Category Archives: News

Uniquely Unparalleled Rambha Palace Opens its Doors

National, October 4th, 2024: Rambha Palace opens doors to patrons, inviting them for an immersive getaway to uncover Odisha. The hotel sits on the picturesque banks of Chilika lake, Asia’s largest saltwater lagoon. The palace has been meticulously restored over six years to reflect its original 18th-century royalty by one of the world’s most renowned tropical modernist architects, Chana Daswatte, friend and protégé of Geoffrey Bawa. This launch enriches Hidden India’s portfolio of boutique luxury hotels, providing a tranquil escape to discerning travelers to unwind and fully immerse themselves in the lap of nature. With a focus on mindfulness and embracing slow living, Rambha Palace offers experiences that enable patrons to practice, pause and savor all that the hotel has to offer.

The boutique hotel is steeped in historical significance for hosting the first Utkal Conference, a pivotal gathering of luminaries who laid the foundation for the independent state of Odisha. It stands as a testament to experiential luxury and offers a memorable stay with one presidential villa and fourteen suites, each adorned with traditional Odia art and contemporary comforts. The palace itself is a marvel of architectural splendor, restored using traditional techniques by artisans from the Sundarbans, complete with refurbished 18th century furniture, Venetian chandeliers, antique Persian carpets, and original terrazzo flooring. Every detail, from the metal figurines made by the local Dhokra tribe to state-of-the-art furnishings, reflects Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.

Situated on the banks of Chilika Lake, Rambha Palace offers a memorable bird-watching experience. This scenic spot provides stunning lake views and a vibrant array of wildlife. In winter, the lake hosts over a million birds from 184 species, including the demoiselle crane, Indian thicknee, and glossy ibis. Guests can also see flamingos in their natural habitat, making it a standout birdwatching destination in India. The area is also a crucial nesting site for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, highlighting its ecological importance. A boat ride on the lake offers the chance to also spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, thus adding to the charm.

The team at Rambha Palace is dedicated to ensuring every guest’s stay is immersive and indulgent. A personal butler will assist the guests at all times. Moreover, Rambha Palace places great emphasis on its culinary experiences. For gourmands and connoisseurs, a variety of exquisite offerings are presented with seven cuisines along with local Odia flavors, and special menus catering to vegan and Satvik diets, allergen-free options, and personalized meal plans designed for detox and wellness retreats. The property boasts multiple dining venues, including a formal dining room, al fresco options, a poolside cafe, two bars, as well as riverside picnics and beachside meals.

Inspired by the ancient Indian concept of “Mantnam,” the Mantnam Spa at Rambha Palace offers restorative treatments aimed at healing and balance. Guests can enjoy a range of Ayurvedic therapies, including massages, facials, wraps, scrubs, and personalized yoga sessions. Wellness rituals are designed to refresh your body and mind while promoting balance and longevity.

The palace will soon launch a series of art, music, and cultural programs that allow guests to immerse themselves in creative richness.

Ecstatic upon the opening of the hotel, Himangini Singh, co-founder of Hunch Ventures, said, “The Palace is a testament to Odisha’s great historical significance and enables guests to experience its vibrant culture and traditions in all their grandeur and glory. The region’s beauty entices you into exploration and I’m eager to welcome guests to come and uncover Odisha through the lens of Rambha Palace.” She further emphasized that the palace’s design and decor are deeply rooted in the cultural essence of the state.

In alignment with this vision, Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte added, “The architecture of Rambha with its classical planning and style with overtones of Orissa textures will be an immersion in the unique Orissa design ethos.”

AKAI India launches flagship (75)190 cms and (100)254 cms Google TV Range powered by the philosophy of Simply Bright

Hyderabad/Visakhapatnam, 4th October, 2024: AKAI India launches its much-awaited big size TVs in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana this festive season, marking a significant leap in television and home-entertainment technology to match the tastes of one of India’s fastest growing cities. Running on Android 11, the series features advanced 4K QLED display technology, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos Sound, offering a premium cinema-like home entertainment experience. Designed for the much-awaited lifestyle, promising vibrant colors and enviable sound, alongside high-performance features like MEMC technology for smoother motion and QLED+ Display for unparalleled picture clarity.

Available in two flagship models— 190cm and the stunning 254 cm, the series assures a never before viewing experience that rivals any cinema screen.

Akai’s 254 cm offering is built with 178-degree wide angle viewing, including a 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR 10+ and HLG, with a brightness of up to 400 nits to enhance customers’ viewing experience and bring to life multiplex movie screen quality at home.

The 190 cm variant on the other hand comes with a 4K QLED display, 60Hz refresh rate, 178-degree wide angle viewing, HDR 10 and HLG with a brightness of up to 350 nits. Both variants come with a colour gamut of NTSC 1931 of up to 90%.

With an attractive starting MOP of Rs 99,990 for the 190 cm model and Rs 3,99,990 for the top-tier 254 cm, Akai India aims to deliver cutting-edge technology at an honest price.

The TVs will be available locally at Bajaj Electronics and through a wide network of authorized dealers and distributors across India. Backed by a 2-year warranty, customers can also avail themselves of flexible EMI options from Pine Labs, Bajaj Finserv, HDB, TVS Credit and Razorpay, HDFC and IDFC increasing the accessibility for customers, starting at Rs 5,555/month (T&C apply).

The new range also embodies value-driven features to elevate the viewing experience such as an elite bezel-less design, high resolution of 3840×2160, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and built-in Chromecast, Miracast, Google Play and Google Assistant. Alongside the Hands-free remote-less voice command powered by Google Far Field Voice Control present in the 254 cm, both the variants are powered by Hey Google’s intuitive and smart accessibility features offer a seamless customer experience while tuning into preloaded apps like Netflix, Youtube, Prime Videos, Disney+Hotstar, etc. The range also offers a wide range of connectivity options including 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports and a LAN port as well. The suit of functional complementary aims at cutting through the noise in the market and bringing a utility-backed quality-first experience to customers’ homes.

Speaking about the launch, Anurag Sharma, Managing Director of Akai India said, “This series represents a new frontier in television technology, combining exceptional display performance with powerful sound and the smart capabilities of Google TV. In our endeavor to deliver a ‘Better Up’ experience the personalized cinema, which we call signature cinema is the first step. Following the voice of our customers from Hyderabad and their keenness for quality, these larger TVs signify Akai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, ensuring our customers from one of India’s fastest growing cities, have access to the best that television technology has to offer.”

GoodHomes and Eternia Windows Future Frames unite vision and design in the Bengaluru Edition

Bengaluru, 3rd October 2024: GoodHomes, India’s premier residential design and innovation platform, in partnership with Eternia Windows, a division of Hindalco, is excited to present the Bengaluru edition of the Future Frames campaign, following its successful launch in Delhi. The multi-city event series will continue to promote innovation and collaboration among architects, designers, and artists.

As the second installment in the four-part series, the Bengaluru edition of the Future Frames serves as a platform for creative minds to merge art and design while fostering strong connections within the AID (Architecture and Interior Design) community. The series will also expand to Hyderabad and Mumbai in the coming months. The event was attended by Naresh V Narasimhan, Sunitha Kondur, Santosh Belani, Nita Kembhavi, Aditi Pai, Dinesh Verma amongst others.

The event featured an inspiring workshop led by renowned artist Namrata Baruah. As a full-time potter and entrepreneur, Namrata guided attendees through a creative experience focused on the art of restful living; a concept that resonates with the Garden City. Known for her expertise in creating durable, handcrafted ceramics, her workshop was a fitting highlight of an evening dedicated to artistic exploration and innovation.

As the evening unfolded, attendees had the opportunity to hear from Nehal Bazari, Head of Marketing at Eternia Windows. She offered valuable insights into Eternia’s dedication to seamlessly merging style with functionality and emphasized the importance of this initiative in strengthening connections within the design community. Avril Noel D’souza, Managing Editor, GoodHomes and Home and Design TRENDS, addressed the guests, expressing GoodHomes’ dedication to celebrating creativity and fostering relationships in the design world. She conveyed excitement for how Future Frames will influence future innovations as the series continues across other cities.

Talking about the collaboration, Ronitaa Italia, Editor in Chief, GoodHomes, said, “At GoodHomes, we’ve always been passionate about exploring the intersection of art and design. Future Frames offers a dynamic platform for engaging with creative leaders, while also inspiring the design community to collaborate and explore new ideas, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of modern living. We look forward to growing this movement as it travels to major cities across India.”

“In the vibrant city of Bengaluru, Eternia X Good Homes was a gathering of minds dedicated to pushing the boundaries of architecture. Guided by our ‘Imagine Windows, Not Walls’ philosophy, we delved into how Eternia is redefining what windows can be. Our slim, sleek designs, made possible by the Duranium alloy, are 40% stronger than conventional options, providing a perfect balance of aesthetics and strength. Paired with WiWA-certified windows that withstand extreme wind pressures while keeping interiors shielded from noise and dust, we exemplify how design can break barriers. This collaboration with Good Homes highlights our commitment to creating spaces that not only stand strong but also connect us more deeply to our environment and each other.” said, Nehal Bazari, Head of Marketing, Eternia Windows

IDC MarketScape recognizes F5 as a Web Application and API Protection Leader

India – 3rd October 2024 – F5 is proud to announce it has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) Enterprise Platforms 2024 Vendor Assessment.

IDC MarketScape notes, “F5 has demonstrated a long history of delivering high performance and advanced security capabilities to secure applications and APIs, often through strategic acquisitions of purpose-built point solutions. By combining these point solutions into a single coherent, flexible platform, F5 aids enterprises in their digital transformation journeys.”

According to IDC, the IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT suppliers in a given market. Through a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria, a vendor’s competitive position and market share is determined.

“In a threat landscape that is constantly changing, businesses of all sizes need a unified, simple to deploy and AI-ready WAAP solution”, said Adam Judd, Senior Vice President for APCJ at F5. “We welcome the findings of IDC MarketScape as our customers tell us they appreciate that our unified WAAP solution is deployable across complex hybrid, multicloud environments, and is available in various form factors, including hardware, software, SaaS, and as a managed service.”

Evaluated for the vendors’ three-to-five-year strategy as well as the capabilities of current offerings, IDC MarketScape notes, “The F5 strategic road map addresses AI security needs. GenAI is a new threat vector but also provides customers an opportunity for optimization such as penetration testing for large language models.”

As AI accelerates the growth of applications and the APIs that connect them, F5 brought API code testing and telemetry analysis to F5 Distributed Cloud Services in 2024. IDC MarketScape notes, “The F5 Distributed Cloud Services support management through APIs or user interface. These flexible options allow teams to support shift left initiatives through integrations with non-security team workflows.”

Beauty Garage Professional Stands Out at PBI Exhibition, Announces Gofab Genesis LLP Acquisition

Mumbai…October 03, 2024…Beauty Garage Professional, a leading Made-in-India brand revolutionizing the hair care industry, made a significant impact at the Professional Beauty India (PBI) exhibition held in Mumbai on September 30th and October 1st. This two-day event brought together industry leaders and experts to showcase the latest innovations in the beauty and salon sector.

Established in 2017 by Mahesh and Jigar Ravaria, Beauty Garage Professional has quickly become a success story, navigating challenges with a steadfast commitment to innovation. Renowned for its high-quality, premium, and safe hair care products, the brand leverages cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of both professionals and clients. With a strong focus on repairing and revitalizing damaged hair, Beauty Garage Professional has solidified its presence in the premium salon market.

A highlight of the event was Mahesh Ravaria, Co-founder and CEO, who participated in the Salon Management Conference (SMC) on Day 1, presenting on the topic of “Sourcing and Saving: Salon-Vendor Relationships.” In his discussion, Ravaria stressed that building long-term relationships with salon partners hinges on delivering high-quality products, innovative solutions, and maintaining a mutual alignment between brand and salon values. He emphasized the importance of quality and innovation, stating that the right product with the right ingredients, combined with excellent packaging, builds trust and loyalty between salons and their brand partners.

Reflecting on the challenges salons face, Ravaria noted: “Salons often encounter disparities in pricing, with some charging significantly different rates for the same product or service. This inconsistency creates confusion for consumers and reduces the potential earnings for salons. It’s essential for both salons and brands to collaborate closely and maintain uniformity in pricing strategies, which will lead to better margins and service quality.”

During the exhibition, Beauty Garage Professional shared details about its complete acquisition of Gofab Genesis LLP. This 100% buyout encompasses Gofab’s brand, products, and manufacturing facilities, representing a significant advancement in Beauty Garage Professional’s growth strategy. With this acquisition, the company will integrate Gofab Genesis’ revolutionary patented technologies—Color Fuel and Micro Fuel—into its product portfolio, expanding its offerings in the premium hair care segment. Mr. Akash Bhutak and Ms. Manisha Bhutak, founders of Gofab, were also present at the event to celebrate this important milestone.

Beauty Garage Professional is committed to its mission of repairing, restoring, and revitalizing hair, ensuring that every product developed delivers impactful results. The brand is dedicated to continuously introducing innovative solutions that cater to a diverse clientele, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in the industry.

Ravi Kumar Joins Clarks Avadh Lucknow as General Manager

September 2024, New Delhi: Ravi Kumar has been appointed as General Manager, Clarks Avadh, Lucknow, effective September 2024. With over 20 years of extensive experience in the global hospitality industry, Ravi brings his expertise from some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Andaz Delhi, Hyatt, Solaire Resort, Hilton, Marriott International, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Ravi’s career highlights include his recent tenure as Director of Food and Beverage at Andaz Delhi & Hyatt Delhi Residences, where he played a pivotal role in curating a dynamic F&B experience for both brands. Prior to that, Ravi held the position of Director of Operations at Hilton and Marriott International, where he was responsible for overseeing multi-departmental operations. In these roles, he streamlined operational processes, optimized guest satisfaction, and implemented innovative service strategies, contributing to overall revenue growth and service excellence. His leadership extended across luxury resorts in Pune, Thailand, and Manila, where he led diverse teams and enhanced guest experiences with a focus on personalized service.

At Clarks Avadh Lucknow, Ravi is set to lead the property with a vision of further enhancing service excellence and guest engagement. His goal is to elevate the guest experience while integrating the rich cultural heritage of Lucknow into the hotel’s offerings. Through strategic innovation, community collaboration, and a commitment to world-class hospitality, Ravi aims to position Clarks Avadh as a leading destination in the region.

NMIMS SBM, Mumbai Achieves Prestigious EQUIS Accreditation: A Mark of Global Excellence

October 3, 2024: The NMIMS School of Business Management (SBM), Mumbai, has secured the prestigious EQUIS accreditation, setting a high-quality benchmark for business education in India. The EQUIS accreditation is awarded to the best B-schools internationally that demonstrate high academic standards and overall quality. SBM’s initiative, the Pravin Dalal School of Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management, also received this accreditation, underscoring the institution’s commitment to excellence in business education.

Dr Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, NMIMS University, commented: “Achieving EQUIS accreditation for the School of Business Management at NMIMS, Mumbai, is an important milestone. This recognition underscores our dedication to academic rigour, research, industry connections, and the development of socially conscious global business leaders. The achievement opens new avenues for international collaborations, enhances our ability to attract exceptional students and faculty, and ensures NMIMS SBM’s position as a leader in business education in India and globally. The EQUIS accreditation provides a framework for governance, establishes clear quality benchmarks, and aligns us with international best practices. This accreditation not only validates our current efforts but also encourages us towards even greater excellence in the future.”

The EQUIS accreditation is a testament to SBM’s dedication to academic and research excellence, social initiatives, and industry connections. The achievement also positions SBM as the first B-school embedded within a university in India to achieve the EQUIS accreditation. SBM is the seventh B-school accredited by EQUIS and only the second private B-school to receive this recognition.

Dr Justin Paul, Dean & Provost (Management Education), School of Business Management, said: “The EQUIS accreditation places NMIMS School of Business Management, Mumbai, among the top global business schools. It reflects our commitment to delivering a transformative learning experience, strengthened by industry partnerships and a focus on ethics and sustainability. This recognition will enhance our global standing, facilitate international collaboration, and expand academic and career opportunities for our students.”

The EQUIS accreditation offers several benefits, including global recognition of the School’s practices and programs and positioning it among the leading B-schools internationally. It acknowledges the School’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and facilitates access to international academic communities. The accreditation allows SBM to benchmark its performance against global institutions and enrich its learning ecosystem for students and faculty.

For students, the EQUIS accreditation affirms the School’s continuous quality improvement in providing education that meets global standards, offering enhanced learning opportunities and international exposure.

The EQUIS accreditation process evaluated SBM across key areas, including student quality, graduate outcomes, and industry connections. Strengths that contributed to this achievement include a rigorous admission process, diverse student profile, comprehensive academic pathways, and strong industry connections that prepare students for real-world challenges. SBM’s commitment to research and ethical practices was also noted as an integral part of its educational framework.

Empowering women producers through digital sales platform greenkraft.co.in

Shri. Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, MoRD, announces the launch of greenkraft.co.in, a groundbreaking online sales platform exclusively owned by women producers from rural communities during the National Livelihoods Conclave in Varanasi. GreenKraft, incubated by Industree Foundation, is an initiative to offer solely made-in-India products, made and owned by women-led producer groups, who are members of different Self-Help Groups(SHGs) in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha.

Industree nurtures and specializes in high-quality, elegant hand-woven goods made from locally sourced natural materials such as banana bark, bamboo, and sal leaves. By eliminating middlemen and providing direct market access, GreenKraft is expected to significantly boost the income of these rural women entrepreneurs.

In this innovative business model, 100% of the revenue generated goes to the women producers, ensuring that they benefit fully from their labor and creativity. This initiative is aligned with the government’s mission to promote inclusive rural development by empowering women entrepreneurs and its commitment to strengthening livelihoods in rural India by harnessing the potential of digital technologies. This platform represents a significant step toward supporting talented women producers from rural India.

During the launch, Shri Charanjit Singh stated, “This approach ensures quality, competitiveness, and productivity while also ensuring transparency, fair wages, and stable incomes for women through direct sales of quality products in India and abroad.” The concept permits the construction of a vibrant, entrepreneurial, demand-driven ecosystem for inclusive growth, which could have an impact on a wide range of sectors. This initiative fosters sustainable livelihoods while highlighting the skill and craftsmanship of rural India.”

“Bamboo can drive economic change for women, creating opportunities to generate a million livelihoods by connecting their produce to markets. Government of India’s National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is committed to strengthening bamboo as a key sub-sector for sustainable livelihoods. These sustainable festive decorations from GreenKraft put forward the idea of celebrating festivals without affecting the planet, while also making our women happy”, said Mr. Neju George Abraham, CEO, Industree Foundation.

The event was attended by representatives from various SRLM’s, home buyers, and development organizations, who emphasized the role of digital platforms like GreenKraft in enabling rural producers to compete in a global marketplace.

Industree is supporting NRLM in achieving their mission of implementing bamboo sub-sector initiative, and building a million smallholder women farmers to cultivate bamboo and connecting them to the market.