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Magazine of Gulf Indian Society & History 2011 • ISSUE 6 • VOL. 18.6
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Editorial
That Used To Be Us;
Development Bank report, India Gandhi agitated on Dalal from behind the scenes as it
has approximately 26 million Street near the Bombay Stock probably is, the Indian people
Can India Say It Differently?
affluent people, those who can Exchange. According to news won’t get much out of it.
spend more than $20 a day – reports, India has become The fact is the average lower
these will include folks like most the 83rd country and Mumbai or upper middle class Indian
of us who care little about the the 1,501st city to stage the simply does not think through
poor. The ADB report notes that protests, which started in New issues like the average middle
by using spending between $2 York against greedy capitalism class American.
and $13 a day as the gauge, the and corporate self indulgence.  My son-in-law Erik Hadden
The Left mocks the Right. The Right knows it’s right. Two ugly traits.
World Bank’s Martin Ravallion The point I’m making is offers an interesting example
How far should we go to try to understand each other’s point of
puts India’s middle class at 264 that ‘Occupy Wall Street’ is of how American voters think
view? Maybe the distance grace covered on the cross is a clue.
million. more likely a genuine people’s through issues in his Facebook
– BONO, lead singer of U2. Compared to China, India movement rather than Hazare’s; post, ‘Why a Pro-Life Christian
has more of its middle class and if it gathers momentum like Voted for Obama.’ (Wednesday,
Religion in America, takes no direct part in the government of precariously perched just above it steadily seems to be doing, December 10, 2008)
society, but it must be regarded as the first of their political the poor, a spot from where it we could see real change in He admits: “I voted
institutions…I do not know whether all Americans have a sincere is very easy to tumble back America. It’s unlikely much will Republican in 1992, 1996 and
faith in their religion – for who can search the human heart?  But into poverty. Economist Nancy happen in the subcontinent as 2000 (yikes!) mainly because
I am certain that they hold it to be indispensable to the maintenance Birdsall suggests India would long its people remain spiritually of the abortion issue. Partly,
have no middle class at all if bankrupt – our crooked also, because I disagree with
of republican institutions. This opinion is not peculiar to a class of
you restrict the definition of politicians are only a symptom the over-arching ethos that says
citizens or to a party, but it belongs to the whole nation and to every
middle class to the number of of a far deeper spiritual malaise that any movement away from
rank of society.
people who can spend $10 a that grips countries like India. “traditional” values is “progress”
– Alexis de Tocqueville on the role of religion in America
day and yet are not in the top And that issue remains or movement “forward.” But, if
5% of the population by income invisible in India’s national I am honest, I could not bring
Those who would renegotiate the boundaries between church and distribution. dialogue, because every religion myself to vote for someone who
state must therefore answer a difficult question: Why would we trade Not surprisingly, India’s in our country is corrupt. is okay with what I believe is no
a system that has served us so well for one that has served others so dog-eat-dog society is in a Not so in America, where less than murder.
poorly? non-stop rat race to survive political candidates are routinely “Further, I began to
– U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and when it comes to politics, dumped for being adulterous or believe that the Iraq war was
it is a routine practice to fake crooked, unlike our Narasimha unnecessary. And that starting
support and ‘rent a crowd.’ If Rao’s, Yedurappas, Mayawatis, an unnecessary war is equivalent
the rumors are to be believed, Jayalalitas, etc., one could go to murder, no better or worse
Anna Hazare is either a naïve on and on ad nauseam. than abortion for convenience.
old man being used by power India’s middle class and “I began to believe that the
hungry colleagues, or a puppet political morality is like its Republican party waves the
Middle East, November 11, Anna Hazare succeeded in arm of middle classes all over the on a string for sinister political official soft porn policy for “pro-life” flag just to garnish
2011 – Watching Thomas twisting the Indian government, world,” may have overlooked the forces that have cleverly backed Bollywood, which can basically votes. They preach that the
Friedman’s interview on in America the protests have not fact that middle class profiles a movement that may well work be described as: – ‘Show them government should be pro-life
New Delhi Television (NDTV) yet fully mobilized the country and values are vastly different to their advantage in the next everything without showing but that it also should do very
recently got me thinking; or received serious government in some countries. Transparency elections if they can keep the them anything.’ little to help the poor and single
Friedman suggests that the attention. International awards Indians the pot boiling. Unquenched thirst keeps mothers who often consider
‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement That may indeed be true, but dubious distinction of being The ‘Occupy Wall Street’ people lusting for more but abortion as their only real
in the U.S, has not been as Friedman who says the “flat” in among the most corrupt, with movement has reached they end up with nothing. solution.
successful as the Jan Lokpal his book, Hot, Flat, and Crowded, India at 87th in world rankings. India, and activists including If the Jan Lokpal Bill “I began to believe that “pro-
Bill agitation because while is his, “shorthand for the rise According to an Asian Gandhiji’s grandson Tushar movement is being manipulated life” and “pro-choice” are terms
2 3
The International Indian The International Indian
Editorial
that create a false dichotomy country. That is all part of our is such it could possibly help
that keeps Americans opposed past. That used to be us and can turn the country around.
to each other, instead of working be again—if we will it.” Indians may have separated
together to lower the number I can’t help but speculate temple, mosque, church and
of abortions for convenience whether the book’s title That state, but not the volatile mix of
(which most people no matter Used To Be Us can convey religion and politics.
their political party, I think, another meaning in the case of And we may be too addicted
would agree is a good thing). India. to our corrupt ways.
“I began to believe that America is looking back at
foreign policy, the budget, its history wistfully about the
the economy, education and way things used to be.
abortion are ALL moral issues. I Can India too look back
began to believe that all these one day and say ‘we were Frank Raj
issues are interconnected in once corrupt, rapacious and Founder Editor & Publisher
such a way that you cannot look politically cynical, but now we [email protected]
at them independently. are not’?
“Also, I am not afraid or the America better than most The International Indian
word “socialism” and I haven’t countries, has separated church @frankraj08
had anyone explain to me why and state; its spiritual heritage Frank Raj
a socialist democracy would be
so bad.”
America has a huge problem COUNTER CULTURAL INSIGHTS?
according to Friedman co-
A Book You Don’t Want To Miss!
author of another book with
Michael Mandelbaum, titled,
That Used To Be Us. It analyzes OUT OF INDIA FOR GOOD,
how America fell behind in OR WILL YOU RETURN?
the wo Orutl Odf InDdiitEa SF oI riO GnRo ovPdA, eORrD nWEiStllI Ye:oud Re turan?nd how
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THE INTERNATIONAL
Indian
62The Importance Of Personal Investment Planning 82Urban Bird Watchers: Passion Amidst India’s
By: Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri Concrete Skylines | By: Marianne de Nazareth
EST: 1992 The Region’s Oldest, Authoritative By tradition, the savings habit is ingrained in every Indian, Using the fact that they are perched up higher than
Magazine of Gulf Indian Society & History As a country, India has one of the highest levels of they normally would be, birders are using this to their
household savings anywhere in the world. So, if you want advantage to literally ‘check out the chicks’ in the fast
to know how to become a millionaire, read on! dwindling greenery around their abodes.
BUZZ WORD 66Euthanasia Hotline? It’s A New World
By: Anil Kumar COLUMNS
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Certification 64
90 10Neemrana Hotels: An Indian & French Passion 70Deepti Bhatnagar: Miss India, Actor, World Traveller VThIEe WUgPlOy IInNdTian Man Of Hygiene, Hair &
• Giordano Middle East Opens For India’s Heritage | By: Bandana Jain By: Sarina Menezes Horrible Habits | By: Mukul Kesavan
200th Store TII takes a sneak-peek into the heritage tourism movement “I look back and realize my journey has been an interesting Is it true that Indian men are ugly in ways that are
promoted by the twosome. one right from my Miss India, acting and modelling days different to others or are all men a little more crude
• LIALI’s Grand ‘Bangle Mela’ at 20Meira Chand: Singapore’s Writer In tpor othdue cteim ae t rwavheeln s hI owwa nftoerd I tnod tiaranv teell eavroisuionnd” t.he world and than their female counterparts?
Meena Bazaar Residence | By: Amita Sarwal 72EAST MEETS WEST PARENTING
is the talk of the town! Meira Chand’s multi-cultural Indian-Swiss 76Business Women In Britain Making Their Mark Ending The Bath Time Battle Without A Fight
heritage is reflected in her novels, which By: Rudy Otter By: Cynthia Lim
91 • explore the issues of identity and cultural Do Indian women have a flair for business that is more Whether you are in Chiba, Japan, Lagos, Nigeria or
Giving Kids A Chance dislocation. evident among ladies in the diaspora? New York city, giving your child a bath need not be
Around The World
a challenge, it can be fun if you innovate a little.
• 34India Travel Buzz 79Whipping Up Their Own ‘Life Recipes’
Spring/Summer 2012 TII’s new column for India travel will keep She Made It Through Thick And Thin | By: Sabah Hadi 74INDIA JOURNAL
you up to date on what’s happening on the tourism front in the One look at Hajra Mohammed and you are filled with All Is Fair: Indians And Our Skin Obsession
country. admiration for a woman who is the epitome of grace and By: Ranjani Iyer Mohanty
ageless beauty. India’s continuing worship of the white is a bit more
IN EVERY ISSUE 36Gulf Hotel Happenings perplexing and vexing.
Clients to entertain? Want to make that business trip more TRAVEL
2 Editorial interesting? TII keeps you up to date on what’s happening at the
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8 Letters Singapore Blends: Sky-scraping Luxury & Shortsighted Policies Are Proving Detrimental
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95 TII Hall of Fame holiday? TII brings you the best deals out there. much. The services never tire of claiming uniqueness and
dislike comparison with other central services. Yet,
42India’s F1 Debut: The Fever Ends But The Debate Continues 32 they have diluted that contention by demanding
I Love The Philippines | By: Peter Souri Raj
By: Sonal Jaitly Manila: Thriving capital city of the Philippines. After parity with the civil services.
The Airtel Indian Grand Prix, solely a private sector initiative, was a
the sanitised seductions of Singapore (of which there
spectacular success in terms of event management. are many), the manic ‘mazha’ of Manila was refreshing, 96FUTUREQUEST
46Bhangra Beats In Britain | By: Anjali Guptara to say the least. 1B1y–: 1F1r –a n1k1 ARnayj Apocalyptic Significance?
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527 Steps In Raising A Bilingual Child by: Naomi – Hillary Clinton
Steiner | By: Brighid Moret
7 Steps to Raising a Bilingual Child by Naomi Steiner gives advice
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86Why Not Make 56S.G Nair: From An Ordinary Indian Life To Overseas Professional F18a1x:6 8+14,4 D-2u0b8a-i7 U7A0 E9. 7T4e7l:; (E9-7m14a)i l2: 9m7 a3h9t3a2n;id F@axa:o (l.9c7o1m4;) 2IN9T7E 4R3N45A;T EIO-mNaAilL: [email protected] O INFFDIICAE: SM:U MMIBDADIL: E6 1E1-AAS, TK:o EhiXnPooArT M GaRll,O KUohP,in PooOr CBiotyx,
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The International Indian The International Indian
Letters to the Editor THE INTERNATIONAL
Indian
PICK
EST: 1992 The Region’s Oldest, Authoritative
Magazine of Gulf Indian Society & History Editor ' s
Ram Rajya in Gujarat? USA Is Still On Top? PUBLISHERS
The title of your editorial in I notice some of your Prof. Prabhu Guptara
TII 18.5: Ram Rajya In Gujarat: readers occasionally get into Santosh Shetty
Then Justice Is Certain drew India vs America debates. To FOUNDER EDITOR By: Frank Raj
my attention and I crammed put things in perspective, the Frank Raj
in the first few para’s into an U.S. is still the world’s leader CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Erik R. Hadden
otherwise unbelievably busy and superpower. Its GDP is $14
Prem Souri Kishore
day (normal day). trillion - ten times that of India,
Benjamin H. Parker
Could’nt stop reading from its annual defense budget
Vishal Mangalwadi
there, a brilliantly written is fifty percent of the entire
TRAVEL EDITOR
article! world’s defence spending, its
Shana Raj Parker
infrastructure is world class and
MANAGER PR
Prem Nair it still attracts the finest minds.
Christine DeSouza
Dubai, UAE The best brains in the hi-
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
tech sector are to be found in Balan Iyer
Sad, mad, bad Gaddafi Silicon Valley, California, not in GRAPHIC ARTIST
The vivid picture of Libya’s India or China. In sharp contrast Melany Caguindagan Besa
leader Mr. Gadhafi, half naked more than 70% of Indians live
PHOTOGRAPHER
and blood covered body, in a on less than $1 a day. Benjamin H. Parker
cold storage unit at a Misrata INTERNATIONAL
meat market, made sad Manav Sohail CORRESPONDENTS
viewing. He met a cruel end, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia CANADA Rubina Jacob
though he was very popular SINGAPORE Amita Sarwal
and was considered a great TII is in the long haul UK Anjali Guptara Khera Lobby lounge
Afro-Arab leader in the 1970s I have noticed for the Rudy Otter The Empire Hotel
and 1980s. He should have last several years, despite Shamlal Puri www.theempirehotel.com
avoided his flirtation with the recession which has hit USA Prem Souri Kishore Ambassador suite living room • Phone : [phone]
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Rajendra K. Aneja BAHRAIN offering unsurpassed 5 star luxury. deep soaking tub, gold taps and The Empire Hotel & Country
Dubai, UAE Rajeev Chintakayal Lloyd Rebello | [email protected] The palatial resort hotel, luxury amenities. Besides the Club also extends the kingdom’s
Dubai, UAE Mob: [phone]
QATAR which astounds visitors with gold fittings in the suites many of regal hospitality with an
Merwyn Ferrao | [email protected] its spectacular 12 story marble the areas of the hotel sport a 21K impressive range of3 international
Mob: [phone]
and gold lobby, is set in its own gold plated finish. restaurants, spa, world class
UAE
The best letters to the editor Peter Souri Raj | [email protected] private 180 hectare (445 acres) Three hundred and seventy golf and sporting activities, and
Mob: [phone] estate of manicured gardens and pieces of Tiger Eye are inlaid international meeting facilities
will win exquisite gifts from INDIA
an 18 hole, floodlit Jack Nicklaus into gold plated stair rails of for top level MICE gatherings,
Rahul George | [email protected]
Liali Jewellery. Mob: [phone] Signature Golf Course and the Main Atrium. Other semi- making it a resort ideal for family,
Country Club. precious stones like Lapis Lazuli romantic or business vacations.
Email your letters to: Audited Circulation
26,865 copies Each of the hotel’s 518 and Malachite are also found in
[email protected] Nov/Dec 2009 opulently appointed guest rooms, various areas and among the Frank Raj is the founder editor of TII
www.bpaww.com
8 9
The International Indian The International Indian
Cover Story
Neemrana Hotels
Neemrana Fort Palace, the flagship of
An Indian & French Neemrana Hotels
Passion for India’s Heritage
Aman Nath shared a vision to restore India’s derelict
forts and palaces with Frenchman Francis Wacziarg who
became an Indian citizen to forge a partnership. Known
as heritage tourism specialists, the duo transform old
properties into heritage hotels and present them to the
world, combining history and hospitality. TII takes a
sneak-peek into the heritage tourism movement promoted
by the twosome.
By: Bandana Jain
“When doors open in
life, one must walk
through them.” With
this untiring philosophy Aman
Nath shared a unique vision for
a business with Francis Waziarg,
a French diplomat and author,
who became an Indian citizen
in the 1990’s. Neither of them
were architects or hoteliers, but
together they worked towards
the renovation and restoration
of an old, crumbling fort outside
Delhi. What emerged from
that initiative was a heritage
property of superlative status-
the Neemrana Fort Palace which
Neemrana Fort Palace-symbolic of sustainable heritage tourism
eventually led to the birth of the
Neemrana ‘non-hotel’ Hotels. ‘Neemranification’ movement to Pvt. Ltd. proudly manages as
Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg restore ruins to their original glory many as 25 magnificient heritage
have not looked back ever since. and present them to the world on properties across 18 destinations
Today, the duo seem a platter as heritage hotels and in India, with five of the properties
to head a movement – the noble homes. Neemrana Hotels owned by them.
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The International Indian The International Indian
Cover Story
Aman Nath Foundation, Wacziarg is striving blank canvas led solely by our
Chairman, Neemrana Hotels to put India on the world map of passion and aptitude”.
A historian by education, western classical music. Wacziarg Restricting the restoration
copywriter by profession and a is also the founding member of the process to a bare minimum to keep
passionate author, Nath’s book Indian National Trust for Art and the history alive is yet another
‘Jaipur –the last destination’ was Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and a way of social responsibility for
the first Indian book chosen these conservationists.
by Christie’s for worldwide “We try to keep as many
distribution. Also an art traces of the past as
enthusiast, Nath worked possible without making
for seven years as the visible intrusions.” reveals
curator of Art Today, the Nath.
contemporary art gallery Terrific professional
of India Today, after a stint chemistry between Nath
looking after the arts pages and his co-chairman
of the magazine. An avid Wacziarg is rather evident
traveler, Nath has taken from the phenomenal
to the path less travelled success of their
by undertaking a trip to projects. Describing their
Mount Kailash in Tibet; relationship as ‘complete
to a hidden monastery and complementary’, Nath
between Rohtang and Leh; and Wacziarg double up
and to the sub-Antartic, on most matters and also
in an ice breaker, just function individually. “As a
after the film Titanic was team it is easier to function
released! Today, more than when there is complete
anything else, he is known Aman Nath and his daughter Aadya trust and even telepathy on
for restoring ancient heritage trustee on the India Foundation working for you,” explains Nath.
buildings and turning them into for the Arts (IFA). With over 200 files of heritage
viable, commercial heritage properties waiting for a new lease
properties. Neither architects nor hoteliers of life at the Neemrana office and
“Neemrana was a dream and at least five requests pouring
Francis Wacziarg we lived it with our eyes wide in every week for restoration
co-Chairman, Neemrana Hotels open and made it happen,” of ancient buildings, the Nath-
Born aboard a ship in Cuban reminisces Nath. Wacziarg duo have their hands
waters while his parents were Tracing his journey with full. “It is a Herculean’ task, but we
fleeing Nazi Europe, Francis Wacziarg, Nath recalls, “I met keep at it,” says Nath.
Wacziarg arrived in India in 1969. Francis Wacziarg in 1975 and MAKE A
He developed a deep passion began doing a film project almost Neemrana ‘non-hotel’ Hotels
for India’s cultural heritage and immediately which ended up The Neemrana ‘non-hotel’
decided to settle here in 1990. becoming a book by 1982! This Hotel brand of hospitality hinges
An MBA from France, he was the project on the wall paintings of on real, experiential hospitality
Commercial Attache at the French Marwari havelis had just finished – not necessarily on ever-
Consulate in Mumbai and headed when the prospect of Neemrana escalating standards. Neemrana
the representative office of the came up. Both the wall paintings Hotels endeavour to package
STATEMENT
Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) and architecture were crying out honest hospitality in the wrap of
in New Delhi. Subsequently, he for restoration, but their joint true Indian experiences, hence
went on to co-author a book with ownership over generations the brand Neemrana ‘non-hotel’
Nath on the frescoes of Marwari precluded any solution. Rather Hotels.  “These heritage buildings
havelis in Shekhavati. Wacziarg’s than complaining, we simply were never originally made to
variegated interest in art is obvious got into the act. Since we were be hotels. They have now been
in several endeavours. As the neither schooled as architects, changed, thanks to our adaptive
founder of The Neemrana Music nor as hoteliers – it was a big, re-use,” quips Aman Nath. “I think
12 13
The International Indian The International Indian
Cover Story
the USP of the chain is the real only emphasize Neemrana business. Wherever possible, they
Indian experience that it offers. Hotels’ evergrowing connection hire local people and involve the
between the past and local community so that their rural
the present. pride resurges to win the battle
to counter migration to urban
Upcoming projects slums. In their Kunoor property
Neemrana Hotels Neemrana has taken to growing its
is launching the Tijara own brand of tea, which has come
Fort-Palace in Alwar, to be known as Neemrana Tea and
Rajasthan and Deo- are into manufacturing chutneys
Bagh in Gwalior by the and jams from the fruit orchards
end of 2011. in their Ramgarh property.
In addition to the TII met Aman Nath, co-
above two properties, Chairman, Neemrana Hotels Pvt.
Neemrana has launched Ltd in New Delhi and interviewed
a new concept called him to find out more.
Neemrana Noble Homes.
The first one – Ishavilas TII: What kind of challenges
is in Siolim, Goa and the does one face when centuries-
next one Ganga-Ho in old fortresses are converted into
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand high-end hotels?
will be opening its There are many challenges in
doors towards the end setting up a remote restoration
A view of the Neemrana Fort Palace
of August. and reconstruction site without
The ambience is not that of a Neemrana’s ‘Noble Homes’ proper access, water and
regular hotel.” operates with the belief that one electricity. We are often strangers
Talking about the constant need not necessarily own a home in the villages that surround
accessorisation and upgradation each by a river, the sea, or in the the properties and sometimes
of Neemrana properties, Nath mountains. Instead, one can just the villager’s Bollywood-fuelled
explains, “Each project that get the keys to stylish, running imagination makes them believe
we work on is always the most homes which you can step into that we are smugglers who have
satisfying at the time. They and call your own. And it isn’t bought this mad ruin to conduct
occupy our time and attention always easy to find
quite concertedly. We dream, such amazing locations
discuss and talk about them as where these Noble
often. But when a property is Homes are located!
ready we don’t forget about it Although individual
either. In ten years we were able rooms can be booked,
to add the same volume to the the essence of the ‘Noble
Neemrana ruins as it took the Homes’ concept is that
Chauhan rulers some 535 years you must feel as master
to build what they did. So, where of the whole space that
there’s a will – there can be many you see and inhabit. This
walls too. No matter what height, is best experienced by
their history demands that they renting the entire home
should be raised!” so that all the public
Several awards like the GMR spaces become private
Express Travel World Award 2010- in usage.
11 for ‘Innovation in Customer
Experience’ and UNESCO’s Social responsibility
Inside Neemrana Fort Palace
‘Indian Travel Trade Industry’ All this while, the
award, as well as national awards awesome twosome has not some underhand activity! Or that
from the Government of India overlooked the social aspect of the we are just money bags who can
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The International Indian The International Indian
Cover Story
be harrassed for a quick buck. ites. We also have travellers from a different holiday experience as
Finding masons who worked overseas and French nationals opposed to the contemporary
in lime and mortar to raise top that list, perhaps because style, design, and luxury. In India,
such high stone walls from the of our French connection with we are fortunate to offer the best
fifteenth century (specifically Francis Wacziarg. They enjoy the of both – being a living, creative
for Neemrana Fort Palace) was idea of their ‘French Maharaja’ as and vibrant culture.
particularly hard. Even getting the press fondly calls him.  We Since Neemrana Hotels
such high scaffolding was not have also become a favourite comprise anything from 6 to 60
easy. But it is a huge tribute to venue for hosting conferences rooms, the revenues are in line
our masons and labourers that with the size of our hotels but
they have found innovative ways at a lower level than mainstream
to achieve what otherwise would hotels in India that range in size
have cost a fortune. from 50 to 200 rooms.  
No construction company
could have given us twelve rooms TII: How would you describe the
to start the place with just 30 lakh attitude of people towards herit-
rupees! Since then, it has been age hotels?
twenty years of continuous re- The heritage hotel segment
investing and close involvement is one of India’s best performing
in construction, design, and sectors in the hospitality
interiors to get Neemrana non- industry. People travel to see the
hotels to where they are today.  ‘difference’ and get an authentic
We have worked in ten states experience– not a repeat of what
in India and must say that a much they get at home. Of course, we
higher degree of government can serve Japanese and French
understanding is required if this food – and even succeed. But
Neemranification movement we believe in giving the best of
has to become a huge revenue Kerala, Rajasthan, Maharashtra
and employment source for our and Punjab in these states rather
economy. than importing ingredients and
Also, there is little support serving deep frozen foods. Fresh
from politicians and bureaucrats – turmeric yogurt in Uttarakhand
they almost think that we will run and tamarind fish curry in Cochin
away with the restored property! – will definitely be memorable
Perhaps such people still need Neemrana Fort Palace-an epitome of historical both for Indian and foreign guests.
and architectural grandeur
some exterior reassurance that
Indian culture and heritage are and weddings from both India TII: What type of guests do
a cut above the rest. Surely, we and overseas. Our “Friends Neemrana properties attract?
don’t need foreign prodding or of Neemrana” plan their next The profile of our guests varies
certificates to know our strengths. vacation according to where our a great deal - we have businessmen,
properties are located. government officials, expatriates,
TII: Do Indians appreciate the honeymooners, Bollywood &
contribution to heritage being TII: How are Neemrana ho- Hollywood stars, , artists, authors,
made by the Neemrana Hotels? tels different from mainstream retired travellers and back-
That seventy percent of our hotels- in terms of clientele and packers that visit our heritage
Neemrana guests are Indian, is revenue? palace hotels. Our foreign clientele
itself quite re-assuring. Indian The domestic Indian traveller includes the French, British,
heritage should first be for Indians has evolved as a growing client Americans, Belgians, the Irish and
to enjoy before it is packaged for for heritage hotels. Neemrana Australians.    
the rest of the world. Neemrana Hotels typically have a 70:30  
Fort-Palace being Rajasthan’s ratio of Indians to foreigners. TII: What is Neemrana’s USP?
closest palace to Delhi, remains Fortunately, there are millions Though Neemrana has perhaps
the weekend favourite of Delhi- of travellers out there who seek not raised the bar of Indian
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The International Indian