A Lotus In The Mud

During a recent trip to India, I and a common friend, Ravinder Raj of Sweden, had a scintillating conversation with Dr Blossom Kochhar. The ageless aromatherapy pioneer has incorporated wellness into her repertoire and even conducts Happiness workshops for Miss India contestants. She has also opened her signature The Tea Room in Hauz Khas Village in New Delhi - and is growing it as a chain. Watch this space to know how Blossom will sprinkle her fragrance on Lotus to help it bloom more.

Transforming wellness, one habit at a time! ✨ Saurabh Bothra’s .in is making daily wellness effortless.
Here is our in-depth story about Habuild, the movement that claims an incredible 9 million followers in India and worldwide.
https://alotusinthemud.com/habuild-saurabh-bothra-yoga.../

Bothra’s Habuild is transforming wellness, one habit at a time Discover how Saurabh Bothra’s Habuild is revolutionizing wellness with habit forming yoga, making fitness effortless, and fueling change.

Proud to share that ALotusInTheMud.com is the Digital Media Partner of the high-profile Global Conference of Meditation Leaders taking place next weekend in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It is organized by Buddha-CEO Quantum Foundation. Lotus editor Parveen Chopra had the privilege of meeting Mr Chandra Pulamarasetti, Founder and Chief Meditation Mentor of Buddha-CEO, and his associate Rakesh Jalumane, in Delhi.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHANDRIKA TANDON FOR GRAMMY WIN
The Indian American businesswoman, philanthropist and musician has won in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category for her album ‘Triveni’, a captivating blend of ancient chants and world music. She received the trophy at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony held Feb 2 in Los Angeles. In 'Triveni', Chandrika Tandon on vocals is supported by Wouter Kellerman on flute, and Éru Matsumoto on cello.
Chandrika was also nominated for a Grammy in 2011 - for 'Om Namo Narayanaya: Soul Call'.
Incidentally, she is Indra Nooyi's sister, and the Tandon School of Engineering in NYU is so named after her family's bequest.

Happy Republic Day, India and the Diaspora

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj - here are updates on the greatest show on earth: https://alotusinthemud.com/40-crore-hindus-to-take-holy-dip-at-maha-kumbh-in-prayagraj/

40 crore Hindus to take holy dip at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj 400 million pilgrims are expected to take a holy dip at the confluence of three sacred rivers in Prayagraj, during Maha Kumbh Mela

Our first Viral Post on ALotusInTheMud.com?!! Yes, it has already been read by thousands within a month of publication, without any promotion. The story with legs is written by Surekha Vijh, a journalist friend in the Washington DC area. For her, it is a lived experience, not a put-on. We are tickled and surprised that in this time and age when most of us are immersed in making and spending more and more money, and when consumerism is king, and even religious/spiritual gurus propound 'prosperity gospel', the idea of 'Frugal Living' resonated with so many readers.
So, if you have no money, want to save what you have, or want to save the planet, click here and read on:
https://alotusinthemud.com/living-on-10-dollars-a-day-yes-i-do/

Living on $10 a day? Let me explain frugal living Discover how frugal living in America is achievable with resolve and resourcefulness. Save money, live sustainably, and benefit our planet.

Lotus ad published in the nNew Year special editions of The South Asian Times and The Indian Panorama, both from New York

Happy New Year to Lotus readers

Yes, it is the Greatest Show on Earth, with 400 million pilgrims and tourists expected to converge in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad, India) from Jan 13 to Feb 26, 2025. Yes, Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 not only evokes faith and fervor based on Hindu mythology, but will also showcase the best of Indian performing arts and culture. Read all about it here, and share the information with your friends and family: https://alotusinthemud.com/maha-kumbh-2025-nectar-of-immortality-in-motion-in-prayagraj/

After Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday - a time to make a difference! 🌟 Help Lotus spread happiness, health, and fulfillment. ✨ You can donate to the American Center for Wellness and Spirituality, a 501-c-3 nonprofit that publishes Lotus. To donate via PayPal, click: https://shorturl.at/PUG6P
Or email us for more info: [email protected]

So, Lotus got an airing in Canada. Gurmukh Singh, my friend from journalism school days in Chandigarh, invited me to his Canadian Bazaar mag's gala in Brampton, Toronto. It was a grand show with 250 accomplished Torontonians in attendance at Courtyard by Marriott, who were regaled to alluring performances. I introduced ALotusInTheMud.com, with Gurmukh by my side. I met Nina Tangri, Ontario's Associate Minister of Housing, and Shivani Sharma, Director of the hotel and subject of cover story in the latest issue of Canadian Bazaar. My article about encounters with Indian gurus is also in the same edition.

Happy Diwali to Lotus readers and friends.

Navratri means garba, Diwali means melas and parties. So we posed a provocative question to a cross-section of people in the US and India: 'Is being 'cultural Hindu' becoming the new normal'?
12 prominent people whose comments we have compiled in three posts are not despairing. Read why, here are links to the three posts:
https://alotusinthemud.com/is-being-a-cultural-hindu-becoming-the-new-normal/
https://alotusinthemud.com/festivals-have-a-social-impact-and-an-opportunity-to-nourish-the-soul/
https://alotusinthemud.com/pluralism-and-flexibility-are-hinduisms-greatest-strengths/

Pluralism and flexibility are Hinduism’s greatest strengths | Alotusinthemud Hinduism’s inclusivity means those who skip traditional religious practices can still connect with its cultural and philosophical heritage.