Category: Business

  • From the Pitch to the Boardroom: Why Top Indian Cricketers Are Making Hyderabad Their Business Hub

    From the Pitch to the Boardroom: Why Top Indian Cricketers Are Making Hyderabad Their Business Hub

    Hyderabad, October 2026 – For decades, the traditional post-retirement playbook for Indian cricketers involved opening a local cricket academy or a modest restaurant. Today, that narrative has been completely rewritten. A new generation of cricketing superstars is leveraging their immense brand equity to build diverse, high-value business empires—and increasingly, they are choosing Hyderabad as their preferred destination for these ventures.

    From MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli to Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammed Siraj, the City of Pearls is witnessing an unprecedented influx of cricket-led investments spanning sports tech, premium hospitality, wellness, and advanced manufacturing.

    The Cricket Titans and Their Hyderabad Ventures

    1. MS Dhoni: Redefining Sports and Wellness with ‘7Padel’

    Captain Cool recently made waves by launching 7Padel MS Dhoni in the upscale neighborhood of Jubilee Hills. Spanning 15,000 sq. ft., this isn’t just a sports facility; it’s a holistic “Sports + Fitness + Recovery + Social Space” concept. Co-founded with PadelPark India, the venue features state-of-the-art padel courts, a gym, recovery suites (sauna, ice bath, infrared room), a yoga/pilates studio, and a viewing gallery. It caters to everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes, tapping into India’s rapidly growing padel community (estimated at over 1.25 lakh active players).

    2. Virat Kohli: Elevating the Dining Experience

    Former Indian captain Virat Kohli brought his premium lifestyle brand to the city with One8 Commune, located in HITEC City’s Sattva Knowledge City. Moving beyond a standard restaurant, One8 Commune offers a curated blend of high-end dining, lifestyle retail, and social experiences. This adds to Kohli’s already robust portfolio, which includes strategic stakes in Blue Tribe Foods, Rage Coffee, and Acko (Digit) General Insurance.

    3. Mohammed Siraj: A Homecoming Hospitality Venture

    Hyderabad’s own pace sensation, Mohammed Siraj, has channeled his deep personal connection to the city into a tangible business. He recently opened Joharfa – Taste Above the Rest, a premium restaurant on Road No. 10, Banjara Hills, proving that local heroes can successfully translate their civic pride into thriving commercial brands.

    4. Ambati Rayudu: Multi-Level Social Dining

    Former Indian middle-order stalwart and Hyderabad local, Ambati Rayudu, has also entered the hospitality sector. He launched Barracks & Anteroom in Sainikpuri, a unique multi-level dining and social space concept designed to offer patrons a premium, immersive community experience.

    5. VVS Laxman: Nurturing the Next Generation

    While many focus on hospitality, Hyderabad legend VVS Laxman has doubled down on his core expertise. The VVS Sports Academy, located at the Srinidhi International School campus in Moinabad, continues to be a premier destination for identifying and training young, raw cricketing talent in the region.

    6. Sachin Tendulkar: Strategic Manufacturing Investments

    The Master Blaster’s connection to Hyderabad goes beyond the IPL. In 2023, Sachin Tendulkar made a strategic investment in Azad Engineering, a Hyderabad-based manufacturing powerhouse. The company produces high-precision engineering components for critical sectors like aerospace, energy, defense, and oil & gas. Notably, Tendulkar is joined in this venture by other sporting icons like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and VVS Laxman, highlighting the city’s appeal for serious, long-term industrial investments.

    Why Hyderabad? The Strategic Advantage

    With numerous tier-1 cities in India, why is Hyderabad becoming the unanimous choice for cricketing entrepreneurs? The reasons are multifaceted:

    1. A Massive, Passionate Cricket Market: Hyderabad is a proven cricketing hotbed. With a fervent fan base, a strong IPL franchise (Sunrisers Hyderabad), regular international matches, and a deep pool of local talent, the city offers a highly receptive audience for sports-related brands and academies.
    2. Demographic Dividend & Lifestyle Demand: The city’s booming IT, pharma, and aerospace sectors have attracted a massive, young, affluent population. This demographic has a high disposable income and a growing appetite for premium lifestyle experiences, wellness centers, and unique dining concepts.
    3. Business-Friendly Ecosystem: Telangana’s proactive government policies, robust infrastructure (like the ORR and expanding metro), and ease of doing business make it an attractive destination for both service-oriented and manufacturing investments.
    4. Brand Synergy: Cricketers are no longer waiting for retirement to start businesses. They are actively leveraging their peak on-field visibility and massive social media followings to drive immediate footfall and brand recognition for their off-field ventures.

    Looking Ahead

    The convergence of cricketing stardom and Hyderabad’s dynamic economic landscape is creating a powerful synergy. These ventures are no longer just vanity projects; they are sophisticated, well-capitalized businesses that create jobs, elevate the city’s lifestyle quotient, and put Hyderabad on the map as a premier destination for sports and hospitality innovation.

    As more athletes look to diversify their portfolios, Hyderabad’s blend of cricketing passion, youthful energy, and industrial strength ensures it will remain at the top of their investment wish lists for years to come.

  • Hyderabad Gets New D.E. Shaw Office: 6 Lakh Sq Ft by Next Year

    Hyderabad Gets New D.E. Shaw Office: 6 Lakh Sq Ft by Next Year

    Hyderabad, October 2026 – In a major vote of confidence for the city’s thriving technology and financial ecosystem, D. E. Shaw India has announced plans to open a sprawling 6-lakh square foot workspace in the Neopolis area of Hyderabad next year. The announcement was made during a special event celebrating the global investment and technology development firm’s 30 years of operations in India.

    Project Scope and Scale

    The upcoming Neopolis facility represents a significant leap in D. E. Shaw’s Indian footprint. Designed to be a state-of-the-art collaborative hub, the new office will:

    • Foster Innovation: Create enhanced opportunities for employees to work seamlessly across teams, exchange ideas, and solve complex global problems.
    • Expand Career Avenues: Continue to offer diverse career paths across technology, financial research, financial operations, and corporate functions, hiring talent at all experience levels.
    • Consolidate Growth: Build upon the firm’s existing presence, which currently employs 2,500 professionals across its Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Gurugram offices.

    A Three-Decade Journey in Hyderabad

    D. E. Shaw’s relationship with Hyderabad dates back to 1996, when it opened its very first Indian office in the city with just 20 employees. Over the past three decades, the firm has grown exponentially, mirroring Hyderabad’s own transformation into a global IT and financial services powerhouse. The firm’s subsequent expansion into Bengaluru and Gurugram in 2023 further solidified its pan-India strategy, but the new 6-lakh sq. ft. Hyderabad facility reaffirms the city as its foundational anchor.

    Leadership Perspectives

    The expansion was warmly welcomed by state leadership, highlighting the strong synergy between the government and global corporations.

    Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister, who graced the 30th-anniversary event, noted:

    “The firm has been part of the city’s landscape for three decades, and the new office is a welcome sign of its continued confidence in Hyderabad.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Eddie Fishman, Managing Director and Executive Committee Member at D. E. Shaw, praised the local talent pool:

    “Investing and technology have changed dramatically in 30 years, and the rigour and skills our D.E. Shaw India colleagues bring to the firm have helped us remain at the forefront.”

    Chaitanya Gorrepati, Managing Director and Operating Committee Member of D. E. Shaw India, added:

    “The new office marks the next chapter of our growth in the country.”

    Strategic Impact on Hyderabad’s Real Estate and Tech Sector

    The decision to establish a 6-lakh sq. ft. campus in Neopolis carries profound strategic implications for the region:

    1. Boosting Premium Commercial Real Estate: Neopolis is rapidly emerging as a premium destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). D. E. Shaw’s massive footprint will attract further investments and elevate the micro-market’s status.
    2. Reinforcing Hyderabad as a FinTech Hub: While Hyderabad is already renowned for its IT prowess, the expansion of a top-tier global quantitative investment and technology firm underscores the city’s growing dominance in high-end financial research and operations.
    3. Talent Retention and Attraction: The new facility will generate hundreds of high-value jobs, helping the region retain top-tier engineering and financial talent while attracting global expertise to the city.
    4. Long-Term Commitment: In an era of shifting global supply chains and remote work debates, a physical expansion of this magnitude signals a deep, long-term commitment to the Indian market and its workforce.

    Looking Ahead

    As D. E. Shaw India gears up to open its doors in Neopolis next year, the 6-lakh sq. ft. facility will stand as a physical testament to three decades of mutual growth between a global financial giant and the City of Pearls. For Hyderabad, it is yet another milestone confirming its position as a premier, future-ready destination for the world’s most innovative companies.

  • EKAM Business Conclave 2026 Brings 300+ Entrepreneurs to Hyderabad

    EKAM Business Conclave 2026 Brings 300+ Entrepreneurs to Hyderabad

    In a powerful display of the city’s thriving startup and business ecosystem, the Ekam Global Network successfully hosted the Ekam Business Conclave 2026 in Hyderabad. Bringing together more than 300 entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, and industry leaders, the event served as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and celebrating entrepreneurial success under the resonant theme: ‘Connect, Collaborate, Grow’.

    Event Highlights and Scope

    The conclave was designed to be much more than a traditional corporate gathering. It featured a rich agenda aimed at fostering genuine business synergies, including:

    • Live Networking Sessions: Facilitating direct, meaningful interactions among diverse industry players.
    • Member Success Stories & Spotlights: Showcasing real-world entrepreneurial journeys and milestones achieved within the Ekam ecosystem.
    • Awards and Recognition: Felicitating members who demonstrated exceptional leadership, active participation, and unwavering support for fellow entrepreneurs.
    • Anniversary Celebrations: Marking another year of the network’s commitment to empowering the business community.

    Leadership Perspectives: Smart Work and Meaningful Relationships

    A major highlight of the conclave was an exclusive talk show featuring Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind, who engaged directly with the participating entrepreneurs. Offering pragmatic advice for navigating today’s volatile market, MP Arvind emphasized the need for agility and innovation.

    “In the current business environment, hard work alone may not be sufficient; smart thinking is equally important,” Arvind noted, urging entrepreneurs to “think differently, adapt to changing circumstances, and keep dreaming big.”

    Echoing this sentiment of purposeful connection, Himavanth Vallabhaneni, Founder of Ekam Global Network, highlighted the core philosophy of the organization:

    “The organisation was not merely about exchanging business cards, but about building relationships that create opportunities.”

    Strategic Impact on Hyderabad’s Business Ecosystem

    Events like the Ekam Business Conclave play a pivotal role in strengthening Hyderabad’s position as a premier hub for innovation and commerce in India. The strategic impact of this gathering includes:

    1. Fostering a Collaborative Culture: By shifting the focus from transactional networking to relationship-building, the conclave helps create a supportive ecosystem where businesses can cross-pollinate ideas and resources.
    2. Promoting Adaptive Entrepreneurship: With insights from political and business leaders, attendees are better equipped to pivot and innovate in response to rapid market changes and technological advancements.
    3. Recognizing and Retaining Talent: By publicly awarding and spotlighting local business leaders, Ekam reinforces a culture of excellence and encourages healthy, constructive competition within the community.
    4. Driving Local Economic Growth: Connecting 300+ decision-makers in one room inevitably leads to new partnerships, joint ventures, and investments that ripple through the local economy.

    Looking Ahead

    The success of the Ekam Business Conclave 2026 underscores a growing demand for curated, high-value networking platforms in Hyderabad. As the Ekam Global Network continues to expand its footprint, it remains committed to providing entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and inspiration needed to scale their visions.

    For the attendees, the message was clear: in today’s economy, your network is your net worth, and growing together is the smartest business strategy of all.

  • SHREE Opens First Retail Store in Hyderabad, Plans 20-25 More Outlets Across Telangana

    SHREE Opens First Retail Store in Hyderabad, Plans 20-25 More Outlets Across Telangana

    Hyderabad, September 6, 2026: In a significant expansion move, SHREE, a leading women’s ethnic wear brand, has officially opened its first retail outlet in Hyderabad at TNR North City Mall. This marks the brand’s entry into the Telangana market, with ambitious plans to establish a strong retail footprint across the state.

    Grand Launch and Store Details

    The new 1,500 sq. ft. store was inaugurated on Sunday by Femina Miss India Telangana 2026, Ramya Kailasa, alongside SHREE co-founders Sandeep Kapoor and Sheetal Kapoor. The store showcases SHREE’s extensive range of women’s ethnic and contemporary wear, offering customers a premium shopping experience in a spacious, well-designed retail environment.

    Aggressive Expansion Plans

    SHREE is not stopping at just one store. The brand has announced plans to open 20 to 25 additional stores across Telangana over the next two years, with the goal of strengthening its retail presence in the state by 2028. This aggressive expansion strategy underscores the company’s confidence in Hyderabad’s growing retail market and the evolving needs of working women in the region.

    Product Range and Craftsmanship

    The Hyderabad outlet features SHREE’s comprehensive collection, including:

    • Sarees
    • Kurtas and kurta sets
    • Kurtis and tunics
    • Co-ords and wide-leg pants
    • Leggings

    The collections are crafted from premium fabrics such as cotton, linen, Banarasi silk, and chiffon, all designed in-house under the brand’s private label. This focus on quality fabrics and in-house design ensures that SHREE maintains control over both the aesthetic and the craftsmanship of its products.

    Leadership Perspectives

    Confidence in Telangana’s Market

    Sandeep Kapoor, Chairman and Managing Director of SHR Lifestyles Private Limited, expressed optimism about the expansion:

    “The company was confident about expanding in Telangana based on its existing online customer base.”

    He also highlighted the broader socioeconomic impact of the expansion:

    “The planned expansion would also create employment opportunities and support local tailoring units and skilled artisans.”

    Meeting the Needs of Modern Women

    Co-founder Sheetal Kapoor emphasized why Hyderabad was a strategic choice:

    “Hyderabad’s growing retail market and the evolving needs of working women made the city an important market for the brand.”

    She also pointed out the unique value of a physical retail presence:

    “The physical store would allow customers to experience the fit and fabrics of the collections, something that online shopping could not fully provide.”

    Strategic Context: From Online to Omnichannel

    SHREE’s entry into Hyderabad represents a classic omnichannel strategy. The brand already has an established online customer base in Telangana, which provided the data and confidence to invest in physical retail. By opening brick-and-mortar stores, SHREE is addressing a key limitation of e-commerce: the inability to touch, feel, and try on ethnic wear before purchase.

    This hybrid approach allows the brand to:

    • Build stronger customer relationships through in-person experiences
    • Reduce return rates by allowing customers to check fit and fabric quality
    • Create brand awareness and visibility in a competitive market
    • Support local employment and artisan communities

    SHREE’s National and Global Footprint

    With this Hyderabad launch, SHREE now operates more than 130 stores across India and in overseas markets. The brand has positioned itself as a key player in the women’s ethnic wear segment, competing with both traditional retailers and modern D2C (direct-to-consumer) brands.

    Looking Ahead

    As SHREE embarks on its ambitious Telangana expansion, the brand is well-positioned to capitalize on several favorable trends:

    • The growing purchasing power of working women in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities
    • The increasing demand for high-quality, affordable ethnic wear
    • The shift toward organized retail in the ethnic fashion segment
    • Hyderabad’s emergence as a major retail and technology hub

    With 20-25 stores planned by 2028, SHREE is betting big on Telangana. If successful, this expansion could serve as a blueprint for entering other high-growth Indian states.

  • TCS, TPG-Backed HyperVault to Develop 1GW AI Data Centre in Hyderabad – Full Details

    TCS, TPG-Backed HyperVault to Develop 1GW AI Data Centre in Hyderabad – Full Details

    In a landmark development for India’s digital infrastructure, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced that its data centre subsidiary, HyperVault, will build a massive 1 Gigawatt (GW) Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centre campus in Hyderabad. Backed by an estimated investment of up to ₹70,000 crore, this project is poised to become one of the largest and most advanced AI infrastructure facilities in the country.

    Project Scope and Scale

    HyperVault has secured 264 acres of land in Hyderabad to develop this state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility. The campus is specifically designed to cater to the demanding needs of frontier AI companies and hyperscalers.

    Key features of the project include:

    • High-Density GPU Infrastructure: Engineered to support massive graphics processing unit (GPU) deployments required for complex AI training, inference, and advanced computing workloads.
    • Phased Development: The campus will be rolled out in strategic phases, allowing HyperVault to scale infrastructure in direct response to customer demand and rapidly evolving technology requirements.
    • Unmatched Capacity: At full build-out, the 1GW capacity will place the Hyderabad campus at the absolute pinnacle of India’s AI compute infrastructure landscape.

    Strategic Alignment: “Infrastructure-to-Intelligence”

    This mega-project is a cornerstone of TCS’s broader “Infrastructure-to-Intelligence” strategy. By combining AI-ready physical infrastructure with its deep expertise in cloud computing, engineering, enterprise transformation, and artificial intelligence, TCS is positioning itself as a holistic enabler of the global AI revolution.

    K. Krithivasan, CEO and Managing Director of TCS, emphasized the strategic vision behind the investment:

    “This project advances the company’s ‘Infrastructure-to-Intelligence’ strategy by combining AI-ready infrastructure with its cloud, engineering, enterprise transformation and AI capabilities.”

    A Historic Milestone for Telangana and India

    The announcement has been hailed as a transformative moment for the region. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy described the project as “historic” for both the state and the nation, underscoring Hyderabad’s evolution from a traditional IT hub to a global epicenter for next-generation compute infrastructure.

    “This establishes that Hyderabad is now at the forefront of the global AI revolution with a strong focus on infrastructure. This decade is one of Artificial Intelligence. Access to AI models and compute is fast-becoming public infrastructure, and having this compute reside in Telangana gives us a distinct advantage,” stated CM Revanth Reddy.

    Strategic Impact: Fueling India’s AI Ambitions

    The TCS HyperVault campus addresses a critical bottleneck in the global AI race: the availability of scalable, reliable, and high-performance compute power. By localizing this capacity in Hyderabad, the project will:

    1. Attract Global Hyperscalers: Provide a world-class, sovereign infrastructure option for multinational tech giants and AI startups looking to scale operations in India.
    2. Boost the Local Economy: Generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operational phases, while stimulating the local tech ecosystem.
    3. Enhance Digital Sovereignty: Ensure that critical AI workloads and data can be processed securely within India’s borders, aligning with national digital infrastructure goals.

    Looking Ahead

    As the demand for AI compute continues to grow exponentially, the TCS HyperVault 1GW campus in Hyderabad represents a bold, future-proof investment. By bridging the gap between raw computational power and intelligent enterprise solutions, TCS is not just building a data centre; it is laying the foundational bedrock for India’s AI-driven future.

  • Zuari Infraworld, Gangothri Infra Edge to Invest in Hyderabad Housing Project

    Zuari Infraworld, Gangothri Infra Edge to Invest in Hyderabad Housing Project

    Hyderabad’s western growth corridor just got a new address to watch. Gangothri Infra Edge and Zuari Infraworld India have officially launched Zuari Gangothri Tribhuja, a premium residential project in Kollur, marking Zuari’s entry into the city’s high-end housing market.

    Spread across roughly 9.16 acres, the project will house nine towers with 1,730 apartments — a mix of 3 and 4 BHK units — and carries an estimated sales value of around ₹3,000 crore. At the launch event, the two companies also unveiled the project’s Experience Centre and brochure.

    The developers are positioning Tribhuja as an accessible-premium play — spacious layouts, taller towers, and upgraded amenities, but aimed at salaried professionals and mid-sized business owners rather than only the ultra-luxury segment.

    The timing lines up with the broader market: Knight Frank India data shows Hyderabad logged over 38,000 residential sales in 2025, up roughly 4%, with homes priced above ₹1 crore now making up more than half of all sales. Kollur, the companies say, sits right in the middle of that shift toward premium housing.

    Zuari Infraworld, the real estate arm of the Adventz group and a subsidiary of Zuari Industries, framed the move as part of a long-term bet on the city. Alok Banerjee, the company’s CEO, said the goal is to combine Zuari’s broader development experience with Gangothri’s local market knowledge to build something distinct for west Hyderabad.

  • Acumatica Opens New Global Capability Center in Hyderabad, Gearing Up for Major Hiring Push

    Acumatica Opens New Global Capability Center in Hyderabad, Gearing Up for Major Hiring Push

    Hyderabad’s reputation as a premier global technology hub continues to grow, with cloud-based ERP solutions provider Acumatica officially announcing the launch of its new Global Capability Center (GCC) in the city. The strategic move is designed to accelerate product innovation and serve as the core of the company’s growth engine in India.

    Fueling Innovation and Regional Growth

    Acumatica, a leading provider of cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, has established the Hyderabad center to tap into the region’s world-class engineering talent.

    The new GCC has kicked off operations with an initial team of 30 employees, but this is just the beginning. The company has announced aggressive plans to ramp up hiring in the coming months. While the initial focus is squarely on engineering and product development, Acumatica intends to expand the center’s scope into additional disciplines over time, supporting its continued regional and global growth.

    A Strategic Global Footprint

    The Hyderabad GCC is a significant addition to Acumatica’s expanding international footprint. It joins the company’s existing, well-established operations across the United States, Canada, Serbia, and Sri Lanka. By decentralizing its innovation hubs, Acumatica is positioning itself to deliver faster, more robust, and globally informed software solutions to its SMB clientele.

    To ensure a seamless and scalable setup, Acumatica established the Hyderabad center in strategic partnership with ANSR and Summit Consulting Services, leveraging their deep expertise in building and managing high-performance global capability centers in India.

    Leadership Perspective

    Highlighting the strategic importance of this new facility, Miten Mehta, Chief Engineering Officer at Acumatica, noted that the Hyderabad GCC will act as the “core of the company’s growth engine in India.” This underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the region, viewing it not just as an outsourcing destination, but as a vital center for core product innovation and engineering excellence.

    Why Hyderabad?

    Hyderabad has consistently proven to be a magnet for global tech giants establishing GCCs. With its rich talent pool of software engineers, robust IT infrastructure, and a highly supportive state government ecosystem, the city offers the perfect environment for companies like Acumatica to scale their R&D and engineering operations efficiently.

    Looking Ahead

    As Acumatica ramps up its hiring and broadens the functional scope of its Hyderabad team, the new GCC is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of cloud ERP technologies. For tech professionals in Hyderabad, this expansion represents an exciting wave of new, high-value career opportunities in a company that is actively redefining business management software for the modern era.

  • Amala Akkineni Says Handloom Holds Unique Prestigious Place in Indian Culture

    Amala Akkineni Says Handloom Holds Unique Prestigious Place in Indian Culture

    Actress and Blue Cross of Hyderabad co-founder Amala Akkineni inaugurated the Evwaah – Weavers Hub exhibition, a two-day handloom extravaganza at Firewater Neo Bar & Kitchen in the Financial District, Nanakramguda. The exhibition, organized by socialite Alekhya Reddy, aims to promote traditional weaves and connect weavers directly with customers.


    A Grand Showcase of Indian Handloom

    The exhibition features an exclusive collection of traditional and handcrafted textiles, with more than 1,000 varieties of handloom sarees on display. Visitors can explore renowned weaves including:

    WeaveOrigin
    PochampallyTelangana – Known for intricate ikat patterns
    PaithaniMaharashtra – Famous for vibrant colors and zari work
    Patan PatolaGujarat – Double ikat weave with geometric designs

    Amala Akkineni’s Address

    Speaking on the occasion, Amala Akkineni emphasized the cultural significance of handloom:

    “Handloom and silk hold a unique and prestigious place in Indian culture.”

    Her presence at the event drew attention to the importance of preserving and promoting India’s rich textile heritage.


    The Social Mission Behind Evwaah

    Organizer Alekhya Reddy explained the core objective of the handloom exhibition:

    “The main social objective is to promote weavers and provide a market for the handloom industry. Through these exhibitions, an effort is made to create a good market for the weavers and their handloom-woven ware.”

    Key Mission Highlights:

    • ✅ Direct from weavers to customers – No merchants or middlemen
    • ✅ Pure silk and cotton products – Authentic and high-quality
    • ✅ Fair prices for weavers – Eliminating exploitation
    • ✅ Preservation of traditional crafts – Supporting age-old techniques

    Event Details at a Glance

    DetailInformation
    EventEvwaah – Weavers Hub Exhibition
    Inaugurated byAmala Akkineni
    Organized byAlekhya Reddy
    VenueFirewater Neo Bar & Kitchen, Financial District, Nanakramguda, Hyderabad
    Duration2 days (April 4 – April 5, 2026)
    Featured Items1,000+ handloom sarees including Pochampally, Paithani, Patan Patola

    Why Handloom Exhibitions Matter

    Events like Evwaah play a crucial role in:

    • 🧵 Empowering weavers with direct market access
    • 🧵 Preserving traditional Indian crafts for future generations
    • 🧵 Educating urban customers about handloom heritage
    • 🧵 Promoting sustainable fashion over mass-produced textiles

    Visit Before It Ends!

    The Evwaah Weavers Hub exhibition is open until April 5, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to own authentic handloom sarees while supporting the weavers directly.

  • Hyderabad’s Iconic ‘Fish Building’ Swims Into Global Spotlight as One of the World’s Strangest Structures

    Hyderabad’s Iconic ‘Fish Building’ Swims Into Global Spotlight as One of the World’s Strangest Structures

    Hyderabad: January 26, 2026
    In a city celebrated for its cutting-edge IT corridors and centuries-old heritage monuments, an unconventional government building has quietly captured international attention. The headquarters of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad has been named among the world’s strangest-looking buildings, placing the city on global lists of architectural curiosities.

    Constructed in 2012, the four-storey structure is designed entirely in the shape of a giant fish, complete with a metallic exterior, sweeping fins and two large circular windows that resemble eyes when viewed from a distance. The building is a striking example of mimicry architecture, a design philosophy in which a structure’s form directly reflects its function. In this case, a fisheries body operates from a building that quite literally looks like a fish.

    The visual impact of the structure becomes even more dramatic after sunset. Bathed in blue spotlights, the building appears like a massive fish gliding through water, creating a surreal illusion that stands out sharply against Hyderabad’s urban skyline.

    While the bold design initially received mixed reactions during its construction, the Fish Building has since evolved into a recognisable city landmark. Today, it attracts tourists and architecture enthusiasts as much as government officials, with passersby frequently stopping to photograph the unusual façade and admire its departure from conventional government office design.

    On the global stage, the Hyderabad landmark now finds itself in the company of other famously eccentric buildings, including the basket-shaped former headquarters of an office supplies company in the United States, Poland’s twisted Crooked House, and Florida’s guitar-shaped hotel. Its inclusion among these structures has offered India a rare moment of international recognition for experimental public architecture.

    Beyond its visual novelty, the Fish Building symbolises a broader shift in how civic spaces are imagined. It serves as a reminder that government buildings need not be anonymous concrete blocks, but can instead be creative, expressive and capable of capturing public imagination—even in the heart of a fast-growing modern city.

  • Inter-IIT Sports Meet Kicks Off at IIT Hyderabad | December 15, 2025

    Inter-IIT Sports Meet Kicks Off at IIT Hyderabad | December 15, 2025

    The 58th edition of the Inter-IIT Sports Meet commenced at IIT Hyderabad, Kandi (Sangareddy district) on Sunday, bringing together athletic talent from across the country. The week-long event is witnessing the participation of nearly 2,500 students from 23 IITs, competing across a wide range of sporting disciplines.

    The sports meet was inaugurated by Olympian and badminton star Saina Nehwal, who highlighted the importance of fitness and sports in nation-building. She remarked that India’s pride can be shaped not only through world-class research and innovation but also through healthy lifestyles, discipline, and a passion for sports.

    “Sport is not just about competitions that last a week; it is about the habits we form every day. Regular workouts and staying active instil discipline, resilience, and focus — qualities as vital as academics and research,” she said.

    Also present at the inauguration, India’s Chief Badminton Coach Pullela Gopichand emphasized the need to integrate sports into campus life. He stated that sports play a crucial role in building character, confidence, and discipline, helping shape well-rounded individuals.

    The event will be followed by the Inter-IIT Sports Meet for staff, scheduled from December 24 to 29, with over 2,000 participants expected to compete in various categories.

    The ceremony was attended by B.V.R. Mohan Reddy, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIT Hyderabad, and Director B.S. Murty, among other dignitaries.