Category: International

International

Dasgupta Brothers Shine at Indo-Korean Connect 2025, Showcasing India’s Spirit of Innovation and Resilience

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The Indo-Korean Connect 2025 turned into a historic moment of pride for India as the Dasgupta Brothers — Dr. Sai Kaustuv and Dr. Kushaal — were felicitated for their exceptional contributions on the global stage. The summit, jointly organized by AIBT – Access of International Bilateral Trade, UAE and the NKTL Group, brought together over 200 distinguished leaders, policymakers, and innovators from India, Korea, and Southeast Asia at the Saiacs CEO Centre in Bengaluru.

A Confluence of Leaders and Visionaries
The prestigious event witnessed the presence of eminent personalities including Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon. Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Karnataka, His Royal Highness Nawab Mir Najaf Ali Khan, Ku Jayoung, Founder of AIBT, Adv. Shan Russel, Co-Founder of AIBT, Sri Navin Kawal, Founder & Director of NKTL, and Sri Mazhar Nawaz, Director of Aryan Hospitality & Chairman of Aryan Education Academy, along with Mrs. Karnataka, Shubha Sriram. Their participation underscored the summit’s vision of fostering collaboration in healthcare, technology, and sustainable growth across borders.

Building Bridges of Happiness
Known as India’s “Wheelchair Warrior”, Dr. Sai Kaustuv has redefined resilience by transforming his challenges into a mission of spreading joy. A Certified Happiness Coach, Global TEDx Speaker, and Founder of Happiness Unlimited, he has inspired lives through more than 1,500 global sessions on mental wellbeing, inclusion, and emotional empowerment. Despite living with 90% locomotor disability, he creates award-winning designs using just one finger — a testament to his indomitable spirit. Honored by the President of India and featured in the USA’s D-30 Disability Impact List, his recognition at the Indo-Korean Connect 2025 was a celebration of his journey from pain to purpose.

Redefining Creativity for Social Good
A Guinness World Record holder, filmmaker, and youth innovator, Dr. Kushaal Dasgupta is charting new territories by blending creativity with social impact. His internationally acclaimed film Incredible Insight has bagged eight global awards and was showcased across London, Portugal, USA, Bhutan, and India. With over 15 national and world records, he has been recognized among the Top 30 Most Talented Personalities of India. Having represented the nation at the United Nations, Kushaal is a strong advocate of the UN SDGs and rural empowerment through modern skill-building. His felicitation at Indo-Korean Connect 2025 reinforced his role as a global changemaker and creative force.

Inspiring the Global Stage
Beyond trade and policy dialogue, the Indo-Korean Connect 2025 emerged as a platform to celebrate human potential and transformative journeys. The Dasgupta Brothers stood as shining examples of India’s rising narrative of resilience, creativity, and inclusivity, leaving the audience deeply inspired. In their words, “Our journey is not just about achievements, but about building a world where diversity is celebrated, equality is embraced, and humanity thrives together.”

International

Goencho Festakar Marius Fernandes Reconnects with UK’s First Ordained Goan Priest

Tanisha Cardozo

In a touching moment that bridges faith, history, and community, Goencho Festakar Marius Fernandes recently met with Fr John Tavares, the first Goan priest to be ordained in the United Kingdom. Their meeting took place in Leicester, where Fr Tavares now serves the local community with humility and warmth.

This wasn’t just a casual visit. It was a deeply emotional reunion tied to a very special memory — a 1995 religious pilgrimage to Marius’ village of Malar in Goa. That pilgrimage, possibly the first ever organised from Europe to Goa, was a spiritual milestone — led by Fr Tavares and orchestrated by Marius’ now 93-year-old mother, Antonette Fernandes, a pillar of community initiative and grace.

Marius was accompanied by his daughter Gemma Fernandes during this nostalgic trip. Fr Tavares graciously gave them a guided tour of his area in Leicester and served them a delicious, home-cooked meal — a reflection of the Goan hospitality that thrives no matter where Goans settle.

For Marius, known for his unwavering commitment to Goan festivals and cultural preservation, this reunion was another reminder of the lasting bonds that faith, migration, and shared roots create. It’s stories like these that reinforce the strength of the Goan diaspora and how its history continues to be written — not just in Goa, but across the globe.

International

Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji Addresses Global Faith Leaders at Malaysia Summit

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant moment for interfaith collaboration, Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji delivered an inspiring address at the 2nd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2025, held in Malaysia 🇲🇾. The summit brought together spiritual leaders, global policymakers, and religious scholars with the collective goal of building pathways to peace, conflict resolution, and harmonious coexistence.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Dato’ Sri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, who reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to interreligious unity and dialogue. Also present were His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and His Excellency Senator Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammad Naim bin Haji Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Religious Affairs).

Representing the Indian spiritual tradition, Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji emphasized the ancient yet ever-relevant values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the belief that the world is one family. His speech highlighted the necessity of nurturing compassion, dialogue, and shared responsibility among all faiths to counter the divisive forces threatening global peace.

Swamiji’s presence at the summit underlined the vital role that India’s Sanatan Dharma plays in the global discourse on peace and spirituality. His call for practical action over rhetoric, and mutual respect over division, struck a chord with religious leaders and policymakers from around the world.

As conflict, intolerance, and polarization continue to challenge global societies, the summit served as a beacon of hope — showing that when spiritual leaders unite with sincerity and purpose, meaningful progress is not just possible, but inevitable.

The 2nd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2025 concluded with a renewed collective pledge to promote faith-based cooperation, preserve cultural heritage, and uphold human dignity worldwide.

International

Pope Leo XIV to Canonise Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Vatican City | August 27, 2025: The Catholic Church is preparing to welcome two modern heroes of faith into sainthood. Blessed Carlos Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be officially canonised by Pope Leo XIV in a solemn ceremony on September 7, 2025 at the Vatican.

The announcement was originally made by Pope Francis, but the canonisation ceremony was postponed due to his passing. Now, under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, the Church has reaffirmed its commitment to recognising these holy young men for their exceptional lives of virtue and service.

Carlos Acutis (1991–2006)
 Often called the “Saint of the Internet,” Carlos Acutis was a teenage tech genius who used his skills to create a comprehensive website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world. Despite his young age, Carlos lived a life of profound devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and frequently said,

“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”

He died of leukemia at the age of 15, offering his suffering for the Church and the Pope.

Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925)
 Known as the “Man of the Beatitudes,” Pier Giorgio Frassati was a charismatic, athletic, and deeply spiritual youth who dedicated his life to social justice, charity, and helping the poor. A member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, he lived his faith not in a monastery but among the people — often using his own resources to feed the hungry and care for the sick.

He passed away at the age of 24, after contracting polio, likely from one of the poor people he was serving.

Their canonisation is especially significant in today’s age. It sends a powerful message: Holiness isn’t just for the cloistered — it’s possible in everyday life, through technology, activism, education, and service.

Their lives speak directly to the youth of the 21st century, making sainthood relatable, attainable, and real.

📍 Canonisation Date & Details

  • Event: Canonisation of Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
  • Date: September 7, 2025
  • Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
  • Presiding Pontiff: Pope Leo XIV
  • Expected Attendance: Thousands of pilgrims and dignitaries from around the world

The Vatican is preparing for an event of great spiritual significance and international interest.

International

At 102, Kokichi Akuzawa Becomes the Oldest Person to Climb Mount Fuji

Tanisha Cardozo

In an extraordinary display of resilience and determination, Kokichi Akuzawa, a 102-year-old Japanese man, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest person ever to climb Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest and most iconic peak.

Born in 1923, Akuzawa isn’t new to mountains — but this time, he scaled Fuji under extraordinary circumstances. Just months before his climb in August, he was hospitalised with shingles and heart failure following a fall during a local mountain walk near his home in Gunma Prefecture.

Despite concerns from his family and doctors, Akuzawa was determined to bounce back. And he did.

Akuzawa began a strict self-devised training regimen:

  • Daily 1-hour morning walks
  • Weekly mountain hikes
  • Gradual rebuilding of stamina and altitude tolerance

His daughter Yukiko, 75, said doctors were astonished by how quickly he regained strength:

“The recovery was so fast that his doctors could not believe it.”

Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet). Akuzawa tackled the ascent over three days, spending two nights in mountain huts. The altitude nearly made him give up, but with the support of his granddaughter — a trained nurse — and other companions, he pushed through to the summit.

Despite the effort, Akuzawa remained modest:

“I’ve been there and seen the view many times. It wasn’t anything special.”

A retired livestock farmer, Akuzawa continues to lead a full life. He volunteers at a local elderly care center and teaches painting — activities that show his active lifestyle isn’t limited to hiking trails.

Asked whether he would climb Mount Fuji again, he replied with a chuckle:

“No.”

Akuzawa’s story is a testament to the human spirit, aging with grace, and the power of persistence. In a world where age often becomes a barrier, Kokichi Akuzawa is a reminder that passion and preparation can truly move mountains — even at 102.