Latest news with #Anisha
Business Journals
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
TJK Plumbing's blueprint for growth in Maple Grove and the Twin Cities metro area
TJ Knatcal epitomizes the spirit of perseverance. Newly married in 2008, Knatcal worked as a journeyman plumber when the Great Recession hit. His wife, Anisha, was just starting her speech-language pathology career when he became one of the country's 8.6 million people who lost their jobs. It didn't take long for him to decide what was next. The Knatcals founded TJK Plumbing Inc. the same year, offering residential plumbing services in Maple Grove and throughout the Twin Cities metro area. 'TJ got his master's plumber license and off we went,' Anisha said. 'It's all we've known as a family. This business is our first baby.' From one-man shop to community staple Today, the business has a team of 19 and has expanded to become TJK Plumbing and Augie's Drain Cleaning, which the Knatcals acquired in 2016. However, for a long time, TJ largely worked solo, often putting in 100 hours a week, handling everything from phone calls to scheduling to the actual plumbing work. In the early years, the Knatcals kept the business's plumbing supplies in their basement. The supplies later took over the living room and plumbers would come and go to get what they needed while Anisha was home taking care of their small children and helping manage the business. In 2012, TJ built a detached garage to store equipment and supplies. In 2014, the Knatcals took on their first warehouse lease. Through it all, the Knatcals have kept their focus on customer service, which they feel goes hand-in-hand with the level of specialization and expertise required in residential plumbing work. TJK Plumbing has earned numerous awards and referrals are the primary driver of new business. 'Having strong customer service has helped us along the way,' Anisha said. 'We have personable, friendly technicians who people feel safe with and trust in their homes.' The Knatcals make marketing personal, too. Residents will often find TJ, Anisha and their children handing out rolls of toilet paper as a memorable giveaway at booths at Maple Grove Days, home shows and other events. In addition, the company sponsors high school sports teams and donates to CROSS Services and Feed My Starving Children, among other causes. The power of a community banking partner Like most businesses, Covid-19 brought a new set of challenges to TJK Plumbing. As an essential business, the Knatcals were able to stay open, but had to implement new safety precautions, navigate supply chain issues and weather the economic uncertainty. When the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) launched, Anisha reached out to their bank about getting a loan, but struggled to get a response. She then turned to Sarah Anderson, a vice president and commercial banker at Highland Bank, whom she met through their shared volunteer work with the Maple Grove Community Organization. 'Sarah was fabulous in helping us in those early days of Covid when we didn't know how it was going to affect the business and what was going to happen,' Anisha said. 'She helped us move forward and secure PPP funds. We've been customers ever since.' expand Working with the Knatcals was an easy decision, said Anderson, who has been a TJK Plumbing customer herself. 'That community feel is part of this business,' she said. 'Their technicians are kind and warm.' The pandemic also opened an unexpected marketing opportunity for TJK Plumbing. The company had been buying toilet paper in bulk for giveaways at its community events and the Knatcals found themselves with a rare commodity. They put the word out on social media that if anyone — customer or not — needed toilet paper, they would deliver. Technicians left rolls on the doorsteps of anyone who reached out. It was a small way of giving back to the community they call home, Anisha said. 'Most of our technicians live in this area, so they're working for and serving their friends and neighbors,' she said. 'That's one of the perks of being a locally-owned small business.' A vision for growth With Covid in the rear-view mirror, the Knatcals continued to focus on growth. They've adopted new technology for scheduling and invoicing and have become more efficient at managing their 20-mile service area around Maple Grove. In 2022, they launched a second business, a small property management company. Having a trusted banking partner was key, Anisha said. 'We felt comfortable pursuing this because of Sarah's expertise and assistance,' she said. This year, the Knatcals are working to improve their apprenticeship program to streamline training for new plumbers. There are three apprentices in the business today and each will complete 7,000 hours of training over several years. 'I am proud of how my husband took his knowledge, expertise and willingness to learn how to start a business 17 years ago,' Anisha said. 'He worked hard to get this company where it is. We're grateful for the incredible team we have that takes his vision to heart and works hard to serve customers daily.' Learn more about how Highland Bank is making a big impact on small business success at TJK Plumbing is a friendly, family-owned plumbing company serving the Twin Cities since 2008. Based in Maple Grove, they offer honest pricing and expert service for everything from repairs and remodels to water heaters and emergencies — always with a smile and a commitment to doing the job right.
India Today
29-06-2025
- India Today
Kerala live-in couple buried newborn babies, bring remains to cops years later
A man walked into a police station in Kerala on Sunday carrying the remains of two babies and confessed that he and his live-in partner had buried them shortly after incident occurred in Thrissur district, where 25-year-old Bhavin arrived at the Puthukkad police station allegedly carrying the remains of his own newborn children. He confessed that he and his live-in partner, Anisha (22), had buried two male infants soon after their births. Police have taken both individuals into arrived at the station around 12:30 a.m. and handed over a packet containing what he claimed were the remains of the infants. He shared details of the incidents with Station House Officer Mahendra Simhan. Based on his statement, authorities also detained Anisha. During interrogation, the couple said they had been in a live-in relationship since 2020, after meeting on Facebook. Bhavin works as a plumber, while Anisha is employed as a lab to the couple's confession, Anisha gave birth to her first child in 2021, alone in the bathroom of her home. In her statement, she claimed the infant died during delivery due to the umbilical cord being wrapped around his neck. She buried the baby secretly on her months later, at Bhavin's request, she handed the remains over to him. Bhavin allegedly kept the bones as a token of their relationship and told friends they planned to perform the last rites for the a second incident, Anisha gave birth again in 2024, this time in a room in her house. According to the police statement, the child died after his mouth was forcefully covered to silence his cries and prevent neighbours from hearing. Bhavin then buried the body behind his residence in was the remains of both infants that Bhavin brought with him to the police station. A forensic surgeon examined the bones and confirmed they were those of human infants. Further investigation is to police, the circumstances surrounding both deaths are highly suspicious. Forensic and scientific examinations are underway to determine whether the deaths were natural or involved foul play.- Ends
Hans India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘The Heart Garden' Blooms with Hope, Health, and Cultural Pride for Children
'The Heart Garden', a new children's book by Hansika Nasanally, offers a powerful blend of storytelling, heart-health education, and cultural empowerment. Following three diverse friends—Anisha, Nala, and Maya—the story unfolds in a magical garden where self-worth, identity, and wellness bloom. Developed with health experts and educators, the book encourages heart-healthy habits and emotional resilience in young readers. With interactive elements and guided reflections, it's a tool for parents and teachers alike. Through empathy, friendship, and healing, 'The Heart Garden' inspires children to celebrate their uniqueness and nurture both their hearts and heritage.
News18
05-06-2025
- Health
- News18
India's Mental Health Conversation Has Shifted But Rural Barriers Persist: CEO Of Deepika Padukone's NGO
A watershed moment, according to Anisha Padukone, was in 2014 when her sister Deepika Padukone shared her personal battle with depression on national television India's mental healthcare remains deeply inadequate in rural and underserved areas despite a decade of growing awareness and policy reform, Anisha Padukone, sister of Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone and CEO of the mental health NGO LiveLoveLaugh, told News18 in an interview. Anisha told News18 that India has witnessed a 'significant shift" in how mental health is perceived and discussed, but warns that deeper systemic gaps must still be addressed. 'Studies undertaken by LLL and our experience on the ground show a significant shift in the perception of mental health in India over the last 10 years," she says. 'This change has been driven by a combination of increased awareness, advocacy, and policy reform." In fact, she says, there are encouraging signs to prove what was once a taboo subject has gradually become part of the public discourse. 'That said, stigma continues to be a significant barrier, particularly in rural India. Many still view mental illness as a personal failing rather than a health condition, which keeps people from seeking support." A watershed moment, she said, was in 2014 when Deepika Padukone shared her personal battle with depression on national television. 'That moment sparked a nationwide conversation and helped break the silence around mental illness… It also laid the foundation for the creation of The LiveLoveLaugh Foundation by Deepika in 2015, which I now lead." Even in urban India, she believes, mental health programmes in workplaces must go beyond tokenism. 'Benchmarking employee mental health benefits and workplace practices is crucial." Talking about the work done by her NGO, she believes that through public campaigns like Dobara Poocho and #NotAshamed, LiveLoveLaugh has tried to ensure mental health conversations cut across regions and class divides. But challenges remain. Policy Push and Gaps The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 has been hailed as a landmark law, decriminalising suicide and mandating insurance parity. Yet, Anisha emphasises that 'the current budget allocation for mental health is insufficient to address the growing demand for care". 'Increased investment in resources, training, and infrastructure is needed. Professional standardisation is also needed, with a national body to regulate and certify mental health professionals to ensure individuals receive consistent and quality care." Anisha, who is a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council for Mental Health, pointed out that the 'mental health services are concentrated in urban areas, leaving those in underserved regions with limited access". She believes that India needs a comprehensive national mental health strategy to ensure coordinated efforts and efficient resource allocation. 'Tele-MANAS is a great start," she says, referring to the government's multilingual counselling platform. 'But we need to move from awareness to systematic, well-funded, and culturally sensitive mental health systems." The Deepika Factor Deepika Padukone, who founded the foundation in 2015, remains closely involved with its work through awareness campaigns, rural mental health work, and fundraising, Anisha said. After her candid interview on national television in 2014, where she openly shared her own mental health journey, Deepika established the foundation in 2015, motivated by the belief that 'no life should be lost to mental illness". 'She remains deeply involved in shaping the Foundation's awareness campaigns, programme growth, advocacy efforts, and rural mental health work—regularly visiting communities to highlight the need for accessible care," she said, recalling that her sister has led initiatives such as Dobara Poocho and #NotAshamed, championed student well-being through platforms like Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Pariksha Pe Charcha, and brings her influence and cross-sector experience to drive the foundation's growth, including fundraising. What's next? Looking ahead, LiveLoveLaugh has three strategic goals: scale rural care, support mentally resilient workplaces, and push for policy and insurance reform. The foundation also hopes to galvanise CSR and philanthropic capital for scalable mental health programmes. 'Building on a decade of grassroots impact, LiveLoveLaugh will focus on expanding our model to thousands of rural communities," she says. top videos View all One of the more sobering takeaways is how cultural perceptions can delay or derail treatment. 'Mental health challenges are just as prevalent in rural areas," she says, 'but they're often compounded by supernatural beliefs or societal shame." Even so, she insists, interest in mental health is growing—everywhere. 'The need now is to bridge the gap by making mental health care more accessible, culturally sensitive, and grounded in the realities of rural life." tags : Actor Deepika Padukone Anisha Padukone mental health news18 specials Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 10:22 IST News india India's Mental Health Conversation Has Shifted But Rural Barriers Persist: CEO Of Deepika Padukone's NGO
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
CG's Anisha & Geeta selected in Indian squad for hockey tourney in Argentina
Raipur: Anisha Sahu and Geeta Yadav from Chhattisgarh, who are part of the Junior India core team training in Bengaluru, have been selected for the four nations hockey tournament to be held in Rosario, Argentina. This tour is part of the preparations for the upcoming Junior Women's World Cup 2025 . From this 24-member team, outstanding performers will be selected for the FIH Hockey Junior Women's World Cup scheduled in December. Notably, Anisha has been a member of the junior team for the past four years, and Geeta joined the Junior India team two years ago, securing her place through her performance. Chhattisgarh Hockey spokespersons stated that the four nations tournament will be held from May 25 to June 2. Four countries— Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and India— will participate in the tournament. The Indian team will play two matches against each participating country to evaluate their performance, assess team combinations, and refine strategies. Before participating in the tournament, Anisha has already toured Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany. This will be her third tour representing the Junior Women's India team. Geeta has also achieved this milestone in a short period, securing her place in the team within two years. She has previously toured the Netherlands and Belgium. They said that it is a matter of great pride that two daughters of the state are going to play for the country. Geeta hails from Bodla village in Kabirdham district, where her first coach, Shiv Singh Chauhan, taught her to play hockey. Later, she moved to Rajnandgaon and honed her skills under the guidance of coach Anuraj Srivastava. Subsequently, she was selected for the Khelo India Center in Bahatarai, Bilaspur. Both players have represented Chhattisgarh in national competitions for several years. In the upcoming tournament, India will play its first match against Chile. CM Sai and Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh have congratulated the players.
