The Countdown to Real India Festival begins.

The banquet hall at Shangri-la Hotel (New Delhi) was abuzz on the evening of January 9, 2008. It was 8.00 pm and a veiled statue, a ready-dais and an expectant audience waited patiently. All at once the lights dimmed, the music played and Ramneek Paintal, MC for the evening, was on stage announcing the guests of honour. Jay Oberai, Chairman - MPC Synergy Asset Management, SK Jain, CMD – Global Infocom Ltd and Dinesh Sibal, CEO – Global Infocom Ltd

The occasion was the launch of Real India Festival and the announcement of the Varaha Awards by Global Infocom Ltd. The evening began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, auguring an auspicious opening to the event. SK Jain after welcoming Jay Oberai, chief guest of the evening, presented the opening address

Mr Jain applauded India's stupendous economic growth in the last decade, which has been supported by the giant strides infrastructure and real estate have taken. He said, "The concerted efforts of the real estate sector has resulted in India emerging as the ideal investment destination, as is evident from the increased FDI flowing into the country. It is therefore imperative to recognize and celebrate this contribution of the sector towards the growth of India and also to acknowledge the high quality of work being done in this field. Jaaydaad as part of the real estate industry, knows and understands this perspective. Therefore, Jaaydaad brand has instituted 'Real India' - a conglomeration of exhibitions, seminars, workshops and awards for infrastructure, real estate and its allied sectors."

He elaborated that the emergence of Jaaydaad is an indication of the importance of branding and marketing in this sector. He said that Jaaydaad's main focus areas are its franchise business and the Varaha awards. He then delineated the mission of the company which is to work towards more reliable and better infrastructure. "Infrastructure that is technically and aesthetically superior. In this respect Jaaydaad works to inform and empower the customer."

He also shared his vision of a better and stronger India and said this is evident in the choice of the name Varaha. According to Indian mythology 'Varaha' is the God of Real Estate & Property. Obstacles in real estate can be overcome by praying to God Varaha." So he hoped in a similar way Varaha Award would help overcome many of the obstacles that real estate is facing

After the address the Varaha trophy was unveiled by the chief guest of the evening, Jay Oberai. Jay Oberai introduced as 'friend of India' by the CMD, has many dreams and aspirations for the country, as building world class hospitals, a sports academy, besides other investment plans for the Indian real estate sector. His Swiss based company has operations in Europe and the Middle East. Presently Jay Oberai is looking towards investments in India, to the tune of a billion dollars.

Mr Jain declared the Awards as now open for nominations. The application forms for the awards are available on the website www.realindiafest.com or at the office of Global Infocom Ltd.

Dinesh Sibal, CEO of Global then took over the dais, with a presentation on the Real India festival and the awards. He held, "The Varaha Awards – the grand finale of the festival would recognize and salute the first among equals in the Real Estate and Allied Industry sector."

He elaborated that "The Award has been instituted to recognize, honour and motivate exemplary achievers, be it a developer, architect, marketing consultant, service provider, financial institution, environmentalist, interior designer or manufacturer. The Varaha Award will work as a catalyst to help people aspire higher in their respective endeavours."

He also detailed the other events of the Real India Festival saying "The Investors Meet aims to bring together buyers and sellers of real estate on a single platform, where they can develop synergies among themselves and address issues that are of paramount importance to both. It will give the investor an insight into the industry and where it is headed. It will also allow him to make an intelligent assessment of various big and small players in the industry and discern which one of them suits his particular investment objective.

"The Expo cum world tour, starting from Delhi will move to other metros and cities of India and then worldwide. It would be an opportunity for B2B & B2C companies, to showcase and sell projects to a plethora of distinguished players from the real estate sector and allied services, under a single roof. It promises to be the largest and most representative property and real estate exhibition. The expo would be a one-stop destination to buy or sell property in the most effective, transparent and convenient way."

Elaborating on Real India Knowledge Forum he said "It recognizes the importance of the real estate industry and fulfills the increasing demand for intellectual debate and discussion on policy initiatives of the government. As also the enforcement of various other issues, that directly or indirectly influence or affect the governance of the real estate industry, Real India Knowledge Forum provides a platform to discuss, brainstorm, strategize and present recommendations to the Government."

Finishing off with the culminating glory of the Real India Festival - the Varaha Awards; Mr Sibal announced Global Infocom's tie up with international firm, 'Grand Thornton' as Knowledge partners for the complete process generation, validation and nomination of these awards."

"The winners will be judged through a process created and validated by Grand Thornton. The prequalification for any one to participate in the evaluation is to generate a level playing field. Further the scrutiny of the nominations will be done by this reputed agency. Thus evaluation will be by an independent and reputed jury, public opinion poll via SMS and combination of the above mentioned two. Results will be announced by the evaluation team at a glittering function."

He concluded by saying, "Real India, a four-pronged festival of Expo, the Knowledge Forum, Investa Fest and Varaha Awards will spread over three months. The Knowledge forum on April 22, 2008 will kickstart this festival.

The house was then declared open for the question and answer sessions. Questions were fast and furious and answers given with gravity and grace. The conference came to a close with chief guest Jay Oberai taking the dias and expressing his solidarity with Jaaydaad's vision of an India with world-class infrastructure. He categorically stated, "Let us join hands to ensure complete success of this concept, the real estate market deserves this, India deserves this."

" When I am out in the market I see the excitement in infrastructure market today. In fact I see this excitement in every Indian I meet." He emphasized that the important thing is not to focus on just the moment but to broaden our horizons to "focus on the coming decade and the next and in fact our whole lifetime. We have to have a long term view and not a short one.

"A forum is required to achieve this vision and an organization to show this direction. Someone needs to take this bold step in a segmented industry. Education is required not just for the developers but importantly for the end-user too. A massive social change needs to take place in this country." He concluded by reiterating his conviction that a forum as initiated by Jaaydaad, would encourage people in the right direction and was a step towards this all-important social change.

Mr Sibal then summed up the vibrant evening with a vote of thanks and invited the house to join in for the cocktails and dinner.

For more details on the Real India Festival or Varaha Awards,
Log on to: www.realindiafest.com
Contact S.K Jain
Call 011 – +91-11-25880331,25880328