Category news

• Bengaluru hosts the first leg of the tournament with over 70 CXOs attending the city chapter
• The upcoming Mumbai & Delhi editions are set to see participation from over 150 + CXOs of leading corporates
• Participants will get to play with renowned professional golfer

Vi Business, the enterprise arm of the leading telecom operator Vi, is back with the 13^th edition of its multi city corporate golf tournament – Vi TeeWalk 2024. Themed around partnerships leading to #RoadToVictory, Vi TeeWalk 2024 held its first city chapter for this year at the Prestige Golf Shire, Bengaluru with more than 70 senior corporate leaders from the city participating in the tournament.

Vi TeeWalk 2024– Bengaluru chapter was played in Texas Scramble format with each team consisting of four players.

• Winner: Team comprising of Arindam Chatterjee, Srinivas K, Harishwar Reddy and Rajesh Rao bagged the first position.
• 1^st Runner Up: Team of Rajeev Ahluwalia, Jatinder Salwan, Nilanjan Roy and Atul Ujagar 
• 2^nd Runner Up: Team of Ravindra Takkar, Varun Berry, Pradeep Kar and Kazo Nishimura finished as the second runner up.

The annual golfing event Vi TeeWalk 2024 that marries the enduring sport of golf with seamless networking opportunities both on and off the course, is set to bring together another 150+ top CXOs from multiple industries for the upcoming Mumbai & Delhi editions.

Introducing a new feature in this year’s edition, the participants of Vi TeeWalk 2024 in each city will get a chance to play and engage with a professional golfer.

As part of the programme, participants of the Bengaluru edition got an opportunity to play with the professional golfer Riddhima Dilawari, a 13 time winner on the Women’s Professional Golf Tour of India.  The Sunshine Ladies Tour member will also be in Mumbai while the Delhi leg participants will get an opportunity to play with Neha Tripathi, a 19 time winner on the Women’s Professional Golf Tour of India and finished second on the Order of Merit for 2023 season

Commenting on the 13^th edition of Vi TeeWalk 2024, Arvind Nevatia, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, said “Over the years, Vi TeeWalk has earned a reputation as one of the most anticipated events in the corporate calendar, providing a dynamic forum for industry leaders to connect and engage. Vi TeeWalk 2024 is more than just a golf tournament; it is a testament to our commitment to building enduring relationships with our enterprise customers. Keeping it in line with the theme for the year #RoadToVictory, Vi TeeWalk 2024 aims to create a platform that brings different stakeholders at one platform for meaningful interactions, networking, and collaboration. We look forward to an exciting tournament that exemplifies the spirit of Vi Business.”

Vi TeeWalk 2024 is more than just a golf tournament; it is an initiative aimed at strategically engaging with the CXOs. Golf is a popular sport, particularly followed by CXOs. According to reports, at least 90 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf, with 80 percent of them stating that it helps establish new business relationships. Vi TeeWalk 2024 promises an unparalleled experience for participants, combining competitive golf with business advancement opportunities. The tournament underscores Vi Business’s dedication to meaningfully engaging with its enterprise customers in a relaxed and sporting environment, creating innumerable opportunities for strategic collaborations.

India, 29^th February 2024: Amidst unwavering homebuyer confidence aided by a favourable interest rate cycle and positive economic outlook, housing demand scaled up and prices across the top eight[1] cities in India surged by about 20% in the last two years (2021-2023). Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Kolkata have witnessed the highest rise in average housing prices at about 30% in 2023 compared to 2021 levels. This robust growth is underpinned by a notable uptick in housing demand, particularly in the mid and luxury segments. Amidst significant new launches, developers were able to successfully pass on the rising cost of construction in most cases.

Overall, the unsold inventory saw a notable drop in 2021 and largely continued to remain rangebound until 2023 end, despite significant influx of new supply. During 2022 and 2023 housing markets across the major cities saw an increase in new property launches, in mid and luxury segments. In cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, MMR, and Pune new supply surged 2-2.5 times in the last two years, reflecting robust activity and improved developer-market sentiment. With healthy visibility of upcoming projects from established developers and unchanged repo rate, the residential market will see sustained growth in the short to medium term.

Mr. Boman Irani, President of CREDAI National stated, “The year-on-year increase in housing prices is a combination of a number of factors – characterized by strong, robust demand from homebuyers – especially for mid and premium segments, along with the existence of a conducive buying eco-system coupled with healthy macro-economic factors, and the rise in prices of construction materials. The ongoing momentum also encouraged numerous developers that has led to the increase in housing supply across major cities in India. We expect both – housing demand and supply – to thrust forward in 2024 not only in top 8 cities but in Tier II, III regions as well.”

“Housing prices continued to reflect strong market momentum and saw a 9% annual rise in 2023. The year outperformed in several areas including uptick in high-end & luxury segments, scaling new peak in sales volume, infrastructure led development, resulting in deeper price discovery across most of the markets. During the year, all the eight major cities witnessed an increase in housing prices, with Bengaluru, highest at 21% YoY, followed by Kolkata at 11%. Looking ahead to 2024, the market is well poised to maintain its current trajectory, with the mid and luxury segments expected to thrive further, offering lucrative opportunities for investors and homebuyers alike,” Badal Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer, Colliers, India   

Pan India residential price trends (2021-2023) (in INR/sq ft) –

Source: Colliers, Liases Foras

All the prices are based on carpet area

Bengaluru saw heightened residential activity during 2021-2023

Bengaluru noted a significant 31% increase in housing prices during 2021- 2023. The city’s rising streak has been largely consistent over the last two years backed by noticeable uptick in demand for residential properties near IT localities like Whitefield, KR Puram, and Sarjapur. The peripheral and outer East and West sub-markets witnessed the highest price hike in the last two years in the range of nearly 50-60%. Additionally, the city saw an average 2X rise in new launches in 2023, compared to 2021, with significant surge in luxury and ultra-luxury property launches in peripheral areas within the North and East sub-markets, as they emerge as prominent IT hubs.

Housing prices in MMR continues to witness a rise; unsold inventory swells

Average housing prices in MMR, the most expensive residential market amongst the top eight cities saw a modest yet steady 2% increase during 2023 compared to 2021 levels. Post-Covid-19, housing prices in MMR dipped and were steady henceforth for about three years. After a hiatus, prices increased during 2023 and inched closer to pre-Covid levels indicating recovery in the market. The sub-market of Panvel saw a significant surge with a 20% rise in the last two years, followed by Western Suburb (beyond Dahisar) and Navi Mumbai. The completion of the key infrastructure projects like Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and key metro lines, have led to a surge in prices in submarkets in and around Navi Mumbai and Western suburbs. With several upcoming major projects, housing prices are further expected to increase in the foreseeable future.

“Over the last two years from 2021 to 2023, cities like Delhi NCR, Chennai and Pune, registered a notable decrease in unsold inventory. While Delhi NCR led the pack with significant 19% drop, Chennai and Pune followed closely with about 5-10% drop each, during the two-year period. With an expected steady rise in income levels coupled with positive market sentiment, the demand momentum is likely to remain strong in these markets,” said Vimal Nadar, Senior Director and Head of Research, Colliers India.

“The current state of real estate is the most productive when sales, supply, and prices are growing, and the price rise is not speculative. These factors work in harmony in a balanced and healthy real estate market.”,

Spring is here, and to commemorate this season of bloom, savor the breakfast menu at Camillo’s! On their newly introduced breakfast menu are dishes made from organic and locally sourced ingredients. With morning staples such as yogurt, muesli, porridge, fruit salads, ‘egg-cetera,’ Camillo’s is an ideal joint to enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Plating up an all-American breakfast of champions, the restaurant indulges diners with their breakfast offerings. Savor the delectable classics, such as the Ham & Cheese Sandwich, paired with a variety of protein options and egg preparations. Don’t miss out on the fluffy waffles topped with whipped cream.

For the healthy eaters, they have a Choice Of Cereal (CORNFLAKES/MUESLI/CHOCOS) and Choice Of Fruit (WATERMELON/ BANANA/ SEASONAL); contrary to that, the not-so-conscious can try the Masala Omelette—bite into this mouthwatering combination of eggs and veggies now. Enhance your meal with ‘Breakfast in a Bottle’—a selection of beverages perfectly complementing the dishes.

Whether you’re craving classic favorites or new delights, Camillo’s breakfast menu has something for everyone. Start your mornings with a savory assortment, including crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese!

Exploring the impactful realm of corporate social responsibility (CSR), this compilation spotlights five influential women driving positive change through their thought leadership. Each individual, holding key positions in diverse sectors, contributes uniquely to sustainability and social impact. From finance to environmental initiatives, these leaders integrate holistic perspectives, emphasizing the symbiosis between corporate success and societal well-being. Witness the convergence of financial acumen, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to sustainable practices, all shaping a brighter future.

1. Anju Kanodia – Executive Director at Lumina Datamatics

Anju S. Kanodia has been Lumina Datamatics’ Executive Director since 2018. She manages treasury and surplus funds, actively engaging in strategic initiatives. Anju advocates a holistic view of sustainability, integrating long-term perspectives into decision-making. Embedding sustainable practices within Lumina Datamatics, she believes it enhances efficiency, innovation, and brand reputation while reducing costs. Believing in the transformative impact of community development on societal well-being, the organization is dedicated to creating a more prosperous and sustainable future. In a specific initiative, they partnered with Space Kidz India, successfully launching a satellite into outer space and empowering 750 teenage girls across 75 rural schools with opportunities to explore diverse skill sets and potential careers in Space. Anju’s leadership combines financial acumen with a commitment to sustainable practices.

2. Anupam Nidhi – Head Corporate Social Responsibility at Hindustan Zinc

Anupam Nidhi, leading CSR at Hindustan Zinc Limited, brings over two decades of experience, leaving an impact on CSR within Reliance Group. Based in Udaipur, she spearheads nationwide projects, excelling in microfinance, employability, and environmental initiatives. Recognized as a “Young Leader” for CSR, Anupam holds degrees in Management, Labour Law, and Agriculture, assessing corporations on Sustainability excellence. Grounded in pragmatic realities, she champions sustainability, receiving accolades for her impactful leadership. Anupam’s commitment to CSR extends to her involvement in disability and deaf cricket, showcasing her dedication to positive social impact.

3. Roma Balwani – Director at Strategic Resources Group and Sr. Advisor for Brand & Communications at Vedanta Group

Roma Balwani is a stalwart with over three decades of experience, positioning Vedanta as a top-10 sustainability company in India. As the President of Group Communications and Sustainable Development at Vedanta Resources plc, Roma aligns communication and sustainable development strategies, achieving significant milestones. She champions best practices in sustainability and CSR, focusing on health, safety, and environmental measures. Roma’s community development initiatives benefit over 4 million people globally, emphasizing the ‘Social License to Operate.’ A recipient of the PRCI Lifetime Achievement award, she actively contributes to disability cricket, epitomizing leadership in CSR and sustainable development.

4. Namita Vikas – Representing YES BANK as the member of the Advisory Council of the Green Bond Principles and Social Bond Principles Executive Committee, ICMA

Namita Vikas, a senior business leader with 30 years of global experience, specializes in climate change strategy and sustainability. Recognized for her contributions, Namita has a strong track record in mainstreaming sustainability, ESG, and responsible investing. Pioneering Responsible Banking at YES BANK, she led the issuance of India’s first Green Bond and served as Chairperson of UN NCFA. As a certified independent director and prominent speaker at global platforms, Namita actively contributes to sustainability and responsible business practices. Her multi-faceted expertise positions her as a leader shaping sustainability and climate action.

5. Sushama Oza – Consultant – Select Adani Group of companies for Sustainability & ESG

Sushama Oza, Director of Strategy and Sustainability at Adani Foundation, oversees CSR projects across twelve states, aligning with the Adani Group’s vision of nation-building. With degrees in home science and social work, she emphasizes the Foundation’s commitment to Education, Community Health, Sustainable Livelihood Development, and Community Infrastructure. Flagship initiatives like Suposhan and Swachhagraha underline their focus. Ms. Oza acknowledges challenges, particularly in obtaining trained personnel, but is open to training individuals. She values platforms like the India CSR summit, fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and avoiding the reinvention of strategies in the pursuit of common goals.

Bengaluru, February 29, 2024: The bus industry in India is projected to achieve a value of Rs. 104,000 crores in 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.64 per cent. The CAGR for State Transport Undertakings (STUs) is 6.36 per cent and it is 7.37 per cent for private buses. “Traveltech 2.0: The Next Phase of Digitally Empowering the Indian Traveler”, a report jointly produced by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Grant Thornton Bharat reveals these numbers. The report was launched at the India Digital Summit (IDS) 2024 in Mumbai today.

The surface transportation services like bus and rail travel has huge potential for OTA service providers who offer value added services to their customers in addition to basic online ticketing.

Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh emerge as the principal markets in STUs, constituting nearly 70% of the market share. The top five states in total addressable market (TAM) for private buses are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, which are expected to account for around 45% share by 2026.

Online ticketing among bus travelers is on the rise, even though the price sensitive category of non-AC buses or intra-city bus ticketing is still predominantly offline based. Intra-city bus travel is still predominantly served by State Transport Units (STUs) which offers great scope for private sector involvement.

Intra-city bus services are witnessing a plethora of value-added services like live bus tracking and digital ticketing being offered in city buses. A primary survey conducted among bus travellers across eight cities revealed significant interest and uptake for online ticketing and value-added services.

Even though many users still are not using online ticketing simply as a continuation of old habits, there is a great interest for online services provided they offer certain features like details on seat availability and reservation, low costs, discounts and multiple options at specific price ranges.

As regards Indian railways, the revenue contribution of reserved passengers stands at 70%, which corresponds to only 12% passengers carried in terms of volume, whereas 88% unreserved passengers contributed to only 30% of the revenue to the Indian railways.

Online ticketing is Indian railways is still restricted for most private players, driven primarily by the online ticketing services run by Indian Railways itself. Nonetheless, the report estimates that reserved ticketing presents significant for OTAs/Agents in coming years.

With unreserved passengers constituting a substantial portion of the total passenger count, collaboration between CRIS and private OTAs emerges as a transformative opportunity. The shift to digital ticketing not only reduces operational burdens for the Indian Railways but also offers private OTAs an avenue to innovate tariff structures and enhance user convenience. This synergy holds the potential to elevate the passenger experience, alleviate infrastructure strain, and foster a symbiotic relationship, yielding efficiency gains for the railway system and expanded market opportunities for the private sector.

“Technology is revolutionising travel, making it easier to use than ever before. Chalo is thrilled to support the publication of the Travel Tech report. I’m confident that it will spark meaningful conversations and shape positive policies that will ensure that we leverage technology in the best possible way to make city bus travel better,” said Dhruv Chopra Co-founder and CMO, Chalo, speaking at the launching of the report at the India Digital Summit 2024 on February 28.

Commenting on the launch of the report Aloke Bajpai, Chairman, Managing Director and Group CEO, ixigo said “Railways and buses are revolutionizing the ground transport segment in India. With infrastructure development, increased internet penetration, modernization and improvement in service quality with OTA-driven tech upgrades, this segment is poised for further growth. By leveraging technology, OTAs are empowering travelers to make smarter travel decisions, and are playing a leading role in driving online adoption in the ground travel sector.”

“The next evolution of travel tech will happen as we unlock the full potential of OTAs in the ground transport business. That’s the key message from the IAMAI Travel Tech report. It is important to remove tax disparities between e-commerce operators and e-commerce suppliers in the domestic market. Currently, a customer pays a 5% GST charge when booking a non-AC bus through an e-commerce platform. This charge is zero for a direct booking from a bus operator, irrespective of whether it is done in online or offline mode,” said, Prakash Sangam, CEO, Redbus

Addressing the same session Vikash Jalan, Chief Business Officer, PayTM Travel, commented, “The new IAMAI Travel Tech Report explores the role of technology in shaping India’s travel landscape, highlighting the impact of OTAs on ground transportation and calling for collaboration to bridge the digital divide and unlock the full potential of travel technology.”

Mumbai, Feb. 29, 2024 – Flourish Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm with purpose, today announced new hires and promotions, adding capabilities to its global investment team.

Investment leaders — Harsh Gupta in India and Diana Narváez in Brazil —were promoted to Principals while the fintech-focused venture firm hired 5 team members in 2023.

“In India, Harsh takes on leadership of our portfolio, where he is a trusted counselor for a broad network of innovators, sharing his keen sense of valuations and new markets. Meanwhile, Diana has a hands-on sense of building successful startups in Latin America. Having lived in Colombia, Brazil and Mexico, she is deeply connected to Flourish’s mission and can operate independently to build our presence across the region,” said Flourish Co-Founder and Managing Partner Arjuna Costa. “We are very fortune to have them on our team.”

The expanded roles for Gupta and Narváez, along with the firm’s recent hires, provide additional support to early-stage mission-driven founders in the five continents where Flourish invests. The firm’s global portfolio includes more than 70 companies working toward building a fair financial system.

Flourish also expanded its global presence onboarding investment analyst Jana Ahmed Aboughaly in Africa senior investment analysts Matt Kelly and Crystal Sun in the U.S., and two global operations team members, Charlee Brady, people operations associate and Garrett Chiem, senior associate. Their talents add to the firm’s breadth of expertise in key areas.

Noida and Ludhiana, 29th February 2024: Radisson Blu MBD Hotel, a leading hospitality chain in India, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Himanshu Rathee as the Cluster Director of Revenue for both Radisson Blu MBD Hotel, Noida and Radisson Blu MBD Hotel, Ludhiana.

Himanshu boasts 20 years of expertise in the Hotel Revenue Industry. He commenced his professional journey at The Oberoi, Bangalore, and have worked in India and the Middle East with brands such as Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, Radisson MBD Hotel, Noida, The Lalit Suri Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, The Grand & Azaya Beach Resort Goa, Pullman & Novotel Aero city and Renest Hotels & Resorts.

Himanshu’s career has been marked by a consistent display of outstanding proficiency in revenue management, pricing strategy, distribution channels, and market analysis. With a track record of consistently driving revenue growth and surpassing targets, he brings invaluable expertise to the Radisson Blu MBD Hotels team.

He holds a Diploma in Hotel Management, a Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management, a Post Graduate Certificate in Hotel Management Systems, and is certified in Hotel Revenue Management. He is known for his strategic thinking, analytical skills, leadership qualities, and smart strategies to outperform in revenue target of the hotel.

In his free time, he finds joy in riding motorcycles, playing tennis, solving sudoku, reading, and listening to music. He cherishes family time with his parents residing in Panchkula; his wife is working with Marriott International, and they are blessed with an 11-year-old son.

Enthusiastically embracing his new role, Himanshu expresses, “I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Radisson Blu MBD Hotel. With recent Crisil Ratings projecting an 11-13% revenue growth in FY25 for the hospitality industry, we anticipate a promising trajectory ahead. We are poised to capitalize on this momentum, prioritizing guest satisfaction as our paramount objective. Leveraging technology and sustainability as our focal points, we at Radisson Blu MBD Hotel are committed to enhancing not only revenue streams but also the overall guest experience across all our properties”

Bengaluru, 29th February 2024: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a leading Fortune 500 Maharatna Energy Conglomerate, is pleased to introduce Olympic and World Javelin Champion Neeraj Chopra as the brand ambassador for their Premium Petrol ‘Speed’.

Neeraj Chopra, with his stellar achievements in athletics, epitomizes the essence of winning, performance, and success. His role model status, exceptional journey and unparalleled accomplishments align seamlessly with the ethos of ‘Speed’, making him the perfect embodiment of the brand’s values.

Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “‘Speed’, the hi-performance petrol from Bharat Petroleum personifies peak performance and the thrill of staying ahead each time, every time. Now with bespoke friction modifier technology, your drive fueled by ‘Speed’– not just petrol, is much smoother, delivering accelerated mileage and ensuring peak engine performance. “

We are happy to have Neeraj Chopra, the epitome of performance, efficiency and consistency, embodying the soaring spirit of the aspirational Indian as our brand ambassador for ‘Speed’”.

Echoing similar sentiments, Shri Sukhmal Jain, Director (Marketing), BPCL, emphasized the transformative power of sports and the significance of Neeraj Chopra’s association with Speed. “Sports have always been a catalyst for convergence and inspiration. Neeraj Chopra’s winning spirit and dedication to excellence resonate perfectly with the attributes of ‘Speed’, our next-generation high-performance petrol. Neeraj’s partnership with ‘Speed’ will undoubtedly inspire customers to strive for greatness”.

This collaboration with Neeraj Chopra follows BPCL’s successful alliance with cricketing legend Rahul Dravid, who serves as the brand ambassador for the company’s ‘Pure for Sure’ initiative and range of ‘MAK lubricants’. The association with sports personalities like Neeraj Chopra and legendary Rahul Dravid underscores BPCL’s commitment to quality, authenticity, excellence and trustworthiness.

With a heritage steeped in upholding integrity and bringing innovative solutions, BPCL has consistently distinguished itself as an industry leader. Amidst the dynamic landscape of competition, the company’s steadfast commitment to these values has consistently set it apart. The introduction of Neeraj Chopra as the face of their premium petrol ‘Speed’, reaffirms this commitment, reflecting a shared ethos of maintaining the highest standards of performance and reliability.

27th February 2024, Bengaluru: The British Columbia (B.C.) provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII India), popularly known as Canadian Wood, participated in India Wood 2024, the 13th edition of Asia’s leading international trade fair for the woodworking and furniture manufacturing industry. The exclusive event, which took place from 22nd – 26th February 2024 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), garnered immense success as it attracted renowned industry experts, architects and visionaries from all over the world to participate in it.

Canadian Woods’ stall at the recently concluded fair spanned an impressive 130 sqm and offered a unique and immersive experience for visitors. The exhibition featured a diverse range of timber applications, displaying the versatility and sustainability of responsibly sourced wood in various settings. It presented a meticulously designed model of a high-end luxury hotel room suite with an outdoor balcony. The layout was crafted by renowned architect Gurpreet Singh from Aakar Design Consultants in collaboration with renowned wood manufacturers such as Mas Furniture and Bram Woodcrafting from Mysuru, Josmo Studio from Goa and few products of FJEG boards were made by Colonial Lumbers, Kannur to demonstrate the quality and craftsmanship of their furniture achievable with Canadian Wood species.

The high-end luxury hotel room suite model showcased the seamless integration of the brand’s timber in various applications, including bedroom and living room furniture, doors and doorframes, windows, panelling, timber screens, sliding windows, bar units, and outdoor furniture. Two lumber companies from Canada – Sundher Group and LumberX Resources – were also part of the exhibition, further strengthening the global collaboration and supply for the timber industry in India.

Talking about the experience, Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood, “”At Canadian Wood, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond borders. Anything under the Canadian Wood umbrella is not just legally harvested and certified; it’s a testament to our dedication to environmentally friendly practices, as we source from sustainably managed forests, ensuring a renewable raw material. Our participation in India Wood is not just about showcasing products; it’s a strategic move to connect with our target audience, facilitating a bridge between buyers and sellers. We collaborate with top-line manufacturers in India, educating them on our five unique wood species suitable for various applications. The exclusivity lies in Canada’s possession of four softwood species found nowhere else in the world—Western Hemlock, Douglas-Fir, Yellow Cedar, Spruce-Pine-Fir, and Western Red Cedar. From the naturally resistant outdoor applications of the cedars to the elegant interiors crafted from Western Hemlock and Douglas-Fir, Canadian Wood stands as a global beacon for quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.”

Shabbir & Alifiya Vagh from Masfurniture says, “We’ve been collaborating with Canadian Wood for many years, dating back to the inception of FII in India. We’ve utilized various formats, including solid wood, laminated wood, edge-glued wood, and finger-jointed wood, across different timber types like Western Hemlock, Spruce-Pine-Fir, Yellow Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Red Cedar for exterior applications. Each wood type demonstrates excellent workability, and we’ve gained a deep understanding of their unique attributes for various purposes. In our display at India Wood, the Hemlock stands out for its exceptional staining capabilities and workability. Contrary to common misconceptions about softwoods, we’ve successfully furnished an entire hotel room with it, and the positive reception indicates its well-appreciated quality. Our experience with Canadian Wood has been exceptional, and we are pleased with the results.”

Tony Kordolia from JOSMO says, “Our team’s latest masterpiece: a beach-inspired bar cabinet was a great success at #IndiaWood2024. Crafted with precision using premium Canadian timber, this bar exudes a distinct beachy feel, capturing the essence of relaxation and style. The impeccable grain design of the Douglas Fir elevates its uniqueness, turning it into a true work of art. Strengthening the structure is our innovative use of cross-lamination, showcasing not only aesthetic brilliance but also structural integrity. When it comes to reliable wood quality, Canadian Wood is undoubtedly our go-to name, ensuring that every detail of this bar cabinet reflects excellence and craftsmanship.”

Bram from Bram Woodcrafting Studio says “As a woodworker with two decades of craftsmanship, wood is not just my profession but my lifelong passion. Growing up in France, I developed a deep connection with woodworking, and now, teaching this art is my way of giving back. In India, where the vocation of woodworkers is not widely known, we have found immense fulfilment. Wood, to me, is more than a material; it’s a source of endless inspiration and earthy warmth in interior spaces. The response at India Wood has been truly rewarding, especially through collaborations with Mass Furniture and Canadian Wood. Across four collaborations with Canadian Wood, we’ve explored different species, and the standout Yellow Cedar, for instance, has proven excellent for crafting windows. Canadian Wood’s high-quality species facilitate timeless designs, making each creation an ode to the beauty and versatility of wood.”

Top of Form

Canadian Wood also participated in the Wood in Architecture & Design Conference (WAD 2024), a parallel event at the five-day trade fair, which also included a discussion on the topic of ‘Harvesting Hope: Pioneering Sustainable Future through Timber Construction’. One of the panel speakers at the discussion also featured Mr Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood. He contributed with valuable insights and perspectives, emphasising Canadian Woods’ commitment to sustainable practices in the timber industry.

The brand made a significant impact at the Wood in Architecture & Design Conference (WAD 2024), where crucial aspects of the timber industry were brought to light. The conference delved into the global wood trade, emphasizing that wood is the most traded natural resource, but a staggering 10 to 30% of this trade is illegal. The discussions also highlighted the pivotal role wood can play in helping India achieve its COP26 commitments, emphasizing the importance of legally harvested and certified wood for a sustainable future. Myth-busting sessions addressed misconceptions surrounding sustainability, revealing the untapped potential within the industry. Despite the substantial annual import of about 7 million cubic meters of wood to India, there remains a large cross-section of individuals unaware of the opportunities in this sector. Notably, the conference shed light on the significant growth in the import of softwood from Canada over the past decade, showcasing the expanding market for Canadian timber. Through platforms like WAD 2024, Canadian Wood aims to raise awareness and reach out to a broader audience, fostering a greater understanding of the industry’s potential and sustainability practices.

Canadian Wood was at the centre of all activities at the exhibition, which gave them an opportunity to engage with industry professionals, showcase their innovative timber solutions, and contribute to the discourse on sustainable timber construction at India Wood 2024.

FII largely promotes five wood species in India that are sourced from the sustainably managed forests of B.C., Canada. These five species, namely Douglas, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF), are recommended for different applications. They are available in 23 cities across India through a strong network of 40+ stockists.

27th, Feb 2024: As a part of Health Care initiatives of Honda India Foundation, a “Health Mela” was recently organised in collaboration with Impact Guru Foundation, Rotary International, District Administration and Deepalaya NGO. It was a significant leap in Honda India Foundation’s dedication to societal assistance by empowering the populace. This social impact endeavour was organised in the Mokalwas Village of Manesar, Haryana.

The “Health Mela” witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Vinay Dhingra (Trustee, Honda India Foundation) and Shri Katsuyuki Ozawa (Trustee, Honda India Foundation) who interacted with the local audience. The other dignitaries to the event included Shri Mahesh Kumar (Village Sarpanch, Mokalwas), Shri Vikas Poonia (District Manager, CSC), Sandeep Gupta (Chief Medical Officer at Primary Health Centre, Kasan) Shri Narendra Singh (Principal, Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Mokalwas) and Shri Jitender Dhillon (District Social Welfare Officer). The event was an amalgamation of core activities including Health Camps, Eye Check-up camp, Blood Donation Drives, Basic Medical Screening, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Govt. schemes like Aadhar, Family ID, Ayushman card, Correction and Updation.

Th state of healthcare in Mokalwas village like many rural areas in India faces significant challenges and disparities. One of the primary concerns is the lack of healthcare facilities within proximity to the village. Mokalwas faces absence of primary health care centres forcing residents to travel long distances to access medical services. To address these obstacles, Honda India Foundation (HIF) took the inaugural move. HIF, keeping basic health care as a priority has already been running Mobile Medical Units (MMU’s) in Manesar and has also established a Health Centre at Naurangpur that provides basic OPD services. Taking a step forward in this aspect to ensure doorstep delivery of basic facilities and amenities, it organised the Health Mela that brought essential medical services and information directly to the community, thus making healthcare more accessible to villagers who faced barriers in accessing traditional healthcare settings.

The Health Mela saw active involvement from over 1000 plus beneficiaries throughout the various events of the day. Many villagers were given fundamental medical assistance such as blood-pressure checks, cholesterol tests and Glucose Monitoring and were made aware about various communicable and non-communicable diseases, their early detection and prevention. The blood donation camp witnessed a remarkable turnout of generous donors, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and compassion.

The Mela also laid emphasis on bringing behavioural change among citizens by raising awareness about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene through Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Awareness. It highlighted the prevention of open defecation and accentuation of proper waste management. Another remarkable feature of the mela was assisting villagers with Aadhar card updation and correction which is highly essential in availing banking services, health care facilities and other social welfare schemes.

Honda’s corporate philosophy is founded on the fundamental principles of “Respect for the Individual” and the “Three Joys” to support Honda’s universal passion: to improve the quality of people’s daily lives. The Health Mela aligns with Honda’s fundamental principles and harmonises its long-term mission of becoming a ‘Company that Society wants to Exist’.