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


Holiday Inn Express Opens in Greater Noida Knowledge Park

Holiday Inn Express Opens in Greater Noida Knowledge Park

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 14, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global hospitality leader, proudly announces the opening of its latest Holiday Inn Express property in Greater Noida Knowledge Park. This addition is part of IHG’s continued expansion in India, offering smart, modern, and value-driven accommodations tailored for business, family, and solo travelers alike.

Strategic Location for Modern Travelers

Situated in the bustling industrial hub of Greater Noida, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure guests. The property boasts 133 thoughtfully designed rooms equipped with blackout curtains, high-quality bedding, power showers, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

For added convenience, rooms feature flat-screen TVs with content mirroring, ergonomic chairs, USB ports, and flexible workspaces, ensuring a seamless experience for today’s modern traveler.

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Comfort and Convenience at Its Core

Holiday Inn Express in Greater Noida Knowledge Park is designed to be a hassle-free base for guests, offering both relaxation and functionality. Guests can look forward to a restful sleep with the brand’s renowned Express Recharge program and enjoy a complimentary Express Start Breakfast with a variety of healthy and hearty options.

The hotel also features an all-day restaurant serving lunch and dinner, further enhancing the dining experience for travelers on the go.

Statements from Industry Leaders

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, SWA, IHG Hotels & Resorts, shared, “The opening of this new Holiday Inn Express property reflects our commitment to strengthening our presence in key Indian markets. This hotel will cater to the evolving needs of today’s travelers, providing innovative and high-quality hospitality solutions.”

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Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, MD & CEO of SAMHI Hotels Ltd., added, “We are thrilled to introduce this property in Greater Noida. Our aim is to meet the growing demand for quality accommodations while contributing positively to the local economy. This new hotel embodies our commitment to exceptional guest experiences.”

Global Recognition for the Brand

Holiday Inn Express, IHG’s largest and fastest-growing brand globally, currently operates over 3,200 properties worldwide, with 644 more in the pipeline. Known for its no-fuss, smart travel experience, the brand continues to be a preferred choice for travelers seeking consistent quality and value.

Guests booking directly through ihg.com can enjoy additional benefits by signing up for the free IHG One Rewards membership, offering flexibility, rewards, and enhanced control over their stays.

About Holiday Inn Express

Designed for travelers on the go, Holiday Inn Express focuses on providing essential amenities and heartfelt service. With the Express Recharge program, complimentary breakfast, and value-rich stays, the brand continues to redefine simple, smart travel.

For more information, visit www.holidayinnexpress.com, or connect with the brand on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.


Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Redefines Global Hospitality with Emotique Concept

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Redefines Global Hospitality with Emotique Concept

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 14, 2024

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, a trailblazer in the hospitality industry, is rapidly transforming the global landscape with its innovative approach and a vision for global growth. Established in 2020 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, the brand has quickly emerged as a force to reckon with, aiming to become the fastest-growing hotel management chain in the world.

A key component of Eight Continents’ success is its commitment to blending exceptional service with advanced digital infrastructure and a dynamic, cohesive team. This combination has allowed the brand to set new industry standards, crafting extraordinary experiences for its guests and redefining what it means to stay in a luxury hotel.

India, with its rising prominence as a global tourism destination, holds a significant place in Eight Continents' strategic expansion plans. The company has successfully introduced its unique Emotique Hotels concept across key regions, creating spaces that go beyond traditional hospitality by offering a deeply personal, emotional experience. Every Emotique property is carefully curated to connect with guests on a sensory level, blending awe-inspiring architecture with serene environments and personalized services to evoke joy, peace, and wonder.

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“Our mission is to craft spaces where guests feel understood and inspired,” says CEO Haninder Sachdeva. “Hospitality should not only cater to physical comforts but also nurture the soul, leaving a lasting emotional impact.” This philosophy extends throughout the company, with every team member trained to act as an “architect of emotion,” creating genuine connections and ensuring guests feel valued and cared for.

The brand’s commitment to holistic experiences is reflected in its dining and wellness offerings. At Eight Continents properties, dining is elevated to an art form, with every dish telling a unique story designed to evoke nostalgia, excitement, or comfort. Complementing this, the brand’s wellness initiatives, such as meditation sessions, mindfulness workshops, and rejuvenating spa treatments, ensure guests find emotional renewal and relaxation during their stay.

Despite its rapid growth, Eight Continents faces challenges in talent acquisition and technology adoption. However, the brand’s vision remains clear: to continue expanding, offering emotionally enriching experiences, and reshaping the future of hospitality worldwide.


Amo Odisha at Sterling Puri Recognized as One of India’s Top 50 Restaurants

Amo Odisha at Sterling Puri Recognized as One of India’s Top 50 Restaurants

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 14, 2024

Amo Odisha, the Odia specialty restaurant at Sterling Puri, has received a prestigious recognition by being named one of India’s Top 50 Restaurants at the FOOD FOOD Awards 2024. This accolade, decided by a distinguished jury of renowned chefs, food critics, and industry leaders, highlights the restaurant’s commitment to bringing the rich and diverse flavors of Odisha to a wider audience.

Since its opening in 2023, Amo Odisha has quickly earned a reputation for its exceptional culinary offerings and innovative approach to presenting traditional Odia dishes. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Abhijit Nag, the restaurant has consistently impressed food lovers with its authentic yet modern take on Odia cuisine, earning praise from both locals and visitors alike.

Amo Odisha’s ability to blend traditional flavors with contemporary cooking techniques has made it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Its inclusion in the Top 50 Restaurants list is a testament to the restaurant's excellence and its contribution to enhancing India’s diverse food culture.

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“We are immensely proud of Amo Odisha’s recent recognition,” said Harinath M, Sr. VP Marketing for Sterling Holidays. “Sterling’s vision has always been to integrate local cuisine into the experience at our resorts. Since 2023, we’ve invested in specialty restaurants like Slate, Pearl, and Nilgiri Express, focusing on regional cuisines and lesser-known delicacies to provide our guests with unique culinary experiences.”

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The FOOD FOOD Awards celebrate innovation, creativity, and the exceptional dining experiences provided by restaurants across the country. Amo Odisha’s inclusion among India’s top culinary destinations is a reflection of the growing appreciation for regional Indian cuisines in the ever-evolving food scene.

For more information, visit: www.sterlingholidays.com/resorts-hotels/puri

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