In a significant boost to Goa’s social development initiatives, Hon’ble Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presided over the presentation of a cheque worth ₹2.18 crore by Pentair Water India Private Limited to the Goa CSR Authority at Mantralaya, Porvorim.
The contribution marks a strong step forward in reinforcing collaboration between responsible corporate entities and the Government of Goa. It highlights the growing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development in the state.
This funding is set to support priority sectors such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth. By focusing on these key areas, the initiative aims to ensure that the benefits of development reach every section of society, especially those at the grassroots level.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister appreciated the continued commitment of Pentair Water India Pvt. Ltd. towards Goa’s progress. He acknowledged the company’s proactive role in supporting initiatives that align with the state’s vision for holistic and people-centric development.
The Chief Minister also extended his gratitude to Shri Raghunath Mane, Managing Director; Mrs. Jennifer Hensley, Senior Vice President (USA); and other representatives of the company for their valuable contribution and ongoing support.
The event serves as a reminder of the critical role that partnerships between government and industry play in shaping a sustainable future. As Goa continues to focus on balanced growth, such collaborations are expected to drive impactful change, ensuring improved quality of life and long-term development for its people.
With increasing participation from corporates in CSR initiatives, Goa is steadily strengthening its framework for inclusive progress—where economic growth goes hand in hand with social responsibility.
The All-India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, under the Ministry of Ayush, celebrated its 4th Foundation Day with a significant milestone for integrative healthcare: a high-profile national workshop on the “Preparation of Integrative Protocol for Colorectal Carcinoma.” Eminent experts from various medical fields gathered to refine evidence-informed, collaborative treatment pathways in integrative oncology. Prof. (Vd.) P. K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA; Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean of AIIA Goa; and Dr. Vinayak Chakor, Deputy Medical Superintendent, addressed the media and outlined the institute’s advancements on this special occasion.
AIIA Goa announced yet another major achievement—its NABH accreditation, an endorsement of the institute’s commitment to world-class quality, patient safety, and robust healthcare delivery. With this, along with newly inaugurated facilities, AIIA Goa now operates 25 multidisciplinary OPDs, including dedicated units for Manasrog Chikitsa, De-addiction, Swastha Rakshan, Diabetes, Casualty, and Critical Care, showcasing its mission to blend classical Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific technologies. Prof. Prajapati also highlighted outcomes from the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, where safety and evidence-based Ayurveda, especially Ashwagandha, were at the forefront of global discussions. The summit is expected to guide the next decade of integrating traditional and indigenous medicines into national health systems worldwide.
Prof. Sujata Kadam shared that, as part of the Foundation Day celebrations, the institute inaugurated two new OPDs—Health Assessment Screening and Dental OPD—along with fully equipped Kayachikitsa and Kaumarbhritya Panchakarma Theatres and an expanded IPD facility. She added that patient services have grown significantly, with over 800 OPD visitors daily, all receiving Ayurvedic medicines free of cost. Since inception, AIIA Goa has recorded over 5.25 lakh OPD footfall, 31,000 IPD admissions, around 77,200 Panchakarma procedures, and more than 1,35,000 radiology and laboratory investigations.
Under Medical Value Travel and Wellness Tourism initiatives, AIIA Goa has provided OPD services to 233 international patients and IPD care to 16 foreign nationals. The institute has also conducted more than 40,400 health camps, including general, disease-specific, school health check-ups, and Suvarnaprashan camps. On the academic front, the institute currently accommodates four undergraduate batches of 100 students each and has expanded its postgraduate education with new scholars joining in November 2025 across specialties including Dravya Guna, Rog Nidan, Kayachikitsa, Kaumarbhritya, and Panchakarma. AIIA Goa also offers an Ayurveda Dietician Course and a Panchakarma Technician Course, building workforce capacity in traditional medicine.
AIIA Goa has strengthened its institutional reach through strategic collaborations. Key partnerships include the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, to promote wellness and medical tourism; CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography to explore research and knowledge exchange; BITS Pilani Goa for joint research and academic collaboration; the Goa State Biodiversity Board for conservation and documentation of biodiversity; and the Goa Institute of Management for healthcare innovation and interdisciplinary studies. A tripartite MoU between AIIA Goa, the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa, and ATREC, Tata Memorial Centre, aims to advance integrative cancer care through research, treatment, and education.
With these expanding services, academic strides, global-facing collaborations, and a strong commitment to evidence-based Ayurveda, AIIA Goa reaffirmed its dedication to transforming healthcare and positioning itself as a global leader in integrative medicine.
HDFC Bank, one of India’s leading private-sector banks, will host the 17th edition of its nationwide Blood Donation Drive under its flagship CSR initiative, Parivartan. The annual effort is scheduled for December 5, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and will take place across more than 1,100 cities in India. The initiative continues to be one of the Bank’s most impactful community welfare programmes, encouraging large-scale participation from employees, customers, corporates, defence personnel, students and members of local communities.
The drive highlights the Bank’s commitment to supporting the country’s ongoing requirement for safe and timely blood donations. Since its inception in 2007, the Annual Blood Donation Drive has grown from only 88 centres and 4,385 units collected to more than 5,533 camps and 3.38 lakh units collected across 1,408 locations in 2024. It also earned a Guinness World Record in 2013 for conducting the largest single-day, multiple-venue blood donation event.
Mr Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director at HDFC Bank, expressed gratitude to all volunteers and partners who have contributed to the drive over the years. He emphasised that the simple act of donating blood can create an immediate and meaningful impact on someone’s life. Mr Bhavesh Zaveri, Executive Director at HDFC Bank, noted that the initiative has grown significantly due to the dedication and teamwork demonstrated by employees and partners, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem.
To ensure the highest standards of safety and transparency, HDFC Bank collaborates with reputed blood banks, healthcare institutions, NGOs and government authorities. This year’s edition will continue these partnerships, maintaining strong adherence to medical protocols and ethical practices. With community participation at its core, the 17th Annual Blood Donation Drive seeks to inspire individuals across the country to come together and contribute to a life-saving cause.
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani made a spiritual and philanthropic stop in Kerala this week, visiting the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur and offering a ₹15 crore donation towards the Guruvayur Devaswom’s upcoming multi-speciality hospital project. Arriving by helicopter early on Sunday morning, Ambani reached the temple via the southern gate and was received by officials of the Devaswom Board, including Chairman Dr V.K. Vijayan. He took part in temple rituals, offered prayers to Lord Guruvayurappan, and made a traditional ghee-lamp offering before handing over the cheque.
The ₹15 crore contribution marks the first instalment of Reliance’s support for the Devaswom’s healthcare initiative, which aims to build a modern multi-speciality hospital serving devotees, pilgrims, and the local population in and around Thrissur district. Reports indicate that the project will integrate advanced medical facilities, emergency care, and community services within the temple’s ecosystem.
In addition to financial support, Ambani also expressed his willingness to extend technical assistance for elephant care and veterinary facilities at the temple, referencing Reliance’s own wildlife and animal welfare programs in Gujarat. After the temple visit and donation ceremony, the Guruvayur Devaswom presented him with prasadam and a commemorative mural painting as a token of gratitude.
This gesture adds to Mukesh Ambani’s long history of religious visits and philanthropic contributions across India, aligning spiritual devotion with tangible social impact. His donation to the Guruvayur Devaswom reflects Reliance’s broader commitment to community health and sustainable development, demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can blend seamlessly with cultural heritage and faith-based initiatives.
In a historic decision, the Maharashtra government has announced the construction of Asia’s largest hospital in Pune, dedicated to the legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar.
The upcoming facility aims to provide state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and world-class healthcare services, catering to millions of patients from across India and beyond. It will also stand as a lasting tribute to the “Nightingale of India,” whose voice touched hearts across generations.
Officials highlighted that the hospital will:
Offer cutting-edge medical treatment and advanced healthcare facilities.
Serve as a hub for medical research, innovation, and training.
Provide affordable and accessible healthcare to people across social and economic backgrounds.
Contribute to Maharashtra’s vision of becoming a leader in healthcare infrastructure.
By naming this ambitious project after Lata Mangeshkar, the government seeks to immortalize her contributions to Indian culture while creating a healthcare institution that echoes her spirit of service and inspiration.
This announcement marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s healthcare system and honoring one of its most iconic legends.
