Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
To help individuals and local communities during COVID-19 pandemic, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in the UK has launched a nationwide ‘Connect and Care’ community care programme.
Following the call by its spiritual leader His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS mobilised hundreds of volunteers in more than 30 areas around the UK to help support the elderly and needy in local communities.
Under the programme, volunteers are reaching out to over 1,500 elderly and vulnerable people in the community regularly to collect shopping, medication and running essential errands, where required.
In Harrow and Brent in London, more than 400 tiffins were given to needy. As many as 70 tonnes of fresh fruit, vegetables and grocery bags were given to charitable organisations.
BAPS also Supports five hospitals in the UK, including the newly opened Nightingale Hospital, by providing food as well as letters of appreciation for their heroic staff.
Yogen Shah, a volunteer at the Mandir, said, “His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has inspired and energised us to serve and support the people of this country and stand by them in their time of need. We’re praying together for this pandemic to subside and for God to provide strength to all.”
Volunteers have posted more than 1,500 letters to residents of local communities neighbouring all BAPS mandirs in the UK, offering support. Also, phone calls were made to over 6,000 families across the nation to enquire about their well being.
BAPS took the initiative to make public announcements and publications, to provide important advice on remaining stable and healthy, and to support individuals as well as businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A series of health awareness videos and presentations in English and Gujarati to educate the public on its collective responsibility to help stem the rapid spread of this deadly virus were also held.
The BAPS has also participated in national initiatives related to the pandemic. A special Nilkanth Varni Abhishek (ritual bathing) ceremony was performed by swamis at the Neasden Temple, and simultaneously by devotees in their homes, on 22 March as part of BAPS’s observance of UK’s National Day of Prayer and Action.
Various mandirs in the UK, including the Neasden Temple, were illuminated in blue on 25 March as a mark of respect and gratitude for the tireless and selfless NHS workers.
A Coronavirus Relief Fund has been set up by BAPS. To donate visit londonmandir.baps.org.
Casio releases a limited-edition version of the classic CA-500 calculator watch worn by Marty McFly.
Watch design features DeLorean-inspired details, multicoloured buttons and OUTATIME licence plate.
Special packaging resembles a vintage VHS tape; priced at £115 and available from 21 October 2025.
A nostalgic nod to time travel
To mark the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future, Casio has unveiled a special edition of its classic CA-500 calculator watch, worn by Marty McFly in the iconic film series. The new model, CA-500WEBF, revives the 1980s design with playful references to the DeLorean time machine and the film’s visual elements.
The watch face incorporates design cues from the DeLorean’s taillights and the OUTATIME licence plate, while the multicoloured calculator buttons are inspired by the glowing time circuits on Doc Brown’s dashboard.
Collector-friendly features
The limited edition watch also includes an engraved flux capacitor on the caseback and the Back to the Future logo on the buckle. The watch arrives in packaging designed to resemble a vintage VHS cassette, complete with faux rental labels, reflecting the way many fans first enjoyed the film.
Priced at £115, the watch is positioned as both a wearable piece of nostalgia and a collector’s item. Casio’s CA-500 design has been one of its longest-running models and was featured in the original film, giving the anniversary release added authenticity.
Release and availability
The CA-500WEBF goes on sale 21 October 2025, known to fans as Back to the Future Day, commemorating the date Marty McFly travelled to the future in Part II of the trilogy. The watch will be available in limited numbers online, allowing fans to either wear it or keep it in mint condition as a collector’s item.
Casio’s limited-edition release provides a tangible connection to the enduring legacy of a film that continues to inspire nostalgia and creativity across generations.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.