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By Author
Published on September 27, 2023
More than a century ago, during the visionary reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the erstwhile Baroda state, the eunuch community found a respectful livelihood. Today, the royal Gaekwads are once again leading a visionary initiative, this time to mainstream the LGBTQIA community and empower them towards self-reliance.
In a groundbreaking move, Gujarat's first LGBTQA cafe has been established in the city, owned and operated by the Gaekwad Trust. This cafe, named "Gajra'' after the maiden name of Maharani Chimnabai Gaekwad, represents a beacon of inclusion and acceptance. It is located in a heritage building behind the serene Sursagar Lake.
Radhika Raje Gaekwad, a trustee and the Vice President of the Shree Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogayala (SMCSU), shared the heartwarming details of this initiative. She emphasised, "We have hired persons from the LGBTQA community to manage and operate the cafe. The chef who cooks delicacies is also from the community." This cafe is not just a business; it's a manifestation of hope and empowerment.
The journey to this inspiring endeavour began when Radhika Raje learned of the hardships and marginalisation faced by the LGBTQIA community, particularly transgender individuals, during the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020. Her interaction with the eunuch community while distributing rations ignited a determination to integrate them into society and provide them with a livelihood.
To further empower the community, SMCSU organised skill-based training programs in hospitality management. Radhika Raje explained the driving force behind opening "Gajra Cafe," stating, "The idea was to bring the LGBTQIA community into the mainstream and facilitate regular interaction with the citizens. It will also help bring a change in people's attitude."
The cafe's menu promises a delightful blend of traditional Maharashtrian and Gujarati cuisines, offering a taste of cultural richness. Beyond the cafe's immediate goals, Radhika Raje envisions expanding the initiative by involving more community members and providing professional training. She hopes that this pioneering effort will inspire others to undertake similar endeavours for mainstreaming the LGBTQIA community.
In the words of the great B.R. Ambedkar, "Equality may be a fiction, but nonetheless, one must accept it as a governing principle." "Gajra Cafe" stands not only as a testament to Gujarat's progress but also as a symbol of the enduring spirit of inclusion, respect, and self-reliance.
Image source - The Indian Express
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 18, 2026
Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur has introduced helicopter arrivals for wedding couples, adding an aerial experience to its destination wedding offering in Jaipur.
Managed by Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, the 40-acre resort features 351 rooms along with extensive indoor and outdoor event spaces. The new offering gives couples the option to include a helicopter arrival as part of their wedding itinerary, turning their entry into a memorable part of the overall celebration.
The move comes as India's luxury destination wedding market continues to see a growing demand for personalised experiences. Families are increasingly looking beyond décor and traditional hospitality, focusing on creating memorable moments throughout the wedding, from guest experiences and entertainment to the couple's arrival.
For destination wedding resorts, this has also changed the way celebrations are planned. Instead of simply providing accommodation and event spaces, properties are increasingly building complete wedding experiences that can adapt to the specific requirements of each family.
Ravindra Pratap Singh, Chairman, Ravi Surya Group and owner of Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur, said, "Destination weddings have become much more personal. Families are no longer looking only for a beautiful venue; they want to create moments that feel specific to them and that guests will remember. An aerial arrival is one such experience. At Ananta Jaipur, our scale gives us the flexibility to think beyond conventional wedding formats and work with families on how the entire celebration unfolds, from the arrival to the ceremonies and experiences in between."
Destination weddings and MICE remain key demand segments for Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur. The resort has 12 venues, including multiple indoor banquet spaces and large outdoor lawns.
One of its key event spaces is the 70,000 sq. ft. Suijin Lawn. The resort also features a dedicated 16-pillared, Vastu-compliant ceremonial Pagoda, designed for traditional wedding rituals including ghudchadi, baraat, and jaimala. The wedding offering is supported by accommodation across five categories, along with wellness and leisure facilities, landscaped areas and multiple dining experiences. This allows families to host multi-day celebrations largely within the resort.
With Jaipur already established as one of India's leading destination wedding markets, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts expects personalised and experience-led celebrations to play a larger role in how luxury wedding resorts plan and deliver destination weddings.
With the monsoon turning Mahabaleshwar into a lush escape filled with misty mornings, cool mountain air and refreshing showers, Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is inviting travellers to make the most of the season with its “Drizzle and Delight – Monsoon Getaway Package”.
Designed for travellers looking for a refreshing break before the monsoon comes to an end, the package brings together dining, wellness and stay benefits for a relaxed getaway in the hills.
The destination offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the rains, whether it is a weekend break, family holiday or a trip with loved ones. The package includes breakfast and dinner, available as a buffet or set menu, along with a bottle of wine or two pints of beer on arrival.
Guests can also enjoy wellness and dining benefits during their stay. The package includes a spa voucher per day, which can be redeemed against any treatment of 60 minutes or more. A daily resort credit is also available for lunch, either buffet or à la carte. Adding to the seasonal experience, guests can enjoy a special Monsoon Menu at the designated venue from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The package also includes 1,500 bonus points per stay, giving guests an added benefit during their monsoon escape. As the rains bring a vibrant green look to Mahabaleshwar, guests can spend their days enjoying the weather and surrounding landscape before returning to the resort for relaxed meals, wellness experiences and time with family and friends.
With September approaching and the monsoon season slowly drawing to a close, the Drizzle and Delight – Monsoon Getaway Package offers travellers a chance to enjoy Mahabaleshwar during one of its most beautiful times of the year.
Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru, Madiwala has conducted its CSR initiative ‘Clean India, Green India’, supporting the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Government of India's nationwide mission focused on cleanliness, hygiene and responsible waste management.
The initiative brought together hotel associates, volunteers, members of the local community and police officers for a community cleanliness drive aimed at encouraging people to take greater responsibility for their surroundings.
Built around the themes ‘My City, My Responsibility’, ‘Together for a Cleaner Madiwala’, and ‘One Step Towards a Swachh Bengaluru’, the campaign included litter collection and the segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. The participants also engaged with local vendors to create greater awareness around cleanliness and responsible waste disposal.
The initiative also included a greener touch, with the hotel distributing saplings to encourage greener surroundings. Volunteers who took part in the campaign were also recognised with appreciation certificates for their contribution. A Public Cleanliness Pledge was administered during the event, encouraging citizens to follow responsible waste disposal practices and take an active role in promoting cleanliness and sustainability within their communities.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Kashif Masood, General Manager, Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru, Madiwala (Sarovar Hotels), said:
“At Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru, Madiwala we believe that hospitality extends beyond serving our guests; it also means caring for the communities and environment around us. Through our ‘Clean India, Green India’ initiative, we were proud to support the Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and witness the enthusiastic participation of our community In the occasion of Independence day. Every individual effort contributed towards building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Bengaluru, and together we took another meaningful step towards a healthier nation.”
The cleanliness drive reflects the property's focus on responsible hospitality and community welfare, while encouraging collective participation towards creating a cleaner and greener Bengaluru.
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