Dear Readers,
It was a deeply moving and proud moment for our family to attend the inaugural Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif Memorial Lecture at Air Force Station Hakimpet, held in honour of my father-in-law, Air Chief Marshal IH Latif, PVSM—one of the Indian Air Force’s most distinguished air warriors and a proud son of India. Read more in our Around Town pages.
Gracing our cover this month are Desi Bling fame sisters Lailli Mirza and Alizey Mirza, two women who personify modern glamour while remaining deeply rooted in authenticity. A London-born, Dubai-based entrepreneur and reality television personality, Lailli has captivated audiences with her fearless sense of style and unapologetic self-expression, while Alizey has carved a distinct path across business, television, and the aesthetics industry, guided by a strong sense of family and purpose. Together, they present a refreshing narrative that extends far beyond polished social media feeds and designer wardrobes. In our Cover Story, the sisters speak candidly about embracing individuality, balancing ambition with personal values, and choosing authenticity over performance. 
Our Feature Story takes readers on an evocative journey through some of India’s most iconic cultural monuments. From soaring temple gopurams and intricately carved cave sanctuaries to majestic forts, palaces, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras, these timeless landmarks stand as enduring symbols of India’s extraordinary diversity and centuries-old legacy of artistic and cultural exchange.
In People in Focus, we spotlight the remarkable Sanjukta Sinha, one of the most expressive voices in contemporary Kathak today. Trained under the late Pandit Arjun Mishra and Padma Vibhushan Kumudini Lakhia, she embodies technical brilliance, emotional depth, and a modern sensibility that continues to redefine classical dance for newer generations. This issue also features an insightful conversation with Pradeep Raman, Regional Vice President and Managing Director of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, who reflects on preserving the legacy of an iconic New York address while shaping its future for a new era of luxury hospitality.
In our In the Spotlight, we meet Yakub Mathew—a distinguished finance professional, and transformational thinker whose nearly four-decade-long journey across leading global financial institutions has now found expression in literature through Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025. Finally, for those seeking inner balance, our Mind & Body section delves into the fascinating subject of ‘How Temple Mantras Shape the Human Mind’, exploring the profound connection between ancient sound traditions and contemporary well-being.
If you have any suggestions, comments or queries, please e-mail me at publisher@you-and-i.com