August 25, 2010 by Keshav Baljee
At Royal Orchid Hotels, we have a strong will to dedicate our resources towards the diverse social problems in our country. In view of the same, the Baljee foundation was established in the year 2007. As part of the Baljee Foundation, we believe in taking a holistic approach to serve the society to our best possible ability.
Started with a strong objective, Mr Baljee and Royal Orchid group key investors have been pivotal to the development of the foundation. Every year, 85% of the foundations income is generated for a particular cause. Under the able guidance of the trustees – Mrs. & Mr. Baljee, the foundation is working earnestly; hand – in – hand to help raise funds for genuine causes. Baljee foundation partners with various organizations across the country those are committed to find solutions to social issues.
In the year 2008-09, the foundation made donations to Friends of Tribal Society to impart free elementary education to tribal children in the villages of Karnataka and also to take care of the fees of the tutor in these village schools. In the same year, the Baljee foundation also made donations to Ashoka Innovators to encourage social entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions, deliver extraordinary results, and improve the lives of millions of people.
Taking the same drive forward, in the year 2009 – 10, Baljee foundation donated blankets to Home for the aged in Bangalore called ‘Friends in need’ and also sponsored Insulin for a period of 3 months to prisoners in Central prison Bangalore.
On the other hand, in order to encourage people to be financially independent, Baljee foundation also donated a paper cup manufacturing machine to Cluny Convent School encouraging the specially challenged to stand on their own feet. With the same vision in mind, 15 sewing machines were donated to National Council Women, Shimla.
The Baljee foundation strongly believes that education is the key to achieve desired changes in the lives of the under privileged children. The only way to ensure a better future for such children would be by providing them, means of attaining good education.
For Mrs. and Mr Baljee, employees of Royal Orchid are like an extended family. As charity always begins at home, Baljee Foundation has been supporting the education of children of employees between grade one and grade four. Donations towards the same cause have been made in the last quarter of the last fiscal thus empowering these children to be better citizens. This will continue in future too
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged education, Royal Orchid Hotels, Karnataka, CSR, Central prison, shimla, tribal schools, Mr Baljee, Mrs Baljee | Leave a Comment »
July 13, 2010 by Keshav Baljee
Did you know that in India there are…**
- 12 million blind people (one third of the world’s total)
- 45 million partially sighted people
- 6.5 million blind or partially sighted children
- More than 4,50,000 deaf blind children
- Each year the number of blind people in India rises by 30,000
United Way of Bengaluru - a non-profit organization committed to raising community levels in education, healthcare in & around Bengaluru, recently joined hands with Royal Orchid Hotels in caring for the blind.
United Way of Bengaluru has been striving hard to bring a change in lives of blind/partially blind people here in the city. In the past they have organised several fund raising ventures like walkathons etc to provide eye-care and help to the needy in our community. This year they organised a Corporate Quiz on Eye Care and through the same raise funds to help the blind.
In our attempt to do our bit for the society and reach out to those who need help, Royal Orchid played hosts to this Quiz. This quiz was held at Hotel Royal Orchid and more than 80 teams representing 30 corporate houses participated in a nail biting competition. The winners of the quiz were Intuit, HP and Manipal University respectively.
Through this event United Way of Bengaluru was successful in raising close to Rs 8 lakhs in cash and in kind which will be go towards restoring the vision of poor people and preventing treatable blindness.
We at Royal Orchid are glad that we could, in a small way contribute to the organisation and its cause. Every little act of kindness matters and as a hospitality group this was our small contribution
** According to The Invisible Children
Posted in India, games, hospitality indusry, joy | Tagged blind, Hotel Royal Orchid, HP, Intuit, Manipal University, quiz contest, United way of Bengaluru | Leave a Comment »
June 11, 2010 by Keshav Baljee
Last Sunday saw people celebrating World Environment Day – each one in his/her own way! We at Royal Orchid Hotels too celebrated World Environment Day, trying to do our bit for Mother Earth.
We got together as a team and went on a cleanliness drive around the OldAirport Road area where our property Hotel Royal Orchid stands. We tried to clean up the stretch that leads to the Old Airport Road and spread out as a team around Manipal Hospital and the Domlur Junction areas to share with people the message of Saving Planet Earth.
Our Royal Orchid lawns and gardens are going to get greener through the years. Taking on from last year 10 Silver Oak saplings were planted on Sunday day. Royal Orchid celebrations are always with a difference – the trees planted last year celebrated their birthday this Sunday with the team cutting a small cake!
Sanjay Gupta, the GM of Hotel Royal Orchid also addressed the employees on the importance of our nature and environment. If we don’t care for our environment, 1 million of species of plants & animals will extinct by the year 2050.
Our future generations need a place to live in and each one of us have a part to play in preserving that place!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Royal Orchid Hotels, World Environment Day, cleanliness drive, old airport road, employees, message of green earth, Mother earth, silver oak trees, tree planting, sapling | Leave a Comment »
April 16, 2010 by Keshav Baljee
2010 has begun on a good note for us!!
It is with immense pleasure that Royal Orchid Hotels shares its entry 
into Mumbai with the launch of its property – Royal Orchid Central Grazia @ Navi Mumbai. Believed to be the world’s largest planned city, Navi Mumbai is poised to rapidly expand as a growth centre in Maharashtra. While the presence of important corporate giants has made the city a major centre for commercial operations the development of social infrastructure like malls the city is becoming more vibrant and has a lot to offer to travellers. Royal Orchid Central Grazia has been created to cater to the modern, discerning business traveller and will offer a completely new experience redefining star services available at affordable costs.
The Royal Orchid Central, Grazia carefully blends present-day style, comfort and state-of-art facilities to provide premium accommodation to visitors. The 
hotel offers finest features like Wi-Fi access, a stylishly designed business centre, 24-hr coffee shop, conference hall, foreign exchange, round the clock concierge services, top-of-the-line recreation and fitness facilities, a swimming pool and health club amongst others to cater to the businessneeds of every individual business traveler.
The hotel features 67 elegantly decorated upscale modern and plush guest
rooms in Deluxe and Superior category. Spectacular interiors and finest contemporary amenities await our guests at the hotel. At Royal Orchid we believe in service and hospitality that is a class above the rest and Royal Orchid Central Grazia exudes just that.
Unwind and indulge yourself at our 24 Hr coffee shop ECHO – a host of global delicacies, exotic cocktails and coolers are sure to elevate your spirit. Our rooftop grills restaurant Twilight serves a wide range of Authentic Indian and Oriental delicacies.
Royal Orchid Central Grazia is well connected to the business hubs in south and north Mumbai and is strategically located just 25 kms from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and 28 kms from the Domestic Airport.
The next time you travel to Mumbai, either on work or on a holiday, do drop in to Royal Orchid Central Grazia and enjoy a total Royal Orchid experience of hospitality.
Posted in Hospitality industry, India, Tourism, growth, hospitality indusry | Tagged Royal Orchid Hotels, Navi Mumbai, New property, Maharashtra. Mumbai, business hotel, travellers, Royal Orchid Central Grazia, roof top restaurant, coffee shop, hotels near Mumbai airport | 1 Comment »
March 18, 2010 by Keshav Baljee
While Indian inclination towards sport has evolved immensely over the last few decades, to include several kinds or athletics and sporting activities, it is still all about CRICKET and the average Indian knows his statistics and cricketing history like no other. Year 2010 goes down in this history as the year when THE IPL returned to its homeland.
IPL brought about a revolution in Cricket and the way in which the (cricketing) world perceived India. Launched in the lines of football’s English Premier League and basketball’s National Basketball League, it has definitely created a wave and positioned BCCI on the world map. With IPL set to kick off the third season, there is a roar of excitement and fervor amongst not only the Indian Cricket lovers but also people from across boundaries.
The second season, which moved to South Africa, saw a lot of set back in the Indian market. It was not only a question of our country’s pride but also about an Indian initiative being synchronized in a foreign land. Of course, focus is the GAME, but then when a game of such magnitude is created and developed in one country and is relocated to another, many aspects related directly and indirectly to the game are questioned. The economic slowdown and the downturn were showing their effect on the Indian market and various verticals witnessed huge losses in terms of sponsors, investments in advertising, and so on.
As India prepares to host the third season of IPL, there are huge opportunities for various related verticals and segments of the market to showcase as well as gain limelight during the matches. It will once again display India as a country capable of hosting IPL and attract the right kind of attention. The hospitality and the advertising industry will gain to a large extent, considering that the market is stabilizing and the lean times have finally bid goodbye.
IPL Season 3 promises a wonderful and exciting month of sport, glamour and entertainment. Wish you an experience of a lifetime!
Posted in IPL, advertising, games | Tagged cricket, games, Hospitality, India, IPL | Leave a Comment »
March 15, 2010 by Keshav Baljee
India, a country where every religion has its own distinct culture, has long been an attraction to many. It is this cultural blend that brings out the aesthetics of the country and enunciates on its many beliefs, traditions and refined qualities. One of the most important aspects of this cultural unity is the importance that is levied on hospitality. ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ is a very strong belief in our country. In fact the tagline of our tourism industry is ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’.
As diverse as our culture is, so are our festivals. Each celebrated festival throughout the year has its own characteristic value and ritual practice. Ugadi, or Yugadi as we call it, is an important festival celebrated largely in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This festival depicts health, wealth and happiness. Also celebrated as Cheti Chand or Sindhi New Year, this festival is celebrated to thank and commemorate the bounteous harvest and is also a sign of the end of an old era and the beginning of a new one. The primary belief of the festival is to replace one’s vices with virtues, indicating a new beginning in one’s life. It is during this period that hospitality is taken to a whole new level.
The name “Ugadi” came from Yuga + Aadi which means ‘beginning of a new age’. It is important to note that the month and day of Ugadi is also the time when spring sets in and thus symbolically marks the beginning of new life. The new life seen in the fields and meadows, with blossoms bursting forth with color and zest, also signify prosperity.
Ugadi is also regarded the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon’s orbit. On this day predictions are made for the New Year. The panchangak shravanam or listening to the yearly calendar is done traditionally at the temples.
This festival of prosperity is referred to with varied names. In Maharashtra, the festival is known as “Gudi Padwa”. In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on Ugadhi day, Ugadi Pachadi (a mixture with mango pieces, jaggery and neem flowers, as jaggery is representative of the joy and happiness and neem flowers represent sorrow) is prepared and distributed among the people. This recipe is significant of vices and virtues of mankind.
Every individual has the right to Peace, Prosperity, Health, Wealth and Happiness. The festival of Ugadi precisely harbors on the above-mentioned virtues, which denote the advent of a change, a new beginning in the karmic cycle of Life.
Posted in Indian festivals, Karnataka, Ugadi, authentic | Tagged Karnataka, Indian festival, Ugadi, Maharashtra | Leave a Comment »
March 8, 2010 by Keshav Baljee
International Women’s Day is an occasion marked by all individuals irrespective of class, caste and sex. Around the world women, men and children will pause to celebrate, salute or honour the achievements of women who have struggled for centuries to be heard. This day is not only commemorated but also designated in many countries as a national holiday. When women in various continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their Day, they can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.
International Women’s Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history. It is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. The origin of International Women’s Day some believe is firmly rooted in the labour movement. It dates back to as far as the 1900’s when with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman’s Day was observed across the United States on 28 February. Women continued to celebrate this revered day on the last Sunday of February till 1913. The idea of an International Women’s Day first arose at the turn of the century, which in the industrialized world was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies.
Women have always been the epitome of support and strength, be it as a mother, daughter, sister, friend, wife, colleague or even an employer. Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru once quoted that, “You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of its women”. This, I believe, is rightly voiced. Let’s take India for example; Women in our country have seen their social positions rise and fall in accordance with the policies of the prevailing rulers. In ancient India, women in many places occupied an equal, if not superior, position to the men. History is witness to the fact that during many reigns, the queens held greater power and influence than any of the kings. Literary manuscripts describe in detail the power of women in making or breaking kingdoms. To further instill high ideals in humankind, Indian ancestors were most liberal. In ancient India, women had the right to education, they were allowed to study manuscripts and discuss the same with their counterparts, widows could remarry, and divorce was permitted on grounds of incompatibility or when estranged. This depicted the glory and richness of India.
But unfortunately, the same values or principles seem to be lost in the times of yore. Though the goddesses are revered with unconditional devotion, Women are subjected to horrendous humiliation, be it dowry, domestic abuse or even female infanticide. The same figure that is worshiped immortally is mortally tortured. Our wonderful legacy of freedom and peace seems to be fast fading away. Along with the many negative facets there seem to be a growing concern to improve the state of women among the people of India.
The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitude shift in both the women as well as the society. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women’s visibility as impressive role models, the prospects of women’s upliftment seems to shaping up quite vividly. Women like, Indira Nooyi, Kiran Majumdhar Shaw, Kiran Bedi, Kalpana Chawla etc are proof to the fact that the chances to revive the splendor of our past glory is still bright. With the long-pending Women’s Reservation bill expected to be taken up for consideration in the Rajya Sabha on March 8, 2010. The country seems to be heading in the right direction.
Posted in Interantional women's Day, Kalpana Chawala, Kiran Bedi, celebration, liberation, love, womanhood | Tagged India, International Women's Day, womanhood, emotions, history, America, February, liberation, Kiran Bedi, Kiran Majumdhar Shaw, Indira Nooyi | 1 Comment »
February 28, 2010 by Keshav Baljee
As the summer sets in, the city is already blazing with heat and people are looking for ways to rejuvenate themselves. With the hectic work schedule and excruciating heat, many are in dire need for a quick break to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With Holi celebrations on March 1st, 2010 it gives most of us the much awaited long weekend break to get away from the routine city life. Family and friends can choose from the varied activities like camping, hiking or a relaxing break to a calm and serene surrounding. For Bangaloreans, the options for a weekend getaway are endless. Strategically located, the city offers easy access to the most preferred holiday destinations like Mysore and Goa.
Picture courtesy Royal Orchid Brindavan Gardens, Mysore
If your weekend plan involves driving and relaxation, then Mysore is the perfect destination. Mysore, known for the heritage and architecture of the ancient times and the kind of benefaction the city received from its rulers, the historic town never failed to impress its visitors. You will be impressed to feel the historic charm that still lingers in this town and there are many historical sites also that can be visited here. The Mysore Palace is a must see for the tourists on their trip to Mysore which is an exemplary instance of the Indo Saracenic style of architecture. Apart from this you must also visit St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore Zoo, Jaganmohan Art Galary Jayalakshmi Vilas, Rajendra Vilas, Karanji Lake and Kukkarahali Lake. Let the charm of Goa calm your senses. Goa the holiday maker’s dream destination has something in store for everyone. From picturesque beaches, historical churches, temples, feasts and festivals and above all hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu, the state delights travellers beyond expectations. It also is synonymous for thrilling adventures and stunning scenery that is awe inspiring and almost unbelievable.
So head to Goa this weekend to sip on a beer, relax with a massage, indulge in water sports or just soak up the sun! So it’s time you pack your bags and head to your favourite destination and make the most of the long weekend with family and friends!!
Posted in Goa, Hospitality industry, India, Travel and Tourism | Tagged escape, Goa, holi, Mysore, Royal Orchid Hotels, Tourism, Travel, weekend | Leave a Comment »
February 24, 2010 by Keshav Baljee
It is the time of the year when the entire nation eagerly awaits the verdict of the Union Budget and perceives how our nation contrives to emerge out of the various quandaries. The moment will see all the industries present their wish lists and pin up their anticipation for the ultimate fulfillment.
In general, this year’s Budget is clearly going to be very critical as the government is expected to espouse aggressive action-oriented policy stances, which go beyond the mere proclamation and pave the way for sustained implementation. It is indeed interesting to see how our Finance Minister combats issues such as escalating price of essential commodities and food grains, and fights dilemmas of withdrawing its economic incentive and reining in the fiscal discrepancy without compromising the growth revival.
The hospitality sector is definitely looking up as the industry has rebounded and has seen a prominent rise in occupancy levels as well as revenue per available rooms. Hotels in India have supplied 110,000 rooms last year and according to the tourism ministry, 4.4 million tourists visited India in 2009. Keep in mind the current trend, the demand is expected to soar to 10 million in 2010 – to accommodate at least 350 million domestic travellers. The shortage of around 150,000 rooms is fuelling hotel room rates across India. The predicted opportunity and demand for hotels, India as a destination for hotel chains is definitely seeking for growth.
Photo Courtsey - Hotel Royal Orchid Bangalore
The hospitality industry, in true sense, had witnessed and combated major doldrums last year, and the budget 2009 was also a big disappointment for the sector. Despite repeated requests from various sections of the industry made to the Finance Minister, the industry has been tormented. However, the year 2010 came with new hopes and aspirations coupled with the strong fact that the hospitality sector is evolving for the better. The budgetary demands of the travel and hotel industry is still hoping that the sector be conferred with the infrastructure status. The increase in depreciation rate to 20 per cent will also facilitate better cash flows. There is high recommendation for extension of 100 per cent tax holiday on newly constructed hotels to ten years instead of five years. There is also an expectation that earnings in foreign exchange be exempted from service tax. It is a crucial time for the government to realise that the burgeoning tourist arrivals will improve tax revenues and cannot be solely be achieved through cost cuttings. Visa on arrival, tax sops for infrastructure development, especially civic infrastructure at major tourists destinations, need to be improved.
The travel and hospitality industry believes that the government can still do a lot in simplifying procedures and incentivising private players to augment investments. Government should make an attempt to provide a conducive investment climate for the hospitality sector through appropriate and timely policy measures, as contribution of the hospitality sector in capital formation, GDP and overall growth of economy cannot be overlooked.
Posted in GDP, Hospitality industry, investment | Tagged Budget, Finance Minister, Hospitality industry, review, tax | Leave a Comment »
February 23, 2010 by Keshav Baljee
Goa is a sought-after destination for a range of vacation choices- whether it is enjoying the tranquillity of the beaches or the excitement of the varied carnivals and festivals. The state still maintains a distinct charm for both domestic and international travellers seeking its characteristic pleasures.
During the peak season from mid December – January, Goa is known to witness a steep rise in the hotel occupancy rate. After the month-long celebrations, the state generally witnesses a slump in the number of travellers. This seems to be fast changing as the number of travellers visiting Goa has increased irrespective of the season. This has resulted from the range of activities undertaken by the government and the tourism industry in promoting Goa as the ideal destination.
The Goan Carnival is one such initiative that has in the past couple of years gained a lot of attention. This five hundred year old tradition that Goa has been associated with comes alive with colours, dance and music every year in the month of February.
The Goa carnival, a celebration from the times of yore, is all about fun, frolic, colour and adrenaline. The three days of extravaganza is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and of non-stop festivity. You can wake up in the morning to the ringing of cymbals and euphony of bagpipes. Peep through the balcony only to see an amazing parade, a highly organised pursuit embellished alluring floats that makes its way down the main street. Huge masquerades are organized with live performances of bands and dances all night long on the streets of the state capital. Be a part of the Goan Carnival and you will sure be drowned in minutes of overwhelming fun.
The history of the Goan carnival dates back to almost five hundred years, introduced in Goa by the Portuguese. The trend of celebrating the Carnival with hedonistic pleasures can be traced back to ancient Rome and Greece. With time, the Portuguese and Spanish came to know of the carnival and when the Portuguese established their colony in Goa, the Goan carnival was introduced. Since then, the carnival is a regular fair every year and a time when people all over Goa are united and come together to celebrate their happiness.
Every individual at least once in their lives must witness this breath taking event as it induces in you a sense of elation as never experienced before. You are sure to be enchanted by the colours of the carnival as the pageants and floats pass through the city streets.
Posted in Carnival, Entertainment, Goa, India | Tagged celebration, culture, Entertainment, fun, Goa, Goa carnival, India | Leave a Comment »
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Taking the same drive forward, in the year 2009 – 10, Baljee foundation donated blankets to Home for the aged in Bangalore called ‘Friends in need’ and also sponsored Insulin for a period of 3 months to prisoners in Central prison Bangalore.
For Mrs. and Mr Baljee, employees of Royal Orchid are like an extended family. As charity always begins at home, Baljee Foundation has been supporting the education of children of employees between grade one and grade four. Donations towards the same cause have been made in the last quarter of the last fiscal thus empowering these children to be better citizens. This will continue in future too
