Connect with us

Technology

IHC-IIHM International Hospitality Day Awards celebrates the Glamorous Hospitality Industry of Mumbai

Published

on

MUMBAI, India, July 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Mumbai chapter of IHC-IIHM International Hospitality Day celebrations was held on July 1st at a glamorous ceremony organised at the Aurika Mumbai SkyCity by International Hospitality Council UK and International Institute of Hotel Management. Glamour city’s well known and celebrated hospitality personalities were present at the occasion, many of whose contributions to the industry were acknowledged appreciated by the IHC-IIHM awards.

The Mumbai chapter of the award ceremony was indeed special as there were a number of special categories introduced specially for this city’s glittering and glamorous hospitality fraternity. “It’s a special feeling to be able to celebrate IHC-IIHM Hospitality Day at Mumbai, the city of grandeur and glamour. We are honoured to be able to felicitate some of the iconic hospitality personalities of the city on this occasion,” said Dr Suborno Bose, Founder and Chairman IIHM and Chairman IHC.

Prof David Foskett OBE, the legendary hospitality educator and author, praised the Indian Hospitality industry and said, “Today, we celebrate success. We celebrate the Champions of our industry, who work so hard to promote this industry and to create employment and hope for young people.”

Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, congratulated IHC and IIHM for this endeavour by saying that, “IIHM has become an organization that selectively decides what Hospitality is going to look like in the next five years. I see IIHM becoming a core institution in leading the hospitality conversation in the country.”

Padmashri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Mr Nakul Anand, Chairman, IIHM Young Chef Olympiad Global Advisory Council, in a joint statement added the great news that IIHM Young Chef Olympiad, India Qualifiers are opening their doors to the all the Indian students of Hotel Management thereby making it a bigger than ever before. The winner of the Qualifiers will represent India at the International Young Chef Olympiad, the biggest culinary olympiad for culinary students.

The awards list is exhaustive but each person is worth mentioning. They were as follows:

The IHC London and IIHM Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 went to:

Chef Anton Mosimann, Swiss chef and former Maitre de Chef at The Dorchester, London.
Danny Pecorelli, MD of The Exclusive Collection
Patu Keswani, MD, Lemon Tree Hotels
Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International
Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Sanjay Sethi, MD and CEO, Chalet Hotels.

Both Mr Bhatnagar and Mr Sethi were bullish about the current trends of the Hospitality industry.

Mr Anuraag Bhatnagar during his acceptance speech said, “Thank you so much for acknowledging the achievement and the learnings so far. The next couple of decades are the best time in Hospitality Business. It can only be fuelled by the passionate aspiring youngsters who want to make Hospitality a part of their lives and we owe it to them to ensure that we pave the way for their success.”

Mr Sanjay Sethi, thanked IHC and IIHM and said, “The Hospitality industry is now break form a stride into a run. The visible future for the industry, especially for the young people is very bright.”

The next category of awards was the IHC London and IIHM Inspirational Hospitality Leaders of 2024. The awardees were:

Nikhil Sharma, MD and Senior VP, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group
Jaideep Dang, MD, Hotels and Hospitality Group, JLL
Jatin Khanna, CEO, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts
Chef Rahul Akerkar, Creative and Culinary Director Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality
Deep Kalra, Chairman, MakeMy Trip
Rohit Khattar, Founder Chairman ,Old World Hospitality

Many hoteliers were acknowledged for their exceptional contribution to the hospitality industry. They were presented the IHC London and IIHM Outstanding Achievement and Contribution to the Hospitality Industry 2024:

Manish Dayya, GM, Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Harkaran Singh-GM, Aurika Mumbai SkyCity
Sunil Narang-GM, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
Puneet Narula-Business Head, Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai, RIL
Varun Chhibber, GM, St Regis Mumbai
Dietmar Kielnhofer, Area Vice President and General Manager Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel and Residences
Sameer Sud, GM, Leela Mumbai.
Bhagwan Balani, GM, ITC Maratha, Mumbai
Nikita Ramchandani, Multi-Property VP Marriott International, Mumbai Market
Chandrashekhar S Jaiswal, GM, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation
Mehrnavaz Avari – Area Director, Taj UK
Rajiv Kapoor – GM, Fairmont Mumbai
Sumeet Suri – GM, The Westin Mumbai Garden City
Vikas Singh – Executive Chef, The Westin Mumbai Garden City
Subhabrata Roy – General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai
Ajeesh Gopalan, Station Manager, Air India Express
Afzal Khan, GM, President – IHCL SeleQtions, Mumbai
Kuncheria Thomas, Director – Touracle, Hon Secretary, Skal Asia
Sagar Dighe, Director & CEO, SATS Food Solutions India Pvt. Ltd

Women achievers have a special place in the IHD awards list and Mumbai was not behind. The IHC London and IIHM Women Achievers in Hospitality 2024 went to:

Krishani Nitan Chhatwal, Director/Board Member, Shrem Infrastructure Pvt Ltd
Sonakshi Yajurvedi, Senior Area PR Manager, Radisson Hotel Group – South Asia
Reema Singh, Director Communications- India Hilton
Divya Agha, GM, Marketing Fortune Park Hotels Ltd
Rakhee Lalvani, Founder, Rla And Consultant, IHCL For Diversity and Inclusion
Reema Diwan, VP – Design and Technical Services, India and South Asia, Accor Hotels
⁠Durba Datta, Multi-Property Director of Housekeeping at The Westin Powai Lake and Marriott Executive Apartments
Manisha Bhasin, Corporate Chef, ITC Ltd – Hotels Division
Gunjan Bisarya, Head – Housekeeper, ITC Ltd – Hotels Division

Some of the other special categories included IHC London and IIHM Outstanding Hospitality Influencer Award 2024 that went to Divia Thani, Editor, Condé Nast Traveller India and Kalyan Karmakar– Food Blogger and Influencer

New talent and hard working individuals were appreciated by the IHC London and IIHM Rising Star of 2024. They were:

Siddhant Santosh Dhuwali, Owner & Founder Di Mora Pune, Baglami Bombay, La Cena Thane
Rickey Bhardwaj, Junior Sous Chef, JW Marriott Juhu, Mumbai
Aditya Bhagat, Assistant Relationship Manager, National Accounts-Sales and Marketing, IHCL
Digvijay Singh, Holistic Fitness and Wellness coach

The IHC London and IIHM Hospitality for a Cause 2024 award went to the Saksham Project to support SOS Children’s Villages of India, EIH Ltd and EIH Associated Hotels Ltd. A special award IHC London and IIHM Outstanding Contribution to the development of Tourism 2024 Award went to Jayashree Bhoj, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Government of Maharashtra, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department.

Finally, the IHC London and IIHM International Hospitality Day Special Jury Award went to Shafquat Ali, Publisher, Hospitality Horizon magazine & Curator, Food Food TV Awards and Bibhor Srivastava, MD, Events, ITP Media India.

The IHC-IIHM Honours List recognized the organizations from Mumbai who have excelled at the Art of hospitality and made guest have treasured experiences.

The event also boasted of the Best personalities awards which recognized the members of Hospitality community, who have personified hospitality as an attitude and not just a profession.

The International Hospitality Day by IHC and IIHM celebrates Hospitality as character and inspires the young members of this extremely dynamic industry to embark on a journey of service and hospitality excellence.

About IIHM

IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) is one of the largest chain of premier hospitality and hotel management schools across India that started its journey in 1994 at Kolkata. IIHM is a part of Indismart Group, the conglomerate that operates the Indismart Hotels. IIHM campuses are located across eleven National and International cities with the associate institute IAM-IHM located in Kolkata, and Guwahati. Students passing out of IIHM are armed with an international degree from the University of West London and equipped with global hospitality skills that enable easy placements in any hospitality brand across the world. IIHM is dedicated to its pursuit of excellence in teaching and placements. Real time experience is the key to success in hospitality and that makes the institute popular. In recent years, IIHM has been instrumental in organizing the Worlds biggest Culinary Olympiad Young Chef Olympiad, with participation of over 50 countries, a unique idea and initiative inviting young culinary talents across the world. It has MoU’s with over 50 countries for student and faculty exchange bringing the best of education for its students from around the World. 

The institute has bagged several prestigious awards in the past 24 years. The list includes the Best Education Brand Award from Economic Times consecutively 7 years in a row in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, Most Valuable Global Hospitality Education Brand 2023 by Zee, Institute of Excellence in Domestic and International placement by TV9 Bangla and Excellence in Academics at Institutional Infrastructure by Times Excellence Awards. Best Placement Institute by ASSOCHAM 2021 & Educational Excellence Award by ASSOCHAM 2023  It was also featured in Forbes Magazine as Great Indian Institute and Great Place to Study consecutively in the year 2018 – 2019 and 2019 – 2020. IIHM was also awarded as one among the World’s Greatest Brands & Leaders 2015-16 by URS International (IMEA – Process Reviewer PriceWaterhouseCoopers PL) and also received the Best Institute in Hospitality Education 2017 Award by ASSOCHAM from Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon’ble Minister of State for HRD (Higher Education), Govt. of India.

Please visit for more information: www.iihm.ac.in

Media Contact:
Mr. Abdullah Ahmed, 011-43204700, Abdullah.ahmed@iihm.ac.in

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2454186/IHC_IIHM_International_Hospitality_Day_Awards.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256068/4796156/IIHM_Logo.jpg

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/ihc-iihm-international-hospitality-day-awards-celebrates-the-glamorous-hospitality-industry-of-mumbai-302189588.html

Continue Reading

Technology

ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

on

By

Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

Continue Reading

Technology

ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

on

By

Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

Continue Reading

Technology

Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

Published

on

By

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-security–technology-summit-unveils-month-long-program-of-activities-ahead-of-december-event-302918695.html

Continue Reading

Trending