The boom in the real estate sector and India's economic growth continues unabated in the new year. The time is right to give contribution and quality its due. Realising the challenge of growth on infrastructure, Jaaydaad took the decisive step to launch the Real India Festival. A press conference on January 9, 2008 announced this launch. We also set in motion India's biggest awards for infrastructure, real estate and the allied sectors with the announcement of the Varaha Awards

The conference marked the count-down to the festival. As also our responsibility to provide a tripartite platform for the consumer, government and stakeholders of real estate to interact, recognize and synergise, to work in conjunction towards a better India.

Real India Festival is the first step towards our vision of building an India with world class infrastructure. An India that competes with the best globally. An India where every Indian has a roof over his head. This vision is being realized across the country - not by one - but millions. What is needed, is a common platform - a forum of support. One voice - a voice strong enough to mould political will. And Real India Festival will be just that. Our cover story tells you the Real India story and calls for action. From you.

The flowering of the Indian economy is a common theme in the articles ahead - be it the growing hospitality industry, the spiraling commercial sector or recently introduced REITS. Our experts too predict 2008 as the year for real estate investments. Metro has done us proud and plans ahead, see it making Delhi a global city. DDA, not to be left behind, unrolls its towering plans and budget for the forthcoming financial year.

In these hectic times of growth - concern for the environment is concomitant today. Our article on energy efficiency in buildings, takes up this critical area.

We also look at hot destination Malaysia. Indian investors are now on high priority for governments abroad, who are going all out to woo them.

Closer home, we look at interiors in a whole new way - with a fresh palette of colours and differential flooring methods from our experts.

Jaaydaad indeed is racing ahead - and we hope you enjoy the ride.

Come - celebrate and see the world in a whole new way, with Jaaydaad and the Real India Festival.


Best Wishes

S K Jain