The delegates of Global Entrepreneurship Summit-2017, including US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump, will get a taste of Indian food, hospitality and culture as the Telangana government is pulling out all the stops for a charm offensive.
“This is an opportunity to showcase our country’s heritage to the delegates. Two receptions will be organised — one at the Falkanuma Palace and the other at Golconda fort,” said Information Technology and Industries Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, speaking about the prestigious three-day event.
The State government has allocated ₹ 8 crore for the logistics and hospitality of participants. About 1500 delegates, including government officials, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, are expected to take part in one of the largest international networking events being hosted in the city.
Sources say GES-2017 is expected to have three receptions, one hosted by the Government of India, the second by Telangana government, and the other by the US government, which is co-hosting the event. While officials remain tight-lipped about other arrangements, the venue for the sit-down dinner inside the inner fortification of the 14th Century Golconda fort is expected to be the forecourt of Rani Mahal.
Archaeological Survey of India officials said they are unaware of the event on November 29 at Golconda. The ASI is the custodian of Golconda and prior permission has to be acquired for hosting any event at the heritage site. “I have not received any request or application for permission. They have to deposit the regular fee if they want to use the site,” said an ASI official of Hyderabad Circle..
Relevance of venue
The Rani Mahal area of Golconda is where Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has been unfurling the Tricolour on Independence Day since Telangana State was born in 2014.
With the backdrop of the Bala Hissar on one side and Moti Mahal on the other, the sprawling lawn of Rani Mahal presents a perfect setting for showcasing the Telangana heritage.
A well-known hotel chain which runs a five-star hotel has been sounded out for catering arrangements for the prestigious dinner gala.