Latest news with #Surendran
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Convention centre plan may be shelved
T'puram: The ambitious International Convention Centre Complex (ICCC) proposed at Akkulam may be shelved yet again as key proceedings on the project have come to a grinding halt. Despite renewed efforts by the tourism department to revive the initiative, delays in securing concurrence from IT department have stalled the land transfer critical to its execution. However, the local legislator said that state govt had no plans to revive it. "I was not even aware that active work was ongoing. As far as I know, this is an old project and govt has no plans to revive it," said Kadakampally Surendran, the local MLA and former tourism minister. His remark reflects growing confusion and inaction around a project that once promised to transform the capital into a hub for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism. In sharp contrast to Surendran's statement, tourism department officials maintain that the project was recently reactivated, with efforts made to transfer 49 acres from Technopark to the department. A senior tourism official, who wished to remain unnamed, said: "We had a revival meeting a year ago and have been waiting for IT department's concurrence for the land. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The project remains a priority, but procedural hurdles are slowing it down." The multi-crore ICCC project — originally conceived over a decade ago — comprises a 1,500-seat convention hall, a hotel, exhibition spaces and even a marina, implemented under a public-private partnership model. A revised detailed project report was prepared in 2019 and major infrastructure player K Raheja Corp showed fresh interest in taking it forward. However, delays on the part of IT department, which oversees Technopark, have caused a bottleneck. Seeram Sambasiva Rao, IT secretary and Technopark executive council chairperson, responded to the matter saying, "I had not seen the file on land transfer. I will check on the technical clearance and expedite it as needed."
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
3-day The Hindu Home Expo opens at LuLu Mall in Thiruvananthapuram
The eighth edition of The Hindu Home Expo got off to a glittering start at the LuLu Mall here on Friday (July 25). The event, presented by Cera Sanitaryware Ltd and powered by Canara Bank, features over 125 properties by top builders. The expo, which has 52 stalls and sees participation by 40 builders and four banks, offers home buyers attractive rates from builders and reduced interest rates from banks. Projects approved by the Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA) are on sale at the expo which will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. till Sunday (July 27). In his inaugural address, Kadakampally Surendran, MLA, said the latest edition of The Hindu Home Expo is happening at a critical juncture when the State capital is witnessing rapid expansion, providing ample opportunities for the real estate sector and home buyers. 'Much of this urban expansion is centred on the Kazhakootam region and its environs. With the development of Technopark progressing at great speed, Thiruvananthapuram is rapidly transforming into a city of techies with nationally and internationally-renowned companies getting established there. By the end of this year, the new stage of Technopark is expected to add close to one lakh more employees,' Mr. Surendran said. S.N. Raghuchandran Nair, convener-general, Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India - Kerala (CREDAI Kerala), and president, Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce, said this was the right time to have the expo, given the fact that Thiruvananthapuram is in a 'take-off stage' development-wise. The exemption of income tax up to ₹12 lakh is expected to see an increase in disposable income, driving potential investment in properties, apartments and vehicles, he said. Sandeep Abraham, president (sales), Cera Sanitaryware Ltd, and guest of honour at the event, said the real estate sector in Thiruvananthapuram, a city which now boasts one of the biggest ports, is transforming fast. 'The landscape has changed. It shows the story of the economic growth that the city is witnessing,' Mr. Abraham said. Sunil Kumar S., general manager and circle head, Canara Bank, and guest of honour, said the bank was elated to be associated with the expo. He urged home buyers to make use of the opportunity to own their dream home by participating in the event. K.K. Joshy, assistant vice-president and Kerala business head, said that The Hindu Home Expo, which is now in its eighth edition, has consistently received overwhelming response. 'The objective is to offer a common platform for buyers and builders,' he said. Offering felicitations, Arun A. Unnithan, president, CREDAI Thiruvananthapuram, said that CREDAI Thiruvananthapuram members have had encouraging results from the expo in the previous editions. The Hindu Home Expo will also be conducted at the LuLu Mall, Kochi, from August 1 to 3.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Punjab Bank organises retail outreach programme, promotes green loans
Punjab National Bank (PNB) executive director D. Surendran on Thursday said that financial institutions such as banks play a key role in creating sustainable infrastructure aligned with the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. Addressing the Monthly Retail Outreach programme organised by PNB's Visakhapatnam Circle Office, Mr. Surendran said, 'Banks are no longer mere intermediaries; they are now enablers of long-term development. Housing loans, for example, generate both assets and social stability.' The event drew participation from stakeholders in real estate, auto-mobile, and renewable energy sectors, in particular. The bank showcased its diverse retail portfolio — including housing, vehicle, mortgage loans, rooftop solar financing, and digital services — through over 20 stalls. CREDAI Visakhapatnam chairman V. Dharmender, who attend the event as the guest of honour, stressed the need for EMI flexibility to support self-employed borrowers. 'The real estate market is stabilising, and innovative banking products can further accelerate recovery,' he said. Loan sanction letters for home and education categories were handed over to eligible customers during the programme.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PNB's retail outreach programme highlights role of banks in nation-building
VISAKHAPATNAM: Executive Director of Punjab National Bank (PNB), D Surendran on Thursday underlined the pivotal role of the banking sector in India's economic transformation, stating that banks are increasingly contributing to the creation of sustainable infrastructure in alignment with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Speaking at the bank's one-day Monthly Retail Outreach Programme in Visakhapatnam, Surendran said, 'Banks are no longer just financial intermediaries — they're helping build the foundation for long-term national development. Housing loans, for instance, not only create assets but promote family welfare and financial discipline.' The event, held at a hotel in Vizag city organised by PNB's Visakhapatnam Circle Office, brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including players from construction, automobile, and renewable energy sectors. Surendran outlined the bank's expanding product portfolio, which includes housing loans, vehicle loans, mortgage loans, rooftop solar financing, and a suite of digital banking services. 'The idea is to take banking closer to the people through interactive, solution-oriented outreach,' he said. Over 20 stalls were set up to provide information on PNB's offerings. Attendees explored loan options, received on-the-spot consultations from bank officials, and engaged with representatives from allied sectors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain Keeping You Up at Night? This Trick Could Help Instantly Read More Undo Guest of Honour V Dharmender, Chairman of CREDAI Visakhapatnam Chapter, welcomed the initiative, noting that the real estate sector is gradually recovering. 'There is a need for flexible EMI structures, especially tailored for self-employed professionals and business people,' he said, urging banks to innovate in customer servicing. Home and educational loan sanction letters were handed over to eligible applicants during the programme. Bank officials noted a strong turnout from the public, reflecting growing interest in banking solutions that support housing, education, and entrepreneurship. Also present were Sunil Kumar Chugh, Chief General Manager of PNB's Hyderabad Zone, and Anand Kumar, Dy. General Manager, Circle Head, Visakhapatnam, who reiterated the bank's commitment to customer-first policies and community outreach.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Alumni fundraiser aims to foster future sports stars
Olak aims to support children in Klang with potential in sports but lacking financial ability to pursue their interest. SMK La Salle Klang, a landmark school in Selangor, has long produced successful students across multiple generations. Its Latin motto 'Lux Luceat Vobis' (Let your light shine) has inspired many even after graduation. One such group, the Old Lasallians Association Klang Alumni (Olak) uses that motto as inspiration for the Olak Olympian Fun Run 2025 taking place on Aug 17 at the SMK La Salle Klang school field. The event aims to raise funds for students in Klang who lack the financial means to pursue their sporting dreams. Olak vice-president Datuk Surendran Menon said the event sought to bring students and parents together while raising funds for the cause. 'In the good old days, we had numerous sports activities in school,' said Surendran. 'At present, there are children in Klang with some potential in sports, but they lack financial support to pursue their interest. For instance, they might not be able to purchase essential equipment like football shoes. Olak president Ho King Min flanked by Surendran (right) and secretary K. Selvarajah at SMK La Salle Klang. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star 'The alumni want to do their part to raise funds that will be used to buy these sports necessities. 'The funds will benefit students from our school and others in Klang, identified by their respective sports teachers. 'We hope to assist between 50 and 100 students,' said Surendran. The funds, he said, would also support an outreach programme for the underprivileged. He said SMK La Salle Klang had a strong tradition of excellence in both sports and academics. He cited former national footballer Datuk R. Arumugam, also known as 'Spiderman', who hailed from Klang. 'Selayang MP William Leong was also a La Salle student and a good athlete during his school years,' he added. 'We all enjoyed sports and spent a lot of time training. 'Team sports help build team spirit and soft skills. 'There are students who are more academically inclined, while some are into sports and they need to be given the opportunity to excel too,' said Surendran. He added that the school had educated multiple generations from the same families, and they hope to bring the community together in the fun run. Last year, at Olak's reunion dinner, RM70,000 was donated for the fun run by the alumni, CJ Century Logistics Holdings Bhd founder Datuk Richard Phua Sin Mo and its chief executive officer Steven Teow Choo Hing. Organising chairman Eapen Thomas said they hoped to have at least 1,000 participants for the event. The public could also contribute without taking part in the run, he said. The basic student package is RM40, which includes a T-shirt, medal and goodie bag. For participants aged 18 and above, the basic package is RM60. Premium packages are also available at RM250 (Premium), RM500 (Olak Warrior) and RM1,000 (Olak Warrior Legend). To register, visit For details, contact Eapen at 016-302 8336.
