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.

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.

The vibrant city of Surat witnessed a landmark moment as the Installation and Inauguration Ceremony of the newly formed Skål International Surat – South Gujarat club took place at Emerald 1, Orange Megastructure LLP (formerly TGB). The ceremony was graced by the presence of Skal International India board members and was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and commitment from all participants.

This newest addition to the Skal India family marks a significant step in the organization’s mission to establish active clubs in every state and union territory of the country. The event featured valuable discussions, forward-thinking suggestions, and a shared vision for collaborative growth in the tourism and hospitality sector.

“It is heartening to see the spirit with which Surat has embraced the Skal movement. This club is set to become a beacon of positive change for the region’s tourism community. Our mission remains to be the unified voice of progress and cooperation in Indian travel and hospitality,” said Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skal International India.

The Skal International Surat – South Gujarat team also shared their enthusiasm for the future. “We are honored to become part of this global movement. With passion, purpose, and partnership, we aim to elevate Surat’s presence in the international tourism map,” said Rajiv Shah, President, Skål International Surat – South Gujarat.

The office bearers of the newly inaugurated club are Rajiv Shah - President, Vikas Gupta - Vice President, Sumit Bansal – Secretary, Vimal Vaghani – Treasurer, Sumit Saluja - Director-PR, Communication & CSR, and Nitin Gupta – Membership Development Officer.

Skal India continues its journey with renewed zeal to foster professional camaraderie, build bridges across borders, and create opportunities that benefit the industry and its stakeholders. Here's to many more milestones ahead as the future of tourism in India takes shape.

About Skal International India: 

Skal International India is part of Skal International, the world’s largest global network of travel, tourism, and hospitality professionals in leadership roles, with over 13,000 members across 85 countries. The organization is dedicated to promoting global tourism, business ethics, and cultural understanding through its vast network of chapters and events.

India’s urban landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and at the heart of this transformation is the rise of smart mixed-use developments. These integrated communities seamlessly blend residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and entertainment spaces into a single, self-sufficient ecosystem.

As metropolitan areas continue to grapple with challenges like traffic congestion, pollution, and overstretched infrastructure, the demand for well-planned, all-inclusive townships is soaring. No longer just about luxury, these developments offer efficiency, convenience, and a modern urban lifestyle that aligns with India’s rapid economic and technological growth.

This shift is not merely a real estate trend - it represents the future of urban living.

Why Mixed-Use Townships are gaining popularity

1. The ‘15-Minute City’ Becomes a Reality

The 15-minute city is an urban planning concept that ensures all essential services - workplaces, schools, healthcare, shopping, and hotels - are accessible within a 15-minute commute.

Smart mixed-use developments bring this vision to life by reducing travel time, cutting down pollution, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. With everything within walking distance or a short commute, these townships minimize reliance on personal vehicles, making cities more liveable and sustainable.

2. A Magnet for Investors

For real estate investors, mixed-use developments have emerged as highly lucrative assets. These townships drive higher rental yields, faster property appreciation, and stable long-term value.

Cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, and Mangalore are witnessing surging demand for integrated communities. The reason? A well-balanced mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces enhances property value, making it a future-proof investment.

Additionally, businesses are increasingly choosing these hubs for office spaces due to their proximity to skilled talent, strong infrastructure, and premium facilities.

3. Changing Lifestyles in a Post-Pandemic World

The pandemic accelerated the need for self-sufficient communities where safety, convenience, and accessibility are paramount. With work-from-home and hybrid models becoming the norm, professionals now prioritize live-work-play environments that minimize daily hassles.

Mixed-use townships cater perfectly to this shift with:

·        In-house workspaces and co-working zones

·        Wellness and fitness centers for a healthier lifestyle

·        Retail, dining, and entertainment hubs within walking distance

·        Green spaces and open areas for relaxation

For millennials, NRIs, and digital entrepreneurs, such developments offer the perfect balance of comfort and connectivity.

Goldfinch City: A Benchmark for Smart Townships

Leading the charge in this transformation is MRG Group’s Goldfinch City in Mangalore, a ground-breaking mixed-use development designed to set new benchmarks in urban living.

What Makes Goldfinch City Unique?

·        Premium Residences with high-end amenities

·        IT Parks & Commercial Spaces attracting top businesses and Start-ups

·        A High-End Retail Mall featuring global brands and entertainment zones

·        Hotels, Fine Dining & Leisure Spaces offering a range of lifestyle experiences

·        A State-of-the-Art Convention Centre & Sports Arena for global events

·        Advanced Healthcare & Education Institutions ensuring a world-class living experience

"We are not just building spaces; we are designing smart, well-planned ecosystems that define the future of Indian real estate," says Mr. Gaurav Shetty, Managing Director, MRG Group.

With its future-ready infrastructure, strategic location, and cutting-edge amenities, Goldfinch City is redefining the concept of urban townships in India.

The Future of Urban Real Estate in India

As India moves forward with its Smart City Mission, mixed-use developments are becoming the backbone of modern urbanization. These communities are not just residential spaces, they are evolving into economic and social hubs, offering everything from employment opportunities to premium lifestyle experiences.

With MRG Group’s visionary projects, the future of Indian real estate is looking more connected, convenient, and community-driven than ever before.

Are mixed-use developments the new gold standard in real estate?

The answer is clear - they are here to stay.