Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, White House adviser Ivanka Trump and 99 dignitaries dined at the 101 Dining Hall at the Taj Falaknuma on Tuesday evening. The dinner was hosted by the Prime Minister for the delegates of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES).
Those sharing the table included Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and IT minister K.T. Rama Rao. Other delegates were seated in the hotel lawns.
Ms Trump picked a blue full-length gown with fine detailing in gold and silver. She tied her hair into a bun. Mr Modi picked a subtle white for the dinner.
Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran was among those who attended the dinner. None from the Ambani family could make it to the event.
Delegates began arriving for the grand dinner in small convoys of luxury buses from 7.30 pm onwards. Some buses had to stop mid-way between the main gate of the Taj Falaknuma and the entrance of the Palace because the road was too narrow. The delegates were asked to alight from the buses and taken to the Palace in cars. The convoys of the PM and Ms Trump arrived at the venue at 9 pm.
A short cultural programme was organised by the department of culture. Folk artists from TS entertained the guests for 15 minutes before the dinner. The dignitaries were then escorted to the world’s largest dining table, which accommodates 101 persons.
A lavish spread consisting of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from Mughlai and continental cuisines was served. According to sources, the vegetarian menu included Dahi ke kebab, Khubani ke Malai Kofte, vegetarian Haleem and Subz Gulzar Biryani. The non-vegetarian menu included kebabs, Dum ki Biryani, Mirchi ka Salan, and Haleem. The desserts included Double ka meetha and Khubai ka Mitha.
Around 3,000 policemen, including personnel from the Greyhounds, Quick Response Team, Law and Order Police, Commissioner’s Task Force were posted at the venue.
