IHCL Signs New Taj Hotel in Pondicherry

IHCL Signs New Taj Hotel in Pondicherry

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality group, has announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Pondicherry, further expanding its luxury footprint in South India. The upcoming property will be a greenfield project, developed in partnership with Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan of MGM Healthcare.

Spread across 52 acres, the 180-key Taj Pondicherry will offer panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. Located on the outskirts of White Town, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a bar, and a lounge, bringing together refined gastronomy and timeless elegance.

Guests can unwind with Taj’s signature J Wellness Circle, which offers holistic spa therapies and wellness treatments. The property will also include a gym, swimming pool, and multiple recreational amenities for a complete leisure experience.

Designed to host grand social gatherings, the hotel will feature the largest indoor banquet hall in the region, spanning 10,700 sq. ft., along with exclusive beachfront lawns ideal for weddings and outdoor events.

Commenting on the announcement, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said,

“Pondicherry has witnessed a steady rise in domestic travel and a rebound in foreign arrivals, reinforcing its position as a key leisure destination. The addition of Taj Pondicherry will cater to the growing demand for large-scale social events in the region. We are delighted to partner with Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan for this project.”

Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan, MGM Healthcare, added,

“We are happy to venture into the hospitality sector with IHCL. This hotel will be a landmark destination in the region.”

Known for its French colonial charm, serene beaches, and spiritual ambience, Pondicherry continues to attract travellers from across the world. Popular attractions such as Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Oussudu Bird Sanctuary, and the Puducherry Canyon add to its appeal as a cultural and wellness retreat.

About the Owning Company:

MGM Healthcare is a diversified entrepreneurial venture by Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan, operating three hospitals in Chennai, one in Vizag, and two upcoming projects in Chennai. He also serves as the Chancellor of a renowned university that runs medical colleges in both Puducherry and Chennai.

With this signing, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence across India’s most sought-after leisure destinations, combining luxury, heritage, and hospitality excellence under the Taj brand.


Tea Post Celebrates Togetherness with ‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’ Across India

Tea Post Celebrates Togetherness with ‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’ Across India

By Hariharan U

Published on November 1, 2025

India’s largest homegrown tea café chain, Tea Post, recently unveiled a heartwarming initiative titled ‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’, celebrating the joy of togetherness and shared moments over a cup of chai.

As part of this initiative, Tea Post transformed its outlets across cities including Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Surat, and Ahmedabad into vibrant community spaces. The cafés featured festive décor and hosted a series of free, open-to-all workshops such as art, diya painting, and lantern making, inviting people to reconnect, create, and celebrate.

Complementing the artistic spirit, the cafés came alive with soothing music and soulful shayari, infusing warmth and nostalgia into the atmosphere, perfectly blending with the aroma of freshly brewed chai.

Speaking about the initiative, Darshan Dashani, Founder of Tea Post, said,‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’ was received beautifully by our patrons across all cities. It was heartening to see people of all ages coming together, celebrating cherished moments over a warm cup of chai. This reinforces our belief in creating more such immersive, community-driven experiences for our guests in the future.

Guests also indulged in Tea Post’s signature selection of 15 varieties of chai, paired with popular Indian snacks such as samosas, theplas, and maska buns, a menu designed to evoke homely comfort and nostalgic flavors.

With a growing presence of over 250 outlets across 60+ cities in India and Dubai, Tea Post continues to strengthen its position as a café chain that goes beyond serving tea, fostering connection, community, and culture in every sip.


Society of Association Executives (SAE) Launched to Empower India’s Association Sector

Society of Association Executives (SAE) Launched to Empower India’s Association Sector

By Hariharan U

Published on November 1, 2025

The Society of Association Executives (SAE) has officially been launched in Bangalore, marking an important step forward for India’s growing association and convention industry. The launch event on 25th October 2025 gathered key figures from national and international associations, professionals from the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector, and senior policymakers, all sharing a common goal, to build a stronger and more connected association ecosystem in India.

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The formation of SAE represents a collective vision to foster collaboration, enhance capacity building, and promote knowledge sharing across the sector. By bringing together diverse voices from the association community, SAE aims to create a platform where professionals can exchange ideas, develop best practices, and drive sustainable growth in India’s association and convention landscape.

Speaking about the initiative, the organizers highlighted SAE’s commitment to empowering association executives, encouraging professional excellence, and advancing India’s standing in the global MICE arena.

The event also saw active participation from leaders across various industries, underlining the need for a dedicated body to represent the interests of association professionals and provide opportunities for networking, learning, and advocacy.

With this launch, the Society of Association Executives sets the stage for a new era of collaboration and innovation within India’s association ecosystem, one that supports progress, unity, and professional growth for the entire community.


Manotsava 2025: India’s National Mental Health Festival Returns to Bengaluru

Manotsava 2025: India’s National Mental Health Festival Returns to Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on October 31, 2025

The much-awaited second edition of Manotsava – India’s National Mental Health Festival is returning to Bengaluru this November at The Lalit Ashok. Organised by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in collaboration with Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), the festival promises two days of meaningful conversations, interactive sessions, and creative engagement around the theme of mental well-being.

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This free and open-to-all event brings together experts, researchers, and the general public to explore how mental health connects to our everyday lives. From genetic research, psychedelics, and gut microbiome science to more relatable themes such as workplace burnout, parenting, aging, maternal health, and technology’s influence on mental well-being, the festival will touch on it all.

Visitors can look forward to an array of experiences, including panel discussions, keynote talks, workshops, stalls and exhibits, discussion circles, and live music performances. For families, there’s even a dedicated children’s zone, ensuring an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all ages.

Manotsava isn’t just an event, it’s a movement to bring mental health into public spaces, making conversations about the mind as normal and open as any other aspect of life.

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