Diwali is a time for togetherness, cherished traditions and, of course, the irresistible sweets that make every celebration a little more special. While classic mithai will always have a place on the festive table, adding a creative twist to familiar favorites can make the occasion even more delightful. With their rich, nutty flavour and satisfying crunch, California walnuts bring a delicious new dimension to traditional Indian sweets. From the indulgent California Walnut Shahi Tukda and melt-in-the-mouth California Walnut Kalakand to the festive favourite California Walnut Til Barfi, these three recipes offer a wonderful way to celebrate Diwali with a little something different.

California Walnut Stuffed Shahi Tukda

California Walnut Stuffed Shahi Tukda – Chef Neha Deepak Shah 

Ingredients

3-4 bread slices, corners removed

For The Filling

1 cup roasted California walnuts

2 tablespoons Ghee

1/2 cup khoya

1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

2 teaspoons rose water

Dried rose petals

1/4 – 1/2 cup sugar (adjust according to taste)

For The Instant Rabri

1/2 tin mithai mate

1 cup milk

Sugar

1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

A few saffron strands dissolved in water

2 teaspoons milk powder

For The Garnish

Dried rose petals

California walnuts

Silver leaf

Preparation:

1. To start with, grind the roasted California walnuts coarsely. You can crush them too.

2. Heat ghee in a pan and add the ground walnuts. Roast them lightly on medium flame with constant stirring.

3. Crumble the mava and mix well with walnuts. Cook until the mixture turns crumbly.

4. Add the cardamom powder and rose water and cook for another few minutes.

5. Mix in the dried rose petals, remove from flame and keep it aside to cool.

6. For the instant rabri, heat the mithai mate in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the milk and keep cooking and stirring on medium flame.

7. Add the saffron water, cardamom powder and milk powder. Cook for a few minutes and then remove from flame and keep it aside.

8. To make the rolls, flatten and roll out the bread slices using a rolling pin.

9. Now, mix the sugar into the prepared filling and place the crumbly mixture onto the centre of a slice.

10. Apply some water onto the edges of the bread, roll tightly and seal them. Repeat with other slices.

11. Mix the prepared rabri and place it on medium flame to warm it up.

12. Meanwhile, heat ghee in a pan and slightly toast the rolls from all sides.

13. Divide each toasted roll into 2.

14. Now, pour some rabri onto a flat dish and place the rolls. Pour some more rabri over them.

15. Garnish with California walnuts, silver leaf and dried rose petals.

California Walnut Kalakand

California Walnut Kalakand – Shumaila Chauhan

Ingredients

1.5 cups walnuts

1L milk

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice

4-5 cardamoms, powdered

1/2 can condensed milk

1/4 teaspoon rose water

Chopped walnuts and dried rose petals, to garnish

Preparation

1. Roast walnuts in a pan on medium low heat for 3-4 minutes. Let cool, and then coarsely chop. Keep aside.

2. Line a strainer with muslin cloth over a wide bowl and keep aside.

3. In a heavy bottom pan, add whole milk and heat on medium high, stirring often. Let milk come to a boil, then turn heat off. Add 1 tablespoons juice, stir. If required, add another teaspoon till milk curdles completely and the whey separates.

4. Pour curdled milk over the muslin lined strainer. Wash the chena (curdled milk) to rid of the lemon flavor.

5. Squeeze out a little of the excess water- be careful not to over squeeze else the kalakand will be too dry. Tie the edges of the muslin cloth and let it hang over the sink faucet for 10-15 minutes.

6. In a pan, add the condensed milk, and chena (curdled milk). Mix and cook on low, stirring often. Cook for 10-12 minutes, till mixture thickens a bit and starts leaving the sides. Do not dry out completely.

7. Add cardamom powder and chopped walnuts, reserving a few to sprinkle on the top.

8. Grease an 8-inch pan, and line with parchment paper. Spread the mixture in half of the pan (the kalakand needs to be thick). Sprinkle the nuts and dried rose petals on top. Let set for a few hours, before cutting and serving.

California Walnut and Til barfi

California Walnut and Til barfi  – Shumaila Chauhan

Ingredients

1 tablespoon ghee

500ml full fat milk

1/2 cup milk powder

1/2 cup walnuts

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

3/4 cup sesame seeds

1/3 cup jaggery powder

1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

Preparation

1. In a pan over medium low heat, add the sesame seeds and heat 3-4 minutes. They will turn slightly golden and pop. Do not burn. Let cool and coarsely grind them.

2. Pulse walnuts to make walnut meal. Be careful to not over grind, else you will make walnut butter.

3. In a heavy bottom pan, heat ghee. Add milk and stir. Let the milk come to a soft boil over medium heat. Add the milk powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring often. Make sure to scrape the sides of pan. Cook for 10-15 minutes, till milk is reduced to half.

4. Add walnut and jaggery powder, and mix well. Cook for another 5-6 minutes.

5. Add in the powdered sesame seeds. Mix well. Stir another 2-3 minutes. Add in the cardamom powder and chopped walnuts (reserving a few for the top). Mix well. Stir till mixture thickens and starts leaving the pan and looks doughy. Turn off heat.

6. Grease a 5” by 7” pan. Line it with parchment paper. Spread the cooked mixture evenly. Top with the reserved chopped walnuts, and sprinkle some sesame seeds.  Let set for an hour in the refrigerator. Cut into rectangles and serve.

Maa Kauvery, Trichy, launched the Kauvery Breast Clinic, a one-stop centre with all women surgeons and consultants, designed to put patients at ease throughout their consultation and treatment. The centre was inaugurated by actress Gautami. The launch follows the hospital’s ‘Vaanga Amma Kitta Paesalam’ campaign, which encourages women to speak openly about breast health and seek timely care, so that conversations at home lead to early action. The clinic opens during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, embracing the 2026 global theme, “Every story is unique, every journey matters,” with a patient-centric approach that addresses each woman’s individual concerns at every stage of life.

Actress Gautami inaugurated Kauvery Breast Clinic in Maa Kauvery Trichy, a one-stop centre by women surgeons and consultants encouraging women to speak about breast health

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 2.4 million women diagnosed and 694,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. In India, it accounts for over 190,000 new cases a year, nearly 14% of all cancers.

Women seeking breast care often need to visit multiple doctors and centres for consultations, imaging, biopsies and specialist opinions. This can prolong the wait for answers and add to the anxiety surrounding symptoms such as breast pain, nipple discharge or a lump. Many women are also uncomfortable discussing these concerns with, or being examined by, male healthcare providers, which can make them delay seeking help. Women with a family history of breast cancer may also need guidance on their individual risk and screening needs. The Kauvery Breast Clinic brings these services together, offering a single point of access for assessment, treatment and ongoing support.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. D. Senguttuvan, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Maa Kauvery, Trichy said, “Every woman, at every stage of life, should be able to talk about her breast health openly and get clear answers without delay. Too often, women move from one doctor to another for a consultation, a scan or a biopsy, and the wait for clarity becomes the hardest part. The Kauvery Breast Clinic has been created to change that. Whether it is a young woman worried about a lump, someone who wants to understand her family risk, a woman with pain or discharge she wants checked, or someone exploring reconstructive or cosmetic options, she will find the right specialists, the right technology and a team of women who understand her concerns, all under one roof. We are proud to bring this centre to Trichy.”

The Kauvery Breast Clinic offers a complete range of services, including screening and early detection, evaluation and treatment of benign breast diseases, genetic risk assessment and screening, oncoplastic and breast reconstructive surgery, breast cosmetic procedures, and psychological support and rehabilitation, along with diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer where needed. Care is delivered by a team entirely led-by women surgeons and consultants across breast surgery, radiology, pathology, oncology, gynaecology and psychology. This makes space for the patients to discuss sensitive concerns, undergo examinations and receive treatment in a comfortable and reassuring environment at every step.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Megha B, Consultant Breast Surgeon, Kauvery Hospital, Trichy, said, “Breast health should never take a backseat because of fear, embarrassment or hesitation. A comfortable and supportive environment can make a significant difference in encouraging women to seek medical advice at the right time. At the Kauvery Breast Clinic, our all-women team is committed to ensuring that every patient feels confident discussing her concerns and understands the care available to her. By making breast health conversations more approachable and accessible, we hope to encourage more women to prioritise regular check-ups and seek timely medical attention when they notice any changes.”

With the launch of the Kauvery Breast Clinic, Kauvery Hospitals reaffirms its commitment to bringing comprehensive, compassionate and coordinated breast care to the women of Trichy and the surrounding region.

About Kauvery Hospital

Kauvery Hospital is a leading multi-specialty healthcare provider in India, recognized for its commitment to clinical excellence, patient-centric care, and advanced medical infrastructure. The hospital group operates a network of twelve hospitals across six key locations – Trichy, Chennai, Salem, Hosur, Tirunelveli, and Bengaluru – and employs over 11000 healthcare professionals. Serving millions of patients annually, Kauvery Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality secondary and tertiary care, supported by a strong focus on innovation, clinical outcomes, and continuous advancement in healthcare delivery.

Rare achievement; only a few such sequential cardiac and abdominal surgeries reported globally.

Marking a rare milestone in surgical history, Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, successfully performed a coronary artery bypass surgery followed immediately by a laparoscopic abdominal surgery with no intervening gap between the two procedures.

This uninterrupted sequence, reported in only a limited number of patients worldwide, was performed on a 75-year-old man diagnosed with triple-vessel coronary artery disease and a large 10-cm mesenteric cyst.
 

Tirunelveli Kauvery Hospital Performs Combined Heart Bypass and Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery Without Intervening Gap in 75-Year-Old Patient

The cardiac procedure was a beating-heart Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG).

Three bypass grafts were created — one using an artery from inside the chest and two using veins from the leg — to bypass three blocked coronary vessels.

The abdominal procedure was a laparoscopic subtotal excision to remove the 10-cm cyst located in the mesentery, the tissue that supports the intestines.

The patient recovered well following both procedures and continues to do well with no signs of infection during follow-up.

Normally, when a patient requires both cardiac and major abdominal surgery, the procedures are performed in separate stages, often with a gap of several weeks to months to allow the heart and other organs to recover and stabilise after the first major operation.

Performing two major surgeries in immediate succession is considered high-risk, as it places additional stress on the heart and lungs and increases concerns related to blood loss, anaesthesia, postoperative complications and infection.

In this instance, as the patient was experiencing severe pain due to the abdominal cyst, the medical team decided to perform both procedures during the same surgical session. To minimize the risk of bleeding, the cardiac team performed the bypass on the beating heart.

The gastrointestinal team then excised the cyst through small keyhole incisions using the laparoscopic approach.

The procedures were performed by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. R. Arun Singh, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, who performed the bypass surgery, with support from Dr. M.S.L. Mahboobu Subuhani, Cardiologist. Dr. Karthikeyan, Gastrointestinal Surgeon, performed the laparoscopic abdominal procedure, while Dr. Lakshmanan K and Dr. Selvi Mahalingam M, Anaesthesiologists*, provided anaesthesia and perioperative support for both procedures.

Dr. R. Arun Singh, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, said, “Performing bypass surgery and then proceeding immediately to a major abdominal surgery in the same session is not routinely undertaken anywhere, as the heart is particularly vulnerable in the period immediately following bypass. There are several risks involved. The blood-thinning medicines used during cardiac surgery, along with the body’s altered clotting tendency after bypass, can increase the risk of bleeding. Laparoscopic surgery itself can affect blood flow and heart function. Besides, performing two major procedures in succession places additional stress on the heart and lungs. There is also a risk of infection, including infection affecting the heart. However, in this situation, the patient was experiencing severe pain caused by the abdominal cyst and the procedure could not be delayed. We therefore carefully assessed and managed each of the associated risks to proceed with the abdominal surgery immediately after the bypass.”

Dr. Karthikeyan, Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, said, “This was the first time I performed a major abdominal surgery immediately following a cardiac bypass, and it was a challenging experience that required considerable expertise and close coordination with the cardiac and anaesthesia teams. The patient had to undergo the abdominal procedure because of the severe pain caused by the cyst, despite having just undergone a major cardiac surgery. We had to carefully balance the abdominal requirement with the patient’s cardiac condition and proceed with the laparoscopic surgery without any delay. I am very happy that we were able to complete the procedure successfully and that the patient is recovering well, with both his cardiac and abdominal conditions addressed.”

Dr. Lakshmanan, Medical Administrator, Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, said, “We are extremely proud of this significant achievement, which demonstrates the clinical expertise, preparedness and teamwork of our medical teams. Performing two major procedures without an intervening gap required meticulous planning, close coordination and continuous monitoring. The seamless collaboration between our cardiac, gastrointestinal and anaesthesia teams enabled us to undertake this challenging sequence of procedures safely and successfully. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing advanced, multidisciplinary care for patients who present with complex and time-sensitive medical needs.”

Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai, has successfully treated severe aortic valve leakage, known as Pure Native Aortic Regurgitation (PNAR), in a 63-year-old man with a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure using the specialised HANCHOR valve. The condition was caused by a perforation in the patient’s native aortic valve leaflet. The patient also had a history of mitral valve replacement, adding to the complexity of the treatment. This is the first of its kind procedure where the HANCHOR valve has been used for TAVR in a patient presenting with this combination of clinical factors.

Dr. Iyappan Ponnuswamy, Medical Director, Dr. Clive Fernandes – DMS, Dr. Mahesh Kumar – MS, Dr. R. Anantharaman, Sr. Cardiologist & Cardiology Team

The aortic valve regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta, the main artery that supplies blood to the body. When the valve does not close properly, blood flows backwards into the heart, a condition known as aortic regurgitation. In this patient, the leakage was severe and associated with a perforation in one of the valve’s leaflets, making treatment more complex.

Treating pure native aortic regurgitation through a catheter-based approach presents a specific challenge. Unlike aortic stenosis, in which calcium deposits can help secure a replacement valve, patients with pure native aortic regurgitation often have little or no calcification to support the implanted valve. This makes stable positioning and secure anchoring more difficult. The patient’s previous mitral valve replacement added another important consideration to the treatment planning.

The HANCHOR valve is designed to address the challenge of valve anchoring in pure native aortic regurgitation. It combines a balloon-expandable frame with a dedicated anchoring element made of nitinol, a flexible metal alloy. The anchoring mechanism is designed to engage the native valve leaflets and help stabilise the replacement valve, including in situations where the surrounding anatomy offers limited support.

During the TAVR procedure, the replacement valve was delivered through a catheter and positioned within the patient’s existing aortic valve. This minimally invasive approach allows doctors to replace the faulty valve without conventional open-heart valve replacement surgery, where clinically appropriate.

Following the procedure, the post-procedure assessment reported no residual aortic regurgitation, no valve stenosis (abnormal narrowing) and no paravalvular leak, which is leakage around the implanted valve. No significant abnormality in the heart’s electrical conduction was reported. The patient was discharged after three days.

Dr. Rajaram Ananantharaman, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai, said, “Pure native aortic regurgitation can be challenging to treat using a catheter-based approach because the limited calcium deposits in the native valve can make it difficult to secure a replacement valve. Also, the perforation of the aortic valve leaflet, combined with the patient’s history of mitral valve replacement, added further complexity to treatment planning. The HANCHOR valve’s dedicated anchoring mechanism helped us address the challenges of valve positioning. The immediate post-procedure findings were encouraging, with no residual aortic regurgitation or leakage around the implanted valve reported. This procedure demonstrates the importance of individualised treatment planning and specialised valve technology in managing complex structural heart conditions.”

Commenting on the treatment, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “At Kauvery, we are committed to advancing patient care through clinical expertise, innovation and the adoption of appropriate medical technologies. Success stories such as this highlight the importance of combining specialised treatment approaches with careful clinical assessment to address complex cardiac conditions. We continue to focus on bringing advanced treatment options to patients while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and care.”

Celebrating Diwali through a distinctive blend of spirituality, art and cultural heritage, Ambience Mall, Gurugram, has unveiled The Divine Radiance, a magnificent 20-foot installation dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Featuring 251,000 mirror mosaic chips and requiring 360 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, the installation celebrates the values of courage, devotion and strength associated with the revered deity.

Ambience Mall, Gurugram, Unveils ‘The Divine Radiance’, a 20-Foot Mirror Mosaic Installation of Lord Hanuman

The installation showcases intricate mirror mosaic detailing in radiant golden tones, creating a striking visual spectacle that reflects the spirit of the festival of lights. Combining traditional artistry with contemporary presentation, the creation highlights the skill and precision involved in transforming thousands of individual mirror pieces into an elaborate artistic masterpiece.

Inspired by Lord Hanuman’s unwavering devotion and selfless service, The Divine Radiance celebrates the deeper significance of Diwali, symbolising the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over adversity. Through this installation, Ambience Mall, Gurugram, aims to offer visitors a meaningful festive experience that brings together Indian artistic traditions, spiritual symbolism and community celebration.

Commenting on the initiative, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Festivals offer us an opportunity to go beyond celebrations and create experiences that bring people closer to our cultural roots and traditions. With The Divine Radiance, our initiative for Diwali at Ambience Mall, Gurugram, we wanted to celebrate the spiritual significance of the festival while showcasing the richness of Indian craftsmanship. This magnificent installation of Lord Hanuman reflects the values of courage, devotion and strength that he embodies. Through initiatives like this, we aim to bring together art, spirituality and community, offering our visitors meaningful and memorable festive experiences that go beyond retail and create lasting connections with our cultural heritage.”

Through distinctive installations and cultural experiences, Ambience Mall, Gurugram, continues to enhance its festive offerings, creating opportunities for visitors and families to engage with India’s artistic traditions while celebrating special occasions together.

Kauvery Hospital, Salem, participated in a breast cancer awareness programme organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Indian Women Network (CII–IWN), Salem, on 14 October 2026 at Cenneys Gateway, Salem. The programme was organised as part of Pink October 2026, observed from October 1 to 31 every year to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month globally. The initiative brought together medical specialists to highlight the importance of breast health, encourage awareness of individual risk factors and reinforce the role of early detection in improving breast cancer outcomes.
 

Kauvery Hospital, Salem, Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection at the CII–IWN Initiative
 

Representing Kauvery Hospital, Salem, Dr P. Sathya Sudhakar, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist; Dr S. Rajkumar, Consultant Surgical Oncologist; and Dr A. Nandhakumar, Consultant Medical Oncologist, shared their clinical perspectives on breast cancer awareness, risk assessment, early detection and treatment options. Dr Sathya Sudhakar addressed understanding individual breast cancer risk factors and whether the risk can be reduced or prevented. Dr Rajkumar highlighted the importance of early detection from a surgical oncology perspective, while Dr Nandhakumar spoke about modern treatment options for breast cancer.
 

Through its participation in the initiative, Kauvery Hospital, Salem, reiterated its commitment to strengthening community health awareness and encouraging proactive conversations around breast health. By bringing medical expertise into community platforms, the hospital continues to support greater awareness of early detection and the importance of seeking timely medical advice.
 

About Kauvery Hospital
Kauvery Hospital is a leading multi-specialty healthcare provider in India, recognized for its commitment to clinical excellence, patient-centric care, and advanced medical infrastructure. The hospital group operates a network of twelve hospitals across six key locations – Trichy, Chennai, Salem, Hosur, Tirunelveli, and Bengaluru – and employs over 11,000 healthcare professionals. Serving millions of patients annually, Kauvery Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality secondary and tertiary care, supported by a strong focus on innovation, clinical outcomes, and continuous advancement in healthcare delivery.

Catch Salt & Spices, one of the popular brands under Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a leading FMCG conglomerate and multi-business corporation, has unveiled a new television commercial for Catch Ginger Garlic Paste, introducing the category’s first Squeezy bottle in India. Conceptualised by VML India, the campaign is built around the line ‘Squeezy Hai, Easy Hai’ and puts everyday kitchen convenience at the heart of the communication.

Ginger Garlic Squeezy Bottle

The Catch Ginger Garlic squeezy bottle TVC brings the spotlight on a cooking essential that consumers have loved and widely embraced. With the squeezy bottle, Catch is upgrading this much-loved product for greater everyday convenience. The TVC will run across television, digital and social media platforms pan India.

The film opens on a working woman racing against the clock in her kitchen as she prepares to cook before a morning meeting. She takes out a bowl of homemade ginger garlic paste from the refrigerator, only for it to slip from her hands and spill across the floor. Then she is found staring at the raw ginger and garlic on the counter, visibly exasperated at the thought of peeling, chopping and grinding a fresh batch once again. Just then, the Catch Ginger Garlic Paste squeezy bottle appears. And she is relieved that’s she does not have to go through the grind of making it again and can attend the meeting as per schedule. The narrative reflects a reality for many urban households, where ginger garlic paste is a daily essential but making it at home is time-consuming and storing it is cumbersome. It also mirrors a wider shift in the category, as more consumers move from homemade paste to packaged ginger garlic paste.

Arnab Ghatak Choudhury, Sr. General Manager, Marketing, Catch Salt & Spices, DS Group, said, “Packaged ginger garlic paste is one of the fastest-growing kitchen categories and today’s consumers want convenience without compromising on taste. Catch has always been synonymous with authentic flavour and our Ginger Garlic Paste features a thick, grainy texture, just like traditional homemade paste, making it the ideal kitchen substitute. The Catch Ginger Garlic squeezy bottle, a first in India in this category, makes one of the most-used ingredients in Indian cooking effortless and the ‘Squeezy Hai, Easy Hai’ TVC captures that simply.”

Babita Baruah, CEO, VML India, said, “At VML, we believe powerful creative work starts with sharp consumer insights. Catch Ginger Garlic Paste’s squeezy format is a brilliant example of simple packaging innovation solving a genuine everyday kitchen friction. Our ‘Squeezy Hai, Easy Hai’ campaign brings this functional ease to life through an engaging, relatable story rooted in everyday cooking routines, showing how convenience and authentic flavour can go hand in hand. When innovation genuinely lightens the daily routine, the brand narrative should feel just as seamless.” 

The squeezy bottle of Catch Ginger Garlic Paste is available pan-India across General Trade, Modern Trade outlets and all leading quick-commerce platforms, supported by point-of-purchase visibility at retail.

TVC Link: youtu.be/BLCfpJiPM44

About DS Group

The DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group) is a one of the leading FMCG conglomerates and a Multi-Business Corporation with a strong Indian and International presence. Founded in the year 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth. It has an extensive and diverse portfolio with presence in Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Mouth Freshener, Hospitality, Agri, Luxury Retail businesses, and other investments. Catch, Pulse, Pass Pass, Silver Pearls, Ksheer, Rajnigandha, Ovino, L’Opera, Le Marche, Birthright, LuvIt, Chingles, Golmol, Namah are some of the leading brands, the Group proudly shelters today.

As a corporate, DS Group is guided by a clear set of values that are built on a strong foundation of collective good to give back to society and protect the planet. The DS Headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, under the USGBC (US Green Building Council) existing building O&M (Operation and Maintenance) program version 4.0. The DS Headquarters has also received LEED Zero Carbon Certification, by the USGBC.

For more information, please visit www.dsgroup.com.

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) celebrated the second and concluding day of its grand two-day 13th Convocation Ceremony today. Chief Guest Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Hon’ble Minister of State for Education, Government of India, addressed the graduating class through a special video message, while Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Advisor and former Pro Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), graced the ceremony on the dais as the Guest of Honour. Following the ceremonial procession of the Academic Council and the Manipal Kulgeet, Chairperson Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh formally declared the second day’s ceremony open.

A graduate receives the degree from Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Chairperson Manipal University Jaipur during the 13th Convocation

Delivering the welcome address, Pro President Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana paid tribute to the visionary leadership of founder of Manipal Education and Manipal Group (MEMG) Padma Shri Dr. T. M. A. Pai. Welcoming the Chief Guest’s message and introducing Guest of Honour, Dr. Rana noted that the convergence of education, skill development, and entrepreneurship directly shapes youth opportunities and nation-building.

Presenting the university’s overview and achievements since 2011, President Dr. N. N. Sharma congratulated the graduating cohort, reminding them that a degree is a lifelong asset with no expiry date. Dr. Sharma called upon the graduates to applaud and honour the unconditional sacrifices of their parents, teachers, and mentors.

In his special video address, Chief Guest Shri Jayant Chaudhary congratulated MUJ on securing the 58th rank in the NIRF University category and a 5-Star QS rating. Emphasizing that learning does not end with a degree, he urged the Class of 2026 to make reskilling and upskilling a lifelong habit to stay resilient in an evolving world of work and contribute to a Developed India (Viksit Bharat). Expressing special appreciation for MUJ’s outstanding sports achievers, Shri Chaudhary highlighted how a strong sporting culture fosters discipline, teamwork, health, and new avenues for entrepreneurship and livelihoods.

Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Dr. Narayana Sabhahit highlighted Manipal’s stature as a global brand. Outlining a blueprint for thriving in the era of Artificial Intelligence, he advised graduates to collaborate with AI as a powerful tool while cultivating uniquely human strengths—empathy, ethical judgment, leadership, and environmental stewardship. “AI can generate data, but it cannot generate destiny; true greatness is measured not by the intelligence of your tools, but by the integrity of your soul,” he remarked.

Across the two-day ceremony, MUJ conferred a total of 4,184 degrees (3,681 UG, 400 PG, and 103 Ph.D.) and 62 Gold Medals (45 UG, 16 PG, and 1 Ph.D.) across four faculties—Faculty of Science, Technology and Architecture -FoSTA (2,889), Faculty of Management Commerce and Arts – FoMCA (837), Faculty of Law – FoL (236), and Faculty of Health Sciences – FoHS (222). Controller of Examinations Dr. Dasari Nagaraju presented the graduation figures and administered the oath after Chairperson Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh conferred the degrees, and the ceremony concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks by Registrar Dr. Amit Soni and the National Anthem.

Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, has launched a suite of specialised Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) services to support patients with complex clinical needs as part of a comprehensive critical care approach that considers the heart, lungs and other organs collectively.
 

The ECMO Launch with Our Team

The hospital’s Kauvery Centre for ECMO & Advanced Life Support offers a range of specialised services, including VV-ECMO for severe respiratory failure, VA-ECMO for cardiac failure, V-AV ECMO (Hybrid ECMO) for combined heart and lung failure, awake ECMO, and ECMO-supported road and air transfers.

VV-ECMO primarily supports the lungs by oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide, while VA-ECMO provides both respiratory and circulatory support when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. V-AV ECMO (Hybrid ECMO) combines the benefits of both approaches to provide support for patients with combined heart and lung failure. In appropriately selected patients, awake ECMO enables them to remain conscious while receiving the life support they need.

ECMO-supported air and road transfers enable critically ill patients at hospitals without ECMO facilities to access this advanced life-support intervention. Kauvery Hospital’s specialised team travels to the referring hospital to assess the patient and initiate ECMO support when clinically indicated. The patient is then transferred to Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, under continuous ECMO support, where advanced facilities and a multidisciplinary team of specialists provide further treatment.

As the clinical challenges often extend beyond initiating ECMO, patients may require simultaneous support for other failing organs, careful fluid management, specialised dialysis and coordinated care across multiple disciplines. To address these complex needs, the Kauvery Centre for ECMO & Advanced Life Support has a dedicated multidisciplinary team of experienced specialists, supported by continuous monitoring and treatment decisions tailored to each patient’s evolving condition.

The centre brings together ECMO specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiothoracic anaesthetists, perfusionists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, critical care specialists, nephrologists, haematologists, infectious disease specialists, ECMO-trained nurses, physiotherapists and other relevant clinical teams to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care.

The programme is led by Dr. K. Madhan Kumar, Director – ECMO & VAD, Senior Consultant – Cardiothoracic & Transplant Surgeon at Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, who currently serves as President of the ECMO Society of India.

In his comments, Dr. Madhan Kumar said, “When severe heart or lung failure does not respond to conventional treatment, ECMO provides temporary life support, allowing doctors to treat the underlying condition and assess the potential for recovery. Managing such patients often involves addressing complications affecting other organs, requiring careful monitoring and timely clinical decisions. We are pleased to have established the Kauvery Centre for ECMO & Advanced Life Support, bringing together advanced facilities, specialised expertise and a multidisciplinary team to manage complex critical-care cases and provide comprehensive, coordinated care tailored to each patient’s needs.”

Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “Advanced critical care depends on the strength of the team behind it. The ability to manage complex conditions comes from bringing together the right specialists, technology and clinical judgement, particularly when a patient’s needs change rapidly. At Kauvery Hospital, our focus is on building these capabilities as part of a coordinated approach to care, so that patients with serious and complex conditions can be assessed and treated by teams equipped to address their needs.”

Through the Kauvery Centre for ECMO & Advanced Life Support, Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani continues to focus on specialised heart and lung support, multi-organ care and complex critical-care management. The emphasis remains on combining technology with clinical expertise and coordinated teamwork when conventional treatment may no longer be enough.