Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road Appoints Vani Cariappa as General Manager

Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road Appoints Vani Cariappa as General Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 2, 2024

Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road is pleased to announce the appointment of Vani Cariappa as its new General Manager. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, Cariappa brings a wealth of experience and expertise in hospitality operations, sales, and marketing.

In her new role, Cariappa will helm the operations and management of Aloft Bengaluru ORR, focusing on creating unique guest experiences, driving market growth, and ensuring profitability. She will also play a pivotal role in elevating the brand’s positioning as a vibrant hub of innovation and excellence, aligned with Aloft ORR’s commitment to service, inclusivity, and innovation.

Throughout her illustrious career, Cariappa has been celebrated for her sharp business acumen, strategic execution, and operational expertise. Starting her journey at Le Méridien Bengaluru in the front office, she transitioned into sales and marketing, showcasing her passion for growth and learning. Since 2005, Cariappa has thrived in various sales and marketing roles at Marriott International’s Global and National Sales Offices, earning numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions.

A visionary leader, Cariappa’s leadership roles have centered on driving sales and operations, with revenue generation becoming her forte. In her previous role as Hotel Manager at Four Points by Sheraton, Visakhapatnam, she successfully managed the 123-key property, earning recognition for her strategic leadership that enhanced operational excellence, guest engagement, and team development.

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Cariappa is known for her ability to create and lead top-tier teams, achieving remarkable success in every role she has undertaken. Her empathetic leadership style fosters professional growth within her team, reflecting her commitment to developing talent.

In addition to her professional achievements, Cariappa holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Mangalore University. Outside of work, she is a certified yoga teacher, an art and fitness enthusiast, and loves discovering new travel destinations. Above all, she cherishes the time spent with her family.

With her wealth of experience and strategic vision, Vani Cariappa is set to guide Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road to new heights of excellence and innovation.


Saurabh Arya Appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India

Saurabh Arya Appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2025

Saurabh Arya has been appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India.

With more than two decades of experience in the travel and events industry, Saurabh brings a strong background in contracting, vendor management, liaising, and project execution. He began his career with MakeMyTrip and most recently served as Senior General Manager – Procurement and Execution at Thomas Cook India Ltd.

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At FCM Meetings & Events, Saurabh will lead the domestic MICE segment, focusing on elevating event experiences and driving strategic growth across the Indian market. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening FCM’s position in the MICE domain, combining operational excellence with innovative event delivery.

With his deep industry knowledge and leadership, FCM is set to achieve new milestones in the domestic events landscape.


India Flexes Readiness with Operation Sindoor Led by Women in Uniform and Nationwide Mock Drill

India Flexes Readiness with Operation Sindoor Led by Women in Uniform and Nationwide Mock Drill

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, India witnessed a rare alignment of strategic action and civil preparedness. As part of a national push to enhance wartime readiness, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed 244 districts to conduct a large-scale Civil Defence Mock Drill, simulating real-time emergency scenarios like air raids, blackouts, evacuations, and first-aid training. This exercise marked the first such nationwide drill since the 1971 war.

Coinciding with this drill was a decisive military action—Operation Sindoor, a meticulously planned strike by the Indian Armed Forces targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in direct response to the recent brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians lost their lives.

The operation’s name, Sindoor, carried deep cultural significance. Named after the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women, it was a tribute to the widows and families of those who perished in the Pahalgam attack. The symbolism wasn't just in the name—it extended to the leadership behind its announcement.

For the first time, two decorated women officers—Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army—led the press briefing from the National Media Centre, New Delhi. Their poised presence on national television not only conveyed India's military intent but also marked a historic shift in the representation of women in defence communication.

Meanwhile, the mock drill exercises included city-wide blackouts, activation of air raid sirens, school evacuations, public training at community centers, and protection simulations of critical infrastructure such as hospitals and power stations. Volunteers, students, health workers, police, and district officials coordinated the drill to identify gaps and improve emergency response mechanisms.

Government officials emphasized that the timing of the drill and the military strike was no coincidence. It was a dual-layered show of strength—one on the battlefield, the other in civil society. Together, they reflected India’s evolving national defence doctrine that blends military precision, civilian readiness, and symbolic unity.

With Wing Commander Singh and Colonel Qureshi leading from the front, India sent a powerful message—not only about its strategic capabilities, but also about the inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking spirit of the nation.

List of All 244 Locations for the Mock Drill

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Spectrum@Metro and Fever FM Bring Cricket Fever to Life with ‘Ball Kids’ Bash

Spectrum@Metro and Fever FM Bring Cricket Fever to Life with ‘Ball Kids’ Bash

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

Spectrum@Metro Mall, in a spirited collaboration with Fever FM, turned up the excitement with a two-day cricket extravaganza — Ball Kids — celebrating the boundless energy and cricket dreams of young fans.

Hosted by popular RJs Rahul Makin and Ilahi, the event featured engaging commentary, lively interactions, and nonstop fun. The box cricket format brought kids together for friendly matches filled with enthusiasm, team spirit, and plenty of memorable moments.

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Participants vied for exciting rewards including signed bats, jerseys, and exclusive merchandise, while the mall buzzed with cheer and cricket-themed excitement.

Ajendra Singh, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Spectrum@Metro, shared,

“We were thrilled to see the incredible talent and enthusiasm of these young cricket fans. At Spectrum@Metro, we are committed to creating engaging experiences that bring families and communities together, and this event was a perfect example of that spirit.”

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With community-focused initiatives like these, Spectrum@Metro continues to reinforce its role as not just a retail hub, but a vibrant destination for connection, celebration, and shared joy.

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