Brewing Equality: Vadodara City's First LGBTQIA Cafe Writes History

Brewing Equality: Vadodara City's First LGBTQIA Cafe Writes History

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


Sayaji Raipur Introduces Curated Monsoon Stay, Wedding and Celebration Experiences

Sayaji Raipur Introduces Curated Monsoon Stay, Wedding and Celebration Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on July 27, 2026

Sayaji Raipur has launched a new range of curated hospitality experiences for the monsoon season, offering guests customised stay packages, wedding solutions, and event services designed for leisure, business, and celebration needs.

The seasonal offerings include weekend escapes, extended stay packages, Shubh Vivah wedding experiences, and outdoor catering solutions, strengthening the hotel’s positioning as a preferred destination for stays and celebrations in Raipur.

The Weekend Escape Package has been designed for couples and families looking for a relaxing break. The package includes accommodation in Grande Rooms, daily buffet breakfast at Cravings, one buffet lunch or dinner, dining benefits, and flexible check-in and check-out options, subject to availability.

For business travellers and guests planning longer stays, Sayaji Raipur has introduced the Monsoon Long Stay Offer, which includes daily breakfast, one major meal, airport or railway station transfers, complimentary laundry services, welcome refreshments, and personalised guest assistance.

The hotel is also focusing on celebrations through its Shubh Vivah offering, providing customised wedding experiences with banquet venues, wedding lawns, décor solutions, curated menus, and dedicated event planning support. The offering caters to both intimate ceremonies and larger wedding celebrations.

Expanding beyond the hotel premises, Sayaji Raipur’s Outdoor Catering (ODC) services provide customised food and beverage solutions for weddings, corporate events, private gatherings, and social occasions. Supported by experienced chefs and banquet teams, the service aims to deliver the hotel’s hospitality standards across different venues.

Commenting on the initiatives, Mr. Mayank Mandela, Director of Operations, Sayaji Raipur, said, "Hospitality today is about creating experiences that extend far beyond accommodation or dining. Whether guests are planning a weekend getaway, celebrating a wedding, organising a corporate event or looking for an extended stay, we endeavour to offer personalised experiences backed by exceptional service and memorable hospitality."

Through these seasonal offerings, Sayaji Raipur continues to enhance its hospitality portfolio by creating experiences that cater to evolving traveller preferences, from leisure escapes and business stays to weddings and social celebrations.

Experience Highlights:

Weekend Escape Package

  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Buffet lunch or dinner
  • 15% discount on additional F&B
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)

Monsoon Long Stay Offer

  • Daily breakfast and one major meal
  • Airport/Railway station transfers
  • Complimentary laundry

Shubh Vivah

  • Wedding packages starting from ₹25 lakh onwards
  • Venue planning, catering, décor, and event services

Outdoor Catering

  • Customised catering solutions for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events

Summit Hotels & Resorts Introduces Pet-Friendly Stays Across Hill Destinations

Summit Hotels & Resorts Introduces Pet-Friendly Stays Across Hill Destinations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 26, 2026

Responding to the growing trend of pet-inclusive travel, Summit Hotels & Resorts has introduced pet-friendly accommodation across selected properties in Eastern and Northeast India. The initiative comes as more Indian travellers choose to include their pets in holidays instead of leaving them behind.

The hospitality group said the move reflects changing travel preferences, with guests increasingly looking for personalised and experience-driven stays where pets are treated as part of the family. Industry trends have also shown a steady rise in demand for pet-friendly accommodation, particularly in hill stations and nature-based destinations.

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As part of the rollout, Summit Hotels & Resorts will offer designated pet-friendly room categories at selected properties in Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kaziranga and Tashigang. The offering will initially be available in specific accommodation types, including cottages, villas, premium rooms and select ground-floor rooms.

Commenting on the initiative, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said:

"We are seeing a noticeable shift in travel patterns where guests increasingly want their pets to be part of the holiday experience. Destinations in the hills and nature-focused locations naturally align with this trend because travellers are seeking more relaxed and family-oriented experiences. Hospitality today is becoming more personalised, and adapting to changing guest preferences is becoming increasingly important."

The introduction of pet-friendly stays is part of the company's broader strategy to enhance experience-led hospitality across its portfolio of leisure destinations. Summit Hotels & Resorts is also finalising a nominal fee structure for pet stays, which will apply to the designated pet-friendly room categories.

With this initiative, the hotel group aims to provide greater flexibility for travellers while responding to the increasing demand for accommodation that welcomes both guests and their four-legged companions.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Strengthens Sustainable Hospitality Initiatives on World Nature Conservation Day

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Strengthens Sustainable Hospitality Initiatives on World Nature Conservation Day

By Hariharan U

Published on July 25, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun has reinforced its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices on the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day, observed on July 28, by highlighting its ongoing initiatives focused on environmental responsibility, resource conservation, and responsible tourism.

Aligned with this year's theme of “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature,” the hotel continues to integrate sustainability into its daily operations through cleaner energy solutions, waste reduction practices, and responsible resource management.

One of the key sustainability initiatives undertaken by the property was the transition from diesel to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for boiler operations used in laundry steam generation. Implemented in March 2023, the initiative has contributed to an estimated annual reduction of approximately 98 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions while eliminating sulphur dioxide emissions associated with diesel-based operations.

The hotel has also expanded its renewable energy adoption through solar power. Since early 2025, solar energy has contributed approximately 33 to 44 per cent of the property's monthly electricity requirements, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of around 1,476 to 1,968 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Beyond operational efficiencies, Novotel Vijayawada Varun has incorporated sustainability into the guest experience through initiatives such as complimentary electric vehicle charging stations, encouraging cleaner mobility among travellers. The property has also eliminated single-use plastics as part of its efforts to minimise waste and promote environmentally conscious practices.

Commenting on the initiative, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, "World Nature Conservation Day reminds us that every organization has an opportunity to contribute towards a healthier planet through meaningful action. We remain committed to adapting responsible practices that create a positive environmental impact while delivering a seamless experience for our guests."

The hotel's sustainability efforts have also received international recognition through the Green Key Certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, acknowledging its commitment towards responsible environmental practices.

As sustainability continues to influence the future of travel and hospitality, Novotel Vijayawada Varun remains focused on creating a greener hospitality ecosystem through cleaner energy adoption, conscious operations, and responsible guest experiences.

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