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.


Sri Lanka Launches Three-City Roadshow Across Southern India

Sri Lanka Launches Three-City Roadshow Across Southern India

By Hariharan U

Published on October 4, 2025

Sri Lanka Tourism is intensifying its efforts to attract Indian travellers with a three-city roadshow series across Southern India. Scheduled for Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai on October 6, 8, and 10, 2025 respectively, the initiative will highlight Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthen ties with the Indian travel industry.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the roadshows will feature B2B sessions and networking evenings designed to showcase Sri Lanka as a year-round destination for all types of travellers. The events will introduce Indian travel agents and industry professionals to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, its vibrant attractions, and growing opportunities for leisure and MICE travel.

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“This initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and world-class hospitality,” said the delegation led by Mr. Vijitha Herath, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism.

The delegation includes over 40 stakeholders from across Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, including destination management companies, hotels, resorts, tour operators, and service providers. Each city’s event will host over 200 participants, comprising Indian travel agents, industry leaders, and media representatives.

Adding a vibrant touch to the experience, a Sri Lankan cultural dance troupe will perform at each venue, offering guests a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage and traditions.

About SLTPB & SLCB

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is the government agency responsible for marketing and promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination. Working closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, SLCB, and other stakeholders, SLTPB aims to position Sri Lanka as South Asia’s leading tourist destination.

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau focuses on promoting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel to Sri Lanka. With world-class venues and improved accessibility, SLCB facilitates event planning for international corporations, associations, and incentive houses. India remains a key market for the bureau’s promotional activities.

Both organisations operate under the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Foreign Affairs & Tourism of Sri Lanka, combining efforts to promote the country’s leisure and business tourism offerings.


Centrum Air to Launch Direct Delhi–Tashkent Flights from October 3

Centrum Air to Launch Direct Delhi–Tashkent Flights from October 3

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

Centrum Air, represented in India by Aeroprime Group as its exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA), will commence direct flights between Delhi and Tashkent starting October 3, 2025. The twice-weekly service, operating on Tuesdays and Fridays, is designed to enhance air connectivity, tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between India and Uzbekistan.

The official launch event, hosted by Aeroprime Group, was attended by His Excellency Sardor Rustambaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India, along with senior dignitaries, embassy officials, media representatives, and trade partners.

Adil Mirza Khalmirzaev, GSA Department Head and Business Development Director at Centrum Air, stated that the airline is responding to growing demand for direct India–Uzbekistan connectivity. Plans are underway to expand routes from Hyderabad and Bengaluru to Tashkent by summer 2026, while Mumbai expansion will be considered based on market demand.

Abhishek Goyal, CEO & Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, highlighted that the Delhi–Tashkent route is part of a broader plan to expand Centrum Air’s presence in India, opening pathways for travelers to Central Asia and Europe.

Uzbekistan, known for its Silk Road heritage, cultural landmarks, and hospitality, is expected to benefit from improved accessibility. The new service aims to support both leisure travel and trade, strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

Centrum Air’s launch reflects growing opportunities in air connectivity and provides Indian travelers with affordable fares, convenient schedules, and a comfortable travel experience on the Delhi–Tashkent corridor.


Akasa Air Expands ‘Pets on Akasa’ Service with More Cabin Slots and Flexible Bookings

Akasa Air Expands ‘Pets on Akasa’ Service with More Cabin Slots and Flexible Bookings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

Akasa Air has announced significant enhancements to its ‘Pets on Akasa’ service, offering greater flexibility and convenience for passengers travelling with pets. Starting immediately, the airline will allow two pets in the cabin per flight, up from the earlier limit of one, and has reduced the booking window to 24 hours before departure.

Since its launch in November 2022, over 8,500 pets have travelled with Akasa Air across its domestic network, highlighting the rising demand for pet-friendly air travel in India. Customer feedback has shaped several service upgrades, including extending pet travel certificate validity to 15 days and increasing the maximum cabin weight (pet plus carrier) to 10 kg.

Passengers with pets enjoy additional benefits, such as pre-booked window seats, priority check-in, baggage delivery, and first boarding options. Akasa Air staff across call centres, airport counters, and in-flight teams have undergone specialised training to ensure the safety and comfort of pets and owners.

The airline has also partnered with Umeed for Animals Foundation, a Gurgaon-based non-profit, to follow best practices in animal care and safety. Pets on Akasa is now available on flights to 24 domestic cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, Lucknow, and Goa. Bookings can be made via the Akasa Air Care Centre or by contacting pets@akasaair.com.

Akasa Air operates a modern fleet featuring USB ports, spacious seating, and its onboard dining service, Café Akasa, along with accessibility-focused initiatives like Braille menus and safety cards. These enhancements underscore Akasa Air’s commitment to inclusive travel and its growing role in shaping pet-friendly air journeys across India.

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