Latest news with #Kavya
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Transplant triumph: How science and a grandfather's gift helped save 5-year-old
Dr Chattopadhyay with his young patient and her family Dr Somnath Chattopadhyay When little Kavya came to us, she was just five years old but already carrying the heavy burden of a rare liver disease called Biliary Atresia. It's a condition in which the bile ducts inside the liver are either blocked or missing, so bile cannot drain properly. This causes the liver to get damaged and scarred over time. Sadly, without a transplant, the damage is often fatal. Kavya's story was especially close to my heart because her elder sister, Dhruvi, had battled a similar illness a decade ago. Dhruvi was four when we placed a part of her mother's liver in her tiny abdomen. She recovered successfully and was now a sprightly teen. Seeing that family's journey — the hope, struggles, the triumphs — was deeply moving. So, when Kavya needed a transplant, we knew we were fighting not just for her life but carrying forward a shared hope. Usually, when a child needs a liver transplant, one of the parents donates a part of their liver. It's a complex but common practice because blood group compatibility is simpler, and the parents are naturally the first choice. But in Kavya's case, it wasn't that simple. Her mother had already donated for Dhruvi, and her father wasn't eligible because he had fatty liver disease. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo It was then that her 70-year-old grandfather stepped in without hesitation. Now, here's where the challenge really began. Kavya's blood group was A positive, while her grandfather's was B positive — a mismatch that would typically make transplantation nearly impossible. To complicate matters further, Kavya's immune system had already developed antibodies against her grandfather's blood type. These antibodies are like tiny soldiers that recognise and attack anything foreign, including the donated liver. This mismatch and the existing antibodies could have led to immediate rejection of the transplant, risking Kavya's life. But we found a crucial piece of hope. When we measured the levels of these antibodies in Kavya's blood, they weren't as high as we had feared. This meant there was a real chance to control her immune system enough to accept the new liver. Our plan was twofold. First, we gave Kavya a medicine called Rituximab. It sounds complicated, but Rituximab works by calming down the immune cells that make those harmful antibodies. Think of it as turning down the volume on the part of the immune system that would otherwise attack the transplant. Second, we performed plasma exchange therapy. Imagine your blood as a river, with plasma as the liquid part that carries antibodies. Through plasma exchange, we 'washed out' the harmful antibodies by removing some of her plasma and replacing it with clean plasma. This process helps to clear away the soldiers ready to attack the new liver. It was a delicate dance, and every step had to be perfectly timed and executed. We knew that if even a small number of these antibodies remained, Kavya's body could reject the new liver immediately, which is often fatal. Adding to the challenge, Kavya had undergone major surgery as an infant. This had left scar tissue inside her abdomen, making the transplant surgery more complicated and riskier. Our team used advanced imaging to carefully plan how the grandfather's liver segment would fit inside Kavya's small abdomen, ensuring it wouldn't cause harm or pressure. The family's courage was remarkable throughout. Having already walked this path with their elder daughter, they understood what lay ahead. Yet, the financial strain was very real. The Jains are a modest family. Kavya's mother reached out to NGOs for support. Our hospital's trust also stepped in to help ease the burden somewhat. In Kavya's case, the parents couldn't donate. Her mom had already donated for Dhruvi, and her father had fatty liver disease. It was then that her 70-year-old grandfather stepped up Dr Chattopadhyay As for her grandfather, he underwent a series of tests — blood work, scans, heart checks — to ensure he was healthy enough to donate part of his liver. Donating a piece of your liver is a major decision. It involves surgery, pain, recovery, and risk. We make sure donors understand everything clearly and often connect them with people who have donated before. But in the Jains' case, their previous experience had prepared them emotionally and mentally. On Feb 22, Kavya was admitted. Two weeks later, the big day arrived. For ten intense hours, two surgical teams worked, connecting the liver to her blood vessels and bile ducts with utmost precision. Watching Kavya recover after surgery was incredibly rewarding. She was discharged in three weeks. Her grandfather, too, recovered well and was back to work in just seven days. Just a few decades ago, a transplant like this would have been unthinkable. Transplants across blood group barriers almost always ended in rejection. But advances in medicines like Rituximab and improved plasma exchange techniques have revolutionised what's possible. India has become a leader in living donor liver transplantation. This progress came from necessity — due to fewer deceased donors — but also from innovation, skill, and determination. Today, we perform more living donor liver transplants than any other country, often at a fraction of the cost seen in Western nations. To families facing the frightening prospect of paediatric liver disease and transplantation, my message is simple: don't lose hope. While it may feel overwhelming, these transplants have excellent success rates. Children go on to live full, vibrant lives — going to school, pursuing careers, building families. And while the idea of transplantation can be scary, it's safer today than ever before. Donors' livers regenerate, making living donation a powerful and safe gift. Dr Chattopadhyay is consultant and head of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplant at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. He spoke to Sharmila Ganesan Ram One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Kavya Ganesh impresses with her nuanced performance
The beauty of the Bharatanatyam margam lies in its structured format. Yet, it allows the artistes to reimagine and present it in their own distinct way. This was evident at the recent performance of Kavya Ganesh, for the HCL series, hosted by the Music Academy. Soft vocals, mild music from the instruments and graceful poses by the dancer set the tone for a vibrant opening. Kavya began her performance with sage Patanjali's 'Shambhu natanam', portraying the lord of dance. The movements were marked by clarity as she conveyed the essence of the hymn. The music composition was by O.S. Arun. Kavya next presented the Swarajathi 'Maamohalahiri meerude', a composition by Kadigai Namashivaya Pulavar in raga Khamas. She expressed well the emotional turmoil of a nayika longing for Muruga. Kavya conveyed the myriad shades of love using the imagery of a lotus. If its beautiful colour, shape and fragrance bring joy to the heart, the flower's blooming at sunrise and wilting during sunset could be compared to a lovelorn nayika. The transition in mood in this sequence — from unrestrained love to coyness — was depicted in a nuanced manner. Similarly, Kavya captured the emotions well in the anupallavi where the heroine is in a dilemma, whether to reach out to her lord or not. The jathis, composed by Ramamoorthy Sri Ganesh, stood out with precise footwork. However, a little more grace would further enhance the impact. The Annamacharya kriti 'Palumaru' in Chakravakam, again, portrayed a sakhi urging goddess Alamelumanga to let go of her anger and indifference towards the lord. Kavya did justice to the piece. However, the the nayika-sakhi interaction in two consecutive compositions was a trifle weary. The dancer next took up the thumri, 'Na kadamb na kunj', which depicts Radha waking up from a dream and searching for Krishna. In her longing, she begins to identify and imagine herself as Krishna, before realising that both Radha and Krishna are one and the same. Kavya beautifully conveyed this transition from Radha to Krishna with sensitivity. The Amritavarshini raga tillana, composed by Satish Venkatesh, with verses from the Valmiki Ramayanam, was the concluding piece. The depiction of monsoon and the joys associated with it lent vibrancy of the piece. Janani Hamsini's singing was soulful and in synchrony with the dance. Kiran Pai on the mridangam, Sujith Naik on the flute, T.V. Sukanya on the violin and Hemanth on the nattuvangam provided good support.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Is Anirudh Ravichander marrying Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner Kavya Maran? He responds
Music composer Anirudh Ravichander has responded to rumours of him tying the knot with Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner Kavya Maran soon. After a day of Reddit going into overdrive and believing the two are dating and will be married soon, spawning numerous reports, the composer would like everyone to 'chill out'. (Also Read: Vijay Deverakonda listened to Anirudh Ravichander songs while getting MRI: 'I'd kidnap him if I could') Numerous reports based on the Reddit post came out on Saturday claiming that Anirudh and Kavya have been dating for a while now and are ready to make it official. Anirudh, however, seems oblivious to these plans, given that he denied that anything of the sort is happening. He took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday evening and wrote, 'Marriage ah? lol .. Chill out guys, pls stop spreading rumours.' He did not address rumours of him dating Kavya, however, especially given that some people claimed to have seen them on a dinner date recently. This comes after Redditors floated a story that Anirudh and Kavya began dating a year ago and that wedding preparations are underway. A post on the platform claimed, 'It is being speculated that music composer Anirudh Ravichander and Kavya Maran – daughter of Sun TV's Kalanithi Maran and owner of the Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL team – are in a relationship. Reports suggest that superstar Rajinikanth has personally spoken to Kalanithi Maran about their relationship, leading to expectations that the couple may tie the knot soon.' For the uninitiated, Anirudh is the son of actor Ravi Raghavendra and classical dancer Lakshmi and the grandson of filmmaker K Subramanyam. His aunt, Latha, is married to Rajinikanth. He has composed music for numerous South stars, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay, Ajith Kumar, Suriya, Pawan Kalyan, and Jr NTR. He even got his big Bollywood break with Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan. Kavya is the daughter of Sun Group chairman Kalanithi Maran and the co-owner of the IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad. She is often spotted at IPL matches supporting her team.
Pink Villa
14-06-2025
- Business
- Pink Villa
What is Kavya Maran's net worth? Know all about SRH owner rumored to marry Anirudh Ravichander
Kavya Maran is making the headlines after rumors about her relationship with Anirudh Ravichander started surfacing. The popular businesswoman and the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad hails from a prominent family with a whopping net worth. Kavya Maran's Family The affluent lady in business is the daughter of Sun Group's owner, Kalanithi Maran. The Sun Group owns TV channels, newspapers, and is also known for its film production company, Sun Pictures. Owing to her family ties, Kavya is the great-grandniece of former Tamil Nadu CM and the late politician M Karunanidhi. Interestingly, her uncle, Dayanidhi Maran, is a well-known politician and a prominent member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The politician had been elected four times to the Lok Sabha from the Chennai Central constituency—in the 2004, 2009, 2019, and 2024 general elections. Kavya Maran's Education and Career The businesswoman completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree at Stella Maris College. She later pursued an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University. After completing her education, Kavya returned to Chennai and joined the Sun Group. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Sun TV Network Limited. Apart from SRH, she also owns a team named Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 League. Kavya Maran's Net Worth According to a Forbes report, Kavya has a net worth of Rs 409 crore, while her father owns assets worth approximately Rs 25,000 crore. The popular personality is making the headlines now after she was rumored to marry musician Anirudh Ravichander. As per the ongoing buzz, a Reddit post claims that Kavya and Anirudh have been dating each other for more than a year. The 32-year-old businesswoman was apparently spotted along with him on several occasions, even at a recent dinner event. While both of them are yet to respond to the claims, it seems that the relationship is turning serious, with reports of them likely to tie the knot soon. On the other hand, Anirudh also hails from a family of affluent artists. His father, actor Ravi Raghavendra, is superstar Rajinikanth 's brother-in-law, making the musician the latter's nephew. Moreover, the sensational composer has worked with several icons in cinema over the years, creating a name for himself in the musical world.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Woman assaults bus driver with slippers for refusing to stop at undesignated spot in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: A 42-year-old BMTC bus driver alleged that a female passenger assaulted him with her slippers when he refused to halt the bus at an undesignated spot. The driver explained that he would stop at the authorised bus stop to prevent traffic congestion. The situation escalated into a confrontation, leading to the assault. The incident occurred in Kaikondrahalli on Sarjapur Road. The accused is identified as Kavya, a software engineer at a private firm. According to the complaint filed by Atahar Hussain, 42, who is attached to depot 38, he was assigned to drive the bus from Tin Factory to Electronics City. Kavya, who had boarded the bus and taken a ticket for Kaikondrahalli bus stop, asked Hussain to stop the bus in front of her office. The movement of vehicles was slow due to peak hour traffic, and the police were not allowing any vehicles to stop. Hussain informed her that he would stop the bus at the bus stand, which was shifted a few metres away just a week ago. However, Kavya insisted that he stops. When he didn't heed her request and was taking a right turn, she allegedly started shouting that she was a woman and needed to urgently relieve herself, and he could not behave like that with a woman. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Speaking to TOI, Hussain said, "I panicked as she started shouting, complaining of a woman's personal problem by holding her stomach. Soon after taking the right turn, I stopped the bus, and she got down. While getting down, she started scolding me filthily, to which I objected. I warned her not to use such language and of CCTV camera installed in the bus. She got back into the bus, took her right slipper, and assaulted me. " When she was trying to escape, I ran behind her and alerted the traffic women police nearby. She scolded the traffic police as well, using foul language, and said the police take bribes and don't have the right to question her. She claimed she knows influential persons. The traffic police informed her that she was being recorded on a body-worn camera, but she didn't care for it. She was then taken to Bellandur police station. Her husband came there after I lodged a complaint and requested police and me to forgive her, claiming she was under medication for some mental distress. The police suggested if we wanted to compromise, we would have to do it in court as the FIR was already registered. A senior officer said a complaint has been registered under BNS sections 121 (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter a public servant from his duty), 131 (punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace). Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
