Bakul Pednekar, the Director of People and Culture at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, is on a mission to create more than just an excellent place to work, he’s building a workplace where people feel truly heard, valued, and empowered. With over two decades in hospitality, Bakul brings global perspective and local sensitivity to shaping people strategies that go beyond roles and hierarchies.

Under his leadership, Four Seasons isn’t merely positioning itself as a luxury brand but as a people-first organisation where careers are nurtured with intent and care. From tackling pressing industry challenges like talent shortages and rising attrition, to developing skillsets tailored for an increasingly luxury-focused market, Bakul is aligning long-term growth with evolving industry needs.

He’s also made learning a cornerstone, with a dynamic mix of digital modules, classroom sessions, soft skills workshops, and mentoring that not only upskill teams but also instill confidence and curiosity. Initiatives like the lively “Four Teams” programme, where employees compete in everything from wellness activities to culinary contests have added a spirited, collaborative edge to engagement, strengthening bonds across departments.

For Bakul, leadership is inseparable from culture. By embedding empathy into management training, encouraging open dialogue, and fostering psychological safety, he’s ensuring Four Seasons remains a place where people feel respected and inspired to grow.

As he puts it, “We position ourselves not just as a luxury brand, but as a people-first organisation where careers are nurtured with purpose.”

Want more?
Read our full interview with Bakul Pednekar in our website e-magazine to see how Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is creating a future-ready, values-led hospitality workforce and what that means for the industry at large.

Every great dining destination begins with a story and at Nksha, one of South Mumbai’s most celebrated fine-dining addresses, that story is steeped in the timeless elegance of Bombay’s golden era. In a Hospitality News July edition exclusive, we sit down with Pranav Rungta, Co-founder and Director of Nksha, and Vice President of NRAI Mumbai Chapter, who gives us a glimpse into how nostalgia, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality converge to create something unforgettable.

Pranav’s journey in hospitality began in 2007 with Garden of Eden in Pune, but it is through Nksha that his philosophy has truly found form. At its core, Nksha is a tribute not just to a city, but to the soul of Indian hospitality. From Art Deco-inspired interiors to reimagined North Indian classics, Pranav explains how the past and present harmoniously coexist to shape an experience that’s as aesthetically rich as it is emotionally resonant.

He walks us through Nksha’s defining moments, like the success of the thoughtfully curated High Tea menu, which emerged not just from trend-watching, but from keen observation of the city’s shifting rhythms and cultural needs. It's this commitment to relevance that defines Nksha’s innovation rooted in tradition, yet constantly evolving.

Design and cuisine, Pranav shares, are treated not as separate aspects, but as chapters of the same story. From vintage lighting to the crockery on the table, everything at Nksha is about crafting a narrative that guests feel part of one that unfolds with each bite and every glance around.

Beyond the restaurant, Pranav’s influence in the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) allows him to mentor emerging talent and contribute to a growing culture of culinary exploration across India.

As for what lies ahead? Pop-ups, potential expansion, and newer ways to surprise guests yet always with a clear intent to stay true to Nksha’s essence.

 It was a pleasure to explore the mind behind Nksha in this enriching conversation. Dive into the complete interview in the July edition of Hospitalitynews magazine, available on our website and in print.

In a city defined by corporate hustle and relentless pace, one man has dared to build something timeless—Eternal Oasis, a cultural and spiritual sanctuary nestled in the heart of Gurugram. In an exclusive feature with Hospitality News, Mr. Umesh Mathur, the visionary behind this transformative space, invites us into a world where healing, creativity, and self-awareness come together with purpose.

Driven by a personal realization that modern life often lacks emotional and spiritual grounding, Mr. Mathur set out to create a space that fills this critical gap. Eternal Oasis reflects his belief that while we’re taught to succeed externally, very few are ever shown how to navigate their inner world. It is this balance between mind and soul that Eternal Oasis seeks to restore.

Why Gurugram? Mr. Mathur’s answer is both pragmatic and profound. The city’s intense corporate environment, high attrition rates, and emotional disconnection presented a real need. Eternal Oasis offers a response not by opposing urban life, but by enriching it with stillness, reflection, and creativity.

As he walks us through Eternal Oasis' offerings from art therapy and motivational workshops to spiritual talks and self-management classes, it becomes clear that this is more than a wellness centre. It’s a movement rooted in ancient wisdom yet tailored for modern challenges.

Looking ahead, Mr. Mathur envisions collaborations with artists, professionals, and wellness facilitators to build a nationwide network of conscious communities. Upcoming initiatives focus on helping individuals awaken to the idea that true peace and clarity reside within and that a structured, nurturing space can help unlock that awareness.

This deeply insightful conversation with Umesh Mathur highlights not just the what and how of Eternal Oasis, but the why — a question many urban dwellers quietly carry.

To read the complete interview and explore the story in full depth, get your copy of the July edition of the magazine, now available online and in print on our website.