Anupriya Sahu: Redefining Indian Carpentry with Alankaram

Anupriya Sahu: Redefining Indian Carpentry with Alankaram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 20, 2025

Sometimes, a piece of furniture carries more than just function, it carries a story. For Anupriya Sahu, that story began even before she founded Alankaram. Starting her career as an architect after studying at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi, she soon found herself drawn to something more personal, furniture design.

Anupriya noticed a gap in the market for Indian furniture that was both beautiful and modern. Determined to bridge that gap, she shifted from building large structures to creating pieces people could live with every day. Her journey was not easy, especially in an industry filled with heavy machinery and mostly male workers. But she stepped into the workshops, learned the craft hands-on, and started shaping her vision into reality.

Today, Anupriya leads Alankaram, one of the largest furniture manufacturing units in India, with a 200,000 square foot facility. But it’s not just the size that makes it special. What truly sets it apart is the environment she has built, one where many carpenters and machine operators are women. This change didn’t happen by chance. It happened because Anupriya made a conscious effort, hiring and training women, one step at a time.

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The furniture from Alankaram is a reflection of care and craftsmanship. Anupriya has a special love for teak wood, strong yet graceful just like the women she mentors. Her pieces blend traditional touches with clean, minimal lines. Whether it's a sculptural chair or a statement conference table, each creation carries a sense of thoughtfulness and Indian heritage.

Alankaram’s work has found a place in celebrity homes, corporate spaces, hotels, and personal retreats across the country. But for Anupriya, success isn’t about fame. It’s about creating furniture that makes people pause and appreciate the detail, the texture, and the story behind every piece.

Beyond her professional life, Anupriya is also a mother to twins. Balancing leadership and motherhood, she speaks about managing her time with a grounded, everyday approach rather than in big, philosophical terms. For her, it’s about being real whether it’s designing furniture or attending a school event.

Her journey stands as a reminder that belief, effort, and a little bit of sawdust can build more than just furniture, they can build change. Through Alankaram, Anupriya Sahu is not only designing beautiful spaces but also reshaping the space for women in India’s design and carpentry world.


Manglam Group to Invest ₹350 Crore in Sheraton Hotel on Jaipur–Ajmer Highway

Manglam Group to Invest ₹350 Crore in Sheraton Hotel on Jaipur–Ajmer Highway

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 25, 2026

Manglam Group, one of Rajasthan's leading real estate developers, has announced the signing of a Sheraton Hotel with Marriott International in Jaipur. The upcoming project will feature 220 keys and is being developed with an investment of approximately ₹350 crore across more than 3 lakh sq. ft. on the Jaipur–Ajmer Highway.

The development marks Manglam Group's third collaboration with Marriott International and is part of the company's broader ₹1,000 crore hospitality investment roadmap aimed at strengthening its presence in Rajasthan's growing tourism and hospitality sector.

The agreement was signed by Amrita Gupta, Director of Manglam Group and CEO of Manglam Spa and Resorts, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. The signing ceremony was attended by David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Marriott International, and N. K. Gupta, Founder and Chairman of Manglam Group.

David Marriott visited Jaipur along with senior members of Marriott's global and regional leadership teams. The delegation was welcomed with a specially curated programme showcasing Rajasthan's rich culture and heritage through traditional performances and artisan displays.

Strategically located on the Jaipur–Ajmer Highway (NH-48), the hotel will benefit from strong connectivity to Ajmer, Pushkar, Kishangarh and Jaipur International Airport. The location is also close to Mahindra World City SEZ, a major business and industrial hub that continues to drive corporate travel and MICE demand in the region. With increasing residential and commercial development along the corridor, Ajmer Road is emerging as a key destination for premium hospitality projects.

The Sheraton Hotel is being designed as a luxury hospitality destination that blends premium accommodation with contemporary guest experiences. Inspired by Jaipur's vibrant culture, artistic traditions and heritage, the property will feature thoughtfully designed interiors and experiences that celebrate Rajasthan while maintaining Sheraton's globally recognised standards of hospitality.

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Sharing her thoughts on the project, Amrita Gupta, Director of Manglam Group and CEO of Manglam Spa and Resorts, said, “Jaipur is no longer simply a place the world visits. It is becoming the place the world chooses for its most important moments, from weddings to business. At Manglam, our vision has always been to create hospitality that carries the soul of Rajasthan onto a global stage, and the Sheraton Hotel sits at the very heart of that ambition. Sheraton is a name families across India have trusted with their biggest celebrations for generations, and to bring it to Ajmer Road is to offer that legacy in the heart of the country’s wedding capital. Through this hotel, we hope to do far more than host guests. We want to carry Jaipur’s culture, craft and warmth to the world, and to place this city firmly on the global map for celebration, leisure and business alike.”

Speaking on the partnership, David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Marriott International, said, "My grandparents founded Marriott on the belief that taking care of associates leads to better guest experiences, and ultimately long-term success. Over the years, we have also learned that meaningful growth is built on strong partnerships and shared values. We are pleased to collaborate with Manglam Group on Sheraton Hotel and look forward to bringing together Sheraton's globally recognised hospitality standards and Manglam's vision for creating exceptional hospitality experiences in Rajasthan."

The addition of Sheraton further strengthens Manglam Group's hospitality portfolio in Jaipur. Along with Westin Jaipur on Delhi Road and Fern by Marriott in Jagatpura, the new hotel reinforces the Group's strategy of establishing a presence across Jaipur's major growth corridors while supporting the city's position as a preferred destination for weddings, leisure travel, business tourism and large-scale events.


NIFCO India Chooses Inspira City for Its Fourth Manufacturing Facility

NIFCO India Chooses Inspira City for Its Fourth Manufacturing Facility

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

Inspira Realty, a real estate development company under Inspira Global, has announced the addition of NIFCO India Pvt. Ltd. to its flagship industrial and warehousing development, Inspira City, located in Shendra MIDC, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

As part of the agreement, NIFCO India has secured a long-term lease for an industrial plot measuring 2,23,561 sq. ft. The site will house the company's fourth manufacturing facility in India, strengthening its production network and supporting future growth plans in the country.

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Headquartered in Japan, NIFCO Inc. is a globally recognised manufacturer of plastic fasteners, clips and functional components for the automotive industry, with operations in more than 30 countries. In India, the company serves as a key Tier-1 supplier to leading automotive OEMs. The new plant is expected to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and help meet the growing requirements of India's expanding automotive sector.

The development is also a significant milestone for Inspira City, with NIFCO becoming the third Japanese company to establish operations within the industrial park. The addition follows the presence of NHK Springs Co. Ltd. and Aisin Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., further strengthening the park's reputation as a preferred destination for global manufacturers.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Managing Director, Inspira Global, said, "NIFCO's decision to establish its fourth India facility at Inspira City is a strong endorsement of the infrastructure and ecosystem we are building. Beyond the transaction itself, we are particularly encouraged by the growing interest from Japanese manufacturers, who are among the world's most demanding industrial occupiers. Their presence validates our vision of creating a globally competitive manufacturing destination in the heart of Maharashtra."

Uday Shankar, MD, NIFCO India, said, "India continues to be a strategically important market for NIFCO, driven by the sustained growth of the automotive sector and evolving customer requirements. The establishment of our fourth manufacturing facility reflects our commitment to strengthening local production capabilities and supporting our OEM partners more effectively. Inspira City's infrastructure readiness, strategic location, and connectivity made it a compelling choice for our next phase of expansion in India."

The latest agreement adds to a growing list of investments at Inspira City, which continues to attract both domestic and international companies from sectors including automotive, engineering, logistics and allied industries. With several land parcels currently under discussion, Inspira Realty remains focused on supporting Maharashtra's growth as a leading industrial and manufacturing investment destination.


Amritara Hotels Expands Presence in Varanasi with Launch of Amritara The Samagam

Amritara Hotels Expands Presence in Varanasi with Launch of Amritara The Samagam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 23, 2026

Amritara Hotels has strengthened its presence in Varanasi with the launch of Amritara The Samagam, a riverside retreat located at the confluence of the Ganga and Gomti rivers. The property marks the group's second hotel in the destination and reflects its continued focus on offering deeper and more meaningful travel experiences within culturally significant locations.

Situated in Kaithi village, around 35 kilometres east of Varanasi city, the retreat is surrounded by one of the region's oldest sacred landscapes. The area is home to the historic Markandey Mahadev Temple, a revered Shiva shrine that has stood on the riverbank for centuries.

Offering a quieter alternative to the bustling ghats of Varanasi, the property allows guests to experience evening aarti ceremonies in a more peaceful setting. The surrounding landscape is also known for its natural beauty, with freshwater dolphins occasionally visible in the river and serene riverside walks that offer a close connection with nature.

The launch reflects Amritara Hotels' decision to deepen its presence in Varanasi rather than expand into a new destination. The company believes that the future of hospitality lies in understanding and interpreting destinations with strong cultural and spiritual significance rather than simply increasing geographic reach.

Amritara's first property in the city, Amritara Suryauday Haveli, offers guests an experience immersed in the vibrant energy of Kashi, with its ghats, rituals, and spiritual traditions. In contrast, Amritara The Samagam has been designed for travellers seeking a slower and more reflective journey.

Guests at the new retreat can explore lesser-known spiritual experiences, including aarti ceremonies at the Markandey Mahadev Temple, boat rides along the confluence of the Ganga and Gomti rivers, and opportunities to discover the region's rich natural surroundings.

Together, Amritara Suryauday Haveli and Amritara The Samagam offer visitors two distinct perspectives of Varanasi, one rooted in the energy and devotion of the ancient city, and the other in the tranquillity and spiritual depth of its surrounding countryside.

With this addition, Amritara Hotels continues to strengthen its portfolio of experiential stays while catering to travellers seeking authentic cultural, spiritual, and nature-based experiences.

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