the beginning of the transforming on board experience for Air India’s passengers. These numbers are currently driven by an initial fleet of 28 Wi-Fi enabled aircraft that operate flights across the globe to cities including London, New York, Newark, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali, Manila and Mauritius, with more aircraft and cities to be added progressively. As the connected fleet grows, so will the opportunities for passengers to carry their digital lives with them, wherever they fly.

About Air India Group:

The Air India Group – comprising full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India Group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries travellers to 60 domestic and 51 international destinations across five continents.

Returning to Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India Group is in the midst of a five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed orders for 600 new aircraft. In addition to taking new aircraft deliveries, Air India is progressively retrofitting all its legacy aircraft. The Air India Group operates South Asia’s largest aviation training academy in Gurugram, India. The construction of a new flying school and a greenfield maintenance base is in progress.

With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.

For more news on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom   

World Of Hyatt Expands HYROX Collaboration To India

* As the Official Regional Hotel Partner, World of Hyatt invites racers and spectators to extend race day into a race-cation with exclusive rates, in-hotel benefits, and recovery experiences

World of Hyatt, Hyatt’s award-winning loyalty program, today announces the expansion of its regional collaboration with HYROX Asia Pacific to include race cities in India. Building on its role as Official Regional Hotel Partner across Asia Pacific, the Hyatt race-cation experience will now be offered alongside HYROX events in key cities in India. As part of the India collaboration, Hyatt has also partnered with actor and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman, bringing together a shared passion for fitness, travel and active living as HYROX continues to grow its community in the country.

HYROX, one of the world’s fastest-growing fitness racing series, combines running with functional workout stations in a standardized global format. Each race challenges participants to push their limits and compete alongside athletes from around the world. With its rapid expansion globally and in the region, the inclusion of India races marks a significant milestone in the partnership.

Participating Hyatt hotels in race cities across India and Asia Pacific will offer prime proximity to race venues, exclusive room rates, athlete-focused amenities, recovery-driven facilities and services to support guests before, during, and after race day. With a full calendar of races across India in the 2025/2026 season, including in Delhi and Mumbai, racers and spectators may extend their race into a race-cation at distinctive stay options suited to their travel preferences.

"HYROX racers train hard and play hard. They're athletes who turn races into global adventures," said Tammy Ng, Vice President of Brand & Marketing, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. "Our race-cations make it easy for racers and spectators to build the journey around the race, recover well, and turn every race into a getaway.”

"India has quickly become one of HYROX's most energetic race communities, and our collaboration with World of Hyatt reflects the growing appetite for travel-connected fitness experiences," said Deepak Raj, Country Head, HYROX India. "The race-cation experience gives our athletes and spectators every reason to extend their stay, recover well and explore each host city beyond race day."

“Fitness has always been about more than a single race or finish line for me. It is about the entire journey - how you prepare, challenge yourself, recover and keep exploring,” said Milind Soman, actor and fitness enthusiast. “Partnering with World of Hyatt means racers across India can build their entire race weekend around performance and recovery, not just the finish line.”

The HYROX race-cation will offer:

Exclusive HYROX room rates: Extra 10% off Hyatt’s Member Rate for selected room types at participating Hyatt hotels

In-hotel benefits: 15% off on select F&B & spa treatments at participating outlets during stay, 1 complimentary bag of laundry (wash and fold)

In-room amenities: In-room HyEnergy Welcome, Sleep and HyRecovery post-race amenities, plus in-room ice bucket available upon request

Destination guide: Curated local insights to help guests explore race cities

Terms and conditions apply. The minimum length of stay is 1 night. Rate is only valid at participating hotels at race destination from 7 days before the race date, to 7 days after the race date. 1-night deposit is required at time of booking. Booking to be made directly on Hyatt.com and cancellation must be made at least 7 days prior to check‑in to avoid a 1‑night penalty. See Hyatt.com/hyroxoffer for details.

World of Hyatt Members can earn points and elite status qualification on qualifying stays and dining worldwide. Points can be used for free nights, suite upgrades, dining and experiences. Visit World.Hyatt.com for more on the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

Upcoming HYROX races in India:

New Delhi – July 24-26, 2026

Mumbai – September 17-20 2026

Full list of participating hotels:

Andaz Delhi, by Hyatt

Hyatt Centri Juhu Mumbai

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri

Grand Hyatt Mumbai

Hyatt Regency Delhi

Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon

Hyatt Place Gurgaon

Learn more and see full terms and conditions at Hyatt.com/hyroxoffer

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2026, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 83 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX®, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid® Hotels & Resorts, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios®, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

About World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt is Hyatt’s award-winning guest loyalty program uniting participating locations in Hyatt’s Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX®, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid® Hotels & Resorts, Bahia Principle Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios®, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Members who book directly through Hyatt channels can enjoy personalized care and access to distinct benefits including Guest of Honor, confirmed suite upgrades at time of booking, diverse wellbeing offerings, digital key, and exclusive member rates. With 66 million members and counting, World of Hyatt offers a variety of ways to earn and redeem points for hotel stays, dining and spa services, wellbeing focused experiences through the World of Hyatt FIND experiences platform; as well as the benefits of Hyatt’s strategic loyalty collaboration with American Airlines AAdvantage®. Travelers can enroll for free at hyatt.com, download the World of Hyatt app for android and IOS devices and connect with World of Hyatt on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

About HYROX

HYROX is a global ecosystem of events, training, and coaching designed to inspire and impact 100 million lives. Built around a unique race format of 8 x 1 km runs and 8 workout stations, HYROX has established the gold standard in fitness competition and is driving toward Olympic recognition. By connecting the world’s gym communities through the transformative power of training and competition, HYROX is the cultural heartbeat of fitness.

Is Pyramid Meditation -The Quickest Route In Achieving Nirvana?

* Pyramid meditation involves meditating under a pyramid-shaped structure, which practitioners believe focuses and amplifies cosmic energy. The purported health benefits include reducing stress and insomnia, and alleviating chronic pain like arthritis among others...

By Manu Sharma

Nirvana is a place of perfect peace and happiness, like - ‘Heaven’. In Buddhism, nirvana is the highest state that someone can attain:, a state of enlightenment. Pyramid Valley is an international meditation center near Bengaluru. It’s famous for housing the Maitreya Buddha Pyramid and it stands as one of the world's largest pyramid structures built solely for meditation. It is designed to concentrate cosmic energy for deeper spiritual practices. In a discussion with Manu Sharma, Karan Kumbhare, Pyramid Master and Practitioner associated with the Pyramid Valley, talks about the popularity of the meditation today as more people discover its many hidden health benefits.

Deeply rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, the word Nirvana comes from the Sanskrit meaning "extinction, disappearance" of the individual to the universal. Achieving nirvana is to make earthly feelings like suffering and desire disappear.

Origin Of Buddhism And Its Significance In India

Buddhism originated in ancient India and Nepal as a reform movement out of Hinduism. Both traditions share core concepts like karma, reincarnation, and meditation, but they sharply differ on the existence of a soul and a creator god. Buddhism has deeply shaped modern Indian ethics, with core teachings of non-violence (Ahimsa), compassion, and social equality. It is woven into the national cultural fabric of India. Across the subcontinent, millions of Indians embrace Buddhist values alongside other indigenous traditions, emphasizing individual responsibility, Karma, and peaceful coexistence.

“The philosophy underneath is that no-thought or no-mind state was presented as a way to experience one's true nature. Meditational energy should be the main source of vitality for the physical body and it is the only process of silencing the mind.”

“This connected the idea with emptiness in Buddhism, the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, and the “secret of Chidambaram” as nothingness.”

Who Is Karan Kumbhare And His Role As A Pyramid Master?

Karan Kumbhare is a B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) in Material Science And Matallurgical Engineering from IIT Bombay. He hails from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh and has been recognized as a Pyramid Master and practitioner associated with the Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement (PSSM), founded by Brahmarshi Pitamaha Patriji. While he is not tied to one specific physical building, he travels, speaks, and conducts meditation sessions across various pyramid meditation centers in Bengaluru.

What You Can Experience At Bengaluru's Pyramids?

Pyramid Valley is an international meditation center near Bengaluru, famous for housing the Maitreya Buddha Pyramid. It stands as one of the world's largest pyramid structures built solely for meditation, towering 102 feet high and designed to concentrate cosmic energy for deeper spiritual practices.

Because Karan's teachings focus on Anapanasati (breath-based meditation) and pyramid energy, you can attend one of the city's pyramid-shaped facilities to participate in the practices he preaches. The Key locations where these masters and teachings are available include the Pyramid Valley International:. It is located on Kanakapura Main Road, Harohalli, it features the world's largest meditational pyramid. It acts as an international retreat for self-realization and spiritual wisdom.

Difference Between Moksha And Nirvana

Both Moksha and Nirvana describe the ultimate spiritual liberation from the endless cycle of rebirth (samsara) and human suffering. While they share this fundamental goal, they originate from different philosophical traditions—Moksha is primarily rooted in Hinduism (and Jainism), whereas Nirvana belongs to Buddhism.

Difference Between Meditation And Pyramid Meditation

While meditation is well known as a technique to reduce stress & anxiety and other health related diseases, it may also help to know that pyramid meditation is believed to aid in achieving higher states of consciousness and spiritual awakening.

Pyramid meditation is believed to aid in achieving higher states of consciousness and spiritual awakening. While the ultimate state of Nirvana requires deep inner work and mental purification, many practitioners find that the geometric structure of a pyramid accelerates focus, deepens relaxation, and enhances spiritual connection.

In Buddhism, meditation serves as a powerful tool to understand the nature of reality, overcome suffering, and ultimately achieve nirvana. Pyramid meditation is believed to aid in achieving higher states of consciousness and spiritual awakening.

The concept and pursuit of nirvana are deeply rooted in the historical geography of India as well.

“Pyramid meditation is believed by proponents to aid in achieving nirvana by creating a focused, high-energy environment that calms the body, reduces external distractions, and deepens inner awareness.”

“When you meditate inside or under a pyramid, the geometry does what no app or teacher can: It magnifies your stillness. It sharpens your focus. It also deepens your silence.”

Who Is The Founder Of Pyramid Meditation?

Pyramid meditation was founded by Brahmarshi Patriji (born Subhash Patri 1947–2022). He pioneered the practice in 1991 when he established the first meditation pyramid in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India, and founded the Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement (PSSM) to teach the practice globally. He revolutionized spiritual practices by promoting a simple, mantra-free breath meditation technique called Anapanasati, alongside vegetarianism and the use of pyramid energy to enhance meditation.

“The movement around the Pyramid Valley is connected with Brahma Rishi Pitamaha Subhash Patrij and with the chairman Shreyansh Daga, who manages the PSSM Trust. It collaborates with the wider pyramid society movement. Other pyramids are located in Pondicherry, Pune, Hyderabad, Rajamundri. There are plans for a pyramid in Texas and the construction is under way.”

Is Pyramid An Ancient Egyptian Theory?

The pyramids are deeply tied to ancient Egypt. Between 2700 BCE and the close of the Ptolemaic period, Egyptians built at least 138 identified pyramids. These were grand funerary monuments and tombs designed for pharaohs and their consorts to help their souls ascend to heaven. While the concept of the "stepped" or smooth-sided pyramid is most famously tied to the banks of the Nile, civilizations worldwide independently developed similar architectural shapes (such as the Mesoamerican pyramids in Mexico and Central America).

What Is The Concept Of Pyramid Meditation And The King’s Chamber?

The pyramid's design - The account placed the pyramid tradition in Egypt and described 51 degrees 50 minutes as the angle that makes the structure a “Golden Angle” and sacred geometry. The explanation linked this shape to telluric and cosmic energy, group meditation, visualization, concentration, and manifestation.

Pyramid Valley's scale - The main pyramid is 102 feet high and can hold around 5,000 people for group meditation. “The annual Buddha Purnima festival generally takes place in the first or second week of May and runs for three days. During this time is when we see the largest gatherings at the centre.”

The King's Chamber - Located at one-third of the pyramid's height, the chamber is described as the point where energy is most concentrated. Around 20 to 25 people can sit there, and the visit is intended to last 40 to 45 minutes so others can have a turn.

Benefits of meditating under the pyramid includes: Faster entry into meditation: The pyramid's energy field is thought to help you quiet the mind quickly, shutting out external stimuli and irrelevant thoughts so you reach altered states of consciousness. Physical healing: Users claim that meditating under a pyramid or using pyramid-charged water can aid in healing broken bones, alleviating arthritis pain, and treating insomnia. Cognitive focus: Many report that sessions improve concentration, memory, and overall mental clarity.

“Meditation done under a pyramid is three times more powerful than other types. It provides the most effective high energy environment and harnessing cosmic energy through practices like meditation and yoga helps reduce stress, accelerates physical healing, and deepens spiritual awareness,” remarks Karan.

“The journey to Nirvana is a gradual, often lifelong process,” concludes Karan.

Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Presents Science Fest 2026: Enter The Roboverse

* Featuring Robotics Workshops, AI Experiences, Build-Your-Own Car Challenges and Bengaluru's First Inter-School Science & Technology Fest

Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru is set to transform into a hub of innovation, creativity and future-ready learning with Science Fest 2026: Enter The Roboverse, a nine-day celebration of science, technology and innovation designed for students, families and aspiring young innovators.

Scheduled from 25th July to 2nd August 2026, the festival will offer an immersive experience that brings together robotics, artificial intelligence, electronics and hands-on STEM learning through a series of interactive workshops, competitions and live demonstrations. The festival aims to inspire curiosity and innovation by providing visitors with opportunities to learn, experiment and engage with emerging technologies through experiential activities designed for all age groups.

A key highlight of the festival will be a series of interactive workshops, where participants can gain practical exposure to science and engineering concepts. Activities include Block Electronics, Build Your Own Car, Let's Talk AI & Robotics, Bread Board Circuit Making, and an exciting Obstacle Car Race, encouraging participants to explore technology through hands-on learning and problem-solving.

Adding to the excitement, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru will host Bengaluru's first Inter-School Science & Technology Fest, bringing together young innovators from across the city to showcase breakthrough ideas and technology-driven solutions.

A key highlight of the festival is the Robo Arena Challenge, where school teams will showcase robots and AI-powered models designed to solve real-world problems. Hosted at the dedicated Robo Arena on the UG Floor, the competition will feature live demonstrations and interactive sessions, giving visitors and judges an opportunity to experience student innovations firsthand while celebrating creativity, problem-solving and technological excellence.

The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony recognising the most innovative and impactful projects. The Top Three Schools will receive trophies, medals, certificates, special recognition awards and exciting prizes, while all participating students and schools will be awarded participation certificates.

As part of the broader vision of encouraging scientific thinking among young minds, the festival is also exploring additional engagement formats, including a Science Quiz Championship and an Innovation Pitch Challenge, where students can test their knowledge, present entrepreneurial ideas and showcase technology-led solutions before an expert panel.

By bringing together education, innovation and community participation, Science Fest 2026: Enter The Roboverse aims to create an inspiring platform that encourages the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and problem-solvers while making science accessible, engaging and interactive for everyone.

Where: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

When: 25th July – 2nd August 2026

Entry: Free | Register on BookMyShow

CA K. Ravi Assumes Office As President Of Bangalore Chamber Of Industry And Commerce For 2026-27

The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), Karnataka's premier industry body representing over 850 member companies across manufacturing, technology, biotechnology, engineering, healthcare, food processing and services, has announced the appointment of CA K. Ravi as its President for the year 2026-27. He assumes office at a defining moment in BCIC's journey as the Chamber celebrates its Golden Jubilee, commemorating fifty years of industry leadership, policy advocacy and economic development since its inception in 1976.

CA K. Ravi to Lead BCIC into its Next Era of Growth

CA K. Ravi is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), a law graduate and Senior Partner of K.R. Kumar & Co. and K. Ravi & Associates. He is also the Director of VR e-Biz Solutions Pvt. Ltd., which provides specialised India Entry Consulting and Virtual CFO services. He brings more than three decades of professional excellence in taxation, corporate advisory, governance and international business.

Recognised as one of Karnataka's most respected industry leaders, he created history as the first practising Chartered Accountant to become President of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) in its 104-year history. His distinguished leadership journey also includes serving as President of the Karnataka State Chartered Accountants Association (KSCAA), Past President of Rotary Bangalore Orchards and Past Governor of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Florida, USA-Bangalore Chapter.

A long-standing member of BCIC, CA K. Ravi has previously served as Chairman of the International Business Committee, Co-Chairman of the Start-up Committee and Member of the Managing Committee. He has also led several international business delegations across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Oman, Malaysia and Canada, strengthening Karnataka's global trade and investment relationships.

Speaking on assuming office as President of BCIC, CA K. Ravi said, “It is a privilege to lead BCIC at such a historic milestone as we celebrate fifty years of serving Karnataka's industry. The Chamber has always played a pivotal role in bringing together industry, government and academia and our Golden Jubilee provides an opportunity to build institutions that will create lasting value for the next fifty years. Our focus will be on strengthening policy advocacy, supporting MSMEs and start-ups, accelerating global business engagement, promoting sustainability and creating a future-ready ecosystem that enhances Karnataka's competitiveness on the global stage.”

Under CA K. Ravi's leadership, BCIC will continue to strengthen industry-government collaboration, promote innovation, encourage manufacturing excellence and create enduring institutions that support Karnataka's growth and global competitiveness.

Dr. Prashanth Reddy Takes Over as Senior Vice President of BCIC

BCIC has also announced the appointment of Dr. Prashanth Reddy as its Senior Vice President for the year 2026-27. He joins the Chamber's leadership team during its Golden Jubilee year, bringing nearly three decades of experience in engineering, manufacturing, marketing and business leadership.

Manufacturing Leader to Strengthen BCIC's Growth Agenda

A Mechanical Engineer with an MBA in Marketing and a PhD, Dr. Prashanth Reddy has spent the past thirteen years driving growth and innovation in the building materials and real estate sector.

Under his leadership, Fundermax India has completed over 15,000 projects across the country, partnering with leading architects, developers, hospitality companies, corporates and retail organisations. The company today operates through a strong network of more than 40 business partners across India and the SAARC region and has earned several national and international recognitions for quality systems and its commitment to sustainable green building practices. Known for his strategic outlook and customer-centric leadership, Dr. Prashanth believes organisations must continually refine their strategies and remain agile to succeed in an ever-evolving business environment.

As Senior Vice President, Dr. Prashanth Reddy will work closely with President CA K. Ravi and the BCIC Managing Committee to support the Chamber's Golden Jubilee initiatives, including international business expansion, manufacturing excellence, research, skilling, innovation and global partnerships.

Speaking on taking over as Senior Vice President, Dr. Prashanth Reddy said, “I am honoured to take on this responsibility during BCIC's Golden Jubilee year. This is an exciting time for the Chamber as it embarks on several transformative initiatives that will strengthen manufacturing, innovation, research, skilling and international partnerships. I look forward to working closely with President CA K. Ravi, the Managing Committee and our members to ensure these initiatives create meaningful opportunities for industry while reinforcing Karnataka's position as one of India's leading economic engines.”

With Dr. Prashanth Reddy joining its leadership team, BCIC further strengthens its vision of encouraging innovation, manufacturing excellence, global partnerships and sustainable economic growth as it builds on five decades of service to Karnataka's industry.