Ponneri Gymkhana Club (PGC) has emerged as one of North Chennai’s most dynamic lifestyle and hospitality destinations. Spanning 60,000 sq. ft., it stands as the region’s largest and most integrated family club, offering a unique blend of recreation, sports, celebrations, wellness and stay experiences under one expansive space.

In an engaging conversation with Hospitality News, Ms. Sonali Jain, Managing Partner of PGC, shared the vision that guides the club’s growth. Her clarity, warmth and community-first approach define PGC’s identity. “Our goal at PGC is simple. We want every guest and every member to feel valued, cared for and connected. Hospitality should make people feel at home, and that is what we strive for,” she notes.

Her vision translates into a thoughtfully designed destination for every member of the family. The club features over 170 rooms and suites, a grand 800-seater banquet hall, a 5,000-capacity open lawn and facilities for 12 sports including badminton, squash, cricket, golf and table tennis. It also houses a pool party lawn, gym, spa, salon, private theatre, multi-cuisine restaurant, café and business lounge. Enhancing its culinary offerings, PGC now includes a dedicated Pure Vegetarian Kitchen, ensuring elevated hygiene, tradition and comfort.

PGC has become a preferred venue for weddings, corporate events, celebrations, vacations and fitness experiences. Its membership offers strong lifestyle value with complimentary stays, full facility access, priority bookings and a vibrant community environment.

Founder & Managing Director Mr. Rajeev Ajmera reinforces this purpose, “North Chennai deserved a world-class leisure and sports destination. Our objective was to build a space that families can truly call their own.” His vision continues to shape PGC as a benchmark for hospitality and community living.

Guests and prospective members are invited to explore a destination that truly feels like home, Read more details and the full article in our Hospitality News December edition, available on our website and in print.

"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. 

In an exclusive feature for Hospitality News, we spoke with Dinesh Yadav, Founder & MD of Fine Acers, who shared sharp insights into the fast-evolving landscape of luxury resort investments in India. He explained that branded resorts operating on a sales-leaseback model are increasingly appealing as they offer consistent yields and long-term value appreciation.

With higher occupancy, premium pricing, and rising operating margins, branded properties continue to strengthen investor confidence. As India’s luxury hospitality segment matures, these resorts also command stronger resale values, lower operational risks, and predictable cash flows, especially when professionally managed by reputed hospitality brands.

Yadav highlighted that the Fine Acers model focuses on accessibility and risk mitigation by partnering with established hotel operators and creating structured opportunities that allow even smaller-ticket investors to participate in high-quality assets. Clearly outlined revenue-share models, lease arrangements, profit-sharing mechanisms, fixed returns, or minimum guarantees enhance transparency and reduce downside risk, while branded assets naturally enjoy greater appreciation due to sustained demand and brand credibility.

He further noted that India’s hospitality sector is poised to attract nearly USD 1 billion by 2028, supported by rising occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR across leisure segments. Fine Acers evaluates key indicators such as brand strength, tourism potential, contract structures, projected cash flows, and exit opportunities while assessing their resort portfolio.

According to Yadav, their structured sales-leaseback model stands apart from traditional real estate or independent hotel investments by offering minimal operational involvement, stronger brand advantages, and a more secure path for investors seeking exposure to luxury hospitality.

It was a truly inspiring conversation with Dinesh Yadav, whose leadership continues to redefine the essence of resort investmensts. This was an engaging and insightful conversation, and readers can explore the complete interview in the Hospitality News – December Edition, available on our website and in print.