Amritara Hotels & Resorts’ leaders, Mr. Karanveer Singh and Mr. Pawan Mudgal, have been honored with the Outstanding Leadership Awards 2025 by MakeMyTrip. The event, hosted by MakeMyTrip in Gurgaon on 7th August 2025, recognized individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

The award celebrates visionary leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. Both leaders have played pivotal roles in driving Amritara Hotels & Resorts to new heights in customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and brand positioning.

Mr. Karanveer Singh, with his expertise in revenue management and strategic planning, has been instrumental in elevating the performance of Amritara properties, consistently ensuring top rankings in competitive markets. His innovative approach towards pricing, distribution, and customer engagement has set new benchmarks for the brand.

Mr. Pawan Mudgal, with his extensive leadership experience and sharp business acumen, has been a driving force in strengthening Amritara’s market presence. His ability to align teams with the brand’s vision and his relentless pursuit of operational excellence have contributed immensely to the group’s success.

Speaking on the recognition, the awardees expressed their gratitude to MakeMyTrip and dedicated the honor to the hard work and dedication of the Amritara Hotels & Resorts team.

"This award is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective efforts of our incredible team at Amritara Hotels & Resorts. Together, we are committed to redefining hospitality with innovation, authenticity, and exceptional guest experiences," said Mr. Singh and Mr. Mudgal in a joint statement.

The Outstanding Leadership Award 2025 reinforces Amritara Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to excellence and further strengthens its position as one of India’s leading hospitality brands.

Akasa, India’s youngest airline, has successfully completed a fresh investment transaction of about ₹1,200 crore, welcoming new investors such as Premji Invest, 360 ONE Asset, and the investment office of Ranjan Pai. The Jhunjhunwala family, an existing investor, also infused additional capital into the airline.

The airline, which began operations three years ago, announced that the closure of this funding round followed the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals. Despite facing losses like most startup airlines, Akasa has ambitious plans for expansion, with a fleet of 30 aircraft currently in service and 190 Boeing 737s on order.

Akasa termed this investment a “significant milestone” in its growth journey and shared its aspiration to be among the top 30 airlines in the world by the end of this decade. The funds will be directed toward expanding operations, enhancing customer experience, and investing in safety, reliability, and advanced technology.

Vinay Dube, founder and CEO of Akasa, expressed gratitude to both new and existing investors, saying, “We warmly welcome our new investors to the Akasian family and deeply appreciate their confidence in our team. Their support affirms our vision and strengthens our ability to scale sustainably while keeping customers and employees at the heart of our operations. We remain especially grateful to the Jhunjhunwala family for not just helping us take flight but for their continued belief in our dream to redefine air travel in India.”

Manoj Jaiswal of Premji Invest highlighted the growth potential of Indian aviation, stating, “We are excited to partner with Akasa, India's fastest growing airline, in its next phase of growth. We believe Indian aviation industry has strong growth potential, domestically and beyond. Team Akasa is brilliantly positioned to execute on this opportunity.”

Umesh Agrawal, fund manager of 360 ONE Asset, added, “We are elated to partner with Akasa Air at a time when India’s aviation sector is poised for tremendous growth. This investment will support Akasa Air’s mission to build a customer centric airline.”

Shyam Powar, chief investment officer at Claypond Capital, also expressed confidence, saying, “What excites us is not just the scale of the opportunity, but the passion and purpose with which the team is building this airline. We are proud to back Akasa and look forward to supporting them in their journey to build a world class airline from India.”

Currently, Akasa serves 23 domestic and six international cities, and has flown over two crore passengers since its inception.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, for the redevelopment of the historic Chotelal Ki Ghat on the Hooghly Riverfront. Built in the 1870s, the site carries deep cultural and historical importance for the people of West Bengal. The initiative is supported by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) and aligns with the Government of India’s Namami Gange Program and Swachhata Initiatives.

IHCL will invest up to ₹5 crores in the project over three years as part of its CSR efforts. The redevelopment will focus on restoration and conservation of the Grade I Heritage site, beautification, landscaping, and enhancing its functional value. This will also provide opportunities for local artists in wall and boat painting, while benefiting stall vendors, residents, tourists, and the wider community.

Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, IHCL, said, “IHCL, in line with its ESG+ framework of Paathya, is committed to preserving India’s cultural heritage while driving meaningful social and environmental impact. Chotelal ki Ghat holds deep historical and cultural significance for the people of West Bengal. The project aims to restore and conserve the ghat, enhancing its aesthetic and functional value while strengthening the community’s bond with the river.”

Shri Rathendra Raman, Chairman, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, said, “This MoU with IHCL marks a significant step towards heritage-led development. With an investment of nearly ₹5 crore under CSR, staggered over three years, the renovation of the historic Chotelal ki Ghat will not only restore its cultural essence but also enhance its appeal as a public and tourist destination. This partnership reflects our shared vision of sustainable infrastructure, community benefit, and preserving Kolkata’s iconic riverfront for generations to come.”

This collaboration highlights IHCL’s ESG+ Paathya framework, which integrates environmental stewardship, social responsibility, governance, heritage preservation, value-chain transformation, and sustainable growth. Through this initiative, the company continues to combine heritage conservation with community development, ensuring a balance of cultural legacy and modern relevance.