Tuesday, March 10, 2026

GeeVees 2026 By Godrej Celebrates India’s Most Influential Voices In Architecture And Interior Design


The 5th edition witnessed 2100+ architects and designers’ part of the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club (GVCC)

Godrej Enterprises Group, through its Locks and Architectural Solutions business, successfully hosted the fifth edition of the GeeVees Awards 2026 in Goa on 7th March 2026. The prestigious event brought together India’s leading architects, interior designers, and industry influencers to celebrate excellence, innovation and sustainability in architecture and design.

Organised under the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club (GVCC), the awards honoured exceptional projects completed between January and December 2025 across 15 categories, spanning across residential, commercial, hospitality, institutional and specialised design segments.

This year, the GeeVees Awards received an overwhelming response with entries from across the country, underscoring the industry’s sharpened focus on innovation, sustainability and user-centric design. Winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process led by an eminent jury panel comprising of celebrated architects and design experts, including Ar. Vivek Singh Rathore, Ar. Hartmut, Ar. Yatin Patel, Ar. Saurabh Chandra, Ar. Rahul Sathe, and Ar. Charanjit Singh Shah, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Company Spokesperson said: “The 5th edition of the GeeVees marks a significant milestone in our journey of celebrating and shaping India’s design future. Each year, GeeVees has evolved into a powerful industry platform, and this edition—guided by the theme of innovation, sustainability and purposeful design—has truly raised the bar. We witnessed exceptional participation and outstanding projects that demonstrate fresh thinking, responsible material choices and a deep understanding of how thoughtfully designed spaces can elevate human experience. At Godrej Enterprises Group, we remain committed to empowering India’s architecture and design community. Through the GeeVees, we aim to foster collaboration, recognise excellence and champion design-led thinking that contributes to creating safer, smarter and more meaningful spaces for the future.”

The awards ceremony convened leading members of the architecture and design fraternity, emerging professionals and industry partners, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and future-ready design dialogue. Winners were felicitated for their role in shaping safer, smarter, and more sustainable environments, and will receive national visibility across Godrej Enterprises Group platforms and partner media networks.

Since its inception in 2021, the GeeVees Awards has steadily grown into a prestigious industry benchmark, bringing together architects and designers from across India under one platform. As part of the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club, the initiative continues to strengthen industry engagement while encouraging innovation, responsible design practices, and knowledge exchange.

Winners of GeeVees Awards 2026:

1. Compartment S4 - Category: Architecture → Public & Institutional Building

2. Milana Maladkar & Arvind Jaggnathan - Category: Architecture & Interior → Educational

3. Shreya Sanghavi & Vipul Sanghvi - Category: Architecture & Interior → Safest Projects

4. Manoj Patel - Category: Architecture & Interior → Commercial Projects in Towns (Population under 1 Lac)

5. Prachi Parekh Vora & Vineet J. Vora - Category: Architecture & Interior → Residential Projects in Towns (Population under 1 Lac)

6. Ronak Mukesh Patel - Category: Architecture & Interior → Multi-Unit Housing

7. Omkar Waingankar - Category: Architecture & Interior → Healthcare

8. Manish Banker - Category: Architecture & Interior → Hospitality Projects (More than 50 Rooms)

9. Shravan Pradeep & Megha Nanaiah - Category: Architecture → Residential Villa & Bungalow

10. Sneha Ostawal - Category: Interior Design → Commercial Projects (Above 3000 Sq.ft.)

11. Deepika Sethi - Category: Architecture & Interior → Hospitality Projects (Less than 50 Rooms)

12. Bijoy Ramachandran & Sunitha Kondur - Category: Interior Design → Residential Apartment / Villa / Bungalow (Above 3000 Sq.ft.)

13. Pranvi Jain & Dhruv DV - Category: Interior Design → Commercial Projects (Less than 3000 Sq.ft.)

14. Kopal Trivedi - Category: Interior Design → Residential Apartment / Villa / Bungalow (Less than 3000 Sq.ft.)

15. Malavika Mahesh & Rahul Kumar - Category: Interior Design → Residential Apartment / Villa / Bungalow (Less than 3000 Sq.ft.)

About the brand:

Locks and Architectural Solutions, a part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has consistently set industry standa­­rds in the field of locks through continuous innovation, introducing products such as India's first 'Made in India' digital lock, cutting-edge postmodern biometric and connected digital locks and even a lock with the 1st patented dual motion technology in the world. Godrej has made significant strides in delivering excellent smart locking solutions, transforming the perception of a locks & Architectural solutions from a mere functional device to an effective home safety solution. The brand expanded its offerings by introducing architectural solutions, showcasing a true pioneering spirit in product development.

Photo Caption: Jury details: Ar. Vivek Singh Rathore (Salient, Kolkata), Ar. Hartmut (Blocher, Ahmedabad), Ar. Yatin Patel (DSP Design Associates, Mumbai), Ar. Saurabh Chandra (DDF Consultants, Delhi), Ar. Rahul Sathe (CCBA, Pune) and Ar. Charanjit Singh Shah (Creative Group, Delhi).

1,015 Indian Students Graduate As Doctors From Philippines’ Davao Medical School Foundation


In one of the largest graduating cohorts of Indian medical students from a single overseas medical institution in recent years, 1,015 Indian-origin students were awarded Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees at the 25th International Medical Doctors Graduation Ceremony of Davao Medical School Foundation Inc. (DMSF) held in Davao City.

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree awarded by DMSF is equivalent to the MBBS degree in India, marking one of the largest cohorts of Indian students graduating from an overseas medical institution in recent years.

Over the years, the Davao Medical School Foundation has emerged as a prominent destination for Indian students seeking medical education abroad. Nearly 12,000 Indian students have graduated from the institution, with many now practicing medicine across India and internationally.

Students graduating this year represent a diverse cross-section of India, with aspiring doctors travelling from across the country to pursue their medical education at DMSF, reflecting the institution’s growing appeal among Indian medical aspirants.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. David Pillai, CEO and Founding Chairman, Transworld Educare, said: “This graduation ceremony marks a proud milestone for the students, their families and the broader ecosystem supporting Indian students pursuing medical education overseas. The Philippines has long been a trusted destination for Indian medical aspirants due to its strong academic standards, English-medium instruction and globally recognised medical training.

Seeing over a thousand Indian students graduate from Davao Medical School Foundation this year reflects the growing aspirations of Indian students seeking quality global medical education and their commitment to strengthening healthcare systems in India and worldwide.”

DMSF has also built a strong academic reputation for its graduates’ performance in the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) — the qualifying examination required for overseas medical graduates seeking to practice medicine in India. Over the past decade, DMSF graduates have consistently featured among top FMGE rankers, reflecting the institution’s robust academic and clinical training.

The Philippines has emerged as an important destination for Indian students pursuing medical education abroad due to several key factors:

• English-medium medical education, making it accessible for Indian students

• Strong clinical exposure and hospital-based training

• Established Indian student community across several medical institutions

• Relatively affordable education compared to many global destinations

The growing presence of Indian students in Philippine medical universities reflects the strengthening academic engagement between India and the Philippines, particularly in the field of medical education.

Erwin Rommel N. Hontiveros, OIC Dean of Colleges, Davao Medical School Foundation said: "For decades, Davao Medical School Foundation has welcomed Indian students and supported them throughout their journey to becoming skilled medical professionals. The achievements of our graduates, including their performance in the FMGE examination, reflect the strong academic and clinical training provided by the institution."

The graduation ceremony brought together academic leaders, faculty members, graduating students and their families, celebrating the achievements of Indian medical aspirants and highlighting the growing educational collaboration between India and the Philippines.

Deepak Gupta Appointed As The New Chairman - Mahanagar Gas Limited


Mr. Deepak Gupta has been appointed as Director on the Board and elected as Chairman of Mahanagar Gas Limited effective from 01 March 2026.

Mr. Deepak Gupta is the Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL (India) Limited. He is a Mechanical Engineer from Delhi College of Engineering with over 35 years of deep and diverse experience across the oil and gas value chain. He brings a comprehensive blend of technical, strategic and board level leadership. His areas of experience and expertise include project and construction management, contracts and global procurement, technology selection, business development, and operations and maintenance.

He joined GAIL (India) Limited as Director (Projects) in February 2022 and has since been leading several high impact initiatives, including natural gas and LPG pipelines, gas processing units, critical SCADA infrastructure and green energy projects aligned to achieve Net-Zero goals, setting national benchmark for Clean Energy adoption. He also oversees operations and maintenance of a network of over 20,000 km of natural gas and LPG pipelines, compressor stations and process plants. Under his leadership, the Dabhol Breakwater Project of Konkan LNG Limited (a subsidiary of GAIL) was successfully completed, enabling all weather operations. He has also pioneered digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and transparency in business.

Mr. Gupta has served as Chairman of Talcher Fertilizers Limited and as Director of ONGC Petro­additions Limited, and South-East Asia Gas Pipeline Company Limited. He was previously associated as Chairman with Green Gas Limited and Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited, where he contributed to strategic planning, corporate governance and stakeholder alignment. During his long tenure at Engineers India Limited, Mr. Gupta led several landmark projects, including the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex in Nigeria, HM El's mega petrochemical complex at Bathinda, GAIL's petrochemical expansion at Pata. He was also instrumental in Mongolia's first greenfield refinery project, helping strengthen India's global energy diplomacy.

A thought leader and a prolific writer, he has authored technical papers on project execution and digital transformation. His ideas on project acceleration, digitisation and excellence have been institutionalised as best practices.

In addition to his new role with MGL, Mr. Deepak Gupta also serves as a Director on the Boards of GAIL (India) Limited, Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited, GAIL Gas Limited and Petronet LNG Limited.

Monday, March 9, 2026

Marriott International APAC Excluding China Launches Artisan Award Across Food & Beverage And Culinary


* , Debuting With A Special Edition Honoring Women In F&B And Culinary

Marriott International in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) today unveiled the Artisan Award, a new merit-based recognition platform designed to celebrate exceptional talent across Food & Beverage (F&B) and Culinary.

Launched in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, the inaugural edition honors women in Marriott who are shaping the future of hospitality through creativity, leadership, and measurable business impact.

Across Marriott’s APEC portfolio, women represent 40% of the growing force in F&B and Culinary, across kitchens, bars, restaurants, and operations. The Artisan Award creates a regional spotlight to share their stories, elevating their influence beyond their individual properties and onto a broader stage.

The debut edition received close to 100 nominations from properties across the region, reflecting both the depth of talent within Marriott’s F&B community and the pride properties have in celebrating these individuals. Each winner was selected through a rigorous, merit-based evaluation process, recognizing individuals who delivered clear commercial, operational, and guest experience results.

Five inaugural winners were recognized in Bangkok during Marriott’s Women in Leadership event, reinforcing the company’s continued commitment to advancing opportunities for women at every level of the organization. Together, these recipients reflect the strength of female representation across Marriott’s F&B and Culinary discipline in APEC and the growing influence of women redefining hospitality leadership across the region.

“Our women associates play an invaluable part in driving innovation and performance across our F&B and Culinary disciplines, showing up with passion and purpose. The Artisan Award provides a regional platform to recognize the women who are elevating guest experiences and delivering business and operational results in a highly competitive industry. Launching this award in conjunction with International Women’s Day reflects our ongoing commitment to creating opportunity, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that leadership in hospitality continues to grow more diverse and dynamic,” said Petr Raba, VP of Food & Beverage, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

Celebrating the 2026 Artisan Award Winners

Each of the five winners represents the breadth of Culinary and F&B excellence across front and back of house, from culinary innovation and bar strategy to service leadership and operational performance. While their career journeys differ, they demonstrate tangible impact on business outcomes, team engagement, and guest satisfaction.

Aaira Monica – Restaurant Manager, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, MALAYSIA
Aaira began her hospitality journey in 2014 as a host at Miri Marriott Resort & Spa and progressed through roles across F&B, Culinary, and Engineering operations. Her career spans prestigious luxury and lifestyle properties, including The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur and Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral. She consistently delivers strong revenue results and exceptional guest experience while fostering high performing, engaged teams. A champion of innovation and sustainability, Aaira has also introduced initiatives such as zero-proof wellness beverages and home-grown herbs to minimize waste.

Amrita Biswas – Sous Chef, The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City, INDIA

Chef Amrita brings over 10 years of culinary experience and a passion for blending traditional Indian flavors with contemporary Western techniques. A graduate of Institute of Hotel Management Kolkata, she has worked with leading Indian hospitality brands and joined Marriott International in 2023, playing a key role in launching The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City - Marriott’s first all-women-driven hotel. Known for her innovative, inclusive, and sustainable approach, empowers her team through training and mentorship while creating memorable guest experiences, demonstrating how operational discipline and sustainability can drive both culture and commercial success.

Pakpilai Chianman (Som) – Executive Sous Chef Banquets, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, THAILAND

Chef Som joined Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park in 2018 as a Junior Sous Chef for the Siam Tea Room and has since been integral to the opening of multiple outlets. A classically trained Thai cuisine chef, she brings deep expertise in traditional flavors and modern banquet execution. Known for combining operational excellence with creativity, Chef Som leads large-scale culinary programs that drive both guest engagement and revenue. Her disciplined approach to banquet operations, innovative culinary storytelling, and team leadership demonstrate how artistry and strong financial performance go hand in hand.

Quynh Trang Pham Thi – Lounge Manager, Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection, VIETNAM

Trang holds a hospitality degree and brings seven years of experience from JW Marriott Hanoi and JW Marriott Phu Quoc to Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection. She has transformed The Cloud lounge into a dual experience venue: vibrant coffee moments by day and a modern cocktail destination by night. Known for her thoughtful, approachable leadership, Trang empowers her team of baristas, mixologists, and sommeliers through training, curiosity, and continuous improvement. She drives luxury hospitality with sustainable initiatives - from eco-conscious wines to closed-loop coffee programs, strengthening innovation amongst her team while elevating guest experience.

Sue Sein Chai – B&F Manager, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, SINGAPORE

Susan began her career with Marriott International in 2016 as a trainee at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, where she built a foundation in luxury hospitality. She later honed her commercial and guest engagement skills at W Kuala Lumpur, progressing from B&F Reservations to Assistant Manager of WOOBAR and Venue Manager of FLOCK. Known for her data-driven, hands-on leadership, Susan combines strategic beverage initiatives with disciplined commercial execution. She empowers her team, strengthens brand presence, and creates memorable guest experiences, consistently delivering measurable operational and financial results.

The women-focused debut of the Artisan Award aligns with Marriott’s broader Women in Leadership initiative in APEC, which champions mentorship, development pathways, representation goals, and inclusive workplace practices. Across the region, Marriott continues to strengthen programs that empower women from entry-level roles through executive leadership, ensuring sustained access to opportunity and advancement.

Photo Caption: L-R: Aaira, Chef Amrita, Chef Som, Trang and Susan.

Westin Hotels & Resorts Puts Rest At The Heart Of Travel This World Sleep Day 2026


From Sleep Expert Sessions to Soundbaths Under the Stars, Westin Hotels & Resorts Across the Region Showcase Comprehensive ‘Sleep Well’ Programs Through Culturally Immersive Experiences

As World Sleep Day returns on March 13, 2026, Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands, reaffirms its leadership in sleep and well-being across Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC). Guided by the brand’s Sleep Well pillar, Westin continues to champion rest as a vital foundation for health, performance, and overall wellness - placing sleep at the very heart of the travel experience.

For over a decade, Westin has empowered guests to transcend the rigors of travel while on the road through the brand’s pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, and Move Well. Every Westin sleep experience begins with the brand's iconic Heavenly® Bed, featuring custom-designed mattresses, plush pillows, and luxurious linens that have redefined hotel sleeping standards since their introduction. Complementing the bed are signature sleep-enhancing touchpoints such as the Sleep Well Lavender Balm, infused with calming essential oils to ease tension before rest, and the Sleep Well Menu, offering thoughtfully curated, sleep-supportive superfoods through in-room dining.

"Sleep is not something we treat as a moment in time at Westin Hotels & Resorts," said Cristiano Rinaldi, Chief Lodging Product & Services Officer - Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. "It's a long-term commitment. Our role is to help guests genuinely disconnect, recover, and experience rest in a way that feels intentional and achievable. World Sleep Day is a powerful reminder of why this matters, and how Westin continues to lead with purpose."

This World Sleep Day, as wellness-led travel and sleep tourism continue to grow, Westin hotels across the region are building upon these signature foundations with expert-led programs, cultural wellness practices, and immersive experiences that transform sleep from a nightly necessity into a holistic wellness journey.

World Sleep Day 2026: Immersive Activations Across The Region

At The Westin Manila, a MICHELIN Guide recognized hotel in the region, World Sleep Day anchors the hotel’s first Wellness Weekend from March 13–15, 2026. The three-day program features multi-sensory experiences including Sonic Reset sessions with Dyson Philippines’ OnTrac™ Headphones, sleep infusion turndown rituals on the Heavenly® Bed, and sleep education talks led by Dr. Jimmy Chang of the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine. Guests can also join breathwork and somatic movement sessions, a tea ceremony with meditation guide Valeriya Netesa, floating sound baths by the pool with Karina Dayrit, Qigong classes with MUNI Co-Wellness Recreational Center, guided meditation and yoga with Maxene Magalona, and a community Wellness Market highlighting local brands.

In Australia, The Westin Brisbane presents The Sleep Reset, an afternoon-to-evening wellness experience in collaboration with KAILO designed to help guests unwind and rebalance. The program brings together expert conversations on sleep science, grounding Yin Yoga, guided relaxation, and Eat Well culinary moments crafted to support recovery. Meanwhile, The Westin Melbourne creates interactive engagement through a Heavenly Bed photo wall installation, turning the brand's signature amenity into a shareable social moment.

At The Westin Singapore, an innovative Immersive 9D Breathwork session combines gentle breathwork, hypnotic guidance, and immersive sound therapy to help participants transition into deep rest, while The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok is hosting evening Wind-Down Flow sessions - complimentary for in-house guests on March 13, featuring gentle stretching and breathwork focused on releasing travel tension.

In Malaysia, The Westin Kuala Lumpur invites guests to an immersive evening experience combining meditation and sleep-supportive dining in a cozy, sensory-rich setting. At The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, guests are encouraged to Sleep Well, Live Better through guided wellness meditation sessions, a Pledge Tree experience at the resort lobby, a special one-night beachfront bonfire activation, and thoughtfully curated turndown rituals designed to ease the transition from day to night.

At The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, World Sleep Day is marked with Yoga Nidra - a guided meditation practice designed to bring guests into a deeply restful state between waking and sleeping, sound healing sessions, herbal tea rituals, and extended breakfast hours that honor natural sleep rhythms. The hotel has also curated a Nap Map, guiding guests to tranquil corners of the island - from shaded hammocks and hanging cocoons to secluded coves framed by lush greenery. Each location is thoughtfully chosen to help guests switch off, slow down, and truly reset.

Sleep Rituals Inspired by Place

Beyond World Sleep Day, Westin's Sleep Well philosophy is woven into the fabric of its hotels through destination-inspired rituals that reflect local culture, nature, and tradition.

At The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh, the exclusive "Glow" spa package draws from traditional Vietnamese wellness philosophy focused on pressure points and natural elements. The three-step therapy features natural bamboo body therapy, herbal ball compress, and cupping therapy that revitalizes and refreshes - specially designed for sleep recovery, jet lag, and long travels. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa invites guests to wind down with white tea and traditional secang herbal infusions, complemented by lavender aromatherapy and the natural lullaby of the Andaman Sea - simple, nature-rooted rituals that offer restorative practices guests can easily incorporate into their bedtime routines.

In Indonesia, at The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle rhythm of the sea, the Island Sleep Ritual transforms bedtime into a sensory journey with a restorative massage and the Nirup Scent collection - linen spray, scented candle, and reed diffuser crafted to reflect the peaceful spirit of the island. At The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, the Aspire Massage Ritual at Heavenly Spa gently releases tension, calms the mind, and restores balance - creating the ideal foundation for deeper, more restorative sleep. Through soothing rhythmic strokes, therapeutic essential oils, and mindful breathing, it eases stress and quiets the mind, allowing the body to transition naturally into peaceful, uninterrupted rest. Guests are also invited to "Sleep Like a Local" with a Balinese Nutmeg Chocolate Nightcap – with nutmeg (pala), a native Indonesian spice traditionally valued for its calming properties, infused into warm artisanal chocolate.

In the yoga capital of the world noting that sound healing plays a huge role in restorative sleep, at The Westin Resort and Spa, Himalayas guests can experience enhanced hand pan-led sound healing that amplifies deep rest. The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat honors Bengal's rich cultural heritage through three distinct rituals: the Bengal Botanical Tea Turndown featuring chamomile with holy basil (tulsi) and regional florals; the Rabindra Sangeet Soundscape offering a bedside card with calming verses by Rabindranath Tagore alongside gentle instrumental Bengali music; and the Monsoon Mist Aromatherapy with pillow mist blending vetiver (khus), tulsi, and petrichor-inspired earth notes - evoking the calming scent of the first rainfall on Bengal soil. At The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, chamomile tea, lavender balm, and a Sleep Well Playlist inspired by sea waves, raindrops, and wind combine traditional Indian wellness practices into simple rituals guests can recreate at home.

Leading the Future of Restorative Travel

As wellness continues to redefine what meaningful travel looks like, Westin Hotels & Resorts remains at the forefront of sleep-focused hospitality. This World Sleep Day, the brand reaffirms its commitment to helping guests rest deeply, travel thoughtfully, and wake renewed - setting the standard for restorative travel, wherever their journeys take them.

Beyond sleep, Westin's approach to restorative travel is supported by two other signature pillars - Eat Well and Move Well - reinforcing the brand's belief that well-being is holistic and interconnected. Across the region, guests can enjoy thoughtfully crafted Eat Well menus featuring nourishing, sleep-supportive ingredients, while Move Well experiences from WestinWORKOUT® fitness studios and mindful movement classes to scenic outdoor activities, help travelers maintain healthy routines that naturally support better rest. Together, these pillars work in harmony with Sleep Well, creating an environment where guests can restore balance, energy, and clarity throughout their stay.

For more information on Westin Hotels & Resorts visit www.westin.com.

About Westin® Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts, hospitality’s global leader in wellness for more than a decade, empowers guests to transcend the rigors of travel while on the road through the brand’s pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, and Move Well. At more than 245 hotels and resorts in 45 countries and territories, guests can benefit from distinct wellness experiences including the brand’s iconic and award-winning Heavenly® Bed, signature WestinWORKOUT® offerings such as its 24/7 Fitness Studios, WestinWORKOUT Routes, and its versatile Gear Lending program, delicious and nutritious menu offerings on their Eat Well menu, and more. For more information, please visit www.westin.com and stay connected on X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Westin is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable locations around the world. The award-winning travel program and marketplace gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.  

DGMS, Vedanta & The Workers Union Join Hands At The Tripartite Safety Committee Meeting


Reinforcing commitment to safe mining practices, and proposing effective measures that contribute to a safer working environment in the mines, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka, along with ERM Group and under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) hosted the Tripartite Safety Committee Meeting in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The event is a significant forum for coordination for key stakeholders including representatives from the DGMS, Worker’s Union and the Mine Management of A. Narrain Iron Ore Mines of M/s. Vedanta Limited and John Mines of M/s. R. Praveen Chandra. The primary objective of the Tripartite Safety Committee Meeting is to deliberate on issues pertaining to further improvement of safety in mines and to propose effective methods, and processes that contribute to a safer working environment in mines across the country.

The event was graced by Shri. Saifullah Ansari, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, Southern Zone, Bengaluru, Shri. Saket Bharati, Director of Mines Safety, Bengaluru Region, Bengaluru, Shri. M. Arumugam, Director of Mines Safety (Mechanical), Southern Zone, Bengaluru, Shri. G. Narasimha Rao, Director of Mines Safety (Electrical), Southern Zone, Bengaluru, Shri. Yerikala Balakrishna, Deputy Director of Mines Safety (Mining), Bengaluru Region, Bengaluru, Shri. Ajay Kumar Rathore, Deputy Director of Mines Safety (Electrical), Southern Zone, Bengaluru, Shri. Nitin Kamlakar Raut, Deputy Director of Mines Safety (Mechanical), Southern Zone, Bengaluru, along with Shri. Vinod Kumar, COO-Mining, Vedanta Sesa Goa, Shri. Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta – Iron Ore Karnataka, Vedanta IOK Workers’ Union, along with other Company & Union functionaries.

Shri. Saifullah Ansari, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, Southern Zone, Bengaluru said, “The Tripartite Safety Committee Meeting plays an important role in strengthening the dialogue between regulators, industry, and workforce on critical aspects of mine safety. The prime objective of the meeting is to deliberate on safety performances & progress of implementation of Company’s policies on safety & health and of recommendations of the National Conferences on Safety in Mines. At DGMS, our foremost priority is to ensure strict compliance with safety standards and to foster a culture where the well-being of every individual is non-negotiable.

Addressing the gathering as part of the Welcome Address, Shri. Vinod Kumar, COO-Mining, Vedanta Sesa Goa said, “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, safe & responsible production is at the core of operational philosophy. We prioritise Occupational Safety & Health as a collective responsibility. The Tripartite Safety Committee Meeting has served as a constructive forum to deliberate on safety practices and to reaffirm our collective responsibility towards building a safer and more sustainable mining ecosystem.”

The Directorate General of Mines Safety affirmed its dedication to working closely with all stakeholders to develop and implement policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of miners across the nation.

Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Hosts High-Energy Women Bikers’ Ride


Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru successfully concluded the Women Bikers’ Ride, organised in collaboration with Free Spirits Motorcycling Club, bringing together women riders from across the city to celebrate independence, confidence, and the spirit of riding. The ride saw participation who rode into the venue in a spirited group ride, creating a vibrant and empowering atmosphere.

The event celebrated the passion and determination of 85 women bikers, highlighting their journeys, achievements, and growing presence in the motorcycling community. The evening featured engaging moments including music, interactive activities, and special highlights such as that added to the energy and excitement of the gathering.

With enthusiastic participation from the riders and attendees alike, the Women Bikers’ Ride emerged as a powerful expression of solidarity and empowerment among women riders. The initiative further reinforced Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru’s commitment to hosting inclusive, community-driven experiences that celebrate women’s confidence, individuality, and achievements.

Total Pageviews