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First Phase of IIPD Kasaragod, a Model Project to Empower Individuals with Disabilities, to be Completed in 2026, Fully Operational by 2029

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The first phase of the International Institute of People with Disabilities (IIPD) in Kasaragod – aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities, including those with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD – is expected to be completed in 2026, professional-magician-turned-philanthropist Gopinath Muthukad said on Monday. He also said that the IIPD, designed to accommodate 1,000 beneficiaries, is expected to be fully operational by 2029.

“The success of the Different Art Centre (DAC) in Thiruvananthapuram inspired us to establish the IIPD in Kasaragod. The DAC promotes the holistic development of individuals with disabilities by providing personalised therapies and training in various art forms – including magic, music, dance, drama, and painting – entirely free of cost. Through the arts, the DAC transforms them from a marginalised group into self-reliant and confident individuals. It also offers regular opportunities for them to showcase their talents before diverse live audiences,” Muthukad said. “The DAC provides stipends to individuals with disabilities, while their mothers earn a livelihood through small-scale manufacturing units, including handicraft-making facilities. Since its establishment in 2019, the DAC has brought positive changes to the lives of hundreds of individuals with disabilities. It currently supports above 150 students with disabilities. The IIPD will be an expanded version of this model.”
Muthukad further said that both the DAC and IIPD are model initiatives that can be replicated to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. “These are not merely institutions offering therapies; their ultimate goal is to empower individuals with disabilities and their families – socially, emotionally, and even financially. DAC and IIPD stand as models that other states and countries can adopt,” he added.
Muthukad has been using magic as a medium to raise awareness about the need to empower individuals with disabilities for several years. In 2024, he conducted his fifth national awareness expedition themed Inclusive India, travelling from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. The expedition promoted the message of social inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Between October and December, he covered more than 22,000 km, passing through every state in India. The expedition featured specially designed magic shows aimed at promoting inclusivity and challenging the social stigmas associated with disability.
“I was a professional magician who performed on hundreds of stages. Recently, I have shifted my full focus to the welfare of individuals with disabilities, and now my life’s mission is to create a world where they are fully included and valued. A family with an individual with a disability needs the support of society. Individuals with disabilities face steep challenges – from physical barriers such as inaccessible buildings and staircases without ramps to limited access to quality education, therapies, and future job opportunities. Social stigma, lack of affordable assistive devices, and financial strain on families only add to their struggles,” he explained.
He further added that what they need is far more than sympathy. “They need inclusive schools, accessible infrastructure, skill training, job opportunities, affordable healthcare, and platforms to showcase their talents. A model project of DAC, ‘Magik Homes,’ promotes inclusivity. Under this initiative, individuals with disabilities receive houses with customized accessibility features. The plan is to construct one ‘Magik Home’ in each district of Kerala. So far, four ‘Magik Homes’ have been handed over to individuals with disabilities in Kasaragod, Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad. The keys of the fifth Magik Home will be handed over in August in Thiruvananthapuram. The IIPD will continue for decades beyond my lifetime, empowering them and enabling them to live with dignity,” he said.
To promote awareness of the IIPD project, Muthukad recently staged a magic show in Kerala titled Illusion to Inspiration. The event was a resounding success, drawing significant public attention to the IIPD initiative. The presence of P. C. Sorcar Jr., who inaugurated the magic show, brought nationwide attention to the event. The IIPD project, with an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, is being developed on 25 acres of land in Kasaragod.
About DAC
The Different Art Centre (DAC) was established by renowned magician Gopinath Muthukad from Kerala, India. The centre was inaugurated on 7 November 2019 by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. DAC is a world-class institution that not only provides high-quality training in diverse art forms such as music, dance, painting, and musical instruments but also creates opportunities for children with disabilities to present their talents before a wide and appreciative audience. Through its carefully designed programs, DAC promotes both mental and physical development, enabling students to achieve independence, self-confidence, and a meaningful place in society.
About Gopinath Muthukad
Gopinath Muthukad is an Indian magician, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. He is a UNICEF celebrity supporter for child rights activities. He has also received the International Merlin Award, the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, and the Kerala Sree Award. He began learning magic in childhood, drawing inspiration from the Indian performing magician Vazhakkunnam Neelakandan Namboothiri. He has performed on hundreds of stages across India and abroad, captivating audiences with both wonder and wisdom.
He founded the Academy of Magical Sciences in Thiruvananthapuram in 1996 with the vision of teaching and popularizing the art of magic. The Magic Academy aims to dispel superstitions and uplift street magicians. He undertook five national expeditions from Kanyakumari to Kashmir – Vismay Bharata Yatra (2002), Gandhi Mantra (2005), Vismay Swaraj Yatra (2007), Mission India (2010), and Inclusive India (2024) – to spread Gandhian values and promote peace and social inclusion. In 2019, he established the Different Art Centre (DAC) in Thiruvananthapuram to empower children with neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, and genetic disorders.
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Canara HSBC Life Insurance Celebrates Father’s Day with a Heartwarming Tribute to Dad Jokes

The digital film highlights how fathers express love through humour, turning everyday moments into lifelong memoriesNEW DELHI, June 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited (“Canara HSBC Life Insurance”) today announced the launch of its Father’s Day digital film, a light-hearted and heartfelt tribute to fathers and their unique way of expressing love through humour. Celebrating the universally relatable phenomenon of ‘Dad Jokes’, the campaign shines a spotlight on the small yet meaningful moments that often become some of the most cherished family memories.

Presented in the style of a mock documentary, the film follows a sibling duo as they recount some of their father’s most memorable jokes—ranging from playful puns to classic one-liners. While the film begins with humour and nostalgia, it gradually reveals a deeper truth: behind every seemingly cringe-worthy dad joke lies a father’s sincere effort to connect, bring joy, and remind his family that he is always there for them.The campaign is rooted in the insight that fathers often express their emotions differently. Rather than through words alone, they communicate their care through everyday actions, practical guidance, shared experiences, and sometimes, through humour. Dad jokes may not always receive the loudest laughs, but they often become lasting reminders of a father’s presence, warmth, and unwavering support.Through relatable storytelling and candid family moments, the film celebrates fathers who may not always wear their emotions on their sleeves but consistently show up for their loved ones in their own unique ways. It captures how these seemingly ordinary interactions become treasured memories that families carry forward for years.Reflecting the campaign’s central message, Canara HSBC Life Insurance reiterates its belief in standing by every promise that matters. Just as fathers quietly support and protect their families through every stage of life, the company remains committed to helping customers secure their loved ones’ future and fulfil their financial commitments, truly embodying its promise of being a ‘Promises Ka Partner’.The campaign is now live across Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s X (twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram channels.IG- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZwH5IKhCzG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== FB- https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1cSkxsFWNY/X- https://x.com/CanaraHSBCLI/status/2067808467205918962?s=20Li- https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7473574831364468737Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2997652/Canara_HSBC.jpgLogo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2739906/6008480/Canara_HSBC_Logo.jpg

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Harper Collins Publishers India is Delighted to Announce the Recent Publication of ‘People We Love’ by Preeti Shenoy

NEW DELHI, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HarperCollins Publishers India is delighted to share the recent publication of People We Love by bestselling author Preeti Shenoy. At once tender and sharp, this collection of stories offers intimate, truthful and relatable portraits of the people we cherish, the ones we lose, and the people we become.

ABOUT THE BOOKThe people we love never truly leave our story…In these tender yet piercing stories, Preeti Shenoy returns to some of her most beloved characters to reveal who they were before they appeared in her bestselling novels It’s All in the Planets and The One You Cannot Have.Aniket, a coder, carries the weight of a longing for Trisha that he cannot bring himself to act on. Nidhi abandons her corporate life to teach pottery, only to discover that clay is far more forgiving than the people she loves. A quiz competition sparks an unlikely romance between Aman and Shruti, one that must withstand parental disapproval and class divides. And Anjali, a journalist, is so busy chasing stories that she almost misses the one unfolding in her own life.Set against the pulse of contemporary India, People We Love explores the tug-of-war between duty and desire, family and freedom, who we are and who we dare to be. Intimate and deeply felt, these are stories about love that stays, leaves and almost slips away … love that quietly and irrevocably shapes the people we become.Preeti Shenoy, author, says, “People We Love is a collection of three long stories, prequels to my bestsellers It’s All in the Planets and The One You Cannot Have. If you have read those books, you already know how these characters’ stories unfold. But what you don’t know yet is where it all began, the loves they carried, the choices they made, and the people they were before life shaped them into who you met on those pages. Writing these prequels felt like returning to a home I hadn’t realised I missed, and discovering rooms I had never been in before.”Rashmi Menon, Associate Publisher – HarperCollins India, adds, “Preeti Shenoy has an extraordinary gift for finding the heartbeat of ordinary lives. People We Love is a warm, wise and deeply humane collection of short stories that reunites readers with favourite characters from her bestselling novels It’s All in the Planets and The One You Cannot Have, weaving them into fresh, deeply satisfying narratives. These characters feel like people you know, and their journeys will move, comfort and surprise you. This uplifting, thought–provoking collection reminds us why we turn to stories in the first place. We couldn’t be more excited to share it with our readers.”ABOUT THE AUTHOR Preeti Shenoy is among the highest-selling authors in India. She was featured on the Forbes longlist of the most influential celebrities in India. Her books include When Love Came Calling, Wake Up Life, Is Calling, Life Is What You Make It, The Rule Breakers, A Hundred Little Flames, It’s All in the Planets, Why We Love the Way We Do, The Secret Wish List, The One You Cannot Have and many others. Her work has been translated into many Indian languages. Preeti is also a motivational speaker, an avid fitness enthusiast, and an artist specializing in portraiture and illustrated journalling. Preeti lives in Bengaluru, Karnataka.ABOUT HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS INDIAAt HarperCollins Publishers India, we believe in telling the best stories and ensuring they reach the widest readership. We publish around 250 new books every year across 10 imprints, adding to a diverse catalogue of more than 3,000 titles in print and digital formats, with an array of genres and voices that ensure there is a book for every reader. Our authors have won some of the most prestigious literary awards, and we are proud to publish many acclaimed writers, alongside new and emerging voices shaping contemporary literature. We are also the publishers of The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, winner of the Booker Prize 2008, and Girl in White Cotton by Avni Doshi, shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2020, and HarperCollins India itself has been awarded “Publisher of the Year” several times. In addition, we represent some of the finest global publishers such as Harvard University Press, Lonely Planet, Oneworld, Nosy Crow, Usborne, and National Geographic Children, bringing Indian readers access to world-class books and ideas. We are also proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work for two consecutive years, a recognition of our culture, people, and values that make HarperCollins India a truly inspiring workplace. PRESS CONTACT:Nandini Tripathi, Manager – Marketing (Commercial)Email: nandini.tripathi@harpercollins.co.in | Mobile: +91 9718928839Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2997583/HarperCollins_People_We_Love.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2105077/4665143/HarperCollins_Logo.jpg 

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Fulfilling PM Modi’s Dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat: India’s AI Writing Startup Kreativespace Incubated at IIT Kharagpur

Kreativespace, an Indian AI-powered writing platform founded by Vinet Kakadea, has been incubated at IIT Kharagpur and recognized by SVNIT University, Ministry of Education under Bodhan AI Conclave also through the NVIDIA Inception Program, AWS Startup Program, and DPIIT under Startup India.The platform unifies 8 AI-powered writing tools, along with AI Humanizer and Message AI feature being the latest addition into a single ecosystem, so you can generate and refine content all in one place.The company reports more than 50,000+ signed-up users, 75,000+ anonymous users, and roughly 100,000 monthly website visitors, positioning itself as the only Indian company operating at scale in the global AI writing market.SURAT, India, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kreativespace, an AI-powered writing platform, is building out its position as the only homegrown alternative in a market long dominated by international tools such as Grammarly and QuillBot. Founded by Vinet Kakadea and incubated at IIT Kharagpur, the company has aligned its growth with the broader push behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which encourages indigenous technology development capable of competing on a global scale.

As AI adoption accelerates across India’s education, research, and enterprise sectors, Kreativespace is among a small group of Indian startups building writing technology designed to compete directly with established international platforms.Kreativespace’s progress has been recognized by several institutions central to India’s startup and technology ecosystem. The company has been incubated at IIT Kharagpur, selected under SSIP 2.0 through SVNIT University, and chosen by the Ministry of Education to present its work at the Bodhan AI Conclave. It has also been accepted into the NVIDIA Inception Program and the AWS Startup Program, and holds DPIIT recognition under the Startup India initiative.Where many writing-tool users rely on separate subscriptions for content generation to refinement for grammar correction, paraphrasing, plagiarism checking, citation generation, and editing, Kreativespace brings these functions into a single platform as a super-app for AI writing tools. The company says its approach centers on affordability and accessibility alongside performance, aiming to make advanced AI writing assistance available to a wider range of users regardless of geography or budget.The idea for Kreativespace took shape while founder Vinet Kakadea was studying at New York University and Marymount University in the United States, where he experienced firsthand how students, researchers, and professionals often need multiple paid subscriptions to cover writing-related tasks. That fragmented experience led him to build a super-app offering each of these capabilities together, at a more accessible price point.Kreativespace combines 8 AI-powered writing tools with AI Humanizer and Message AI feature being the latest addition, allowing users to generate, rewrite, refine, and humanize content without moving between separate platforms. The product is available via web platform, mobile apps on the App Store and Google Play, browser extensions for Chrome, Mozilla, and Edge, and a Google Docs add-on.Vinet Kakadea, Founder of Kreativespace, said, “Kreativespace’s vision is to digitalize the entire Indian education ecosystem to support PM Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme.”About KreativespaceKreativespace with the Motto of Making Writing Accessible for Everyone: Kreativespace is an AI-powered writing platform built to make AI writing tools accessible, affordable, and effective for students, researchers, educators, professionals, content creators, startups, and enterprises. Founded by Vinet Kakadea, the company is incubated at IIT Kharagpur and has been recognized by AWS Startup Program, the NVIDIA Inception Program, and DPIIT under Startup India. For more information, visit kreativespace.com.

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