The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you're not going to stay where you are. It is always a good opportunity to take stock of the past year. After scaling new heights in 2019, we believe in continuing to lead the MBD Group to higher ground in the year ahead. In a special edition we bring to you the Newsmakers of the past year who dominated the headlines with their meaningful contribution to India and the world at large. Though there are quite a few who made it to the top in some of the most significant stories of the year, I would personally congratulate IAF braveheart Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who will be conferred with Vir Chakra on Independence Day 2020, for showing exemplary courage after having shot down F-16 jet of Pakistan Air Force and thereafter being held captive before being returned to India, under diplomatic pressure. Few other noteable examples are Indian space scientist and Chairperson (ISRO) Kailasavadivoo Sivan for his huge contribution to India’s space journey along with IndianAmerican economist Abhijit Banerjee for winning the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics, along with Esther Duflo of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Michael Kremer of Harvard University “for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.” Let’s give it up for all those who made us proud.
In this issue, the Platform section deals with a long awaited reform in India’s military and higher defence organisation which took place on 24 December 2019, when the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally approved the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). This follows the 15 August 2019 announcement by the Prime Minister in his address to the nation, where he stated that, “India should not have a fragmented approach. Our entire military power will have to work in unison and move forward… All the three (Services) should move simultaneously at the same pace”.
The Hitchhiker section takes you to Australia, where Kangaroo Island, a few kilometers off the coast of South Australia is brimming with native animals, artisanal food, epic rock formations and even the world's best hotels, perched on the edge of the sea. There's enough to do here to fill your days.
Last but not the least, at MBD Group, hospitality is not about serving but also treating guests with elegance and excellence. Driven by the vision of the founder, Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra, Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Ludhiana marked the 7th Anniversary of providing comfort to its guests. We are proud to have written another chapter in the brand’s legacy, reinstating our commitment to contribute in the growth of the hospitality segment in India. It has been a wonderful journey of 7 years, hotel has quietly, but distinctly defined itself as a trendsetter and is the top performing hotel in the competition set. We consistently achieved outstanding milestones, manoeuvring several challenges. At MBD Group, we always maintain that one must strive to attract, nurture, retain local talent and ensure there’s always a positive impact on the local community. Every reason to celebrate India!