Marking India's 80th Independence Day, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, in collaboration with Vizag Runners, brought together Visakhapatnam's running and fitness community for a special 80 KM running challenge and Independence Day Run.

The initiative saw around 100 - 150 runners taking part, including members of Vizag Runners and team members of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach.

The 80 KM challenge was created as a symbolic tribute to 80 years of India's independence, giving participants an opportunity to celebrate the occasion through fitness, movement and community spirit. The Independence Day Run further added to the celebrations, bringing runners from across the city together in an atmosphere of energy and national pride.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “Independence Day is a celebration of unity and the spirit of togetherness. It was wonderful to see our Heartists (team members) and the running community come together to mark the occasion in such an active and meaningful way. The 80 KM challenge was not just about running, it was about coming together as a community and celebrating the freedom and spirit that unite us.”

The event also highlighted the connection between running and community building.

Balakrishna Rai, Founder & President, Vizag Runners, said, “Running has always brought people together through a shared sense of discipline, motivation and community. The 80 KM for 80 Years initiative was a meaningful way to celebrate Independence Day, and we were delighted to see such enthusiastic participation from runners across Visakhapatnam. Our collaboration with Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach made the celebration even more special.”

The initiative concluded with participants coming together to celebrate Independence Day through fellowship and a shared focus on an active lifestyle. The collaboration between Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and Vizag Runners also showed how community-led activities can add a meaningful touch to national celebrations, bringing people together beyond traditional festivities.

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group is continuing to strengthen its position beyond traditional hospitality operations by building a strong ecosystem focused on inclusion, skilling, and community development across India.

At the core of its approach is a “hospitality with a heart” philosophy that prioritises dignity, inclusion, and opportunity creation, positioning the group as one of the key private-sector contributors to socially inclusive hospitality practices in the country.

The group has reportedly impacted more than one million lives and directly supported over 300,000 individuals through initiatives spanning education, healthcare, employment, and skill development.

A key focus area has been inclusive employment, with the group emerging as one of India’s largest private-sector employers of transgender individuals, currently employing over 250 transgender professionals across various roles. It has also conducted multiple LGBTQIA+ job fairs reaching over 10,000 jobseekers and facilitating more than 1,500 job placements.

Hotel Association of India in partnership with The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School is working to bridge the gap between hospitality education and industry requirements, focusing on practical training, communication skills, and operational readiness for future professionals.

The skilling ecosystem also includes programmes such as PrideKraft and Emerging Queer Leaders in Hospitality, which have collectively trained thousands of LGBTQIA+ individuals and supported vocational development, creative workshops, and employment linkages. Additionally, scholarships have been extended to students from LGBTQIA+, differently-abled, and neurodivergent communities.

Beyond employment, the group has developed destination-led skilling initiatives in regions such as Khajuraho, Bekal, Mangar, and Goa, aimed at creating local employment opportunities within tourism ecosystems and reducing migration-driven workforce displacement.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group also repurposed hotel infrastructure to support healthcare workers, including accommodation support, meal distribution, PPE assistance, and vaccination-related aid.

Through these initiatives, The LaLiT continues to position itself as a hospitality brand focused not only on luxury experiences but also on long-term social impact, community empowerment, and inclusive growth within India’s hospitality sector.

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, in collaboration with Special Olympics Bharat, hosted a heartfelt Mother’s Day evening at The LaLiT New Delhi to honour the mothers of Special Olympics athletes for their unwavering support, resilience, and love.

The event brought together mothers of athletes, celebrating their silent strength and the pivotal role they play in shaping their children’s journeys in sports and life. The evening was designed as a tribute to their dedication, sacrifice, and constant encouragement that continues to inspire athletic achievement and personal growth.

The gathering saw the presence of Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, along with Mallika Nadda and other dignitaries, who personally interacted with and felicitated the mothers for their inspiring journeys.

The evening concluded with an intimate high tea at The LaLiT New Delhi, where guests shared personal stories, experiences, and moments of emotional connection. The setting reflected the brand’s continued emphasis on meaningful hospitality experiences rooted in empathy and human connection.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyotsna Suri said that a mother’s love has the power to transform lives, and that the event was a celebration of women whose strength and belief help their children overcome challenges and achieve success. She added that hospitality, at its core, is about creating meaningful human connections, and the group was honoured to recognise such inspiring women.

The initiative reflects the shared commitment of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group and Special Olympics Bharat toward inclusion, empathy, and celebrating individuals who play a crucial role in shaping extraordinary journeys behind the scenes.

For more information, visit The LaLiT Hotels