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Riding the Rails of Innovation: Your Platform Wins the Outlook Game Changer Award

In a digital world, the rustle of turning pages holds a unique charm. Your Platform (YP Digest India Private Limited) has disrupted the media landscape with its innovative approach, earning the prestigious “Game Changer in New Gen Media” award at the Outlook Southern Achievers Awards 2025 in Chennai on December 14, 2024. This landmark achievement signifies Outlook’s recognition of a startup publication for pioneering a new era in print media. Your platform has made history by launching India’s first in-train magazine. This audacious venture has not only created a novel channel for brands to connect with their target audience but also transformed the travel experience for over 6 lakh commuters across seven major routes in South India. By championing the power of print, Your Platform has boldly challenged the dominance of digital, establishing itself as a pioneer in travel infotainment. This award underscores Your Platform’s innovative spirit and its transformative impact on the industry. By placing its magazine on iconic trains like Shatabdi, Tejas, and the Vande Bharat Express, Your Platform reaches a captive audience traveling between major cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Imagine settling into your train seat and discovering a beautifully curated magazine filled with engaging stories, thought-provoking content, and relevant advertisements. This is the Your Platform experience, transforming mundane journeys into opportunities for discovery and engagement. It’s a tangible connection in an increasingly screen-mediated world. It’s a testament to the enduring power of print in the digital age. By focusing on a specific, captive audience—train passengers—Your Platform has created a unique and highly effective platform for brands to reach their target demographic. The recognition from Outlook is particularly significant. It represents a powerful endorsement of Your Platform’s vision and its successful execution. It validates the idea that print can not only survive but thrive in the 21st century with creativity and innovation. This is a historic moment where a well-established publication acknowledges and celebrates the innovation of a startup publication. Your platform’s ambitions extend far beyond its current reach. The brand plans to expand across India, including Andhra Pradesh and New Delhi, connecting even more brands with this unique captive audience. This expansion will further solidify Your Platform’s position as a leader in the new-gen media landscape, proving that reimagined print can be a powerful force in the world of storytelling and brand engagement. This Outlook Game Changer Award is not just a recognition of their past achievements but a powerful endorsement of their future potential. The three directors have a proven track record of creating successful strategies and content for various brands, including their recent work on India’s hyper-local social media app, KYN (Know Your Neighbourhood). They are also visionary thinkers, planning innovative ideas for numerous publications and brands across India.

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Destination
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The Best of Rare Stays: The Shoolagiri Farm Stay

Untangling myself from heavy, angry traffic to reach the office every day is a situation I had sadly, come to terms with. ‘It is what it is,’ is what the logical part of my brain says. Of course, the fantasy side of my brain dreams of flying cars, magic portals, and secret underground tunnels, but that’s a story for another blog. My point is that in the middle of this heavy traffic, sweating, honking and screaming (in my head, of course), I had an epiphany. And that epiphany took me from the busy roads of Chennai to a serene village blooming with farms and hills; a chapter I’d like to call: The Shoolagiri Farm Stay. So, what is ‘The Shoolagiri Farm Stay’ all about? An escape into the mundane. Yes, it sounds cliché and perhaps similar to one of the sonnets of romantic poets, but the Shoolagiri Farm Stay is indeed an escape into the mundane from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located 22 kms from the industrial hub, Hosur, and in the district of Krishnagiri, is the Shoolagiri town. And there resides, basking under the sun, a 40-acre farmland, cottages with hosts and a breathtaking view of the greener side of earth—Ecoland Farms. My Shoolagiri Farm Stay began when I reached the Ecoland Farms in the middle of the night. Realization Number One: Do not check into a farm at midnight. No, I don’t say this because I was anxious. It’s because, to reach Ecoland Farms, I had to cross the Shoolagiri village situated in a hilly region, rocky paths and hairpin bends that had signs which said, ‘Careful! Elephants Crossing.’ Because it had been midnight, I was unfortunate enough to not encounter any elephants along the route, and I missed what may have been a scenic route. Nonetheless, when my cab driver drove through the flat arch of farm, and I exited the vehicle, I was embraced by cool winds, starlit sky and the scent of damp grass. It was a pleasant feeling telling me that I am far, far away from the city even though it’s only a few kilometers away. Despite the tardiness of the hour, I was greeted by the farm manager with a smile, and he led me down a soft slope towards a cottage that rested atop a small hill. The cottage was earthy. The sliding doors welcomed me to a stone flooring, bricked walls, furniture made from eco-friendly materials and a separate bathroom and toilet. Fresh sheets, towels and pillows promised comfort, and yet the best part of the cottage was a huge sliding window, taking up half a wall, built right above the bed.  Realization Number Two: You haven’t truly experienced a sunrise unless you wake up, mesmerized by its sight. I stand by my statement. Sure, you can sleepily trot over to your terrace with a mug of coffee and enjoy the peace a sunrise brings. However, in a farm when soft, golden rays of rays wake you up because of a perfectly placed window, it’s a memory you’ll want to hold onto forever. The morning at the Shoolagiri Farm Stay, brought a sight, I had forgotten all about. Trees swaying gently, cold breeze caressing your face, acres and acres of wild greenery calling out to come explore. I took in an amazing scenic view, standing on the edge of the cottage’s cement-tiled porch. Not ready to let go of the painting-like view in front of me, I dragged the porch chair over to the grass lawn of the cottage and took a seat to simply enjoy the clouds floating in the early morning sky. A similar cottage sat a few feet away on grassy land slightly higher than mine, A fence enclosed the area, distinguishing Ecoland Farms’ farmland from that of others, flowers of all colours and sizes bloomed across the space, and in the distance, a few dogs rested in their kennels. Realization Number Three: Farm-fresh cooking can be addictive. It doesn’t get better than being greeted in the morning with wide-smiles and a warm cup of tea. I pen this with the utmost honesty that the staff at the Ecoland Farms are beautiful people. They didn’t hesitate to cater to me when I needed hot water, tea, food or anything else for that matter. After tea, I was invited to eat at the garden tables fit with adorable hay-roofs, overlooking the Athettilake at the bottom of the hill. Upon enquiry, I was told that I can fish in the lake, however, October wasn’t the season for fishing, but I can definitely head for a stroll in the evening. The farm staff had noted down my food preferences during the booking, and they made sure to prepare the food with utmost care. Of course, I wouldn’t go as far to say that the food I had at my Shoolagiri Farm Stay was the best food of my life, but I will tell you this, eating delicious Southern cuisine with the produce that grows in the farm, is incredibly fulfilling and a unique experience. It leaves you craving for more. Realization Number Four: You don’t really need to do nothing to relax. Yes, this is a quick weekend stay to relax, but I really don’t think that people ought to do nothing to relax. Ecoland Farms had understood that concept very well as they had created a list of activities that I could do throughout my stay. One of the first activities I explored at Ecoland Farms was a trek through their farmland. I began walking down the slope from the cottage with a guide who took me through marvellous fields of tomatoes, carrots, onions, gooseberry and so much more. Every step along the way, he narrated the history of Shoolagiri, the plans for the village, the recent developments and so many more stories that by the time I came back, I felt refreshed instead of exhausted. One of the other activities I partook in

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Food
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Best Late Night Restaurants in Chennai for Midnight Foodies

“When the city sleeps, the foodies feast.” Ever found yourself craving a delicious bite in the hours of the night in Chennai? This bustling city has some hidden gems that keep their doors open when most of the world is fast asleep. Let’s take a mouthwatering journey through Chennai’s best late-night eateries. 1. Parrys Corner Moonlight Drive-in So I’ll give you a situation, it’s midnight, your stomach’s growling, and you’re in your PJs. Just head to Parrys Corner Moonlight Drive-in. This place is like a time machine that takes you back to the good old days of drive-in restaurants. Do you know what makes this place special? They serve piping hot dosas right to your car window. You can munch on crispy dosas without even stepping out of your vehicle. They’ve got a secret menu item that only the regulars know about. It’s called the “Midnight Masala Dosa” – a spicy, cheesy twist on the classic dosa that’ll wake up your taste buds faster than a cold shower. 2. Nungambakkam Night Noodles Next stop on our midnight munchies tour is Nungambakkam Night Noodles. This little hole-in-the-wall joint might not look much, but it does pack a flavor punch. You’ll be shocked to know that the owner, Mr. Kumar, learned his noodle-making skills all the way in China. He brought back secret recipes that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. 3. Marina Beach Midnight Biriyani Who says you can’t have a beach party at midnight? Head over to Marina Beach Midnight Biriyani for a feast under the stars. This place started as a small cart and has now become a late-night legend. The owner, Aunty Lakshmi, cooks up the most amazing biriyani you’ll ever taste. She uses a secret spice mix that’s been in her family for seven generations. Not only that, but Aunty Lakshmi also has a heart of gold. Every night, she sets aside a portion of her biriyani to feed the stray dogs on the beach. So when you eat here, you’re not just filling your belly, you’re also helping our furry friends. 4. T. Nagar Tiffin Center Craving some traditional South Indian tiffin at 2 AM? T. Nagar Tiffin Center has got you covered. This place is like a time capsule, it hasn’t changed a bit since it opened in 1965. The same old tables, the same old menu board, and believe it or not, even some of the same old waiters. The menu is made of traditional dishes. 5. Adyar Anytime Idlis Last but not least, we’ve got Adyar Anytime Idlis. As the name suggests, you can get fluffy, steaming idlis here any time of the day or night. But hold your horses. This place serves idlis like you’ve never seen before. Square idlis, triangle idlis, even idlis shaped like little stars. It’s like an idli wonderland. They have a Build Your Own Idli option where you can choose your own toppings. They have varieties like cheese idlis and chocolate idlis too. Next time you’re up late and your tummy starts rumbling, you know where to go. Chennai’s midnight food scene is alive and kicking, serving up delicious bites with a side of quirky charm. Remember, the best adventures (and the best meals) often happen after dark. So go ahead, embrace your inner night owl, and treat yourself to some amazing late-night grub. Happy midnight munching, Chennai.

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Destination Travel
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Indoor Photoshoot Locations in Chennai: From Studios to Urban Spots

“Where every corner tells a story, and every click captures a memory” Looking for some cool indoor spots to snap your next masterpiece in Chennai? You’re in luck. This bustling city has some amazing places that are perfect for indoor photoshoots. Let’s check out some real gems that you can actually visit. 1. Kalakshetra Foundation First up, we’ve got the Kalakshetra Foundation. This isn’t just any old building, it’s a living, breathing piece of art. Founded in 1936, Kalakshetra is known for its beautiful architecture. The buildings here blend traditional South Indian style with modern touches. Think red oxide floors, thatched roofs, and lots of natural light perfect for those dreamy, soft-focus shots. The main theater, Rukmini Arangam, is built entirely of wood without any nails. It’s not just a pretty face either, the acoustics here are amazing. 2. DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum Next on our list is DakshinaChitra. If you’re looking for variety, this place is a goldmine. DakshinaChitra is like a time machine that takes you through different parts of South India. They’ve got actual houses from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, all rebuilt right here in Chennai. Each house is filled with authentic furniture and decor from its region. It’s like having multiple photoshoot locations in one place. 3. Amethyst Cafe Now, who said cafes are just for eating? Amethyst Cafe is a photographer’s paradise. Housed in a restored 100-year-old building, this place oozes old-world charm. With its white walls, antique furniture, and lush greenery, every corner here is Instagram-worthy. Check out their greenhouse area. The natural light filtering through the plants creates a magical atmosphere for portraits. 4. Sathyam Cinemas Bet you didn’t expect to see a cinema on this list, did you? But Sathyam Cinemas isn’t your average movie theater. The interiors here are super stylish and modern. From the grand staircase to the plush waiting areas, there are tons of spots for cool urban-style shoots. They’ve got a “Social Hub” with funky seating and colorful decor. It’s perfect for those edgy, contemporary shots. 5. Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park Last but not least, we’ve got the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Now, I know what you’re thinking, a hotel? Really? But hear me out. This place has some seriously photogenic spots. Their grand ballroom with its sparkling chandeliers is great for glamorous shoots. And their restaurants offer a range of backdrops, from sleek and modern to warm and cosy. Their poolside area, with its quirky sculptures and water features, makes for some unique shots. Just remember to ask for permission first. Five real, awesome indoor locations in Chennai for your next photoshoot. Each of these places offers something unique, from traditional architecture to modern luxury. Remember, while these spots are great, it’s your creativity that’ll make the photos truly special. So grab your camera, put on your artistic hat, and start exploring these amazing indoor locations. Who knows? Your next viral photo might be just a click away in one of these cool Chennai spots. Happy shooting. 

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Culture and Heritage
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Top 10 Must-Visit Shiva Temples in Tamil Nadu

Where stones come alive and stories never die 1. Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur Let’s begin our journey at the impressive Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur. The main tower of this temple stands at an amazing 216 feet tall. To put that in perspective, it’s about as tall as a 20-story building. From the top, you’d be able to see the whole city spread out below you. The temple is full of beautiful carvings and artwork. As you walk around, you’ll see intricate designs on the walls and pillars. Each carving tells a story from Hindu mythology, making the whole temple like a giant picture book of ancient tales. One unique feature of this temple is its shadow. At noon, the temple tower doesn’t cast a shadow on the ground. This clever design shows how skilled the ancient architects were. 2. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai The next stop is Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple. This place is like a crazy, colourful maze that’ll blow your mind. You’ll be shocked to know that this temple has not one, not two, but 14 gateway towers. It’s like they couldn’t decide on just one entrance and went, “Eh, let’s make it a challenge for visitors to find their way in”.  There are 33,000 sculptures in this temple. That’s more sculptures than there are people in some small towns. Imagine being the person in charge of dusting all those statues. Talk about a never-ending job. 3. Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Alright, next is the magnificent, Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram. This place has a mango tree that’s older than your great-great-great-grandparents. Legend has it that this 3,500-year-old mango tree has four branches, each giving a different flavour of mango. These trees are considered sacred and holy, and many beliefs are attached to these enormous and luscious mango trees.  Not only that, but this temple also has a lingam made of sand and water. It’s said that Parvati, Shiva’s wife, made this lingam herself. 4. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram Next up is the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram. This place is like the ultimate spiritual water park. You know how some people collect stamps or coins? Well, this temple collects pillars. It has the longest corridor of any Hindu temple, with a whopping 1,212 pillars. That’s a lot of hide-and-seek spots. But here’s the most fascinating thing that makes this temple one of a kind. This temple has 22 wells inside it. And get this, each well tastes different from the others. It’s like a cosmic taste test.  5. Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram Moving on to the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram. This place is all about the dance, and it evokes a sense of spirituality with the help of dance. This temple is dedicated to Shiva in his dancing form, Nataraja. But did you know that the priests here are not just priests? They perform some pretty cool dance moves as part of the rituals. And here’s a mind-bender for you. There’s a secret chamber in this temple called the Chidambara Rahasyam. It’s supposed to represent space, one of the five elements, but it’s empty. Yep, you read that right. It’s a whole lot of nothing, and that’s exactly the point. The emptiness reiterates the mysteries and the inevitable power of Lord Shiva.  6. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai Time to hit the big city with the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai. This place is like a history book come to life. You’ll be amazed to know that this temple was originally by the seashore. But then, poof. It vanished. But don’t worry, the temple you see today is a perfect replica of the original. It’s like the temple equivalent of a really good cover song, the same awesome vibe, just in a different place. 7. Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Next on our list is the Jambukeswarar Temple in Thiruvanaikaval. This place is all about the elements. There’s a lingam here that’s always wet. No, it’s not leaking; it’s supposed to be that way. It represents the water element.  And if you thought that was cool, wait till you hear this: there’s a legend that says there’s an underground water spring beneath the sanctum. It’s like the temple has its own secret swimming pool. 8. Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai Moving on to the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai. This place is lit – literally. Every year during the Karthigai Deepam festival, they light a giant lamp on top of the Annamalai hill. It’s so big, you can see it from miles away. It’s like a cosmic nightlight for the whole town. But here’s the real kicker, the temple tank here is shaped like the Om symbol when viewed from above. It’s like ancient architects were into aerial art before drones were even a thing. 9. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Don’t let the tongue-twister name scare you off from the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. This place will leave you awe-struck. You’ll be shocked to know that the shadow of the tower never falls on the ground at noon. It’s like the sun decided to play favorites with this temple. Talk about a real-life invisibility cloak. There’s a cannon in the temple complex that was used to announce the time. It’s like the world’s loudest alarm clock. Imagine waking up to that every morning.  10. Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli Last but not least, we’ve got the Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli. This place is like a 2-for-1 special. Did you know this temple actually has two main shrines? One for Shiva and one for his wife, Parvati.  And here’s a fun fact: the musical pillars in this temple can produce different musical notes when tapped. It’s like the temple doubles as a giant xylophone. Just remember, it’s look-but-don’t-touch, unless you want to risk becoming the temple’s accidental musician. So there you have it. Ten amazing Shiva temples that’ll rock your world. Remember, these aren’t just old buildings; they’re time machines, art galleries, and miracle centers all rolled into one. It carries and holds the mysteries of the past and the divine

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Culture and Heritage
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Giri Trading Agency: A Legacy of Faith, Culture, and Holistic Growth

Giri Trading Agency, a name synonymous with Hindu spiritual offerings, has a rich history rooted in humble beginnings. Founded in 1951 by Mr. Tirupunithra Swarnagiri as a modest street-side shop specializing in Pooja Products and Pooja Books, the company’s growth and evolution have been nothing short of remarkable. In this interview with Mr. Abhishek Prakash, the Director of Content and New Media, we explore the brand’s philosophy, the significance of the auspicious month of Aadi, and the essential items used in Hindu rituals. Mr. Abhishek Prakash, the Director of Content and New Media What makes the month of Aadi particularly special in the Hindu tradition? Why is it considered an auspicious time? The month of Aadi, typically falling between mid-July and mid-August, holds significant importance in the Hindu tradition as it heralds the onset of the Dakshinayana phase when the Sun begins its southward journey. Aadi is dedicated to honoring the divine feminine energy, particularly Goddess Shakti or Parvati. It is believed that during this month, the cosmic energies are heightened, making it an auspicious time for spiritual practices, rituals, and ceremonies. Devotees observe fasting, visit temples, and participate in community celebrations to invoke the blessings of Goddess Shakti. Aadi also marks the beginning of the monsoon season, crucial for agricultural activities, further adding to its cultural and societal significance. Overall, Aadi is cherished for its cultural, spiritual, and agricultural significance, emphasizing reverence for the divine feminine and the renewal of cosmic energies. What are some of the specific poojas or rituals commonly performed during the month of Aadi? The month of Aadi holds profound spiritual significance in Hindu tradition, marked by numerous poojas and rituals that devotees observe with deep devotion and reverence. Some of the most commonly performed poojas and rituals during this auspicious month include Aadi Perukku, Aadi Amavasai, Aadi Pooram, Varalakshmi Vratham, Aadi Krithigai and Aadi Chevvai.  Aadi Perukku: This ritual involves offering prayers to rivers and water bodies on the 18th day of Aadi, expressing gratitude for the monsoon, and praying for a bountiful harvest. Aadi Amavasai: On the new moon day of Aadi, families perform rituals to honor their ancestors. Special prayers, tarpanam (water oblations), and offerings of food are made to seek the blessings and peace of departed souls. Aadi Pooram: Celebrated during the star Pooram, this day commemorates the birth of Goddess Andal. Special poojas are conducted in temples dedicated to her, and processions with her idol are organized. Varalakshmi Vratham: Observed on the Friday before the full moon in Aadi, this ritual is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Women perform elaborate poojas at home, invoking the goddess of wealth and prosperity. They prepare a special kalasha (pot) decorated with flowers and turmeric, symbolizing the goddess. Aadi Krithigai: This day is dedicated to Lord Murugan.  Aadi Chevvai: Special prayers are conducted on Tuesdays in Aadi to honor the fierce aspect of Goddess Parvati. These rituals are believed to ward off evil and protect against negative influences. Could you list a few items that are considered essential in a Hindu household? In a Hindu household, several items are considered essential for daily rituals and poojas. These items help create a sacred atmosphere and facilitate worship practices, fostering a sense of devotion and spiritual connection. They are integral to maintaining the sanctity of the home and ensuring that religious observances are conducted with reverence and precision. The items include Deepams (Oil Lamps), Agarbattis (Incense Sticks), Kumkum and Turmeric, Holy Water (Ganga Jal), Pooja Bell, Flowers and Garlands, and Camphor. What is the guiding philosophy behind Giri Trading Agency? What are the core values that drive the organization? At Giri Trading Agency, our guiding philosophy is rooted in the mission to spread the rich Hindu culture and traditions while promoting value-based living globally. We are dedicated to enhancing spiritual experiences and promoting holistic growth among our patrons worldwide. Operating with transparency and honesty, we build trust with stakeholders through ethical practices. Which products are consistently popular among Giri’s customers? What categories see the highest sales? Giri Trading Agency is renowned for its extensive range of spiritual and religious products, with several items consistently popular among customers. Giri Pooja Products, including items like deepams, agarbattis, and puja thalis, are indispensable for daily rituals and ceremonies, appealing to a broad spectrum of devotees. Giri Books, offering a rich assortment of spiritual texts, scriptures, and educational literature on Hindu philosophy and culture, cater to those seeking knowledge and spiritual growth. During festive seasons like Navaratri, Golu Padi, traditional steps used for displaying dolls and idols, become particularly popular for their craftsmanship and cultural significance. & the Eco-Friendly Ganesha is also one of the top-selling products during Ganesha Chaturthi. The intricately designed Deity Jewellery for adorning idols further enhances the spiritual offerings that drive high sales at Giri. Does Giri Trading Agency operate solely with physical stores, or are their products also available online?  Giri Trading Agency operates both online and through physical stores, embodying an omnichannel retailing approach. With 35 showrooms across Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Puducherry, Maharashtra, and New Delhi, Giri also maintains a global presence in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. A Promising Future Rooted in Tradition Giri Trading Agency’s enduring success is a testament to its unwavering commitment to preserving, and showcasing Hindu traditions and spirituality, as emphasized by Mr. Abhishek Prakash. The company’s core values of cultural preservation, holistic growth, and ethical practices continue to guide its mission, establishing it as a trusted source of spiritual and cultural products.

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