Raffles Udaipur's meticulously tailored family bonding adventure, a romantic retreat on Udai Sagar Lake

The Jewel on Udai Sagar Lake beckons as the ultimate festive season sanctuary 

Nestled on a private island in the heart of Udai Sagar Lake, Raffles Udaipur proudly announces itself as the quintessential staycation destination for the upcoming festive season with its new ‘Celebration of the Festival of Lights’ package.  

As a symbol of Raffles Udaipur’s commitment to creating unforgettable memories, this mystical oasis welcomes you with a shower of fragrant rose petals upon arrival. This gesture marks the commencement of your enchanting journey, promising a stay filled with festive celebrations, luxury, and unmatched hospitality.  

The personalized butler service ensures that your every need is not only met but anticipated with care and precision. The suites redefine luxury, offering an opulent and immersive experience that complements the breathtaking beauty of the lakeside sanctuary. At Raffles Udaipur, the culinary journey is nothing short of extraordinary. The world-class restaurants and bars are orchestrated by masterful chefs, offering an array of authentic Rajasthani flavors and international delights.  

Emotional wellbeing is paramount at Raffles Udaipur, where the Raffles Spa awaits as your sanctuary of tranquillity for you to immerse yourself in holistic wellness treatments and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Raffles Udaipur caters to families and children with a carefully curated selection of activities. From boat rides on the pristine lake to exploring lush gardens and embarking on culturally enriching tours, the offerings cater to adventure seekers and those seeking leisurely pursuits alike. Children will delight in the dedicated play area and engaging activities designed to keep them enthralled throughout their stay. 

Embark on this joyous journey with the newly launched festive package, the "Celebration of the Festival of Lights," crafted to enhance your Diwali experience. This exclusive offer includes – 

Gracious accommodation for two 

Daily buffet breakfast at The Dining Room 
In-room platter of traditional Indian sweets upon arrival 
A sophisticated afternoon Hi-Tea at The Writers Bar 
A mixology or cooking session with the chef during the stay 
A complimentary diya-making activity 
An enchanting experience of lighting diyas and crafting a floral rangoli on the eve of Diwali 

Booking Dates - 5th October 2023 to 15th November 2023, for a minimum 2-night stay.  

This festive season, elevate your staycation experience by choosing Raffles Udaipur as your destination. Whether you seek a romantic retreat, a family bonding adventure, or simply a respite from the ordinary, Raffles Udaipur has meticulously tailored experiences to cater to your desires.  

Located in the romantic and historic city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, the hotel is reminiscent of a grand country estate that brings a private oasis experience on an island. Set in the midst of Udai Sagar Lake that is home to migratory birds and bountiful flora and fauna Raffles Udaipur, with its evocative experiences gives a reason to discover the city of Udaipur, anew. A scenic 20-minute drive from the airport, followed by a gentle and calming boat ride, transports guests from the real world to the surreal. The 101 rooms and suites offer unhindered, breath-taking views of the lake and captivating sunsets. Bespoke dining venues and programs offer unparalleled gastronomy. The leisurely romantic walks in the outdoor spaces are serene, making it a haven for travellers who are on a constant quest of peace and rejuvenation. Legendary Raffles service coupled with discrete and charming promises to make guests in residence feel the extraordinary emotional luxury that the brand is committed to.  

Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels, Resorts and Residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created, a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.  

www.raffles.com 

(Promotional Feature)

Naresh Nandan Prasad's SMALL COGS IN A LARGE WHEEL is an inspiring new book for Civil Servant aspirants

SMALL COGS IN A LARGE WHEEL the book articulates the memoirs of extraordinary journey of an esteemed former IAS officer Naresh Nandan Prasad that would interest civil servant aspirants. 

The book provides a sincere recounting of Mr. Prasad's life devoted to civil service and serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to serve their country in this role. This detailed memoir of a life devoted to civil service offers a well-articulated memoir of a life in the civil service. Amitabh Kant, India's G-20 Sherpa, calls it "a must-read for future generations of civil servants and anyone interested in the lives of civil servants in India."

In his memoir, Prasad retraces his journey from his early days at LBSNAA to his extensive career as an IAS officer serving in diverse Indian states and his subsequent roles at UNIDO and WIPO. He infuses his recounting with humour and provides penned portraits of memorable incidents and cherished memories with colleagues and friends. Prasad's narrative tells of a life rooted in hard work and humility and his unwavering dedication to effecting positive change in the world.

During the posthumous release of her father's book, Urvashi Prasad, Director, Office of the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, New Delhi, stated, “My father excelled in every role he played during his lifetime. This book primarily chronicles his professional journey as an Indian Administrative Service Officer and subsequently as an international civil servant. However, what stands out in every chapter are the personal values and traits that distinguished him as an exceptional human being.”

Amitabh Kant further commented, “This is not merely a recounting of Naresh's career. It reflects the role of a civil servant in India and the sacrifices required to prioritize service above self. This book covers the fascinating path traversed by a civil servant with vividly narrated anecdotes from some of the most historic events the country has seen. These events are described by Naresh in a slice-of-life manner. This memoir is a must-read for future generations of civil servants as well as those who are interested in getting a peek into the lives of civil servants in India.”

Anil Swarup, Former Secretary, School Education (2016–18) & Coal (2014–16), Government of India, appreciated the book's depiction of the challenges civil servants face. He stated, “The book beautifully illustrates how to deal with these difficulties. Naresh Prasad's hardworking personality is a testament to his commitment ‘The memoir brilliantly documents the path travelled by a civil servant. It contains vibrant anecdotes from some of the country's most historic events and is vital reading for future civil servants and those intrigued about their lives in India. Naresh's honesty, passion, simple language, and humour make the read a true reflection of his personality.” 

 

The book's publisher Westland Books, that boasts a versatile range of books across various genres has launched the extraordinary journey of an esteemed former IAS officer Naresh Nandan Prasad's memoir titled ‘Small Cogs in a Large Wheel.’ The publication, brought to life by Westland, is available in bookstores since October 13, 2023. 

IN-SPACe to focus on development of space ecosystem as India emergence as the world's space hub with global partners

IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) deliberated with global partners in the space sector on the potential of Indian Space Policy to catapult India's capabilities as a friendly space-faring nation. The deliberation was conducted as a panel discussion as part of the ongoing 74th International Astronautical Congress at Baku, Azerbaijan. 

The panel discussion deliberated on the essence of the Indian Space Policy that seeks to institutionalize the private sector participation in the space sector with the Indian Space Research Organization focusing on the research and development of advanced space technologies and IN-SPACe .

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe and the speakers comprised Valery Aksamentov, Director International Programs. Space and Launch, The Boeing Company from the United States, Victor Joseph, Associate Scientific Secretary & Director, Technology Development & Innovation, ISRO, Enrico Palermo, Head Australian Space Agency, Marshall Smith, Vice President of Exploration and Acting CTO, Voyager Space Holdings, United States. 

Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said, “The Indian Space Policy has significantly broadened India’s opportunity for further enhancing its stake in the global space economy. At present, the 60-year-old space sector is becoming a sunrise sector in India with more than 200+ space startups contributing to growth of the commercial space sector in India. IN-SPACe has been striving to create a harmonized collaborative environment that will help position India as a significant player in the global commercial space sector.”

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous nodal agency under Department of Space, Government of India formed on 24 June 2020 to promote, enable, authorize and supervise nongovernment entities (NGE) to undertake space activities. These activities include manufacturing of launch vehicles and satellites, providing space-based services, establishing a ground station, sharing of space infrastructure & facilities; and establishing new facilities under DOS. 

IN-SPACe is currently functioning with three directorates viz., Promotion Directorate (PD), Technical Directorate (TD) and Program Management and Authorization Directorate (PMAD) and one division i.e. Legal, Finance and Administration Division with its headquarters at Ahmedabad. 

Expect to see innovative, exciting Airport hospitality services that redefine passenger comfort, says Vikas Sharma of Encalm

Airports are increasingly becoming destinations in their own right, offering a wide range of hospitality services to cater to the needs of passengers. Vikas Sharma of Encalm Hospitality lists the four trends that are redefining travelers comfort at airports and delivering special experiences in the arena of Airport Hospitality.

Meet and greet services

With travelers becoming more aware and open about their needs and requirements, Encalm’s Atithya services provide exclusive meet and greet services that are specially curated to ensure travelers’ well-being and luxury. These services offer travelers a hassle-free and personalized experience taking care of everything starting from baggage handling to buggy service, porter service and exclusive lounge access. Travelers can enjoy a stress-free journey as they are guided through the airport and ensuring a seamless transition to their destination

Airport lounges are becoming more luxurious and exclusive

In recent years, there has been a notable transformation in airport lounges services. Airport lounges have evolved significantly over the years, transforming from simple waiting areas into luxurious havens of comfort and convenience for travelers. If you travel frequently, be it for business or leisure, you must spend some hours availing the benefits of airport lounges. These luxurious lounges have premium lounging facilities, Wi-Fi services, gourmet food, drinks, spa treatments, newspapers and magazines. Flyers can just sit back and relax in luxury and home-like comfort while they wait for their flights. Encalm is India's premier lounge service provider, boasting lounges at key airports such as Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa Mopa airport. Encalm lounges redefine airport hospitality, where comfort, relaxation, and indulgence are the golden standards. Encalm has recently unveiled the ENCALM PRIVÉ lounge, exclusively for premium business travelers at Delhi International Airport. 

Business Centers: Catering to the Needs of Business Travelers

To cater the needs of busy professionals on the go, there are business centers available at airports. If you are a business executive, freelancer, entrepreneur, or want a comfortable and convenient space to work or do meetings while travelling, then business centers are perfect thing for you. These business centers provides an array of facilities like workstations, high-speed Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, printing, photocopy, scanning services and boardroom.

Enhancing Airport Experiences: Spa Services by Airport Hospitality Brand

These days, airport hospitality brands have been providing spa services at the airport in order to give a calming and pleasant experience to the guests. Travelers who are more engaged with their personal and mental wellbeing should definitely try these spa services as they are a getaway for individuals who are looking for ways to rejuvenate themselves during their travel. A few minutes of massage and therapy can nurture, heal, detox, cleanse, and rejuvenate mind and body. It helps to disconnect from the external world and reconnect with your inner self with few moments of calmness.

These are just a few of the trends that are redefining travelers comfort at airports. As airports continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting hospitality services in the years to come.

Meera, Kabir, Krishna bhajans mesmerize the attendees at Bhakti Sangeet Utsav 2023

The three-day festival of Bhakti Sangeet Utsav by comes to an end with the finest Musical Devotion with an incredible outpouring of spiritual songs that resonated deeply with the hearts of all attendees. The event featured some of the most illustrious voices in the realm of Bhakti Sangeet, capturing the essence of devotion through a mesmerising blend of Meera, Kabir, and Krishna bhajans.,,

The event opened with the mesmerising Sawani Mudgal, whose melodious interpretations of raag-based bhajans by saint poets like Kabir, Meera, Nanak, and more charmed the crowd. Her commitment to playing traditional Indian instruments like the harmonium, tanpura, and tabla created a gripping ambiance. The magic continued by Vidhi Sharma, who brought to life songs by Bhakt Tulsidas, Meera, Surdas, and Dadu Dayal, including well-known songs like "Sanson ki mala pe," "Keshav hari hari nandlala," and Sufi compositions by Baba Bullehshah and Sant Kabir. Hemant Brijwasi, the 2009 "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs" winner, added to the diversity by igniting people's spirits with songs like "Jay Radhe Radhe," "saware tere bin Jiya Na Jaye," and others.

The second day of the Bhakti Sangeet Utsav opened with the melodious Rashmi Agarwal who presented variety of bhajans of Meerabai, Sant Kabir, Chhit Swami, and Baba BullehShah. The audience was deeply influenced by the several devotional songs, including 'Moko kahan dhunde bande', 'Pani mein min pyasi', 'Deewane bande kaun tera yahan sathi', 'Ritu faagun niya rani koi piya se milave', 'Chetavni mukhda kya dekha darpan mein', and 'Man na rangaee rangae jogi kapda' sung by Brijesh Mishra. One of India's best folk singers of Kabir, Shri Prahlad Singh Tipanya, captivated the audience with his heartfelt interpretations to cap off the second day, leaving everyone in awe of his talent.

As the Bhakti Sangeet Utsav approached its grand finale on the third day, Vidya Shah ascended the stage and gave a stirring performance. Her performance was followed by deep bhakti songs like 'Ram Charan Sukhdai', 'Mann lago mero yaar', 'Chadariya jhini re jhini', 'Zara Halke gaadi', 'Iska bhed bata', 'Saanson ki mala mein', 'mera apki kripa', and 'mujhe raas aa gaya', given by Mamta Joshi. Sharma Bandhu then took the stage, captivating the audience with their enchanting voices, delivering evergreen classics like 'Jaise sooraj ki garmi se jalte huye tan to mil jaaye taruvar ki chaya', 'Rama ho rama ho', 'Bhajan chalta rahe', 'Shri Ram sharan', and 'Ram savare sabke kaam', among many more.

Reflecting on the festival, Ms. Atishi, the Hon’ble Minister of Art & Culture, Delhi, expressed, “Bhakti Sangeet Utsav has not only given a beautiful platform to some of the best known musical maestros of our country but also to new emerging artists. It is another one of Kejriwal govt’s attempts to take art and culture out of the elite spaces of the past and to make it more accessible to the masses. Hence the festival was held at an open air venue of Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri and there was free entry for the public. It has been heartwarming to see excitement for the event in diverse groups from senior citizens to college students alike.”

The Bhakti Sangeet Utsav 2023 was an exceptional voyage across the realms of devotion and music. It brought people together in a musical and spiritual festival, filling everyone's hearts with exquisite happiness.

Michael Cinco Captivates fashion industry at Fashion Connect Season 15 in Jaipur

Glamour and Elegance Converge at the 15th Season of Fashion Connect that was just held in Jaipur and it instantly became an epicenter of glamour as it played host to the sensational 15th season of Fashion Connect. An evening of spectacular display of fashion, Fashion Connect is an eagerly awaited event, filled with breathtaking display of haute couture and cutting-edge style, making it an unmissable occasion for the fashion fraternity of Jaipur.,,

The star-studded event featured glitterati, opened by the renowned Neeta Lulla, followed by captivating showcases by Mohit Falad, Kalash Parnami, and Pallavi Sethi. The evening culminated in a mesmerizing grand finale by none other than the international sensation, Michael Cinco from Dubai. 

Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager of Fairmont Jaipur, exclaimed, "As the hub for the grandest of events, Fairmont Jaipur had the honor to host The Fashion Connect Season 15 show. Hosting iconic events in style has always been our motto; experiential luxury starts in every detail, and at Fairmont Jaipur, every guest takes back memories to last them a lifetime." 

He further added, "Fashion Connect Season 15 at Fairmont Jaipur was grander and larger than life, with leading fashion designers headlining and adding to the charm of this palatial palace." 

The Nosh at Fashion Connect brought the world on a plate, with cuisines ranging from Mediterranean delectables to divine oriental small plates and flavoursome Indian dishes. The food couture was curated to complement Fashion Connect through embellishment of plates and artistic cooking techniques by the highly experienced Chef's Brigade. 

Fashion Connect Season 15 featured the dynamic Rishee Miglani as the brand ambassador and the talented Lokesh Sharma as the show director. The evening left an indelible mark on attendees and concluded with an exclusive after-party hosted at the opulent outdoor lawns within Fairmont Jaipur. 

Attended by a decorated guest list of art, craft, fashion, and opulence enthusiasts, Fashion Connect Season 15 was an unforgettable showcase of creative inspiration that reflected the future of glamour in Jaipur. 

International Ganesh Festival 2023 to showcase of Maharashtra's illustrious heritage

The International Ganesh Festival is about the soul of Maharashtra, the heartbeat of its people, and the spirit of a nation aiming for self-reliance,,,

The Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, proudly unveils a festival that will redefine global cultural celebrations – the International Ganesh Festival 2023. Scheduled between September 18th and 28th, this 10-day extravaganza will encapsulate the vibrant cities of Mumbai, Pune, Ratnagiri, and Palghar, setting the stage for a grand showcase of Maharashtra's illustrious heritage. Selected travel trade, media and social media influencer participants will be hosted for a familiarisation tour at these locations to experience first hand the glory and grandeur of the festival along with international tourists.

Destinations earmarked for the festival are not mere locations but hold the key to Maharashtra's deep-rooted history and traditions. The revered Siddhivinayak Temple, the bustling shores of Girgaon Chowpatty, the magnificent Tulsi Bagh Ganesh Pandal, and the historical edifice of Shaniwar Wada are just the beginning of this enchanting journey. Attendees will also be introduced to the intricate Warli Art through hands-on workshops, marvel at the architectural wonders of Kelva and Shirgaon Forts, and find spiritual solace at the Ganpatipule Temple. The majestic Ratnadurg Fort and Thiba Rajwada further weave the tale of Maharashtra's royal past.

In a grand effort to encapsulate the soul of Maharashtra and offer travelers an experience unlike any other, a special Cultural Hub will be established at the iconic Gateway of India, centered around the divine presence of Lord Ganesha. The highlights of the Cultural Hub promise an extravaganza for the senses: the intricate beauty of Sand Art, Mosaic Art, and Scroll Art; the mesmerizing spectacle of Projection Mapping on the majestic facade of the Gateway of India; riveting cultural performances that narrate tales of the land; hands-on workshops that plunge participants into the world of Maharashtra’s artistry; expansive Art and Craft exhibitions; and a firm commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement, ensuring that the Cultural Hub not only celebrates but also respects and conserves the traditions it stands for.

Shri. Girish Mahajan, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, expressed, "The International Ganesh Festival isn't just about pomp and grandeur. It's about the soul of Maharashtra, the heartbeat of its people, and the spirit of a nation aiming for self-reliance. We are on the cusp of presenting to the world an unparalleled tapestry of culture, art, and resilience. Through this festival, we hope to magnify our state's and our country's unique treasures on a global stage."

Smt. Radhika Rastogi, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, enthused, "This festival is our clarion call to the world, signalling them to join us at the intersection of ancient traditions and modern celebrations. Through the International Ganesh Festival, we aim to extend an invitation to global travelers, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs of culture to immerse themselves in Maharashtra's vast and profound legacy."

All are invited to join in this 10-day cultural symphony, where history meets the present, traditions embrace modernity, and where every moment is a celebration.