Redefining H ospitality

TAJGVK: Redefining Hospitality

Main Feature GVK Informatics unveils a new brand identity

Special FocusDr GVK Reddy: Racket Buddy

Special Feature

Vol. 04 Iss. 03

Oct-Dec 2015

Redefining H ospitality

PVSS Kumar Ravi Soni Jegurupadu CCPP Jaipur-Kishangarh Expressway Project P: 08498090335 P: 09784004290 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Pradeep Kumar R RSP Singh Gautami CCPP Deoli-Kota Expressway Project P: 07702003150 P: 0869424503 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Maninder Singh Sandeep Kaundil Goindwal Sahib TPP Taj Krishna P: 08968231111 P: 09701168007 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Dinesh Kumar Sharma Murthy Hansi Shrinagar HEP Vivanta by TAJ P: 09759700158 P: 09030000287 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Darren Yeates Selvam. T GVK Australia Taj Club House P: 00061 730035608 P: 09282244108 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Tanmay Shringarpure Srinivas Indukuri GVK CSIA Taj Deccan P: 09820452681 P: 08143036299 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Saroj Maria Joseph Resham Gupta GVK KIAB Taj Banjara P: 09538882041 P: 9295001331 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Kenneth R. Guldbjerg Raghuram Varma M GVK Indonesia GVK EMRI E: [email protected] P: 09949354988 E: [email protected]

Gaurav Rastogi Ram Mohan S.V GVK BIO GVK Corporate Office P: 09989959031 P: 09966002052

E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Sachin Nirgun/ Pooja Shree V. GVK ONE P: 09930002221 E: [email protected]/ [email protected]

EDITOR SPEAK

COMMUNICATION CHAMPIONS

Please send your contributions/feedback to [email protected]

New Year….New resolutions….New opportunities….

The New Year brings with it a feeling of optimism and merriment. This is the time when we are all excited about our New Year resolutions and look forward to making the best of the year that lies ahead.

The year gone by saw GVK cross some significant milestones with major projects like Shrinagar Hydro Electric Project and the Deoli-Kota Expressway Project beginning commercial operations.

The arrival of the first Coal rake at the Goindwal Sahib TPP marked another step towards making the plant operational at the earliest.

GVK EMRI and GVK BIO’s Inogent also completed ten years of successful operations.

Capturing some major developments along with events and celebrations, we bring to you another exciting issue of GVK WORLD that is filled with fresh updates from across our verticals.

With the hospitality sector at the helm of the ever-growing tourism industry, GVK has established itself as a premium hospitality leader with TAJGVK properties across Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Chennai. The recently launched Taj Santacruz in Mumbai is being promoted as the ‘New Address of Luxury’. Read on to learn more about the various TAJGVK projects that blend Indian warmth with modern-day opulence to offer a memorable experience to the guests.

Ever since its launch, the GVK CSIA T2 has been lauded internationally for its striking structure, features and amenities and has won over 40 awards from across the globe, thus further strengthening GVK’s position as a leading infrastructure player in the airports space. We have shared a glimpse of some of GVK CSIA’s achievements during the last quarter of 2015.

For your reading pleasure, we have also included an interesting piece on our Founder Chairman and MD Dr GVK Reddy’s love for Tennis that featured in the latest edition of the Outlook Business magazine.

GVK bid farewell to one of the veterans of India’s power industry, our Director – Technical at Alaknanda Hydro Power Company, Mr V Rama Rao. His association with GVK dates back to 1992 and he has been instrumental in the setting up of many iconic infrastructure projects like the Jegurupadu CCPP and the Shrinagar Hydro Electric Project.

As always, we look forward to your valuable comments and feedback!

Happy Reading and a have a wonderful 2016!

Ram Mankekar Corporate Communications

Honouring a Veteran

Our Achievers

Work. Fun. Family

Special Focus

Recognitions. Events. Updates.

Main Feature

CONTENT

Bidding farewell To Mr V Rama Rao

GVK Informatics unveils a new brand identity

Motivation for the Motivator

TAJGVK: Redefining Hospitality

14

18 30

12

24

04

04 Oct-Dec 2015

Main Feature

TAJ KRISHNA

RedefiningHospitality

05Oct-Dec 2015

Main Feature

TAJGVK Hotels and Resorts Limited

TAJ KRISHNA, HYDERABAD (Key Base-261)

TAJGVK Hotels and Resorts Limited is the hospitality vertical of GVK. India’s growing economic scenario has enabled a significant development in the Indian travel and hospitality industry. The travel and tourism sector is one of the key forces that acts as a catalyst towards the development of the hospitality sector.

Having crossed many significant milestones in the infrastructure domain, our Founder Chairman & Managing Director, Dr GVK Reddy still considers the hotels business closest to his heart. As a college student when he was studying in Hyderabad, he used to go along with his friends to the Taj Mahal Hotel at Abids, which was one of the best hotels those days. Ever since then, he made up his mind to build an even better hotel in Hyderabad. And what started as a burning ambition, has today resulted in seven hotels – four in Hyderabad and one each in Chandigarh, Chennai and Mumbai.

TAJGVK Hotels and Resorts Ltd was formed as a result of a strategic alliance between GVK and Indian Hotels Company Limited in 2000. The TAJGVK personifies the traditional Indian warmth and ethnicity blended with modern day opulence and elegance. These hotels offer a distinctive charm with beautiful landscaping and proximity to business districts and impeccable levels of service. A treat for the gourmand, the TAJGVK hotels offer a memorable dining experience exploring the finest Indian and international cuisines. With a blend of enchanting ambience, exquisite furnishings, personalized services, best leisure facilities and hospitality services, the TAJGVK has become the epitome of gracious sophistication for decades. The TAJ was bestowed with the Gallup Work Place Award attributed to its extraordinary capability to create an engaged workplace ethnicity.

After decades of providing enriching experiences to the discerning guests, the TAJGVK Hotels and Resorts is now planning to extend its horizons to cater the ‘value for money’ segment with the ‘Ginger’ brand in Andhra Pradesh.

Located in the Banjara Hills, the Taj Krishna is a Member of The Leading Hotels of the world and is a rich blend of Hyderabad’s e-culture and aristocratic past. Its proximity to the business district has strengthened the hotel’s reputation as the epicentre of Hyderabad. The Taj Krishna offers a distinctive charm with beautiful landscaping and unparalleled service standards. All restaurants of the hotel have their unique identity and are often described as ‘Dining Destinations of the

City’. The Taj Krishna, Hyderabad has won the prestigious ‘Certificate for Excellence Award 2012’ by TripAdvisor. The hotel has been lauded for delivering unsurpassed levels of service for years and has subsequently earned a 4.5 rating, a matter of great pride across the industry. The Taj Krishna has also been awarded the ‘Best 5 Star Hotel of the Year 2012’ at the EPICURUS South India Hospitality Awards and holds the distinction of being the best luxury hotel in Hyderabad.

Main Feature

TAJ DECCAN, HYDERABAD (Key Base-157) This hotel is located in Hyderabad’s elite Banjara Hills and offers a pleasant stay for both leisure and business travellers with its secretarial service and finely equipped business centre. It is situated in close proximity to the airport. The restaurants at the Taj Deccan provide a unique dining experience exploring the finest Indian and international cuisines and serving traditional and contemporary favourites.

TAJ BANJARA, HYDERABAD (Key Base-122) Taj Banjara is the first Taj hotel in Hyderabad. It is situated in Banjara Hills overlooking its own private lake with vast lush gardens adding to the magnificent view. With spacious comfort and excellent amenities, the hotel is a delightful stay for the guests. Dining at Taj Banjara is a classic experience extracting the best of every region around the world and offering its guests a memorable treat on every visit.

TAJ CHANDIGARH (Key Base-152) Taj Chandigarh celebrates the dynamic spirit of the city with its sophisticated architecture and interiors. The hotel is located in Sector 17, the city’s prime business and shopping area. It is a

comfortable drive from both the airport and the railway station. The Taj Chandigarh is one of the finest hotels in the city and is well suited to both business and leisure travellers. It offers

all-day dining and private dining experiences, which the guests may relish from a variety of gourmet cuisines.

06 Oct-Dec 2015

Main Feature

TAJ CLUB HOUSE, CHENNAI (Key Base-220) Located on the Clubhouse road famous for its magnificent homes

of British luminaries and as the original site of the renowned Madras Club and off the historic Mount Anna Salai, the

Taj Club House makes an ideal venue for business travellers. The hotel is in close proximity to the city’s Central Business District (CBD) and is an easy commute from the airport. In its true sense

of embracing the legendary Taj Hallmark, the hotel offers exquisite dining options with impeccable levels of service.

VIVANTA BY TAJ, HYDERABAD (Key Base-181) Vivanta by Taj is located along the connecting corridors of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

One of the city’s most iconic business destinations, the hotel is situated right in the centre of the fast-paced business district of the twin cities. The hotel draws inspiration

from a multitude of elements that combine together to create a perfect blend of new age facilities with contemporary ambience and unique dining offerings.

TAJ CHANDIGARH (Key Base-152) Taj Chandigarh celebrates the dynamic spirit of the city with its sophisticated architecture and interiors. The hotel is located in Sector 17, the city’s prime business and shopping area. It is a

comfortable drive from both the airport and the railway station. The Taj Chandigarh is one of the finest hotels in the city and is well suited to both business and leisure travellers. It offers

all-day dining and private dining experiences, which the guests may relish from a variety of gourmet cuisines.

07Oct-Dec 2015

Main Feature

Located minutes from GVK CSIA’s magnificent T2, the Taj Santacruz, Mumbai offers authentic luxury experience in a bespoke and personalized environment. Basking in an enviable location that is ideal for visiting both the business centre and famous landmarks, museums and galleries across the city, it features spacious rooms, an array of dining options, sophisticated meeting facilities, health club, spa and salon.

The New Address of Luxury

Exterior view of Taj Santacruz, Mumbai

08 Oct-Dec 2015

TAJ SANTACRUZ, MUMBAI (Key Base-279)

Dignitaries at the Puja ceremony

Main Feature

Our Founder Chairman and MD Dr GVK Reddy along with Mrs G. Indira K. Reddy, MD, TAJGVK Hotels and Resorts Ltd and Mr Rakesh Sarna, MD and CEO, Indian Hotels Co. Ltd

Facade of Taj Santacruz, Mumbai

09Oct-Dec 2015

Main Feature

The company follows some of the best practices to encourage its employees, thereby enabling an inspirational concept of self-driven staff

that would generate satisfied customers. The Entrepreneurial Culture is astutely followed amongst its employees and has enabled in

overcoming some tough market situations and drive business in new markets like Chandigarh,

Chennai and Mumbai.

10 Oct-Dec 2015

Best Practices at TAJGVK

PEOPLE

At TAJGVK, societal upliftment and environmental sustainability are given utmost significance. It is a

member of the Tata Council for Community Initiative (TCCI) which carries out social development programs.

The New Year meals are served in old-age homes and street children shelters. Each of TAJGVK’s hotels distributes spare linen, uniforms and lost and found

articles to organizations dedicated towards the under-privileged. Specially-abled children are trained for future endeavours. Various NGOs are supported by purchasing handmade jute products, organic bakery and other items

of daily use.

Main Feature

‘Environmental Awareness and Renewal at Taj Hotels’ initiatives at the TAJGVK include sapling plantation, pollution check for guests’ vehicles and sales by

organizations that promote and make environment friendly products. TAJGVK has attained Green Globe Silver Level Certification which is a global brand

that includes programs for sustainability, carbon neutrality and benchmarking, certification and performance improvement.

11Oct-Dec 2015

The EARTH

SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT

Mr V. Rama Rao, the 86 year old veteran of India’s power industry, and Director-Technical, Alaknanda Hydro Power Company, decided to hang up his boots after a 23 year stint at GVK.

At a function held on 11 January 2016, our Founder Chairman and MD Dr GVK Reddy along with Mr G V Sanjay Reddy, Mr Krishna Ram Bhupal and senior executives of GVK, gave him a fond farewell and presented him with a memento.

Mr V. Rama Rao’s assistance to Dr GVK Reddy has been invaluable and was instrumental in the setting up of many iconic infrastructure projects at GVK. His association with us dates back to 23 years when he joined in 1992 as a Technical Advisor.

He began implementing the Jegurupadu CCPP in 1994 and commissioned the country’s first Independent Power Plant (IPP) in 1996. Mr Rama Rao was also instrumental in setting up and commissioning of the Shrinagar HEP in Uttarakhand.

With over 60 years dedicated to the power industry, he holds the record for the highest number of hydel power projects commissioned under his guidance and leadership. With his technical expertise and professional wisdom, he was a source of constant support during GVK’s growth and expansion. During his illustrious career, he was conferred with ‘Bharat Ratna Shri Mokshagundam Vishveshwaraya’ from The Institution of Engineers

Bidding farewell To Mr V Rama Rao

Honouring a Veteran

12 Oct-Dec 2015

( R-L) Our Founder Chairman and Managing Director Dr GVK Reddy, Mr V. Rama Rao, Mr G V Sanjay Reddy and Mr Krishna Ram Bhupal at the farewell ceremony

(India), AP State Centre in 2003, ‘Best Electrical Engineer of the Year’ Award in 2005 by The Institution of Engineers (India). He also received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by Atluri Venkateshwara Rao Trust and Institution of Engineers (India), AP State Centre in 2008.

Honouring a Veteran

13Oct-Dec 2015

With over 60 years dedicated to the power industry, he holds the record

for the highest number of hydel power projects commissioned under his

guidance and leadership.

We wish Mr Rama Rao all the very best in the days and years to come.

Special Focus


A leap into the future of exciting possibilities

Excelra is a brand born to data. The logo of Excelra symbolizes passion and penchant for data that runs deep in the DNA of the company and forms its inherent uniqueness. The visual identity of Excelra is evolved through dots that represent Data and their connection communicates how they see patterns in the world of unstructured and vast information to form meaningful knowledge solutions. The brand Excelra comes with a promise - Knowledge that provides the ultimate edge which is based on the 4 strategic pillars- Knowledge,

14 Oct-Dec 2015

Dignitaries at the launch event

Special Focus


A leap into the future of exciting possibilities

On 4th January 2016, GVK Informatics unveiled a new brand identity that reflects the company’s strategic direction and positioning. GVK Informatics is now “Excelra Knowledge Solutions”. The new brand name Excelra is derived from Excellence in Research & Analysis and aligns the business to the changing landscape of the information industry.

Held at Taj Deccan, Hyderabad, the event was attended by over 450 employees. The decor adorned the colours of the brand-blue, white and grey and created an aura of excitement. Present at the event were Mr Davinder Singh Brar, Chairman, GVK BIO, Mr G V Sanjay Reddy, Vice Chairman, GVK BIO, Mr Manni Kantipudi, Chief Executive Officer, GVK BIO, Mr Anandbir Singh Brar, President, Excelra and Mr Shiva Subramaniam, Senior Vice President, Excelra. A new signature tune and website for Excelra was also launched by Mr Sanjay Reddy at the event.

Data, Technology and Human Intelligence; Human intelligence being at the core of the promise.

In the last 15 years, GVK Informatics has grown leaps and bounds to become India’s leading custom data services company. Today, it is among the largest manually curated database providers and leaders in indication specific clinical trial outcomes databases. With a strong market penetration, GVK Informatics has worked with over 300 clients globally which includes top names in Pharma and Academia. Over the years, they have helped clients take critical decisions towards accelerating their discovery programs. What began as a 10 people company in 2001 is today a 700 people strong organization as they continue to harness their strengths towards unprecedented growth.

Our best wishes to the Excelra team !

15Oct-Dec 2015

Dignitaries at the launch event

Special Focus

INOGENT: A year of significant milestones

10th Anniversary Celebrations

GVK BIO’s Inogent completed 10 years of its successful operations. The impeccable journey of Inogent Laboratories began in 2005 and ever since, the organization has earned many accolades and crossed many significant milestones. Today, Inogent serves over 150 customers across 45 countries and is considered as a major growth driver for GVK BIO. This significant milestone was celebrated amidst lot of fun and enthusiasm.

Our Vice Chairman Mr G V Sanjay Reddy also joined in the celebrations and it was a memorable experience

for the employees to meet him personally and share their experiences. He congratulated the entire team for their commitment and hard-work and shared his vision for the organization’s growth.

16 Oct-Dec 2015

Special Focus

INOGENT: A year of significant milestones

Inogent successfully clears the USFDA audit

The Foundation Stone of Inogent’s manufacturing unit-II at Vizag was laid on 18 November, 2015 by Mr Davinder Singh Brar - Chairman, GVK BIO, Mr G V Sanjay Reddy - Vice Chairman, GVK BIO and Mrs Pinky Reddy along with Mr Manni Kantipudi - CEO, GVK BIO and the executive leadership of GVK BIO and Inogent. Spread across 10 acres of land, the setting up of the new facility is a significant step towards growth and expansion of Inogent. In the Phase-I of construction which is expected to get completed by the next 18 months, 1, 80, 000 sq. ft. of manufacturing infrastructure will be built with an estimated capacity of about 100 kl.

Inogent successfully cleared the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)

audit held during 10 -13 August, 2015. The audit was

conducted at a short notice of just two days. The outcome proves Inogent’s conformity to the required quality and regulatory standards indicated by the FDA as it continues to grow in the coming years. Congratulations to the entire team of Inogent for crossing this significant milestone and best wishes for the future.

Foundation Stone for the manufacturing unit laid at Vizag

17Oct-Dec 2015


GVK CSIA T2 sets new benchmarks

GVK MIAL has been declared as the winner of the ‘Golden Peacock Award for Risk Management’ for the year 2015 by the awards jury under the Chairmanship of Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India.

GVK MIAL wins Golden Peacock Award for Risk Management

GVK CSIA has been rated as the Smartest Airport Building in India and the Smartest Building in India at the Times of India and Honeywell Smart Building Awards 2015, for attaining the highest score for using energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, uninterrupted power supply, fire detection and notification, and surveillance and intrusion.

GVK CSIA rated as the Smartest Airport Building in India and the Smartest Building in India

18 Oct-Dec 2015

Mr Prasad Nair, Assistant Vice President – Compliance & Assurance and Mr Vinayak Sohani, Senior Manager– Compliance & Assurance receiving the award

The GVK Lounge at T2 of CSIA, Mumbai has been selected as the World’s Leading Airport Lounge – First Class 2015 at the World Travel Awards held in Morocco. The GVK Lounge qualified for nomination in the world category by virtue of winning the award for ‘Asia’s Leading Airport

Lounge’ at the ‘World Travel Awards - Asia and Australasia’ held earlier in Hong Kong.


GVK CSIA T2 sets new benchmarks

The nomination was prepared and jointly submitted by MIAL projects and L&T. GVK CSIA’s T2 has been chosen amongst several submissions from renowned construction companies across the country.

GVK CSIA’s ‘Terminal 2 Precast Concrete Works’ has been adjudged as a winner under the category of Dr A Ramakrishna Award 2015 for the Best Project with Precast Concrete in India by the Indian Concrete Institute

19Oct-Dec 2015

GVK CSIA has bagged the Innovation in Tunnels Award for its proposed Airside Road Tunnel project at the Third Arabian Tunnelling Conference and Exhibition 2015 held in Dubai, UAE. The award recognizes its outstanding efforts and innovative design at the Chhattrapati Shivaji International Airside Road Tunnel Project.

GVK CSIA bags the Innovation in Tunnels Award

Built and operated by Travel Food Services (TFS) and Performa, the GVK Lounge is spread across 30,000 sq ft across two levels. It is said to be the first-ever common luxury lounge in the country and offers concierge services, a smoking zone, food & drinks, a bar, a luxury spa, a shower area, a relaxation area, a library and a business centre. Instilling a sense of Indian grandeur, the lounge was designed by fashion designer Sandeep Khosla and Mumbai architect Alfaz

Miller based on a concept from Softroom Architects. The award signifies the company’s commitment to offer our premium international guests a truly world-class lounge concept which is unsurpassed. Inaugurated in November 2014, the lounge continues to receive a lot of appreciation from global passengers with discerning preferences for its bespoke ambience, service and culinary delights.

Mr Abinash Kumar, Vice President - Projects at GVK MIAL and Mr Sikander Jain, Managing Director of CH2M India – MIAL’s designer

partner for the tunnel project receiving the award


20 Oct-Dec 2015

Taj Bengaluru begins operations

Mr G V Sanjay Reddy, Mrs Pinky Reddy, Mrs G. Indira K. Reddy, Dr GVK Reddy and Ms Shalini Bhupal at the inauguration

(L to R) Mr Rakesh Sarna-MD & CEO, Indian Hotels Co. Ltd, Mr G V Sanjay Reddy-MD BIAL, Dr GVK Reddy, our Founder Chairman & MD and Mr Arvind Srivastava, IAS, Govt of Karnataka

The sixth Taj Group hotel in the Garden City, Taj Bengaluru has begun commercial operations recently. Conveniently located minutes from GVK KIAB, the Taj Bengaluru will offer guests a world of sophisticated luxury. The launch ceremony was graced by our Founder Chairman and Managing Director Dr GVK Reddy, Mrs Indira Reddy, MD - BIAL Mr G V Sanjay Reddy, Mrs Pinky Reddy and Ms Shalini Bhupal along with other senior executives from the Taj Group of Hotels.

Exterior view of Taj Bengaluru

GVK EMRI has received the Gold Recognition Award by the American Heart Association for 2015. The award recognizes GVK EMRI’s exemplary First Aid, CPR and Advanced Cardiovascular Care Life Saving Training Programs. The award was announced and awarded by the representative of American

Heart Association at the ‘Update of 2015 Guidelines, India’ event at HICC, Hyderabad.

GVK EMRI is a recognized International Training Center by American Heart Association since 2007. This year, over 10,000 healthcare providers in India were certified by GVK EMRI in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Paediatric Life Support certification courses put together. GVK EMRI has over 70 valid and certified instructors of AHA in its rolls. Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics and Emergency

Medical Technicians seek these life support skills based global certifications. Junior Doctors, residents in medical institutions and medical staff working in hospital emergency units are encouraged and mandated to acquire these life support skills.

To ensure timely and efficient medical care during emergencies, 500 more ambulances have been added to the fleet of existing 988 ambulances under the GVK EMRI 108 service in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The event was graced by Shri Akhilesh Yadav, Hon’ble CM of UP and Shri Shiv Pratap Yadav, Hon’ble State Health Minister, UP along with other dignitaries.

Since the launch of the service in September 2012, 988 ambulances have helped benefit 47.6 lakh needy and the distressed. Out of these, 27.8 lakh cases have been pregnancy related, over 68,000 deliveries have been assisted by the EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) and over 15,000 deliveries have been attended to in the ambulances.

GVK EMRI gets GOLD Recognition Award for 2015 from the American Heart Association

History of serving….GVK EMRI adds 500 new ambulances in UP


21Oct-Dec 2015

Launch event


Launch of 102 Call Centre and Drop Back Services (Thalli Bidda Express) across Andhra Pradesh

Hon’ble CM of Andhra Pradesh Shri Nara Chandra Babu Naidu inaugurated the 102 Call Center and Drop Back Services

As part of the Continuous Training Program at Jaipur-Kishangarh Expressway Project, a Refresher Training was conducted for all Toll Collectors.

Training Program

22 Oct-Dec 2015

Jaipur-Kishangarh Expressway Project


Launch of Dhanvantary Arogya Rath - Mobile Health Units for Gujarat Building and Other Construction Labour Welfare Board

GVK ONE Mall, Hyderabad

A program on training and sensitization of security personnel was organized by the DCP-West Zone, Mr A. Venkateshwar Rao, IPS in Hyderabad. Mr Sridhar, HoD-Security, GVK ONE shared the dais with the DCP and also spoke on the occasion. He highlighted the current security scenario and the Mall’s security set up. Mr Rao appreciated GVK ONE Security Team’s hard-work and skills in countering many decoy checks conducted by the Police and appreciated Mr Sridhar for his efficient handling of the security system at GVK ONE..

23Oct-Dec 2015

Hon’ble CM of Gujarat Smt Anandiben Patel launched the Mobile Health Units along with other dignitaries

Our Vice Chairman Mr G V Sanjay Reddy congratulated Ms Madhu Maurya and the entire L&D Team for sharing core values across the organization through ‘Daily Motivators’, an initiative undertaken to motivate and enhance productivity of the employees.

Ms Madhu has successfully shared Daily Motivators for more than 700 consecutive working days and has set new benchmark for enhancing motivation among employees, with the highest level of consistency and

quality.

Such initiatives establish an emotional connect with the employees who remember and internalize it at a deeper level, thus promoting the desired culture within the organization.

Apart from ‘Daily Motivators’, Ms Madhu also circulates ‘Winning Stories’ inspired by the lives of successful personalities on a weekly basis to all the employees.

Congratulations to Ms Madhu for the great work!

for the Motivator Motivation

Our Achievers.

(Right to left) Mr Manni Kantipudi, Mr Sanjay Reddy, Ms Madhu Maurya and Mr Srinivas PB

24 Oct-Dec 2015

Our Achievers.

Mr Gamha Ray Chaudhury, GVK CSIA showcases his artworkMr Gamha Ray Chaudhury, Shift Incharge, CS & Quality, participated in the first art exhibition organized by Bengali Association in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. He showcased his first canvas scenery painting (2ft X 2ft) at the exhibition. Even though Mr Chaudhury has never studied art professionally, his paintings reflect that he is no novice. It is his inherent penchant for art that reflects in his works.

Parents’ Pride

Miss D Sai Sreenidhi, daughter of Mr D G Shankar, Manager – Finance at Gautami CCPP won the First Prize at an inter-school drawing competition on ‘Share Peace’ that was organized by Lions Club International at Kakinada. Over 170 students participated in the competition. She was awarded a memento and a cash prize of Rs 5000 from the Lions Club District Governor.

Miss D Sai Sreenidhi, d/o Mr D G Shankar, Gautami CCPP bags Lions Club Prize

25Oct-Dec 2015

Miss D Sai Sreenidhi receiving the Prize

Mr Chaudhury with Prof. Niteen Keny, Ex-Dean of Sir JJ School of Arts

Mr Gamha Ray Chaudhury’s painting

26 July-Sep 2015

RacketBuddy

Special Feature

At precisely 6 am on an overcast December morning, our Founder Chairman and Managing Director Dr GVK Reddy briskly makes his way to the tennis court that forms a part of his sprawling residence in Hyderabad’s upmarket Banjara Hills area. “I’m 78 and fit as a fiddle”, says Reddy, wearing a white T-Shirt that bears the GVK logo and matching shorts.

This is his daily routine – Reddy starts his day at 5 am. “I do an hour of yoga before a round of tennis.” Tennis is part of his daily life and it has been this way ever since his college days. “I played a lot of volleyball as well. Tennis took a bit of break on account of work. But starting from 1975, I’ve been playing the game every morning,” he says. Each game – Reddy plays doubles-lasts for 90 minutes. “I’m quite fussy about these games and don’t miss out even if I’ve a flight to catch at 8:30 or 9 am,” he adds. Reddy’s regime is deceptively simple; the game involves two sets. And he has won both this morning.

“Obviously, I’m quite competitive. I take these games very seriously. I do not like to

lose in general, and tennis is no exception,” he says bluntly. Reddy has a neat little tennis court at home, so he does not have to haggle for time at the local club house. That’s when I realised setting up a court at home made much more sense,” he says. The surface is custom-laid to ensure that it is less stressful for his knees. Reddy’s doubles partner is Rama Bhupathy, who is 58 and has been playing with him for over 30 years now. Apart from Mr Bhupathy, his group comprises 10 people, who are mostly senior citizens. “I’ve been friends with them over many years. They are mostly IAS officers and fellow businessmen,” he says. None of that camaraderie comes in the way of tough play on court, though. “It is a place where all of us are equal and our focus is only on tennis.”

Reddy says tennis is how he dissipates every form of stress. “I’m quite an optimist but the pressures of modern-day business cannot be ignored. It is critical to find an outlet for that and, for me it is tennis,” he maintains. “I forget the world on court.” Indeed, for Reddy, tennis is a serious detour from work. “It helps me get to a better frame of mind,” he

“One needs the willpower to withstand tough times and be persevering, and that

is what tennis has taught me”

27Oct-Dec 2015

Courtesy: Article by Krishna Gopalan, Outlook Business Jan 2016

Special Feature

says, adding that it is imperative for everyone to have a serious interest outside work. “Sport is a good option. There is a happiness quotient that comes with sport and it helps in increasing overall efficiency at work. It makes a difference by keeping one’s mind active and removing signs of sluggishness and fatigue from the body,” he explains.

With age, Reddy has made some slight modifications to his game. Today, Reddy wears shoes with more cushioning to make sure his knees are in good shape and uses a head racket designed to absorb more shocks. Reddy prefers being the serve and volley player and this is not without reason. “You need a lot of power to play from the baseline,” he says. The only time he does not play is when he is out of town. “It is not easy to find people to play with and there is very little time, too,” he explains. When he is not playing tennis, Reddy watches the game on television, and even in the middle of overseas work trips, he has managed to watch big matches in the stadium. Reddy’s favourite is Roger Federer and he has watched him few times at Wimbledon and the US Open. The joy of playing the game has been so tremendous for the man that he decided to set up and promote the GVK Tennis Academy. “We try to spot young talent and nurture them,” he says.

According to Reddy, there are very few quality players from India in spite of the country’s huge population.

“There are many issues that we have to deal with, such as very little financial support for budding players, a paucity of world class coaches and the unavailability of proper infrastructure for the game”. To date, the academy has sponsored sports stars such as Sania Mirza and many promosing teenagers. “Sania’s talent

was spotted when she was very young and GVK sponsored her until she became an international player.This is my way of promoting the game among the younger generation in a small way,” he says. In addition to this, Reddy has been sponsoring the All India Senior Tennis Association for the past two decades. “This is for retired veterans who need an avocation and exercise”, he adds. For Reddy, tennis is an integral part of life.

He tosses a somewhat philosophical line our way when asked how the game has made a difference to his professional life. “Winning or losing is a part of life.One needs the willpower to withstand tough times and be persevering, and that is what tennis has taught me,” he sums up.

Reddy enjoys playing tennis and for the love of the sport, has set up GVK Tennis Academy

For Reddy, tennis is a detour from work and helps him get into a better frame of mind

28 Oct-Dec 2015

Jaipur-Kishangarh Expressway Project Renewal work

Goindwal Sahib TPPFirst Coal rake reaches the Plant site

Second periodic pavement renewal work

Project Updates

Goindwal Sahib TPP crossed a significant milestone with the arrival of the first Coal rake at the project site. The project team performed the Pooja Archana/ Ardaas to mark this special occasion. The unloading and stacking

of coal was carried out through a process which involved weighing of Coal rake through in-motion weigh bridge, tippling of coal, transferring to coal stock yard through conveyor and finally stacking of coal through coal stacker

machine. This important development brings us another step closer to the operations of the plant.

Goindwal Sahib TPP is a 540 MW (2X270 MW) coal-based thermal power plant located in Tarn Taran district in the state of Punjab.

29Oct-Dec 2015

Pooja Archana of the first Coal rake by Mr Arun Kumar Mishra, VP-PD Coal rake entering the plant site

Work. Fun. Family.

Gautami CCPP Tree plantation

Fire Training Program

As per the guidelines of AP State Govt and AP Pollution Control

Board, the employees at Gautami CCPP planted trees as part of the

Karteeka Vanamohatsavam project.

A training program on fire prevention, selection and use of fire extinguishers in case of an emergency was conducted for all the employees.

30 Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

Jegurupadu CCPPGarden Party

Goindwal Sahib TPP Gurupurab Celebrations

31Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

Taj DeccanJoy of Giving

Birthday celebrations

Joy at WorkAs part of the Joy at Work initiatives, fun games were organized for all the associates. Everyone enjoyed the ‘Dal Dhamaal’ game in which a few pulses were mixed in a bowl and the associates had to pick one daal from the bowl in a minute. One who picked the maximum quantity was declared the winner.

As part of the Tata Volunteering Week, employees of Taj Deccan donated old clothes to the underprivileged children of Balatejussu Rainbow Home, Secunderabad.

32 Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

Taj Club HouseJoy at Work

As part of the Joy at Work initiatives, many activities like Communication Distortion, TATA Quiz and Mummifying were organized. Around 30 associates participated in these activities which highlight the significance of effective communication.

What a generous start to the New Year!Team Taj Club House visited the Children Home on the first day of the New Year. They served lunch to the kids and also

spent some time with them.

33Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

A Gift BoxA Gift Box was put up in the staff cafeteria at Taj Banjara wherein the employees could donate articles of daily use like

clothes, toys, etc. to Family Eduvision. This is an association which supports NGOs that run shelter homes for specially-abled kids, old age homes, orphanages and schools etc.

A noble causeDuring the Tata Volunteering Week 4, team Taj Banjara donated an entire month’s newspapers to the Hyderabad Council of Human Welfare which it may use to design paper bags and raise funds by selling them. This foundation works towards

providing education and shelter to the underprivileged kids.

Taj Banjara

34 Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

Winners of ‘Win at One’ Raffle Draw with Mr Sanjay Bansal, Head-GVK ONE mall

Win At One Festival

The ‘Win at One’ Shopping Festival was held from 17 October 2015 to 15 November 2015

and was a treat for the shopaholics. There were many prizes to be won through a raffle draw

amidst all the entertainment.

Vivanta by Taj

GVK ONE

Good Deeds

The Community Development Action Group (CDAG) of Vivanta by Taj, along with their family members clocked in the New Year by organizing a High-Tea for the inmates of ‘THARA HOMES’ on 1January 2016. The team served evening snacks to about 100 children. The children danced to a well-choreographed number for everyone.

The hotel has also been regularly donating 50 kg of detergent powder every month to the NGO.

35Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

GVK Bali, IndonesiaChristmas Celebrations

36 Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

GVK Bali, IndonesiaChristmas Celebrations

37Oct-Dec 2015

Warm Christmas decoration and fun-filled activities engaged the passengers at Bali international Airport, Indonesia.

Work. Fun. Family.

GVK KIA, BengaluruChristmas celebrated with Season of Smiles

38 Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

GVK KIA, Bengaluru celebrated the second edition of Season of Smiles from 21 December 2015 to 4 January 2016. The passengers enjoyed carol-singing, mob dance and b-boying performances at the Terminal. Musical performances by the Bangalore School of Music reflected the culture

and ethos of the city. Lucky draws and gold prize offers throughout the fortnight enthralled the shoppers at the airport stores.

The experience gave the passengers a glimpse into the spirit of Bengaluru.

GVK KIA, BengaluruChristmas celebrated with Season of Smiles

39Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

Christmas Carol Choir

Secret SantaThis Christmas, the team at Vivanta by Taj played host to many Santas with the season’s favourite, Secret Santa activity!

The names of all the associates were written on a chit and kept in a bowl. Each associate played Secret Santa to the name he chose. The Gift Giving ceremony was held on the Boxing Day, 26 December 2015. There was joy and laughter around as associates excitedly opened their gifts, each one trying to guess the name of their Secret Santa!

It was a great opportunity for everyone to bond and enjoy the season’s festivities with their colleagues, thus, making it an even merrier Christmas for all.

The choir group at Vivanta by Taj comprising

Chef Benjamin Lalhmangaiha and members from Front Office, F&B

Service, Industrial Trainees, Sales Team and Housekeeping Department sang many Xmas carols and glorified the

celebrations. It was indeed an evening to remember for the guests and the

associates.

Vivanta by Taj

40 Oct-Dec 2015

Christmas Celebrations

Work. Fun. Family.

GVK EMRI

UttarakhandGVK EMRI-Uttarakhand celebrated Christmas at all the district headquarters. The team visited many hospitals along with their Santa Claus and exchanged Christmas and New Year greetings with patients, guardians and the hospital staff, thus spreading cheer and positivity around. They also distributed fruits, chocolates, candies

and Get Well Soon cards to the patients.

Christmas Celebrations

Tamil Nadu

41Oct-Dec 2015

GVK EMRI-Tamil Nadu celebrated Christmas with debates and live singing performances. Legend Thiru Gangai Amaran - Film Director, Music Director, Lyricist and

TV Host was the Chief Guest for the occasion.

Work. Fun. Family.

GVK BIO

New Year CelebrationsJegurupadu CCPP

42 Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

GVK EMRI-Rajasthan

GVK BIO

New Year Celebrations

43Oct-Dec 2015

Work. Fun. Family.

Diwali Snapshots

Baby Venkata Shanmukhpriya with P. Naga Mani, w/o Purna PrasadJegurupadu CCPP

Gaurav Rastogi GVK BIO

Manisha Gupta

GVK BIO

44 Oct-Dec 2015

Here are some interesting snapshots of Diwali celebrations received from across locations

Work. Fun. Family.

A talk on Meditation

Eye check-up camp

Corporate Office, Hyderabad

The Corporate HR Team organized ‘A talk on Meditation’ to educate the employees on wellness. The team from Heartfulness, Sahaj Marg – Learn to Meditate conducted this program and around 60 employees

participated in the session. It was a good experience and everyone appreciated the program.

An eye check-up camp was conducted for the employees in association with KIMS Hospital. Around 150 employees benefited from this initiative.

45Oct-Dec 2015

It is the most human expressive and extrovertive colour associated with fullness of life, courage, struggle, sacrifice, love, passion and strong emotions.

Yellow is the colour of sun, light and optimism, which stimulates, activates and frees one from fear. It retains the alertness and promotes concentration and symbolizes creativity and wisdom. It accelerates pulse and breathing rate and has a positive effect on the nervous system.

It is the colour of health as it has a calming effect on the nervous system. Green is the colour of peace, calmness, rest, reflection and study. It

affects human emotions and has soothing and

relaxing characteristics. It is a sign of balance.

Blue is the colour of peace and rest which symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, immortality, infinity, depth, nobility, spirituality and mysticism. It encourages mental activity, introspection, concentration and internal focus.

Leisure Time

Colours play a very significant role in our lives. Whether we realize it or not, they have the ability to affect our mood and emotions in many ways. As humans, we are able to perceive at least 2000 different shades with our eyes. The complete picture and synergy of a room are created through a combination of different colours. In fact, we get around 87% of all sensual impressions via a coloured world. Different colours have different meanings for us as individuals. Let’s have a look at how colours influence our daily lives.

Significance of COLOURS

Red

Yellow Green

Blue

Orange is a bright, shiny and warm colour that represents fire and sun. It is associated with sunrise or sunset. Not as aggressive and passionate as red, but an emotionally stimulant, happy and a nice colour, it helps to overcome fatigue. Orange reflects warmth and generosity. It strengthens the lungs and stimulates the activity of the heart. In the house, it has a positive effect on welfare.

Orange

White is the colour of clarity and is a mixture of all three waves of natural colours: yellow, red and blue. As a result, we respond positively to white. It symbolizes clarity, innocence and purity as well as a new beginning and rebirth. It is also a symbol of divinity, perfection, pride, kindness and the eternal.

White

46 Oct-Dec 2015

B N N H D I U H N N

Q D G H I P A A B Z

T R A V E L Y O G A

D E T U T P Y Q K S

R A O P O D E U V E

F D E T E R M I N E

C E L L Q I U T Q X

Z S A V I N G S W E

T G I T I K N M E R

Z R T E U M I O W C

H O I F T O T K W I

N T K W G R F I E S

M S M Q R E S N R E

E E F G H W R G T U

F N G C N A V U Y T

D G J S G T W M P E

G J U R Y E E P O W

F O C U S R E O L Q

New Year Resolution CrosswordFind out some interesting New Year Resolutions from the crossword

Leisure Time

Across: Travel, Yoga, Determine, Savings, Focus

Down: Read, Diet, Drint More Water, Quit Smoking, Exercise

Answers

47Oct-Dec 2015

“Overall, the magazine looks excellent and covers very useful information. The employees’ contribution like ‘Employees make a difference’ and ‘A unique

experience’ were also a good read. If possible, please share the printed version too.”

V Shanker, GVK BIO

“Congratulations for the efforts you are putting in to bring updates of ‘Corporate Activities’ to all of us in

different forms like GVK WORLD, GVK Highlights, GVKonnect or GVK Quiz etc. Thank you

for the information and appreciate your dedication towards it. Wish you success in future also.”

Rosy, GVK Delhi Office

S. Raghuveer, Inogent

“The coverage across various verticals in GVK WORLD is excellent. Having

hard-copies would have helped to take the magazine home as well and share

with family members.”

“Congratulations to the team for bringing out this special year-end edition. It really instills a sense of

pride in all GVK-ites!”

Narendra Hosabettu, GVK CSIA

Readers’ Feedback

Reader Speak

48 Oct-Dec 2015

www.gvk.com

Taj Santacruz, Mumbai

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Documents

Redefining H ospitality