All posts by K S Krishna

January 10, 2025 – In a testament to his exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence, Mr. Amit Raman, General Manager of Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi, has been celebrated as one of Hospitality’s Best 30 GMs in India for 2024. This distinguished accolade was conferred during the Indian Hospitality Excellence Awards 2024, an event that honors the pinnacle of talent and leadership in the hospitality industry. Graced by the presence of renowned Indian wrestler Sangram Singh as the Chief Guest, the event served as a beacon of inspiration, recognizing those who have set exemplary standards in their respective domains.

Organized by the prestigious Hospitality Group, the Indian Hospitality Excellence Awards stands as a cornerstone event in the sector, spotlighting unparalleled achievements and innovations. The fourth edition of this celebrated gathering drew over 200 luminaries from the hospitality world, all united in the celebration of transformative contributions that have indelibly shaped the industry’s landscape.

With a career spanning over two decades, Mr. Amit Raman’s tenure at Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi is marked by visionary leadership and strategic acumen. His extensive expertise in hotel operations, guest relations, and strategic foresight has propelled the hotel to new heights to deliver memorable moments. His relentless pursuit of innovation and adept management of diverse teams have not only enhanced the hotel’s competitive edge but have also reinforced its reputation as a paragon of hospitality excellence.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Raman has held pivotal roles with globally acclaimed hotel brands, consistently demonstrating his prowess in delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering a culture of continuous upliftment. His unwavering commitment to operational excellence and his ability to inspire and lead have garnered him widespread respect and admiration, cementing his position as a formidable force in the industry.

In his heartfelt acceptance of this prestigious honor, Mr. Amit Raman expressed profound gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive this esteemed recognition. This award is a testament to the collective dedication and hard work of my talented team at Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi. Together, we have strived to craft memorable moments for our guests”.

Bangalore, January 2025:

Max Furn, a part of the esteemed Majestic Furniture Group, proudly announces the grand opening of its third flagship Furniture Mall in Bangalore, located in Nelamangala. Spanning a massive 30,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art furniture mall is not just a store—it’s an unparalleled destination that promises to redefine furniture shopping in India and is the biggest furniture mall in the city.

A Legacy Built on Passion and Innovation

The Majestic Furniture, founded in 2002 by Tanveer Ahamed and Shabeer Ahamed, began as a small retail store in Royapettah, Chennai. With a vision to revolutionize the furniture industry, the brand grew from retail to exhibition sales, then into importing furniture in 2005, and eventually manufacturing. In 2018, Max Furn was launched in Bangalore as a wholesale unit, starting with a modest 7,000-square-foot facility.

What started as a small wholesale unit has transformed into something far greater—not just a store, but a Furniture Mall. This evolution reflects the brand’s commitment to scale, innovation, and meeting the diverse needs of its customers.

Today, Max Furn is a destination that seamlessly blends world-class design, functionality, and affordability under one massive roof.

The Journey of Expansion

Max Furn’s journey from its roots to its massive Furniture Malls has been remarkable:

● 2022: First flagship Max Furn Furniture Mall in Hoskote, spanning 25,000 square feet.
● 2024: Second Max Furn Furniture Mall in Yelahanka, covering 20,000 square feet.
● 2025: Third Max Furn Furniture Mall in Nelamangala, an impressive 30,000 square feet.

Unmatched Expertise and Reach

Today, Max Furn stands tall as one of South India’s largest sofa manufacturers and a leading importer of international furniture. With an 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and a
60,000-square-foot warehouse in Bangalore and Chennai, Max Furn’s expertise ensures unmatched quality. Every piece undergoes a multi-layer quality control process and is sourced only from certified global manufacturers, promising customers the finest furniture for their homes.

The Visionaries Behind Max Furn

The dynamic duo of Tanveer Ahamed and Shabeer Ahamed is the driving force behind Max Furn’s success.
● Tanveer Ahamed travels across the globe, curating timeless and innovative furniture pieces to bring the best to Indian homes.
● Shabeer Ahamed ensures smooth operations and financial excellence, turning their vision into reality.
Together, they’ve built a brand that’s a testament to their passion for furniture design and aesthetics. With a dedicated and professional team, they aim to open 10 more Furniture Malls across India in the next 12 months.

A Furniture Mall Like No Other

The Nelamangala Max Furn Furniture Mall offers an unmatched range of furniture for every space in your home. With:
● 1500+ customizable sofa options to suit your style and comfort.
● The largest collection of imported dining tables in Bangalore, blending elegance with functionality.
● A dedicated floor for office furniture, bringing productivity and design together.
● A curated space for stunning lights and fixtures, offering a wholesome experience to redefine your home spaces.

“This is more than just a store—it’s a mall dedicated to reimagining how people furnish their homes,” says Mr. Chandru Gowda, General Manager at Max Furn. “We’ve curated a wide range of options to ensure every customer finds exactly what they need to turn their house into a home.”

Join Us for the Grand Opening

Max Furn invites you to celebrate the launch of its new Furniture Mall and experience a world where comfort meets design, and quality meets innovation. Step into the future of furniture shopping at Nelamangala’s newest landmark.

January 10th, 2025: Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has been named as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Lighthouse for its to support to the Economic and Social Development of Women through Renewable Energies in the Sahel (DESFERS) program in partnership with Plan International. This initiative empowers women in Senegal, Mali, and Niger through green skills training, investments in technical school upgrades, and entrepreneurship support for women entering the growing renewable energy sector.

The DEI Lighthouse Program, organized by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society, annually highlights impactful DEI initiatives. It identifies proven strategies from various industries and shares key lessons with global business and public sector leaders to foster resilient and inclusive economies.

Schneider Electric and the Schneider Electric Foundation’s DESFERS program was selected by a panel of global DEI experts as a Lighthouse in the Gender Parity in the Green Economy category.

“We are honored to be named as a Lighthouse for our efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Charise Le, Chief Human Resources Officer at Schneider Electric. “We believe that true impact comes from bringing everyone along, nurturing a culture that values all stakeholders in our ecosystem, from employees to supply chain partners, to customers, and local communities.”

In 2019, Schneider Electric and its Foundation, in partnership with Plan International and a consortium of stakeholders, launched the DESFERS program to empower women socioeconomically in rural areas, where restrictive social norms often limit economic participation. Through a collaborative approach, DESFERS builds a strong ecosystem of support by leveraging collective expertise and specialized partnerships. The initiative is part of the Youth Education & Entrepreneurship program and the Youth Impact Through Learning initiatives’ global commitment to train one million youth, especially women, to take part in the energy transition and support 10 thousand entrepreneurs by the end of 2025.

Schneider Electric’s DESFERS program has achieved several key outcomes, including providing green skills training to 7,204 women, generating 6,099 women-led green enterprises, and improving access to renewable energy solutions and credit facilities for 21,000 women. By building the right ecosystem with training, mentorship and access to funding, the consortium of partners empowers women to lead a just energy transition.

“Shaping a just energy transition is a collective effort. It requires all of us to work together to turn ambitions into meaningful actions,” said Chris Leong, Chief Sustainability Officer at Schneider Electric. “Through our Youth Education & Entrepreneurship programs, together with the Schneider Electric Foundation, we are empowering women and championing gender equality. By fostering specialized partnerships and ensuring women’s participation at every stage of the energy value chain, we unlock the full potential of sustainable progress empowering women to lead the energy transition with inclusivity at its core.

January 10, 2025: Swiggy, India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, today launches “Swiggy Serves”, a flagship program aimed at minimizing waste across its value chain and addressing hunger. As part of this campaign, Swiggy announced its inaugural partnership with the Robin Hood Army (RHA), a volunteer-driven organization. Together, Swiggy and RHA aim to create a meaningful impact by redistributing surplus food from Swiggy’s restaurant partners to underserved communities. Through this collaboration, the two organizations have set an ambitious goal of providing 50 million meals by 2030, by leveraging technology to reimagine food redistribution.

The pilot phase of the Swiggy Serves-RHA partnership has already delivered encouraging results. Over 2,000 meals have been redistributed across 33 cities, with more than 126 restaurant partners joining the initiative. This program aligns with Swiggy’s vision to transform surplus food into a resource to combat hunger while reducing food waste.

Brands like Bikkgane Biryani, Biryani by the Kilo, Dana Choga, Vardhas, Charcoal Eats – Biryani & Beyond, Dabba Garam, House of Biryani, B.Tech Momos Wala, Samosa Singh, Babai Tiffins, Dosa Anna, Urban Tandoor, have signed up to be a part of the Swiggy Serves- RHA initiative.

The Robin Hood Army (RHA) is a volunteer-based, zero-funds organization with thousands of young professionals, retired folks, homemakers, college students as volunteers. These volunteers, called Robins, collect surplus food from restaurants/weddings/events and distribute it to the less fortunate. In ten years, RHA has served over 153 million meals across 406 cities globally. Present in 13 countries, they are a family of 260,000+ registered Robins all working towards zero hunger with zero funds approach.

Speaking at the launch, Rohit Kapoor, CEO, of Swiggy Food Marketplace shared, “At Swiggy, we’ve always seen ourselves as experts in logistics and consumer experience. With ‘Swiggy Serves,’ we are leveraging our strengths and privilege to address a larger societal need and tackle the issues of food wastage and hunger. We are excited to partner with RHA to redistribute surplus food from our restaurant partners to those in need. Currently, we are live in 33 cities and we plan to take this initiative to more cities. This isn’t just about reducing waste, it’s about creating a meaningful impact, ensuring that no meal goes wasted.”

On their partnership with Swiggy, Neel Ghose, Co-Founder, Robin Hood Army shared, “Robin Hood Army is thrilled to come together with Swiggy for this shared mission of reducing hunger. When an industry leader like Swiggy collaborates with a community-driven movement, it amplifies the impact, inspiring others to join the fight against hunger. Together, we’re creating a stronger, united front to ensure no plate goes empty.”

Restaurant partners can join Swiggy Serves by filling out a form on the Swiggy Owner app, indicating their willingness to donate surplus or fresh food. Once onboarded, RHA will add these restaurant partners to dedicated WhatsApp groups for seamless communication and coordination. RHA volunteers will be responsible for picking up surplus food from these partners and ensuring it is distributed to communities in need.

India has nearly 195 million undernourished people, one-fourth of the undernourished population of the world, as per the United Nations. In 2024, India’s Global Hunger Index (GHI) score was 27.3, citing hunger as a serious problem. Also, India ranked 105 out of 127 countries in the 2024 GHI. As per United Nations, India wastes 55 kg of food per head, every year.

10 January 2025: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, enters 2025 with the launch of its OBD-2B compliant motorcycles in India. The updated line-up, which includes the V-Strom SX and the GIXXER Series (GIXXER SF 250, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF and GIXXER), now comes in vibrant new color options, offering a fresh and stylish appeal to two-wheeler riders.

Introducing the latest range of motorcycles, Mr. Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India said, “With the launch of OBD-2B compliant motorcycles, we are aligning with the upcoming government regulations while delivering the performance in our products. This updated range of motorcycles not only offers advanced technology but also provide new color options for our customers to choose from.”

New V-Strom SX – The Everyday Explorer:

The Suzuki V-Strom SX is now available in three latest colour schemes: Champion Yellow No.2, Glass Sparkle Black, and Metallic Sonoma Red.

Powering the new V-Strom SX is a 249cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that is now compliant with the upcoming OBD-2B government norms. It delivers 26.5 Ps @ 9,300 rpm of Power and 22.2 Nm @ 7,300rpm of peak torque. Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) and Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technologies ensure a smooth and efficient ride.

Inspired by Suzuki’s legendary DR-Z desert racer and DR-BIG production model, it inherits the iconic “beak” and adventure DNA of the V-STROM family. Its features include LED headlights and taillights, a Bluetooth-enabled digital instrument cluster with Suzuki Ride Connect, knuckle covers for added comfort, and a sturdy aluminium rear carrier with a 6 kg capacity. The short, all-black dual-exit muffler and engine under-cowling add to its adventure-inspired look.

New GIXXER Series – Never Lets Me Down:

The Suzuki GIXXER series, a ‘Straight Ahead Sports Bike’, is a blend of style and performance. The new tagline ‘Never Lets Me Down’ defines the durability of engine that offers lasting reliability, making it a true companion for riders. With its styling inspired by European design trends, the series offers a choice between a sports naked bike and a faired sports bike.

Powered by a 250cc BS-VI OBD-2B compliant engine, the GIXXER 250 and GIXXER SF 250 now come in three fresh colour choices: Metallic Mat Black No. 2, Metallic Mat Black No.2/ Metallic Mat Bordeaux Red, and Metallic Triton Blue/Pearl Glacier White,  (Ex-showroom Delhi).

Delivering 26.5 Ps @ 9,300 rpm and 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm, the engine features Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) and Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technologies for high output, low fuel consumption and easy maintenance. Lightweight and easy to handle, the GIXXER 250 and GIXXER SF 250 are equipped with Bluetooth enabled multi-function digital instrument console with Suzuki Ride connect application, Dual Channel ABS, a 6-speed gearbox, sporty dual mufflers, and rear tyre huggers for enhanced appeal. Premium brushed alloy wheels further elevate their sporty and premium look.

Suzuki’s 150cc motorcycles, the GIXXER and GIXXER SF now sport three new colours: Metallic Triton Blue/Pearl Glacier White, Glass Sparkle Black, and Metallic Oort Gray/ Metallic Lush Green.

These motorcycles, powered by OBD-2B compliant BS-VI engines, deliver 13.6 Ps @ 8,000 rpm and 13.8 Nm @ 6,000 rpm. Featuring Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology for optimized power and fuel efficiency, they offer a lightweight and sporty ride. Their bright LED headlights ensure enhanced visibility, while the GIXXER-styled LED tail lamp retains the original GIXXER design essence. Six-spoke alloy wheels complete the look with a modern yet functional design.

10 January 2025: Fernandez Foundation, in collaboration with the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS), organized a highly successful blood donation drive on 8 January 2025, commemorating the 14th anniversary of Fernandez Hospital, Hyderguda. This initiative was aimed to save lives and ensure an adequate supply of blood for patients in need, particularly those battling conditions like Thalassemia and sickle cell disease.

The drive saw an overwhelming response, with over 100 donors coming forward to contribute. Participants included Fernandez Foundation staff, members of the TSCS, patients’ families, and members of the community, showcasing a strong collective effort toward a vital cause.

Dr Tejaswini Kushnoor, Associate Director, Administration & Operations, Fernandez Foundation, expressed gratitude to all the donors, saying, “Each unit of blood donated today represents a lifeline for patients in need. This overwhelming response reflects our community’s commitment to supporting healthcare beyond hospital walls.”

Mr Aleem Baig, Joint Secretary, the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society, emphasised the importance of such initiatives: “Regular blood donations are crucial for individuals with chronic blood disorders who require ongoing transfusions. We are proud to partner with Fernandez Foundation to make a meaningful impact.”

The blood donation drive collected 100 units of blood, which will directly benefit patients requiring transfusions, particularly those under the care of the TSCS. Volunteers from both organizations ensured a seamless experience for donors, and attendees were educated on the importance of regular blood donation.

The event not only marked the anniversary of Fernandez Hospital, Hyderguda but also underscored its commitment to giving back to the community.

January 10, 2025: Captain Fresh, a global leader in tech-led seafood supply chain, has further strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Rupali Gupta as Group Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

In her new role, Rupali will oversee People & Culture across the company’s international operations, including its offices in India, the US, Europe (Spain, France, and Poland), and the UAE. As Captain Fresh accelerates its growth globally, Rupali’s expertise will be instrumental in aligning talent management efforts, driving organizational scalability, integrating diverse cultures, and building a high-performance organization across these regions.

With over 20 years of experience in human resources and consulting, Rupali has held senior leadership roles at organizations including Korn Ferry, Mercer, Mundipharma, Standard Chartered Bank, and Accenture. Her track record in spearheading culture transformation, organizational design, leadership development, HR transformation, and change management uniquely positions her to drive Captain Fresh’s ambitious growth.

“Captain Fresh is scaling rapidly – as we expand, maintaining our unique culture with a unified, high-performance team is essential. I look forward to partnering with the leadership team to ensure we attract top talent, foster a culture of collaboration and engagement, and drive organizational success across all regions,” said Rupali Gupta, Group CHRO, Captain Fresh.

“Captain Fresh has been growing organically and inorganically, with more than half our workforce based internationally now. With her extensive experience across diverse global organizations, we are confident in Rupali’s leadership playing a pivotal role in strengthening our organizational culture as we continue to scale,” said Utham Gowda, Founder and Group CEO, Captain Fresh.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Captain Fresh is a tech-led seafood player, building a truly global supply chain network that seamlessly integrates multi-species supply with multi-geography demand.

Previously based in Singapore for the past 12 years, Rupali is relocating with her family to join the company’s global leadership team in India. Rupali’s appointment reinforces Captain Fresh’s focus on developing a strong talent ecosystem and fostering a cohesive culture as it prepares for its upcoming IPO and scales to new heights in the global markets.

09 January 2025: Rajisha Vijayan was honored as the Fashion Icon of the Year at the prestigious Indian Fashion Fair (IFF) Awards during the grand finale of the third edition of the IFF Fashion Expo. The award night held as part of the expo was inaugurated by Hibi Eden MP, who lauded the IFF officials for their dedication to staying abreast of evolving industry trends and fostering entrepreneurship among the younger generation. He emphasized the pivotal role such initiatives play in elevating Kerala’s fashion and business landscape.

The event, held at the Adlux International Convention Centre, also honored actress Anjali Nair with the Excellence Award for her contributions to the industry.

The IFF Fashion Awards celebrated excellence across a spectrum of categories, some of them including Best Child Artist (Davinci Santhosh, Aavni Anjaly Nair) Businessman of the Year (E Ayoobkhan), Legend of Garments industry (Mujeeb Family), Young Businessman of the Year (Malik KMT Silks), Social Media Influencer (Iype Vallikkadan), Fashion Entrepreneur (Navas MP-RK Wedding Mall),etc,. and the catogories like Unity Award (Shobhika Wedding), FashionStore of the Year (Wedland Weddings, Retail Chain of the Year (Century fashion City ).

Touted as Kerala’s largest B2B fashion event, the IFF Fashion Expo-2025 brought together over 200 exhibition stalls and welcomed more than 5,000 attendees from across the country. The three-day extravaganza, which commenced on 7th January, provided a platform for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and emerging talents to network, showcase innovations, and explore new business opportunities. Sadique PP (Chairman), Sameer Moopan (Convener), Shanir J (Vice Chairman), Shanavas PV (Joint Convener), and Shafeek PV (Program Director) spoke during the function.

January 9, 2025: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), successfully performs Chennai’s first Retroperitoneal Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RRAPN), showcasing its commitment to advancing minimally invasive surgical techniques.

The complex procedure was performed on a 40-year-old patient from Bangladesh who had a 5cm long tumor located near the kidney’s major blood vessels – a challenging position that made the surgery particularly intricate.

Previously evaluated at multiple hospitals in Bangladesh, he was advised to undergo a radical nephrectomy—complete removal of the kidney. Traditional recommendations for such cases often involve a radical nephrectomy (complete kidney removal). However, the team at APCC pursued an approach, utilizing robotic assistance to remove the tumor while preserving the patient’s kidney.

The innovative surgery not only preserved the kidney but also minimized surgical risks and ensured faster recovery. APCC’s skilled team of surgeons leveraged advanced robotic technology through a retroperitoneal approach, avoiding the abdominal cavity. The patient experienced minimal postoperative complications and was able to resume normal activities within days.

This achievement highlights APCC’s expertise and leadership in delivering exceptional care, offering renewed hope to patients with complex renal tumors.

Explaining the approach, Dr N Ragavan, Senior Consultant, Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, APCC and Dr Madhav Tiwari, Consultant-robotic Surgery, APCC, said: “This particular case was challenging due to the tumour’s location and associated risks, and it required exceptional precision and teamwork, as the smaller operating space demands highly skilled and synchronized efforts. By utilizing the retroperitoneal robotic technique, we accessed the kidney directly from the back, bypassing the abdominal cavity entirely. This approach minimized surgical risks, preserving the kidney’s function, and enabled a swift recovery. This milestone sets a new benchmark for kidney surgeries in the region, showcasing our commitment to redefining standards in advanced medical care.”

Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director – Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited, stated “Apollo Hospitals has been a leader in robotic surgery, recognized as India’s largest multispecialty program in this field. This kidney-saving procedure showcases our commitment to combining advanced technology with innovative, patient-specific approaches. By combining precision, expertise, and patient-specific strategies, we ensure quicker recoveries, minimal complications, and an improved quality of life. This milestone highlights our dedication to redefining healthcare standards and enhancing the lives of patients through continuous innovation and expertise.”

Sharing his experience, the patient said, “I was worried about losing my kidney and the long recovery time. The doctors at APCC explained everything clearly and assured me of the best possible outcome. I am amazed at this advanced treatment and how quickly I recovered & returned to my daily life.”

At Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, the commitment towards advancing cancer care is underscored with the latest technology and pioneer in innovative medical approaches, reinforcing its position as a leader in healthcare. This first-of-its-kind surgery in Tamil Nadu highlights the centre’s ongoing commitment to bringing world-class healthcare to the patients and setting a new benchmark in cancer care.

09, January 2025: Cushman & Wakefield, one of the largest and fastest growing real estate services firms in India, today announced the appointment of Moinuddin Patel as Managing Director, Pune. In this role, Moinuddin will oversee the firm’s operations in Pune, focusing on driving growth, enhancing client relationships, and further strengthening Cushman & Wakefield’s presence in this key market.

A seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years of experience, Moinuddin has extensive experience in transactional businesses, team leadership, and building strong, long-lasting client partnerships. During his decade-long tenure with Cushman & Wakefield, he successfully led the Tenant Representation business in Mumbai, contributing significantly to the firm’s success in the region.

Moinuddin’s academic foundation further complements his professional journey. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) and is a Graduate of Science (Physics) from Mumbai University.

Anshul Jain, Chief Executive, India & SE Asia & APAC Tenant Representation, Cushman & Wakefield, commented, “Moinuddin has been a valuable member of our team for over a decade, delivering exceptional results for our clients and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence within the teams. His deep market knowledge, strategic vision, and strong expertise makes him the ideal choice to lead our business in the Pune market. I am confident that he will further strengthen our presence and unlock new opportunities for growth in the city.”

Reflecting on his new role, Moinuddin Patel said, “I am honoured to take on this leadership role at Cushman & Wakefield in Pune. The city’s growth trajectory presents immense opportunities, and I look forward to working alongside a talented team to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional value to our clients and partners in partners in the region.”