India
From Shy Voices to Confident Entrepreneurs: Bonda Women Step Beyond Their Villages
Bengaluru, August 15, 2026: Seven executive members of a Farmer Producer Company (FPC), all women from the Bonda tribe, one of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), have travelled from the remote Bonda Hills of Odisha’s Malkangiri district to Bengaluru for a training programme on food drying and processing techniques at Jain University.
The training is part of a livelihood initiative implemented by Rise Against Hunger India to help increase household incomes through the processing and value addition of locally available forest produce, including bamboo shoots, jackfruit, mangoes and edible forest leaves.
The visit marks a significant milestone for the women, who are now directors and office bearers of their Farmer Producer Company (FPC). Three years ago, when Rise Against Hunger India began working with the community, many of them were hesitant to speak even in group settings. Today, they actively participate in discussions, ask questions and make decisions for their enterprise.
Their journey from shy participants to leaders of a collective enterprise reflects a deeper transformation rooted in confidence, agency and a growing belief in their own potential.
For many of the women, this is their first journey outside their region and their first experience of life in a major city. Beyond technical skills, the programme is providing exposure to new environments, people and opportunities while building on the community’s traditional knowledge of forest resources.
“The transformation we have witnessed among these women over the past three years is deeply encouraging. The fact that they are now travelling far from their villages, participating actively in a technical training programme and representing their producer company reflects how significantly their confidence and leadership have grown. Our aim is not to move communities away from their identity, but to help them build on their strengths and connect their traditional knowledge with opportunities that promote dignity and sustainable livelihoods,” said Dola Mohapatra, Chief Executive Officer, Rise Against Hunger India.
For the participants, the visit represents far more than a training opportunity.
“This is the first time I have travelled so far from my village. We used to see big buildings and cities only in movies. Travelling to Bengaluru, seeing tall buildings, riding the Metro, trying new food and meeting new people has been a completely new experience for me,” said Adibari Sisa, Executive Member, Amakund Farmer Producer Company.
“Being part of the producer company has given me confidence. Earlier, I only had dreams that I could do something meaningful. Now, I can see those dreams becoming a reality. This experience has shown me that women can be leaders and create positive change in their communities,” said Laxmi Badanayak, President of the Farmer Producer Company.
The NTFP training programme is part of Rise Against Hunger India’s broader efforts to strengthen community-led livelihoods and resilient local enterprises. By combining technical skill development, exposure and collective decision-making, the organization is supporting communities to create sustainable economic opportunities on their own terms.
About Rise Against Hunger India
Rise Against Hunger India is committed to ending hunger and improving lives through programmes focused on food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, women’s empowerment and livelihood development. The organisation works with vulnerable communities across India to build resilience, improve well-being and create pathways to sustainable development.
Over the past decade, Rise Against Hunger India has served more than 46 million meals and reached over 4 million people through its food security, nutrition and livelihood programmes, working alongside grassroots organizations, rural communities and humanitarian partners across India.
India
Festive Season Staple: Dakloni Masala’s Dry Fruits and Spices for Diwali and Beyond
Dry fruits and premium spices have long played an outsized role in Indian festive traditions, from Diwali gifting to celebratory sweets and dishes prepared for weddings and religious occasions — a seasonal demand pattern the Odisha-based brand Dakloni Masala's dry-fruits and spice range is positioned to serve alongside its everyday cooking use cases.
Cashews, almonds, walnuts, pistachios and raisins from Dakloni Masala's dry-fruits range are staples of Indian festive gifting, commonly packaged into gift boxes or hampers exchanged during Diwali, weddings and other celebrations, a demand spike that has historically made the October-to-November period one of the highest-volume windows for India's dry-fruits market. Dakloni's positioning of its dry-fruits range as a "premium, everyday-wellness category rather than a seasonal or gifting-only product," according to the company's own marketing, reflects a strategy also used by several competing brands: capturing festive-season volume while building year-round purchase habits beyond the gifting calendar.
Spices in Festive Cooking
Garam masala and other spice blends also see elevated demand around festive periods, when households prepare a wider range of dishes than typical daily cooking — a seasonal pattern that gives spice brands a secondary demand spike distinct from, but overlapping with, the dry-fruits gifting season.
Makhana's Growing Festive Role
Roasted and flavored makhana varieties have increasingly found a place in festive spreads as a lighter snacking alternative to fried festive foods, a shift that has benefited newer entrants like Dakloni offering flavored makhana lines alongside more traditional festive dry fruits.
A Seasonal Opportunity With Year-Round Ambitions
Whether Dakloni successfully converts festive-season buyers into repeat, year-round customers — rather than one-time seasonal purchasers — will likely depend on product consistency and ongoing engagement through its social media channels, according to industry patterns observed across India's D2C food sector generally.
The Festive Demand Curve, and What Comes After It
India's dry-fruits and premium-spice categories typically see a sharp demand spike in the weeks leading up to Diwali, followed by a notable drop-off once the festive season ends — a pattern that can leave newer D2C brands with inventory and cash-flow challenges if they scale production purely around the festive peak rather than planning for steadier, lower-volume demand the rest of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dakloni Masala's dry fruits marketed for festive gifting?
The company positions its dry-fruits range as suited to everyday wellness rather than gifting-only use, though dry fruits broadly remain a popular festive gifting category in India.
Does Dakloni Masala offer festive gift packaging?
The company has not publicly detailed specific festive gift-box or hamper packaging options as of this report.
Visit- dakloni.in
Visit- dakloni.com
Facebook- Dakloni Masala
Instagram- @daklonimasala
Disclosure: This article was independently written based on information and documentation supplied by the company.
India
🏆 8-Year-Old Aaryavaan Joshi Adds Guinness World Records Recognition to His Remarkable Journey
Aaryavaan Joshi, an exceptionally talented 8-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, India, has added another proud milestone to his inspiring journey of achievements by participating in an official Guinness World Records achievement.
At an age when most children are just beginning to discover their interests, Aaryavaan had already started gaining recognition for his extraordinary abilities. His remarkable journey began at the tender age of 2 years, when his exceptional grasping power and talent earned him recognition in Kalam’s Book of World Records, where he was honoured with the title “Genius Kid.”
His achievements did not stop there. Aaryavaan was also recognised by Noble World Records as the “Youngest Multi-Talented Boy,” further highlighting his exceptional abilities and talent at a very young age.
Now, at the age of 8, Aaryavaan has added another memorable achievement to his growing list of recognitions through his participation in an official Guinness World Records mass record attempt. He received an official participation certificate in recognition of his involvement in the record-setting achievement.
From being recognised as a Genius Kid at just 2 years old to earning prestigious recognition as the Youngest Multi-Talented Boy, and now becoming part of a Guinness World Records achievement, Aaryavaan’s journey reflects his passion for learning and his determination to continue exploring his potential.
Aaryavaan is the son of Mrs. India Universe Dr. Divya Patidar. His achievements at such a young age are a proud moment for his family and an inspiration for young children to recognise their talents and pursue their dreams with confidence.
A Journey of Talent, Recognition and Inspiration
Aaryavaan Joshi’s story proves that age is never a limitation when talent, curiosity, dedication and the right encouragement come together. With several remarkable recognitions already to his name, this young achiever continues to inspire others with his extraordinary journey.
From Genius Kid to Youngest Multi-Talented Boy and now part of a Guinness World Records achievement — Aaryavaan Joshi is truly creating an inspiring journey, one achievement at a time. 🌟🏆✨
India
Ponda, Goa’s Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar Honoured with Bharat Visionary Icon Award for Contribution to Vedic Astrology and Spiritual Guidance
Founder of Asstro-Epic recognised for guidance in Vedic astrology, numerology, Lal Kitab remedies, Vastu and affordable gemstone consultancy
Ponda, Goa — In a moment of recognition for the state’s growing community of spiritual practitioners, Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar, founder of Asstro-Epic and based in Ponda, Goa, has been conferred with the Bharat Visionary Icon Award, an honour instituted by the Jivran Foundation. The certificate, dated 2 September 2026, credits him as a “Goan Astrologer, Vastu Consultant, Numerologist and Spiritual Guide” for his sustained contribution to astrology, Vastu, numerology and spiritual counselling across India and abroad. Known widely by his tagline “Your Own Local Goan Astrologer,” he continues to serve clients from his base in Ponda while also reaching a growing client base online.
The award adds to a growing profile for Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar, who has built Asstro-Epic into a full-service platform for Vedic astrology and allied sciences, blending traditional knowledge systems with a client-first, accessible approach to consultation.
Who Is Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar?
Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar is a Vedic astrologer and spiritual guide who has spent years studying and practising the ancient sciences of astrology, Nadi astrology, numerology, Lal Kitab, Vastu Shastra and gemology. He positions his work around a simple philosophy, summed up in his own words: his aim is not merely to forecast what lies ahead, but to help people move toward a stronger and more fulfilling future.
Over the years, he has guided thousands of clients across India and internationally, using kundali (birth chart) analysis, name correction through numerology, and time-tested Lal Kitab remedies to help people navigate career decisions, relationship compatibility, health concerns and financial planning.
Asstro-Epic: A One-Stop Platform for Astrology and Vastu
Under the banner “Guidance, Insight, Empowerment,” Asstro-Epic has positioned itself as a comprehensive destination for people seeking astrological and spiritual solutions. The platform’s tagline, “Your Trust, Our Guidance, Your Better Tomorrow,” reflects its emphasis on personalised, practical advice rather than generic predictions.
The services offered through Asstro-Epic include:
- Vedic Astrology & Kundali Analysis — detailed birth-chart readings for career, marriage, health and life-path guidance
- Numerology & Name Correction — number-based analysis and name adjustments believed to align personal energy with success
- Lal Kitab Remedies — simple, practical remedies drawn from the Lal Kitab tradition
- Vastu Consultation (Online & In-Person) — guidance for homes, offices and commercial spaces to improve energy flow and prosperity
- Gemstone Consultation — expert recommendations on gemstones suited to an individual’s chart
- Kundali Matching — compatibility analysis for marriage and partnerships
- Phone Consultation — remote sessions for clients who cannot visit in person
Affordable Gemstone Consultancy a Key Highlight
A standout feature of Asstro-Epic’s offering is its role as a gemstone consultant and provider at affordable rates. Gemstone recommendations are often seen as an expensive and confusing part of astrological remedies, but Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar’s approach focuses on making authentic, chart-based gemstone guidance accessible to a wider audience. Clients are guided on which gemstones may suit their birth chart, how to source them reliably, and how to wear them correctly — all without the inflated pricing often associated with gemstone sales in the astrology space. This affordability-first approach has been cited as one of the reasons behind the platform’s strong client base and its 4.9-star Google rating.
A Growing Digital and Social Presence
Asstro-Epic has also built a notable online presence, allowing clients from across India and abroad to access consultations remotely. The brand’s official website, www.asstroepic.in, offers details on services, consultation booking and contact information, while its Instagram page shares astrology insights, client testimonials and updates on Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar’s work.
Official Website: http://www.asstroepic.in/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asstroepic?utm_source=qr&stkn=NmgwOXFkamhobWI5
Recognition That Reflects a Larger Trend
The Bharat Visionary Icon Award, presented by the Jivran Foundation, is described as an honour recognising individuals for their dedicated contribution across various fields. For Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar, the recognition arrives amid a broader resurgence of interest in Vedic astrology, numerology and Vastu Shastra in India, as more people turn to traditional knowledge systems alongside modern lifestyles for clarity on career, relationships and wellbeing.
Speaking about his approach to astrology and spiritual guidance, Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar has consistently emphasised empowerment over dependency — encouraging clients to use astrological insight as a tool for better decision-making rather than a fixed prediction of fate. This client-centred philosophy, combined with his multi-disciplinary training across astrology, numerology, Lal Kitab and Vastu, is often cited by clients as a key reason for Asstro-Epic’s strong word-of-mouth reputation, both in Goa and among the wider Indian diaspora seeking guidance from a distance.
How to Consult Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar
Those interested in astrology consultations, numerology-based name correction, Vastu guidance for homes and offices, or affordable gemstone recommendations can reach out to Asstro-Epic through the following channels:
- Location: Ponda, Goa
- Phone: 7972254041
- Email: support@asstroepic.in
- Website: www.asstroepic.in
- Instagram: @asstroepic
About Asstro-Epic
Asstro-Epic is a Vedic astrology and spiritual guidance platform founded by Acharya Chetan Shet Pednekar, based in Ponda, Goa, and known as “Your Own Local Goan Astrologer.” The platform offers services in Vedic and Nadi astrology, numerology, Lal Kitab remedies, Vastu Shastra, kundali matching and affordable gemstone consultation, serving clients across India and internationally through online and in-person consultations, with a mission centred on guidance, insight and empowerment.
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