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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on April 22, 2025
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. The announcement was made at 9:45 AM by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the beloved Holy Father.
Cardinal Farrell described Pope Francis as a true disciple who dedicated his life to serving the Lord and the Church with courage, fidelity, and universal love, especially towards the poor and marginalized. The Camerlengo's announcement marked the beginning of the formal mourning period in the Vatican.
According to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, Pope Francis' mortal remains are expected to be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects. Final arrangements are being organized following the first General Congregation of Cardinals scheduled for Tuesday morning.
On Monday evening at 8:00 PM, the rite of certification of death and placement in the coffin was conducted in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta. The declaration of death was read aloud, validated by Cardinal Farrell, and the ceremony concluded within an hour. Seals were also placed on the papal apartments in both the Apostolic Palace and the Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis’ closest collaborators began paying their respects on Monday evening. Meanwhile, preparations for the funeral are underway, with a date expected to be decided shortly.
The 88-year-old pontiff had been battling health issues in recent months. He was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in February 2025 after suffering from bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days of hospitalization, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
Throughout his life, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, showed resilience, having undergone lung surgery in his youth due to a severe respiratory infection. Despite facing multiple health challenges, he remained active in his mission, even approving an updated liturgical book for papal funeral rites in April 2024 to reflect a simpler, faith-centered approach to funeral ceremonies.
Pope Francis made history in 2013 by becoming the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His decade-long papacy was marked by a focus on mercy, humility, environmental stewardship, and inclusiveness, with a special emphasis on serving the marginalized.
The late Pope’s final public address was delivered on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, where he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, continuing his lifelong advocacy for peace.
In tribute to Pope Francis, the Government of India has declared a three-day state mourning. State mourning will be observed on April 22 and 23, while the third day of mourning will coincide with the day of his funeral.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, Pope Francis had personally requested that his funeral rites be simple, focusing on the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ rather than worldly grandeur.
Archbishop Ravelli emphasized that the renewed funeral rite highlights the Pope’s identity as a pastor and disciple of Christ, echoing the spirit in which Pope Francis lived his entire ministry.
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Published on July 12, 2025
In a heartfelt celebration of academic excellence and cultural unity, Sanskriti University, Mathura, hosted a grand convocation ceremony exclusively for its international students. The event reflected the university’s strong commitment to global education, diversity, and inclusive growth.
The ceremony began with the arrival of the Academic Procession, followed by the national anthem, lamp lighting, and Saraswati Vandana, setting a dignified and traditional tone.
Dr. Rainu Gupta, Dean of Academics, welcomed the gathering with warm words:
“Today is not only a moment of pride for our international students but also for Sanskriti University. Their dedication and academic perseverance serve as a beacon of inspiration.”
Dr. Sachin Gupta, Chancellor of Sanskriti University, officially opened the convocation and remarked:
“Our international students are ambassadors of knowledge, culture, and values. They embody the mission of Sanskriti University and will contribute meaningfully to their societies.”
A total of 35 students from countries such as Namibia, Myanmar, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Ghana, and Sudan received their academic degrees across disciplines like Engineering, Management, Basic Sciences, and Nursing.
The event was graced by Mr. R.N. Trivedi, Registrar of Sanskriti University, alongside senior deans and faculty members. Their presence reinforced the collective effort behind the academic journey of these students.
This special convocation was more than a formal ceremony, it was a powerful symbol of education without borders. With graduates from diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds, the event sent a strong message of unity, knowledge-sharing, and peaceful progress.
Sanskriti University continues to emerge as a hub of globally relevant education, nurturing students who will go on to make meaningful contributions across the world.
Evoke Experiences has officially unveiled the return of Rann Utsav – The Tent City, set to run from 23 October 2025 to 4 March 2026, in the heart of Gujarat’s White Rann. This iconic desert festival continues to capture India’s cultural essence through an immersive celebration of local traditions, scenic landscapes, and community spirit.
For the 2025 season, Evoke Experiences will manage not only the operations of The Tent City but also its branding, entertainment, and guest experience verticals. The seamless integration of hospitality and storytelling aims to provide visitors with a truly memorable and authentic journey into the soul of Kutch.
This year’s edition places strong emphasis on sustainability. Key initiatives include:
These initiatives highlight Evoke’s dedication to responsible tourism while preserving the fragile desert ecosystem.
The cultural fabric of the festival is being enriched with live art demos, open-air film screenings, personalised celebration zones, and hands-on traditional craft workshops, offering travellers meaningful interactions with local artisans and communities.
Expanding the experience beyond the White Rann, Rann Utsav 2025 will now include Mandvi, a charming coastal town, and offer curated packages that extend to Dholavira, the ancient Harappan city. These additions offer a more holistic cultural and historical journey through Gujarat.
To kick off the season, Evoke Experiences has also announced the Evoke Incredible Flash Sale, available from 11 to 13 July 2025, offering flat 25% off across multiple destinations:
This early-bird sale gives travellers first access to India’s top experiential stays before peak season demand.
With its renewed focus on culture, sustainability, and regional expansion, Rann Utsav 2025 – The Tent City promises a magical escape where tradition meets innovation under the starlit sky of Kutch.
Published on July 11, 2025
Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its ninth property in Northeast India, with the launch of Cygnett Park Guwahati. The new hotel will be developed in partnership with SRKS Hospitalities Private Limited and is scheduled to open in July 2026.
Strategically located at the border of Guwahati and Meghalaya, the hotel offers easy connectivity, just 45 minutes from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and 15 minutes from Guwahati city centre. This makes it a prime choice for both business and leisure travellers.
This announcement comes close on the heels of Cygnett’s recent expansion in Arunachal Pradesh with Cygnett Park Itanagar, reflecting the brand’s focused growth across India, especially in the culturally rich and emerging Northeast region.
Cygnett Park Guwahati will feature 108 contemporary rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant with alfresco seating, a rooftop specialty outlet, a dedicated vegetarian restaurant, a chic bar, and banqueting and conference facilities spread over 9,000 sq. ft. Guests can also enjoy wellness offerings such as a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, and recreational areas.
The new property aims to become a preferred venue for corporate gatherings, destination weddings, and vacationers, aligning with the Indian Government’s renewed push to grow the tourism sector in the Northeast.
“We were among the first branded hotel chains to enter the Northeast and are on track to reach a 2,000-key footprint in the region by 2029,” said Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts. “With over ₹4.3 lakh crore worth of investments announced at the Rising Northeast Summit 2025, the hospitality sector in the region is poised for robust growth.”
The Cygnett Park brand is known for its green, wellness-focused hospitality with a touch of affordable luxury. The upcoming Guwahati property will also feature Cygnetture culinary excellence, offering diners a chance to savour flavours inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Northeast.
With eight hotels already in operation or under development in the Northeast, the brand is now targeting 12–15 new properties annually across India, with the Northeast identified as a key growth area in its 100-hotel expansion strategy.
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