DSP Mutual Fund, Dentsu Creative & Falco Robotics Launch ‘Garuda Rakshak’ to Reunite Lost Children at Purna Maha Kumbh

DSP Mutual Fund, Dentsu Creative & Falco Robotics Launch ‘Garuda Rakshak’ to Reunite Lost Children at Purna Maha Kumbh

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 26, 2025

The Purna Maha Kumbh, a once-in-144-years spiritual gathering, is set to welcome a record 400 million devotees this year. While this extraordinary festival reflects unity and devotion, it has a darker side—the frequent loss of children amidst the massive crowds. Past events have reported over 250,000 missing individuals, many of them children, raising critical concerns about safety and security.

In response to this urgent issue, DSP Mutual Fund, in partnership with Dentsu Creative Webchutney and Falco Robotics, has introduced Garuda Rakshak, a revolutionary drone-powered search-and-rescue system. Named after Garuda, the mythological protector bird, this innovative initiative combines technology, compassion, and precision to reunite lost children with their families.

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How Garuda Rakshak Works

Garuda Rakshak’s unique system operates offline, overcoming the network congestion challenges typical of high-density events like the Maha Kumbh. It integrates low-frequency radio bands, satellite tracking, and drone automation to pinpoint missing children.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Activation via ID Band: Guardians can tap the child’s ID band at the Lost and Found Centre to activate the Garuda Rakshak system.
  2. Real-Time Tracking: Using geo-data from the wristband, drones quickly identify the child’s location.
  3. Visual Marker Deployment: The drone releases a color-coded marker in the sky, guiding rescuers to the child’s exact position.
  4. On-Ground Coordination: Simultaneously, the child’s details are transmitted to the on-ground rescue team, ensuring a swift and reliable recovery.

This seamless technology offers a lifeline for families navigating the chaos of the Kumbh, ensuring timely intervention and reunification.

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Leadership Voices

Abhik Sanyal, Head of Marketing at DSP Asset Managers, remarked:
"At DSP Mutual Fund, we believe that meaningful investments go beyond monetary returns. Backing Garuda Rakshak aligns with our ‘Invest for Good’ philosophy, ensuring that the most valuable returns come in the form of safety, hope, and smiles."

Gurbaksh Singh, Chief Innovation Officer at Dentsu Creative, highlighted:
"By blending ancient wisdom with modern drone technology, we’ve crafted a solution that not only saves lives but also restores hope in moments of despair. It’s a testament to the transformative power of innovation driven by compassion."

Vishal Dixit, CEO of Falco Robotics, added:
"Garuda Rakshak is uniquely designed to address the complexities of high-density events like the Maha Kumbh. The integration of drone technology with offline navigation ensures that every child can be reunited safely with their loved ones."

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A Step Toward Safety and Hope

Garuda Rakshak not only reflects the power of technology but also underscores the importance of collective responsibility during large-scale events. This pioneering effort aims to protect the most vulnerable and bring reassurance to millions of families attending the Purna Maha Kumbh.

For DSP Mutual Fund, Dentsu Creative Webchutney, and Falco Robotics, this initiative is a significant stride in merging technology with humanity, marking a new era in crowd safety and humanitarian innovation.


Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations at ZANA Luxury Resorts & Country Inn Hotels

Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations at ZANA Luxury Resorts & Country Inn Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

As the countdown to 2026 begins, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts invite travellers to celebrate the New Year in style with thoughtfully curated packages across some of India’s most picturesque destinations. From lakeside luxury and hill retreats to wildlife escapes, these celebrations promise a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and indulgence.

ZANA Luxury Resorts – Jim Corbett: Guests at ZANA Luxury Suites & Cottages and ZANA In The Wild can enjoy an energetic New Year under the stars with DJ entertainment, fireworks, lucky draws, and a live performance by acclaimed percussionist Nishant Gugnani. A dedicated kids’ zone and special buffet ensure fun for all ages.

ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur: Celebrate amid the shimmering lakes of Udaipur with a serene yet festive lakeside gala dinner. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, leisurely hi-teas, and even bring their own alcohol for a personalised experience.

ZANA By The Ganges, Rishikesh: This newest luxury address offers a soulful start to 2026 with a lively gala dinner, live singing, and tranquil views of the Ganges and Himalayas—perfect for those seeking festive celebrations with a touch of serenity.

ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore: Spread across 11 acres, the resort blends luxury cottages, green spaces, and a festive gala dinner, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet memorable New Year.

Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal: Surrounded by hills and crisp mountain air, guests can enjoy a DJ, fireworks, Kumaoni folk dance, live singing, bonfire, and a lavish gala dinner, providing a joyous and family-friendly way to welcome 2026.

Country Inn Premier, Mussoorie: Step into the New Year with panoramic hill station views, warm hospitality, a lively DJ, and gala dinner, creating a relaxed yet festive celebration in Mussoorie.

Country Inn Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett: Adjacent to ZANA In The Wild, this property offers a nature-centric celebration with fireworks, bonfire, DJ entertainment, lucky draws, and live percussion performances, ensuring a memorable New Year getaway.

Across all locations, guests can enjoy live music, curated gastronomic experiences, and immersive entertainment designed to create unforgettable memories. With these New Year packages, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels offer the perfect blend of celebration, comfort, and scenic beauty.


PRISM Offers Full Refunds for Guests Affected by Flight Disruptions

PRISM Offers Full Refunds for Guests Affected by Flight Disruptions

By Hariharan U

Published on December 10, 2025

PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has announced a full refund policy for guests who could not check into their hotels between December 5 and 15, 2025 due to the widespread flight disruptions across India. With more than 1,400 flights cancelled over the weekend and multiple delays crossing four hours, thousands of travel plans were affected at the peak of the wedding and holiday season.

Under this policy, guests who booked through the OYO or CheckIn apps will receive automatic refunds once they submit valid proof of cancellation or delay. PRISM is also coordinating closely with its hotel partners to ensure the process is smooth and does not burden small and mid-sized properties that depend heavily on seasonal business.

Sharing more details, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, PRISM Asia, said, “Our early estimates indicate that significant bookings across our hotel network may be affected by the ongoing flight disruptions. Coinciding with the peak wedding and holiday season, both leisure and business travel plans are being impacted. Our decision to offer full refunds is guided by empathy and a sense of responsibility to ensure our guests are not financially burdened by circumstances entirely beyond their control.”

PRISM today operates 13,000+ hotels under brands such as Townhouse, Sunday and Palette across India. To support the increased volume of queries, the group has also expanded its customer service team to help guests with refund requests and clarity on documentation. The company will continue to monitor the situation and extend the refund window if required.

Guests can access detailed policy information or raise requests through the CheckIn policy page or contact the dedicated support helpline.


Thomas Cook India and SOTC Reveal 7 Christmas Getaways Across India

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Reveal 7 Christmas Getaways Across India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 8, 2025

Christmas in India brings together beaches, hills, colonial heritage, and cultural celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere that feels unique to every region. Showcasing this diversity, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have highlighted seven destinations that capture the country’s holiday spirit and inspire travellers to plan memorable year-end trips.

Goa remains one of India’s most popular festive escapes, glowing with lights, carols, and its signature Christmas flavours. Churches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception host soulful midnight masses that attract visitors from across the country. Travellers can explore lively Christmas markets, enjoy beachfront music sessions, or savour traditional Goan feasts.

In Kerala, Christmas blends coastal charm with serene celebrations. Cities such as Kochi, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram come alive with star lanterns, nativity displays, and warm community gatherings. A backwater cruise on Christmas Eve, a Kathakali show in Kochi, and the beautifully lit streets of Fort Kochi offer a relaxed yet festive holiday experience.

Puducherry brings together French elegance and coastal simplicity for a peaceful Christmas getaway. White Town turns into a picture-perfect festive setting lined with cafés, heritage buildings, and soft illumination. Visitors can attend midnight mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, enjoy French-Indian festive menus, or spend quiet evenings by the sea.

For travellers seeking a hill destination, Meghalaya offers a vibrant yet serene celebration. Shillong shines with decorated churches, choir performances, and lively music nights that reflect the state’s strong musical culture. Christmas fairs, colourful lights at Police Bazaar, and outings to Umiam Lake make it an inviting winter retreat.

A culturally rich experience awaits visitors in Nagaland, where community feasts, gospel performances, and beautifully decorated churches define the celebrations. Kohima and Dimapur showcase the state’s strong sense of togetherness, while travellers visiting in early December can also experience the energy of the Hornbill Festival.

Kolkata brings timeless charm to Christmas with its Anglo-Indian traditions and festive street scenes. Park Street turns into a hub of lights, music, and food, drawing crowds throughout the season. Midnight mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral, treats from heritage bakeries, and the warm celebrations of Bow Barracks add to the nostalgic experience.

Those dreaming of a winter escape can head to Shimla, where pine trees, colonial architecture, and the possibility of snow create a classic Christmas mood. The Ridge and Mall Road glow with decorations, while Christ Church offers a peaceful setting for Christmas services. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, warm cafés, and short trips to Kufri for snow-filled adventures.

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s curated selection offers travellers a chance to choose a Christmas holiday that suits their festive mood, be it relaxed, cultural, adventurous, or nostalgic.

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