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Your Platform Expands Nationwide

Waltair Division of East Coast Railways Becomes the First to Feature an In-Train Magazine in a Vistadome Coach. Vishakapatnam, India—Your Platform, India’s first in-train magazine, has taken a historic step toward nationwide expansion by securing a distribution contract with the Waltair Division of East Coast Railways. This landmark agreement will see Your Platform reaching passengers aboard three key trains originating from Vizag, including the prestigious Vistadome Coach. Effective immediately, the magazine will be available on the following routes: This initiative is a first-of-its-kind achievement for Indian Railways, as the Waltair Division becomes the first in the country to introduce an in-train magazine in a Vistadome Coach—a premium travel segment renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views. Your Platform will now enhance the journey with insightful, engaging, and entertaining content for passengers. The official launch event was graced by the visionary founders of Your Platform, Mr. Praveen V, Mr. Shankar M, and Mr. Karthik PS, alongside senior railway officials from the Waltair Division, Shri Lalit Bohra, the DRM of Waltair Division; Shri K Sandeep Kumar, the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager; and Shri K Pawan Kumar, the Senior Divisional Commissioner-II, whose combined efforts have kick-started this exciting new phase in enriching the railway travel experience. The magazine, a pioneer in providing engaging content, from inspiring travel narratives to local insights and cultural stories, has transformed the in-train experience for countless passengers. This launch promises to make every journey an enjoyable exploration of India’s vibrant culture and global trends. 1Share

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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. 2Shares

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The Best Southern Adventure Destinations in India

When it comes to South India, there are certain topics such as filter coffee, classical music and coconut trees that take the centre stage. However, little do people know that there’s a wild, untamed soul lurking beneath the surface, waiting for those who are brave enough to look beyond the postcard-perfect landscapes. Yes, there’s a reason why South India is the best adventure destination in India. From the emerald forests of the Western Ghats to the hidden valleys of Kerala’s wilderness, South India is an enthralling ecosystem that defies every tourist brochure. These aren’t just landscapes, rather they’re living canvases painted with the most incredible wildlife stories you’ll ever encounter. Keep reading because this travel guide is different. It is a passionate invitation to truly see South India not as a destination, but as a living, breathing wild heart that beats with raw, untamed energy.   Table of Content When Nature Transforms: South India’s Wildlife Magic Forget about those crowded city streets and bustling tourist spots. We’re diving deep into the sanctuaries where nature rules supreme and every rustle in the bushes could be a leopard’s whisper or an elephant’s gentle stride. These aren’t just parks; they’re living, breathing ecosystems that tell stories older than our grandparents’ memories. Karnataka’s Wild Kingdom Nestled in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur is more than just a sanctuary. It’s a wildlife lover’s paradise. Imagine driving through dense forests where tigers roam freely, and elephants create their own traffic rules. The locals have a saying: “In Bandipur, you don’t just see wildlife. Wildlife sees you!” The park boasts one of the largest populations of Asian elephants and Indian tigers. But it’s not just about the big cats and gentle giants. From Malabar giant squirrels dancing between trees to Indian rock pythons silently slithering through the undergrowth, every moment here is a frame from a wild documentary. Kerala’s Living Canvas Periyar is where the wild meets the water. This sanctuary, located in the heart of Kerala, is unique because of its massive lake that serves as a lifeline for countless species. Locals affectionately call it the “Jeep Safari Paradise”. Take a boat ride, and you might just spot a herd of elephants drinking water or a family of Nilgiri langurs playing hide and seek among the trees. The best part? The park is open throughout the year, but the months between October and March are when the magic truly happens. If South India had a crown jewel for biodiversity, Kerala would be wearing it. Forget the fancy resorts and dive into the real Kerala. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve might not guarantee tiger sightings, but it’s a wildlife lover’s dream. Spotted more elephants than you can count? Check. Deer wandering like they own the place? Absolutely. And those birds? They’ll make any nature photographer weep with joy. The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is not for the faint-hearted. A moderate-plus hike that requires permits in the off-season, but trust me, it’s worth every single challenge. Also, respect the elephants. They’re not here for your Instagram moment. Tamil Nadu’s Wild Treasure Let’s get one thing straight, Tamil Nadu might be famous for its magnificent temples, but it’s got so much more brewing underneath. Sure, Marina Beach might be the world’s second largest, but trust me, it’s not about the size. It’s about those magical sunrise moments when the entire city seems to pause. Take the road less travelled from Ooty through Pykara to Mudumalai National Park. The journey itself is the destination. Hill stations like Yercaud and Kodaikanal are the gateways to incredible hiking trails and hidden village experiences. Right at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, Mudumalai is a biodiversity hotspot that would make any wildlife enthusiast weak in the knees. The park is home to some of the most incredible creatures: Indian gaur, dholes (wild dogs), and, if you’re incredibly lucky, the elusive black panther. Local guides often joke that in Mudumalai, every safari is like a lottery. You never know what amazing creature you’ll encounter. Karnataka: The Unexplored Wild Coorg for wildlife lovers is an emotion. Those coffee plantations aren’t just farms; they’re stories waiting to be discovered. It’s where wildlife writes its own rules. Drive through, and you’ll see elephants creating traffic jams that no Google Maps can predict. The KSRTC buses will be your best friends as they’ll take you literally everywhere. Kudremukh Peak is for real adventurers. No camping allowed, but the stay options in nearby villages is pure magic. And Jog Falls? They’re the second-highest waterfall in India, and trust me, in full flow, it’s a jaw-dropper. The Unsung Heroes of South Indian Wildlife These are a few hidden Gems Most Tourists don’t often explore: Pichavaram Mangrove Forest: Near Pondicherry, here the landscape changes where an entire ecosystem waiting to be explored. Take the longest boat trip, chat with local boatmen, and see a side of nature most people don’t even know exists. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Close to Bangalore, but worlds apart from urban chaos. Go early, take a boat ride, and watch birds like you’re witnessing a secret performance. Kakkayam: Just a couple of hours from the touristy Wayanad, this place is why postcards were popular once. Small dams, hidden ponds, thick forest cover and almost zero tourists. The Soul of South Indian Wilderness Metaphorically these locations are the stories waiting to be lived, experiences waiting to unfold. From the misty peaks of Munnar to the dense forests of Parambikulam, from Coorg’s coffee plantations to Pichavaram’s mangrove mysteries. South India is wild, unpredictable, and absolutely magical. Travel is not about ticking boxes. It’s about collecting moments, respecting nature, and understanding that every trail has a story. The wildlife sanctuaries are not mere tourist destinations. They are sacred spaces where nature writes its most intricate stories. Where an elephant’s trumpet can be heard echoing through misty valleys, where rare birds dance between branches that have witnessed centuries, and where every plant root tells a story of survival, beauty, and wild,

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Finding Tranquility in the 2,500-Year-Old Temple

Going to the Dwarkadhish Temple on a religious trip is akin to entering a world of heavenly peace. For history buffs and worshipers, Dwarkadhish Mandir Darshan holds immense significance! This holy site is located in the energetic state of Gujarat and is well connected by air, train, and road. Discover the mysteries of the Dwarkadhish Temple, and don’t forget to teach your children about its background, design, and other features. Table of contents: Dwarkadhish Temple: An Ethereal Haven A monument to historical building techniques and dedication to religion is the Dwarkadhish Temple, popularly referred to as Dwarka Temple. Devotees from different religions travel from every corner of the nation to this holy site devoted to Lord Krishna. The temple’s calm ambiance and repetitive prayers create a state of mind that surpasses earthly worries. As you enter the compound for Dwarkadhish Mandir Darshan, the intricate carvings and tall columns articulate different mythology stories. India’s cultural heritage is preserved in this devotional site. This temple is made of soft limestone and has a sanctum and a rectangular vestibule hall with porches on three sides. There are two main gateways: Swarga Dwar, known as the “gate to the heavens,” where pilgrims enter, and Moksha Dwar, known as the “gate to liberation,” where pilgrims exit. This revered sanctuary’s elegance and heavenly aura are so magnificent that mere words cannot contain it. Vajranabh was the great-grandson of Lord Krishna and the last ruler of Dwarka, who constructed the Mandir years ago, which is one of the holy hindu Chaar Dhaams. This temple’s sacred premises have attracted renowned monks, sages, pilgrims, and tourists. Adi Shankara, one of the most esteemed philosophers and theologians, came for Dwarkadhish Mandir Darshan in the 8th century. A plaque honouring his visit can be found inside the temple.  The Dwarkadhish Temple’s Architectural Design Dharma followers of Sanatan Dharma hold the main Dwarka temple, Jagat Mandir, in high regard. One of the temple’s most notable characteristics is that it appears to rise directly from the Arabian Sea, maybe alluding to the legend of Lord Krishna stealing ground from the ocean to construct Dwarka. Devotees must mount the approximately fifty stairs atop a slight slope to reach the temple for Dwarkadhish Mandir Darshan. The central holy location of the temple is a five-floor structure with a 43-meter spire that houses the divinity of Lord Krishna. 72 pillars support the main structure and have massive, exquisitely sculpted walls. Engraved on the exterior walls of the Dwarkadhish Temple are artworks depicting famous legends and mythical creatures, all crafted from well-preserved limestone. A 52-yard pennant featuring the Sun and Moon is hoisted atop the magnificent structure, symbolizing that Lord Krishna will live for as many years as they do. Dwarkadhish Temple’s Interiors The interior of the temple is divided into several parts: Garbha Griha – It is the reliquary sanctorum accommodating the deity of Shri Lord Krishna. Only the priest can enter the Garbha Griha area to worship the idol. Ardh Mandapa – The half-open assembly hall is an entryway to the Mukhya Mandap or includes the primary assembly hall. Mandapa – It’s the main assembly hall of the temple and remains open on every side. It has a pyramidal, tiered roof and a miniature bell-like dome adorning it. There are 72 embellished pillars for support and five stories rising over it. Antarala – It’s the tiny antechamber linking Vimana Mandapa to Natya Mandapa. Pradakshina Path – A route surrounding the Garbha Griha, making the holy ritual of circumambulation or Pradakshina easier for the hundreds of worshippers during the Dwarkadhish Mandir Darshan. Legend of the Idol of Lord Dwarkadhish Badana, a genuine devotee of Lord Dwarkadhish, used to visit the sanctum daily from Dakor in Gujarat for Dwarkadhish Mandir Darshan. As her devotion pleased Lord Dwarkadhish, they set off together for Dakor. An infuriated sanctum priest went after Badana, who persuaded the priest in exchange for gold to deter him from reclaiming the idol. The idol was the weight of Badana’s nose ring since Lord Dwarkadhish had just that to spare. It was mentioned that Lord Dwarkadhish had to convince the priest that they would create a replica of the idol. Hence, Dwarka is an abode for that idol. Legend of Rukmini’s Sanctum Dwarka temple was built on land retrieved from the ocean by Lord Krishna. Sage Durvasa once expressed his urge to visit their palace during one of his visits to Krishna and Rukmini. He reportedly asked them to pull a chariot so they could bring him to their palace so he could eat. On the way, Rukmini requested water to satisfy her thirst. When Krishna excavated the infamous hole, the Ganga flowed to where they stood. Durvasa got infuriated by the act of Rukmini not offering water to him and cursed her to stay in the same place. This is how the temple has a sanctum at this location. Spiritual Ventures for the Soul Once you have finished exploring the Dwarkadhish temple, other miracles of Dwarka beckon and the most exquisite thing to start with is Sudama Setu at the base of the temple. Devotees can take a peaceful stroll throughout Gomti Creek toward the nearest beach. If the spirituality of the Dwarkadhish temple nudges you, take a refreshing dip in the pious waters of the nearby Gomati River. During sunset, evening aarti takes place with an enchanting prayer rite to Lord Krishna, which is the best part of your Dwarkadhish Mandir Darshan. You can travel beyond and see the immaculate heaven of Beyt Dwarka. The euphoria of dolphin spotting, water spots, and the serenity of camping and picnics are some of the few things best experienced in this island. A nearby temple is dedicated to Rukmini Devi, the beloved wife of Shri Krishna, which is a must-visit during the Dwarkadhish Mandir Darshan. You may also take a serene walk near Gopi Lake, which has yellow sand, where the disciples of Lord Krishna, Gopis, surrendered their lives. You may also get acquainted with the local traditions and enjoy shopping for conventional handicrafts,

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Vande Bharat Express: Speeding into the Future with Innovation and Technology

In India, Vande Bharat Express has triggered a great deal of disruption lately. Since its inception, the Indian Railways has enchanted people with its stunning appearance, unique features, and seamless travel experience. While you set out on an incredible journey that is exclusively “Made in India,” Vande Bharat, a mesmerizing train that operates publicly on several routes, serves as an identity of the country. On 3rd October 2019, Vande Bharat was flagged off from Delhi to Katra under the supervision of Home Minister Amit Shah. Table of Contents: History of Vande Bharat Express The Indian Railways have always intended to maximize their speed meter since the beginning of the Gatimaan Express in 2016. You will be awed to know that this express is the fastest train in India. Following the policies, it was stated in 2017 that ICF would build two train sets. The Indian company Integral Coach Factory, or ICF, manufactures rail coaches. ICF was founded in 1955 and is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Since the Indian Railways and government aim to execute this project by 2018, the train sets symbolize Train 18. Additionally, in October 2018, the train sets were put into inspection following the goal. The honorable prime minister of India, Shri Narender Modi, formally unveiled Vande Bharat as Train 18 in 2019 after four years of planning, construction, and certification. This replaced the Shatabdi Express System, which had been in service for 30 years. 10 Fantastic Facts About Vande Bharat Express AC Coaches and Fully automatic doors This train has 16 entirely air-conditioned car seats with two different seating arrangements, including executive and economy class. Two of the most subtle features is that the chairs of the executive class have revolving chairs, which can be turned 180 degrees, and this train boasts of automatic doors with sliding footsteps. Bio-Vacuum Toilets Bio-vacuum toilets have been established to resolve sanitation issues on the Indian Railways for people’s ease of use. Similar to flights, it offers zero discharge. Moreover, you will also get the amenity of touch-free bathroom fittings, which lets users experience sanitation without any hassles. Train Cost is Half of the Import’s Cost The manufacturing cost of Vande Bharat Express is approximately half the cost of an identical imported train set. On average, each coach is expected to cost about Rs. 6 crore. According to reports, the total expense of each coach could exceed Rs. 5 crore once mass manufacture of the trail begins. Onboard Wi-Fi This wonder train of India provides Wi-Fi onboard for passenger entertainment. And alongside the Wi-Fi Vande Bharat possesses an onboard infotainment system connected to it. You can use free Wi-Fi onboard service for your smartphone, laptop, and tablet. The Train is Eco-Friendly As Vande Bharat Express focuses on sustainability, it’s designed to be eco-friendly. The train features regenerative braking systems that efficiently transform kinetic energy into electric power. It’s an advanced technology that mitigates overall energy consumption. Hence, this eco-friendly endeavor aligns with global fads to develop more sustainable transportation options. Smart Security in the Train The train has 16 coaches fitted with CCTV cameras for optimum safety of the onboard passengers. Its automatic doors will open when the train arrives at a complete halt and likewise, it will start only when the door is fully closed. GPS-based Information System Another contemporary and cutting-edge feature of Vande Bharat Express is its GPS-based information system. It’s a feature that can be found in metro trains. This GPS-based information system notifies passengers about the upcoming stations and other vital information.  Food Facility inside the Train This semi-high-speed train serves the best food. Passengers have the option of including food in their travel experience during ticket booking. Breakfast and lunch will be provided if you travel from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri Station and similarly, dinner and evening refreshments will be served on the train throughout your journey from NJP to Howrah. Train’s Engine Vande Bharat Express has no engine, implying it’s India’s first engineless train. Indian trains have an isolated engine coach, while this one has a merged engine similar to a metro or bullet train. Moreover, Indian Railways presented a self-driven train for inter-city travel, and due to the incorporation of cutting-edge technology that provides faster acceleration and deceleration, the journey time has been dramatically reduced. This wonder train of India can cover the journey from New Delhi to Varanasi in mere eight hours compared to the Shatabdi Express, which takes 12–13 hours.  Spaces for the Disabled are offered in the Train Vande Bharat has some specialized coaches to park wheelchairs so that disabled persons will not have to deal with hardship during their travel.    Major Technical Facets of Vande Bharat Express Different Routes of Vande Bharat Express Train 18 was renamed Vande Bharat on 27th January 2019, and it went into commercial service on 15th February 2019. This train has been expanded to 18 distinct routes, whose details are the following: Despite these top 10 features that Vande Bharat Express provides its passengers with, it has several other amenities, including modular racks in every coach for the luggage, a pantry, sockets under the seats to keep your devices charged, and more. Happy traveling! 3Shares

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