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Swati Sahoo appointed associate director at Raffles Udaipur
Mumbai:– Raffles Udaipur is pleased to announce the appointment of Swati Sahoo as the new Head of Marketing. With over ten years of experience in the hospitality industry, Swati brings a wealth of expertise to her new role at Raffles Udaipur. She has previously worked with prestigious hotel chains such as Taj and Hilton Hotels, and her most recent position was serving as the director of marketing and communication at 1000 Island Hotels and Resorts.
As head of Marketing, Swati will be overseeing the hotel’s marketing and communications efforts, aiming to elevate the hotel’s profile and establish a remarkable presence. Collaborating closely with the management team, she will play a vital role in formulating and executing strategies that enhance the hotel’s visibility. Swati will actively explore strategic partnerships and collaborations that align with Raffles Udaipur’s brand value. By forging alliances with like-minded organizations, she aims to create unique experiences for guests and enhance the hotel’s reputation among its competitors.
Throughout her years at the Taj and Hilton Hotels, Swati served as a spokesperson, fostering valuable connections with the media. She meticulously crafted and supervised strategic communication plans encompassing both print and digital media. With her proficiency in orchestrating integrated marketing campaigns within the city, she has demonstrated a knack for achieving impactful results. Additionally, Swati has adeptly prepared and overseen departmental budgets, ensuring effective financial management.
“We are excited to have Swati on board with us, at the first Raffles in India. Her dynamic personality coupled with her passion for marketing and hospitality will definitely prove to be an asset to us” said Raffles Udaipur general manager Rajesh Namby.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
