DEHRADUN – The air at Romeo Lane was thick with more than just the aroma of fine cuisine this Tuesday; it was charged with the electric energy of Uttarakhand’s most influential power holders. In a spectacular fusion of policy and plates, the NRAI (National Restaurant Association of India) Dehradun Chapter hosted a high-stakes summit that proved the Doon Valley’s F&B scene is ready for its global close-up.
The guest list read like a ‘Who’s Who’ of the state administration. Leading the charge was the charismatic IG Garhwal, Mr. Rajeev Swaroop (IPS). Dashing and decisive, the IG struck a chord with the city’s top restaurateurs, emphasizing that the “Badge and the Bistro” must work cohesively. His vision? A seamless partnership between the police and the NRAI to promote Responsible Drinking, ensuring Uttarakhand remains a safe, sparkling jewel for international tourism.
Adding a layer of essential governance, Guest of Honour Mr. P.C. Dumka (Labour Commissioner, Uttarakhand) brought a sharp focus to the afternoon, urging the F&B sector to lead by example in Labour Compliance. Because, as he noted, a happy team is the secret ingredient to any successful brand.
The evening saw a masterclass in diplomacy from Special Guest Mr. Siddharth Aggarwal (BJP Mahanagar President & Vypar Mandal President). With his trademark poise, he spoke about his role as the ultimate bridge—balancing the high-octane needs of business houses with the structured world of bureaucracy.
Meanwhile, Mr. V.K. Joshi (District Excise Officer) stepped into the spotlight to champion a hand-in-hand approach between the Excise Department and the NRAI to turn the tide on alcohol awareness.
Our very own Avinash Mishra (NRAI Dehradun Chapter Head)—ever the dapper strategist—delivered a powerhouse address. Avinash didn’t just talk shop; he talked numbers. He highlighted the massive contribution of the F&B sector to the state’s GDP and local employment, making a compelling case for the government to support an ecosystem built for sustainable growth.
But the soul of the event belonged to Mr. Praful Chandawarkar, the legendary founder of Malaka Spice. In a raw and revealing session, the industry pioneer didn’t hold back. He warned that a single “irresponsible drink” doesn’t just cause a headline—it causes catastrophic business loss and irreparable reputational damage. His message was clear: Responsibility is the new Luxury.
From the SIP SMART training to the deep-dive workshop on Resilient Brands, this wasn’t just a meeting; it was a movement. As the sun set over the hills, one thing was certain: under the leadership of the NRAI, Dehradun’s hospitality isn’t just growing—it’s growing up.