PUNE: In a heartfelt move that blends healthcare with spiritual sensitivity, Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowrie, in collaboration with MediJain, has inaugurated Pune’s first dedicated Jain Kitchen, a facility created to serve freshly prepared, Satvik meals to patients, staff, and visitors who observe a strict Satvik lifestyle. The initiative was formally launched in the presence of Param Pujya Krantikari Vicharak, Pravachan Prabhavak, Adhyatma Chintak Muniraj Shri Jayprabha Vijayji Pujya Maharaj Sahebji (J P Gurudev), Dr. Santosh Shinde, COO Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowrie, and Dr. Purvez Grant, whose blessings and spiritual wisdom elevated the significance of the occasion.

This exclusive kitchen is not just a culinary space, but it is a reflection of the hospital’s deep commitment to respecting the values, beliefs, and lifestyles of the communities it serves. Prepared in a separate kitchen by specially trained staff using dedicated utensils, the meals strictly exclude root vegetables, onion, garlic, and any ingredient that goes against Jain dietary philosophy. Every element from sourcing to serving is designed to uphold spiritual sanctity, hygiene, and dignity.

The role of Satvik food is to promote not only physical recovery but also emotional harmony and spiritual elevation. The nourishment rooted in compassion and purity is foundational to good health and aligns seamlessly with the principles of Ahimsa, non-violence, and mindful living.

Dr. Purvez Grant, Chief Cardiologist and Chairman & Managing Trustee, Ruby Hall Clinic, shared that the kitchen reflects the institution’s belief that healing goes beyond medicine. “We recognize that for many, food is a sacred expression of their faith. By offering meals that honor such values, we are fostering not just recovery, but respect,” he said.

Dr. Santosh Shinde, COO of Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowrie, added that this initiative fills a long-standing gap. “We’ve had many Jain patients and staff who often struggled with compromises in diet during their hospital stay. This kitchen ensures they can now heal and serve without stepping away from their principles. With support from MediJain, we’ve turned that vision into a meaningful reality.”

Behram Khodaiji, CEO, Ruby Hall Clinic, “At Ruby Hall Clinic, we’ve always believed that healing is most powerful when it respects not just the body, but the beliefs of those we serve. We are proud to share that we are coming up with a dedicated Jain Kitchen at Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowrie, a first for our institution, and a testament to our ethos of inclusive, patient-first care.“

Dr. Simon Grant, Physician and Trustee, Ruby Hall Clinic. “At Ruby Hall Clinic, we’ve always believed that the future of healthcare lies in empathy-led innovation. As we continue to grow, it becomes even more important to ensure that our services reflect the values of the communities we serve. A space where food meets faith, and healing respects belief. This isn’t just about dietary preferences; it’s about building a hospital culture where patients feel cared for in every sense.”

The inauguration ceremony was attended by members of the Jain community, hospital staff, and city dignitaries, who appreciated the effort to integrate faith and food in a modern healthcare setting. The event concluded with a pure Jain lunch, symbolizing nourishment that respects both the body and the soul.

Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowrie, through this collaboration with MediJain, has not only launched a kitchen but has taken a pioneering step in redefining what it means to care — delivering healthcare that listens, respects, and heals with empathy.

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• Link 1: Godrej Interio | Summer Vibe Sale | Range of kitchens
• Link 2: Godrej Interio | Summer Vibe Sale | Wide range of furniture
• Link 3: Godrej Interio | Summer Vibe Sale | Furniture Inspiration

MUMBAI: Each customer has distinctive preferences shaped by their personal style and specific needs which also resonate in their choices of furniture. This has been beautifully captured in the newly launched campaign “Summer Vibe Sale” by Godrej Interio, a business of Godrej & Boyce – the flagship company of the Godrej Group. The series of three films captures Godrej Interio’s wide range of aesthetically designed furniture crafted to suit the needs of modern Indian families, their dynamics, lifestyle and aspirations, showcasing stories about tailored solutions for personal spaces.

The first film focuses on how consumers today find inspiration everywhere around them including social media and magazines; it showcases a young couple capturing snapshots of furniture inspirations. This journey transitions into them visiting the store, illustrating the seamless fusion of imagination and reality – ‘If it’s on your mind, you will get it at the Godrej Interio store’. The second film provides audiences with a glimpse of the abundant choices and personalization options available for a sofa at Godrej Interio. From multiple fabric options to various designs and layout choices, customers can choose sofas to suit their preferences. Lastly, the third film invites viewers into the heart of the home – the kitchen. Through a charming vignette, a couple’s playful banter over breakfast leads them to the Godrej Interio Kitchen Gallery, where they discover the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics tailored to their tastes and needs.

Speaking about the films, Sumeet Bhojani, Head of Marketing Communications, Godrej Interio said, “Godrej Interio continues to be an integral part of modern Indian families and their journey towards personalization. We offer our consumers a wide range of furniture catering to their needs. For instance, our latest range of Upmods furniture offers endless customization possibilities for each component to the consumers. Our latest campaign gives you a glimpse of a varied range of furniture and furnishing solutions that the brand has to offer right from the colors to the material of the furniture. At Godrej Interio, we firmly believe in empowering customers to create spaces that reflect their unique personalities. Through these films, we invite viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and creativity with us. This approach has enabled us to build and maintain the love and support of consumers for over a century.” 

Ayan Chakraborty, Executive Vice President & General Manager, of Contract Mumbai, shares the inspiration behind the commercial, “Summer is a great season and a reason to refresh our homes, also because the new year is celebrated across many states in the country. The Godrej Interio Summer Vibe campaign focuses on kitchens, sofas, and other furniture in a series of 3 films. The Indian consumer is both particular and fastidious about her choices when it comes to choosing a kitchen build or furniture and Godrej Interio with its extensive range of designs, materials, colors, and configurations delivers on this mindset quite seamlessly.”

The brand has attractive schemes offering 35% off on their range of furniture. The campaign consists of 3 videos and will be available in 5 regional languages – Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Malayalam, and Tamil in addition to English and Hindi. The film will be promoted on YouTube and the brand’s social media platforms.

Credits:

• Client: Godrej Interio
• Creative agency: Contract Advertising
• Agency Team:
• Rohit Srivastava, CSO
• Ayan Chakraborty, EVP & GM
• Rahul Ghosh, SVP & ECD
• Venkateshwaran Venkatrman, VP – Account Management
• Rainna Boothello, Group Account Director
• Namrata Wahi, Account Manager
• Iksha Sinha, Senior Account Executive
• Sagar Chhabria, VP & Senior CD – Art
• Parul Chugh, ACD – Copy
• Sameer Chavan, ACD – Art
• Akshay Kamble, Senior Manager – Films
• Production house:
• Sankat Mochan Films
• Director: Sanket Pathare

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HYDERABAD: The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts announced the launch of the ‘Shefs at The Leela’ Programme as a structured culinary development program 18mme for aspiring lady chefs. The program is not just a stepping stone to a job in the hospitality industry but a firm foundation for a career with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in the field of culinary arts.

On the proud occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, the ‘Shefs at The Leela’ program was unveiled at the 5th edition of the ‘Shefs at The Leela’ event that took place on the 8th and 9th March 2024 at The Leela Palace Jaipur. This 2-day event featured a grand gala dinner at Mohan Mahal, where a six-course menu was expertly curated by globally renowned women chefs – Chef Rasika Mythily Venkatesa, Chef Tashyaa Mehrotra, and Chef Tejasvi Chandela.

Since its inception in 2022, ‘Shefs at The Leela,’ an innovative platform celebrating women chefs in partnership with Dean With Us, has successfully hosted editions at The Leela Palaces in Bengaluru and Chennai, The Leela Ambience Gurugram, and The Leela Bhartiya City. This initiative was introduced to promote equity in the kitchens. The program provides opportunities for ladies who have studied hotel management or reputed culinary programs for a minimum period of one year. And aspire to work as chefs and women keen to see their entrepreneurial dreams come to life. Serving as a platform for women achievers in the culinary realm, “Shefs at The Leela”, aims to nurture ambitions, offering growth opportunities that help women fulfill their culinary aspirations.

Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts said, “We at The Leela are committed to building an equitable work environment, that celebrates diversity and nurtures equity. ‘Shefs at The Leela’ was conceptualized as a platform that appreciates the achievements of women in hospitality and builds a community that will inspire, encourage, and nurture diversity in our kitchens. With this pioneering initiative and the overwhelming response it has received, we are now evolving this into a concrete and structured culinary development program that will not only solve a need for diverse and skilled talent within the kitchens but also create a springboard for aspiring women chefs to follow their passions and fulfill their aspirations to carve a niche for themselves within the industry.”

The Shefs at The Leela Programme certified by The Leela, is designed to provide an opportunity for aspirants to grow personally and professionally. The aspirants are groomed through a combination of academic study and comprehensive on-the-job training. The objective of the program is to develop the next generation of culinary experts in bakery and confectionary, continental, Indian, and oriental cuisines, who will continue to practice and nurture the organization’s people-focused approach to achieve service excellence.

In addition to the core curriculum, The Leela will organize quarterly ‘Shefs at The Leela’ events to cultivate a vibrant culinary community. These gatherings will encompass various activities, such as masterclasses led by industry experts, panel discussions with renowned chefs, and curated dinners prepared by celebrated women chefs. The events will also include the recognition of outstanding achievements through awards.

The 2-year ‘Shefs at The Leela’ Programme is structured into two phases, beginning in Quarter 3 of 2024. Freshers are eligible to join in Phase One, and depending on caliber, professionals can apply for Phase Two. The initial 12-month phase focuses on developing a foundation of culinary skills and knowledge. The subsequent 12-month phase is dedicated to building and advancing culinary skills and acumen, including shadowing executive chefs.

The applicants are selected through a trade test and a well-rounded evaluation process. The ‘Shefs at The Leela’ Programme offers several benefits, including certification by The Leela upon program completion. Graduates of the program receive priority consideration for internal transfers and career advancement. ‘Shefs at The Leela’ associates will serve as brand ambassadors of the program, attending ‘Shefs at The Leela’ events and initiatives as required.

Further, upon completing the ‘Shefs at The Leela’ Programme with a minimum tenure of employment, graduates will be awarded an incentive.

The mandate for The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts has been expanded to lead training and development interventions across all levels of the organization with a focus on improving gender diversity across all levels. The Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP), a 15-month program has been designed to equip associates in functions of Sales, Butlers, F&B, and Operations to strengthen their competencies and skills to take on higher positions of responsibility within the organization. Furthermore, female LLDP aspirants who were not selected in the final round are eligible to apply for Phase Two of the ‘Shefs at The Leela’ program.

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At the end of seven eventful days across six cities in India, an epic edition of the world’s Biggest Culinary Battle came to a glamorous close. Connecting over 60 countries of the world, YCO24 was one of the biggest in size and scale. The Closing Ceremony was equally grand and exciting as it took place at Kolkata’s popular amusement park, Wet o Wild.

Besides the top three, YCO 2024 had a long list of special category winners. The Plate Trophy round which was held between the next best teams ranked between 11 to 20 in the competition, went to India’s Lenin Bopanna. The Kitchen Cut Management Award went to New Zealand. The Best Vegetarian Dish went to Nepal while the Best Crème Souffle a l’Orange went to Italy.

Six Best Mentor Nominee Awards were given away based on each of the mentor’s recommendations about their respective participants. The awards went to Greece, Jordan, Netherlands, Ethiopia, Botswana, and Equatorial Guinea. The six Best Young Chef Ambassador Awards went to Australia, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Participants were also marked on Best Hygiene and Kitchen Practice maintained during the competition and this award went to six countries, namely, Namibia, Portugal, England, Bulgaria, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The Best Knife Skills Award went to Thailand, Portugal, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The Lord Bilimoria Rising Stars Award went to Namibia, Albania, Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Ireland, and Oman. The Gold Global Sustainability Award went to Kenya. The Spirit of Young Chef Olympiad International Award went to Lesotho.

The Dr Bose Challenge Trophy which was introduced this year for participants who did not come in the top 20 teams, went to Kenya and Switzerland.

Organized by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and hosted by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), YCO 2024 was a true celebration of the spirit of One World One YCO.

YCO 2024 had a brilliant panel of esteemed judges from around the world. Led by Prof

David Foskett, OBE, Chairman of the Jury, and Chef John Wood, the Founder and Director of Kitchen Cut were Chief Judges of the event. The Deputy Chief Judge was Chef Rahul Akerkar, the renowned Chef and Restaurateur. The panel Jury included some famous globally famous culinary faces such as Chef Gary Maclean, National Chef of Scotland, Sicilian Chef Enzo Oliveri, pastry chef and chocolatier Sarah Hartnett, Dato’ Chef Abdul Wahab Zamzani, Celebrity Chef from Malaysia, Chef Neil Rippington, International Director, IIHM and Chef Mario Perera, Executive Chef Dorchester Collection.

YCO 2024 continued to embrace the important and significant theme of Sustainability promoting the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A special award, the Zenobia Nadirshaw Diamond Research Award went to students who had done research on the SDGs and how to achieve them to make the world a better place to live. Four awards in this category went to Kenya, Bangladesh, India and Italy.

“Preparing and organizing an event of this stature needs the might of an organization and leadership that runs a network of connected institutes across the country, manages people from different places, with an alumni base of tens of thousands, and is loved by the entire world,” said Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Principal Judge and Mentor, YCO.

“There are years when nothing happens and there are weeks where decades happen. That’s what happened in the pandemic. It taught us the importance of health and sustainability and brought us close to food. I am so glad that YCO has embodied both food and sustainability in this competition,” said Nakul Anand, eminent hotel and travel industry personality who is now Chairman of the YCO Global Advisory Committee.

“YCO 2024 was special because it was the 10 year. It has been a wonderful decade in which we have received incredible support from the countries, mentors, judges, and everyone who was involved. We are committed to the UN SDGs and we are also proud and grateful to the UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili for his support, especially because he launched the 10th YCO by inaugurating the chef jacket that the participants are wearing this year. The Young Chef Olympiad is the greatest platform to promote Youth Culinary Diplomacy, a platform to bring the world together through the power of youth. YCO will continue to celebrate and carry forward the spirit of One World One YCO in the years to come,” said Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of, the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and Founder, of YCO.

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The Capri range of pressure cookers was one of the event’s highlights. The cookers feature a 2-level steam release feature, making cooking faster and more efficient. The innovative “All With 1 Hand” feature allows for easy lid operation and security, while the durable 18/10 premium grade steel ensures safety as per European safety tests.

The Naturally range of cookware blends wood’s warmth with white’s purity, offering rivetless cookware with marble coating and cast aluminum construction. The collection includes casseroles, frypans, grill pans, woks, and kadhais, all crafted with sustainability in mind.

The Walking by BERGNER flasks are stylish, durable, and designed to keep beverages safe and fresh. Made from stainless steel and some with a copper blend, they retain temperatures to support a healthier lifestyle.

The Acadia jars blend natural beauty with practicality, featuring secure seals to keep ingredients fresh. Their wooden lids and transparent glass design provide a modern aesthetic, made from corrosion-resistant borosilicate glass, perfect for storing a wide range of ingredients.

The Olive Garden range by BERGNER offers rust-resistant stainless steel knives in various sets, including Chef Knife, Santoku Knife, Carving Knives, Paring Knife, and more. With soft-touch handles for a perfect grip, the knives are a cutting-edge addition to any kitchen.

Speaking about the launches, Chef Vikas Khanna said, “Cooking is an art, and with the right tools, it becomes a masterpiece. BERGNER’s commitment to quality and innovation resonates with my culinary philosophy.”

The roadshow included visits to four renowned outlets in the city, followed by a meet and greet with dealers, social media influencers, RJs, and media professionals. Umesh Guptaa, Director of BERGNER India, expressed his gratitude, saying, “These new ranges exemplify our commitment to quality, functionality, and style. We are honored to have Chef Vikas Khanna join us in this culinary journey, bringing his expertise to our products.“

BERGNER India is a premium cookware and kitchen appliance brand originating from Europe, dedicated to enhancing the cooking experience for home chefs. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for cooking, BERGNER India is the perfect partner for any kitchen.

The post Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna Unveils Five Exciting Product Ranges for BERGNER India in Pune appeared first on NRI News.

HALO-Cocktail Bar & Kitchen is the brainchild of a dynamic team of passionate restaurateurs. The ownership dream team comprises Sunaina Errabelli, Sandesh Reddy, Teja Govind renowned for Obvsly Gelato in both Hyderabad and Chennai, Swethan Reddy known for his ventures Fat Pigeon, Ragi, and Chubby Cho in Hyderabad, and Twinkle Keswani-an accomplished F&B entrepreneur with brands like Pisco By The Beach and Toro Toro in Goa, as well as Cafe Montagne in Leh. Chef Rohan D’souza, chef & partner at brands like Pisco by The Beach (Goa), Chop at The Urban Eatery (Nairobi), Blue Turtle (Goa), The Lazy Goose (Goa), Toro Toro (Goa), as well as Cafe Montagne (Leh), is the culinary director at Halo.

HALO takes inspiration from the very essence of nature to create an ambiance that is both refreshing and inviting. The moment you step inside, you’ll find yourself immersed in a lush, green landscape, guided by bamboo and ropes. The restaurant’s expansive dining space includes outdoor, upper, and indoor sections, all adorned with earthy tones and an abundance of plant life, casting a soothing spell of natural serenity.

Halo’s culinary offerings promise a delightful adventure for the taste buds. The Black Pepper Indian Salmon features succulent salmon skewers, artfully glazed with a zesty black pepper sauce, striking a perfect balance of tenderness and spice. For a South Indian twist, the Punugulu with Smoked Tomato Chutney offers airy rice dough balls, accompanied by a smoky homemade chutney, creating a light yet flavorful appetizer. Whether you’re indulging in BBQ 5 Spice Chicken & Mushroom Kofta Skewers or savoring the richness of Truffle Ricotta Cannelloni, each bite is a perfect balance of flavors. Each dish at Halo is a harmonious fusion of diverse flavors, making it a culinary destination like no other, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

HALO’s bar is a journey in itself, where every sip tells a story. Rooted in fresh ingredients and innovative techniques, the bar menu presents flavors that evoke nostalgia and familiarity. At this fresh-only bar, canned juices are left behind, ensuring each concoction is a pure and vibrant experience. HALO’s bar is a realm where every flavor is a memory waiting to be savored, and every glass holds a piece of their commitment to taste, crafted anew.

In conclusion, HALO-Cocktail Bar & Kitchen, located in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, offers a unique dining experience that blends nature’s tranquility with culinary excellence and contemporary mixology. With an ambiance inspired by nature and a menu crafted by renowned chefs, HALO promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

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