The 3rd Annual India Club Incredible India Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion on Wednesday night, August 10th, with the Platinum Dinner opening night reception.
The who's who of the South African and Indian lifestyle market descended upon the Greenside eatery, Spiceburg Restaurant to welcome and honor our special guests and artists from India. The gala event hosted by Ganesha Communications welcomed the sponsors and artists together at a dinner reception in spectacular style.
VIP’s and Platinum Sponsors
The dinner attended by special guests of the Indian Government Consular personnel R of Chancery Mr Masakui and wife, Assamese Stateswoman MP, honorable Sushmita Dev (MLA) of Silchar, platinum sponsors, State Bank Of India, Tata Motors, Jet Airways and Incredible India.
Dev’s presence was overwhelming and a trove of information regarding India and its glorious democracy. Sushmita Dev, an advocate by profession is the youngest daughter of ex Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev and sitting MLA of Silchar Bithika Dev. She has a strong political background as her forefathers have been the political arena for a long time in Indian politics.
Ms Sushmita Dev actioned her sociable duties as any politician and engaged Mr Sunil Menon and other guests in deep discussions over a variety of topics which ranged from the legacy of Gandhi, the recent column written by Aatish Taseer on his father’s immense hate for India and the Nehru post Independence policies.
Also present were a medley of media from varied broadcasting and print mediums who were abuzz with activity with interviews and photo shoots with the VIP guests. Miss India South Africa with her Shemei entourage added the sparkle with her co-host popular South Africa based DJ Zuby of Mumbai. Special patron guest and well known journalist, Mr Fakir Hassen who needed no introduction to the guests was immediately ushered from table to table and was in high demand for his latest authored book, ‘250 Bollywood Encounters’.
Zee Networks, Territory Head – Mr Vishwa Mohan swirled around the meet and greet and was a pleasant as always guest! Tata Motors represented by Mr Sreenath Punathil, Mr Shaheer Abrahams and Mr Rudrarup Maitra present were engaging and pleasant guests to host who clearly enjoyed their time mingling.
Business Talk
Business seemed to be highlight conversation at the table of Jet Airways’ General Manager Alex Cost and Sales Manager, Mr Dinesh Saran who were in deep conversation with Mr Rod Rutter, CEO of XL Travel and Mr Jay Bhula of Harveyworld Travel.
This was often distracted with the immense servings that were ladled in prompt hospitable service of the Spiceburg Restaurant staffers who ensured every table in the venue was well serviced.
Tales of India
Playing host to key sponsor, Naufal Khan spent the better part of the evening in engaging discussion with Mr Wilson Sudhakar of Incredible India.
Khan and Sudhakar’s discussions led to discovery of the India Tourism passion for people and the objection of human rights abuse that is rife in India. Especially now with the recent riots that broke out last week with the upcoming release of Nu Metro Bollywood’s release of Aarakshan by Prakash Jha, starring Prateik, Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan and Mr Bollywood himself – Amitabh Bachchan which premieres in South Africa this week, August 12th.
Mr Sudhakar who divulged his immense passion for writing poetry. The India Tourism head who exits South Africa this year after 2 years of heading the promotion of India will be taking office in India who looks forward to the change but impressed the fact South Africa will be missed sorely as this was home to him as well.
Gourmet explosion
The venue, Spiceburg Restaurant pulled out all the stops to entertain guests with a burst of authentic Indian cuisine that left guests surprised at the variety of tastes they encountered.
‘Chicken 65’ was the order of the day as waiters scuffled in prompt fashion as the dish was a hit with everyone at the venue. But to everyone’s surprise the main dishes were yet to be served with a tapa’s style selection of dishes ranging from vegetarian, meat and chicken dishes
Incredible India Day, 13th August 2011 at The Brightwater Commons
The highlight discussion that is still a mystery is the program of events that has been mentioned to be nothing more that spectacular by all means at the 13th August festival including a Bengali marriage. The unique factor of this international troupe is the selection of artists commissioned for this festival. They represent the tribal component of India with a similar comparison to our local African tribal clans and culture.
The content line-up for the event is a never before seen set of performances of Assam that will come alive on stage at The Brightwater Commons.
The artists who will be performing this Saturday at The Brightwater Commons for the Incredible India Day festival in commemoration of the 65th Indian Independence Day celebrations. The festival kicks off at 10AM sharp and completes at 4pm. Patrons will have the opportunity to meet the troupe and interact with them personally apart from the medley of bargain shopping stalls and the incredible variety of food that will be prepared from authentic Indian food from Spiceburg who will be at the festival amongst, Naickers Durban Curry, Shayona and quick snacks from Hema!
Mystery prizes from our generous sponsors Jet Airways, State Bank of India, DSTV India, Nu Metro Bollywood and a host of other prizes are up for grabs as DJ Zuby of Mumbai and Miss India South Africa will hand out during the course of the day to patrons. A fun filled family line-up of entertainment with ample shaded rest areas will be setup to accommodate the patrons.
India Club and Ganesha Communications welcome all to this event to celebrate the diversity of cultures and deep historical ties of South Africa and India.
