Moth to Flame – A Hotelier’s Journey Illuminating Indian Hospitality

Moth to Flame – A Hotelier’s Journey Illuminating Indian Hospitality

PK Mohankumar

Published on December 1, 2025

"Moth to Flame is one of those rare stories that lingers in the heart long after the final page. Authored by veteran hotelier P. K. Mohankumar, fondly known as PKMK, the book transcends the boundaries of a traditional memoir. It is a poetic reflection on a life shaped by humility, purpose, and an unwavering devotion to the art of hospitality. Born in the serene city of Trivandrum, Mohankumar chose a path less travelled when he pursued hotel management at the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai, an unconventional decision at a time when engineering, medicine, and civil services dominated aspirations.

The book gracefully follows his rise through the Indian Hotels Company Limited (Tata Group), where he spent over four decades contributing to the soul of Indian hospitality. From the corridors of the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, to his leadership roles as Managing Director and CEO of Taj Gateway and Ginger Hotels, his journey reflects a deep belief that hospitality is not merely a profession but a calling built on empathy and service. Along the way, readers encounter rare insights from his interactions with visionaries such as the late J. R. D. Tata and the late Ratan Tata.

Mohankumar also offers an intimate look at balancing an intense career with family life, anchoring his journey in discipline, integrity, and meaningful moments despite the demands of the industry. Honoured with the Hall of Fame Award by IHM Dadar and the Lifetime Achievement Award by TajLifers Collective, he continues to guide the next generation.

“Moth to Flame” stands as an inspiring tribute to passion, purpose, and the timeless spirit of hospitality.

It was a truly inspiring journey and knowing about PK Mohankumar, whose leadership continues to redefine the essence of modern hospitality. This was an engaging and insightful conversation, and readers can explore the complete article in the Hospitality News – December Edition, available on our website and in print.

About the Book

Title: Moth to Flame

Author: P. K. Mohankumar

Genre: Memoir, Hospitality and Leadership

Now available for readers and dreamers who believe that true hospitality begins with heart.

To order your hard copy of “Moth to Flame,” please fill out the form below and complete the payment via GPay:  https://forms.gle/dbt5BM4u3iMZtP726

After payment, share a screenshot for confirmation. Your copy will be delivered within 10 working days. 


Strategic Growth in India’s Evolving Hospitality Landscape

Strategic Growth in India’s Evolving Hospitality Landscape

Mr. Jayant Singh

Published on April 1, 2026

In an exclusive and insightful interaction, we bring you a compelling conversation with a leader who has consistently challenged the norms of Indian hospitality. Featured in our latest edition, Mr. Jayant Singh, Managing Partner of TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, shares his journey, vision, and the philosophy that continues to shape one of India’s most distinctive hotel brands.

At a time when most hotel chains focused their growth on metropolitan cities, Mr. Singh chose a different path, one that looked towards the India that was often overlooked. In this featured article, he reflects on the early insight that led to the creation of TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, and how that vision has evolved into a multi-brand platform catering to diverse traveller segments across the country.

From its beginnings in 2007 to becoming a network of over 500 keys across 17 operational properties, the brand’s growth story is rooted in a simple yet powerful idea: delivering reliable, comfortable, and heartfelt hospitality in emerging destinations. As he explains, the core philosophy of “Service Dil-Se” remains unchanged, even as the brand expands its architecture across economy, midscale, and upscale offerings.

As the conversation unfolds, Mr. Singh offers a candid perspective on the dynamics of Tier II and Tier III markets, highlighting the growing demand driven by domestic travel and infrastructure development, alongside the gap in professionally managed supply. His insights reveal the strategic advantage of being an early mover, building strong local relationships and establishing brand trust in evolving markets.

He also delves into the realities of managing multiple brands without overlap, maintaining consistency through strong operational frameworks, and fostering meaningful partnerships with property owners. Equally important is his honest take on the industry’s talent challenges, emphasising the need for stronger career pathways and continued investment in people.

Looking ahead, his focus remains on thoughtful expansion and strengthening presence across emerging destinations, while staying aligned with the changing expectations of the Indian traveller.

It is, without doubt, a rich and engaging conversation that captures both the journey and the future of India-first hospitality. To read the complete interview and explore deeper insights, readers can access the full feature in the HospitalityNews April magazine, available on our website and in print.


Inside Alivaa’s Bold Vision for India’s Hospitality Future

Inside Alivaa’s Bold Vision for India’s Hospitality Future

Vikramjit Singh and Akash Bhatia

Published on April 1, 2026

In an exclusive and compelling interaction, we bring you a powerful conversation with two industry leaders who are quietly but confidently reshaping the narrative of Indian hospitality. Featured in our Insiders Talk section, Vikramjit Singh and Akash Bhatia of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts share perspectives that reflect not just experience, but intent, resilience, and a forward-looking vision.

At a time when the hospitality sector stands at a critical inflection point, conversations like these offer rare insight into what truly drives transformation. In this featured article, both leaders open up about their journeys, the lessons that shaped them, and the bold decisions that led to the creation of a brand built for tomorrow.

There is a distinct depth to their reflections, whether it is Singh’s decision to step into entrepreneurship at a defining moment for the industry, or his observations on the evolving mindset of the post-pandemic traveller. From trust and hygiene becoming decisive factors to the growing appetite for new destinations, his insights capture the pulse of a rapidly changing market.

Bhatia, on the other hand, brings a strategic lens to the conversation, detailing how ALIVAA is building a disruptive, asset-light ecosystem while maintaining strong brand identity across segments. His thoughts on “intuitive care,” consistency at scale, and the importance of empowered teams reveal the philosophy that underpins the brand’s growth.

As the discussion unfolds, themes of technology, leadership, and adaptability take centre stage. From AI-driven revenue management to unified guest experiences, and from leading multicultural teams to building agile organisations, every response adds a new layer to understanding modern hospitality leadership.

What makes this interaction particularly engaging is the honesty and clarity with which both leaders speak, not just about success, but about the realities of building something meaningful in a competitive landscape.

It is, without doubt, an insightful and enriching conversation that reflects the spirit of reinvention in Indian hospitality. To explore the complete interview and gain deeper perspectives, readers can access the full feature in the Hospitality News April magazine, available on our website and in print.


A Conversation That Redefines Skill-Based Education in India

A Conversation That Redefines Skill-Based Education in India

R. Boomee Nathan

Published on April 1, 2026

In an exclusive and thought-provoking interaction, we bring you insights from one of the most influential voices shaping skill-based education in India today. Featured in our latest edition, R. Boomee naathan, Founder and Chairman of Chennais Amirta Group of Institutions, opens up on the philosophy, milestones, and vision that continue to define his institution’s journey.

At a time when the hospitality and aviation sectors are evolving rapidly, conversations like these offer rare clarity. Through this featured article, Mr. Boomeenaathan shares perspectives that go beyond conventional education, touching upon transformation, employability, and the larger purpose of learning. His journey, rooted in the idea of creating opportunities, reflects in every answer, making this an interview that is both insightful and inspiring.

From building a multi-disciplinary institution to redefining practical learning through the “Earn While You Learn” model, he highlights how real-world exposure is shaping confident professionals even before they graduate. What stands out is his belief that education is not just about degrees, but about creating a life-changing ecosystem that impacts families and communities.

As the conversation unfolds, he speaks about what truly differentiates a Chennais Amirta graduate industry readiness from day one. With infrastructure that mirrors real-world environments and a strong focus on discipline, adaptability, and global standards, the institution has consistently delivered professionals who stand out across industries.

The discussion also brings to light powerful real-life transformations, global achievements like the Culinary Olympics, and the strategic expansion into aviation and nursing, sectors united by service excellence and human care. Each insight builds a deeper understanding of how integrated learning is becoming the future.

Towards the end, Mr. Boomeenaathan shares his vision of positioning Chennais Amirta as a global hub for skill-based education, powered by technology, international collaborations, and a strong placement network.

It is, without doubt, a compelling and enriching conversation that reflects both purpose and progress. To experience the complete interview and deeper insights, readers can explore the full feature in the Hospitality News April magazine, available on our website, and in print.