Karnataka: Barack Obama, wife Michelle Obama likely to visit Mandya district soon; Here's why
Mandya, Karnataka is gearing up for a momentous event in November as former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama are set to visit the region to inaugurate a spiritual center. This center has been constructed by the family of U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who has served under both Obama and the current President, Joe Biden.
The spiritual center, will be a global symbol, as it aims to connect with people from all corners of the world. The project, situated on a sprawling 12-acre expanse, carries a price tag of Rs 70 crore. The SCOPE Foundation is providing the funding for this innovative endeavor.
One of the center's striking features is an impressive 11-foot tall statue of Mother Earth, sculpted from a single piece of rock. The statue will be adorned with blue granite and whitestone, symbolizing water and waves. Renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj, known for crafting a statue of Subash Chandra Bose, has been chosen by Hallegere Lakshmi Narashima Murthy, Dr. Murthy's father, to bring this vision to life.
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In addition to the Mother Earth statue, the spiritual center will house 64 statues of philosophers spanning from Socrates to Swami Vivekananda. This integration of diverse philosophical voices underlines the center's commitment to fostering spiritual and intellectual growth.
The upcoming Yoga and Meditation Sathwik Centre, an integral part of the spiritual complex, is set to be established on eight acres of land. The foundation is planning to invite the revered Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to lay the foundation stone for this center.
As part of the project's global outreach, a walkathon promoting the concept of the "Mother of Earth" will be launched in Washington DC on September 10. Jill Biden, the U.S. First Lady, and Vice-President Kamala Harris will inaugurate this event. Similar walkathons are scheduled to take place in various cities abroad.
Hallegere Lakshmi Narashima Murthy shared insights into the project's financing, revealing, "Our family has funded several charity activities. Since the whole project needs around Rs 100 crore, we may approach some donors."
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
