Government Assistance Helps Jain Community Observe Ayambil Oli Smoothly Amid LPG Concerns

Jain Community Appreciates Maharashtra Govt’s Support

MUMBAI/ MAHARASHTRA, NATIONAL, 3rd APRIL, 2026 (APN NEWS AGENCIES): Across India, *Ayambil Oli* is observed every year by the Jain community in thousands of numbers. On this sacred occasion, the Government of Maharashtra has extended significant support by ensuring the adequate availability of gas cylinders for the Jain community, thereby helping in the smooth conduct of our religious practices. The entire Jain community expresses its deep gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra for this valuable assistance.

In light of the recent geopolitical circumstances that led to issues related to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) supply, we sincerely appreciate the prompt and commendable steps taken by the Government of Maharashtra to address and resolve the situation. On behalf of the entire Jain community, we extend our heartfelt thanks for their timely intervention.

In Jainism, *Ayambil Oli* is considered a highly rigorous and disciplined form of penance (fasting practice). According to its principles, only one meal a day (*Ekasan*) is consumed. The food is simple—prepared without oil, ghee, spices, or tempering—and is usually boiled, plain, and minimally cooked. Many individuals also consume raw or lightly boiled food. The preparation process itself is simple and requires minimal cooking.

Under normal circumstances, LPG consumption is higher, as meals are prepared 2–3 times a day, involving processes such as frying, tempering, and making items like rotis and vegetables, which require more cooking time and prolonged gas usage. However, during Ayambil, since food is prepared only once a day, there is an estimated saving of about 60–70% in gas consumption. Typically, a gas cylinder lasts around 30 days, whereas during Ayambil, the same cylinder may last approximately 45–60 days.

In many households, *collective Ayambil* (community meals) are organized, which further reduces the number of utensils used and the overall cooking effort, leading to additional gas savings. Due to the simplicity and minimal cooking involved in Ayambil food, the duration of gas usage is significantly reduced. Overall, during this entire Ayambil observance, thousands of gas cylinders have been saved, which is a matter of pride for the Jain community.

This initiative by the Government of Maharashtra has conveyed a positive message across the Jain community and has further strengthened public trust and confidence in the government.

“Seeing is believing” Solo exhibition of Realistic Paintings by Shyam Verma from Lucknow. At Hirji Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai

MUMBAI 30 MARCH 2026 (APN): The solo exhibition of Realistic Painting by Shyam Verma from Lucknow will be held at Hirji Jehangir Art Gallery, 161B, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai from 30th March to 5th April, 2026 between 11 am to 7 pm. The exhibition was inaugurated by former Mayor Shri. Jagannathrao Hegde. Art promoter Shri. Suraj Laheru and other dignitaries from the art world were present on the occasion. 

Shyam Verma is a distinguished painter from Lucknow, known for his mastery in portraiture and his deep connection to the cultural heritage of his city. His artistic journey is rooted in a passion for capturing human expressions and storytelling through detailed and realistic compositions. Over the years, he has developed a unique style that blends fine detailing with emotional depth, making his works both visually striking and culturally significant.

Primarily recognized for his portrait paintings, Verma’s work extends beyond individuals to themes inspired by Indian traditions, rural life, and classical influences. His paintings often aim to revive and celebrate the rich history and timeless elegance of Lucknow, reflecting its architecture, lifestyle, and cultural ethos. Through exhibitions such as “Seeing Is Believing”, he has showcased impressionistic works that highlight the city’s legacy and artistic spirit.  

A highly respected figure in the art community, Shyam Verma has also gained national recognition. One of his notable achievements includes having his artwork purchased by former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam during an exhibition at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reflecting the impact and appreciation of his work at the highest level. His contributions continue to inspire young artists, and he remains actively involved in promoting art through exhibitions and cultural initiatives in Lucknow.

In the divine presence of Jain Acharya Shri Yogatilaksuriji, A historic celebration took place at Lokbhavan honoring 64 Diksha Ceremonies

Honorable Vice President, Governor, Chief Minister, and Trustee of Adhyatm Parivar, Shri Hiteshbhai Mot

MUMBAI 24 MARCH 2026 (APN NEWS AGENCIES): Inspired by the profound and renunciatory words of the great Jain Acharya Shrimad Vijay Yogatilaksurishwarji Maharaj Saheb, an unprecedented event in history unfolded on Maha Vad 7, dated 8-2-26, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, where 64 Dikshas were simultaneously conducted under a single canopy. In honor of this Diksha Dharma, on Chaitra Sud 3, dated 21-3-26, a grand event was held at Lokbhavan in Malabar Hill. 

The gathering was graced by the presence of the Vice President of India Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan, Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and Cabinet Minister Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha. These political leaders highly praised the supreme, virtuous, and sin-free life of Diksha. As part of the event, various exhibitions were presented by the renowned Jain organization, 'Adhyatm Parivar', which were warmly appreciated by the Vice President and other ministers. 

 Furthermore, on the occasion of the 64 Diksha Mahotsav, a special acknowledgment was given to the young aspirant, Mumukshu Shri Suvratkumar, who is set to embrace Diksha at the age of 23 on Vaishakh Sud 9, dated 11-5-26, at Lonavala under the guidance of 'SuriYog'. The Vice President, along with other dignitaries, honored him for his dedication. Additionally, all the distinguished benefactors who had contributed significantly to the Jain cause—including those who made substantial donations to Adhyatm Parivar for the service and safety of Jainshaasan—were also acknowledged and honored by the Vice President. 

Many prominent figures from the Jain community, trustees, and dignitaries witnessed these memorable moments. Following the conclusion of the event, all attendees were seated and respectfully honored with Sadharmik-bhakti (devotional service/meal for fellow community members).

A Memorable Diksha Mahotsav to Unfold in the History of Mulund

Mumbai, 6th February, 2026 (APN): For the first time, the ‘Jinshasanam’ Exhibition is being organized under the guidance of P. P. Gachchhadhipati Jainacharya Shri Yugbhushan Sureshwarji Maharaj (Pandit Maharaj Saheb).) at Richardson & Cruddas Ground, Mulund West, from 7th February to 11th February, along with a grand Diksha Mahotsav. On this auspicious occasion, Mumukshu Ratna Sharadbhai Zaveri, a resident of Mulund, will accept Diksha.

Spread across 40,000 square feet, the ‘Jinshasanam’ Exhibition will be a major attraction for visitors. It will feature many captivating elements such as the Ocean of Worldly Life, the Royal Palace of Jinshasan, the 11 Steps of the Path to Liberation, enchanting Jin idols, and large-scale representations of the Five Great Tirth, among others. The use of digital and interactive mediums will make the exhibition especially engaging for the youth.

Program Details:

7th February (Evening):

A thrilling theatrical performance by renowned artists, conveying the glory and significance of a life of self-discipline to the world.

8th February (Evening):

A ‘Jinshasan Bhakti’ devotional evening will be organized, narrating the heroic stories of the significant contributions to the Jain order.

9th February (Morning):

Witness the sacred ceremony of Kapada Rangvanu & Chhab Bharvanu. Guru Poojan with the melodies of Naitik Mehta. In evening Vidai Program from 6:30 Pm to 10:00 PM a heartfelt farewell of love and blessings as Mumukshu begins his sacred spiritual journey with soulful rhythms of Manan Shah.

10th February:

A magnificent Varshidan Rath Yatra (chariot procession) will take place, spreading the glory of the Jain order through the main roads of Sarvodaya Nagar, Zaver Road, and Vardhman Nagar.

11th February:

The Diksha ceremony will commence at 5:00 a.m.

All five days of the festival will feature grand and inspiring programs, culminating into Diksha Ceremony on 11th February. The organizers anticipate the presence of thousands of devotees during this period.

The Diksha-aspirant’s family extends a heartfelt invitation to the entire Jain community to grace all the occasions with their presence.

Hemant M. Shah – jyot public relation and govt relation, based in Canada, specially flew to Mumbai for this Diksha.Mahotsav. He informs that for the First Time, a Diksha exhibition will be held, highlighting importance of jain Shashan! This.5 days Diksha Vijay Prasthan with the auspicious blessings of his holiness Yugbhushan Suri Ji.M.S. will be truly unique and memorable.

 

Sidharth’s Solo Show by Aura Art at Jehangir Art Gallery (November 4-10, 2025)

MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 05, 2025 (APN/ JAGRUT BHANUSHALI 📞 09987355702 ): Aura Art presents ‘Fables of the Fabulous’, a Solo Show of Paintings and Sculptures by Sidharth, from November 4-10, 2025 at Jehangir Art Gallery (Exhibition Gallery No. 2), Fort, Mumbai. The Show was inaugurated and a book released on the artist, at 5pm on November 4, by following eminent personalities:

1) Dimple Kapadia, Internationally acclaimed Actress
2) His Excellency Mr Harjinder Kang, British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India
3) Varsha Chordia, Chairperson, Panchshil Foundation
4) Akshay Singhania, Chairman & MD, JK International Limited
5) Ranu Vohra, Co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman, Avendus
6) Nidhi Choudhari, IAS, Director, National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai
7) Uma Prabhu, Chairperson, Manav Sadhan Vikas Sanstha and Independent Director, IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Co
8) Abeer Vivek Abrol, Vice President, Abrol Builders
9) Inakshi Sobti, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Society India Centre.

About the Exhibition: Fables of the Fabulous encapsulates the artist’s lifelong dialogue with myth, nature, and the sacred. Through paintings, drawings and sculptures, Sidharth explores familial storytelling traditions that merge personal experience with collective memory. His art transforms the everyday into the archetypal, bridging past and present through a timeless visual language.

The exhibition highlights two of his major projects, amongst others:
• The Visual Autobiography (2023…)
• The Ganga (2014–2023)

Soft copy of the Book is available at
https://storage.googleapis.com/auraartemails/Sidharth/SidharthBook_AuraArt_Nov25.pdf

About the Artist:Born in 1956 in Ludhiana District, Punjab, Sidharth’s creative path has been shaped by his diverse experiences as painter, sculptor, filmmaker, poet, and traveler. Trained in fresco painting, and thangka art under monks in Dharamshala, educated in Chandigarh, and exposed to European artistic currents, his oeuvre synthesizes spiritual insight with a contemporary sensibility.

Drawing from his Sikh upbringing, natural observation, and sustained fieldwork across India and abroad, Sidharth has developed a distinctive idiom rooted in myth, memory, and the rhythms of nature. His works are part of significant public and private collections, and inspire new generations of artists and viewers.

Extract from note by Harmeet Singh Sethi, Aura Art, in the Book:“Sidharth is a myth-maker in the truest sense, not inventing stories, but unearthing them from the quiet folds of memory and the restless currents of his wanderings. His figures are not characters but echoes: remnants of experiences that once passed through him, and chose to stay.”

*About Aura Art:* Aura Art is an Art Gallery based in Worli, which promotes the choicest artists of calibre. Aura Art is also a leading provider of Art Infrastructure Solutions, wherein its assists collectors in documenting, valuing, insuring and restoring art and collectibles. Aura Art eDeal is a new platform being developed for the secondary art market.

Harmeet Singh Sethi | +91 93288 77000 | harmeet@auraart.in
Rishiraj Singh Sethi | +91 98203 45740 | rishiraj@auraart.in
www.auraart.in | www.artinfrasolutions.com

Quartz processor Midwest Ltd raises Rs 135 crore from anchor investors

MUMBAI, 14 OCTOBER, 2025 (APN/ BPS 📞8355975478): Quartz processor Midwest Limited, India’s largest producer of Black Galaxy and Absolute Black granite has garnered Rs 135 crore from anchor investors ahead of its initial public offering that opens for public subscription on October 15. The company informed the bourses that it allocated equity shares at Rs 1,065 per share to anchor investors.                                            

Some of the marquee institutions that participated in the anchor include Goldman Sachs Funds – Goldman Sachs India Equity Portfolio and Edelweiss Life Insurance Company.

Amongst other equity oriented schemes, the company has allocated shares to Axis Mutual Fund Trustee – Axis Mutual Fund Small Cap Fund,  Sun Life Aditya Birla India Fund, Kotak Mahindra Trustee – Kotak Consumption Fund, Edelweiss Trusteeship – Edelweiss Recently Listed IPO Fund, ITI Muti Cap Fund, Svadha India Emerging Opportunities Scheme 1.

Out of the total allocation of 12, 67, 605 equity shares to the anchor investors,  6,10,330 were allocated to  domestic mutual funds through  schemes.

 

IPO Details: 

The IPO is a fresh issue for Rs 250 crore and an offer-for-sale for Rs 201 crore.

The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Issue”) of the Company will open on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, for subscription and close on Friday, October 17, 2025.

The IPO will fetch Rs 451 crore at the upper end of the price band.

MIDWEST LTD is in the business of exploration, mining, processing, marketing, distribution and export of natural stones, with an emphasis on sustainability. They are one of India’s largest producers and exporters of Black Galaxy Granite. They have diversified into Quartz processing, with operational phase 1 at 303,000 mtpa, catering to heavy mineral sand extraction (yielding titanium feedstock materials such as rutile and ilmenite) and the processing of rare earth elements.

भारतात धोरणात्मक विस्तारीकरण करत स्कॅन ग्लोबल लॉजिस्टिक्सने जागतिक अस्तित्व केले बळकट

मुंबई, 28 सप्टेंबर 2025 (APN): जागतिक पातळीवरील लॉजिस्टिक्स कौशल्याबद्दल प्रसिद्ध असलेल्या स्कॅन ग्लोबल लॉजिस्टिक्सतर्फे (एसजीएल) भारतात पदार्पण केल्याचे घोषणा करण्यात आली असून यावरून धोरणात्मक वाढीसाठीची त्यांची बांधिलकी दिसून येते. हा महत्त्वाचा टप्पा गाठून एसजीएलचे भारतात थेट अस्तित्व निर्माण करण्याचे प्राधान्य दिसून येते आणि यावरून जागतिक पातळीवरील फ्रेट फॉरवर्डर म्हणून असलेले त्यांचे स्थान अधिक पक्के होते.

भारत ही जगातील पाचव्या क्रमांकाची सर्वात मोठी अर्थव्यवस्था असून तिच्या वार्षिक जीडीपी वाढीचा दर 6 ते 7 टक्के आहे. 2075 पर्यंत भारत दुसऱ्या क्रमांकाची अर्थव्यवस्था ठरेल आणि त्याची क्रयशक्ती अमेरिकेपेक्षा 30 टक्क्यांनी जास्त असेल, असा अंदाज वर्तवण्यात आला आहे. जागतिक व्यापारातील भारताची भूमिका अधिक महत्त्वाची होत असलेल्या या काळात, वाढती परदेशी गुंतवणूक आणि कार्यक्षम, विश्वासार्ह लॉजिस्टिक्स सोल्यूशन्सची मागणी लक्षात घेता, एसजीएलकडून भारतातील विस्ताराचे पाऊल टाकण्यात आले आहे.

स्थानिक स्तरावर थेट उपस्थिती निर्माण करून, भारतात कार्यरत असलेल्या बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपन्यांबरोबरच आंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तरावर विस्तार करणाऱ्या भारतीय कंपन्यांनाही सेवा देण्यासाठी एसजीएल विशेषतः सक्षम ठरते. भारतातील बदलत्या आर्थिक वाढीशी सुसंगत अशी सानुकूल सोल्यूशन्स देण्याची क्षमता एसजीएलकडे आहे.

भारतातील एसजीएलच्या नव्याने सुरू होणाऱ्या संचालनासाठी भक्कम पायाभरणी करण्यात आली असून, चेन्नई, दिल्ली आणि मुंबई येथे तीन कार्यालये सुरू करण्यात येत आहेत. मुंबई हे मुख्य कार्यालय असेल. मर्स्क, सीईव्हीए लॉजिस्टिक्स आणि रेन्स लॉजिस्टिक्ससारख्या प्रतिष्ठित कंपन्यांचा प्रदीर्घ अनुभव असलेल्या तज्ज्ञांच्या नेतृत्वाखाली स्थानिक टीम कार्यरत असेल.

स्कॅन ग्लोबल लॉजिस्टिक्सचे ग्लोबल सीईओ ॲलन मेलगार्ड म्हणाले, “भारतात अस्तित्व निर्माण करणे ही एसजीएलसाठी नेहमीच सर्वोच्च प्राधान्याची बाब होती. आम्हाला अशा टीमसोबत भारतात प्रवेश करायचा होता जी आमच्या उद्दिष्टांशी, ग्राहक प्रथम या दृष्टीकोनाशी आणि उद्योजकतेच्या भावनेशी सुसंगत असेल. हे साध्य झाल्याने भारतात आमची वाटचाल सुरू करण्यासाठी हे योग्यच वेळ आहे, याची आम्हाला खात्री आहे. आम्ही तीन महत्त्वाच्या शहरांमधून संचालन सुरू करत आहोत आणि लवकरच देशभर आमचा विस्तार करण्याची आमची महत्त्वाकांक्षी योजना आहे.”

स्कॅन ग्लोबल लॉजिस्टिक्स इंडियाचे सीईओ विकास अग्रवाल म्हणाले, “भारतामधील आमचे पदार्पण हे स्कॅन ग्लोबल लॉजिस्टिक्ससाठी एक महत्त्वपूर्ण पाऊल आहे. भारत ही एक भरपूर संधी असलेली बाजारपेठ आहे. या ठिकाणी वेग, लवचिकता आणि विश्वासार्ह संबंध यांना खूप महत्त्व आहे. आम्ही अशा प्रकारे कंपनीची उभारणी करत आहोत की जी पूर्णपणे लवचिक आणि सक्षम असेल, ज्यामुळे आम्ही ग्राहकांच्या सतत बदलणाऱ्या गरजांनुसार झपाट्याने निर्णय घेऊ शकू आणि त्यांना योग्य सोल्यूशन्स वेळेवर देऊ शकू.”

जागतिक पातळीवरील विस्ताराची पुढची पायरी
एसजीएलचा भारतातील विस्तार हा त्यांच्या जागतिक पातळीवर वाढ करण्याच्या धोरणाचा नैसर्गिक पुढचा टप्पा आहे. गेल्या वर्षभरात, ब्राझीलमधील ब्लू ब्राझिल, इटलीमधील फोपियानी शिपिंग अ‍ॅण्ड लॉजिस्टिक्स आणि कॅनडामधील आयटीएन लॉजिस्टिक्स यासारख्या महत्त्वाच्या कंपन्यांचे अधिग्रहण करून एसजीएलने आपले अस्तित्व अधिक बळकट केले आहे.भारतासारख्या वेगाने वाढणाऱ्या अर्थव्यवस्थेत, जिथे आंतरराष्ट्रीय ग्राहक मोठ्या प्रमाणावर व्यवसाय करत आहेत आणि पुरवठा करत आहेत, अशा बाजारपेठेत संचालन सुरू करणे ही पुढची धोरणात्मक पायरी ठरते. स्थानिक पातळीवरील तज्ज्ञांची टीम आणि जागतिक पातळीवरील सेवा उपलब्ध करून देत एसजीएल इंडियातर्फे प्रोजेक्ट लॉजिस्टिक्स आणि ह्युमॅनिटेरियन लॉजिस्टिक्स यामधील विशेष कौशल्यांसह एक सुसंगत आणि सर्वसमावेशक सोल्यूशन्स पॅकेज उपलब्ध करून देण्यात येणार आहे.
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