Marriott India Business Council Marks 10 Years of "Road to Give" with Charitable Movement

Marriott India Business Council Marks 10 Years of "Road to Give" with Charitable Movement

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 19, 2024

The Marriott India Business Council celebrated the 10th anniversary of its social initiative, “Road to Give,” bringing together associates across multiple countries to participate in fitness activities for charitable causes. Over the past decade, the initiative has promoted both physical well-being and social responsibility, leaving a lasting impact on communities.

Since the program’s launch, “Road to Give” has encouraged Marriott employees to engage in activities such as running, walking, cycling, and wellness challenges. This year, around 9,000 to 10,000 associates from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka joined these efforts. The events are aimed at raising INR 1.20 crore (approx.) in donations to support Rising Star Outreach of India, a Chennai-based NGO that provides vocational training and social programs for individuals affected by leprosy.

Participating hotels, including Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan, led various fitness events and challenges, highlighting Marriott’s dedication to uplifting communities. According to the organizers, the initiative has evolved into a key part of the company’s social responsibility framework, fostering teamwork among employees while enabling charities to extend their reach.

Reflecting on the journey, Sanjay Gupta, Chairman of the Marriott India Business Council, remarked, “Ten years of ‘Road to Give’ is a testament to our associates’ unwavering dedication to service and community engagement. This initiative not only fostered teamwork and camaraderie but also reinforced our commitment to the communities we are privileged to serve. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain determined to continue our journey of creating positive change together.”

To mark the occasion, Marriott encouraged associates, partners, and the broader community to join the celebrations by participating in events or donating to the cause. The council emphasized that every step taken, every mile covered, and every donation made contributes toward building a better future for the community.

The “Road to Give” initiative exemplifies Marriott’s long-term commitment to promoting fitness and philanthropy, creating a culture of giving that extends beyond the workplace. With each passing year, the campaign has successfully mobilized thousands of employees, raising significant funds and positively impacting lives across the region.


Ayushakti welcomes the Indian government's announcement to declare 23rd September as the fixed date for Ayurveda Day.

Ayushakti welcomes the Indian government's announcement to declare 23rd September as the fixed date for Ayurveda Day.

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 16, 2025

In a landmark decision to enhance global visibility and streamline observance, the Government of India has officially declared 23rd September as Ayurveda Day, starting from 2025. The change was formally notified through a Gazette Notification dated 23rd March 2025, replacing the earlier practice of celebrating Ayurveda Day on Dhanteras—a date based on the Hindu lunar calendar that varies each year.

Ayurveda Day is observed to promote Ayurveda as a holistic, scientific, and preventive healthcare system. Until now, it coincided with Dhanteras in the month of Kartik, typically falling between October and November. However, due to the fluctuating nature of the lunar calendar, organizing consistent national and international observances became increasingly challenging.

To address these concerns, the Ministry of Ayush constituted a dedicated committee to explore alternative fixed dates. After evaluating four possible options, 23rd September was selected based on both practical and symbolic merit.

The date aligns with the autumnal equinox, a day when day and night are nearly equal—a natural balance that perfectly reflects the core Ayurvedic philosophy of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. The equinox also symbolizes equilibrium in the universe, reinforcing Ayurveda's emphasis on living in sync with nature.

The Ministry encourages health professionals, institutions, and international bodies to actively observe Ayurveda Day on 23rd September each year, creating a unified global movement around India’s ancient wellness system.

Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti, welcomed the move, stating, “It’ll make Ayurveda treatment a more familiar one and enhance people’s will towards Ayurveda.” She added, “Me and Ayushakti extend our gratitude for upholding the 2500-year-old lineage of the Siddha Veda Tradition of Ayurveda that is healing millions.”

With this strategic shift, the Ministry aims to embed Ayurveda more deeply into global healthcare dialogues, strengthening India's presence in preventive and sustainable medicine on the world stage.


Ayushakti Expands Footprint with New Franchise in Punawale

Ayushakti Expands Footprint with New Franchise in Punawale

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 15, 2025

Ayushakti, a global leader in Ayurvedic healthcare, has launched its latest franchise outlet in Punawale, a growing suburb of Pimpri-Chinchwad. This marks Ayushakti’s 7th franchise in Maharashtra and the 29th outlet overall, reinforcing its mission to make ancient healing accessible across the region.

The new centre, located at Longitude Building, Gaikwad Nagar, Koyate Vasti Road, is equipped with two therapy rooms, two consultation areas, and a trained team of Ayurvedic experts. All practitioners have been trained under the guidance of Co-founder Dr. Smita Pankaj Naram and CEO Dr. Krushna Pankaj Naram, ensuring consistency in the quality and authenticity of treatments.

Patients visiting the Punawale franchise will benefit from a variety of Ayurvedic services, including deep pulse reading (Nadi Pariksha), Panchkarma detox therapies, massages, steam treatments, herbal remedies, marma techniques, and customised diet plans.

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Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti, shared her enthusiasm during the launch event, saying, “I am very glad to launch yet another outlet in a short span, in Maharashtra. We wholeheartedly look forward to serve our customers here and help them heal. Our expansion comes with the thought of touching as many individuals on planet Earth and helping them live a healthy life.”

She further added, “The response we have received over the past year has been phenomenal, which makes us excited about adding new outlets across India.”

Founded in 1987 by Master healer Late Dr. Pankaj Naram and Dr. Smita Naram, Ayushakti has been on a mission to transform community health through the power of ancient Ayurvedic practices. The company currently operates in nine countries and has helped over a million people worldwide.


Niraamaya Retreats Samroha: A Cooling Wellness Sanctuary by Athirappilly Falls

Niraamaya Retreats Samroha: A Cooling Wellness Sanctuary by Athirappilly Falls

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 24, 2025

Located amidst lush greenery and just steps from Kerala’s iconic waterfalls, Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirappilly is a rainforest wellness hideaway that naturally embodies the essence of cooling rejuvenation. The constant mist of the nearby Athirappilly waterfalls, shaded forest canopies, and elevated riverside air create a cool microclimate that enhances every wellness experience.

Signature Cooling Therapies at Samroha Include:

  • Takradhara by the Falls - A tranquil Ayurvedic treatment using a continuous stream of cool medicated buttermilk over the forehead, performed to the soothing soundtrack of cascading water, ideal for heat-induced stress and anxiety.

  • Aloe & Cucumber Body Wraps - Deeply hydrating and anti-inflammatory, these wraps soothe sun-exposed skin and leave guests feeling refreshed and rebalanced.

  • Herbal Oil Couple Massages - Featuring cooling oils with ingredients like vetiver and mint, this therapy calms muscular tension while offering a shared moment of deep relaxation.

  • Hydrotherapy Rituals & Forest Meditation - Morning walks through shaded rainforest paths lead to riverside meditation spots, offering grounding and natural detoxification through movement and breath.

  • Open-Air Yoga & Cooling Pranayama  - Held in pavilions that overlook the misty valley, these sessions incorporate gentle asanas and breathing techniques to lower body temperature and calm the Pitta dosha.

Across Niraamaya Retreats: A Summer-Focused Wellness Ethos

All Niraamaya locations are embracing the season with thoughtful cooling practices:

  • Floral hydrotherapy baths using rose, jasmine, and sandalwood

  • Herbal teas and infused waters with vetiver, fennel, and tulsi

  • Gourmet wellness dining rich in seasonal, cooling ingredients

  • Tailored summer wellness programs including Ayurveda, yoga, and nutrition

Crafting the Ultimate Summer Refresh

What makes a wellness retreat truly memorable in the summer is its ability to merge natural surroundings, healing traditions, and personalized care. At Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirappilly, this philosophy comes alive in every detail, from the therapies to the setting itself.

As guests seek new ways to thrive in the heat, cooling therapies offer more than relief, they offer renewal. Resorts that embrace this philosophy are not only in tune with the seasons but are leading the way in modern, sustainable wellness.

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