Vegas Mall, Dwarka, turned into a vibrant hub of patriotism and fitness as it hosted the Kargil Vijay Diwas Half Marathon, a heartfelt tribute to the valour and sacrifice of India’s armed forces. Drawing more than 1,000 spirited participants, the marathon brought together people from all walks of life to run for a cause deeply rooted in national pride. From enthusiastic fitness lovers to professionals, senior citizens, and even children, the event was a powerful reminder of the unity and shared spirit that defines our nation.

Held in the early hours between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM, the event featured three thoughtfully curated run categories, the 21.1 km Half Marathon, the 10.5 km Run, and the 5 km Run, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to participate, regardless of fitness level. The marathon's atmosphere was charged with energy and emotion, as runners symbolically retraced the steps of India’s brave hearts through their spirited participation.

Mr. Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President of Vegas Mall, expressed his pride and gratitude on the occasion, stating, “At Vegas Mall, we believe in creating meaningful community experiences that go beyond shopping and entertainment. Hosting the Kargil Vijay Diwas Half Marathon was our humble tribute to the heroes who laid down their lives for the nation. It was heartening to witness such spirited participation, proving once again that patriotism and unity remain at the core of our society.”

The event concluded on a touching note with medal distributions and heartfelt tributes to the Kargil war heroes, leaving behind a sense of gratitude and inspiration in every participant. Vegas Mall, through initiatives like this, continues to stand as more than just a commercial destination, it is a space that nurtures community connections, national pride, and purpose-driven events in the capital city.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) recently concluded a successful multi-city roadshow across India, marking a significant stride in deepening its engagement with one of its key international markets. Spanning four major cities, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad from July 21 to July 25, the roadshow underscored the Emirate’s growing commitment to the Indian travel trade. Focused on bolstering outbound travel for leisure, weddings, and MICE, the initiative connected RAKTDA’s delegation, including hotel partners and destination management companies, with over 300 travel agents, event planners, and tour operators.

At the heart of the roadshow were high-impact one-on-one business meetings, allowing Indian stakeholders to explore Ras Al Khaimah’s diverse offerings in a personal and focused setting. These exchanges proved vital in opening doors to strategic partnerships aligned with the specific needs of the Indian market. Adding a warm touch, RAKTDA also hosted exclusive networking dinners and brunches to deepen engagement and foster meaningful industry connections. The roadshow not only enhanced awareness but also reinforced Ras Al Khaimah’s image as a “destination of the future,” aligning perfectly with the Emirate’s long-term tourism development vision. 

Ras Al Khaimah has seen remarkable growth in its tourism footprint, welcoming a record 1.28 million overnight visitors in 2024. Tourism revenues witnessed a 12% year-on-year increase, and its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment recorded a 40% rise, positioning the Emirate as a rising star for international events. The Indian market, in particular, continues to play a pivotal role, with a 25% year-on-year surge in Indian visitors in 2025 alone, reaffirming its strategic importance to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism goals.

Connectivity enhancements are a key part of this growth, with IndiGo now offering direct flights from Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kochi to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. This improved accessibility makes the Emirate an even more attractive option for Indian travellers seeking premium leisure experiences, scenic weddings, or corporate gatherings.

From the thrill of the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais to serene desert adventures and authentic cultural experiences, Ras Al Khaimah has curated an inviting mix of attractions for Indian visitors. Its luxury resorts, versatile venues for destination weddings, and thoughtfully designed incentives for wedding planners make it a natural fit for both MICE operators and couples looking for one-of-a-kind celebrations.

With its forward-looking vision to welcome 3.5 million visitors by 2030, Ras Al Khaimah continues to invest in aviation, marketing, and trade partnerships. The resounding success of its India roadshow serves as a testament to the Emirate’s unwavering commitment to nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with Indian travel stakeholders and paving the way for sustainable growth in the years ahead.

The Federal Institute of Hotel Management (FIHM), Noida celebrated a major milestone — its 5th Foundation Day — with a vibrant event titled “Symphony of Success” held at the Radisson Blu Dwarka on July 14, 2025. The celebration reflected not only the journey of FIHM so far but also its strong vision for the future of hospitality education in India.

The event brought together a powerful mix of hospitality professionals, academic leaders, peer partners, students, and families, creating an inspiring atmosphere of celebration, learning, and connection.

A Grand Beginning

The ceremony opened with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing wisdom and prosperity, followed by a soulful Saraswati Vandana performed by FIHM’s girl students — setting the perfect spiritual tone for the day.

Words that Inspire

Mr. Ajesh Gugnani, Chairman of FIHM, delivered a heartfelt welcome address. He highlighted the institute’s rapid growth and commitment to shaping skilled, industry-ready hospitality professionals.

A Star-Studded Panel Discussion

The highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion moderated by Ms. Pooja Sharma, featuring some of the most influential names in hospitality:

• Chef Ajay Sood

• Ms. Sangeeta Ratra

• Chef Ashish Bhasin

• Chef Dr. Gautam Choudhry

• Chef Jai Kumar Bhasin

• Chef Pankaj Kumar Jha

• Ms. Parul Sachdeva

• Ms. Samita Halder

• Ms. Samiksha Aggarwal

• Ms. Lata Kapoor

• Mr. Vishal Gupta

• Mr. Surojit Mukherjee

• Ms. Anushka Mukherjee

Their insights into industry trends, training, and innovation offered valuable takeaways for aspiring professionals and students.

Celebrating Contributions

As part of the evening, several distinguished individuals were felicitated for their outstanding achievements and support toward the institute’s vision.

Music, Food, and Festivities

The celebration continued with a musical extravaganza, followed by a delicious culinary spread that added flavour and joy to the gathering. The event ended on a high note, with laughter, applause, and a collective sense of pride.

Five Years of Excellence

The 5th Foundation Day was more than just a celebration — it was a reaffirmation of FIHM Noida’s mission to deliver excellence in hospitality education. With its dynamic training programs and strong industry collaborations, the institute continues to shape future leaders of India’s ever-evolving hospitality sector.