Ivanka and Modi’s dinner last night was indeed a grand affair
HYDERABAD : As the city of Nizams geared up to host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), the historic Taj Falaknuma Palace decked up to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ms Ivanka Trump on the first day of the summit on November 28, 2017 at the 101-seater–arguably the most opulent and longest–dining table.
The Falaknuma Palace, where grandeur and excess are celebrated and savoured in equal measure, showcased various cuisines, heritage and rich culture of India for Trump, invited dignitaries, ministers, renowned industrialists and delegates from the GES.
On hosting the prestigious dinner, Ritesh Sharma, GM, Taj Falaknuma Palace said, “We are extremely honored to have PM Modi and Ivanka Trump at the resplendent Taj Falaknuma Palace. This is a testament to our high standard service inspired by the deeply rooted tradition of Indian hospitality.
Opening a global business summit in Hyderabad, US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were joined by a robot named Mitra. Hours later, they dined at the city’s famous marble Falaknuma Palace, once owned by the Nizams of royals of the region.
Ivanka, also an informal adviser to her father, received a warm welcome in the high-tech hub of Hyderabad with all the trappings of a state guest. She said it’s start-ups “may” just outshine “your world-famous biryani”.
There was no mention of biryani in the details provided of the lavish five-course dinner which was organized around what is called the longest dining table in the world – it seats 101 people.
Gosht shikampuri kebab, Khubani ke malai kofta, Murgpista ka salan and Sitaphal kulfi were the stars of the meal, according to chefs; saffron and figs were used for special flavours. Locally-sourced fabrics including Ikkat were shown off.
Falaknuma in the city’s old quarters was home to the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, who died in 1911. Ivanka, wearing a bright green floral dress at the summit, said fueling the growth of women-led businesses and closing the gender entrepreneurship gap could help expand global GDP by 2 percent.
Ivanka leading the US delegation seeks better opportunities for women entrepreneurs battling heavy odds around the world. Delhi is hoping will further boost political and economic ties with the United States under the Trump administration.
The Global Entrepreneur Summit or GES is an event conceived by former U.S. President Barack Obama. It has previously been held in countries such as the United States and Turkey, but this year’s edition is the first under the Trump administration. (With Agency Inputs ).