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Retreat Schedule

Friday, October 17

3 pm Onwards
Guests are welcome to check into their rooms. Tea and snacks will be served in
the Mountain Lake Conference House

6 pm – 9 pm Welcome and Dinner in the West Dining Room
   
6 pm – 6.45 pm Reception with wine and hors d’oeuvers
   
6.45 pm – 7.30 pm Introduction and welcome Entertainment by Dan Nainan, Comedian
   
7.30 pm – 9 pm Dinner

Soak in Mohonk’s turn-of-the-century ambience and enjoy the dinner specially prepared by
award-winning chefs, whose efforts have won numerous medals in national culinary competitions. Executive Chef James Palmeri and Executive Sous Chef Anthony Verni will prepare the wholesome
meal with seasonal, local ingredients which are the hallmark of dining at Mohonk. The spectacular natural setting is the final touch to this wonderful dining experience.

9 pm – 10 pm Evening program in the Parlor room

After dinner, we will walk over to the elegant late 19th century parlor room to enjoy an evening of magical music by Shantanu Moitra and Babul Supriyo. Coffee and dessert to be served in the
parlour room.

Saturday, October 18

7 am – 9 am: Open time

Activities offered by Mohonk - Hiking, nature walks, swimming, tennis, fitness center

Available for an additional fee: Spa services, mountain biking, horse riding

Breakfast Options:

7 am – 9.30 am Continental breakfast in the Lake Lounge
8 am – 9.30 am Buffet breakfast in the Main dining room
   
10 am – 12.30 pm Morning Session

Welcome and introductory remarks

Financial Crisis - Obstacles and opportunities

How can a bad judgment in giving a housing loan in one country affect the economy around the world?  What is the cost of crisis today and what opportunities could come out of this?  What are the specific ramifications for India?

12.30 pm – 2 pm Lunch in the Main Dining Room
   
2 pm – 4.30 pm Afternoon Session

Environmental and Social Sustainability

The UN Human Development Report identifies climate change as the greatest challenge facing humanity at the start of the 21st century. How do we address problems like air pollution, shortage of water, increasing numbers of cars on the road and preservation of forests and build an environmentally sustainable society?

The country that lends a technological hand to the rest of the world also is home to the largest number of illiterates. India is home to some of the wealthiest persons in the world and at the same time lists at the bottom third of the UN Human Development Index. This is clearly not a sustainable situation, socially or politically. How can India build and execute on an agenda that addresses social sustainability?

4.30 pm – 6 pm Chaat and Chat

Walk a few yards to the Pavilion Terrace to have tea and enjoy the breathtaking fall colors. Take this opportunity to get to know someone new you met at the retreat and relax in front of the 39-foot-tall stone fireplace. Time to chat with your new found friends and enjoy– Chaat, small plates of savory Indian snacks.

6 pm – 8 pm Open time
   
8 pm – 10 pm Dinner in the West Dining Room

9pm - Midnight

The West Dining Room will be transformed to seat you for a sumptuous Indian dinner.

The five-course Chef's Tasting Dinner will be created and prepared by Executive Chef Hemant Mathur of the haute Michelin-star Dévi Restaurant in New York City. Chef Mathur's team includes Executive Chef James Palmeri of Mohonk Mountain House and Dévi pastry chef Surbhi Sahni, who will discuss the dishes being served.
 
This will be followed by "Movie Magic". Last year actor and Daily show correspondent Aasif Mandvi and producer Nimitt Mankad attended the retreat and shared their idea of turning Aasif's play "Sakina's Restaurant" into a movie. A year later, they are back to update us on turning that plan into reality and give us a sneak preview of a few scenes from the movie co-starring Naseeruddin Shah and Madhur Jaffrey.

Sunday, October 19

7 am – 9 am: Open time

Activities offered by Mohonk - Hiking, nature walks, swimming, tennis, fitness center

Available for an additional fee: Spa services, mountain biking, carriage rides

Breakfast Options:

7 am – 9.30 am Continental breakfast in the Lake Lounge
8 am – 9.30 am Buffet breakfast in the Main dining room
   
10 am – Noon Morning Session

India on the Global Stage – Hard and Soft Power

National economic progress has historically required a strategy of national power. In that past, such power was primarily based on arms and military superiority. It has been posited that the 21st century will see new forms of power characterized by the spread and possible dominance of cultures, arts, and even brand names.

What strategies are available to India to advance its national progress through the use of power - hard and soft?

Noon – 1 pm Wrap up and plans for next year
   
1 pm Sunday brunch buffet in the Main Dining Room

Dress code for the day: Casual

Ladies – Saree, Salwar Kameez, Kurthi, Jeans, Dresses

Men – Dockers, Jeans, Casual pants, T-shirts, Shirts

Anything goes

Please bring a Sweater, Shawl or Jacket with you

Dress code for dinners: Party casual

Ladies – Saree, Salwar Kameez, Kurthi, Pant suits, Dresses

Men – Kurta, Sherwani, Slacks, Shirts, Jacket / Blazer optional

Weather: Average high – 62ºF / Low 36ºF (16ºC / 1ºC)

Please check www.weather.com for New Paltz, NY for the latest news on weather