Pradeep Shetty Elected as FHRAI President: New Leadership for India's Hospitality Industry

Pradeep Shetty Elected as FHRAI President: New Leadership for India's Hospitality Industry

By Author

Published on October 3, 2023

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) is proud to announce its new President, Mr. Pradeep Shetty, Director of Maharaja Hotels, Mumbai. Elected unanimously, Mr. Shetty will officially assume office on January 1, 2024. His extensive experience and dedication to the industry make him the ideal candidate for this crucial role.

Having previously served as Vice President and actively contributed to FHRAI for over a decade, Mr. Shetty is also the current President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI). In his statement, Mr. Shetty outlined several key priorities for his tenure as FHRAI President.

A Vision for the Future

Mr. Shetty expressed a commitment to engage with the government to create a more favorable regulatory framework for the hospitality sector. He highlighted the pressing need for the sector to receive infrastructure status, which would facilitate long-term loans at competitive interest rates, ultimately accelerating sector growth.

Furthermore, Mr. Shetty emphasized the importance of additional stimulus packages and incentives from the government. These are essential to enable the sector to achieve its ambitious goal of welcoming 100 million international tourists by 2047. This includes favorable GST (Goods and Services Tax) policies and measures to ease doing business in the hospitality sector.

Beyond these priorities, Mr. Shetty also addressed challenges such as music copyright issues, service charges, and concerns related to anti-competitive activities by major tech companies.

New Office Bearers

During the FHRAI's 67th Annual General Meeting held on September 28, 2023, new office bearers were elected. Mr. Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, Mr. K Nagaraju, and Mr. T S Walia were elected as Vice Presidents from different regional associations. Additionally, Mr. DVS Somaraju was elected as Honorary Treasurer, and Mr. Nirav Gandhi as Honorary Secretary. Mr. Sudesh Kumar Poddar and Mr. Amarvir Singh will serve as Joint Honorary Secretaries of the Federation.

Mr. Shetty's election represents a new chapter for FHRAI, and his commitment to the industry's growth and success is evident. Together with the new office bearers, he aims to lead the organization toward a future of excellence, innovation, and growth in India's hospitality sector.


Saurabh Arya Appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India

Saurabh Arya Appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2025

Saurabh Arya has been appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India.

With more than two decades of experience in the travel and events industry, Saurabh brings a strong background in contracting, vendor management, liaising, and project execution. He began his career with MakeMyTrip and most recently served as Senior General Manager – Procurement and Execution at Thomas Cook India Ltd.

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At FCM Meetings & Events, Saurabh will lead the domestic MICE segment, focusing on elevating event experiences and driving strategic growth across the Indian market. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening FCM’s position in the MICE domain, combining operational excellence with innovative event delivery.

With his deep industry knowledge and leadership, FCM is set to achieve new milestones in the domestic events landscape.


India Flexes Readiness with Operation Sindoor Led by Women in Uniform and Nationwide Mock Drill

India Flexes Readiness with Operation Sindoor Led by Women in Uniform and Nationwide Mock Drill

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, India witnessed a rare alignment of strategic action and civil preparedness. As part of a national push to enhance wartime readiness, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed 244 districts to conduct a large-scale Civil Defence Mock Drill, simulating real-time emergency scenarios like air raids, blackouts, evacuations, and first-aid training. This exercise marked the first such nationwide drill since the 1971 war.

Coinciding with this drill was a decisive military action—Operation Sindoor, a meticulously planned strike by the Indian Armed Forces targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in direct response to the recent brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians lost their lives.

The operation’s name, Sindoor, carried deep cultural significance. Named after the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women, it was a tribute to the widows and families of those who perished in the Pahalgam attack. The symbolism wasn't just in the name—it extended to the leadership behind its announcement.

For the first time, two decorated women officers—Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army—led the press briefing from the National Media Centre, New Delhi. Their poised presence on national television not only conveyed India's military intent but also marked a historic shift in the representation of women in defence communication.

Meanwhile, the mock drill exercises included city-wide blackouts, activation of air raid sirens, school evacuations, public training at community centers, and protection simulations of critical infrastructure such as hospitals and power stations. Volunteers, students, health workers, police, and district officials coordinated the drill to identify gaps and improve emergency response mechanisms.

Government officials emphasized that the timing of the drill and the military strike was no coincidence. It was a dual-layered show of strength—one on the battlefield, the other in civil society. Together, they reflected India’s evolving national defence doctrine that blends military precision, civilian readiness, and symbolic unity.

With Wing Commander Singh and Colonel Qureshi leading from the front, India sent a powerful message—not only about its strategic capabilities, but also about the inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking spirit of the nation.

List of All 244 Locations for the Mock Drill

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Spectrum@Metro and Fever FM Bring Cricket Fever to Life with ‘Ball Kids’ Bash

Spectrum@Metro and Fever FM Bring Cricket Fever to Life with ‘Ball Kids’ Bash

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

Spectrum@Metro Mall, in a spirited collaboration with Fever FM, turned up the excitement with a two-day cricket extravaganza — Ball Kids — celebrating the boundless energy and cricket dreams of young fans.

Hosted by popular RJs Rahul Makin and Ilahi, the event featured engaging commentary, lively interactions, and nonstop fun. The box cricket format brought kids together for friendly matches filled with enthusiasm, team spirit, and plenty of memorable moments.

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Participants vied for exciting rewards including signed bats, jerseys, and exclusive merchandise, while the mall buzzed with cheer and cricket-themed excitement.

Ajendra Singh, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Spectrum@Metro, shared,

“We were thrilled to see the incredible talent and enthusiasm of these young cricket fans. At Spectrum@Metro, we are committed to creating engaging experiences that bring families and communities together, and this event was a perfect example of that spirit.”

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With community-focused initiatives like these, Spectrum@Metro continues to reinforce its role as not just a retail hub, but a vibrant destination for connection, celebration, and shared joy.

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